Night on Baratie was even livelier than during the day.
All the lanterns on the ship were lit, their reflections dancing on the water in a flickering display.
Inside the restaurant, every seat was occupied. The chatter of patrons, the clinking of cutlery, and the sounds of a busy kitchen blended into a lively symphony.
Renzo sat in a corner, a plate of Sanji's special seafood fried rice before him.
Each grain of rice was distinct, the seafood fresh and springy, perfectly cooked.
He ate deliberately, occasionally glancing toward the kitchen.
Potts, sitting opposite, fidgeted nervously. "Commodore, are we really going to wait this long? The East Blue Marine branch might notice our ship…"
"Let them notice," Renzo replied without looking up.
"More importantly, tomorrow's breakfast matters more."
Potts sighed, realizing it was useless to argue.
When Renzo focused on food, everything else automatically became "unnecessary trouble."
Just then, a commotion erupted at the restaurant entrance.
A group of bedraggled people staggered in, showing clear signs of battle, some with visible injuries.
"Please… give us food and water…" one weakly pleaded. "We haven't eaten for three days."
The restaurant fell silent.
Patrons stared in surprise at the unexpected guests, whispering amongst themselves.
Sanji hurried out of the kitchen. Seeing their state, he frowned. "Patty, quickly prepare some simple food and water. Carne, get the first aid kit."
"But Sanji, they look like fleeing pirates…" a chef whispered.
"Hungry people are still guests," Sanji said firmly, already using a clean cloth to tend a wound.
"That's Baratie's rule."
Renzo watched quietly.
Sanji's attitude toward the desperate newcomers was professional and compassionate, without a trace of discrimination or hesitation.
Such qualities were rare on the Grand Line.
Once the group regained some strength, they began to recount their ordeal in bits and pieces.
"Krieg… Krieg's pirate crew…"
A man with a scarred face stammered.
"They attacked our convoy, taking all supplies…"
"That devil… not only steals, he forces skilled people to join his crew," another added.
"Chefs, shipwrights, doctors… he specifically targets professionals."
Sanji paused mid-action. "Chefs?"
"Yes," the scarred man nodded.
"He said he wants to build the strongest crew in the East Blue and needs talent. Those who refuse are…"
He didn't finish, but the fear on his face said it all.
The restaurant's atmosphere grew tense.
Krieg's notoriety was well-known in the East Blue, but forcing skilled professionals to join was new information.
"Why does he need so many specialists?" Sanji asked, handing the man a glass of water.
The scarred man drank, calming slightly. "We overheard some talks… Krieg plans to head for the Grand Line. He said the East Blue can no longer satisfy his ambition, he needs the best team to establish himself there."
Potts nervously looked at Renzo, noting the Commodore's calm expression, though his eyes now held a trace of thought.
Suddenly, distant lights appeared on the horizon.
As they drew closer, it became clear it was a large fleet, at least twenty ships. At the front, the massive flagship flew the unmistakable Krieg pirate flag.
"They… they're chasing us!"
The scarred man yelled in terror, dropping his cup as it shattered on the floor.
Chaos erupted in the restaurant.
Patrons panicked, some seeking hiding spots, others rushing for the exits.
Sanji reacted immediately: "Everyone, stay calm! Patty, lead the guests out the back. Carne, get the fire suppression equipment. The rest, follow me!"
Surprisingly, the Baratie crew executed his orders with precision, even under crisis.
Clearly, they were experienced in handling sudden threats.
Renzo, however, remained seated, finishing his last bite of fried rice at leisure.
Potts, sweating profusely, said, "Commodore, shouldn't we go back to the ship and prepare?"
"No need," Renzo said, wiping his mouth. "They won't come closer."
Sure enough, Krieg's fleet stopped at a distance from Baratie.
A small boat was lowered from the flagship, heading toward Baratie.
Only three men were in it, led by a tall, slender man, unarmed.
As the boat neared Baratie, Sanji was already standing on the deck, flanked by a few chefs wielding cooking utensils, tools that doubled as weapons here.
"We are members of the Krieg's pirate crew!" the tall man called, surprisingly polite. "Our captain wishes to speak with your head chef."
Sanji stepped forward. "I'm the head chef. What is it?"
The tall man bowed slightly. "Our captain admires your culinary skills and wishes to invite you to join our crew. In return, you will receive great rewards and high status."
Sanji sneered. "Tell Krieg I have no interest. Baratie is my home."
The emissary's expression didn't change, but his tone carried a thin edge of threat:
"I don't think you fully understand our captain's sincerity. Don Krieg is heading for the Grand Line. He needs the best chef, and you are the best in East Blue."
"I said no interest," Sanji said firmly.
The emissary sighed. "What a pity. Then allow me to deliver another message from our captain: if he cannot get the talent he wants, he will destroy it rather than let it fall into a rival's hands."
The threat was unmistakable.
Sanji's chefs tightened their grip on their "weapons," the tension immediate.
At that moment, a lazy voice came from behind: "Finished talking? You're blocking my view of the moon."
Everyone turned to see Renzo, now standing at the restaurant entrance, leaning against the doorframe, looking as if he had just woken up.
"Who's this?" the emissary frowned.
"A guest annoyed by your noise."
Renzo strolled over slowly, standing beside Sanji. "Three minutes to leave. I want a good night's sleep."
The emissary seemed to recognize him, his expression shifting slightly. "You're… from that small boat earlier today…"
Renzo yawned. "Two minutes and fifty seconds left."
Clearly, the emissary had heard about the day's events and knew this seemingly lazy young man was no ordinary person.
He hesitated, then bowed. "I will convey your… request. But Don Krieg will not give up easily."
With that, he signaled his men to row back, returning quickly to the flagship.
Sanji looked at Renzo in surprise. "You know them?"
"Met them today," Renzo replied briefly. "They're noisy."
Sanji gazed thoughtfully at the retreating fleet.
Krieg's flagship remained, neither advancing nor leaving.
"What are they waiting for?" Patty asked nervously.
"Waiting for us to make a mistake," Sanji said gravely. "Or for us to show weakness."
Renzo yawned. "They won't attack."
"How do you know?" Patty asked skeptically.
"Because it's too much trouble," Renzo said matter-of-factly.
"They'll stay quiet tonight. I'm going to sleep."
And with that, he turned toward the guest quarters, leaving everyone stunned.
Potts hurried after him. "Commodore, you really think they won't attack?"
"Krieg is a pragmatist," Renzo said lazily. "A direct assault risks losing men and destroying the talent he wants. He'll choose the easier path."
"Like what?"
"Waiting until we leave the Baratie."
Renzo pushed open the door to the guest room. "So tomorrow, he'll try again to recruit Sanji."
Potts suddenly understood. "So that's why you said we'd stay a few more days?"
Renzo didn't answer, collapsing onto the bed and closing his eyes. "Tomorrow breakfast, I want the blond kid's omelet. Go reserve it."
Potts sighed helplessly, gently closing the door.
Outside, he could hear Sanji organizing the crew to strengthen night patrols.
Krieg's fleet still loomed on the sea, the distant lights like the eyes of a lurking predator.
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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