Chapter 54: Clash of ConvictionsHearing Don Krieg's words, everyone finally understood what that M.H.5 really was.Sanji was shocked that his opponent would actually use a poison gas bomb, especially with his own subordinates on this side.Gin was also shouting from the side, telling his leader to stop.Alex also glared at the opponent gloomily; after all, he detested things like poison gas, bacteria, and human experimentation the most.Don Krieg looked at the people in front of him with a dark face, as if they were a flock of lambs waiting to be slaughtered."I forgot to mention, this is a deadly poison that will stiffen your whole body if you inhale just one breath. And this is the strongest one!"After saying this, Don Krieg pulled the trigger, and a black cannonball was fired.Watching the cannonball fly over, someone, not knowing who, said, "It's coming."The pirates in the water prison took out gas masks and put them on, while the chefs dived into the water to avoid the poison gas.Luffy watched the incoming cannonball and immediately ran forward."I'll kick this piece of junk to the bottom of the sea!"Sanji watched Luffy run over and shouted, "Idiot, come back!"But Luffy ignored him and faced the incoming bomb, preparing to bounce it back."It's just a poison gas bomb..."Before Luffy could finish speaking, the bomb exploded, and a large number of shuriken scattered everywhere.A few even flew toward Alex's side. Looking at the shuriken in front of him, Alex couldn't help but sigh."Even I, a real Ninja, don't use this kind of thing in battle, yet you, who claim to be a hegemon, use such despicable means."Hearing Alex's words, Don Krieg didn't care.However, Luffy was scratched by these shuriken, though it didn't look serious.Gin swung his tonfa to block the incoming hidden weapons, while Sanji dodged left and right to avoid them.Seeing that it wasn't poison gas, the chefs poked their heads out of the seawater. "What is that?" "It's a hidden weapon!"Although Luffy wasn't seriously hurt, it was still very painful after being scratched.The pirates on this side marveled that he was indeed their Captain, to be able to use such methods.Luffy looked at what had flown out and, not seeing any poison gas, couldn't help but feel puzzled. Later, he realized this really wasn't a poison gas bomb."Huh? It's not a poison gas bomb!""You're too slow!"Seeing that Luffy only realized what had attacked him after being hit, Sanji couldn't help but complain that he was too slow.Even Don Krieg laughed out loud on the side."Poison gas bombs are very expensive. If I were to use them, it would be in a town. To deal with three brats, I don't need poison gas bombs."Hearing Don Krieg's words, Luffy showed an expression of realization."It seems I've lost a move."Seeing Luffy like this, Zeff on the side sighed, wondering why he admitted defeat so quickly.Even Alex expressed that it was hopeless; such a foolish Captain was beyond saving.Seeing that his opponent had admitted defeat, Don Krieg asked Luffy again."This is battle. There are countless ways to kill you! I'll say it again: between you and me, who has the spirit to be the Pirate King!""Me! You can't!" It was the same answer, but Alexfelt there was more or less an implication of "why is the person opposite me so stupid" in those words.Hearing Luffy's words, Don Krieg lost his composure again. He really couldn't understand why this brat's mouth was so stubborn!However, no matter how stubborn the mouth is, once the person dies, whatever they said will dissipate.Having figured this out, Don Krieg shouted at Gin."Gin! You are responsible for taking out that idiot chef and the pretty boy! This brat who doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth... I will handle him myself!"The pirates trapped in the water prison knew from Don Krieg's expression at this moment that their leader was truly enraged.After hearing this, Gin looked at Alex standing to the side, then looked at Sanji standing in front of him, and had no choice but to brace himself."Understood, Captain Don Krieg."Sanji also looked at Alex. In fact, both Sanji and Gin knew that this person named Alex was far stronger than the two of them."Alex, this battle is mine. Don't interfere."Sanji looked at Gin coldly, then said to Alex. After all, he wanted to personally deal with the enemy in front of him."Fine!" He didn't mind, because he believed that Sanji would definitely be able to beat Gin.Hearing that Alex would not interfere, Gin subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief."If he doesn't make a move, you alone won't be able to beat me, Sanji.""Hehe... well said. You're quite strong, you bastard."On Don Krieg's side, after confirming that no one would interfere in his battle, he could rest assured to teach the guy in front of him a lesson."Brat... let me show you the true military power with which I dominate the East Blue. Let you know how small and helpless your abilities are!"Luffy adjusted his hat. "Alex, you don't need to help me either! I'm going to beat this guy to a pulp myself! I'm coming over right now, so wash your neck and wait for me!"Hearing Luffy's words, Don Krieg laughed out loud. "Hahaha... why aren't you flying over foolishly this time?"On this side, Gin swung his tonfa, first accelerating the iron ball, and then smashed toward Sanji with the tonfa in his right hand.Seeing Gin make a move, the pirates in the water prison cheered.Seeing the enemy coming, Sanji dodged nimbly, seized the opportunity, and kicked toward Gin.Gin first dodged Sanji's attack in a strange posture, then swung the iron ball in his left hand, attacking Sanji's waist fiercely.Sanji jumped into the air, but what came toward him was another attack from Gin.It turned out that Gin twisted his body, relying on this momentum to drive the tonfa in his right hand. This move hit Sanji square in the face.Sanji was high in the air and couldn't dodge, so he could only take it head-on with his foot. When his foot collided with the iron ball, Sanji felt a piercing pain.Gin's right-hand tonfa also flew backward, thereby leaving Gin's center wide open.Enduring the pain, Sanji kicked Gin in the chest with two consecutive kicks, breaking several of his ribs.Gin also took advantage of the momentum of being kicked back, bent his left hand, and used the tonfa in his left hand to attack Sanji's spine.Sanji couldn't block it and was hit in the spine by his opponent. However, because Gin was attacking in a hurry, the power was inevitably insufficient, only causing damage without breaking the spine.Subsequently, both of them lay on the ground, gasping for breath and recovering.Just like that, the two of them ended up with one having broken ribs, and the other having a slightly bent spine and cracked foot bones.Seeing the scene of mutual injury, the chefs were all begging Alex to make a move, while the pirates on this side marveled at Sanji's prowess, being able to fight to a draw with Gin.Seeing that Sanji was actually able to beat Gin like that, Don Krieg couldn't help but take a few extra looks, but that was just a few looks."Hmph... these idiots simply don't know the terrifying aspect of Gin. He is the calmest 'Demon' I admire. That's why I let him become the Fleet Admiral.""Watch, he will soon show his true nature! That 'Demon' who, even if the opponent cries and begs for mercy, will mercilessly deal the killing blow, without a shred of emotion!"Sanji was the first to get up. Feeling the condition of his spine, he began to straighten it back into place.Then he tested his foot and, confirming it was okay, assumed a battle stance.The chefs, seeing Sanji's spinal injury, were all worried about whether his body could still support the upcoming battle.Gin sat up. He could feel a heart-wrenching pain coming from his chest every time he moved.Based on years of combat experience, this was caused by broken ribs. Then, a mouthful of blood gushed out.After spitting out the stagnant blood, his body finally felt much better, and he picked up his tonfa, preparing to continue the fight."I didn't expect the Fleet Admiral to be nothing special. Is the Don Krieg Pirate Armada just a name with no substance?"Hearing Sanji's taunt, the veins on Gin's head were about to burst. He licked the bloodstains at the corner of his mouth and stared fixedly at his opponent.On Luffy's side, he saw that Don Krieg was not looking at him but was looking elsewhere."Ah! What's going on? That guy is minding other people's business. Forget it, let's take this opportunity to beat him up."Saying this, he climbed onto the mast, because this mast was the only thing connecting the two areas."Charge—!"Don Krieg heard Luffy's shout, turned his head, picked up the shoulder armor in his hand, and aimed at Luffy."Don't be so energetic."Then, this piece of shoulder armor deformed again; the surrounding area with fluff opened up, revealing rows of circular holes underneath.Don Krieg first threw a small bomb to create a splash to block Luffy's vision, then pressed the trigger. At this moment, Luffy, who was running, first heard a crisp click.Then, countless splashes erupted on the water surface in front. Luffy thought this was the opponent's little trick and rushed directly through the splashes. Seeing that he was about to approach Don Krieg, Luffy shouted loudly."I'll be able to finish you off soon!"But a sound also came from within the splashes, swish swish swish. It was long spikes shooting out from behind the splashes, hitting Luffy.Luffy was pierced all over and in unbearable pain, so he had to run back along the mast. While running back, he almost lost his footing and fell into the ocean.Having finally managed to sit on the deck, Luffylooked at himself, who was about to be turned into a hedgehog, and shouted."So... so painful! Unforgivable!"Seeing Luffy flee, Don Krieg mocked him from the side. "Ran away, huh, you landlubber brat."Then Luffy put down his straw hat and began to pull the long spikes out of his body on the ground.After pulling out the last one, he stood up and shouted at Don Krieg. "You bastard! Are you really dueling in earnest or not!"Facing Luffy's provocation, Don Krieg didn't care."Whether it's a sincere duel? That's not important at all. What is needed most in a duel is the means to kill; that is force! Personal force! However, you only know how to charge forward; you're just like a monkey."Hearing the opponent's words, Luffy used his hands to pull the corners of his mouth and started to imitate a monkey. "Squeak! I'll make you regret looking down on monkeys like that!"Watching Luffy's performance, Alex on the side had no idea what to say. Should he remind Luffy that the opponent was calling him not fully evolved, or say that this was mocking him rather than truly looking down on monkeys?With the final move finished, the outcome between Sanji and Gin had been decided.The result was that Gin was seriously injured and fell to the ground, while Sanji was slightly injured.Sanji held his waist and coughed violently on the side, while Gin's arms were limp, and his weapon had fallen to the side.It was very obvious that Sanji had kicked and broken Gin's arms, while his own side ribs had also been smashed.Seeing this scene, Don Krieg was stunned at first, then became angry. He suspected that Gin was being sentimental and not fighting for real."Hey! Gin, are you really fighting! How can you not even take care of a cook!"At this moment, Gin didn't know what was wrong with himself either. "I can't bring myself to do it! Captain Don Krieg!"That's right, Gin did indeed show mercy, but his strength was only on par with Sanji's. The consequence of not daring to go all out was the current situation.Although both of them fell to the ground, it was obvious that Gin had sustained more injuries. "I... I can't bring myself to do it!"
