The Going Merry glided across the calm blue waters, the salty breeze carrying the scent of the open sea. It had been a few days since their battle with the Marines, and while the tension had eased, Luffy was still deep in thought about his Shadow System. He hadn't pushed himself too hard since then, but he knew he needed to understand his limits before the next big fight. The last battle had shown him that his power had a threshold, and he had barely scratched the surface of what it could do.
"Land ahead!" Usopp called from the crow's nest, pointing toward the horizon. His voice carried excitement, but also relief—they had been at sea for a while, and any stop meant fresh supplies and maybe even some peace.
The crew gathered at the bow as a magnificent structure came into view—Baratie, the floating restaurant. It stood proudly on the waves, shaped like an enormous fish with elegant curves, a grand mast, and windows that glowed warmly under the sunlight. Its large, fish-shaped exterior bobbed on the waves, an odd yet impressive sight. The structure looked more like a fortress of cuisine than just a simple eatery.
"A restaurant?" Usopp asked, tilting his head. "We came all this way for food?"
"We need supplies," Nami reminded him, crossing her arms. "And besides, this place is famous. It's run by some of the best cooks in the world."
Luffy's eyes sparkled the moment he heard that. "Best food in the world? Let's go!"
As the Going Merry approached, a small dock was visible where customers were arriving and leaving on smaller boats. A few shipwrights and cooks moved about, taking orders and guiding guests inside. The restaurant seemed lively, a hub where people from all walks of life—pirates, merchants, and even noble travelers—could enjoy a high-class meal on the sea.
Zoro leaned against the railing, arms crossed. "We should be careful. This place might attract trouble."
Nami sighed, rolling her eyes. "Everywhere we go attracts trouble."
The ship docked, and Luffy was the first to jump off, already imagining the feast ahead. "Meat! Seafood! Something huge!" he chanted, his excitement uncontrollable.
"Oi, slow down!" Nami called after him, but it was useless—Luffy was already sprinting toward the entrance, his nose leading the way.
The others followed, taking in the lively atmosphere—merchants, nobles, and pirates alike dined together under the careful watch of the restaurant's staff, who seemed more than capable of handling trouble should it arise. The scent of fresh seafood and sizzling meats filled the air, making even Zoro, who wasn't particularly food-obsessed, feel hungry.
Inside, the restaurant was elegant. The walls were lined with intricate carvings of sea creatures, and the polished wooden floors gleamed under the warm light of hanging lanterns. Large windows overlooked the endless ocean, giving diners a view unlike any other.
They found an empty table near the window, and just as they sat down, a waiter approached, dressed in a crisp uniform. "Welcome to Baratie! Can I take your order?"
Luffy grinned widely. "One of everything!"
Nami, who had been reaching for the menu, nearly fell out of her seat. "We're not made of money!" she snapped, smacking him over the head.
"Ow! But I'm hungry!"
"Then order like a normal person!"
Before they could settle down, a commotion erupted near the entrance. A group of rough-looking men had barged in, their boots clanking loudly against the floor. They carried themselves like they owned the place, their expressions full of arrogance and entitlement. The leader, a tall, scarred man with a hooked nose, scanned the room with a predatory gaze, clearly looking for someone—or trouble.
The entire restaurant went quiet, the waiters pausing mid-step, and some of the diners pulling their plates closer. It was clear these men weren't here for a peaceful meal.
"Pirates," Zoro muttered, his hand instinctively brushing against the hilt of his sword. His instincts told him these men were nothing compared to what they had faced before, but trouble was still trouble.
Usopp gulped, his hands tightening around the edge of the table. "Great. Just what we needed—lunchtime entertainment."
Luffy, however, just kept grinning, stuffing a piece of bread into his mouth without a care in the world. Trouble had found them again—but that was nothing new. And if this place was anything like he expected, things were about to get very interesting.
_________________________________________________________________________
🔥 Hey legends! Quick updates! 🔥
💥 Can't wait for the next chapter? Good news—ALL advance chapters are available on Patreon for just $5! No more waiting, just pure binge-reading goodness! 🚀
👉 patreon.com/cyci07
✨ Power Stone Challenge! ✨
If we hit 100 power stones, I'll drop 2 bonus chapters! Let's see if you guys can make me suffer! 😂
💬 Enjoying the story? Leave a review and let me know your favorite moment so far! It helps the novel grow and reach more readers!
Thanks for all your support—you guys are awesome! ❤️