The Straw Hats were enjoying a rare moment of peace aboard the Going Merry, the gentle waves rocking the ship under a clear blue sky. Naturally, for Luffy and Usopp, "peace" was just another word for "mischief."
"Hey, Usopp! Watch this!" Luffy shouted, his grin as wide as the sea as he loaded the ship's cannon with reckless enthusiasm. With a resounding boom, three cannonballs shot out in quick succession, all missing their target—a distant rock—and splashing harmlessly into the ocean.
"Aw, man! I still haven't gotten any better!" Luffy lamented, scratching his head sheepishly.
Usopp doubled over with laughter, slapping his knee. "Step aside, Captain. Let the Great Usopp show you how it's done!" He confidently took the cannon, meticulously loading it and striking an exaggerated sharpshooter's pose.
Zoro, leaning lazily against the railing, squinted at where Usopp was aiming. His brow furrowed. "Oi, Usopp, that's where—"
Before Zoro could finish, the cannon fired with a deafening boom! The cannonball soared in a perfect arc, smashing directly into the rock and reducing it to rubble.
"Bullseye!" Usopp crowed, spinning around with a triumphant grin. He pointed at Zoro. "See? That's how a real sharpshooter handles a cannon!"
Zoro pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply. "You idiot—"
Before he could explain, a shadow emerged from the spray. A figure leapt aboard the Going Merry, sword drawn and eyes blazing.
"Prepare yourselves!" Johnny bellowed, charging at Luffy with his weapon raised.
Luffy tilted his head in confusion but easily dodged the strike, kicking the sword from Johnny's grasp and sending it clattering across the deck. "Hey, what's your problem?" Luffy asked, his voice more puzzled than angry. "Wait… Joseph? Jotaro? No… Jonathan? Ah! What was it again? And where's Yasa? Josuke? You know—the other guy!"
Johnny froze mid-swing, his fist suspended in the air. He stared at Luffy as if seeing a ghost. "Do… I know you guys?"
Zoro, now fully alert, stepped forward with a scowl. "Oi, Johnny. Shouldn't you be helping Yosaku instead of picking fights?"
Johnny's eyes widened. "Big bro Zoro?! What are you doing here?"
Zoro crossed his arms. "Never mind that. Where's Yosaku? Get him onboard, now."
Johnny hesitated, but Zoro's tone brooked no argument. He nodded and hurried back to his small boat.
Nami, observing the chaos with a raised eyebrow, spoke up. "I'm not a doctor, you know. I can't fix everything like Chopper does."
Moments later, Johnny returned, struggling to haul Yosaku aboard. The man was pale, trembling, and drenched in sweat. Nami knelt beside him immediately, her expression softening despite her earlier protests
"What happened to him?" she asked, already checking his pulse and looking him over.
Johnny fidgeted nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "We were traveling, and out of nowhere, Yosaku started feeling weak and bleeding from his gums. I didn't know what to do…"
"Sounds like scurvy," Nami said with a sigh. "Quick, we need limes—now!"
Luffy and Usopp dashed off toward the supply crates, returning moments later with armfuls of limes. Without waiting for instruction, they grabbed several and began squeezing the juice directly into Yosaku's mouth, not exactly gently.
"Here, take more!" Luffy said, shoving another lime toward Yosaku. "And this one too!"
"Luffy, slow down!" Nami said, as the two continued to stuff limes into Yosaku's mouth. The poor man coughed and sputtered, but the juice eventually began to take effect. His pale complexion warmed slightly, and he opened his eyes.
Yosaku bolted upright, his energy returning in a burst. "I'm alive!" he declared, leaping to his feet and breaking into a goofy dance.
"Yosaku!" Johnny cried, throwing his arms around his friend.
But the celebration was short-lived. Yosaku suddenly wobbled, his face paling again. "W-Wait…" he stammered before collapsing dramatically onto the deck.
"Yosaku!" Johnny yelled, panicking.
Nami sighed, standing up and brushing her hands off. "He's still weak. Scurvy doesn't go away with just one lime. He needs rest and consistent nutrition. Get him to a bed."
Johnny nodded frantically and helped carry Yosaku below deck. As they passed Nami, Johnny said, "Thank you, big sister!"
"Don't call me that," Nami snapped.
After settling Yosaku in a makeshift bed, Johnny returned to the deck where Zoro was waiting.
"So, big bro Zoro," Johnny began, "you really became a pirate?"
Zoro shrugged. "Yeah. Got my reasons."
Johnny grinned nervously. "Heh. Well, if anyone could survive in this crazy world, it's you." Then his expression turned serious. "By the way, there've been rumors going around about the person you've been looking for."
A smirk appeared on Zoro's face.
As the Going Merry resumed its course toward the Baratie, the crew settled back into their usual antics. Laughter and playful arguments echoed across the deck,
As the Going Merry sailed smoothly through the serene waters, the silhouette of the Baratie began to materialize on the horizon—a magnificent floating restaurant shaped like an enormous fish, its vivid colors shimmering under the bright sunlight. The distant hum of activity from the Baratie reached their ears, a mix of laughter, clinking glasses, and the chatter of hungry patrons.
