"An Ancient-Type, indeed!"
Auguro nodded. To be honest, he was tempted by the Epic Draw Ticket. However, his current combat strength was sufficient for the time being, so Auguro decided not to redeem it yet.
"If an Ancient-Type can be exchanged for an Epic Draw Ticket, wouldn't Mythical Zoans and Logia-type Devil Fruits be worth a Mythical Draw Ticket?"
At this thought, Auguro's first reaction was to go and kill Smoker in Loguetown!
That man was a Logia-type Smoke-Smoke Fruit user. His current strength wasn't formidable, and either Rukia Kuchiki or Rangiku Matsumoto could easily defeat him! Killing him would get Auguro a Captain-level Soul Reaper!
Auguro quickly suppressed the idea. The reward was tempting, but the trouble would be immense!
Even within the Marines, Logia-type users were extremely rare talents. If Auguro dared to kill Smoker, he would surely invite the Marines' most ferocious retaliation! Furthermore, Smoker belonged to the Aokiji faction.
Given Aokiji's personality, he would definitely come looking for Auguro personally. On top of that, the East Blue was Garp's territory, and he and Aokiji had a good relationship. He would very likely get involved too.
Auguro would be facing two Legendary-tier powerhouses simultaneously, which would definitely not end well!
Crucially, Smoker had not provoked him! Auguro was building a Supreme Divine Realm, not a tyrant's kingdom. He could not afford to engage in random murder.
"Are there no other targets besides Smoker?" Auguro muttered to himself. Logia users were few, and generally all were top-tier powerhouses.
"Wait! There is a perfect target!"
Auguro's eyes suddenly lit up, and an image of an arrogant, eccentric figure appeared in his mind. The large earlobes were particularly noticeable.
Enel, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit user!
Though the Rumble-Rumble Fruit was hailed as the strongest Logia-type, Enel had not undergone systematic training and didn't know about Armament Haki, the only power that could counteract his ability! If executed properly, this strongest Logia Fruit could be seized!
The thought made Auguro tremble with excitement. He could practically see a Gold (Mythical) Draw Ticket appearing before him!
"I need to head to the Grand Line as soon as possible!"
With a goal in sight, Auguro was suddenly filled with motivation.
"First, I need to prepare a reliable ship!"
The weather in the Grand Line was notoriously erratic; an ordinary ship simply wouldn't hold up.
"Arlong's bounty plus the treasure from that island should be enough!"
The treasure on the island was worth about 20 million Berries. Arlong and his crew's combined bounty was over 30 million. Combined, he could certainly afford a slightly smaller vessel suitable for the Grand Line!
With the general itinerary settled, Auguro contentedly continued his journey to the Baratie restaurant. A day full of great rewards deserved to be celebrated with fine cuisine!
Baratie Sea Restaurant.
Despite being the most famous restaurant in the East Blue, the chefs wore vicious, thuggish expressions. Nami was startled at first. Were these people really chefs?
Auguro understood the reason. The chefs at the Baratie were all former pirates. Although they had retired long ago, their gangster aura had never faded. Most normal people wouldn't dare to dine here!
"Ah, what a marvelous day! Three beautiful ladies have graced this humble restaurant!"
A dramatically voiced exclamation rang out. Auguro didn't need to turn around to know it was the lustful chef, Sanji, making his entrance!
Sure enough, the next second, Sanji slid forty meters to a stop beside Auguro's table.
With hearts in his eyes, he addressed Rukia Kuchiki and the others, "Three beautiful ladies, I am Sanji, the sous chef of this dumpy restaurant! Is there anything you would like to order?"
"Hey! Sanji, you bastard! Who are you calling a dumpy restaurant?!" the owner, Zeff, roared.
"You old coot, I'm talking about you!"
Sanji glared fiercely at Zeff, instantly switching back to his lovesick gaze as he stared intently at the three women.
"Ah! Beautiful ladies, no matter what dish it is, I will turn it into the most exquisite delicacy!"
Rukia Kuchiki and the two other women couldn't help but twitch. No one liked being stared at like that. Fortunately, while Sanji was lecherous, he didn't make any overly inappropriate moves. Otherwise, Rukia Kuchiki would have definitely drawn her sword and cleaved him in two!
"Lord Soul King, what would you like to eat?" Rukia Kuchiki respectfully asked Auguro.
Sanji finally noticed Auguro surrounded by the three women.
"To be surrounded by three beauties! This bastard is too… blessed!"
Sanji was green with envy and hatred, clearly wishing he could take Auguro's place. Hanatarō Yamada, sitting on the edge of the table, was completely ignored by Sanji.
Auguro sighed helplessly at Sanji's lovestruck demeanor. Besides eating, he had originally considered recruiting Sanji into his ranks. After all, he was a member of the protagonist's crew. Since Nami contributed an Epic Draw Ticket, Sanji should be worth just as much!
But seeing him now, Auguro decided against it.
A perverted-yet-chivalrous personality might be entertaining in a manga, but having such a person as a subordinate in the real world would be a headache!
He froze up around beautiful women and rigidly adhered to his chivalry, refusing to harm women, even enemies. Auguro needed absolutely dependable subordinates, not walking liabilities!
"Very well, I'll take the head chef's recommendation!"
Dismissing the idea of recruiting him, Auguro focused on the food.
A set menu of seafood paired with red wine was quickly served. Sanji was overly enthusiastic, trying to present each of the three women with a rose. Auguro had no idea where he found them. Unfortunately, all three women politely refused.
A heartbroken Sanji slowly turned gray in the corner, while Auguro and his crew began to enjoy their meal.
After finishing his food, Auguro wiped his mouth with satisfaction. He had to admit that Sanji was worthy of being the protagonist's private chef; his cooking was truly exceptional! Rukia Kuchiki and the others were also very satisfied, and their opinion of Sanji improved slightly. If only he were a little more reliable, they thought.
After the meal, the group set off back toward Papaloko Island. Sanji, full of reluctant sadness, waved goodbye from the deck, making Nami uncomfortable.
"Is that guy crazy? Has he never seen women before?" Nami couldn't help but complain.
Auguro found this amusing. After all, in the original story, Nami and Sanji were practically the official romantic pairing. Yet, here she was, clearly disgusted by him. Truly unexpected!
Perhaps it was because she hadn't yet been corrupted by a bunch of lovable goofballs?
The group successfully returned to Papaloko Island. Ōura reported that everything was peaceful on the island. Auguro then placed the Inter-World Gate body in his own yard. The System-improved gate looked like an altar. The gate itself was hidden, only appearing when activated, making it virtually undetectable.
With the Inter-World Gate secured, Auguro instructed the mayor to contact the shipyards and order a vessel capable of sailing to the Grand Line.