Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
"The stakes need to be set before the challenge," Bai Ye declared, his ulterior motive finally coming to light. "What if, just suppose, I win... would you, Sanji, consider joining our band of pirates?" With a sly grin, Bai Ye glanced at the enthusiastic Luffy next to him and whispered, "Our captain's quite the headstrong type. Not giving him what he desires could really make our lives difficult."
"Huh?" For a moment, clarity dawned on Sanji, realizing Bai Ye's terms were ultimately aimed at recruiting him. Under different circumstances, Sanji wouldn't have wavered. He had faith in his culinary prowess and any other stakes wouldn't breach his principles. But now, his unwavering commitment was to Baratie and, more importantly, to old man Zeff.
Sanji had compelling reasons to remain aboard this ship, steadfast in his resolve to never abandon it for any cause. He'd never consent to such a wager. Never ever!
"If you win," Bai Ye's voice wafted through the air, "Nami will join you for a private dinner."
In an instant, a unified cry of "WHAT?!" erupted from both a male and female voice.
Images of a candlelit dinner swirled in Sanji's mind, overwhelming his recently reclaimed senses. Breath quickening with excitement, he couldn't think of anything else. "Fine, I'll accept your challenge and protect Miss Nami!" Sanji asserted confidently to Bai Ye, thumping his chest.
His demeanor then shifted drastically. Approaching Nami, he coiled and crooned, "Nami-san, what kind of wine shall we indulge in tonight?" Nami, visibly annoyed by the cook's advances, yanked Bai Ye aside and began to protest, "Hey, how could you even—"
"Two million Bellys," Bai Ye interjected, stating a figure before Nami could finish.
"Well, that's not really—"
"Five million Bellys," he whispered once more.
"I mean, I—"
"Ten million Bellys," Bai Ye concluded with a smile.
In a flash, an exuberant Nami grasped Sanji's hands, urging, "Mr. Sanji, you must — you must give it your all!"
"Ah!! Nami-san! I'll definitely save you!!" Sanji, energized by Nami's touch, seemed supercharged, his enthusiasm reaching new heights.
To onlookers, they appeared intimately connected. However, only a select few who had seen everything unfold knew the truth — the duo was completely out of sync. Sanji's eyes were practically shaped like hearts, while Nami's gaze was fixated solely on the money.
Observing this spectacle, Bai Ye couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Alas, he had no intention of losing this culinary battle. Therefore, both parties were bound for disappointment.
-----
Time passed, and through the collective efforts of all Baratie's chefs, a makeshift competition arena emerged.
In the kitchen, murmurs circulated amongst the staff. "What's the Head Chef thinking, agreeing to Sanji's absurd demand?" "Well, Sanji was the first to follow him." "Who do you think will win, Sanji or that guy?" "Probably Sanji. It's tough to admit, but his skills are second only to the Head Chef's."
Amidst the chatter, Patty, who had always clashed with Sanji, chimed in, "I'd prefer Sanji lost. Then he'd have to leave Baratie. Over the years, he's been cooking for those who can't afford it. It's not just a slap in the face to our paying customers; it's been a financial drain. It's high time he left."
The discussion faltered as all eyes turned to the two figures standing in the competition field, ready for the culinary showdown.
-----
"Since I've laid down the wager, it's only fair that Sanji picks the nature of our contest," Bai Ye announced, his demeanor easy and his smile hinting at an underlying strategy.
Unruffled by Bai Ye's composed stance, Sanji stood confident in his culinary artistry. He believed in his expertise and wasn't about to be unsettled by his opponent's tranquility. Flicking his cigarette to the ground, he extinguished it underfoot. He took a final, leisurely drag before speaking:
"If Nami-san believes your skills rival mine, let's make it simple. We'll cook identical dishes, and the best flavor will crown the victor."
"Sounds fair," Bai Ye responded with a mild nod.
"For the dish... how about seafood spaghetti? Are you in?" Sanji proposed.
"Spaghetti?" Bai Ye paused, reflecting, then agreed, "Sure."
In his past life, Bai Ye, a Daoist priest, had garnered some minimal knowledge about pasta. However, his understanding was rudimentary. But concern didn't cloud his features; he never intended a straightforward cooking duel with Sanji.
As the contest unfolded, both competitors plunged into a frenzy of activity. Yet, right from the outset, Zeff, the Head Chef, discerned a stark disparity between Bai Ye and Sanji. Whether slicing or preparing ingredients, Bai Ye seemed more a passionate amateur than a professional chef. Patty, realizing this, couldn't hide his disappointment.
Time ticked by, and both chefs neared the finish line. Just as Patty was certain of Sanji's victory, Bai Ye's unwavering confidence baffled him.
-----
With just three minutes remaining, both contestants wrapped up their dishes simultaneously.
"Now, who shall judge?" Bai Ye pondered aloud, his gaze sweeping the room but finding no obvious choices. He instantly dismissed Luffy, whose eager eyes betrayed his likely verdict: "Yummy, give me more!"
"Let's judge each other's," Sanji suggested nonchalantly, his phrase alone exuding self-assurance. He was convinced his dish would captivate his rival.
Bai Ye agreed with a nod.
Thus, under Luffy's longing gaze, the pair swapped plates and commenced tasting.
"Al dente pasta, robust sauce," Bai Ye silently appraised Sanji's dish, his mind admitting its excellence. Were it not for appearances, he might've devoured it whole.
However, no matter the skill involved, it wouldn't suffice because...
All eyes, wide with disbelief, converged on Sanji.
Patty couldn't help blurting out, "Wait a second, are you telling me Sanji actually ate...?"