The morning sun glinted off the waves as an unusual sight came into view - a massive fish-shaped structure floating on the sea. The Going Merry approached the famous floating restaurant Baratie, its distinctive design drawing excited gasps from the crew.
"There it is!" Luffy shouted from his favorite spot on Merry's figurehead, barely containing his enthusiasm.
Nami consulted her maps one final time. "The rumors were true, it is built like a giant fish."
Zoro stood at the railing, his eyes scanning the surrounding waters, perhaps hoping for a glimpse of the legendary swordsman said to frequent these parts.
As they drew closer, another ship caught their attention - a Marine vessel approaching from the opposite direction. Its pristine white sails stood in stark contrast to the Merry's newly painted Jolly Roger.
"Marines," Usopp gulped, his knees already beginning to shake. "Maybe we should turn back?"
Luffy's grin only widened. "Nah, this is going to be fun!"
The Marine ship pulled alongside the Baratie, and a figure emerged onto its deck. Lieutenant "Ironfist" Fullbody, resplendent in his crisp uniform, stood with his date, a beautiful woman in a red dress.
"Well, well," Fullbody sneered, spotting the Merry's pirate flag. "What do we have here?"
The Marine Lieutenant's eyes narrowed as he studied the small pirate crew. "A pathetic bunch of pirates daring to sail under that flag? How amusing." His date giggled at his side, clearly impressed by his bravado.
Johnny and Yosaku, recognizing the Lieutenant, stepped forward eagerly. "Hey, that's Iron Fist Fullbody!" Johnny declared, pulling out their collection of bounty posters. "Known for his-"
"Oh?" Fullbody interrupted, his lip curling in disgust. "Those worthless bounty hunters are still hanging around these waters? How sad."
Fullbody's casual dismissal hit its mark. Johnny and Yosaku bristled with anger, but before they could react, Luffy stepped forward, his trademark grin still in place.
"Hey! We're here to eat, not fight!" Luffy called out cheerfully, though there was a knowing glint in his eye. "Unless you want to start something?"
Fullbody scoffed, turning away. "I don't have time to waste on small-time pirates. Come, my dear. Let's enjoy our lunch." He led his date toward the Baratie's entrance, deliberately ignoring the crew.
As the Marine couple made their way into the restaurant, Luffy's grin widened. He knew who was coming next. The crew followed shortly after, entering the floating restaurant.
The interior of the Baratie was impressive, with elegant tables covered in white cloths, waiters in formal attire moving efficiently between customers, and the tantalizing aroma of gourmet dishes filling the air.
"Wow!" Usopp exclaimed, his eyes wide. "This place is fancy!"
Just then, a commotion erupted from across the dining room. Fullbody stood up, his face red with anger, while a tall, blonde waiter in a black suit stood calmly before him.
"What did you say about this wine?" Fullbody demanded.
The waiter took a long drag from his cigarette before responding. "I said you don't know shit about wine, you second-rate Marine."
The tension in the dining room was palpable as Fullbody's face turned an even deeper shade of red. His date looked mortified, shrinking in her seat.
"How dare you!" Fullbody shouted. "Do you know who I am? I'm Lieutenant 'Ironfist' Fullbody!"
The blonde waiter Sanji exhaled a cloud of smoke, his visible eye regarding the Marine with clear disdain. "I don't care if you're a Marine or a king. In this restaurant, you don't waste food."
Luffy and his crew watched with growing interest as Fullbody glanced down at his soup, which he had earlier complained about and demanded to be replaced.
"This soup is terrible!" Fullbody declared, sweeping his arm across the table and knocking the bowl to the floor. The crash of breaking porcelain echoed through the now-silent restaurant.
In an instant, Sanji's demeanor changed. His casual stance disappeared, replaced by cold fury. Before anyone could blink, his leg shot out in a devastating kick that sent Fullbody flying across the room, crashing into several empty tables.
"Food is sacred," Sanji said quietly, straightening his tie. "The sea can be cruel, and meals aren't guaranteed. Every dish that leaves our kitchen contains the chef's heart and soul."
The Marine struggled to his feet, blood trickling from his nose. "You... you struck a Marine officer! I'll have this place shut down!"
Just then, a wooden peg leg could be heard thumping across the floor. "What's all this racket in my restaurant?" a gruff voice demanded.
The owner of the voice emerged - a man with an impressively long mustache and a chef's hat. His wooden leg and fierce expression marked him as the infamous "Red Leg" Zeff, owner of the Baratie.
"What's going on here, eggplant?" Zeff demanded, looking between Sanji and the disheveled Marine.
"Nothing, shitty old man," Sanji replied, lighting another cigarette. "Just teaching some manners to a customer who doesn't respect food."