Chapter 55: Poison Gas Bomb"What did you say!" Hearing Gin's words, let alone Don Krieg, even the chefs standing by were somewhat confused.Had things really come to this even though the other side was holding back?However, Sanji was questioning Gin loudly."You! Are you pitying me!"On the other side, Don Krieg's face was ferocious, as if he wanted to devour someone, and he demanded an answer from Gin, who lay on the deck."Say that again!"Gin lay on the ground, tears streaming from the corners of his eyes as he recalled the image of the fried rice Sanji had given him."...Because... I... have never had anyone treat me this well...This is the first time in my life I have felt this!I... cannot kill this person!"At this moment, Sanji recalled the times when Gin could have shattered his leg bones, yet held back.Don Krieg did not care about that; he only knew that Gin had failed to kill Sanji, and that was enough."Useless!"Then, Don Krieg raised the shoulder armor in his hand again; it seemed he was going to get serious this time."You can't kill him? You disappoint me, Gin!I have always believed that you were the most loyal person in the Don Krieg Pirate Fleet, the one who best adhered to my fleet's principles.The reason I made you the Combat Commander of the fifty ships in my pirate fleet is because...I believe you are the only one who has the strength and would do whatever it takes for victory!"Hearing Don Krieg's words, Gin lay on the deck, weeping as he explained that his loyalty had not wavered."I know, and I do not intend to betray you. I do not believe that what I have done thus far is wrong.I respect your strength, and I am grateful to you...But, this person is the one I cannot kill!"Luffy clenched his fists tightly upon hearing this, while Alex felt a sense of goodwill toward this man named Gin, inwardly admiring him as a true man.Gin sat up, tears and snot streaming down his face as he voiced his request."...Captain Don Krieg, if possible... if possible...Could you spare this ship?"After listening, Don Krieg felt that this was no longer a normal situation; this was a traitor who must pay with his life!The pirates in the water prison also wore expressions of disbelief.They couldn't believe what Captain Gin was saying, and many pirates felt that Gin's actions were shameful.The chefs were similarly incredulous; they could not believe that what Gin said was true."You, the most loyal person in the fleet, have actually disobeyed my orders. I am truly furious!How dare you defy my orders, Gin! Why!"This time, Don Krieg truly brought out a poison gas bomb to deal with Gin; it appeared this betrayal was a significant blow to him.The pirates in the water prison retrieved their gas masks, sensing that this time, it was real.The chefs also saw the pirates pull out their gas masks and began to prepare themselves.Gin continued to plead his case."But, Captain... we were all saved by the people in this restaurant..."Don Krieg ignored his words, instead telling Gin in an extremely flat tone."Throw away your gas mask. You are no longer one of us."Hearing this, Gin was stunned, unable to believe what he had just heard.The pirates were in an uproar, discussing the Captain's decision.You have to understand that Gin was his right-hand man; there was no one else as loyal to the Captainas him.Even when they returned from the Grand Line and encountered the Marine, it was Gin who had acted as bait alone to lure away the Marine warship.He had even turned himself into a demon to execute Don Krieg's orders.Yet now, they were hearing that the Captainintended to kill Gin.At this moment, Gin dragged his heavily injured arm and retrieved the gas mask tucked at his waist.Seeing this, Don Krieg ordered him to throw it away.Gin merely lowered his head, looking at the gas mask in his hand in silence.Just then, Luffy dashed onto the broken mast; he intended to rush over and stop Don Krieg from releasing the poison gas bomb."I won't let you release that poison gas bomb so easily!"Seeing Luffy running toward him, Don Krieg fired the spikes he had used before."Don't get in my way!""I won't fall for it again!"Seeing the spikes flying toward him, Luffyimmediately changed course and climbed under the mast to dodge the attack.Watching Luffy, Don Krieg decided he was done playing with him."You hammer-headed brat... Just stay quietly on the sidelines; I'll kill you too."With that, he raised his right arm and struck the adjacent mast with force; the immense power shattered it.Seeing the mast break, Luffy had no choice but to retreat back to the deck."Damn it! Gin! There's no need to listen to that coward! I'm going to go beat him up right now!"Hearing Luffy's words, Gin stood stunned for a moment, but then he became angry."You brat! Don't you dare insult Captain Don Krieg!Captain Don Krieg is the strongest man alive; you are no match for him."After hearing Gin's words, Alex felt as if he were warning Luffy that the opponent was strong, implying that he should stop fighting.Sanji went to Gin's side and held him down."You, wake up! That guy wants to kill you!"But Sanji's roar failed to wake Gin from his stupor."That is only natural. For a guy like me who is emotional, violates the pirate fleet's principles, and lacks ambition... This is my retribution!"With that, Gin threw the gas mask in his hand away.Seeing this, and witnessing Gin throw the gas mask away, Don Krieg immediately fired the poison gas bomb."Poison Gas Bomb! M.H.5! Launch!"A shell, identical to the one that had intimidated everyone earlier, was launched.Seeing this, the chefs immediately dived into the water, while the pirates had no choice but to put on their gas masks to protect themselves from the poison gas."Alex! Blast this poison gas bomb back!""Leave it to me! Wind Release: Breakthrough!"Upon hearing Luffy's command, Alex immediately formed hand seals, and a powerful whirlwind erupted from his mouth.Before the poison gas bomb could explode, it was blown away into the distance along with its casing by Alex's attack.Seeing Alex neutralize his trump card so easily, Don Krieg removed his gas mask and stared intently at him.As the poison gas bomb vanished, Gin spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground, unconscious.Seeing Gin vomit blood, Alex hurried over, checked his pulse, and used the Byakugan to examine him, discovering that it was caused by a rapid spike in blood pressure.If left untreated, it could lead to a stroke, but given the current situation, he could only be set aside to rest.Don Krieg, who had initially thought his move had failed, laughed aloud upon seeing Gin collapse and observing the reactions of Luffy and his crew."Hahahahaha! Although the poison gas didn't finish him off, it looks like he took care of himself. That's fine, too.Such a fool, ending up like this just to repay a single meal.But it's no wonder; fools never learn until it's too late."Tears streamed from the corners of Gin's eyes; though he had lost consciousness, he had heard Don Krieg's final words."Gin, it seems you chose the wrong person to follow!""Don Krieg!""You scum!"Sanji lamented that Gin had followed the wrong person, while Luffy and Alex were disgusted by Don Krieg's attitude."Hey, hey, you've got to be kidding me. A bastard like this who has lost his purpose and won't obey my orders... won't be of any use in the future!Since I can't guarantee he won't repeat his mistakes in the future... it's better to kill him right here. That is my love!""It's just a pity he didn't die from my poison gas, but dying by his own hand amounts to the same thing."The pirates had not expected that the Captainwould try to kill Gin as well.At this moment, Alex called out to Patty and Carne, who were still on the scene."Hey, you two chefs over there, hurry up and make something for him to eat, or he'll die! His blood pressure is extremely high, and he's severely injured..."Patty was stunned by Alex's words for a moment before he realized what was happening."You brat, how dare you order us around! Besides, he's the enemy! We are..."Before he could finish, Zeff, who was leaning on his crutch, slapped him on the back of the head."Hurry up and do as that young man says. And remember, add plenty of vegetables that can regulate blood pressure, and medicine as well.""Hurry up, Patty, Carne, do as he says!"Sanji had no choice but to urge the two to go and prepare quickly."I, I know, stop nagging!"Carne pointed to himself, "I have to go too!"At this moment, Luffy turned his back to Gin and spoke to him in a firm tone."You're going to be fine, Gin...Don't let a guy like that look down on you!You have to stay strong and live! Do you understand? I'll take care of that guy."Gin tremblingly reached out to stop Luffy, implying that he couldn't beat him.Unfortunately, Luffy walked straight toward the broken mast."Idiot, calm down! Charging at him head-on is exactly what he wants! You'll die!Hey, aren't you his crewmate? Get him back here!"Sanji, seeing that Luffy was about to rush over, tried to stop him, but unfortunately, Luffy wouldn't listen.He turned to look at Alex, asking him to persuade his Captain."Luffy, you should...""Alex, I said I would finish this fight alone!"Before Alex could finish, Luffy refused his help and stepped onto the mast."And Sanji, I won't die!""Hey, if you want to defeat me, bring it on!" Don Krieg taunted Luffy from the other side.He was thinking that there was truly no enemy easier to deal with than one who was emotionally agitated.Sanji realized the Captain's persistence, so he simply stopped interfering. After muttering, "Suit yourself," he went to the side to smoke.Luffy, without any defenses, went straight to the mast and ran toward Don Krieg."I've heard that monkeys have the ability to learn, yet here you are, hitting the same wall twice. It seems you're not even as smart as a monkey.You hammer-headed brat!That's right; for you, the sea is hell! Come here and eat my bullets!Once you cross that fin, you'll be in your graveyard!"Just as Luffy was about to say that this wasn't his graveyard, he saw Don Krieg throw the small bomb again.The chefs, floating in the water, marveled at just how many bombs Don Krieg had.As the bomb hit the water and sent up a massive splash, Luffy, completely unfazed, charged straight in.
