The oppressive atmosphere on Wapol Island made the Straw Hat Pirates feel extremely uncomfortable. Pedestrians hurried along the streets, their faces expressionless, even the children's games seemed orderly, as if following some unseen script. Everywhere, Surveillance Den Den Mushi flashed red, and slogans bearing the image of the King—a middle-aged man with a crown, a serious expression, and a mustache—were posted on the walls: "Efficiency is virtue!" "Obedience is loyalty!" " Wapol's glory is above all else!"
Nami tried to ask passersby for directions to the market, but the person only gave her a wary look, quickly shook their head, and walked away, as if saying another word to her would be against the rules.
Usopp and Chopper stayed close to the main group, afraid of getting separated or being arrested for "abnormal behavior".
Zoro, clutching his sword, was extremely disgusted by the environment, his brow furrowed.
Sanji wanted to find a restaurant to learn about local ingredients, but he was greatly disappointed to find that most restaurants offered standardized nutritional pastes and synthetic foods, with no culinary art to speak of.
Although Franky was interested in mechanics, he also felt that the creations here lacked "personality" and "soul," possessing only cold, functional qualities.
Brook wanted to play music to liven things up, but as soon as he took out his violin, he was sternly warned by the patrolling soldiers, "No unproductive noise allowed."
Robin observes the buildings and slogans in the limited open areas, trying to piece together the country's ruling logic.
Jinbe observed silently, feeling uncomfortable with this social structure that deprived individuals of their freedom and happiness.
The flames in Ace's hands seemed somewhat dimmed due to the oppressive atmosphere.
Allen maintained a calm perception; he could "hear" the "sounds" of the city's operation—the meshing of gears, the flow of energy, and... countless suppressed, faint, and resentful whispers of the soul.
Just as everyone felt they were about to suffocate from the oppressive air, a sound, incongruous with its surroundings and carrying the enticing aroma of food and the warmth of cooking, came from the depths of a narrow, inconspicuous alley.
"Gurgle..."
It's the sound of soup boiling, and... the sound of some kind of noodles being scooped out?
Luffy, with his animalistic instincts for food, and Sanji, who was pursuing authentic cuisine, moved almost simultaneously. Luffy stretched out his nose and sniffed intensely, while Sanji followed the pure, unprocessed aroma of the ingredients.
"This way! There's something delicious!" Luffy was the first to rush into the alley.
"Wait, Luffy! Don't run around!" Nami hurriedly followed, and the others followed out of curiosity and concern.
Deep in the alley, there's a very simple, even somewhat dilapidated, little stall. An old man with gray hair, wearing a faded apron, is tending a large pot of bubbling steam, skillfully scooping up noodles, placing them in a bowl, pouring on rich bone broth, and then topping them with a few thin slices of what looks like real meat—char siu—and a handful of bright green scallions. The aroma is completely different from the standardized nutritional supplements sold outside; it's full of the warmth of life.
The stall's sign, written crookedly, read, " Old Hunter's Stubborn Ramen ".
Several workers in overalls, who looked like they had sneaked out, were slurping down their noodles, their faces showing a rare sense of satisfaction and relaxation in this city.
"Wow! It's real ramen!" Luffy's eyes lit up, and he drooled.
"This aroma... it's real bone broth simmered for a long time!" Sanji exclaimed with delight. "Grandpa, please give each of us a bowl!"
Old Hunter was startled to see so many unfamiliar faces, especially skeletons and cyborgs, but seeing the pure longing for food in their eyes (especially Luffy's ), he nodded and silently began to prepare.
However, just as the steaming hot ramen was served and everyone was preparing to feast—
"Beep beep--!"
The piercing sound of sirens rang out! A squad of soldiers in black rushed into the alley!
" Hunter! It's you again! Repeat offenders, illegally operating a non-standard food business, gathering crowds—a serious violation of Articles 7, 23, and 51 of the Efficiency Code!" the leading officer shouted sternly. "Seal off the stall! Arrest the operator! All customers, take them away for questioning!"
The soldiers, like wolves and tigers, were about to rush forward to seize people and smash up stalls.
"Hey! What are you doing?!" Luffy immediately stood up, using his rubber arm to block the soldiers. "We're eating!"
"It's just a bowl of noodles, why are you arresting me!" Usopp shouted, though he was scared.
Sanji's eyes were icy. "Disturbing a guest's enjoyment of their meal in front of the chef is an unforgivable sin!"
Old Hunter closed his eyes in despair, seemingly already accustomed to this fate.
"Etc."
A calm voice rang out, yet it seemed to carry an invisible force, causing the restless soldiers to freeze in place. Allen stood up and glanced at the soldiers.
"According to your ' Efficiency Code '," Allen's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, "What is the ultimate purpose of pursuing higher 'productivity'? Is it to make citizens live like machines, depriving them even of the right to enjoy a meal with human warmth? Isn't the sentiment and satisfaction contained in this bowl of ramen more likely to inspire people's enthusiasm and creativity than those cold nutritional supplements? Isn't this another, more advanced form of 'efficiency'?"
His words struck like a hammer blow to the hearts of everyone present. A flicker of emotion appeared in the eyes of the numb soldiers, and the fists of a few workers who had sneaked out to eat noodles clenched tightly.
The officer's face was ashen, but he forced himself to remain calm. "Distorted logic! The law is the law! Those who disobey must be punished! Take action!"
Conflict is imminent! The first direct clash between the Straw Hat Pirates and Wapol's cold order is ignited by a steaming bowl of ramen!