Fullbody, seeing his chance, pointed accusingly at Sanji. "This violent waiter attacked me! I demand-"
"Shut up," Zeff cut him off bluntly. "If Sanji kicked you, you probably deserved it." His eyes narrowed. "Though that doesn't excuse fighting in my restaurant, you stupid eggplant!"
With surprising speed for a man with a wooden leg, Zeff delivered a swift kick to Sanji's head.
Meanwhile, Luffy watched the entire scene with stars in his eyes. "That was so cool!" he exclaimed, turning to his crew. "I've decided! He's going to be our cook!"
"You can't just decide that!" Nami protested, but she could tell from Luffy's expression that his mind was made up.
Suddenly, the restaurant's doors burst open. A bloody Marine soldier stumbled in, panic evident on his face. "Lieutenant Fullbody! Emergency! The prisoner... he escaped from the ship! Don Krieg's man... he killed seven of our men!"
Fullbody his face in disbelief. " Impossible! Three days, when we captured him he was close to starving! We haven't given him a single crumb of food since then!"
The restaurant fell deathly silent. The mere mention of Don Krieg's name sent chills through the dining room. Customers exchanged fearful glances, some quietly pushing their chairs back from their tables. Everyone in the East Blue knew that name - Don Krieg, commander of a fleet of 50 pirate ships, the most feared pirate in these waters.
A mother pulled her child closer. A businessman's hand trembled as he reached for his water glass. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife, as everyone wondered: what kind of monster could kill seven trained Marines while starving to death?
Just then, a gaunt, starving man walked into the restaurant, his presence commanding immediate attention despite his weakened state.
"This is a restaurant, right?" he asked, slumping into an empty chair. "Bring me food. I don't care what it is."
"Welcome, you bastard," Patty, one of the Baratie's cooks, approached the newcomer with an exaggerated bow. "Will you be able to pay for your meal?"
The starving man raised his head slowly, revealing sunken eyes. "Would a bullet be acceptable? That's all I can offer."
"So you can't pay?" Patty's fake smile vanished. "Then you're no customer!" Without warning, he grabbed the man and threw him out of the restaurant through the back door.
Luffy watched from the window as the man collapsed outside, his stomach growling audibly. Sanji, who had been cooking silently in the kitchen. Emerged carrying a plate of steaming rice and a glass of water. He walked outside, placing the food in front of the starving man.
"Eat," Sanji said simply, sitting down and lighting another cigarette.
The man's eyes widened. "Shut up... I don't take charity from others even if I'm down." while looking away from the food " Take this food away!"
"Stop Whining and eat already," Sanji replied, staring out at the sea. "Going hungry is the worst way to die. A cook feeds the hungry - that's all there is to it."
The man began to eat, tears streaming down his face. "Thank you, Thank you, I really thought I'd die... this is the best meal I've ever had. Thank you."
From his vantage point, Luffy's grin grew even wider. "Now I really want him as our cook!"
Inside the restaurant, Zeff watched the scene with a knowing look, his arms crossed over his chest.
The back door of the Baratie creaked open as Luffy stepped outside, his eyes immediately falling on Gin who was still eating. With his characteristic grin, Luffy approached them.
"Hey, you! Lucky that he gave you food!" Luffy laughed, pointing at Sanji. "You were pretty much dead back there!"
Without missing a beat, he turned to Sanji with an eager expression. "Hey! Join my crew as our cook!"
"No thanks," Sanji replied immediately, not even looking up.
"I refuse!" Luffy declared, still grinning from ear to ear.
"That's not how it works!" Sanji snapped, irritation clear in his voice.
Their back-and-forth was interrupted by Gin, who had just finished scraping his plate clean. "Sorry to interrupt..." he started cautiously.
"WHAT?!" Both Luffy and Sanji turned to him, shouting in unison.
"I'm Gin, from the Krieg Pirates," he introduced himself, then looked at Luffy with curiosity. "You're pirates too, right? What's your goal?"
Luffy puffed out his chest proudly, his smile never wavering. "I'm going to the Grand Line, to become the King of the Pirates!"
Gin looked at Luffy appraisingly, noting his small crew. "You seem to have few members since you're looking for a cook..."
"Yep! He'll be our fifth member!" Luffy declared cheerfully, pointing at Sanji, already knowing that the stubborn cook would eventually join his crew.
"Don't count me in already!" Sanji snapped back, exasperated.
Gin's expression grew serious. "Since you seem like a nice kid, let me give you some advice: stay away from the Grand Line. There are plenty of other places you can go to."
Luffy's smile took on a knowing edge. "I know the Grand Line is dangerous," he said, thinking of all the adventures and battles that awaited them. "But One Piece is there, so that's where I'm going. Besides, I have a really strong crew!" He grinned, already picturing his future nakama.
"You sound like you've been there," Luffy added, though he already knew about Gin's experiences.
