Dawn over the Floating Restaurant
The Heaven's Embrace descended smoothly over the vast ocean until a peculiar silhouette emerged—Baratie, the legendary floating restaurant shaped like a gigantic fish, anchored in the middle of the East Blue.
The salty breeze mingled with the scent of sizzling food drifting through the air.
POV: Nami
Nami's eyes sparkled as she caught the aroma. "Finally! A real feast! I haven't had proper food in ages," she said, practically bouncing on her toes.
Bell-mère chuckled softly. "Be patient, Nami. We're guests here."
Enter the Kitchen — Sanji's Domain
The kitchen was a whirlwind of motion. Flames danced high as a man with golden hair and a sharp gaze flipped pans with effortless skill.
Vegito stepped forward, observing with amusement. "So this fiery guy is the cook everyone talks about? Let's see if he's as hot as his flames."
Sanji Notices the Crew
Sanji wiped his hands on his apron, then locked eyes with Vegito.
"Who are you? You don't look like any pirate I've seen." His voice was calm but carried an edge.
Vegito grinned. "Name's Vegito. And I'm here to enjoy your food… and maybe recruit a certain cook for my crew."
Tension Sparks — Sanji vs. Vegito
Sanji's eyes narrowed. "Recruit me? You've got guts."
Vegito smirked, cracking his knuckles. "You want to test those cooking skills in battle? I'm your guy."
Sanji laughed, a rich baritone that echoed through the kitchen. "You don't know what you're getting into."
A Kitchen Showdown Begins
Before anyone could react, Sanji launched into a flurry of kicks — precise, blazing, and graceful.
Vegito dodged with a lazy smile, his tail flicking. "Cute." Then, with a single slap, Sanji was sent flying backward, landing with a grunt.
The kitchen staff gasped.
System Notification — Combat Style Acquired
System Update:New Technique Acquired: Diable Jambe (Level 1)Sanji Recognized as Potential Crew Member
Sanji's Surprise and Respect
Rising with a grin, Sanji wiped the blood from his lip. "You're stronger than I thought… and you're fun to fight."
Vegito extended a hand. "Join me. You get to cook, fight, and sail the seas with us."
Sanji's Inner Conflict
"A pirate crew? No, I'm a cook for peace. But… this guy… he's different. Maybe this is the adventure I need."
Sanji shook Vegito's hand. "Alright. But if I join, I'm not just the cook—I'm family."
The Baratie Feast — Bonds Forged Over Food and Laughter
That night, the crew gathered for a magnificent feast prepared by Sanji himself. The floating restaurant echoed with laughter — Nami's sharp wit, Kuina's quiet smiles, Reiju's mischievous jokes, and Bell-mère's proud glances.
Bounty Update — World Government Alarmed
World Government Broadcast:Vegito's crew now includes Sanji, a fiery combatant and master chef. The crew's strength and infamy grow rapidly.
Updated Bounties:
Vegito: 1,350,000,000 Berries
Sanji: 120,000 Berries
Reiju: 95,000 Berries
Kuina: 55,000 Berries
Nami: 50,000 Berries
Kaya: 45,000 Berries
Nojiko: 35,000 Berries
Bell-mère: 15,000 Berries
Crew Reaction — Playful Jealousy and Warmth
Nami teased Sanji. "Better watch out, Sanji, or you'll be replaced by my orange-haired charm."
Sanji chuckled, "Good luck beating me at the kitchen or the battlefield."
Vegito laughed heartily, clapping Sanji on the back. "Welcome to the family, cook."
Inner Monologue — Vegito
"This crew is shaping into something unstoppable. Strength, loyalty, and laughter—this is the real treasure."
Closing Scene — Setting Sail for Grand Line
With full bellies and fiery spirits, the Heaven's Embrace spread its majestic wings and soared toward the Grand Line, its dragon-woman figurehead gleaming under the rising sun.
"Next stop," Vegito announced, "Kaya's village. Time to bring another friend into the fold."
The crew cheered, their voices carried on the wind, echoing hope and adventure.
End of Chapter 5