Chapter 56: BeliefSeeing Luffy rush over, Don Krieg raised that weapon out of habit and began to fire; those spikes were launched and embedded themselves into Luffy's body.Luffy, amidst the splashes, cried out in pain from being pierced."Hit!""Heh, didn't dodge, did you die?"Luffy had indeed been hit as Sanji said, but his vitality was incredibly tenacious; he was far from dying here as Don Krieg claimed.As Luffy rushed out of the spray, everyone finally saw that Luffy had been pierced by two long spikes; one that had been stuck in his lower right side had already been pulled out by him, and another was still stuck in his left arm.Then Luffy rushed toward Don Krieg, throwing the long spike in his hand, and then shook the mast, imitating Don Krieg to create a small splash."...An eye for an eye, huh..."But Don Krieg didn't take this to heart.For the last stretch, Luffy jumped up and stretched his arm backward.Seeing this, Don Krieg flipped open his cape, revealing what was inside.It was covered with dense spikes, and then he wrapped himself in this cape."It seems that no matter what, you want to punch me! Since that's the case, then you have the ability to try my Needle Mantle!""Despicable... what is that cape full of needles!""Using bare hands to hit that kind of thing, you can't touch it at all!"Sanji cursed Don Krieg for not being human, and the chefs were also complaining about that cape; only Luffy acted as if he hadn't seen it."Hehe, with this, you won't be able to attack at all..."Unfortunately, before Don Krieg could finish speaking, Luffy's arm had already stretched long enough and then snapped back rapidly."Gum-Gum... Bullet!"A solid punch landed on the cape; the spikes on it pierced Luffy's hand, but Luffy's fist also solidly struck Don Krieg's face.Seeing this scene, everyone revealed expressions of surprise, except for Alex.The chefs marveled at Luffy's daring to strike directly, the pirates were shocked that their leader Don Krieg could be knocked back, and only Alexnodded with satisfaction, thinking to himself.Thinking that just a few weapons and a few spikes would be enough to make Luffy concede was too naive; the beliefs of the two from the start of the battle were not the same.Don Krieg was knocked to the ground by Luffy's punch, a scene that caused the group of pirates to break down."How could this happen? Who exactly is that guy?""I've never even seen the leader on his knees before.""He actually punched him directly in the face... and hit the Needle Mantle!""Hehe, who is he? He is Luffy, the man who will become the Pirate King!"Luffy pulled the spikes out of his body while continuing to answer Don Krieg's previous question."Whose grave is this, anyway... or is it your grave...""Look! Don't think that just because of a few guns and a needle-covered cape, you can conclude that this is my grave!""This is not my burial ground!"At this moment, on the open space in front of the restaurant, Patty and Carne were busy taking care of Gin.Nearby, Sanji was somewhat puzzled after seeing Luffy's state."That guy is really reckless."But Zeff walked over, leaning on his crutch."Take a good look at that guy, Sanji... sometimes there are these types...""...idiots who will fight to the death once they have set a goal...""Being an enemy of such a person is a very troublesome matter... regardless of whether this battle is won or lost... I admire that guy..."The pirates didn't believe Alex's words, nor could they believe that Don Krieg had been defeated; they thought it was a coincidence.But Don Krieg climbed up from the ground and swung the shoulder plates on his hands, striking Luffy."If this isn't your burial ground, then whose burial ground is it!"The next second, an explosion occurred in front of Luffy, blasting him away."Heh... it's yours, right!"Blasted away, Luffy spun his body in the air, then swung his leg with force; his elongated leg kicked hard at the back of Don Krieg's head, and he shouted."It's yours!"This blow knocked Don Krieg to the ground again.And as Don Krieg fell to the ground, the two shoulder plates in his hands dropped beside him.Seeing their leader defeated again, the underlings cried out that it was impossible; judging by their noisy behavior, it seemed they had mostly recovered.Thinking of this, Alex released his Ninjutsu once more, Lightning Release: Earth Flash, to give them another shock and wake them up.As the Ninjutsu faded, these pirates stopped talking and all passed out.On the other side, Gin, who had eaten the blood-pressure-lowering food, had mostly recovered, and his blood pressure had stabilized.Then he was helped up by Patty to watch the final showdown between Luffy and Don Krieg.At this time, Don Krieg stood up, picked up the two dropped shoulder plates, and locked them together."Stop saying that boring nonsense!"Once joined together, a long rod actually extended from inside with a spearhead at the front, and it began to swing as Don Krieg brandished it.When the spear touched the ground, it caused an explosion, instantly shattering the ground beneath them."Great Battle Spear! Let's see where you can run this time, you landlubber brat...""And this spear is different from the one that didn't matter if you got hit two or three times. Once it touches you, you'll be smashed to pieces!"Hearing Don Krieg's description, Luffy also realized that this thing would cause an explosion upon contact.Even those pirates who had been knocked unconscious by the electricity breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the words "Great Battle Spear."It seems this thing is really strong.Don Krieg looked at Luffy, who was holding onto the wreckage of the mast, and shouted, "Take this!"Then he swung the battle spear in his hand from top to bottom.Upon touching the deck, the battle spear caused a huge explosion, and Luffy was blasted away, with large amounts of wood debris cutting his skin."Ugh!"The chefs marveled at what kind of spear this was, and after being blasted away, Luffy looked at the sea below."I'm going to fall, I'm going to fall!"Fortunately, he moved quickly and reached out to grab a nearby railing, thus saving his life."What kind of spear is that! Does it explode just by being swung?"Sanji saw it clearly; they couldn't fight a prolonged battle, or he would lose too much blood.Seeing that Luffy was about to fall into the sea, Don Krieg felt secretly pleased."Looks like you can't hold on much longer, right...""Damn... on this kind of floating 'island,' I can't use my strength at all."On Alex's side, after some simple interrogation, he had obtained some information."Luffy, this thing is called the Great Battle Spear, and its special feature is that the greater the force of the swing, the more powerful the explosion!""Also, do you need me to build a simple platform!""Good, so that's how it is; as for the platform, it's not needed. Even on this kind of terrain, I can defeat him!"Just as Luffy finished receiving the information, Don Krieg launched a thrusting attack toward Luffy.Luffy quickly bent his waist to dodge the attack; seeing Luffy dodge, Don Krieg first performed a horizontal sweep and then retracted the Great Battle Spear.The spearhead swept across over Luffy's head; although it didn't explode, the temperature was truly high."Whoa, so hot!"Seeing Luffy dodge his attack, Don Krieg swept again, and Luffy jumped to dodge the attack.But Luffy forgot that this was at sea, and they were still fighting on the broken deck.Sure enough, one careless moment and Luffyarrived at the edge; seeing that he was about to fall into the sea, Luffy immediately jumped up.But he forgot the enemy in front of him; Don Kriegseized the opportunity and attacked Luffy with a downward cleaving strike."Go to hell!"When the spear tip swept past, the expected sound of an explosion did not occur.Don Krieg looked back and discovered that Luffyhad grabbed the shaft of the spear, thereby dodging the previous attack.Seeing this, Don Krieg thought that even now he was still playing with him, and couldn't help but become even more furious.Then he raised the Great Battle Spear above his head and struck down again."Go to hell! You vermin!"But Luffy easily jumped up and dodged the attack.However, one cannot move in mid-air; Don Kriegseized the opportunity and thrust the spear over.Seeing that he couldn't dodge, Luffy swung both fists and smashed them hard toward the spear tip.His power, combined with Don Krieg's power, caused an explosion this time that blasted Luffyblack.Seeing this scene, Sanji couldn't help but worry and shouted, "Chore Boy!"Alex also saw it all, but had no intention of intervening; after all, this was Luffy's battle, and he had to complete it himself.Don Krieg carried the Great Battle Spear and stepped forward slowly."It's not over yet! You've angered me, and I won't let you off easily!"Luffy coughed out black smoke, looked at the spear tip in front of him, and once again swung his fist, hitting it.Bang! The sound of an explosion rang out, and Luffywas blasted away, landing in another area with more space.But the cost was that Luffy's injuries were even more severe now, and in some places, the smell of burning could already be detected."Heh, tasted my power, haven't you... I am the strongest person!"Luffy first stood up shakily, then looked at Don Kriegwith a smile as if he hadn't been injured at all.When Luffy stood up, Don Krieg discovered that the tip of the Great Battle Spear had shattered."What... the Great Battle Spear! You bastard... what the hell did you do!"Seeing the masterpiece before him, Luffy admitted it generously."Hehe, I hit it five times, prepare yourself!""This place is spacious enough, I can knock you flying!"Hearing Luffy's words, Don Krieg looked around and found that it was indeed so.He immediately gritted his teeth; not only had his opponent shattered his weapon, but he had also been outmaneuvered by the opponent.Thinking that he had called the opponent a monkey, but now he had been tricked by the monkey into changing the battleground.Luffy looked at his opponent with a smile."That thing just had its blade broken... it's just an ordinary bomb on a stick now!""The power is halved!"Hearing Luffy's words, Don Krieg thought the other party was joking, but seeing his smiling face, he knew this kid really thought so."Is that what you think?"The chefs shouted when they saw Don Krieg's weapon destroyed."Well done, that kid is really amazing!""But a bomb on a stick is dangerous in itself, right?""Shut up, if you don't know how to talk, don't!""Exactly, exactly!"Don Krieg's thoughts were the same as that chef's."A bomb on a stick, isn't that enough! Even without the blade, I still have... enough power to blast you away.""With a body already heavily injured, and having taken two direct hits from my Great Battle Spear... in my eyes, you are just putting on a brave front."Luffy's swaying body seemed to be exactly as he said, but Luffy's spirit was not."I'm not putting on a brave front!"
