The day slipped by in a drunken haze. Moutai really packed a punch. Last night, the crew had finished off two entire crates of the fiery liquor each crate holding twenty-four bottles of the 53-degree stuff. That meant the four of them had consumed forty-eight catties of high-proof alcohol in one night. No wonder his head felt like it was stuffed with cotton.
Eli Winters groaned and rubbed his aching forehead as he slowly pushed himself upright. His stomach growled loudly, a relentless protest after sleeping for who knew how long. The hunger was almost unbearable.
He stumbled out of his cabin, splashed cold water on his face, and finally began to feel human again. By the time he stepped onto the deck, the sight that greeted him made him chuckle. Big Pan, Simon, and Dote were sprawled across the deck in every possible position, snoring away like corpses. The remains of last night's feast had been cleaned up, leaving only his comrades as evidence of the carnage.
"Felina! Fiona!" Eli called out.
"We're here, Eli!" came Felina's cheerful voice from the second floor.
He looked up to see her leaning out of a window, her bright smile framed by her flowing hair.
"And where's your sister?" he asked.
"She's training. She said she's really close to unlocking Armament Haki." Felina's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Is that so? Then we'll have to celebrate soon. But you'd better keep up, too. Now, tell me, do we have any food?"
"Big sister made some Sea King porridge this morning," Felina replied with a giggle before ducking back inside, clearly eager to escape more of his questions.
Eli couldn't help but laugh. "Of course, porridge. That's the only thing she knows how to cook."
With a sigh, he turned toward the sleeping trio and gave each of them a solid kick. "Up you get, lazy bones! The sun's already halfway across the sky."
Simon groaned, rubbing his eyes. "Let me sleep a little longer. That Moutai is murder."
"You three drank like fish last night. Now you can't even stand," Eli teased.
Big Pan sat up, rubbing his temples. "That stuff was too strong. I think even my soul is still drunk."
The remark set everyone laughing, their voices carrying across the ship as the morning sun bathed them in golden light. It was the perfect start to a new day lighthearted, messy, and full of promise.
The days that followed were quieter but no less productive. Eli focused on guiding Fiona, offering tips on controlling her Haki. When she finally managed to summon the hard, dark sheen of Armament for the first time, Simon could only watch in envy. No matter how hard he and Dote tried, neither could push themselves past the threshold.
It wasn't long before their ship, the Voyager, cut through the waves and arrived at their next destination the Flower Kingdom.
The largest and most powerful nation in the West Blue, its reputation reached far and wide. And as the ship drifted toward its bustling harbor, the crew could immediately see why.
The port was alive with motion. Merchant ships loaded with silks, spices, and rare treasures filled the docks, their goods filling the air with exotic scents. Fishmongers hauled in baskets of fresh catch, their shouts competing with the laughter of sailors. Pirates' vessels, their flags adorned with grimacing skulls, rocked beside sleek trade ships, creating an uneasy harmony.
The skyline was a blend of towering structures and narrow alleyways, every building etched with an unmistakable Eastern aesthetic. Red-tiled roofs, elegant eaves, and lanterns strung across winding streets created a vivid tapestry of culture. Food stalls filled the air with the aroma of sizzling meats and fragrant noodles, while street performers drew small crowds with their acrobatics and fire-breathing acts. Above it all, the lighthouse stood tall, its flame guiding every ship to safe harbor.
Eli and his companions stood at the bow, eyes wide with excitement. The Flower Kingdom brimmed with life.
For Eli, the sight stirred something deeper a strange nostalgia. The intricate carvings and familiar rooftops reminded him of the ancient architecture of his own world. For the first time in a long while, he felt something akin to home.
As soon as his boots touched the dock, the system's familiar chime rang in his mind.
Ding. Congratulations, host. Flower Kingdom entry successful. Reward: 3,480 Prosperity Points, one Cloud-Cloud Fruit, one Supreme Panlong Staff.
