Baratie

The massive mobilization of troops by the Flaws Kingdom, a powerhouse in the East Blue, quickly drew the attention of all major affiliated nations in the region.

Even the World Government and Marine Headquarters took note of the war-like atmosphere brewing between the Goa Empire and the Flaws Kingdom.

"Is King Ba Dodeshinai really going to stick his neck out for the Sasba Kingdom?"

"The Flaws Kingdom truly lives up to its reputation as the big brother of the East Blue! How domineering!"

"The ambitious Goa Empire has indeed disrupted the peaceful environment of our East Blue."

"I truly hope the Flaws Kingdom crushes the ambitions of the Goa Empire; otherwise, our peaceful East Blue will turn into a sea of war."

The various affiliated nations of the East Blue were highly supportive of the Flaws Kingdom's military intervention.

The support from these nations finally brought a smile to the face of the furious King Ba Dodeshinai.

With the hearts of so many nations behind him, coupled with the military might of the Germa 66 mercenaries, he felt invincible.

With such an overwhelming advantage, how could he possibly lose?

"Wang Shi, I will make you regret provoking me!"

"Once I slaughter you and defeat the Goa Empire, the Celestial Dragons will certainly no longer value a defeated nation."

"By then, I will gain the favor of the Celestial Dragons and transform the Flaws Kingdom into the next most beautiful kingdom in the East Blue."

"I will also incorporate the four kingdoms you occupied into the rule of the Flaws Kingdom, building it into the true strongest empire of the East Blue!"

"Out of respect for Vice Admiral Garp, I shall leave the territory of the Goa Kingdom to that blind princess, Sally."

King Ba Dodeshinai's eyes burned with fanaticism; he had already begun planning how to annex the territories of the four kingdoms after eliminating Wang Shi.

He would become the most powerful king in the history of the Flaws Kingdom!

Perhaps even the great emperor of a new empire.

The more King Ba Dodeshinai thought about it, the more crazed his smile became.

It was as if everything were already within his grasp.

Aboard the snail ship of the Germa 66 mercenaries.

"What is the meaning of this! Are you looking down on me, Vinsmoke Niji!"

Dressed in his blue combat suit, Niji stood with electricity crackling around his fists, reprimanding the Minister of the Left of the Flaws Kingdom with immense arrogance.

What right did a war in the weakest sea have to mobilize two of their strongest modified warriors?

"I could wipe out that so-called Goa Empire all by myself!"

"But since you are paying double, don't think you can skimp on that extra payment once I finish off Wang Shi!"

Niji domineeringly chased away the Minister of the Left, intent on pocketing the extra mercenary fees from the Flaws Kingdom.

Seeing Niji's immense confidence, the Minister of the Left had no choice but to return and report the situation to King Ba Dodeshinai.

King Ba Dodeshinai felt that his Guard Army and the Germa 66 mercenaries would absolutely be able to defeat the Goa Empire's fleet.

As long as Niji took care of that bastard Wang Shi, known as the King of Exile, everything else would be easy to handle.

King Ba Dodeshinai did not believe that Wang Shi could defeat Niji, the strongest modified warrior of the North Blue.

After some communication and negotiation, the Guard Army of the Flaws Kingdom and the Germa 66 mercenaries marched aggressively toward the Sasba Kingdom.

Meanwhile.

The thriving Baratie restaurant had no idea that Wang Shi had already designated them as a battlefield.

A few days ago, Wang Shi had ordered his ministers to invite the Baratie to do business in the Goa Empire under the name of the empire.

But the result was obvious.

The invitation from the Goa Empire was politely declined by the owner, Zeff.

Just as Wang Shi had thought, business could be done anywhere.

Coincidentally, Zeff thought the same.

They were accustomed to this sea area and had established a stable customer base and reputation.

So why would they go to the Goa Empire?

They were already overwhelmed with their current business and had no need to start over or expand into new territory.

Furthermore, the Goa Kingdom's successive annexation of four kingdoms made Zeff even less inclined to go to such an unstable place.

Aboard the Mackerel Head One, the main ship of the Baratie.

Head Chef Zeff and the cook Sanji looked with grave expressions at the approaching fleet.

They recognized the flag of this fleet.

This was none other than the Goa Empire, currently riding the crest of a wave of fame.

"Old man, could it be that because you rejected the Goa Empire's invitation, they've come to cause us trouble?"

Sanji, the blond with the curled eyebrow, took a drag of his cigarette, wondering if their floating kitchen could stand a chance against an imperial fleet.

"Shut your mouth! What do you mean 'I' rejected them?! Didn't I ask for your opinions? You lot weren't exactly eager to leave either!"

Zeff slammed his foot onto Sanji's head, cursing him out with irritation.

However, his eyes were undeniably grave.

The Baratie was their life's work, and he did not want this restaurant, which provided food to all, to be destroyed in a senseless battle.

"Damn old man!"

Sanji clutched his head, grinding his teeth in anger.

"How about we just set sail and run?"

Sanji offered a terrible suggestion; after all, he had managed to escape the Germa 66 snail ships back in the day.

When necessary, running away was nothing to be ashamed of.

"Idiot, do you think our ship is faster than their warships?"

Zeff was so angry he wanted to kick Sanji again, but Sanji dodged it decisively.

"Boss, why don't we call the Navy? We know quite a few Marines."

Patty and Carne, among the combat chefs, also chimed in with suggestions.

They were confident in their own strength, but that only applied to small-time pirates.

This fleet looked like trouble, and the legendary King of Exile might even be among them.

This King of Exile, having received such high praise from the big news mogul Morgans, surely possessed formidable power.

They had no desire to provoke an emperor of an empire.

"I heard he captured the commanders of two Marine bases!"

Zeff looked at the two foolish chefs, speechless; he suspected that even Smoker, the strongest Colonel in Loguetown, probably couldn't suppress Wang Shi, the Emperor of the Goa Empire.

"They're here!!!"

Sanji's eyes turned serious.

"Whoa!!"

Sanji let out a sudden exclamation, giving Zeff and the others a massive fright.

"So many beauties!!"

Sanji exclaimed again, his eyes turning into hearts, which infuriated Zeff and the others enough to each land a kick on him.

This boisterous shouting had nearly scared the life out of them; they had thought the Goa Empire's fleet was about to attack.

As the flagship of the imperial fleet drew near and came to a halt beside the Baratie, Zeff, Sanji, and the others finally laid eyes on the Emperor of the Goa Empire, who had appeared in the newspapers.

Wang Shi had actually come in person.

It was hard to tell if this was a good thing or a bad thing.

"What? No welcome for us?"

Wang Shi stepped off the ship first, followed by a group of powerhouses clad in military uniforms.

You have to admit, even ugly fellows like Eric and El Drago looked significantly more imposing and charismatic in the German-style uniforms designed by Wang Shi.

Zoro, Saka, and Van Augur were even more eye-catching, standing there with the handsomeness of front-line officers.

Even Nami and the others had a unique flair while wearing the military uniforms.

"How could that be? Guests are always welcome."

Seeing that Wang Shi didn't seem to be looking for trouble, Zeff breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as they weren't here to cause a scene or start a fight, it was fine.

He immediately ordered the various chefs to prepare, determined to conquer Wang Shi's stomach with the finest food they had.