Chapter 57: Don Krieg's DefeatStanding to the side, Sanji noticed that Luffy's body was truly reaching its limit and couldn't help but worry."...That guy was right, he must be covered in wounds!With a body like that, if he takes one more critical hit, there's no doubt...He's done for, that brat!Damn it... To think he has so much equipment, no matter what...""That won't happen. No matter how much equipment he has, Luffy won't lose. Besides, the final victor will be Luffy, so just watch with peace of mind."Upon hearing Sanji's words, Alex spoke up to comfort him.Hearing Alex's words, Sanji glanced at him and said nothing more.At the same time, Zeff's voice came from behind Sanji."That kid is right... Even if one is equipped with hundreds of weapons all over their body, it's possible they still won't be a match for a single spear in their gut..."Hearing that Zeff also said he wouldn't lose, Sanjiwas even more puzzled, so he looked at Zeff."Battles between pirates are fights to the death.Even a moment of hesitation can lead to final defeat.But at least that kid... has no hesitation.Is it because he has the equipment to survive...or because he has the conviction to not fear death!"Hearing Zeff's explanation, Sanji looked back at the battlefield. Seeing Luffy's fighting scene, he silently muttered the word "conviction.""Give up! The moment you rebelled against me, Don Krieg, your death was sealed!"Facing Don Krieg's threat, Luffy stuck out his tongue."Blehh, I won't die!"Don Krieg swung the great club in his hand at Luffy, but Luffy nimbly jumped up, dodging the explosion.The weapon struck the intact mast nearby instead.Luffy grabbed the crossbar and started swinging like he was on a swing set."If you're good enough, hit me!"Watching Luffy hanging on the crossbar, swinging around like a monkey, Don Krieg couldn't help but call him a monkey.Luffy heard this, and he really started swinging on the crossbar just like a monkey."Ooh-ooh, ah-ah-ooh~"Seeing Luffy like this, Alex covered his face, not wanting to look at him anymore.Because the mast had been struck by the explosive club and was already broken, Luffy's swinging caused the already unstable crossbar to snap as well.The mast fell toward Don Krieg, and seeing this, Don Krieg swung his weapon, breaking the falling mast in half.Luffy, looking at Don Krieg below, lifted the broken crossbar and hurled it violently toward him.Seeing this, Don Krieg coolly said "boring" and raised his right arm.Something emerged from the front of his right arm—it was a nozzle, as a gout of flame erupted from it the next second.Instantly, the crossbar Luffy threw was burned to ashes."Flamethrower! Just how many weapons does he have hidden on his body?!"Sanji couldn't believe his eyes, as there were simply too many weapons.Seeing his attack repelled, Luffy took a deep breath."Gomu Gomu no Gatling!"Countless fists appeared in front of Luffy, each with the same power as a previous Gomu Gomu no Pistol.He threw who knows how many punches, but Don Krieg only retreated a few steps, clearly showing no signs of injury whatsoever."Hmph, hahahaha! It's useless! In front of my golden armor, everything is useless!"Hearing Don Krieg's words, Luffy didn't believe it was useless. He huffed coldly, then stretched his left fist forcefully backward before attacking Don Krieg's abdomen violently."Gum-Gum... Bullet!"With a clang, even Don Krieg, protected by his armor, felt a wave of pain in his abdomen.On Luffy's side, even with his rubber body, receiving such a heavy impact caused some internal muscle tearing; blood seeped from his shoulder, and he coughed up some blood from the corner of his mouth.Don Krieg was the first to recover from the pain, and then he saw Luffy in front of him, swinging his weapon."Don't get cocky!"The weapon struck Luffy, and the explosion blew him away."Boring! Boring! Boring! How could a monkey's hundreds of punches break my strongest equipment?!"The blown-away Luffy immediately steadied himself. After hearing Don Krieg's words, he didn't respond, just calmly said,"...Just a little more and it'll work..."While Luffy was recovering, Don Krieg climbed onto the mast he had just blasted apart, looking down at Luffy from above."The strongest equipment combined with the strongest power... This is the strongest force, get it?!Those who defy the strong must die! You little landlubber!"Luffy looked at Don Krieg standing on high, not knowing what he was going to do.But then everyone saw clearly: Don Krieg once again took out the small explosives from before and tossed them down."It's bombs! He's planning to blow up all the footholds on the sea! Run, chore boy!"The cooks saw the bombs clearly and shouted for Luffy to run quickly.Luffy realized they were bombs too; although a bit confused, he wasn't afraid."Hahaha! Only the strong can survive!"Hearing Don Krieg's words, Luffy quickly ran up toward the bombs."And that strong one is me!"The same kind of bombs fell downward from beside Luffy.Sanji realized that this was a trap Don Krieg had set for Luffy and hurriedly warned him."Idiot! Don't go there! Run! It's a trap!"But Luffy didn't stop; he continued to run toward Don Krieg.While running, he extended his arms, but this time it wasn't just one hand—both arms were stretching."Gum-Gum..."His body running upward while dragging his two long arms—everything was just as Don Krieg had expected."It's useless, it's useless, you would come here like this... I knew it!"Saying this, Don Krieg swung his weapon violently at Luffy, and a powerful explosion blew Luffy back.Just as Don Krieg thought the opponent was finished and was gloating over there,"Just having determination is useless..."But before he could finish, he saw Luffy, face covered in blood, charging toward him.At this distance, it was no longer enough for Don Krieg to swing his weapon, and Luffy's move was unleashed."Bazooka!"His palms used the elasticity to strike, and even Don Krieg was sent flying into the air, while the weapon in his hand fell away.However, Luffy was already reaching his limit, which caused the power of this move to be less than ideal.At this moment, Luffy hung his head, gasping for air.Don Krieg, having been sent flying into the air, started mocking after seeing Luffy's state."Hahahaha, hahaha! Ineffective! It seems this is already your limit!However, I must commend you for cracking my strongest armor!So, die happily!"Just as Don Krieg finished these words, those bombs touched the floating objects below, and then an explosion followed, blowing up everything that could be stood upon.Sanji watched everything before him, not knowing what to do, but in his mind, he recalled what Zeffhad just said.But what of it? At this moment, Luffy was already about to...Huh? What did Sanji see? He saw Luffy jump up; just by catching his breath for a few moments, he could recover some stamina—this physical constitution is just too strong!"At this moment, Luffy jumped high into the air, arriving above Don Krieg.Don Krieg looked at the brat who was still smiling before him and couldn't help but feel some panic."What?!"After all, by common sense, it was impossible for anyone to still be active after being so exhausted.Not only could Luffy, but he could also continue to attack.He saw his hands stretch backward, raised high above his head—it was the same move as before."Gum-Gum... Bazooka!"This move completely shattered Don Krieg's most prized armor, and at the same time, Don Krieg felt intense pain.Luffy looked at his masterpiece with a smile.Seeing this scene, the cooks all wore expressions of joy, while those pirates who had been electrocuted, forcing their eyelids open, saw the scene of Don Krieg's defeat.Unable to accept the reality, they fainted again."Don't be happy too soon! Brat!"Then, Don Krieg threw out a net woven from wire, intending to bind Luffy.Seeing the opponent could still act, Luffy exclaimed, "How is this Don Krieg so hard to kill? He's still not dead after this!"Alex also looked at Luffy with a speechless expression."You're jumping around even though you're so heavily injured; he has a suit of armor that blocked part of the impact, so naturally he can survive.""That's true!"Hearing Alex's words, Luffy thought it made sense, but the problem now was that he was tied up, and below him was the seawater.Seeing that he had captured Luffy, Don Krieglaughed loudly again."Hahahaha! You can't escape this wire net! Below is the ocean! It seems the victor has been decided, you little landlubber!If I drag you down, you'll drown!You're also an idiot for having such good people but not using them, insisting on showing off in a one-on-one fight, so die, Straw Hat!"Luffy struggled all over while tied in the net, but after hearing the other's words, he looked at Don Krieg with serious eyes."If I have to rely on the strength of my companions to become the Pirate King, then I'd rather not!And who said I would lose? As long as I can move my hands and feet, I can win!"Luffy struggled to stick his hands and feet out through the gaps in the net.Then, Luffy began to rotate his legs, twisting them into a braid, and clamped them onto Don Krieg's head.Seeing Luffy's performance, Sanji was stunned.He couldn't understand why Luffy had never backed down, not even for a moment.At this moment, Don Krieg was completely panicked; he didn't understand where the opponent came from, why he could resist his weapons, and his strength.Why could he attack him, the Admiral of the Pirate Fleet, Don Krieg, without any hesitation?Don Krieg didn't call for help; he knew his subordinates had already been trapped in water spheres by that pretty boy.At this moment, Luffy also felt that this time, the winner would truly be decided.Subsequently, Luffy began to rotate his body, the high-speed rotation making Don Krieg scream repeatedly."Gum-Gum! Hammer!"The powerful rotational force, combined with momentum, immediately slammed Don Krieg onto the restaurant's fighting platform.That powerful force completely knocked Don Kriegunconscious.Seeing this scene, the cooks cheered, "Well done, chore boy!"Even Patty and Carne were exclaiming that Luffyhad defeated Don Krieg.However, Luffy fell into the water.On the other side, Alex, who had been waiting for a long time, saw Luffy fall into the water and immediately used Ninjutsu to fish Luffy out of the water, placing him by his side to start checking on him.