"We're almost there!" Luffy exclaimed, his voice ringing with unrestrained excitement. His eyes sparkled as he leaned forward, gripping the ship's railing tightly. "I can't wait for Sanji to cook the fish I caught! It's gonna be the best meal ever!"
Usopp, casually lounging against the railing, chuckled as he watched Luffy's enthusiasm bubble over. "Luffy, we're not even there yet. You've got to learn some patience!"
Luffy's stomach growled loudly in response, as if to counter Usopp's words. Clutching his abdomen dramatically, Luffy groaned, "Alright, alright, I'm just starving!" His eyes darted back to the Baratie, and he muttered under his breath, "Hurry up, Baratie…"
.
The ship finally reached the floating restaurant, its vibrant hues and lively atmosphere drawing everyone's gaze. Dockworkers bustled about, hauling crates of supplies. The scent of freshly cooked seafood wafted through the air, making Luffy's mouth water.
"Alright, we're here!" Nami declared, lowering the gangplank. Her gaze swept over the bustling scene as the crew began securing the Merry.
Luffy, however, had already disappeared into the storage room. Moments later, he re-emerged, hoisting a massive fish over his shoulder with pride. the fish shimmering in the sunlight, and its size was so impressive that even Usopp exclaimed, "Man, Luffy, you really caught a monster!"
"Sanji's gonna love this!" Luffy said, his grin stretching from ear to ear.
Before he could take another step, Nami froze, her sharp eyes catching movement in the distance. She pointed toward the horizon. "A navy ship is approaching us,"
At the mention of the navy, Usopp's head whipped around. He squinted at the approaching ship, his expression shifting to one of recognition. "Oh" he muttered. "It must be that guy."
Johnny and Yosaku, who had been standing near the cabin door, immediately stiffened. Their faces drained of color as they exchanged uneasy glances. "It's him!" Yosaku whispered in a panic, his voice barely audible. Without hesitation, both bounty hunters ducked behind the doorframe, trying to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible.
The navy ship drew closer, its sleek white hull gleaming under the sun. The marine insignia was prominently displayed on its sails, and a crew of uniformed officers bustled about on deck. At the bow stood a figure whose very presence exuded arrogance and authority.
Lieutenant Fullbody stepped forward, his pristine uniform spotless, and his expression radiating smugness. He surveyed the Going Merry with a critical eye, his gaze lingering on the pirate flag fluttering proudly above it.
"I've never seen that flag before," he said, his tone laced with mockery. "Who are you, and who's your captain?"
Usopp, ever the opportunist, stepped forward confidently. Placing his hands on his hips, he announced with a mischievous grin, "We're the Yonko crew—the Straw Hat Pirates!"
Luffy, oblivious to Fullbody's condescension, cheerfully raised a hand. "That's me! I'm the captain!"
Fullbody stared at them for a moment before bursting into uproarious laughter, his voice carrying across the water. "You? A Yonko crew? Don't make me laugh!" His mocking tone made Johnny and Yosaku cringe further behind their hiding spot.
Spotting the two bounty hunters, Fullbody smirked. "Hey, aren't you two those small-time bounty hunters? What are you doing with these clowns? Seems fitting, though."
Usopp's smile faltered as he puffed out his chest in indignation. "Hey! You better believe it!" he shot back, his voice rising. "You'll regret underestimating us!"
Fullbody didn't even blink. He turned to his crew with a bored expression. "Sink their ship. I'm not wasting my time on nobodies pretending to be Yonko."
The marines moved with precision, swiveling their cannons toward the Going Merry and firing without hesitation. A thunderous boom echoed across the water as a cannonball shot toward the pirate ship.
Luffy, who had been watching the exchange with a growing grin, suddenly laughed. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he leapt onto the deck. "Don't worry. I've got this!"
"Wait, Luffy—" Zoro started, sitting up straight, but Luffy waved him off with an easy grin.
"Relax, Zoro. I won't mess it up this time!"
The cannonball hurtled closer, its trajectory perfectly aligned with the Merry. Luffy stretched his arm back, his rubbery muscles tensing. "Gum-Gum… Slingshot!" he caught the cannonball mid-air and flung it skyward. The projectile disappeared into the clouds, leaving the marines gaping in disbelief.
"What… What just happened?" one of them stammered, his voice tinged with panic.
The crew disembarked, their footsteps echoing on the wooden deck of the Baratie. The restaurant's lively atmosphere enveloped them immediately, and Luffy's nose twitched as he inhaled the aroma of freshly grilled Meat. "This place smells amazing!" he declared.
Inside the Baratie, Lieutenant Fullbody basked in the adoration of the other customers. He strolled through the opulent dining area with his arm draped around his elegantly dressed date. A dazzling smile plastered across his face, he exuded the confidence of someone who believed the world revolved around him.
"Isn't that Lieutenant Fullbody?" a young man whispered to his companion, his eyes wide with awe.
"They say he's as charming as he is powerful!" another diner murmured, leaning closer to catch a glimpse of the Marine officer.
