One Piece: My Crew Members Are Legendary 3D Heroines

Ethan Chen didn't say another word. He simply sat peeling peanuts in silence, giving Tifa the time she needed to process everything.

He had to admit, Tifa's features refined with a touch of Eastern elegance combined with the way her gaze dropped and her brows knit in quiet contemplation, evoked a sense of delicate sorrow that tugged at the heart.

Yet her figure was anything but delicate.

Unlike the modesty often associated with traditional beauties, Tifa's physique was distinctly Western full curves, slender arms, a generous bust, a narrow waist, and hips that flared with athletic strength. Not an ounce of her body went to waste; everything was exactly where it needed to be.

It was no wonder people online hailed her as the "Jerusalem of the 3D Realm." She really was that iconic.

No matter what, he had to get her on board the ship and into the culinary tournament. He had to win, secure the championship, and give her a reason to stay.

And it wasn't just about her beauty or that gentle yet resilient personality.

It was also about her strength.

Tifa was an exceptional martial artist. Her agility, fierce punches, and devastating kicks made her a force to be reckoned with a rare blend of strength and grace.

Sure, if you went by the original story, even at her peak she was barely able to hold her own against a 1st-class Shinra soldier. But gameplay told a different tale.

In battle, with her high damage, fast charge rate, and explosive burst power, Tifa could flatten even godlike enemies. As long as they had a health bar, even a world-ending boss could get combo-kicked into oblivion.

Even if the Tifa he summoned matched the original narrative, that was fine too. With her unshakable will and a solid foundation in Zangan-Ryu martial arts, he could always give her a Devil Fruit later. She'd become a formidable force in this world in no time.

Of course, it would be best if she turned out to be that in-game version the one who could punt Sephiroth like a soccer ball.

His eyes flicked to the pair of radiant gems embedded in her gloves.

Hopefully.

After about the time it would take to drink a cup of tea, Tifa finally sat up. Her voice was calm and steady.

"I get it now. No matter where you end up... life goes on, right?"

Truthfully, this wasn't even the worst thing she'd been through.

Back when she was fifteen, she woke from serious injuries to find her hometown destroyed, saddled with a mountain of debt, and stranded in a strange city without a single friend or relative to rely on.

Compared to that, this situation wasn't so bad.

At least now she had her health. No debts. Things could be worse.

"I'm glad you understand," Ethan said with quiet approval. Tifa's reputation as a waifu wasn't just because of her looks. Her character especially her refusal to give in during the lowest points of her life was a big part of it.

That spirit was something worth learning from.

"So, if you've got nowhere else to go, how about joining my crew as a cook?" Ethan seized the chance to make his pitch. "Fifty thousand Berries a month, room and board included. Plus bonuses. What do you think?"

"Don't rush to say no," he added, cutting off her instinctive protest. "Even if it doesn't work out, you can always leave later. At least it gives you a roof over your head for now."

"I'm not refusing," Tifa said hesitantly. "It's just... cooking isn't exactly my strong suit. I'm not sure I'd be any good on your crew."

"You're not good at cooking?" Ethan was surprised. "Didn't you say you're the owner and bartender of a bar?"

Tifa tucked her hair behind one ear, a little embarrassed.

"We do serve food, yeah, but it's mostly stews and simple dishes. I wouldn't call myself a real cook... I'm better at mixing drinks and martial arts."

"Mixing drinks?" 2B, who had been quiet until now, tilted her head. "Isn't alcohol something you just drink? Why does it need to be mixed?"

"Well," Tifa nodded, launching into a mini-lecture, "you can drink it straight, but when you mix different types of liquor and ingredients using certain techniques, it completely changes the taste."

2B imagined it for a moment, her curiosity piqued.

"I've never tried that."

"Want to?" Tifa smiled gently and tilted her head, her silken hair cascading over one shoulder. "This is a tavern, after all. They should have cocktail tools around. If I ask nicely, they might let me borrow them. As for ingredients..."

"I'll go with you," Ethan offered. "If we need to pay for anything, I've got it covered. And I'd love to see your bartending skills."

"Thanks."

Ethan and Tifa left the private room and headed toward the bar.

Behind the counter stood a middle-aged bartender with slicked-back hair and a pair of neat mustaches. He looked up as Ethan approached and knocked on the bar.

"Excuse me. My friend here would like to borrow some cocktail tools. Would that be alright?"

"Hmm?" The bartender frowned. "This is a bar. If you want a cocktail, order from the menu. We don't loan out our equipment."

"Wait, you mean your friend is this little lady?" a bulky blond man at the bar laughed derisively, glancing at Tifa. "A kid like her wants to mix drinks? Go home and ask your mama for milk!"

His words drew laughter from several nearby patrons. Even the bartender's lips twitched with disdain.

"So much trash coming out of that mouth," Ethan muttered as he scanned the man's oversized broadsword and the skull tattoo inked across his arm.

"A pirate, huh?"

"Sharp eye." The blond man smirked, flicking his golden hair. "I'm none other than Golden Mane, bounty five million Berries-"

Bang!

Before he could finish his sentence, Ethan grabbed him by the back of the head and slammed his face into the bar.

The heavy wooden counter cracked under the force. The man collapsed in a heap, bleeding and unconscious.

Silence fell like a hammer. The patrons and bartender who had been laughing moments ago were stunned into stillness.

Even Tifa looked shocked.

No one had expected Ethan to act so suddenly, or so decisively. And certainly no one expected him to knock out a five-million-Berry pirate with a single move.

"If you're that weak, maybe don't go running your mouth. No point bragging about a bounty if you can't even defend it."

Ethan fished a wallet off the pirate's unconscious body, checked the cash inside, then tossed it to the stunned bartender.

"That should cover the damage."

Just then, 2B and Mona arrived, drawn by the commotion. 2B immediately stepped in front of Ethan, ready to shield him from any escalation.

"What happened?" she asked.

"Caught a five-million-Berry pirate."

"I see." 2B nodded calmly. No further questions.

After all, they were bounty hunters. Letting money on legs walk past them would be bad business.

By now, 2B understood just how important Berries were in this world.

You needed them to eat. To buy supplies. To dock your ship. To pay your crew.

Without Berries, you were stuck.

Five million wasn't a lot. After taxes, there wouldn't be much left. But it was enough to get them through for a while.

With that in mind, 2B began scanning the tavern's patrons, her eyes sharp.

She was already regretting not bringing her support drone along. Lately, the little guy had been recording wanted posters straight from the local newspapers.

With it here, she wouldn't have let a single bounty slip through her fingers.

NEXT CHAPTER : A Tournament Worth Winning

(Ethan turns in a pirate for 2 million Berries and gives Tifa a salary advance, officially inviting her to join the crew as their cook. Though hesitant, she agrees, eager to prove herself—especially with 2B already eyeing her cocktail skills.

As they prepare to register for the Grand Culinary Tournament, Ethan knows one thing for sure:They must win—not just for the prize, but to complete the chef recruitment mission.

Next: Can Tifa rise to the challenge and cook her way into the crew for good?)

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