Chapter 58: Recruiting Crew MembersAt this moment, Sanji still didn't understand why Luffy fought with such unhesitating determination, or why he didn't show even a hint of fear.Seeing that Sanji was still confused after he saved Luffy, Alex immediately spoke up to provide an answer."Do you want to know? If Don Krieg's power lies in his weapons, his fleet, and his poison gas bombs, then Luffy's weapon is the spear in his gut."Hearing Alex's words, Zeff, who was just about to speak, slowly closed his mouth."You said a spear..."At this moment, Sanji recalled Zeff's words again and immediately understood the answer."It's conviction... So that's how it is. An idiot who would bite through a spear for a pointless reason... I know one of those, too..."Sanji understood the meaning of the'spear in the gut' and realized why Luffy was able to defeat his opponent—it was conviction."By the way, how is the chore boy doing?"After learning the reason, Sanji immediately asked about Luffy's condition."His body is extremely fatigued, there are multiple ruptures in his internal organs, the muscles in his left arm are partially torn, plus some wounds from the explosions, and a bunch of other miscellaneous injuries all added together... Hmm, he's very healthy!""Healthy my foot! Doesn't that sound like he's on the verge of death?!"Upon hearing Alex's description, Sanji couldn't help but retort.But since the other party said he was healthy, then he must be healthy; besides, he wasn't a professional medical worker anyway.Although Luffy's body looked quite miserable—and indeed, the inside was quite a mess—they were all minor injuries that only required simple repair.Then, Alex began to perform medical Ninjutsu, starting with a hemostasis technique, followed by suturing. As for the Mystical Palm Technique, it wasn't too troublesome, so it wasn't needed.Moreover, this was enough for Luffy's constitution; all that remained was rest. However, for the fastest way to replenish blood loss and energy, he could only rely on soldier ration pills and blood-replenishing pills as substitutes.Sanji looked at Luffy and recalled that green-haired guy, then looked at this guy in front of him who had even shrunk in size, and took a deep drag of his cigarette."They're all like this... truly a bunch of idiots." He said this with a hint of approval.Beside them, Gin looked at his Captain being defeated, his face full of disbelief."Don Krieg was defeated? How is this possible... He is the hegemon of this sea area!"Seeing that Gin didn't believe it, Patty and Carnetold him to see for himself, because Don Krieg's armor was shattered, but this situation was tantamount to rubbing salt into the wound.Then he began to tremble, muttering to himself over there."The only person... I admire! I have always firmly believed... that he is the strongest..."But the fact remained. Gin stood up; although his blood pressure wasn't too high, he had recovered.Just then, Don Krieg stood up and started yelling over there!"Am I not the strongest?! No one is allowed to defy me! Up until now, I have won every battle! No one can match my might! I will continue... continue to win... win! Win! I am the strongest!"Seeing Don Krieg shouting over there, Alex created a clone to continue treating Luffy's body.As for him, he walked up to Don Krieg.At this moment, Gin stood up and came to Don Krieg's side to try and persuade him. The chefs had come out; Don Krieg had lost control, and if this were left unchecked, he would definitely exhaust his energy and die."Don't do this, Boss! If you keep yelling like this, your body will..."But Gin's words could not stop the enraged Don Krieg.Seeing Alex approach, Gin intercepted him."We have already lost, what else do you want!""Step aside, you're an eyesore!"Alex grabbed him and threw him away, while simultaneously pressing several acupuncture points on his body, incidentally treating his symptoms.Looking at the enraged Don Krieg in front of him, Alex said nothing and directly knocked him out with a single Monster Strength Punch, then threw him to Gin's side."Good grief, you certainly have plenty of spirit to refuse to admit defeat. Forget it, I'll take your armor and gauntlets as a medical fee."Gin got up and, dragging his half-numb body, came before Alex."You... what did you do to the Boss?""I just knocked him out. If he kept going crazy like that, he definitely would have died. No need to thank me. By the way, I'll gratefully accept your Captain's armor and gauntlets."After saying this, Alex came to the water prison and dispelled the technique.Countless pirates fell onto the platform like dumplings, lying there motionless.Gin watched Alex's actions, feeling his body recover quite a bit, then returned to Don Krieg's side, looking at him in silence for a long time.Then Gin lifted Don Krieg and said to Sanji."Sorry for the trouble, Sanji...""Oh... don't come back!"Gin carried Don Krieg away from there, but it seemed he thought of something."Sanji... after he wakes up, please tell him... let's meet again on the Grand Line."Hearing Gin's words, Sanji was stunned for a moment; wouldn't that mean he was still going to be a pirate?"You... are you still going to be a pirate?"At this moment, Patty also retorted that Gin was truly an incorrigible guy."Thinking about it carefully... this is the only thing I want to do. I don't know when it started, but Boss Don Krieg's dream... seems to have become my dream too..."Hearing his words, Sanji fell silent."I used to live in a daze, but now I've finally made up my mind to do things for myself. So I want to try doing things according to my own will. Doing what I want to do, because if I do that... I won't be able to run away anymore, right? Loyalty to the Boss, what a joke! All this time... I was just using Boss Don Krieg's name to hide. Now that I've made up my mind... things like how scary the enemy is, or how to keep you guys from getting hurt—I won't have to think about those boring things anymore. This is what he taught me... and what I realized after seeing him."As Gin said this, he pointed at Luffy, who was being treated by Alex.Alex listened from the side, feeling that this person was like someone who had his own dreams but was a poor soul brainwashed by Don Krieg. However, he had now regained a bit of his humanity, which was, all things considered, not bad.Sanji just watched him, then instructed Patty and Carne."Patty, Carne! Give them the supply boat.""What! Are you an idiot! Why are you taking it upon yourself to give the boat to those pirates who attacked us! Those guys can just swim!""Yeah, if we give it to them, what are we going to do about our future supplies!"Listening to Patty and Carne's nagging, Sanji roared directly."Stop the nonsense, bring it out now!""Got it. Don't yell, we're going to get it right away!"The two were quite frightened by Sanji and hurriedly ran to get the boat out.However, as soon as they turned their faces, Pattyand Carne revealed fierce expressions."I'm going to kill that bastard Sanji!""That's right, always ordering us to do this and that!""But he has the leg techniques personally taught by the Boss!""If we're going to do it, we should take advantage of this great opportunity while he's injured! We'll find fifteen people to ambush him tonight... that should work...""Will that really work?!"The two of them discussed how to deal with Sanjiwhile running to the back to bring out the supply boat.As the boat was brought out, Gin moved these pirates onto the pirate ship one by one, and the small supply boat instantly became packed full.Gin stood on top of the pile of people and thanked Sanji."Goodbye! Thank you for the boat you gave us; we don't need to return this, right?""If you have the courage to return it, then come! You brat!"Hearing Sanji's words, Gin smiled."What a terrifying restaurant!"The other chefs stood on the platform and shouted at Gin."Hey—you better remember well... this is the fighting sea restaurant—Baratie!"Thus, Gin left. On Alex's side, after treating Luffy's wounds, he asked Sanji for a room.After a while, the treatment effect kicked in, and Luffy opened his eyes and shouted."My hat!""Here, it's right here."Alex handed Luffy his straw hat."You're awake!"Sanji was standing on the balcony, blowing in the sea breeze and admiring the scenery.Luffy put on his hat and looked at his body, finding no pain and no weakness; even his stomach wasn't in a state of hunger.At first, he thought he was dead, but after learning from Sanji that his injuries were treated by Alex.Luffy grabbed him and hugged him, then squeezed tight like a python."Bastard Luffy, if you don't let go, I don't mind drowning you in the water.""Hahaha, isn't it just because I'm so happy... By the way, where is that group of people?""They went back, thanks to you guys."Sanji's voice came over.At the same time, Sanji told Luffy about the previous conversation."...Gin also said, let's meet again on the Grand Line!""Oh—did he say that to you guys?"As expected of Luffy's response, it angered Sanjiand Alex, who shouted at Luffy."He said it to you!"Hearing the two shout like this, Luffy finally understood that those words were spoken to him by Gin."By the way, my chore boy career ends today! That means the promise I made with the old man is fulfilled!""That's right, congratulations!"It seemed he was truly relieved from his chores.At this moment, Luffy came to Sanji's side; he intended to poach Sanji."By the way, you..."Before Luffy could finish speaking, Sanji interrupted his invitation."I'm not going. I don't want to be a pirate. I will continue to be a chef here. Until that old geezer acknowledges my cooking..."After hearing this, Luffy knew Sanji was serious, but he really couldn't give up on such a good partner, but."Got it, I give up."Luffy returned to the bed and became sad, but his hand was gripping Sanji's shoulder tightly."Your hand hasn't given up!"Alex walked over at this moment and asked Sanjiwhy he wanted to stay here, whether it was because he was afraid that none of them were reliable, or for some other reason."Everyone being reliable is only one reason; the second is that I owe the old geezer a debt of gratitude. Alex, you mentioned I have some kind of PTSD, right? Because of hunger. You're right. That was all a long time ago, because of that incident, I took away everything from the old geezer..."Sanji began to tell the story of him and Zeff.Meanwhile, the other chefs were preparing food to treat Luffy and Sanji well.At this moment, Patty walked over and called everyone."Hey, don't you guys want to hear about the story between Sanji and the Boss? And that... what was it called... PTSD that the pretty boy mentioned?""It's PTSD. And are you saying Sanji is telling the chore boy and that kid about the past!""That's right, Sanji is telling the chore boy right now. Everyone, be quiet and hurry over."
