With the decline of the " Lord of Gluttony's " will and the complete demise of Balo, the remaining forces of the " Glutton Gang " scattered like leaves in the wind and were quickly wiped out by the island's guards and angry citizens. The gloom that had hung over Terra Island finally dissipated, and warm sunshine once again bathed this Paradise of food.
After an emergency meeting, the organizing committee of the Gourmet Festival, recognizing the irreplaceable contributions of the Straw Hat Pirates in thwarting the conspiracy, saving the forest, and supporting the participants, unanimously decided to award them the ultimate victory of this year's festival, along with the legendary " Dream Ingredient."
On the newly restored main stage of the arena, in front of all the islanders and tourists, the chairman of the organizing committee—the old man who had once invited Allen to taste tea (his other identity)—personally brought out a treasure chest that emitted a soft white light, seemingly made of pure energy.
"Brave warriors of the Straw Hat Pirates," the old man's voice boomed, filled with gratitude, "You not only won the competition, but also protected the very foundation of Terra! This is your well-deserved reward—the ' Source of Life,' a legendary miracle formed from the blessing of the first ' Spirit of the Forest '!"
The treasure chest opened, and instantly, a rich aura of life and a refreshing fragrance filled the air. Inside was not physical food, but a mass of substance that constantly shifted through seven colors, like a liquid halo. It seemed to pulsate slightly as if it were alive, and the mere scent it emitted made one feel comfortable and energized.
"This is... Dream Ingredient?" Luffy leaned closer curiously, sniffing the air. "It smells so good! But... how do you eat it?"
The old man smiled and said, "' The Source of Life ' is not for sustenance, but for nourishing all things. Taking a single drop directly can heal hidden injuries and prolong life. When used in cooking, it can bring out the ultimate flavor and nutrition in the most ordinary ingredients. More importantly, it symbolizes vitality and hope."
Sanji carefully accepted the treasure chest. As a chef, he knew the value of this gift. "I understand. We accept this generous gift. I swear, I will use it to create delicious food that brings happiness to people!"
Allen could clearly sense that this " Source of Life " contained extremely pure world primordial power. Although the quantity was small, the quality was extremely high, and it also had a slight nourishing effect on the World Seed within his body. Perhaps this was a gift from the world to them, who had driven away the external threat.
Over the next few days, a grand celebration was held on Terra Island to express gratitude to the Straw Hat Pirates. Sanji used a small portion of the " Source of Life " combined with the island's finest ingredients to host an unprecedented feast for the entire island. The exquisite taste and the resulting physical and mental pleasure became a new legend passed down among the islanders.
Nami replenished the island with a large amount of fresh ingredients and specialty products, Usopp and Chopper collected many interesting local specialties and medicinal herbs, Franky was very interested in some of the machines on the island that used food energy to power them, Brook composed a new hymn to food, and Robin obtained more valuable historical materials from the old man about ancient food civilization and taboos of the stars.
Ace and Allen, on the other hand, spent most of their time resting. Ace enjoyed the rare peaceful time, playing around with Luffy and drinking with Jinbe. Allen continued to process his insights from the " Seven Flavors of Desperation " and silently reinforced the weak "crystal wall" of this world facing the starry sky. He knew that after this brief tranquility, a vaster expanse of stars awaited them.
The Log Pose was already full and pointed to the next island.
On the day of departure, the port was crowded with people seeing them off.
"Goodbye! You must come back again!" The islanders waved the food (all kinds of delicious food) in their hands, bidding a warm farewell.
"Meat--! I'll miss you--!" Luffy shouted tearfully at the barbecue restaurant on the shore.
"Beautiful ladies~, I will always remember your smiles~!" Sanji, spinning a heart shape.
"Goodbye, peaceful island." Robin waved with a smile.
Zoro, clutching his sword, surprisingly didn't get lost and checked his course.
"Let's go, cousin, the next adventure is waiting." Ace patted Allen on the shoulder.
Standing at the stern, Allen took one last look at the island, now restored to life and peace. A gentle smile played on his lips as he listened to the lively chatter of his companions. Perhaps protecting this scene was one of the reasons he continued to grow stronger.
Powered by Franky's super-powered engine, the Thousand Sunny slowly departed from the port, breaking through the azure waves, and once again set sail for an unknown route.