Sanji was thrilled with all three items from the jar, but the one he loved most was, of course, that photo album. After that came the kitchenware and the chef card. Hundred thousand Berries for these three prizes made him feel like luck was finally on his side.
"How is it, Sanji, satisfied?" Amon asked, already knowing the answer as he watched the boy's lingering, starry-eyed look.
"Mhm. Mr. Amon, your jar is too magical. I'm going to tell the others right away so they come draw one too."
Sanji nodded hard, volunteering to advertise without being asked.
"Good. Then hurry."
Amon had not expected Sanji to be this cooperative. He was delighted on the inside, though his face stayed placid.
"Got it, Mr. Amon. I'm heading back. I will make that old geezer look at me with new eyes. I, Sanji, will become a great chef."
With that, Sanji hefted the Kitchenware and hurried toward the Baratie. Amon found a chair, stretched out, and waited for Sanji to return after showing off.
Leaving Amon behind, Sanji pushed through the restaurant doors.
The moment he stepped in, a thick-mustached cook perched on the counter did not even lift his head. "If you have money, get in here. If you're broke, get lost."
This was Patty, one of Baratie's main cooks. As soon as he realized it was Sanji, his expression turned sour and he barked, "Sanji, you little brat, what are you doing up front instead of in the back. Get to the kitchen and wash those plates."
Most of the staff had pirate tempers. Their tongues were rough, their hearts not so bad. This was just how the guys showed affection.
"Hmph. None of your business."
Sanji knew what Patty was like and did not bother to argue. He headed straight for the kitchen.
Patty clicked his tongue, ready to let the kid have it, when he suddenly saw a dozen large ships sliding up around the restaurant. Every mast flew a pirate flag. At the fore was a massive three-decked vessel with a black panther prow. Business, he thought, and brightened at once. He forgot Sanji and hurried out to greet the incoming customers.
The fleet moored. From the lead ship strode a burly man encased in gold armor.
"Gin, you're sure the owner of this place is Zeff of the Cook Pirates, who sailed the Grand Line for years?"
The big man glanced sideways at the lean fighter beside him.
"Yes. I had it checked. The Baratie's owner is from the old Cook Pirates," Gin said with a nod. "Word is he came back to the East Blue after his right leg was ruined."
"Hah. Perfect. If that's true, he should have a Grand Line logbook. I'm taking it."
Had Amon been present, he would have recognized the man at once as Don Krieg, the self-styled "Admiral" of a huge East Blue pirate fleet. Krieg had already tried to invade the Grand Line once and had been driven back in ruin. Now, hearing that the Baratie's owner had crossed those seas, he came to seize a logbook and try again.
"Boys, wait here. Gin, Pearl, you're with me."
Krieg led his top men, the Man-Demon Gin and Iron Wall Pearl, toward the restaurant.
"Right this way, gentlemen."
Inside, Patty, unaware of their purpose, ushered them in with a groveling smile.
"Good. Bring us something worthy to eat."
The three dropped into their seats and ordered loudly.
"Coming right up. We will have your dishes out in no time."
Patty bowed and hustled the servers to push the order to the kitchen. Soon the food arrived, but after a few bites the trio shoved the plates away.
"Pah. You call this fit for human mouths?"
"Go get your boss in here."
The ordinary diners saw trouble and scrambled to pay and flee. The staff realized these men were here to stir up a scene, and their eyes went flinty.
"Food is for eating, not for wasting."
Sanji's face went cold as he stared at the half-eaten dishes. He knew too well what it meant to go hungry. Wasting food was a sin.
"Hey, brat, who asked you. With slop like this, how do you expect us to swallow it?"
They had come to pick a fight, and they were not hiding it.
"So wasting food is your excuse."
Sanji took a step forward, ready to teach them some manners.
A hand settled on his shoulder. "Sanji, stand down. I will handle this."
The speaker was the Baratie's owner, Red-Leg Zeff.