Chapter 59: Sanji's Past (Part 1)Then, Sanji began to recount what had happened."All Blue?""That's right, don't you know it? It's a legendary sea."Aboard the passenger ship Orbit.Nine years ago, he was a chef apprentice on that ship.One day, he asked the other chefs if they knew about the All Blue.The other chefs laughed and said."Little idiot, how could we not know?""We are sea chefs, after all. Of course, we dream of going to that sea."Hearing everyone's remarks, Sanji became even more convinced that he would definitely find the All Blue."Right? I will definitely find that sea in the future!"But after hearing Sanji's words, some chefs flatly said it was impossible."Sanji, you want to go to that sea?""Legends are legends; how can you find something that doesn't exist?"Yet, faced with their rejection, Sanji did not give up."It must exist."However, someone sitting on a water tank nearby didn't outright reject it, but instead began to describe the scene there."Think about it...East Blue, West Blue, South Blue, North Blue—the only sea that possesses all the fish species from these four seas...If such a sea truly exists, then for a sea chef, it would simply be a paradise."After hearing his words, the other chefs also began to imagine it."Because that sea contains seafood from all over the world.""It would definitely allow chefs to show off their skills!""That's right, it's a place worth risking a chef's life to find!"Then, they looked at Sanji, acting uncharacteristically."But, it has to actually exist.""How could a miracle sea like the 'All Blue' possibly exist!"Checking the time, the chefs left to head to their workstations."Alright, enough nonsense.""Time to work, time to work. Collect the dishes.Sanji, time to go clean up."Watching them act like this, Sanji felt somewhat dissatisfied, but there was nothing he could do.Then, several chefs looked at the leftover rice and dishes on the plates, eating while talking."Sigh—sigh—what a waste, there's actually so much left over.""It looks like they barely ate it at all, and this was my masterpiece!""The guests lately are really wasteful!"Sanji was over there dumping the leftovers into the trash can."Stop eating the guests' leftovers! I just threw away the ingredients that weren't fresh!There's plenty of food anyway, and besides, we'll be docking in two days."Hearing Sanji's words, a chef turned around to look at him."Saying something like that just shows you're still an amateur.Don't forget, we are sea chefs.And the sea is a place of unpredictable changes. So, the more frugal, the better."Then, the chef took out a fish skeleton that had been eaten and asked Sanji."How about it? You want some too?"Seeing this, Sanji curled his lip in disdain."No way!"The previously calm sea suddenly began to churn, and that wasn't the worst of it; the worst part was that they encountered a pirate ship.The rich people on the upper deck screamed and ran around in chaos.The Captain shouted loudly."Everyone, calm down! Please calm down!"Everyone in the kitchen heard the commotion, and Sanji asked the person beside him what was happening.The other person replied that it was a pirate ship, and the pirate ship was charging toward them."A! A pirate ship!" Hearing this, Sanji was also shocked.And that pirate ship belonged to Zeff's Cook Pirates."Bring the ship alongside!""Yes, Captain!"A pirate ship docked in front of the passenger ship; the prow of the ship featured a duck wearing a chef's hat, and a hamburger was painted on the sail.The Jolly Roger was a duck head with two forks behind it.The people on the Orbit became panicked after seeing clearly who had arrived."It's a pirate ship!""That ship is the Cook Pirates!""It's Red Leg Zeff's ship. Could they have already returned from the Grand Line?"Zeff, wearing a chef's coat, stood at the bow, staring triumphantly at the passenger ship in front of him, while various pirates gathered behind him.The Captain, first mate, and soldiers of the Orbit stood in a line, rain washing down their faces.Zeff led his subordinates and stood opposite them."...It appears to be Captain Red Leg Zeff. May... may I ask what you want?"The Captain also knew of Zeff's reputation well, so he spoke cautiously, fearing that he might accidentally provoke him.Zeff was also straightforward."Plunder!"With Zeff's order, it served as both an answer to the other party and a command.Upon receiving the order, the pirates began to plunder the treasures on the ship.Like a swarm of locusts passing through, they looted everything of value on the ship.A few pirates knocked down the sailors in front of them, then entered the hall, facing the wealthy people.They began to seize the jewelry on their bodies."Hand it over!"Faced with these pirates, some unwilling people chose to resist, but unfortunately, they were met with a solid beating.Sanji, who was in the kitchen, hid trembling behind a shelf.At the same time, Sanji's mind was occupied with the thought that he absolutely must not be killed by them.After robbing all the property on the ship, several navigators reported to Zeff."Captain, if we don't retreat now, we'll run into a storm!"Hearing his subordinate's report, Zeff calmly replied that he knew.Then, while checking the treasure, he discovered something amiss."Hey, wait!"Zeff opened a small bundle and pointed at the contents, asking about it."Bastard, what is this..."Hearing Zeff's words, the pirate who had collected this bag looked back at Zeff with some embarrassment.At first, he thought he could fool him by playing dumb."Uh..."Unfortunately, under Zeff's gaze, he had no choice but to tell the truth."Waaah! I'm... I'm sorry!Captain Zeff... I was just a little hungry..."Before he could finish his explanation, Zeff kicked him flying.From this, one could see the strength Zeff had in his youth; with just a single kick, he sent that person flying, and the wall behind him also shattered."Ugh... ughhh...!"Seeing this scene, the other pirates stood frozen, not daring to move.As if not satisfied, Zeff walked up to the guy, grabbed his head with one hand, and said in a low voice."You are not allowed to take other people's food! Haven't I said that many times already?Idiot!"Afterward, he threw the person, who had already lost consciousness, onto the ground.Meanwhile, Sanji, not knowing where he got them, pulled out two kitchen knives and ran in front of two pirates."Whoa! Who is this brat?"The pirates were startled by Sanji's sudden appearance because they thought they had captured everyone.Seeing Sanji holding two kitchen knives, the two couldn't help but tease him."Hey, little boy, don't wave that thing around, it's dangerous."His companion chimed in as well."You'll bleed, you know, you'll get seriously hurt.""Shut up! I won't let you kill me!"The hostages nearby were terrified and shouted."Sanji, stop it! Don't resist!"Indeed, these people were clearly after money and wouldn't necessarily take lives; if they started killing because of Sanji's provocation, that would be truly unjust.After all, losing a bit of money was no big deal.Even the nobles who were being robbed, fearing for their lives, hurriedly tried to calm him down."Hurry up and stop! Don't provoke them!"Just then, a wealthy man grabbed the Captainbeside him and shook him."Think of something quickly, he's your chef, right!"The Captain also shouted."Sanji, stop!"But it was too late; the noise here had already attracted Zeff's attention.He saw a brat holding two chef's knives, waving them around in front of a group of pirates."A brat so eager to die, kill him quickly!"Hearing the other party's words, Sanji summoned his courage, wielding his dual blades while staring straight at Zeff."I won't die! Anyway, you were planning to kill us all anyway, right?In that case, I'll kill you first!"But before Sanji could attack, Zeff's large foot kicked out.With one kick, he sent Sanji flying; his fate was the same as that pirate earlier, stopping only after smashing through several wooden crates.The chefs shouted Sanji's name, while the pirates on the side marveled at Zeff's power."Ha—amazing, Captain.""No mercy shown!"Zeff walked up to Sanji, looking at the brat before him.At this moment, Sanji wobbled as he climbed up."I! One day... I will find the 'All Blue'!"Then, Sanji bit fiercely into Zeff's right foot.Hearing Sanji's words, Zeff said nothing.Instead, his pirate companions let out mocking laughter."Pfft... hahahahaha!""He says he wants to go to the 'All Blue', what a grand ambition.""Captain, tell him quickly, that thing... doesn't even exist on the Grand Line!"Hearing Sanji's words, those chefs shouted one after another."Idiot... why does that guy keep talking about that thing..."Zeff looked at Sanji and kicked him flying once again.But the rain poured harder and harder, and the passengers on the ship couldn't help but feel worried.Sanji was kicked onto the bow of the ship."Before I find the 'All Blue', I absolutely will not in a place like this...Die at the hands of bastard pirates!"Unfortunately, no one paid any more attention to them; the pirates were busy moving treasure, and a navigator came to report."Captain, retreat quickly! This storm is more severe than we imagined."Zeff looked at Sanji lying on the ground and gave a perfunctory reply."Alright, you guys... hurry up and get the treasure onto the ship!"Just then, a huge wave appeared at the bow of the passenger ship.It instantly swept Sanji into it.The chefs saw this scene and shouted Sanji's name.Sanji was knocked off the bow by the wave, floating in mid-air.Zeff, for some reason, upon seeing Sanji fall, immediately exerted force in his legs and ran toward the mast on the side.With one kick, he snapped the mast, took the broken mast, arrived at the bow, and with the broken mast, leaped into the current that had swept Sanji awa
