One Piece pirates salty life

Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Sanji Appears



Paddy felt a little uneasy at first. But when he saw the money in Leo's hand, the tension immediately melted away.

The stiff smile on Paddy's face quickly softened into a genuine one. It was rare to see such generous and magnanimous guests these days.

"Hahaha! Please, come in, sir! I wasn't scared at all—I was just excited to see you!" Paddy exclaimed warmly.

After quickly scanning Leo and his group, Paddy confirmed the number of people and greeted them with extra enthusiasm.

"Dear guests, please follow me. Our sea-view restaurant will do its very best to serve you!"

The group of seven made their way to a large round table by the window, where the vast ocean shimmered in the sunlight. Paddy eagerly poured tea for each of them before stepping aside and pulling out the menu.

"Dear guests," Paddy began, his voice full of pride, "our signature dish is the exquisite half-head abalone from East Blue, caught near the Calm Belt. We only have seven left today, just enough for your party. Would you like to try it?"

He continued, flipping the menu swiftly to show the best selections: "We also offer special ingredients from the Kingdom of Goa, the South Blue saury that follows the ocean currents, and even the Grand Line's famed flamingo…"

Paddy was clearly proud as he described the rare, high-quality dishes available. Normally, such delicacies were reserved for wealthy customers, and the little pirates usually had no interest in this kind of cuisine.

Just as Paddy finished, a soft voice appeared by Nami's side.

"We also have desserts made from the rare rainbow fish paste recently purchased from Seven Waters City merchants. They're said to have excellent skincare properties!"

Paddy's mouth twitched involuntarily. He hadn't expected this person to show up.

"Oh, sea! Thank you for letting me meet her today! If I could be with her, I'd gladly become a pirate—or even a devil!"

Sanji stood there, wearing a black suit that perfectly complemented his golden hair. He opened his arms wide as if ready to embrace the whole world, his one visible eye gleaming with affection as it fixed on Nami.

"That's wonderful. You can leave here and become a pirate, Sanji," Zhepu said from the corner of the restaurant, arms crossed with a cold stare.

As soon as Zhepu finished speaking, Sanji's dreamy gaze snapped back to reality. He turned sharply to face Zhepu.

"I'm the sous chef here. What do you mean this restaurant doesn't need me anymore?" Sanji demanded.

"Tsk," Zhepu sneered, "you're always arguing with other customers, getting distracted by girls, and your cooking skills are mediocre at best. You're more of a liability than an asset to this place."

Zhepu's words were harsh and direct. "The other chefs have long disliked you. Whether you're a pirate or whatever else you claim to be, just get out of this restaurant!"

"What are you saying, old man? I've been quiet all this time, but you just keep talking nonsense, going way too far!" Sanji stormed over and grabbed Zhepu by the collar.

Before Sanji could say more, Zhepu yanked his arm and threw him to the floor with a heavy thud. The impact cracked a nearby table in half.

The sudden noise startled Leo, who was quietly sipping tea. He called out to Paddy with a raised eyebrow. "Is he the one in charge of cooking for us?"

Paddy nodded quickly. "Yes, sir. Don't be fooled by his wild attitude. He is the sous chef here, and his culinary skills are excellent."

Though Paddy didn't entirely approve of Sanji's behavior, he still defended the young chef's talent in front of the guests. It was his way of saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

Zoro, sitting beside Leo, frowned suspiciously. He had always found this blond fellow a little annoying and was doubtful of his cooking abilities.

"Is that so?" Zoro asked skeptically.

Sanji noticed Zoro's doubt and his voice hardened with a hint of challenge. "Sir, you shouldn't judge until you try my food. The greatest insult to a chef is to say their cooking isn't delicious…"

Sanji's tone was firm and defensive, and oddly enough, it fueled a kind of competitive hostility toward Zoro's green-haired, wild demeanor.

Leo watched the exchange with a smirk. He had seen Sanji and Zoro bicker before in his previous life. Their relationship was much like that of Buggy and Shanks on Roger's ship—rivalrous but not truly hostile. Neither wanted to admit defeat in front of the other.

"Alright, Zoro," Leo said, tilting his head thoughtfully. "Do you believe this guy?"

"My name's Sanji," the blond chef said with a gentlemanly smile, straightening up and giving a polite salute. "This sous chef Sanji promises you won't be disappointed with the food I prepare."

Paddy, standing nearby and ready to intervene if needed, paused when he saw that Leo wasn't bothered by Sanji's attitude. Deciding to stay silent, he let the moment pass.

"Guests, please…" Paddy started, but Leo interrupted him with a nod.

"Use all the ingredients you mentioned, Paddy. Feel free to add whatever else you think fits."

At these words, Luffy's eyes lit up like fireworks. He had been starving for hours and was more than ready to feast. Usopp and his younger brothers, Johnny and Joseph, shared his excitement. They had all heard tales about this sea restaurant's reputation and were eager to try the delicacies.

Only Nami's heart fluttered with unease. She glanced at the menu again, her eyes lingering on the prices. It was far beyond what she could afford right now.

Before Nami could voice her concern, Sanji vanished suddenly, reappearing beside her moments later with a delicate bowl in hand.

"I was rude earlier. Please allow me to apologize by presenting you this fruit cheese dessert. Please enjoy, Your Highness!" Sanji said softly, his tone respectful yet warm.

Nami's eyes sparkled as she looked at the bowl. She clasped her hands together and smiled. "Chef brother, you're so thoughtful! ❤"

Sanji's lips curled into a gentle smile. Lowering his voice, he replied, "It should be so! ❤"

"Your Highness, please wait here. I'll be right back with more," Sanji said, then with a sudden whoosh! he was gone like a whirlwind.

Before leaving, he snatched the menu from Paddy's hand, as if determined to take full control of the meal.

One by one, dishes more mouthwatering than the last appeared on the table—each crafted with exquisite care and skill, tempting even the most reserved among them.

"Alright, Your Highness. The dishes you requested have all arrived," Sanji announced as he returned. "And here's a special after-dinner drink I selected for you—Gan Manyi Liqueur. Please enjoy it slowly."

Earlier, Teddy, the usual server, had been tied up in the kitchen by Sanji himself. So this time, it was Sanji who stepped out to serve Leo and his companions personally.

"I'm starting!" Luffy shouted, unable to contain his hunger any longer. He grabbed a huge roasted leg from Johnny's plate and swallowed it in one gigantic bite.

The whole group watched in awe as Sanji's dishes were devoured enthusiastically. The rich aromas and exquisite flavors created a joyful atmosphere in the sea-view restaurant.

Sanji's passion for cooking and his obvious affection for Nami added a special charm to the meal, making the day unforgettable for everyone present.

pàtreøn (Gk31)


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