It was two days after Alfred was defeated by Tim's devastating strike. The ocean had thawed, and the cooks had chosen to extend the deck of their restaurant so that patrons could sit and relax while feasting on a deliciously prepared dinner.
In return, the cooks prepared a full meal for Tim and his companions, who sat at the restaurant's largest table in the center. Tim's favor was to have Ralphie make their final lunch before sailing, and their ship's deck was rebuilt, allowing them to sail forward once more.
The table was laden with meat, greens, and extra fruits, all of which were sampled by all. They had exquisite cocktails; the two girls had booze, while Kou drank plain water because he wasn't of legal drinking age.
Tim's tongue was already slipping out of his mouth as his eyes gleamed with delight and he smiled warmly. The rest of the clients who came to see them were doubtful of their unusual reaction to eating.
"I'm not sure where to begin because there's so much meat! Perhaps right here, or perhaps right there! I'm such a wuss... Screw it!" Tim slid an entire row of plates into his mouth and ate in a matter of seconds, while Ayuka's unamusing smile caused others to be concerned about Tim's activities.
"Try not to choke by accident by eating plates..."
As the three boys proceeded to hurry through their meals, Kou and Elliott joined in on the big feast, becoming very rounded once it was finished due to the massive amount of food that they ate. Ralphie appeared to be focused on serving them, while some chefs assumed the role of server and prioritized the other guests.
"Now that Alfred has gone and the food has been eaten, Ralphie, it's time for you to join my crew!"
While Tim was shouting, Ralphie instantly grabbed his mouth and covered it, becoming quite irritated. "Stop yelling so loudly, idiot! Many of these clients have no idea that you're pirates, and they refer to me as Zumo! And just because you helped me out, I won't do it, So, for the last time, shut up and eat. I'm not going to join your crew!"
Ayuka hastily popped a piece of meat into her lips and swilled it down her throat before dropping the fork on the plate and asking Ralphie for an answer. "But I don't understand. May I add that your cuisine is also really tasty. If you joined us on the ship, I believe you would be an excellent cook. Plus, you're a powerful guy; I'm sure we could do a lot together!" Ralphie crept behind Ayuka and took the fork from her arm in a matter of seconds. She gave him a puzzled expression and listened intently to Ralphie's masculine voice.
"Please don't say anything else. Because you asked so politely, Ayuka-dear, I may consider accompanying you in preparing some delightful and delectable meals for a young and gorgeous lady like yourself."
With a very subtle face, Kou gazed at Ralphie. He indicated disinterest and had already given up on trying to convince Ralphie that she was a humorous person and that she was constantly deceiving others.
"He still treats her as if she were a goddess. I'd rather wait for the ship than see this endless saga between her and this love-hungry cook."
Kou sat back in his chair, biting on a melon, when he observed Ralphie giving him a frightened look. "When you're eating a juicy fruit, lean on the plate!"
When Kou yelled, he instantly leaned forward and continued to bite into the melon over the plate, giving Ralphie a sidelong glance. "You're such a jerk..." Codey continued to lay his elbow on the table in the far corner, bored.
"This is inequitable. I lose a battle first, then complete the fight when my opponent surrenders. I'm hoping that working at the restaurant would suffice as a punishment." While Tim continued to whine and aggravate Ralphie by urging him to join the crew, Number One and Number Two continued to work as servers around the restaurant, replacing Ralphie for the day, Simon suddenly stepped toward the table and stared down at them.
Ralphie and Tim were leaning over the table, clutching hands and starring at each other with pushy expressions. They sought to tell each other the exact opposite. Ralphie continued to defy Tim's commands, believing that he would join the crew, and they both turned toward Simon a few moments later.
"Ralphie." Simon brought out a bag of clothes and presented it to the others after mentioning Ralphie's name. Ralphie grew upset after being surprised by the situation. "What are you doing here, old man?! Those are my belongings; please restore them to my room; I'm not joining their group! I don't care what you think of me since here is the one place where I belong! Whatever happens, I'll work here!"
