Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
In the heart of the East Blue, within the bustling Baratie Restaurant, an unexpected scene unfolded. Sanji, amidst a mouthful of pasta, suddenly burst into tears right at his table. His hand thrust forward desperately, as though reaching for something unseen. Those around watched, perplexed by his behavior.
Could it be... poison?
Only Sanji understood the explosive flavors that had ambushed his senses with the first bite. It was an inexplicable burst, a taste so profound it seemed to unlock his deepest taste buds, triggering an intense emotional reaction. The flavor ignited memories he had long strived to suppress—the harrowing time he and Zeff were stranded after a shipwreck, leading to Zeff's unimaginable sacrifice of his own leg to feed him.
"AH!!"
Snapping back to reality, Sanji found himself under the scrutiny of Bai Ye's enigmatic smile and the bewildered stares of everyone else.
"Huh~"
He exhaled deeply, seeking composure.
Then, struggling against the words, he admitted, "You won."
What truly constitutes the ultimate flavor? It's not merely about being sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, or salty. It's a flavor that resonates with one's core, evoking buried memories upon tasting.
"But I need to understand—how did you evoke such emotions within me?" Sanji inquired, eyes brimming with anticipation, expecting Bai Ye to reveal some exceptional culinary secret. However...
"The pill. I included a certain pill," Bai Ye confessed nonchalantly.
Ancient Qi practitioners, braving heavenly tribulations in their spiritual cultivation, often relied on a fourth-grade pill known as the Emotion Amplification Pill for safety. This pill intensified human emotions, immersing the user in heightened experiences of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Bai Ye had used the primary ingredient from this pill—an item not so rare in Daoist Jilu's inner realm.
"It's just a different ingredient." Bai Ye said aloud.
Sanji, struggling with disbelief and budding anger, found the loss unbearable, especially given such a trivial cause—a single ingredient?
"Isn't this...?" Sanji began, his voice tinged with betrayal, but Bai Ye interjected.
"Cheating?"
Observing Sanji's disconcerted look, Bai Ye continued, smiling, "The contest was about flavor, not uniform ingredients. And if using unfamiliar ingredients is cheating, then what's the point of culinary adventure?"
"Mr. Sanji, your culinary skills are impressive, but your knowledge confines your creativity."
For unknown reason, Zoro, overhearing this, found it oddly relatable.
Bai Ye added, "Chefs confined to one locale produce different flavors from those who sail across the seas, constantly exploring."
"Much like you and the head chef, right?"
This reference startled Zeff, who had been observing from the spiral staircase. The young man seemed to recognize him.
Sanji, grasping Bai Ye's implication, understood Zeff's true identity all too well.
"Is the gap truly so vast?" he wondered aloud.
"The ocean is vast, encompassing merely one of the four great seas," Bai Ye elaborated whimsically.
"Like the All Blue, all chefs' utopian dream. Without venturing out to sea, it will forever remain a fantasy."
Sanji tried to interject, "But..."
"Sanji!!" Zeff's voice, stern and heavy with disappointment, interrupted:
"If you've lost, stop with the excuses. Seize this moment, become a pirate. You're no longer needed in my restaurant."
Sanji's face twisted with conflict.
"Why push me away? I'm this restaurant's sous chef!"
Zeff's disdain deepened.
"You fight with clients, fawn over pretty girls, and now you've been bested in cooking. What purpose do you serve here now?"
"Be a pirate, or whatever else you wish, but leave my restaurant!"
Yet, with each of Zeff's harsh words, Sanji's resolve only strengthened.
"Stubborn old man, I'll stay a chef here, no matter what you say. Don't bother trying to send me away!"
-----
Nearby, Luffy and his friends gathered around Bai Ye, observing the heated argument between Sanji and Zeff with evident confusion.
Zoro, arms folded, mused, "There's something unique about the bond between Mr. Nosebleed and the Head Chef."
Nami agreed, "Absolutely. Their argument is intense, but it's clear they're deeply concerned for each other's futures."
Suddenly, Usopp's imagination took off. "I've got it! Sanji must be Zeff's secret son, right?" he declared, as if struck by a revelation.
Bai Ye could only roll his eyes at this wild speculation.
Luffy stated, "Bai Ye, Sanji should be already one of us." In Luffy's mind, it was simple: Bai Ye couldn't lose, which meant Sanji was bound to become a crewmate.
"He acknowledged his defeat; he'll keep his word," Bai Ye confirmed Luffy's thoughts before shifting the conversation. "But forcing him onto the ship won't feel right to him."
"I need your help, Captain," Bai Ye said, offering a smile.
"Huh? Should I tie Sanji to the ship?" Luffy asked, puzzled.
"No, no," Bai Ye responded. "I want you to spend more time with Sanji. Given your charismatic nature, you'll likely uncover the full story behind those two before long."
He gestured toward the still-arguing Sanji and Zeff. Although Bai Ye knew more, he kept quiet, lacking a plausible reason to explain his knowledge. More importantly, he intended to linger here, awaiting two significant arrivals—the Krieg Pirates and a formidable individual capable of cleaving the sea with a sword swipe. It was also an opportune moment for a break.
After all, setting other factors aside, Baratie was an ideal vacation spot.
Bai Ye wasn't overly concerned about Luffy's task. He knew Luffy would naturally seek to bond with Sanji.
Consequently, the Straw Hat crew began to unwind, embracing a laid-back holiday lifestyle. Each day, Luffy would badger Sanji for chat, Sanji would coax Nami into dates while engaging in bickering with Zoro. And although there was no explicit talk of Sanji joining the crew, the warmth between him and the Straw Hats visibly grew stronger day by day.
As for Bai Ye's activities during these leisurely days~
Well, thanks to the funds at his disposal, he indulged in the restaurant's offerings, thoroughly enjoying the perks of being a rich guest.