Target Sea Restaurant, Old Man Zeff's Red-Leg

"Let's go, have a good meal, and check out that curly-browed perverted cook while we're at it."

At Lei En's command, Heavenly Court Thunder God set sail once again.

Dadi found the approximate location of the floating restaurant Baratie on the nautical chart, adjusted their course, and pressed forward at full speed.

A few days later.

An extremely uniquely shaped restaurant ship, resembling a giant chub mackerel, appeared on the blue horizon.

"Sir, that's the sea restaurant Baratie."

Dadi pointed to the distant fish-shaped ship and reported.

"Hm, park the ship outside, and let's head inside quietly."

Lei En instructed.

He certainly didn't want his golden battleship to suddenly appear and scare away all the chefs and customers inside.

Dadi boarded Baratie with Lei En, who was still in understated casual clothes, Kuina, who had also changed into ordinary everyday attire, and Kuro, who had donned butler's wear, put his glasses back on, and looked like a respectable gentleman.

As soon as they stepped into the restaurant, a bustling, lively atmosphere washed over them.

Waiters in chef uniforms shuttled back and forth between the tables carrying plates, while customers enjoyed fine food and chatted loudly and merrily.

The air was filled with an alluring aroma mixing butter, spices, and seafood, making one's mouth water.

"Welcome!"

A young chef in a black suit with a handsome head of blonde hair, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, and curled eyebrows rushed over enthusiastically.

However, when he caught sight of Kuina behind Lei En, his eyes instantly transformed into heart shapes.

"Oh! Beautiful lady!"

Sanji executed an exaggerated tornado-style spin, instantly sliding right up in front of Kuina.

He dropped to one knee, lifted Kuina's hand with utmost gentleness, and prepared to plant a romantic hand-kiss.

"To be able to meet an angel as fair as you on this vast ocean is my greatest fortune in three lifetimes, Sanji! Might I ask..."

His words remained unfinished.

Clang!

Expressionless, Kuina drew the long sword at her waist, her glistening blade coming to rest directly against Sanji's neck.

An icy, bone-chilling killing intent instantly cooled half of Sanji's restless heart.

"Take another half step closer to my lord, and I'll chop you up."

Kuina's voice was soft, but her tone was as freezing as a Siberian cold snap.

Sanji froze in place, cold sweat beading on his forehead instantly.

This... this young miss looks gentle and cute, why is her temper so explosive?!

"Ahem, alright Kuina, put it away. Don't scare the man."

Lei En had watched enough of the spectacle from the side before lazily speaking up.

"Find a quiet spot and bring us a serving of every single one of your most expensive dishes."

Granted a reprieve, Sanji scrambled up from the floor, and led them to a table by the window.

Though thoroughly shaken up, his professional etiquette still enabled him to maintain a smile.

"Right away, guests. Please wait a moment!"

Soon enough, top-tier culinary creations featuring brilliant colors, rich aromas, and exquisite tastes were brought out one after another like a flowing stream.

Pan-roasted Sea Kings loin, lobster thermidor, black pepper sea-beef steak...

Lei En dove in without ceremony and gorged himself.

He had to admit that this sea restaurant's reputation was well earned.

Sanji's culinary skills truly reached the pinnacle of excellence; compared to Makino's homely cooking, they possessed far more professional-grade refinement and creativity.

Hm, not bad. If I could poach this guy back to be my exclusive chef, it wouldn't be a bad choice at all.

Lei En calculated inwardly as he ate.

Just as he finished eating to his heart's content and prepared to wipe his mouth and pay the bill.

Creeak...

The kitchen doors were pushed open.

An old man wearing an exceptionally tall chef's hat, sporting a long, braided golden mustache, and possessing a wooden prosthetic for one leg slowly walked out while leaning on a cane.

It was none other than the restaurant's owner, the former legendary pirate of the Grand Line, Red-Leg Zeff.

His sharp eyes swept across the restaurant before finally coming to rest on Lei En's table.

To be precise, they landed on the famous sword Wado Ichimonji at Kuina's waist.

As a former pirate admiral, Zeff naturally possessed keen discernment.

At a single glance, he could tell these three youthful guests were definitely not to be trifled with.

Especially the black-haired youth leading them; although his presence remained restrained, he radiated an extremely dangerous pressure, like facing a boundless abyss.

Lei En noticed Zeff's gaze as well.

He put down his cutlery, picked up a napkin, and wiped his mouth.

Instead, his own gaze fell with keen interest onto Zeff's peg leg that stepped with a distinct halt.

"How was the food, guests? Was it to your liking?"

Zeff walked up to the table and asked in a raspy voice.

"Very good."

Lei En nodded, offering his praise without reservation.

"This is the best meal I've eaten since setting out to sea."

"Hahaha, good to hear." Zeff gave a dry laugh.

Lei En stood up, pulled a heavy cloth pouch out of the system space, and dropped it onto the table with a dull thud.

The opening of the pouch folded back, revealing the dazzling gold gleaming within.

That golden brilliance instantly captured the gaze of everyone in the restaurant.

"Old man, you cook a good meal."

Looking at Zeff's slightly parted mouth born of shock, Lei En's lips curled into a thoroughly playful arc.

He pointed to the bag of gold on the table—enough to purchase the entire restaurant—and then pointed to Zeff's wooden peg leg.

"This bag of gold isn't just for today's meal."

Lei En's voice wasn't loud, yet it clearly traveled into the ears of everyone present, striking them like a bolt of thunder from a clear sky.

"It can also buy you... a chance to own a real leg once again."