"What the ?" Eli nearly whistled out loud. "That's almost more than all my points combined before this."
The Cloud-Cloud Fruit was a Logia-class Devil Fruit, incredibly rare. Even if it came with certain drawbacks, its value in the system's marketplace was staggering over 130,000 points. He immediately thought of Felina. The fruit's ability suited her well, and while he hesitated over the side effects, it could balance her lack of raw combat power. He'd have to ask her opinion later.
The Panlong Staff was equally impressive. Crafted of purple-gold with intricate dragon engravings curling across its surface, its ends gleamed like fire-forged gold. A true weapon of legend, perfectly suited for Big Pan. Eli smiled. Their trip was already paying off.
After paying the docking fees, they plunged into the Flower Kingdom proper.
Like hungry wolves, the crew immediately sought out food. Every trip to a new land began this way: a search for flavors as much as for treasure. They wandered the streets, marveling at the vibrant culture the painted masks, the bustling markets, the laughter of children. Yet their focus never wavered from their true quest: finding a meal worth remembering.
Their search ended at a modest little restaurant tucked between larger establishments. Its exterior was plain, almost unremarkable, but the moment the door swung open, the scent of freshly cooked rice filled the air.
Inside, only one person remained: a young girl in a blue floral dress, her hair tied beneath a simple scarf. She sat slumped at a table, absently fiddling with jars of seasoning. When she noticed them, she sprang up, bowing politely.
"Welcome, honored guests. What would you like to eat?"
"Are you the owner?" Eli asked, noting the emptiness of the place.
"Yes, it's my family's shop. Please, come in. The menu is here you can order whatever you like." Her voice carried a quiet nervousness, though her manners were impeccable.
"What's that you were cooking just now?" Big Pan sniffed the air, his mouth practically watering. "Smells amazing."
"Oh, that was fried rice." Her face brightened at the compliment.
"Then I'll take ten bowls!" Big Pan declared without hesitation.
The girl looked both startled and pleased. But before she could respond, the door burst open and several men swaggered in. The leader sneered at them.
"Travelers, don't be fooled. Her food is filthy. Already sent several customers to the hospital."
"You're lying, Takuya!" the girl shot back, fists clenched. "You planted those rumors yourself. My food is fine."
The men ignored her protests, addressing Eli's group directly. "Don't eat here if you value your health. Everyone in this district knows. Those sick people are proof enough."
Tears welled in the girl's eyes. "You're framing me again!"
Big Pan stood, his expression darkening. "Enough. We'll judge for ourselves. You don't need to stand here spewing lies."
The intruders bristled at his words, glaring murderously. "You'll regret crossing us," the leader spat, though none of them left. They lingered at the door, their shadows heavy across the threshold.
"Don't mind them," Big Pan said with a grin. "Just make us that fried rice. Make it just as delicious as before."
The girl hesitated, biting her lip. "Aren't you afraid? Afraid my cooking will hurt you?"
"Afraid? Not in the slightest," Felina said brightly. "If your cooking can bring us down, then you're stronger than you look."
The girl wiped her cheeks, then nodded firmly. "Then I'll do my best to make it perfect."
Soon the air was thick with the fragrance of sizzling rice, egg, and scallions. The crew leaned forward, nearly drooling.
When she finally brought out a massive bowl of golden fried rice, Eli's senses prickled. His Haki caught a flicker of movement Takuya's fingers flicking a packet of powder toward the dish.
Eli's eyes hardened. For a moment his anger flared, but he quickly calmed, raising his hand ever so slightly. Space itself rippled as he diverted the powder midair, scattering it harmlessly. At the same time, he quietly placed spatial markers on the would-be saboteurs.
By the time the girl set the dish before them, Eli was smiling again. He raised a spoon, eager to dig in. Across the room, Takuya and his cronies smirked as if victory was already theirs.
They didn't yet realize who they were dealing with.
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