Gin grew quiet, his body trembling as he stared at the ground. "Once," he muttered. "That place... makes no sense! It was nothing but one horror after another there."
"Is that so?" Sanji remarked, while Luffy just kept smiling, knowing that what Gin had seen was just the beginning of what the Grand Line had to offer.
==================
"Man, this food is incredible!" Usopp exclaimed, savoring every bite while dining with Zoro and Nami. Johnny and Yosaku had stayed behind on the Going Merry to avoid drawing attention to their pirate connections. "I really hope we can get a chef from here to join us."
"Yeah, that would be great," Nami replied softly. Her subdued tone caught both men's attention as she rose from the table.
"Where are you going?" Zoro asked, eyeing her suspiciously.
"Just getting some air," she responded without turning back, making her way through the doors. She walked to the back of the restaurant and leaned against the railing, letting out a heavy sigh as thoughts of her village filled her mind. A small smile crossed her face as she remembered Luffy's promise to defeat Arlong and free her people. The sincerity in his offer had touched her deeply.
The sound of unfurling sails caught her attention. Looking to her left, she saw Gin bowing deeply to Sanji before his small boat began drifting away.
"SANJI!" Zeff's voice boomed. "Get back to work!" The old chef disappeared back into the restaurant.
"Shitty old geezer," Sanji muttered under his breath. As they headed toward the entrance, Luffy sensed a familiar presence and glanced left to find Nami watching them.
"Oh, hey Nami!" Luffy called out cheerfully.
"Who?" Sanji asked, pausing at the doorway. His eyes landed on Nami, and in an instant, his demeanor changed completely.
"Nami. She's my navigator and friend and... where'd you go?" Luffy blinked as Sanji suddenly materialized before Nami, presenting a rose with a flourish.
"It must be fate that we meet like this, Mademoiselle," Sanji swooned.
"Oh... hello," Nami replied quietly before turning to Luffy. "Friend of yours?"
"He's our new cook!" Luffy announced with his trademark grin.
"I'm not your cook!" Sanji protested before realization struck. "Wait. 'Our'? You mean she's part of your crew?"
"Yep!" Luffy confirmed. Sanji closed his eyes dramatically.
"Fate is indeed a cruel mistress. To be so close, yet so far."
"What's he talking about, Luffy?" Nami asked, puzzled.
"He doesn't want to leave the restaurant, but I already refused his refusal," Luffy explained simply.
"SANJI!" Zeff's voice thundered from inside again, snapping Sanji back to reality.
"I don't think he'll leave, Luffy," Nami said doubtfully.
Luffy just grinned, already knowing the outcome. "He will because we're not leaving until he comes with us."
It was a while after Gin left and Luffy hadn't given up. He would ask Sanji to join and Sanji would refuse. Nami's mood brightened a bit watching Luffy annoy Sanji. Sanji was giving free meals to Nami after she charmed them out of him, which caused the other chefs to yell at him. Zeff and Sanji even got into a fight after Sanji refused to listen to Zeff, who told him to get out of his restaurant. Sanji told him that he wouldn't leave no matter what.
A few days later, a massive galleon appeared on the horizon, its approach sending waves of tension through the Baratie. The ship was in terrible condition, with torn sails, splintered wood, and barely staying afloat.
"That's... Don Krieg's ship!" one of the cooks shouted in disbelief.
The restaurant's customers fled in panic as two figures entered Gin supporting a larger man who looked on the verge of collapse. It was Don Krieg himself, his once-proud armor dull and his face gaunt with hunger.
"Please..." Krieg fell to his knees. "Food... water... money... I'll pay anything..."
"Don Krieg!" Gin pleaded to the restaurant staff. "He hasn't eaten in days. He'll die!"
Patty and the other cooks laughed. "Serve Don Krieg? The most notorious pirate in the East Blue? He'll kill us all once he regains his strength!"
But Sanji was already walking toward the kitchen.
"Sanji, don't!" several cooks warned.
Minutes later, he returned with a huge plate of food, setting it before Krieg. "Eat."
"Sanji, you idiot!" Patty yelled. "Don't you know who he is?"
As soon as Krieg finished eating, his demeanor changed completely. He stood up, towering over everyone, a cruel smile spreading across his face.
"This is a nice restaurant," he announced. "I think I'll take it."
"You bastard!" Patty shouted as several cooks drew weapons. "This is why we shouldn't have fed you!"
Krieg backhanded the nearest cook, sending him flying. "My crew is starving. Bring food for one hundred men. Then this ship will be mine."
"I'll prepare it," Sanji said calmly, turning toward the kitchen.
"Are you crazy?" The other cooks tried to stop him.
"They're hungry. That's all I need to know."
Before Sanji could move, Zeff appeared, dropping a huge sack of food in front of Krieg.
