CHAPTER 11: HER NAME IS RIA
Goku stood at the bow of the Going Merry, the wind tousling his wild hair as the ship sailed through the azure waters. The salty breeze was a welcome reminder of the sea's vastness, but Goku's thoughts were clouded with memories that didn't belong to this world. His companions, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Johnny, and Yosaku, were scattered across the deck, chatting excitedly about their upcoming visit to the Baratie, the famous floating restaurant.
As the Going Merry drew closer to their destination, Goku's sharp eyes caught sight of a marine vessel in the distance. His heart skipped a beat when he saw her standing on the deck. It was the same woman he had seen before he found himself in this strange new world. The woman who was supposed to be his next target. The woman who might have ended his life. She had the same striking features, and her eyes met his with a knowing look. Fullbody, a marine lieutenant, had his arm possessively around her waist.
"Hey, guys, look over there!" Goku shouted, pointing towards the marine ship.
The crew gathered around, curious about the sudden outburst.
"That's a marine ship," Zoro remarked, his hand instinctively moving towards his swords. "What's got you so riled up, Goku?"
Before Goku could respond, the crew resumed their conversation about the Baratie, their excitement palpable.
"I've heard the food at the Baratie is amazing!" Usopp said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"I can't wait to try their seafood," Nami added, a rare smile playing on her lips.
Johnny and Yosaku were reminiscing about their last visit to the Baratie, recounting tales of the extraordinary cuisine and the fierce head chef, Zeff.
Their chatter was abruptly interrupted by Fullbody, who had noticed the Jolly Roger flag of the Going Merry. He pointed towards the ship, his face twisting with contempt.
"Pirates!" he shouted, loud enough for his voice to carry across the water. "Prepare to engage!"
The marines scrambled into action, and within moments, a cannon was fired towards the Going Merry. Goku's reflexes kicked in, and he caught the cannonball with his bare hands, the force of it pushing him back slightly but leaving him unharmed.
"Whoa, Goku!" Usopp exclaimed, his slingshot ready in his hand. "That was amazing!"
Zoro had his swords at the ready, his eyes narrowed as he focused on the marine vessel. "Are we doing this?" he asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.
Before the situation could escalate further, the mysterious woman spoke up, her voice carrying over the water. "Fullbody, I'm hungry. Can we please go to the Baratie now?"
Fullbody's eyes shifted from Goku to the woman. Her alluring presence seemed to pacify him, and he reluctantly lowered his arm. "Alright, my dear. We'll go to the Baratie," he said, his tone softening as he looked at her.
Fullbody signaled his crew to stand down and ordered them to dock at the Baratie instead. Goku's intense gaze remained fixed on the woman, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and anger. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was more than she appeared to be.
Zoro noticed Goku's expression and frowned. "Who is she, Goku? Do you know her?"
Goku shook his head, his fists clenched at his sides. "It's complicated. I... I saw her a long time ago."
Zoro's eyes widened slightly. "She must be dangerous if she's got you this worked up."
Nami, on the other hand, felt a pang of jealousy as she observed Goku's intense focus on the woman. She bit her lip and forced herself to look away, telling herself that there were more important things to worry about. Still, she couldn't help but feel a little sad.
As the Going Merry sailed closer to the Baratie, the crew prepared to dock, each lost in their own thoughts. The excitement of the upcoming meal was overshadowed by the tension in the air. Goku's past had followed him to this world, and it was clear that the encounter with the mysterious woman was far from over.
The Baratie loomed ahead, a beacon of respite and mystery. The crew braced themselves for whatever lay ahead, their bonds of friendship and trust stronger than ever. Goku took a deep breath, his eyes still fixed on the marine vessel, ready for whatever challenges the future held.
The Going Merry glided smoothly into the docking area of the Baratie, the famous floating restaurant renowned across the East Blue. The vibrant establishment was a stark contrast to the usual drab and utilitarian marine vessels. Its colorful exterior was adorned with ornate decorations, giving it the appearance of a grand floating palace.
Goku's gaze remained unwavering as he stepped off the ship, his eyes fixed on the mysterious woman he had seen from afar. She was seated at a table inside the restaurant, engaged in a lively conversation with Lieutenant Fullbody. Goku's focus was so intense that he barely noticed the bustling activity around him, the chatter of excited diners, and the tantalizing aroma of gourmet dishes wafting through the air.
