On an isolated island, the stillness of the morning was disturbed by the value that crashed gently against the shore. A modest village with a few simple houses and a small market was the home of Sakura Ryuji, an introverted young man skilled in many arts, but withdrawn into his own corner of the world.
Near the port, a large barrel, carried by the waves, was pushed by the water on the sand. From within, an enthusiastic voice exclaimed:
- I'm hungry!
Out of the barrel came none other than Monkey D. Luffy, who, with his big smile and jovial attitude, headed towards the village. After realizing that he had arrived on an inhabited island, his first thought was clear: food!
Ryuji, who was just returning from the market with some fresh ingredients for a new recipe, noticed a hungry and confused stranger. Luffy tackled him without hesitation.
- Hey you! can you give me something to eat I'm the captain of a great future pirate crew and I'm dying of foam!
Ryuji looked at him skeptically, but something in Luffy's energy made him relent.
"Okay, come after me." But I don't expect it to be cheap, he said, trying to sound more than it was.
Arriving at Ryuji's house, the kitchen quickly filled with delicious aromas. With precise movements and rare skill, Ryuji prepared a meal worthy of a king. Luffy devoured everything in record time, completely forgetting manners.
After he finished, Luffy leaned back with his hands on his stomach and exclaimed,
"That was the best food I've ever eaten!" Not only do I want to eat for life, but I want you to be my cook on my ship!
Ryuji looked at him in surprise.
"Your cook?" I'm sure you're crazy. I have no interest in joining pirates. I have a quiet life here, he said firmly.
But the refusal did not deter Luffy.
- It's nothing! I will convince you! he said laughing and following Ryuji around the village.
Luffy followed him around all day, praying to him, explaining how important it was to have such a talented chef on his crew. The locals watched the scene with amusement, and Ryuji tried to escape, but wherever he went, Luffy was following him, with the same characteristic.
As the day went on, Luffy began to gain Ryuji's attention not only through his insistence, but also through his optimism and genuine kindness. However, Ryuji was still unconvinced.
"You're not the type to give up, are you?" Ryuji finally said, pausing to catch his breath.
"Never!" Because I'm going to be the Pirate King, and you're going to be my chef!
With a sigh, Ryuji realized that this Luffy was unlike anyone he had ever met. However, his decision was far from made...
Two days passed and Luffy showed no signs of giving up. He followed Ryuji everywhere, from the market to the edge of the forest near the village. Ryuji was exasperated by his insistence, but Luffy seemed to have endless energy.
"I already told you, I'm not interested in joining a pirate crew," Ryuji said, trying to keep his cool as he chopped wood.
- But your food is spectacular! And you are so strong! Please come with me! Luffy insisted, a big smile on his face.
Ryuji sighed, putting the ax down.
"What are you after, Luffy?" Do you have a dream so grand that it makes you so persistent?
Luffy looked at him seriously, a rare thing for him.
"Of course I have a dream!" I dream of becoming the Pirate King! he said proudly, his eyes shining with excitement.
Ryuji cut him off immediately, almost bored:
- I don't have any dreams. So leave me alone.
Luffy doesn't hold back and continues.
"Don't you have any dreams?" Nothing you would like to do? To see the world? To cook for everyone? Do something great?
Ryuji crossed his arms, trying to ignore the questions. But Luffy's insistence was starting to annoy him.
"I told you I don't have any dreams." I'm fine here. I don't want to get involved in your madness.
Luffy laughed, as if Ryuji's refusal was just a challenge.
"Then it's time to find a dream!" Maybe you'll find one at sea!
Ryuji could feel the pressure building. Frustrated, he turned to a large tree beside him. With a single blow of his fist, the tree fell to the ground with a deafening crash. Luffy stopped for a moment, staring at him with wide eyes. But instead of being scared, his smile widened even more.
"You're incredible!" Now I really want you to come with me! Luffy exclaimed, his eyes shining with admiration.
Ryuji sighed deeply, feeling his inner walls begin to give way. Luffy wasn't just pushy, he seemed to have contagious energy, an optimism that Ryuji had never seen before.
He looked toward the shore in the distance, where the values gently hit the sand. The idea of exploring the world, of seeing what lies beyond this island, began to intrigue him. Maybe such a road wasn't so bad after all.
"Okay," he finally said, almost whispering.
- What did you say?! Luffy asked, excitedly approaching.
"I said I'd agree to come with you...but I'm not making any long-term promises."
Luffy jumped for joy, throwing his arms up in the air.
Hooray! It's going to be great! I promise you won't regret it!
Ryuji rolled his eyes, but deep down, a small smile appeared on his face. Perhaps, with this crazy captain, life would be more interesting than he imagined.
At the beach, a small boat was waiting, rocking gently in the waves. Luffy, impatient, stood on the side of the boat, eagerly watching Ryuji slowly approach, carrying a large backpack on his back.
"What do you have there?" Meat? Luffy asked hopefully, eyes wide.
Ryuji raised an eyebrow, already used to Luffy's obsession with food.
- No, they are my important things, he replied calmly.
Luffy lost a bit of his smile, but his insistence didn't waver.
"You mean...meat?"
Ryuji sighed deeply, but still answered calmly:
"No, my books, a chessboard, money and clothes."
Upon hearing the answer, Luffy's interest immediately waned.
"If it's not food, then I don't care," he said with a shrug.
Ryuji climbed into the boat, placing his pack carefully. He looked one last time at the island, the place that had been home until now, and then at the endless horizon of the sea. Luffy, already full of energy, prepares to raise the canvas.
"Are you ready?" he asked with his characteristic smile full of excitement.
"As prepared as possible," Ryuji replied, sitting down in the boat.
As the boat moved away from the shore, the island became smaller and smaller. Luffy, eyes full of dreams and optimism, sang a song about adventures and treasures. Ryuji, gripped by a slight curiosity, was beginning to wonder what life at sea would be like with this eccentric captain.
Although he was still not completely convinced of his decision, a sense of anticipation filled his heart. A new journey had begun, one that would change his life forever