"Owner Zeff!" the cooks gasped.
Krieg's eyes widened in recognition. "Red-Leg Zeff... So you're alive. The famous pirate who was both captain and cook. The man who never used his hands in battle." His smile grew more sinister. "This is perfect. Not only will I take this ship, but I'll also have your logbook from the Grand Line!"
"So that's your aim," Zeff said stoically.
"Wait, you were a pirate?" Luffy asked excitedly.
"The Grand Line..." Krieg's expression darkened. "My fleet of 50 ships was destroyed in just seven days there. With Zeff's knowledge, I can return and conquer it!"
"You'll never make it," Luffy declared. "I'm going to be the one who conquers the Grand Line and becomes King of the Pirates!"
Krieg burst out laughing. "This brat... I'll Kill you first!"
"Just try it," Luffy cracked his knuckles, grinning. "I won't let you take this restaurant."
Krieg sneered and headed back to his ship to feed his crew. As his men recovered their strength, tension filled the air at the Baratie.
"All of you should leave," Zeff told the remaining customers, who quickly fled.
Gin looked devastated. "Sanji-san, I'm sorry... I never meant for this to happen. I didn't know he would..."
"Don't apologize for feeding someone hungry," Sanji said firmly, lighting his cigarette with practiced ease. "That's what a cook does." The conviction in his voice left no room for argument.
Luffy turned to Zeff, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Hey old man, if I get rid of these guys, what will you give me?"
Zeff regarded him with his usual stoic expression. "Do what you want," he replied gruffly.
The conversation was suddenly interrupted by an ear-splitting sound - the horrific screech of metal and wood being torn apart. All eyes turned to Krieg's massive galleon as it split down the middle, cleaving as cleanly as if cut by a giant knife. The once-proud ship was being divided into perfect halves.
Panic erupted among Krieg's men. They scrambled desperately across the deck of their dying vessel, their terrified screams carrying across the water.
"What's happening?!" one of the pirates shrieked in horror, voicing the question on everyone's mind as they watched the impossible scene unfold before them.
The destruction was precise, methodical, and terrifying in its efficiency. Something - or someone - was out there, and they had just turned one of the most feared ships in the East Blue into driftwood.
Through the settling debris and chaos, a small boat emerged, carrying a solitary figure. His yellow eyes, sharp as a hawk's, cut through the mist, and an enormous black sword was strapped to his back. His presence alone was enough to make the air feel heavy.
"That's... that's!" one of Krieg's men screamed in recognition, his voice trembling with terror. "The Man who destroys our Fleet!!"
Pure panic erupted among Krieg's crew. Men were diving into the water, desperately trying to escape, while others froze in fear.
On the Baratie, Zoro's entire demeanor changed. His body went rigid, and his hand instinctively moved to his swords. His eyes blazed with an intensity that had been waiting for this very moment.
"Hawk-Eye Mihawk..." Zoro said, gripping his swords tightly, his voice carrying years of anticipation. "I've been looking for you."
Meanwhile, Mihawk appeared completely indifferent to the chaos he'd caused. The greatest swordsman in the world had merely followed these pirates from the Grand Line because he was bored, nothing more. He watched with disinterest as the remnants of Krieg's once-mighty galleon slipped beneath the waves, the screams of desperate pirates filling the air.
"Why did you attack our ship?" one of Krieg's men demanded.
"To kill time," Mihawk replied coldly.
Zoro stepped forward, tying his black bandana around his head. His eyes locked onto Mihawk with unwavering determination.
"I challenge you to a duel!" Zoro declared, his voice firm and resolute.
Mihawk studied him with his hawk-like eyes. "You're a brave young man," he observed coolly. "Or a foolish one. What drives you?"
"My ambition," Zoro replied, gripping his swords. "To become the world's greatest swordsman."
A flicker of interest crossed Mihawk's face as he reached for the small cross pendant around his neck. To everyone's surprise, it was a tiny dagger, no longer than a few inches.
"This should suffice," Mihawk stated.
"Don't mock me!" Zoro growled, his pride stinging at the sight of the miniature weapon.
"I'm not. I'm afraid I don't carry any smaller blades," Mihawk replied calmly. "It would be a shame for a lion to hunt a rabbit."
Zoro placed Wado Ichimonji in his mouth and drew his other two swords. "Three Sword Style!" he announced, charging forward with all his might.
But Mihawk simply stood there, the tiny dagger held almost casually in his hand. When Zoro's three blades came crashing down, they were stopped by that single small dagger. Zoro's eyes widened in disbelief, he couldn't move his swords an inch.
"Such ferocity," Mihawk's golden eyes studied him with growing interest. "What drives you to push against an impossible wall?"