Simon slapped the bag into Ralphie's arms hard enough to knock him off his feet and onto his bottom, unable to finish his sentence. "I apologize, but you must leave. Your employment has been terminated by me. You've already done enough damage. Your entire wardrobe should consist of such items."
"What?! You're completely mad! You're going to treat me like this after all these customers? I did everything on my own as a waiter! You're letting me go for one petty reason?! Old man, this is not appropriate!"
"Ralphie, you've done more than enough, and we can't do anything except repay you. That is why I have chosen to terminate you and set you free. You were looking for Zumo, right? It's past time for you to do so. If you feel he is still alive, you will accompany them and politely request that you join their team. You will kneel in front of them and request their assistance. Now that Number One and Number Two have arrived and replaced you, we have more than enough personnel in the restaurant."
"You're replacing me for a bunch of no-lives?! You can't be serious!"
"Don't you understand? You've simply come to work as a waiter in the hopes of finally finding someone who can assist you in finding your pal Zumo. I'm sure these youthful "pirates" wouldn't mind assisting you in tracking down one of your long-lost buddies. Take a look at them; they're most likely your best friends."
Ralphie turned around and looked at Tim and the others, who were all smiling and nice to him. They were delighted to add another team member. "Old man is correct! We need you, and locating your friend shouldn't be an issue, hihi! Since Simon has given you permission, you have my permission to join the crew as well! I've got to remember this, hihi!"
"See? They are delighted to have you aboard their ship. I'm confident they'll make terrific friends and quickly earn your trust. Now hurry up and accomplish what you've been meaning to do since Tim first asked you a question."
Ralphie hesitated for a moment before making his decision. He reached for the front of his skull, recalling the past.
~ "HURRY UP, before you get shot! Stop being so stubborn and listen to me! If you don't get away now, then you'll never have the chance to cook perfectly for people! You won't even be able to study more meals to prepare! I still have so much to teach you, so do this as your thanks for me helping you and teaching you how to cook! Listen to make and get the hell out of here, now!"
"O-Okay, but please! Promise me you'll find me and continue teaching me how to cook! I want to be a good cook as you, Zumo, and until you don't come back, there's no way I will ever stop working on the meals! I'll use your name, because I know it'll bring me loads of knowledge! I beg you to come back, I really do!"
"I promise..." ~
Ralphie's eyes turned serious immediately as he sweated from worry and realizing what he really desired. He turned to face Tim and the others after rolling over. When the customers glanced at the scene, he bent forward onto all four limbs and pressed his forehead into the floor.
"I'd like to express my regret. I should not have ignored your request so casually. First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for everything you've done for these customers, cooks, and myself, and I acknowledge that I owe you. Please accept my last request. I've been looking for Zumo since that tragic incident, therefore I respectfully request, Tim, I wish your permission to join your crew. I'd like to cook for you and sail with you over the sea. Please, despite all of my denials, I sincerely want to join your crew."
Tim's smile widened as he raised his head and chuckled in response. "That's what I wanted to hear! I must say you're very good at hiding your true intentions!"
Ralphie raised his head in confusion and questioned.
"Do you mean to tell me you knew?"
"Of course I knew! Even if you'd intended to go look for Zumo all along, you continued trying to disguise it under denial! What other reasons do you believe I kept hammering at you? In either case, welcome aboard! I hope you're ready to join us on this adventure, because it'll be a challenge!"
Ralphie's face lit up with delight as he realized he could finally go look for Zumo, the person he had looked up the most. The cooks and Simon chuckled, relieved that he had finally asked for a favor.
"I hope you find Zumo, I still need to meet the guy."
Ralphie turned around and rested his brow on the floor once more. "Thank you so much, old man! Everything you've done for me will be kept in my mind! I promise I'll repay you once in the future, no matter what! Thank you!"
"Don't be such a knucklehead. Come on, get lost and hurry on. Now that the ship has been fixed, you can explore the seas more freely."
Ralphie grinned and nodded enthusiastically. He was prepared to serve as Tim's ship's cook.
The journey continues...