"Why is he here? Is it a date?" a woman asked her friend, giggling as she eyed Fullbody's striking uniform and polished demeanor.
The whispers rippled across the restaurant, feeding Fullbody's ego like a roaring fire. He straightened his posture, ensuring his spotless coat caught the light just so. As if on cue, he ordered an expensive bottle of wine, his voice loud enough to draw attention from nearby tables.
"Only the finest for my date!" he announced, flashing a winning smile. His date, a young woman with perfectly styled hair and a glittering necklace, giggled softly, clearly enjoying the attention.
Moments later, a tall blond chef with sharp features and a cigarette dangling casually from his lips approached their table.
Sanji's first pour was for Fullbody's date, his charm on full display. "For the lady," he said smoothly, his voice soft but deliberate. His smile lingered just long enough to make her blush, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink.
"Thank you," she murmured shyly, avoiding his piercing gaze.
Sanji moved on to fill Fullbody's glass, his focus shifting back to the task at hand. Just as he tilted the bottle, however, a loud, familiar voice rang out from the restaurant's entrance.
"SAAANJI!"
The shout was unmistakable—full of enthusiasm, joy, and complete disregard for decorum. Heads turned toward the source of the noise, a ripple of murmurs spreading across the room.
"Who's yelling like that?"
"Do they know the rules here? This isn't a tavern!"
Sanji's head snapped up, his sharp features softening into a look of recognition and exasperation. "That voice…" he muttered under his breath, momentarily distracted.
In that instant, the wine bottle tipped too far. Deep red liquid spilled from the bottle, splashing onto Fullbody's pristine white uniform. The dark stain spread across the fabric like a crimson flower blooming under the dining room's warm lights.
Fullbody's reaction was immediate and explosive. "HEY!" he bellowed, jumping to his feet with a force that caused his chair to scrape loudly against the floor. "What's your problem, you idiot?! Can't you see I'm on a date?!"
Gasps rippled through the restaurant as all eyes locked onto the scene unfolding at the center of the dining area. Fullbody's date recoiled slightly, glancing nervously between the angry lieutenant and Sanji, who remained calm despite the outburst.
Without waiting for an explanation, Fullbody snatched his plate off the table and hurled it to the ground. The porcelain shattered with a deafening crash, scattering food and shards across the polished wooden floor. Several customers flinched at the sound, their forks and glasses momentarily forgotten.
"You've ruined everything, you useless chef!" Fullbody roared, his voice echoing through the now-silent restaurant. His anger seemed to fill the room, drowning out the gentle clinking of glasses and murmured conversations.
Sanji crouched down without a word, silently picking up the broken pieces of the plate. His movements were deliberate and controlled, his expression unreadable. The dining room remained eerily quiet, the tension hanging heavy in the air.
"What's he doing?" a man whispered from a corner table, his voice barely audible. "Why isn't he fighting back?"
"Maybe he's scared," another person speculated, her voice tinged with unease.
Fullbody, still fuming, leaned closer to Sanji, his voice dripping with malice. "You're just a lowly cook," he sneered. "Know your place."
Several chefs had gathered at the edge of the kitchen, their eyes narrowed as they watched the exchange.
A waitress standing nearby wrung her hands nervously. "Should we step in?" she asked, glancing toward her colleagues.
One of the cooks shook his head. "This looks exciting"
Sanji rose to his full height, his movements slow and deliberate. He brushed off his suit, adjusted his tie, and took a long drag from his cigarette. His calm demeanor was unnerving, a sharp contrast to the storm brewing in his eyes.
When he finally spoke, his voice was cold and measured. "Disrespect food…" he said, his gaze locking onto Fullbody, "…and you pay the price."
Before Fullbody could respond, Sanji moved. His leg ignited in a fiery glow, the flames casting flickering shadows across the shocked faces of the onlookers. With a blur of motion, he delivered a devastating kick to Fullbody's jaw. The force sent the lieutenant sprawling across the floor, his body skidding to a halt near the base of a nearby table.
The room erupted into gasps and whispers. Fullbody lay unconscious, his arms splayed awkwardly. His date sat frozen, her wide eyes locked on the fallen Marine.
"Did you see that?" "He barely moved—how did he do that?" "That chef just knocked out a Marine Lieutenant!"
Sanji casually exhaled a plume of smoke, brushing imaginary dust from his lapel. He turned to address the stunned crowd, his voice steady and firm. "This is a place where food is respected. If you can't do that, you don't belong here."
The room remained silent for a beat, the weight of his words sinking in. Slowly, the customers began to murmur among themselves.
"He's right. Disrespecting food like that… It's unacceptable." "That chef's no ordinary cook. He's got serious skills." "Fullbody had it coming."
"Pretty hypocritical of him, considering he just spilled some wine on Fullbody."
Near the back of the room, Zoro sat at a table with his arms crossed, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "It's always Number 4 that causes the most trouble," he remarked, his tone light.
Sanji's eyes flicked toward Zoro, his sharp gaze narrowing. "I heard that, moss-head," he shot back, his voice carrying a hint of irritation.
Zoro shrugged, unbothered by the retort.