Chapter 60: Sanji's Past (Part 2)Seeing Zeff do this, many pirates shouted, "Captain! Why go to save that brat!"Unfortunately, Zeff didn't hear them; he jumped into the ocean without a second thought.Not long after Zeff jumped in, a massive wave swept over, easily engulfing both the pirate ship and the passenger ship.The sound of everyone's screams echoed through the area, but as for Zeff and Sanji...Zeff had used a mast as a canoe to reach a rock, while Sanji had been knocked unconscious by the waves.This rock stood in the middle of the sea, eroded over years by seawater, resulting in a shape that was large on top and small at the bottom.After resting for two days, Sanji woke up.Zeff sensed that the other had woken up."Awake, are you, brat... What a lucky guy!"Sanji didn't understand the current situation, but he knew enough that the person before him was a pirate."Pi... Pirate! Ouch! It hurts!"Sanji tried to get up, but the moment he moved, the pain was unbearable.Just then, Zeff's voice came, "You were kicked by me; how could you be able to move so quickly?"Sanji looked at the surrounding sea and discovered that, let alone a ship, he couldn't even see a single feather."Where's the ship?"Upon hearing Sanji's question, Zeff calmly stated, "Heaven knows. In that situation, it wouldn't be strange if everything was destroyed.But... my ship is definitely done for.You can tell by these remains; fortunately, I haven't seen any corpses yet.The storm was two days ago, which means you and I... were washed up by the giant waves onto this rock that has nothing. No fruit trees, no animals.The only thing we can rely on is the fish in the sea.However, the rock has been eroded by the waves, forming steep cliffs; once you go down, you can't come back up.There's no way to get food, are you going to cry?"Sanji, who was to the side, stood stunned after hearing Zeff's explanation.But upon hearing the mockery at the end, he immediately perked up."I won't! It's all your fault, I'm going to kill you!"However, Zeff looked at him calmly, with no intention of attacking."Go ahead and scream all you want, just be careful I don't eat you as food."Seeing that Sanji stopped making a fuss, Zeff looked out at the ocean again, hoping to find a ship."We can only wait for someone to save us.If we're lucky, we'll be saved tomorrow. If we're unlucky, I'm afraid we'll end up as skeletons here."Sanji leaned against the rock, imagining himself as a skeleton, and couldn't help but feel afraid.At this moment, Zeff stood up, took a bag, and threw it in front of Sanji."This share is yours.It's food that was washed up with us; an average person can last five days on it.Find a way to make the most of it. Fortunately, we are both chefs."Sanji, leaning against the rock, saw the bundle by Zeff's side that was three times larger than his own."Wait a minute! Your share is three times larger than mine!"Zeff took a glance and calmly stated, "That goes without saying, because I'm an adult, so my appetite is naturally bigger than yours."Then, Zeff stepped on Sanji's head with his right foot."Since this is the situation, we must help each other and get through this together!"Looking at the guy stepping on him, Sanji couldn't help but curse, "Stinky old man."Zeff looked at him with a grim face."You should be grateful that I'm sharing food with you, but don't expect me to pity you."After threatening Sanji, Zeff pointed to the side and began assigning tasks."Brat, you go to the coast over there, and I'll watch the sea from the rocky hill. If you see a ship, notify me immediately.Other than that, avoid all contact to save your strength. Good luck."After speaking, Zeff took his large bundle and walked to the other side of the rocky hill.Sanji, clutching his small bundle, sat in place, watching the situation at sea.As the sun gradually set, Sanji felt an unbearable hunger in his stomach.He reached out to touch the food, but Zeff's words came to mind—this bag of food was only enough for five days, so he had to plan carefully.Thinking of this, Sanji pulled his hand back and continued to sit there, enduring the hunger."I don't want to die!"On the rocky hill side, Zeff held a wooden stick in his mouth and a rock in his hand.He extended his right foot, sighing to himself, "My name, Red Leg, ends here."Then, he slammed the rock down with force, breaking his right foot with a single blow.As the second day arrived, Sanji recalled Zeff's words, but he didn't want to help each other."That stinky old man... even if I find a ship, I won't tell him. Just hurry up and die!I'm going to survive on my own."After observing the sea for a long time without seeing any ships, Sanji's mood was gradually calmed by the vast ocean."The sea is truly endless.As long as I wait four or five days, I'll definitely see a ship.Besides, there were no signs of the passenger ship sinking; perhaps everyone will rush over to save me."Then, Sanji opened his backpack to check the food inside."Come to think of it, the food is enough to last five days.But to be safe, I'll ration it for twenty days.Although I can only eat once a day... there's still rainwater in the rock pits; I believe I can hold out.As long as I hold out for twenty days, a ship will definitely pass by. I will definitely be saved. Don't worry."Sanji continued to use his optimistic spirit to imagine being saved later.After eating the last bite of food for the day, Sanji's stomach was still rumbling.To stop his stomach from growling, Sanji went to the rock pit and started drinking the accumulated rainwater.But the more he drank, the louder his stomach growled. When Sanji looked up, his eyes were filled with a craving for food."Should I eat a little more..." At the same time, his stomach growled in response."No! This is a twenty-day supply, and today is only the first day..."After saying that, he plunged his head back into the water pit and started gulping down water.Unfortunately, the growling of his stomach was like a mockery of Sanji, or perhaps a whisper from a demon."Damn it... stop growling! Stop growling!"Sanji punched his stomach twice. Perhaps he hit too hard, as Sanji made himself sick and collapsed on the ground, vomiting.Afterwards, he dragged his exhausted body back to the cliff edge to look at the sea, praying to see a ship.Unfortunately, no ship came by today. Just endure, just endure for two or three more days. That was his thought at the moment.Perhaps Sanji's wishes moved the heavens, because on the fifth day, when he originally intended to use food to catch seagulls, the weather didn't cooperate, and a downpour began.Sanji stood at the edge of the cliff, unable to see into the distance, when suddenly the figure of a large ship appeared in his eyes."It's a ship! Hey—! Hey—!"He shouted, but the thunder drowned out his voice. Only then did he remember to signal.He hurriedly ran to the makeshift campfire and took out flint to light it."Light the fire! Light the fire to signal...!"When sparks appeared and ignited the tinder, it went out shortly after."...Damn it! The wood is soaked, I can't light it!"Sanji kept trying to light the fire while watching the ship move away."Wait... don't go... I'm still here! Wait, don't go! Help!"Unfortunately, every cry for help was covered by the thunder, as if the heavens were toying with him.As the ship sailed away, Sanji lost all strength and knelt on the ground.In the time that followed, Sanji rationed his food little by little, so he could live a while longer.But no matter how he rationed it, the amount of food was limited. When the twenty-fifth day arrived, Sanji ate the last piece of moldy bread in his hand.Looking at the moldy bread in his hand, Sanji ate it while recalling what the chefs on the passenger ship had said.At this moment, he had realized the price of wasting food on the ocean.Just as he was chewing slowly, a wave crashed over. Startled, Sanji let go, and that last piece of bread fell into the sea."Ah... Ah! My last piece of bread..."As the bread fell, Sanji no longer had the strength to get up and just lay there quietly.Afterward, Sanji hoped day after day that a ship would appear.On the thirtieth day, the weather was clear, but no ship appeared.On the fiftieth day, it rained heavily, and no ship appeared, but the good news was that there was water to drink in the rock pit again.On the seventieth day, the weather was clear, and he drank the last drop of rainwater.Sitting on the ground, Sanji thought of Zeff on the other side of the rocky hill."...That stinky old man, I wonder if he's dead yet..."Thinking of him brought back the image of him alone, hogging a large bag of food.Thinking of this, Sanji laboriously climbed up the rocky hill to observe him.However, the scene before him shocked him; the bundle by Zeff's side was still bulging, which meant he still had plenty of food.Thinking of this, Sanji pulled out a kitchen knife."So, there's still that much food! It was all that stinky old man's fault. I'm going to kill him and steal that food... I want to live."At this moment, Sanji had been blinded by hunger.He took off his shoes and walked to Zeff's side, thinking he wouldn't attract the other's attention, but Zeff still heard him."Brat, what are you here for! Did you see a ship?"Sanji didn't answer but raised the knife and pointed it at Zeff."I'm here to steal your food! Kill me if you can! Anyway, if I don't eat, I'll starve to death."Zeff heard Sanji's words but neither got up nor spoke to stop him, remaining seated in the same spot.Seeing that the other had been frightened by him, Sanji quickly went to the bundle, took out the kitchen knife, and slashed it open with force.Click, click, click... What spilled out was not food, but gold and jewelry.At this moment, Zeff spoke again."Didn't I tell you to avoid all contact until we see a ship?"Sanji did not answer his question but asked with an expression of disbelief, "Why? It's all treasure!"Hearing this, Zeff mocked himself sarcastically."...To have so much money... but not be able to get anything to eat, it's truly ridiculous."Sanji was still looking at him in disbelief."Hey? The whole bag... is just treasure."Then Sanji came before him and asked where the food was."Where's the food? How have you survived until now! Isn't your appetite bigger than mine!"But the scene before him made Sanji understand how the other had survived.Zeff was sitting there, looking like skin and bones, with a rope tied around his right leg to stop the bleeding.
