Amidst the old woman's repeated thanks and words of advice, the Straw Hat Pirates followed the Spice Avenue and finally arrived at the heart of the island— the Gourmet Arena.
This is a magnificent and unique building, shaped like a giant multi-tiered cake, each tier decorated with frosted reliefs and colorful flags. The air is filled with an even richer aroma of food, a mixture of charcoal, spices, oils, and desserts, making one's mouth water. The entrance to the arena is bustling with activity, with chefs, gourmets, and tourists from all over the world coming and going.
"Wow--!!!" Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp exclaimed in unison, their eyes turning into stars.
A huge screen hangs above the entrance, scrolling through information about ongoing challenges and upcoming matches:
[Eating Challenge: Finish the "Volcano Eruption Giant Spicy Burger" within ten minutes! Successful participants get a free meal and 10 points!]
[Knife Skills Trial: Perfectly slice the "Crystal Onion" without shedding a tear! Reward: Rare Spice Set!]
[Flavor Showdown: Mix your own drinks on-site and defeat the " Juice Baron "! Win 50 points and a mystery fruit basket!]
"They all look so fun!" Luffy rubbed his hands together, eager to rush in and participate in all the activities.
Nami carefully looked at the rules and points exchange table beside her. "Hmm... winning a regular challenge will earn you 10 to 50 points, and the rewards in Beli are also quite substantial. Accumulating 1000 points will get you a ticket to the Gourmet Festival... or, completing an S-rank food mission will also directly grant you a ticket."
"An S-rank mission?" Zoro raised an eyebrow.
A person in a staff uniform explained, "Yes. S-rank missions are usually extremely difficult, even dangerous. For example, 'Hunting the Deep-Sea Giant Squid,' 'Collecting Golden Honey from Sky Vines,' or... 'Tasting and analyzing the ultimate dish ' Seven Flavors of Desperation of the Legendary Chef ' Akami,''." The staff member pointed to the top floor of the arena, "' Seven Flavors of Desperation ' is on the top floor. To this day, no one has been able to taste it completely without losing consciousness. There is no penalty for failing the challenge, but the winner will directly receive a festival entry ticket and a huge prize."
"Lost consciousness?" Usopp shrank back. "That sounds terrifying!"
Sanji exhaled a smoke ring, his eyes fixed on the challenges, especially those involving rare ingredients and culinary skills. "Interesting."
Just then, a commotion erupted from inside the arena, accompanied by a suffocating, oppressive atmosphere mixed with a strange, rotten smell.
The crowd parted automatically to make way for a man of immense size, a veritable mountain of flesh. He wore a specially made, oversized chef's uniform, stained with grease and food scraps, and a necklace of various animal teeth hung around his neck. His face was a mass of fleshy bulges, and his small eyes gleamed with greed and ferocity. He was gnawing on a huge, dripping, animal leg. Behind him followed a group of obsequious henchmen, including the scarred man who had just been chased away by Ace and Sanji.
"It's the leader of the ' Glutton Gang,' Lord ' Gluttony ' Balo!" Whispers rippled through the crowd, tinged with fear.
The scarred man pointed at the Straw Hat Pirates and whispered a few words in Balo's ear.
Balo chewed and swallowed the last piece of meat, bone and all, casually wiping his greasy hands on his clothes. His small eyes swept over the Straw Hat Pirates, finally settling on Ace and Sanji. His voice was like a broken gong. "So it was you who disturbed my men from collecting 'necessary operating fees'?"
An overwhelming sense of oppression washed over us, not just because of its size, but also because of its ferocious aura that seemed capable of devouring everything. The surrounding temperature even seemed to drop several degrees.
Luffy forward, glaring fearlessly at Balo: "Your men bullied the old lady first!"
Balo scoffed, his voice booming like thunder. "The law of the jungle prevails! Her 'flavor' is too weak; her elimination is only natural!" His gaze swept past Luffy, landing on the arena, his possessiveness undisguised. "Judging by your expressions, you want to participate in the Gourmet Festival? Hmph, don't waste your energy. This year's festival champion and the ' Dream Ingredient ' are destined to be Balo's!"
He paused, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "But since you're here, let's play by the rules. I'll be waiting for you ignorant brats in the arena... I hope you don't leave before you meet me by 'tasting' something you shouldn't have! Let's go!"
Balo and his men swaggered away, leaving behind a somber atmosphere.
"That guy... is very strong." Zoro placed his hand on the Wado Ichimonji.
"And it's disgusting." Sanji stubbed out his cigarette, his eyes cold.
Ace's smile faded slightly, and he whispered to Allen beside him, "He doesn't seem like just an ordinary bully."
Allen nodded slightly, sensing the lingering aura of Balo: "His 'life magnetic field' is very abnormal, filled with chaos and devouring power... Cousin, be careful, he might not only be strong in physical combat."
Usopp and Chopper hugged each other. "This feels so scary!"
Nami looked worriedly in the direction Balo had left. "It seems we're being watched."
Brook tilted her head. "Even though I don't have eyes, hohoho~ I can still sense that ominous aura."
Franky strikes his signature pose. "No matter who it is, just beat them with Super~!"
Jinbe said in Jinbe voice, "This person exudes a strong murderous aura; he is definitely not a kind person."
Luffy adjusted his straw Straw Hat, a gleam of excitement spreading across his face. "Who cares about ' Gluttony '! As long as I defeat him at the festival, that's all that matters! Alright! I'm going to take on the challenge and earn enough points!"
Balo's arrival casts a huge shadow over the culinary feast. The Straw Hat Pirates's trip to Gourmet Island has officially escalated into a direct confrontation with the local tyrant. The Gourmet Arena will not only be a battleground of skills, but may also become the eye of the storm.