Between labored breaths, Zoro's voice carried the weight of his conviction. "A promise... that I swore on my soul!"
"Tiger Hunt!" Zoro roared, launching himself forward in a desperate assault.
The small dagger found its mark, piercing Zoro's chest. Blood trickled down, staining his white shirt crimson. Yet Zoro didn't move, his swords still raised, his stance unwavering.
"Why don't you step back?" Mihawk asked genuine curiosity in his voice. "Are you willing to let me pierce your heart?"
Zoro's response came through blood-stained teeth, but his eyes burned with unshakeable resolve. "I... don't know why. But taking even one step back now would destroy everything I am. All my promises, my dreams... they'd shatter. And I'd never find my way back to this moment."
"That, young warrior, is defeat," Mihawk stated plainly.
"Then defeat is not an option," Zoro growled.
"Even if death awaits?"
"Death before DEFEAT."
Something changed in Mihawk's expression - respect, perhaps even admiration. He withdrew his dagger, and for the first time, a smile tugged at his lips. 'What an extraordinary spirit. He chooses death over defeat... now that's truly rare.'
The world seemed to hold its breath as Mihawk reached for Yoru, the massive black blade on his back. The sword that had carved legends into history itself.
"Tell me your name, young swordsman."
Standing tall despite his wound, he answered, "Roronoa Zoro."
"Roronoa Zoro... I'll remember that name." Mihawk raised Yoru, its black surface drinking in the sunlight. "It's been long since I've met someone with such iron in their soul. I shall honor your resolve by ending this with the world's strongest blade."
"I Appreciate it," Zoro replied, crossing his swords for one final stand.
In the watching crowd, Luffy's fingers dug into the wooden railing of the Baratie, his knuckles turning white. His heart raced watching his swordsman face certain defeat, yet a strange calmness underlined his anxiety. He'd seen this before, the moment that would forge Zoro into something greater.
'This has to happen,' Luffy thought, fighting every instinct to jump in and protect his nakama. His rubber fingers cracked the wood beneath them as Mihawk raised his black blade. 'Zoro needs this. He'll survive... he has to survive.'
A small, knowing smile tugged at the corner of Luffy's mouth, even as worry clouded his eyes. This wasn't just a duel - it was the first step on Zoro's path to becoming the world's greatest swordsman. Sometimes a captain's duty wasn't to prevent his crew's pain, but to let them grow through it.
"Three Sword Style Secret Technique...Three Thousand Worlds!" Zoro began spinning his swords.
"Fall," Mihawk said simply, bringing down his black blade.
In an instant, two of Zoro's swords shattered, and blood erupted from his chest.
Zoro knew he was defeated, but instead of falling, he sheathed his remaining sword - Wado Ichimonji - and turned to face Mihawk, arms spread wide.
"What are you doing?" Mihawk asked.
"A wound on the back is a swordsman's shame," Zoro replied with a smile.
"Splendid!" Mihawk exclaimed, and with one final slash, he cut Zoro diagonally across his chest.
"ZORO!" "ZORO!" Luffy's voice cracked, his fingers splintering the wooden railing. Behind him, Usopp had gone pale, while Nami covered her mouth in horror. Even Sanji, who barely knew them, found himself holding his breath as the swordsman fell. And for just a brief moment, a slight pulse of invisible force rippled through the air. Though barely noticeable to most, Mihawk's keen eyes caught it, making him glance briefly at the straw-hatted boy with subtle interest.
"DON'T YOU DARE DIE!"
As Zoro fell backward into the sea, Johnny and Yosaku quickly dove in to rescue him. When they pulled him onto their boat, everyone feared the worst.
Mihawk, who had felt the conquer haki from early, turned to Luffy. "Kid, what's your goal?"
"To become the King of the Pirates!" Luffy declared without hesitation.
Mihawk's eyes narrowed slightly, recalling the pulse of Haki he'd felt moments ago. "That's even harder than surpassing me," he remarked, then added with more interest than before, "Though perhaps not as impossible as others might think. You possess something... rare."
Then, turning back to the injured Zoro, he proclaimed, "It's still too early for you to die. My name is Dracule Mihawk!" he turned his voice higher " Learn about yourself! Learn about the world! And become strong! No, matter how many years it takes, I'll hold this seat of the strongest and wait for you, TRY TO SUPPRESS ME, Roronoa Zoro!"
Meanwhile, Johnny and Yosaku were frantically trying to treat Zoro's wounds. "Hey! Hey! Zoro-aniki! Please say something!"
"Brother! Stay with us!"
"It's still too early for you to die!" they cried in unison.
But then, to their amazement, Zoro raised his remaining sword to the sky.
"Lu-Luffy!" he called out, his voice choked with tears and blood. "Can you hear me?"
"Yeah!" Luffy responded.