The rest of the Straw Hat Pirates, including Johnny and Yosaku, found a large table to accommodate their numbers. The table was near the center of the restaurant, giving them a clear view of the open kitchen where chefs moved with practiced precision.
"Wow, this place is incredible!" Usopp exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the luxurious surroundings. "I've never seen anything like it!"
Nami nodded in agreement, her gaze shifting to the chandeliers that sparkled overhead. "The décor is really something. It feels like we're dining in a royal palace."
"Yeah, and the smell of the food is making my mouth water," Johnny added, inhaling deeply. "I can't wait to see what kind of culinary masterpieces they serve here."
Zoro, ever the pragmatist, was more focused on the security of their surroundings. He scanned the room, noting the positions of various patrons and staff members. "Let's just hope the food is as good as the reputation of this place."
Johnny and Yosaku were already reminiscing about their previous visit to the Baratie, sharing stories of the incredible dishes they had tried and the fierce head chef, Zeff, who had once been a legendary pirate.
Their conversation was interrupted by a young man with blonde hair and a black suit approaching their table. He had a cigarette dangling from his lips and a confident, almost flirtatious demeanor.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he said, bowing slightly. "My name is Sanji, and I'll be your waiter tonight. What can I get for you?"
The crew began placing their orders, each choosing a dish that reflected their unique tastes. Usopp ordered a hearty stew, Nami chose a light seafood salad, and Zoro opted for a large plate of meat. Johnny, having already scoped out the menu, ordered a complex dish that he was eager to try.
Goku, still unable to take his eyes off the woman, managed to order a large portion of meat and rice, his usual preference. Despite his distraction, he articulated his order clearly, much to Sanji's amusement.
Sanji noticed Goku's fixed stare and followed his gaze to the woman seated with Fullbody. His eyes widened slightly as he recognized her beauty. "Ah, I see you've noticed one of our more intriguing guests," he said with a smirk. "Her name is Tashigi, and she's quite the looker, isn't she?"
Goku nodded absently, his mind racing with thoughts of the past and the potential danger she represented. "Yeah, something like that."
Sanji, always the gentleman when it came to women, decided to take a closer look. He approached Tashigi's table with a suave demeanor, his charming smile in place. "Good evening, madam," he said smoothly. "Is there anything I can get for you?"
Ria looked up, slightly surprised by the sudden attention. "Oh, I'm just fine, thank you," she replied politely. Fullbody, who had been in the middle of a boastful story, glared at Sanji, clearly annoyed by the interruption.
"Who are you?" Fullbody demanded, his tone brusque.
"Just a humble waiter, sir," Sanji replied with a slight bow. "Here to ensure all our guests have a delightful dining experience."
As Sanji returned to the Straw Hats' table, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. There was something off about the woman and her companion, and Goku's intense interest in her only added to his suspicions.
Back at their table, the Straw Hats continued to discuss their surroundings and the various dishes they had ordered. Usopp was particularly animated, regaling the group with tales of his imagined culinary exploits.
"You know, I once cooked a meal so delicious that it made a giant sea king cry tears of joy!" he boasted, earning a mix of laughter and groans from his crewmates.
Nami chuckled, shaking her head. "Usopp, your stories are always entertaining, but let's see if the Baratie can top that."
As their meals began to arrive, the crew fell into a comfortable rhythm of eating and chatting. The food was every bit as exquisite as they had hoped, with each dish bursting with flavor and expertly presented.
Despite the camaraderie and the exceptional food, Goku remained on edge. His eyes occasionally flicked back to Ria's table, his instincts telling him that this encounter was far from over. He couldn't shake the feeling that their paths were destined to cross again, and that whatever lay ahead would test the strength and resolve of the Straw Hat Pirates.
The evening at the Baratie was only just beginning, and with the presence of Ria and Fullbody, it was clear that the Straw Hats were in for more than just a meal. Shadows from the past were looming large, and Goku knew that they would need to face them head-on, united as a crew.
[A/N: Read 10 chapters ahead available on my patreon right now. patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels