All the chefs, including Zeff, were trying to get Sanji to leave.
Chef A: "Get out of this restaurant, Sanji! Don't get in the way here."
Chef B: "Yeah, you annoy me. Every day you're either chasing girls or causing trouble. Hurry up and leave."
Chef C: "Your cooking is terrible. How do you still have the nerve to stay here? Leave! Didn't those pirates want you to join them? Just go with them already."
Zeff stepped forward and said seriously, "Join them, Sanji. Don't worry about this old man. I may be old, but I've got a few decades left in me. Go out to sea, search for the All Blue. Think of it as helping me fulfill my dream."
Sanji looked at everyone. He knew they didn't actually hate him—Zeff wasn't trying to drive him away, just giving him the push he needed to pursue his dream.
Suddenly, Sanji dropped to his knees before Zeff, bowing low as tears welled up in his eyes.
"Thank you for everything… I'll never forget your kindness."
Seeing him like that, Zeff's eyes reddened. He turned away to hide his face, but a single tear still slid down his cheek.
"Sanji, goodbye!" the other chefs behind Zeff shouted, waving their hands enthusiastically.
Sanji stood up and turned to face the Straw Hats.
"My name is Sanji. Please take care of me from now on, Captain Luffy."
Luffy laughed heartily, slapping him on the shoulder.
"Hahaha! We finally found our chef! From now on, our food is in your hands, Sanji!"
"Yes, Captain! No problem, Captain!" Sanji replied with a sharp salute.
He looked at Nami, and immediately transformed into his usual flirtatious self. "Nami-chan~ Don't worry! I'll beat those scumbags who bullied your village!"
Shin'ya put an arm around Sanji and said to Luffy, "Let's go, Captain. Our nakama's hometown is waiting to be saved."
---
On the long journey to Nami's hometown, Johnny and Yosaku traveled with Luffy, Zoro, and the rest of the crew. Along the way, they shared many stories and legends about the Grand Line. The most captivating tales were about the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Marines, and the Four Emperors.
Johnny and Yosaku gave detailed explanations of the Seven Warlords, powerful pirates officially sanctioned by the World Government. Each was known for immense strength—some for their mastery of the sword, others for formidable Devil Fruit abilities.
Then they spoke of the Marines, the military force of the World Government responsible for maintaining order across the seas. Their ranks included elite Admirals and Vice-Admirals, each more fearsome than the last.
Finally, they discussed the Four Emperors, the most powerful pirates in the New World. These four ruled vast territories and possessed enough strength to shake the world. Their influence alone was enough to deter war.
Seeing that everyone had gained a decent understanding of the world's major powers, Shin'ya had Luffy take out the Haki training manual given by Mihawk. He gathered Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji to study the book together and began helping them understand how to train.
As for Shin'ya himself, after reading the manual, he managed to master full-body Armament Haki that very night. He also quickly became proficient in Observation Haki. Most impressively, his Conqueror's Haki awakened that same night.
(Of course, Bro would have CH. Afterall Hashirsma's Goated)
The moment he released it, Usopp, Johnny, and Yosaku were knocked unconscious. Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji were stunned before realizing what had happened.
Once Shin'ya explained the situation, the others didn't dwell on it. But after learning that he had awakened all three types of Haki and could use them proficiently in just one afternoon, the Straw Hats' fighters began training like mad, eager to master Haki themselves.
---
Two days later…
On the morning of the third day, a small black dot appeared in the distance.
Nami, standing at the bow of the ship, called out excitedly, "Luffy! Zoro! Sanji! Shin'ya! Come quick! That's my hometown—Cocoyasi Village—up ahead!"
Hearing her voice, everyone rushed out of the cabin, visibly excited.
"Wahahaha! We're finally here!" Sanji shouted, eyes ablaze. "Those damn fish-men… How dare they bully our cute Nami-chan! I'll turn them into sushi!" He struck a fiery, dramatic kicking pose.
Zoro rested his hand on his sword and said coolly, "Oh? Then I'll just slice them into fish fillets."
Usopp cackled and put his hands on his hips. "I brought two whole backpacks of chili bombs! I'll turn those fish-men into spicy fish balls!"
Just as they were getting riled up, a massive shape rose out of the sea in front of the Going Merry.
Everyone looked up—towering before them was a huge but adorable sea cow!
Round and pudgy with the skin of a cow and big, innocent eyes, it looked oddly gentle.
Nami was stunned. "Mohmoo? What are you doing here?!"
At that moment, Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Hahaha! So much meat!"
To him, Mohmoo already looked like a feast on legs.
Unfortunately for them, Mohmoo overheard them talking about Arlong and was enraged. It let out a deep roar and charged at the Going Merry, intent on sinking the ship.
"Sanji!" Luffy yelled. "This is our lunch! Quick, catch it!"
Sanji reacted immediately. "Diable Jambe: Collier!" His leg burst into flames as he delivered a blazing kick.
At the same time, Luffy launched a Gum-Gum Rocket, both fists pounding Mohmoo's face.
Zoro drew his Wado Ichimonji and unleashed One-Sword Style: Onigiri, sending a powerful shockwave toward the sea cow.
Three devastating attacks landed in unison. Mohmoo let out a wail as it was sent flying back into the sea.
---
One hour later
The Going Merry was filled with the aroma of food. After a thorough beating, Mohmoo had been captured and cooked into various dishes by Sanji, who was now working hard in the kitchen.
Everyone gathered on the deck, feasting loudly.
"Ah, delicious! Delicious!!" Luffy shouted with his mouth full.
Zoro, Nami, Shin'ya, and Usopp devoured their meals while praising Sanji's cooking.
"It's the best food I've ever eaten!"
As they ate, