The Queen's Grace drifted calmly across the waters of East Blue.
With each passing day, the crew moved more fluidly aboard the ship. The once chaotic voyages were now filled with the rhythm of routine: sailing drills at sunrise, sword training after breakfast, navigation practice at midday, and quiet conversations under the stars.
Kaito could feel it in his bones.
They weren't just travelers anymore.
They were slowly becoming a real crew.
But one role remained empty—a chef.
Though Kuina's roasted fish was edible and Nojiko could boil water, the meals they scraped together were far from satisfying.
Even Kaya, now officially their ship's doctor, had winced at Kuina's last attempt to cook sea king meat.
"We need a real chef," Kaya said firmly one evening, pushing away her half-burnt meal.
Kaito chuckled. "I know where we can find one."
His memory, combined with the system's guidance, pointed him toward Loguetown—not just a pirate's checkpoint, but a place where wandering chefs gathered.
Among them was someone who caught his attention: Carmen.
[System Notification: Sub-Mission – Recruit Carmen, the Chef.]
[Hint: Carmen currently seeking a cooking challenge in Loguetown.]
Carmen was once a minor character who briefly challenged Sanji in the canon story. But here, Kaito would offer her a different path.
A path to the sea.
And perhaps… a chance to surpass even the legendary Baratie chefs.
Kaito looked to his crew. "Next stop, Loguetown."
Kuina's eyes lit up. "Finally. I've wanted to see the execution platform."
Nojiko folded the map carefully. "It's a large town. We'll need to avoid unwanted attention."
Kaya smiled, resting her chin on her hand. "And maybe we'll find good food."
Kaito grinned. "That's the plan."
They approached Loguetown under the cover of morning mist.
The port was busy, bustling with merchant ships, pirate vessels, and marine patrols weaving through the crowded docks.
The Queen's Grace anchored quietly in a smaller berth, drawing little attention.
Kaito wanted it that way.
He knew that the Straw Hats would eventually arrive here. They were somewhere out there, still gathering their own crew.
Their journeys were beginning in parallel.
But Kaito wasn't here to interfere.
Not yet.
The crew disembarked, blending in with the crowd as they wandered through the market streets.
The scent of grilled seafood, fresh bread, and exotic spices filled the air. Stalls overflowed with goods from every corner of the East Blue.
"Let's split up," Kaito suggested. "We'll cover more ground."
Kuina wandered toward a weapons shop.
Nojiko explored the harborside to observe ship maintenance techniques.
Kaya headed to the herbal stalls to gather medical supplies.
Kaito, guided by the system, sought out the food competitions.
[Hint: Carmen participates in daily cooking battles near Loguetown's central plaza.]
Kaito followed the trail of savory aromas until he reached an open square where a crowd had gathered.
In the center, a makeshift kitchen was set up, pots clanging and knives flashing.
At the heart of it all stood Carmen.
Her fiery red hair was tied back tightly, her eyes sharp with determination as she challenged local chefs one after another.
Her movements were precise. Her seasoning was flawless. Her confidence radiated as she slammed a perfectly seared fish onto a plate.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
"Who's next?" Carmen called out, fire in her voice.
But no one stepped forward.
Kaito approached, intrigued.
"Your food smells incredible," he said.
Carmen's eyes flicked to him, sizing him up. "You here to challenge me?"
"I'm here to offer you something better."
Carmen crossed her arms. "Talk."
"I'm building a crew. We sail where we want. We chase good fights, good friends, and better food. What I need is a chef who can handle the sea."
Carmen raised an eyebrow. "Why would I leave all this to join a crew I don't know?"
Kaito grinned. "Because you're not satisfied here. You've already beaten everyone in this plaza. The sea has challenges you've never tasted."
She narrowed her eyes. "I'll think about it. But first—you beat me in a cooking duel. Prove to me you care about the art, not just the convenience."
Kaito blinked. "I'm not a chef."
"Doesn't matter. I'll judge your heart through your dish."
The crowd murmured, excited to see an outsider take on Carmen.
Kuina, Nojiko, and Kaya rejoined just as the competition began.
"You're actually doing this?" Kuina asked, amused.
"I guess I am," Kaito sighed.
He was handed basic ingredients: a fresh fish, local vegetables, simple seasonings.
The competition began.
Carmen moved like a storm—knives flashing, pans sizzling, aromas rising in waves.
Kaito… did his best not to burn everything.
His hands trembled as he tried to remember basic knife skills taught by the system's cooking mentor. He kept his movements steady, his breathing even.
It wasn't about out-cooking Carmen.
It was about showing his sincerity.
He seasoned the fish simply, pan-searing it with a light citrus glaze, pairing it with tender greens and a warm broth. Nothing extravagant.
When time was called, Carmen tasted both dishes.
Her own was perfection—crispy skin, moist flesh, layered flavors.
Kaito's was… honest.
It wasn't masterful, but the fish was cooked just right. The seasoning balanced. It was, despite his inexperience, good.
Carmen set her chopsticks down.
"Your technique is bad. Your presentation is worse."
Kaito waited, silent.
"But," she continued, "you didn't try to show off. You cooked with heart. And sometimes, that's the most important seasoning."
The crowd waited for her verdict.
Carmen smirked. "You pass."
The crowd cheered, some in disbelief, others simply enjoying the show.
Carmen untied her apron, slung it over her shoulder, and stepped forward.
"When do we sail?"
Kaito extended his hand. "Today."
She shook it firmly.
[System Notification: Carmen Recruited – Chef Position Filled.]
[Cooking Mentor Spirit Unlocked: Advanced Sea Survival Cooking Unlocked.]
As they walked back toward the docks, Carmen glanced at the three other girls.
"Guess I'm the newest member?"
"Welcome aboard," Nojiko said warmly.
Kuina grinned. "Finally, someone who can save us from burnt fish."
Kaya beamed. "I'm looking forward to your cooking."
Carmen smirked, fire still in her eyes. "You better have an appetite. I plan to be the best chef on the sea."
Kaito felt a quiet satisfaction as the crew boarded the Queen's Grace.
Their home was starting to feel complete.
But the sea was not a peaceful place.
That evening, the system issued a new warning.
[Upcoming Event: Marine Patrol Interception – Risk Level: Moderate.]
[Estimated Encounter: 2 Days.]
Kaito gathered his crew on deck.
"Trouble's coming," he said. "Marines. Probably a patrol group."
Kuina tightened her sword grip. "Do we run?"
"No," Kaito said. "We face them. This is part of sailing free."
Nojiko smiled faintly. "You really like to push us, huh?"
Kaya stepped forward, her resolve firm. "We'll protect each other."
Carmen cracked her knuckles. "And I'll cook a victory feast after."
Kaito looked at them—his swordswoman, his navigator, his doctor, his chef.
A crew.
His crew.
They weren't chasing the title of Pirate King.
They weren't hunting for the One Piece.
They weren't trying to outshine Luffy.
They were simply living their own story.
And that was enough.
The Queen's Grace sailed east, cutting through the waves as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Ahead, the sea waited.
So did the Marines.
So did the next challenge.
And Kaito would face it all—together with his crew.