"Look! It really is a steel ship—and it's shining in the sun!"
"Yeah, and see? It doesn't even need sails to move. No wonder they call it the 'Miracle Ship.'"
"Wait, so… does that mean the ship really can fly?!"
"Of course it can! Didn't you see the photos in the newspaper? No doubt about it. Hard to imagine how this ship was even built…" A few diners rushed outside with the cooks, chattering in amazement.
After all, this was a ship built in their East Blue—there was pride mixed with their excitement.
"What are you all doing outside? Get back to work!" Zeff appeared, shooing the curious staff back in. His gaze, however, stayed grave as he looked toward the approaching ship.
"Listen up. The one on that ship is no ordinary man. Do your jobs well, and don't you dare provoke him!" In the galley, Zeff sternly warned all the staff.
After docking, Leno led the three girls into the restaurant.
"Welcome, honored guests! Please, this way!" Patty bowed deeply, his face beaming as he ushered them inside.
"Bring out every signature dish you've got—one of each!" Leno said boldly.
"Sir, here's the thing. We have a rule here that we don't allow wasting food. Can you really finish this much food?" Patty explained to Leno.
"Don't worry, bring it all!" Nami finally let loose the aura of a "wealthy lady."
Several customers nearby looked curiously toward the table of one man and three women—so these young people were the masters of the famed "Miracle Ship"?
"Oh right—use this salt for the cooking. The flavor might be even better." Leno tossed a bag of salt across. He'd bought it ages ago in Water 7, and never finished using it.
The bearded Carne quickly grabbed it and brought it into the kitchen.
"This is…!" Feeling the heavy essence of the deep sea from it, Zeff's pupils contracted sharply. Little Sanji, watching curiously, tasted some as well. His body shuddered violently—it was a sensation he had never known.
"Honored sir, may I ask where this salt came from?" Sanji followed Zeff back out to Leno's table.
"Oh, that's sea salt from beyond the Grand Line, from Water 7. One of a kind," Leno replied with a smile—then his face darkened. As expected, Sanji was a lecher even as a kid. In moments, he was already fawning around Nami and the others, preparing them tea before the meal.
"Thank you for telling us—!"
Wham!
"Ow!" Zeff's boot struck Sanji square on the head. He dragged him back into the kitchen.
"Hahaha, that curly-browed guy is so funny!" Nami burst out laughing.
Once the dishes were served, the group began to eat.
"Wow, this tastes amazing! Guess my cooking still has a ways to go," Nojiko said excitedly.
"So good… I've never eaten anything this delicious!" Nami clasped her face in bliss.
Kuina, for her part, stayed silent. But her glowing eyes and quickened eating speed were proof enough that she was thoroughly satisfied.
"Hey, Leno, let's recruit a chef, okay? Leaving all the cooking to Nojiko is too much work for her," Nami suggested.
"What, are you saying my cooking is bad?" Nojiko narrowed her eyes at her.
Nami froze, then gave a sheepish laugh. "No, no—I just think you work too hard. I want someone to help you, that's all."
"I've been thinking the same. Nojiko trains and then still cooks for us—it's tough. I already have someone in mind. Once we reach Loguetown, we'll invite her to be our chef."
Nobody objected.
Bang! The doors slammed open as a boot kicked them wide. A group of rough-looking pirates stormed in.
"Hey! Who owns that steel ship outside? Our captain's taken a liking to it. Hand it over—and hand over all your money while you're at it!" one pirate barked, waving a blade.
Another pirate looked around the room and added: "That's right—we're the Battle Axe Pirates. Our captain, the great pirate Billy the 'Blood Axe,' carries a bounty of five million Berries! Don't stick your noses in, or you'll die!"
Carne and Patty clenched their fists, ready to teach the fools a lesson—but Zeff blocked them, shaking his head.
"Sugee~! Five million Berries! Hey, boss, will that cover our bill?" Nami asked gleefully.
The diners around them stared. Pirates had everyone trembling—yet this girl was… excited?
"My guests, five million Berries is far more than enough for your meal," Zeff replied.
At that, Nami's eyes lit up. She stared at Leno as if to say: 'Look, someone's showing up to pay for our meal! What are you waiting for? Go get them!'
Without even lifting his head, Leno muttered, "Leave it to Kuina. It's good exercise after eating."
"Tch. You're just lazy," Nami muttered, dissatisfied.
Kuina calmly wiped her mouth with a napkin, stood up, and drew her sword. "Let's go. I still have dessert to eat later. Don't waste my time." she told the pirates, walking outside.
Seeing a lone girl confront a gang of pirates, some concerned patrons and even cooks moved to follow.
"What, he's letting a girl go fight them alone?" Sanji sneered softly at Leno.
Wham! "Shut it! What do you know? Those lackey pirates aren't worth that man's effort. Open your eyes and watch carefully," Zeff scolded, his boot catching Sanji again. He dared not risk offending Leno.
Sanji wanted to protest—but then came the sudden screams outside. Within minutes, Kuina walked calmly back in, her face utterly serene, and sat down again.
Nami glanced around. "Kuina, you didn't search their ship?"
Kuina froze with her teacup halfway up. "…Forgot."
Nami slapped her forehead. "None of you understand the value of money! Even a single Berry is still money!" She huffed and went out herself.
Nojiko only sighed and shook her head. She turned toward the kitchen. "Those pirates outside—take them to the nearest Marine branch and cash in the bounty. That'll cover our meal."
"This…" The patrons were stunned.
"Wait—that fast? The whole pirate crew was wiped out?"
"Go. Take them to the Marines for bounty collection," Zeff ordered. He ignored their shock, though inside he was rattled. That girl had massacred an entire pirate crew in moments. Just how powerful was she?
His gaze turned again toward Leno, still calmly eating. Just how terrifying was this man? (T/N: Just read the news dear sir!!)
Patty and the other cooks stared at Kuina in awe and dread. Such a pretty, delicate girl—yet she could butcher pirates and then sit back down to sip tea without a flicker of change. What kind of monster was she?