"I'm sorry for worrying you... If I don't become the world's strongest swordsman, it would be a problem for you, right? King of the Pirates?" Zoro coughed. "I will... I will never... LOSE AGAIN! Until I defeat him and become the World's Greatest Swordsman, I will never lose again! Any problems with that, King of the Pirates?"
Luffy's face broke into his signature wide grin. "Nope!" he shouted back.
Mihawk smiled at the exchange, seemingly satisfied. Then, turned his attention back to Don Krieg and his crew, and said, "I've had enough fun for today. I'm going back."
"Hold it right there!" Krieg shouted. "You may have had enough, but I haven't even gotten started!"
"You're a fool who hasn't learned his lesson," Mihawk said coldly as Krieg prepared his weapons.
Krieg fired multiple guns hidden in his armor, but Mihawk simply slashed his black blade through the air, creating a massive wave that not only deflected the bullets but also split the already damaged galleon further. The pirates scrambled as their footing crumbled beneath them.
"Farewell," Mihawk said simply but before departing, he cast one final glance at Luffy, thinking to himself, 'First that straw hat of Shanks's, and now this... This boy bears watching,' and disappeared into the distance on his small boat, leaving chaos in his wake.
With their ship destroyed, Krieg's pirates were now scattered in the water, clinging to debris. Don Krieg, however, saw this as an opportunity rather than a setback.
"Men!" he bellowed. "We now have a perfect target, the Baratie! This restaurant will become our new flagship!"
Meanwhile, on the Baratie, Sanji stood watching the scene unfold, cigarette in mouth. "Those bastards just don't know when to quit," he muttered.
Luffy, still determined to protect the restaurant that Sanji treasured, cracked his knuckles. "Sanji! Old man! Leave this to me!"
"Gum-Gum Rocket!" Luffy launched himself toward the floating debris where Krieg and his men were gathering.
"That kid's insane!" one of Krieg's pirates shouted as Luffy landed among them.
Don Krieg sneered, his golden armor gleaming in the sunlight. "So, you want to fight me, boy? Do you know who I am? I'm Don Krieg, with a bounty of 17 million berries!"
"I don't care who you are!" Luffy replied, adjusting his straw hat. "You're threatening an old man's restaurant, and I won't let you do that!"
Meanwhile, back on the Baratie, The salt spray carried the sounds of battle back to the Baratie, where steam rose from the kitchen windows and the scent of fresh bread mixed with gunpowder. Inside, the cooks. Sanji stood at the front, watching Luffy with interest.
"That rubber idiot better not wreck this restaurant," Zeff commented from behind them, arms crossed.
Krieg pulled out his massive spear, pointing it at Luffy. "This is my Mighty Battle Spear. One hit from this, and you're dead!"
"We'll see about that!" Luffy grinned, already knowing from his future fragments that this weapon wouldn't be nearly as dangerous as others he'd face.
"MH5!" Krieg shouted, launching a poison gas bomb.
"Everyone, hold your breath!" someone yelled from the Baratie.
Luffy quickly jumped high, remembering similar poison attacks he'd seen in his visions. "That's playing dirty!" he shouted, though he was grateful knowing what to expect.
"There's no such thing as dirty in a real fight!" Krieg laughed, firing spikes from his shoulder pads. "Only winners and losers!"
Luffy twisted his body to dodge the spikes, remembering how his future self would handle much faster projectiles. "These are nothing compared to what's coming," he thought with a grin.
"Gum-Gum Pistol!" His fist shot forward, but Krieg blocked it with his golden armor.
"Fool! My Wootz Steel armor is the strongest in the East Blue!" Krieg boasted.
Luffy smirked, recalling visions of himself breaking much tougher defenses. "Then I'll just have to hit it harder!" He landed on a piece of floating debris, already knowing where its weak points would be.
"BOMB SPEAR!" Krieg thrust his weapon forward, causing a massive explosion.
Thanks to his future knowledge, Luffy had already started moving before the explosion, his clothes only slightly singed. "That was close!" he grinned, though he knew he'd faced far worse.
"Stop dodging and die!" Krieg roared, detaching sections of his armor to use as a makeshift shield wall. "I am the strongest! I have the most powerful weapons!"
"Being strong isn't just about weapons!" Luffy shouted back, winding up his arm. "Gum-Gum... GATLING!"
A barrage of punches hammered against Krieg's shields, the impact sending shockwaves across the water. Several of Krieg's remaining men watched in awe as their captain was forced to step back.
"Impossible!" Krieg snarled, his armor starting to show cracks. "I am Don Krieg! I command 5000 men! I cannot lose to a nobody like you!"
"You hurt Sanji's restaurant," Luffy said simply, stretching both arms far behind him. "That's all I need to know! GUM-GUM... BAZOOKA!"
