After the " Glutton Gang " slunk away, the crowd gradually dispersed amidst murmurs. Usopp and Chopper were still thrilled with their "victory," Nami began calculating how much financial loss this operation had indirectly prevented (and potential future market opportunities). Robin silently memorized the " Sake Mash Flower " and the clues she had gathered earlier.
Ace patted Usopp on the shoulder. "Well done, long nose."
Allen emerged from the shadows, giving Usopp a slight nod of approval. His gaze then returned to the top floor of the Gourmet Arena, where the energy fluctuations of the " Seven Flavors of Desperation " seemed to ripple subtly due to the commotion below. "The reaction is more pronounced than expected..." he thought to himself.
Just then, the refined old man who had given Franky and Brook the wooden plaques earlier appeared nearby. He was holding a purple clay teapot and leisurely pouring himself a drink. His gaze swept over everyone and finally landed on the composed Jinbe.
" Fish-Man," the old man said with a smile, his voice calm, "Your aura is as serene as an abyss; you must have a profound understanding of the art of 'stillness.' My ' State of Mind Teahouse ' is still lacking a kindred spirit who can appreciate the ' Silence of the Deep Sea.' Would you do me the honor of sharing a sip?"
Jinbe was somewhat surprised, but out of politeness and respect for the other party's goodwill in giving a token to a companion, he calmly nodded. "Your kindness is too much for me to refuse."
Curious, the crowd followed the old man back to his unassuming tea stall. The old man brewed another cup of tea for Jinbe; the tea was clear and refreshing, with a subtle aroma.
Jinbe Franky, Jinbe didn't gulp down his tea, nor did he perceive the melody like Brook. He respectfully accepted the teacup with both hands, first observing its color, then gently inhaling its aroma, and finally slowly drinking it down in three sips. The whole process was solemn and tranquil, carrying a unique sense of ritual.
The tea was slightly bitter at first, then sweet, and a cool sensation settled in his stomach, as if shutting out the noise of the outside world. Jinbe closed his eyes, as if he had returned to Fish-Man Island, thousands of meters below the surface, feeling the tranquility and grandeur of that deep blue expanse.
"Excellent tea." Jinbe opened his eyes, a hint of emotion in them. "This tea can calm the mind and bring back memories of one's origins. Only a person with a tranquil mind can bring out this effect. Your tea ceremony is close to 'Zen'."
Great admiration flashed in the old man's eyes. He clapped his hands and chuckled, "Wonderful! Wonderful indeed! Mr. Fish-Man is truly a kindred spirit! Unmoved by external things, clear about one's own place—this composure is the key to passing the test of 'heart'." He then took out an identical tea-shaped wooden plaque and solemnly handed it to Jinbe, "This is a gift for you, sir."
The Straw Hat Pirates has acquired another mysterious wooden plaque.
Robin seized the opportunity to step forward and politely inquired, "Sir, you seem to know a great deal about this island. Do you know any ancient legends related to ' Sake Mash Flower ' or ' the Spirit of the Forest '?"
The old man's smile faded, and after a moment of contemplation, his gaze became distant. "Young scholar, you have touched upon Terra's long-forgotten past." He pointed to the distant Chocolate Hills. "The island's culinary culture wasn't always so flourishing. Legend has it that in ancient times, the ancestors relied on a symbiotic relationship with the ' Spirit of the Forest.' But later, a philosophy of pursuing 'ultimate stimulation' emerged, believing that only by plundering, catalyzing, or even... distorting the natural flavors could one achieve the pinnacle of deliciousness. The overuse of ' Sake Mash Flower ' is merely the tip of the Iceburg of that philosophy."
He lowered his voice. "According to ancient records, those who practiced that ideology eventually angered the ' Spirit of the Forest,' incurring a curse. Their taste buds became incredibly greedy, yet they could no longer find satisfaction in ordinary food, constantly seeking stronger, more extreme flavors, even... coveting the 'flavor' of life itself. The ' Glutton Gang's' modus operandi bears a striking resemblance to that record."
"Coveting the 'flavor' of life itself?" Robin keenly grasped the key point.
Jinbe frowned as well. "How is this any different from plunder?"
The old man shook his head, saying no more, but said meaningfully, " The Echo of history have never truly disappeared. Beneath today's prosperity, ancient shadows may be resurfacing. For you guests who have traveled from afar, this Gourmet Festival may not only be a feast for the taste buds, but also perhaps a... journey of purification."
The old man's words were like a Boulder thrown into everyone's hearts. What was originally a lighthearted and enjoyable culinary adventure was suddenly shrouded in a thick and eerie historical fog.
"A journey of purification..." Nami murmured, feeling that the Beli in her hand no longer tasted so good.
Usopp and Chopper started hugging each other and trembling again. "I knew it wouldn't be that simple!"
Ace's smile faded, and his eyes turned serious.
Allen narrowed his eyes slightly. The "devouring" life force he sensed in Balo seemed to overlap with the "ancient shadow" the old man had described. "A twisted appetite... a curse... interesting."
The path to qualifying for the festival seems to be a process of unveiling the island's dark secrets and confronting the ghosts of history.