In the kitchen.
Most of the chefs' attention had been drawn to the battle between Krieg and Nami.
After all, Krieg's actions earlier had seriously threatened their safety.
However, Sanji was not among them.
Because at this moment, he was busy dealing with the constantly pestering Carmen.
"Miss Carmen, I've said it many times already, I'm very busy right now and don't have time to spar with you in Culinary Arts."
As a lecherous pervert, Sanji was always proactive with beautiful women.
And he would never refuse a beautiful woman's request.
But it was working hours now, and many customers were waiting for the dishes he prepared.
He had very high professional ethics, okay?!
Carmen, who stood before him, was also a famous beauty chef in the East Blue.
She had a vibrant pink, explosive short hairstyle that flared out in all directions, creating a very flamboyant and powerful visual impact.
A yellow ribbon tied across her forehead added a touch of neatness to her look.
Her figure was tall and graceful, curvaceous, at least a D-cup.
Carmen's first impression was fiery, bold, and unconventional.
"No, you must compete with me right now," Carmen said, hands on her hips, not backing down.
Ten years ago, she accidentally witnessed Sanji cooking and was completely captivated by his Culinary Arts.
Since then, Carmen secretly vowed to defeat Sanji in Culinary Arts.
After that brief encounter, she lost track of Sanji.
She searched for Sanji for ten whole years, and during this time, she devoted herself to studying Culinary Arts. Coupled with her exceptional talent, the name Chef Carmen quickly became well-known.
Wherever she went, Carmen would participate in local cooking competitions, defeating her opponents with an overwhelming dominance.
Of course, she wasn't doing it to show off, but rather hoping that Sanji would be in that place, and then she would attract him out to spar with him in Culinary Arts, and finally defeat him.
However, fate did not cooperate.
Ten years passed, Carmen's Culinary Arts became even more refined, and her fame grew larger and larger.
But there was still no news of Sanji.
Just as she was despairing, she accidentally learned from a guest that the food at Baratie was excellent.
He even gave it the highest praise, calling it the most delicious meal he had ever eaten.
Carmen came to the Baratie Restaurant with a final glimmer of hope, and unexpectedly, she actually found Sanji.
And so, the current scene unfolded.
Ten years, she had searched for Sanji for ten whole years.
How many ten-year periods does one have in life?!
Not defeating Sanji would be the greatest regret of her life.
"Haha… the original story was indeed like this; Carmen searched for Sanji for ten years just to compete in Culinary Arts, but unfortunately, she still lost in the end."
Now, let alone a minute, she couldn't even wait a second.
"Sanji, hurry up! Table number three ordered a whole spread."
Patty pulled back the curtain and poked his head in.
Seeing Carmen still pestering Sanji, he immediately looked displeased.
"Miss Carmen, I understand how you feel, but it's working hours right now. Please don't disturb our business, okay?!"
"Once Sanji finishes, I promise he'll definitely spar with you," Patty advised earnestly.
The guests at table number three were big customers, ordering expensive dishes.
They absolutely couldn't be neglected.
"Miss Carmen, Patty is right. After the restaurant closes, I promise I'll seriously compete with you, okay?!"
"Besides, if you force me now, even if you win, it wouldn't be a fair victory, would it?!!" Sanji likewise reasoned with her.
Carmen slowly calmed down, finally nodding in agreement and no longer making trouble.
Sanji was right.
She wanted to defeat Sanji fair and square, not take advantage of him when he was distracted.
She had indeed been a bit too eager just now.
"Alright, you cook, I'll help you serve the dishes," Carmen volunteered to assist.
Sanji no longer stopped her.
Inside the Baratie Restaurant, at table number three.
Kaya, Nami, and the other two women were whispering girl talk.
Reno wasn't interested either and, bored, began to observe his surroundings.
As night fell, this floating restaurant slowly became lively, and the Baratie Restaurant was already full of people.
The small interlude they had caused earlier had no impact on the guests whatsoever.
Everyone raved about the food here, which made Reno even more expectant.
While Makino and Nojiko's Culinary Arts were good, they were not professionals after all.
Perhaps they could compare to ordinary chefs.
But compared to the chefs at Baratie, there was still a gap.
Before Mihawk sailed here, he should enjoy the delicious food here and satisfy his taste buds.
After eating his fill, he could have a good fight.
Wonderful.
"It's here! Our food is here!" Nami, holding a knife and fork and already starving, her eyes lit up.
Reno looked over, his eyes also lighting up.
The difference was that Nami was staring at the dishes the person was carrying.
Reno, on the other hand, was staring at the person.
"Carmen?!!!" Reno was greatly surprised.
The original story didn't provide many snippets about this sexy chef.
But she was a genuine beauty in the plot.
Her entire life was dedicated to the pursuit of Culinary Arts.
He hadn't expected to meet her here.
He didn't care why Carmen appeared here.
Because from the moment he saw Carmen, her future destiny was already sealed.
"Guests, thank you for waiting, please enjoy your meal."
Carmen placed the dishes on the table, gave everyone a smile, and then turned to walk back into the kitchen.
Nami's nose twitched, and her pupils turned into little stars.
"It smells so good, it's really too fragrant! Everyone, I'm going to start eating!"
Kaya and the other two women also began to feast.
"Reno, you wouldn't have fallen for that beautiful chef just now, would you?!"
Halfway through the meal, Kaya leaned close to Reno and asked in a low voice.
But her voice didn't escape the ears of the other three women.
"What?!"
Nami, who was already feeling somewhat full, suddenly looked up, glaring at Reno with puffed cheeks.
"You only just met her, and you already want to trick her onto the ship?!"
Nojiko and Makino quickly lowered their heads, pretending not to hear.
Only Nami would dare to say such a thing.
Reno gave a wry smile.
He didn't say a single word, did he?!
However… Nami was indeed right.
But this was a misunderstanding, truly a misunderstanding!!
There were countless beautiful pirates, and he had met who knows how many along the way.
Not to mention those far away, even in the Baratie Restaurant at this moment.
There were at least a dozen beauties.
One or two of them were even as attractive as Nami.
But Reno glanced at them and lost interest; all he wanted were the plot beauties.
And Carmen happened to be one of them.
He could only be ruthless.
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