Luffy's Gum-Gum Bazooka slammed into Krieg's armor with tremendous force. The golden Wootz Steel, supposedly the strongest in East Blue, began to crack and splinter.
"NO! IMPOSSIBLE!" Krieg screamed as his prized armor shattered. The impact sent him flying backward, but he managed to catch himself on a piece of wreckage.
"It's over, Krieg!" Luffy declared.
"NEVER!" Krieg pulled out his final weapon - a massive spiked ball attached to a chain. "I'LL DESTROY YOU AND THIS ENTIRE RESTAURANT!"
He swung the weapon wildly, forcing Luffy to dodge repeatedly. The massive ball crashed into the water, sending huge waves that rocked the Baratie.
"Watch it, you idiots!" Sanji yelled from the restaurant. "You'll sink us all!"
Luffy watched Krieg's movements, comparing them to the countless stronger opponents he'd seen in his visions. Everything seemed to move slower, more predictable.
"This ends now!" he declared, grabbing the chain. While he couldn't yet use the advanced techniques he'd seen, just knowing they existed made him fight smarter.
"What?!" Krieg's eyes widened.
Then he stretched his leg high into the air. "GUM-GUM...AXE," His Gum-Gum Axe might not have Haki yet, but it was more than enough for someone like Krieg. As his opponent fell unconscious, Luffy couldn't help but think 'Beating guys like Krieg is how I get stronger. Each fight teaches me something new.' He grinned, recalling glimpses of himself using advanced techniques that seemed impossible now. 'I can't use Haki or Gear Fourth yet... but someday I will. Every battle, even this one, is a step toward becoming the Pirate King.'
"Don Krieg!" his remaining crew members cried out in shock.
Gin, who had been watching the entire fight, stared in disbelief as his captain's unconscious body floated to the surface. "He... he did it. He defeated Don Krieg..."
"That rubber idiot did it," Sanji muttered, lighting a cigarette while watching Krieg's unconscious body being fished out by his remaining crew. Despite his casual tone, there was a hint of respect in his eyes.
"He didn't even need to use those Gear things," Zoro commented with a smirk, watching Krieg sink into the sea.
Nami nodded, remembering how Luffy had demonstrated Gear Second and Third. "He's holding back. Even without those techniques, he's still this strong..."
"THAT WAS AWESOME LUFFY-BRO!" Johnny and Yosaku cheered.
Sanji looked confused at the mentions of "Gear" and "Haki," but before he could ask, Luffy bounced over.
"Shishishi! See? I told you guys I'd be fine! This is nothing compared to what we'll face in the Grand Line!" Luffy grinned at his crew.
Zeff raised an eyebrow, having overheard their conversation. Something about this rookie pirate was definitely unusual.
"Hey Luffy," Usopp called out, "did you use Observation Haki."
"I tried but I couldn't focus !" Luffy shakes his head disappointedly.
From the Baratie, the cooks erupted in cheers. Sanji stood silently, cigarette in his mouth, a slight smile forming on his face.
"Owner Zeff," one of the cooks turned to the head chef. "That kid... he actually saved the restaurant!"
Zeff crossed his arms, watching Luffy with interest. "That boy... he's something else."
"Get Don Krieg out of the water!" Gin ordered the remaining crew members, who quickly moved to rescue their unconscious captain.
Luffy made his way back to the Baratie, his rubber body exhausted from the intense battle. Sanji met him at the entrance.
"Not bad for a rubber idiot," Sanji said, offering Luffy a hand up.
"Thanks! Hey, now that that's over, join my crew!" Luffy grinned widely.
"I already told you, I can't leave this place," Sanji replied firmly. "I owe the old man too much."
Meanwhile, Gin approached them, supporting a still-unconscious Krieg. "Straw Hat... thank you. We'll leave now and never return to this restaurant."
"Make sure you feed your crew properly from now on," Sanji told him, tossing him a small bag of food.
Gin caught it with his free hand, tears forming in his eyes. "Thank you... both of you." He turned to his crew. "Let's go!"
As the defeated pirates began to leave, Zeff emerged from the restaurant's entrance.
"Eggplant," he called out to Sanji. "We need to talk."
Zeff led Sanji to his private quarters in the restaurant, closing the door behind them. The atmosphere was tense.
"Listen up, little eggplant," Zeff began, his voice gruff but carrying an underlying softness. "How long do you plan to waste your life here?"
"What are you talking about, old geezer?" Sanji retorted. "This restaurant is my life. I owe you everything—"
"You don't owe me anything!" Zeff interrupted sharply. "I didn't save your life so you could spend it paying back a debt that doesn't exist."
Sanji stood silent, his cigarette trembling slightly between his lips.
"All Blue," Zeff continued. "That was your dream, wasn't it? The legendary sea where all the world's fish gather. You'll never find it staying here."
