Chapter 138

Tears welled in Sanji's eyes. "You old geezer! I'm leaving! I have to go!"

"What?"

Zeff was taken aback. "Go? Where do you want to go Sanji?"

What's wrong with this kid?

"My continued presence here will only bring disaster to Baratie!"

Sanji gritted his teeth, his body still trembling.

The dark memories of his childhood surged uncontrollably into his mind, and Sanji's fear was completely overwhelming.

"..."

Zeff paused for a moment, stroked his two braided beard, raised his other hand, and pointed out the window. "Is it because of those big snails?"

By now, those enormous creatures were clearly visible through the window.

Sanji stiffened for a moment, then nodded silently.

"There's no point in running now; they've already surrounded Baratie."

Zeff let out a slow sigh of relief, raised his hand and ruffled Sanji's hair. "Go to the kitchen, don't come out."

"You old geezer!"

Sanji suddenly looked up, his pupils trembling.

"Kid, don't worry about that."

Zeff grabbed Sanji by the collar, ignoring the boy's screams, and threw him into the kitchen. He then instructed the cooks inside, "Patty, Carne, don't let Sanji come out."

"You old geezer! What are you doing?!"

Sanji struggled desperately, but the chefs held him tightly.

"Sorry, Sanji, but this is the chef's order!"

The burly chef named Patty looked somewhat serious at this moment.

He's not stupid; of course he can see that something's wrong.

At that moment, a large snail slowly stopped in front of the gate of Baratie. It lowered its head, and a natural staircase was formed.

The people gathered in front of the restaurant exclaimed in surprise upon seeing the change.

Then they saw a group of people step down from the snail's head.

The person standing next to him was a boy with his hands in his pockets and a lazy expression.

People were stunned.

Because the boy was wearing a Justice Coat draped over his shoulders.

Because that Justice Coat bore the epaulettes of Rear Admiral.

Because many people are familiar with the boy's face.

"Yes, yes..."

In the crowd, someone swallowed hard, then couldn't help but exclaim, "It's Rear Admiral Naito!"

"It really is Rear Admiral Naito! I can't believe I saw him in the East Blue!"

"Is the new naval hero also coming to Baratie for dinner?"

People were very excited.

But I was even more excited.

"Wow! It's Rear Admiral Naito! How lucky! To run into him here! He's so much more handsome in person than in the newspapers!"

"And he's so young! The newspapers say he's only eighteen! He's so tender he could practically drip with youth!"

"Hehe, I just love younger brothers..."

That kind does exist too.

Naito frowned as he looked at the people blocking his way into the restaurant.

So annoying.

Is the Navy allowed to beat up civilians?

Ain, who was standing next to him, felt a surge of disgust as she looked at the women in the crowd who were swooning over him.

She spoke calmly, "Everyone, please don't crowd. Rear Admiral Naito just wants to have a meal."

"Oh, oh! We'll make way right away!"

People excitedly made way for him, but their eyes remained fixed on Naito.

They'll probably only see someone of that caliber once in their lifetime!

You have to watch it all to get your money's worth!

When Naito stepped off the snail's head, someone even excitedly said, "Rear Admiral Naito, can we take a picture together?"

Secretary Ain said sternly, "Rear Admiral Naito's whereabouts and images are classified information. Please exercise restraint."

People were somewhat disappointed.

How could a great hero let the people down?

Naito smirked. "Forget the photo, let's enjoy a delicious lunch together."

As people's eyes suddenly lit up, Naito strode into the restaurant.

"Oh! Would you be willing to have lunch with Rear Admiral Naito?"

"This is worth it! I want five servings!"

Don't you think Rear Admiral Naito is incredibly approachable?

"I get it, I get it, sister! She seems like a high-and-mighty beauty, but she's actually a sunny, cheerful guy. The contrast is absolutely amazing!"

People excitedly followed Naito and squeezed into the restaurant.

This made the Judge family, who were following behind, and King Brian and his wife somewhat embarrassed.

Nobody paid any attention to them.

Naito walked into the restaurant and immediately spotted Zeff standing in the center.

Completely out of control, Naito's gaze was firmly held in check for two seconds by Zeff's flattery.

Do you have any recommendations?

Naito casually found an empty round table, pulled out a chair, sat down, and calmly asked, "Master Chef."

Zeff gave Naito a deep look.

Is it this Marine Supernovas that terrifies Sanji so much?

While pondering, Zeff was about to answer.

But Naito interrupted him, "Never mind, just bring one of each of the signature dishes."

Suddenly I remembered my appetite, so why bother ordering anything?

The question should be how many more portions to order if the customer isn't full.

"... good."

Zeff nodded and didn't ask anything more.

Are you just here to eat?

It seems like they really didn't come for Sanji?

Did Sanji misunderstand something?

In short, let's satisfy him for now.

Zeff didn't think it was a good idea to go against this so-called hero, the rear Rear Admiral.

However, Zeff, who was about to return to the kitchen, suddenly froze.

People had returned to their seats, and although they were still glancing at Naito, at least they were no longer obstructing traffic.

So, the Vinsmoke family and Brian and his wife followed behind.

Zeff completely ignored Brian, who was staring jealously at Naito's back, and Mrs. Brian, who was glaring at the infatuated female guests.

He looked at the Judge family, or more precisely, the three Vinsmoke brothers, with disbelief in his eyes.

Aside from the hair color, he looks almost exactly like Sanji!

There's no other possibility; they're Sanji's brothers!

In other words, these are Sanji's family!

So, is Sanji afraid of them?

But Zeff managed to control himself; since these guys weren't saying anything, he'd just pretend he didn't know.

But.

"Hey! Mr. Zeff! Have you seen those three teenagers?"

A guest suddenly pointed at the three Vinsmoke brothers and exclaimed in surprise, "They look just like Sanji!"

This guest lives in a nearby country and has visited several times already.

He knew Zeff, and he also knew Sanji.

Sanji.

The moment the name was uttered, the Vinsmoke family members were momentarily stunned.

Reiju was initially bewildered, then her face turned pale.

Judge abruptly turned his head, staring intently at the guest who had spoken. "You said, Sanji?"

Naito, leaning lazily against the back of his chair, gave a slight smirk.

They've been exposed so quickly.

I thought it was going to be a tense and exciting game of hide-and-seek.

It seems I don't need to figure out how to expose it myself.

Chapter Ninety-Eight: Sanji the Navy

Oh no!

Zeff's body suddenly stiffened.

Sanji is a regular at the restaurant, so it's impossible for any customer who's been there not to remember him.

Judge had already walked directly towards the guest who had spoken, his gaze intense. "You just mentioned Sanji, right?"