Sanji was so frightened by the scene before him that he fell to the ground, then shouted at Zeff."What is going on... Your leg! You! Did you... eat your own leg?""That's right.""The food! Did you give me all the food?""That's right.""Without that leg, you won't be able to be a pirate anymore, will you!""That's right..."Hearing this, tears began to stream down Sanji's face."How could you... Don't do these unnecessary things, I even wanted to kill you! I was never kind to you! Why did you do this! Why!"At that moment, it was as if Zeff had snapped back to reality."Because you and I... have the same dream."Hearing about the dream, Sanji knew what it was."'ALL BLUE', but... didn't your crewmates say it doesn't even exist!""It exists. When the time is right, go to the Grand Line. Although I haven't been able to find it during my year of sailing... I believe 'ALL BLUE' is very likely there....It's a pity I have lost the crewmates I sailed with. Having lost them, I no longer want to be a pirate. Although they were fools who didn't believe in 'ALL BLUE', they were good guys. They were good companions..."After saying this, Zeff finally didn't even have the strength to sit up and lay on his side on the ground.Sanji watched Zeff fall to the ground, thinking he was dying, and immediately went over to check on him."Hey... hey! Old man, don't die! Stop acting on your own... don't just decide to die like that!"But Zeff didn't hear what Sanji was saying and continued to mutter to himself."...The sea is too vast! And too cruel....How many people have died while cursing the vastness of this sea! In my long pirate career, I have encountered such starvation crises many times. Every time, I think... how nice it would be to have a restaurant in the middle of the sea.""A restaurant...""That's right... If I can leave this rocky island alive, I will live and strive to realize this dream. In this era of pirates, I am the only one who can open such a restaurant.""...Alright! I'll help too! So, you must not die!""Ha... a scrawny kid like you can't do it.""I will become stronger!"Just like that, Sanji and Zeff chatted on this rocky island until late at night.In the days that followed, the two of them continued to endure hunger, forcing themselves to watch for passing ships.Until the eighty-fifth day, when both Sanji and Zeffhad reached their limits and collapsed, a sailing ship appeared on the sea.Finally, someone saw the two of them, who had long since fallen unconscious."Hey, look, it really is a person!""There are two people lying here!""They're still alive!""On a rainy day three months ago, I heard human shouting in this vicinity.""Hey, hey, is this true!"In the end, Sanji and Zeff were rescued by the ship that came to investigate.In the days that followed, the two of them used the bag of treasure and Zeff's savings to commission the ship named Mackerel.And founded this sea restaurant named Baratie."...He ate his own leg, but left all the food for me...letting me survive."After finishing the story, Sanji couldn't stop the tears from flowing.At the same time, the chefs who were eavesdropping learned the reason behind it all."Wuu wuu wuu, you bastard Sanji, is your story with the boss actually this moving! Alright, we won't hold you back; I, Patty, will protect this shop, you just take the manager's will and go find that legendary 'ALL BLUE'!"The chefs left the scene, and Luffy asked if Sanjiwould wait until they could run the shop before heading to the Grand Line."That's right, only then will I be able to head to the Grand Line with peace of mind...""But does Boss Zeff really want you to rot here!""What did you say! You bastard kid!"Alex's words ignited Sanji's anger."Boss Zeff severed his own leg for you, which means he hopes you will inherit his will. If he had known you thought this way, Boss Zeff might have chosen to starve...""I told you to shut up!"Sanji suddenly sat on top of Alex, then stared fixedly at the other person with bloodshot eyes."Alex, Sanji, you guys...""Luffy, shut up, I must wake him up, let him know what it is he is carrying!""Bastard kid, watch me beat you down first!"Luffy wanted to intervene, but was blocked by Alex. Then Alex continued to provoke Sanji, and Sanjichose to fight Alex to vent his emotions.The two fought for half an hour and were finally tired out.Sanji lay on the floor, recalling what Alex had said. He knew Zeff had entrusted his dream to him, but...But he really didn't want to see what happened today happen again. If it weren't for Luffy's help, this shop might have really been destroyed.Sanji stood up, walked to the window, looked out at the sea, and suddenly said."Hey, do you guys know about 'ALL BLUE'..."Alex shook his head; from Sanji's story, he only knew that it was where fish from the four seas gathered.Luffy also only heard it was some kind of miraculous place.Afterward, Sanji began to describe this sea of miracles in detail.The more he spoke, the more excited Sanji became. Luffy also chatted with him excitedly, while Alexquietly acted as a listener.None of the three knew that Zeff was standing downstairs and had heard the content of their conversation.What he saw when he looked up was Sanji's gaze full of longing."Such a happy expression... what a fool."After saying this, Zeff returned to his room, and the chefs had finished preparing lunch."Time to eat—brothers!"Baratie second floor staff cafeteria.The chefs asked who was cooking today, and Pattyand Carne stepped forward."Yours truly!""Ah, and yours truly!"Seeing that it was these two cooking, the other chefs were disappointed."So it's the gangster duo; looks like the taste won't be good."Hearing the others' complaints, Patty roared."Eat quietly, you bastards!"At this moment, the cafeteria door opened, and Sanjibrought Alex and Luffy there."Hmm, hey... where are our seats?""Where's the food?""I want to eat fried rice and ramen!"The chefs acted as if they didn't see them and continued to sit in their seats eating.A few chefs casually dismissed them."There are no seats for you.", "Hehehe, eat on the floor, on the floor!"Sanji was quite confused."No seats? How is that possible? This is a restaurant!"Seeing that everyone remained unmoved, the three had no choice but to collect their daily portion of food and find a random spot to sit on the floor."No choice!" Sanji said with a sigh.Luffy and Alex didn't mind; as long as there was food, anywhere was fine.But Luffy sensed that something was wrong, and then he quietly said to Alex and Sanji."They look strange..."Sanji replied dismissively."They've always been strange.""I feel like they are hiding something from us. Could it be that they have some delicious food to give us as a thank-you gift!""Really, Alex? That would be great!"Alex also saw that something was wrong, thinking this was everyone playing hard to get, and that they would bring out a big gift later.Upon hearing this, Luffy's eyes sparkled, but only Sanji interrupted the two."Stop daydreaming and just eat."Just as the three hadn't eaten a few bites, Pattycame to stir up trouble again."Hey, who made the soup this morning!"Hearing this, Sanji stood up and shouted, thinking everyone was going to praise the food he made."...Ha, it was me, me! It's delicious, right? Today's was especially good..."But before Sanji could finish, Patty smashed the bowl of soup to pieces."How can anyone swallow this disgusting stuff! Is this pig swill?"These words and this action completely enraged Sanji. These people were not only insulting his cooking skills but also wasting food.Luffy and Alex didn't react much and just kept eating on the side, but Alex always felt like something was going to happen."Hey! Does human food not suit your taste, you greasy-haired bastard."Sanji spoke first, mocking Patty, and Patty didn't back down and quickly counterattacked."It's so disgusting that it's practically art; it makes me want to vomit.""Excuse me, today's was my masterpiece. Looks like your tongue has..."Before Sanji could finish mocking, Carne on the side also showed an expression of disgust.The other chefs also smashed the plates in their hands one after another."Can't drink it, can't drink it, everyone pour it out.", "Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey, this stuff can't be drunk."Seeing everyone's actions made Sanji even angrier."What on earth are you trying to do!"Seeing Sanji get angry, Luffy calmly ate grilled squid, and Alex happily ate grilled steak.After all, this was obviously a provocation, it was fine, and to be honest, the taste of the soup was much better than the food.In terms of cooking skills, Sanji was at a crushing level.Seeing Sanji's angry expression, the other chefs no longer held back and shouted one after another."You're just a fake sous-chef, just old-qualified!", "We don't want to use violence to solve problems anymore.", "If the food is bad, we have to say it.""What!" Sanji couldn't believe his ears.But behind him, another sound of a plate shattering was heard.Everyone turned to look; it was the owner of this restaurant, Zeff.Seeing everyone looking over, Zeff began his performance.Zeff wiped his mouth and began to comment with a face full of disdain."Hey, what is this mud-like, super disgusting soup! If we sell this kind of soup to customers, we'll go out of business!"Hearing Zeff say this too, Sanji immediately stepped forward, grabbed him by the collar, and shouted."Stop joking, you old fart! How is the soup you make any different from this! Tell me!"Zeff looked at Sanji before him; his heart softened for a moment, but thinking of Sanji and his own dream, it hardened again."Compare it to my soup... don't be full of yourself!"After saying this, Zeff punched Sanji, sending him flying, and blood flowed from the corner of his mouth.