"But the restaurant—"
"The restaurant will be fine," Zeff cut him off again. "You've trained these cooks well enough. Besides..." A small smile formed under his braided mustache. "That rubber boy... he reminds me of someone I used to know. Someone who wouldn't let anything stand between him and his dreams."
"That straw hat kid..." Zeff continued, "He's going to the Grand Line, isn't he? That's where All Blue is said to be."
Sanji clenched his fists, memories of his childhood dreams flooding back. "Old man..."
"Listen well, because I'm only going to say this once," Zeff's voice grew stern. "Get out of my restaurant. Go chase your dream. That's an order from your head chef."
"You can't just—" Sanji started, but emotion caught in his throat.
"I didn't give up my leg so you could spend your life being a simple cook in East Blue," Zeff said, his eyes meeting Sanji's. "I did it so you could live to fulfill your dreams."
Tears began welling up in Sanji's eyes. All these years, he'd stayed out of gratitude, out of a sense of duty. But deep down, he knew Zeff was right. His dream of finding All Blue had never truly died.
"If you understand, then go pack your things," Zeff turned away, hiding his own emotions. "That rubber kid won't wait forever."
"You're still a crazy old man," he said, trying to maintain his composure. "Who's going to keep this place running when I'm gone?"
Zeff let out a gruff laugh. "I was running this restaurant long before you showed up, you little brat. Now get going before I kick you out myself."
As Sanji turned to leave, Zeff added one last thing. "And Sanji... when you find All Blue, come back and tell me about it."
Sanji nodded, unable to speak through his emotions. He left Zeff's quarters and headed to his own room to pack his belongings. As he gathered his things, memories of his years at the Baratie flooded his mind - his training, the countless fights with Zeff, the lessons learned, and the customers served.
Meanwhile, on the deck of the Baratie, Luffy was waiting with his characteristic grin, somehow knowing that things would work out exactly as he'd hoped.
Sanji emerged onto the deck, carrying a small bag with his belongings. The other cooks of the Baratie had gathered, trying their best to maintain tough expressions despite the emotion of the moment.
"Hey, look who finally decided to show up!" Patty called out, his voice gruff but betraying a hint of sadness.
"Shut it, you second-rate cook," Sanji replied with a smirk, then turned to address all the cooks. "You guys... take care of the old man."
"Just get out of here already!" they shouted in unison, though their eyes were beginning to water.
Luffy's grin widened as Sanji approached. "So, you're coming?"
"Yeah," Sanji lit a cigarette, trying to appear casual. "Someone's got to make sure you don't starve to death out there."
Suddenly, from behind them, Zeff's voice boomed from the upper deck. "Sanji!"
Sanji turned, looking up at his mentor one last time.
"Don't catch a cold," Zeff said simply, but the words carried years of unspoken feelings between them.
Sanji felt his composure cracking again but managed to give Zeff a firm nod before turning toward the Going Merry, where Usopp and Nami were already waving. While Yosaku and Johnny look at the scene thoughtfully.
"Welcome aboard!" Nami called out cheerfully.
As Sanji stepped onto the ship, the cooks of the Baratie began shouting their goodbyes, their tough facades finally breaking.
"Don't get yourself killed out there!" "Remember to keep your knives sharp!" "Show them what a Baratie chef can do!"
Luffy stretched his arm to grab onto the ship's railing and catapulted himself aboard with a laugh. "LET SAIL!"
As the Going Merry sailed away from the Baratie, with their new cook aboard, the crew settled into a celebratory mood. Sanji was already in the kitchen preparing their first meal together, while Luffy sat eagerly at the table.
Johnny and Yosaku, having decided to accompany the Straw Hats for a while, stood quietly on the deck. They were inspired by the crew's strength and camaraderie and hoped to learn from them during their journey.
Nami stood at the ship's railing, her expression growing increasingly troubled as she studied her maps. Her hand unconsciously moved to touch the tattoo on her shoulder.
"Arlong Park..." she whispered, knowing they were drawing closer to her hometown with each passing wave. The weight of her mission and Arlong's threat hung heavy in her mind.
Johnny, sensing the tension, exchanged a glance with Yosaku. They understood that the crew was heading into something significant and were determined to support them in any way they could.
Luffy, despite appearing absorbed in anticipating Sanji's cooking, cast a knowing glance in Nami's direction. His usual grin softened slightly as he watched his navigator struggle with her inner demons.
"The real battle is just beginning," he thought to himself, remembering fragments of what awaited them at Arlong Park and beyond.
As the sun began to set, dark clouds gathered on the horizon—a fitting backdrop for the storms that lay ahead. With Johnny and Yosaku now part of their journey, the crew was ready to face whatever challenges awaited them, united by their shared resolve and the bonds they were forging.