Chapter 21
"Broaden your horizons and skills—all the ingredients in the world!"
Arlong's tempting words echoed in Carmen's mind.
"Uh… uh!!!"
She couldn't resist the allure. Carmen bowed to Arlong. "Captain Arlong, please take me aboard."
"Big Sis Carmen, we're going too?"
The chubby Jose and skinny Leo looked at her nervously.
"You two stay and look after the restaurant."
"If I come back and it's closed, you're dead!"
Carmen threatened fiercely.
With everything settled, Arlong slung an arm around Carmen's shoulders.
"Come on, I'll introduce you to the crew."
Carmen stiffened, then leaned into him.
Arlong was ugly, but his masculine aura was intoxicating.
Feeling the softness against his side, Arlong's lips curved upward. He led Carmen toward the docks.
Jose: "Take care, Big Sis Carmen."
Leo: "Lord Arlong, please look after Big Sis Carmen."
The two bowed deeply.
Watching Arlong walk past with his arm around Carmen, Sanji's eyes blazed.
He nearly bit his cigarette in half.
In the end, Sanji held back.
The trauma of their last total defeat was too fresh—and he was still injured. He couldn't beat Arlong.
But he threw out a challenge. "I'll find All Blue before you ever do."
On the way, Arlong asked casually,
"Carmen, ever been married?"
She looked well-maintained but was at least twenty-seven or twenty-eight.
"I was. My husband disappeared years ago—probably Sea King food."
Her tone dripped with disdain for the man.
Clearly someone with a story.
Arlong didn't pry. He just burst into laughter.
"Skwahahaha~"
Married? Why did that excite him a little?
Soon they reached the docks.
"Hold tight."
Without warning, Arlong leaped toward the Shark Sparb.
The sudden drop made Carmen cling to him—two soft mounds pressed firmly against his body.
"36E."
Arlong accurately assessed. Impressive for a human, but just a handful for him.
"Big Bro Arlong, you're back!"
Hatchan, fishing nearby, hurried over.
Seeing Carmen, he asked, "Big Bro Arlong, new crew member?"
"Yeah."
Arlong nodded. "This is Carmen—our official chef from now on."
"Carmen-san, I'm Hatchan."
Hatchan extended all six arms enthusiastically.
"If you need anything, just say the word."
"Thank you."
Carmen shook each hand.
"I need to talk with Carmen. Keep fishing!"
Arlong led her to his room, took out the Devil Fruit, and handed it over.
"Fair warning—it tastes awful. Don't spit it out."
"Blegh…"
Even prepared, Carmen nearly vomited.
The worst thing she had ever tasted—by far.
Moments later, changes surged through her body. With a thought,
Her right hand twisted into a ladle.
"Ah!"
Carmen cried out excitedly.
"I can feel the ladle's temperature perfectly! From now on I'll control heat with precision."
Her hand shifted rapidly—knife, frying pan…
"I need to experiment!"
Carmen asked eagerly, "Big Bro Arlong, where's the kitchen? What do you want to eat? I'll make it!"
"Compared to food, I'm more interested in eating you right now."
Arlong eyed her openly.
Her tight red dress hugged every curve perfectly.
Generous bust, tiny waist—he could wrap one hand around it.
Carmen froze, then fidgeted. "Big Bro Arlong… isn't this a bit rushed?"
She said it was rushed, but she was quicker—already undoing her belt.
"The dress isn't in the way." Arlong stopped her.
As an experienced woman, Carmen instantly understood.
Carmen Affection +5…
＿|＼○＿
Arlong smiled.
That was the beauty of a mature woman—one look and she knew.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host. Successful bonding with Carmen. Reward: 1 Bronze Treasure Chest.]
Arlong was busy—no time to open it yet.
Carmen was passionate as fire.
Perhaps pent-up emotions, or revenge against her missing husband.
Either way, Arlong finally understood why she was called "Flame" Carmen!
When he finally had a moment, he had the system open the chest.
[Ding! Congratulations! Obtained 100 million berries.] [Ding! Congratulations! Obtained the Clima-Tact.]
"That's it? Damn system, did you skim my rewards?"
Arlong grumbled mentally.
[Ding! Rewards are programmed. The system cannot alter them. Also, please refrain from profanity toward the system.]
"Damn system, are you using Tencent's reward generator… hiss~"
Carmen really knew what she was doing!
Arlong screamed internally: Emperor Wu of Wei may be dead, but his spirit lives on!
System: (?｀ω′?)
[Ding! Host, please do not address the system during activities.]
"Got it, damn system. Open Carmen's panel."
System: [○?｀Д′? ○]
Beauty: Carmen (Kitchen-Utensil Fruit User) Skills: Cooking (Advanced), Can transform into any kitchen tool Weapon: Frying Pan Affection: 85
…
The Shark Sparb began rocking.
Hatchan looked around, scratching his head in confusion. "No wind… why is the ship shaking again?"
…
As sunset clouds painted the docks red, reflecting off the sea in a fiery spectacle,
Nami and Nojiko returned laden with bags, still reluctant to end their shopping.
Kuroobi and the others in charge of supplies also came back with large loads of provisions.
Arlong and Carmen were on deck, enjoying the sea breeze.
Introductions were made.
Carmen was naturally outgoing and warm—she already knew the two young beauties were Arlong's women.
She wasn't upset. A widow had no illusions of exclusivity.
"Carmen-san, you're so beautiful!"
Nojiko complimented sincerely.
Her looks rivaled Carmen's, but she lacked that mature allure.
"Thank you. You're far prettier than me."
Carmen smiled. Compliments all around.
Nami, however, remained cool toward the newcomer.
A quick greeting, then she carried her things to the cabin.
Nojiko gave Carmen an apologetic look and hurried after her.
Carmen watched Nami's retreating back thoughtfully.
Arlong paid no mind to the details. He gave Carmen's rear a light smack.
"Go prepare a feast. Make it lavish."
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