One Piece pirates salty life

"Try it!"

Sanji's voice carried a confident tone as he stepped forward without waiting for any invitation. "I've put all my strength into this dish this time, and I promise you won't be disappointed."

Leo didn't say a word. Instead, he smiled quietly and picked up the cutlery beside him, ready to taste the food Sanji had prepared. The smug look on Sanji's face challenged him, silently daring him to find a flaw.

The shellfish on the plate was unlike any Leo had ever tasted before. Infused with magical elements, the flavors were astonishing—rich yet delicate, fresh but with a lingering sweetness that seemed to awaken every taste bud. The meat was tender, juicy, and not at all dry, with a depth of flavor that told of extraordinary care and skill.

Leo savored the first bite carefully. He almost didn't want to swallow, wanting to hold on to the moment a little longer. But the subtle sweetness and natural fragrance quickly urged him to swallow, filling him with warmth and satisfaction. He looked at Sanji with a newfound respect. Though he had wanted to find fault in the young chef's work, it was impossible—Sanji's culinary skills were indeed impeccable.

"Not bad at all," Leo said, nodding slowly. "I don't know where you got these shellfish from, but your cooking not only preserves their freshness and aroma perfectly, it also seems to enhance their special qualities—those that can slowly improve the body's fitness over time."

Sanji's chest puffed out with pride at the compliment. "That's right! I put everything I have into this dish. I wanted to make something that not only tastes incredible but can also benefit those who eat it."

Leo let out a deep sigh, impressed. The lingering taste wasn't just about the ingredients—it reflected the chef's passion, experience, and mastery.

"It's really good," Leo said sincerely, putting down his cutlery.

Seeing Leo's approval, the rest of the crew—Luffy, Nami, and the others—quickly grabbed their own utensils. None of them had ever heard of or tasted food that seemed to glow with magical energy like this. The chance to try it was rare and precious. The moment they started eating, it became clear how much they enjoyed it. Luffy in particular seemed ready to devour everything on the table in one go.

After the meal, Luffy leaned back, rubbing his stomach contentedly. He turned to Sanji with a grin full of admiration and hope. "You have to come with us, Sanji! I can't imagine going on adventures without food this good."

Sanji's face twitched slightly at Luffy's enthusiasm, but before he could reply, Leo stood up and motioned for Sanji to follow him outside the restaurant.

"Want to know where these shellfish came from?" Leo asked quietly as they stepped out onto the deck of the ship.

Sanji hesitated but curiosity got the better of him. He nodded and followed.

"Tell me, Sanji," Leo began, stopping at the railing overlooking the sea, "what is your purpose? What drives you?"

Sanji's brows furrowed, his gaze sharp. "My purpose? What do you mean?"

Leo smiled gently but seriously. "Of course, what we really want is for you to join us. We need a skilled chef on our ship. Someone like you."

Sanji's expression hardened immediately. "Impossible. I've already told you, I have my reasons for staying here. I can't just leave."

Leo wasn't surprised by Sanji's refusal. He remained calm. "If you have no other matters to attend to, then I'll head back to the kitchen. It's dinner time soon, and things will get busy."

Sanji turned to go, but Leo stopped him with a calm but firm voice. "But don't you have a reason to leave this place?"

Sanji paused, startled by Leo's question. "What do you mean?"

"The legendary All Blue," Leo said, his voice soft but filled with conviction.

Sanji's eyes widened in shock. "How do you know about that?!"

Leo only smiled and nodded. "I know more than you think."

Sanji's heart raced. Could the shellfish he just tasted really be connected to All Blue?

"I'm afraid not," Leo admitted after a pause. "Those shellfish are actually from Sky Island. I feed them special water from there to make them taste exceptional."

Sanji blinked. Sky Island was just a legend to him. Something from old stories told by sailors.

"Yes, Sky Island," Leo confirmed. "Not only are the shellfish there edible, but they have many unique properties and uses."

Sanji looked thoughtful, but then remembered the question that had been gnawing at him. "But how did you know I'm searching for All Blue?"

Leo's eyes grew serious. "I haven't seen it with my own eyes, but I'm certain it exists. Red-footed Zhepu—the only person to serve as a captain and start a pirate crew as a chef—he lost his right leg in a shipwreck. But after that, he had a child who shared his dream."

Leo looked Sanji directly in the eye. "That child must be you, Sous Chef Sanji."

Sanji instinctively took a step back. The feeling of being understood so deeply was unsettling. He tensed as if ready to defend himself. But the calm confidence Leo radiated made him slowly relax.

"I know you're strong, but don't think I'm here to force you to join us," Leo said quietly. "That's impossible."

Sanji's voice was firm, but hoarse with emotion. "Even so, I can't just leave here."

Leo nodded knowingly. "Zhepu's dream was to find All Blue. And you're not just carrying your own dream—you're carrying his hopes too."

"Do you really want to give up what you've been holding on to for so long? To stay here, in this small corner of East Blue, forever?"

Leo's expression was grave. "Join us. The world is bigger than you think, Sanji. Only with us can your dream—your impossible dream—come true."

Just then, Luffy, who had been hiding nearby, jumped out enthusiastically. "Yeah, Sanji! Come with us! Be part of the crew!"

Leo stepped forward and placed a hand gently on Sanji's shoulder. "I won't force you. You don't have to decide right now. Think it over carefully before we leave. This is not a decision to be taken lightly."

"But know this—if you let this chance slip by, you may never see All Blue in your lifetime."

Sanji lowered his head, silence washing over him. He thought about everything Leo and Luffy had said. He didn't dislike anyone in this pirate crew. If he were to go to sea, they would probably be the best companions.

But then his thoughts drifted back to Zhepu—the sacrifices and dreams tied to him—and he felt torn.

"Let's go, Luffy," Leo finally said, seeing Sanji lost in thought. "He needs time to think."

Luffy glanced back at Sanji one last time with a hopeful smile, then followed Leo away from the deck.

In the days that followed, the Straw Hat crew took a well-deserved break. They planned to rest at Baratie, the famous floating restaurant, to taste the many delicacies of East Blue.

Though Leo had never treated Sanji unkindly, it was clear their skills were not yet on the same level as professional chefs like Sanji. Still, the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.

During this period, all except Zoro—who had a strange fondness for green seaweed—developed a strange but genuine friendship with Sanji.

Especially Leo. After their heartfelt conversation, he returned to his usual self, but with a new respect for Sanji's talents.

Almost every day, Leo brought special ingredients from around the world to Sanji, encouraging him to cook new dishes. Sanji accepted these gifts like a breadwinner, showing his appreciation by cooking up delicious meals for the entire crew.

Though Sanji still paid attention to Nami, he was clearly less obsessed than when they first met. This shift did not sit well with Nami, who was unhappy because it meant fewer free meals for her.

What was even worse—Leo charged Sanji for the ingredients he brought! A thief and a robber in Sanji's eyes!

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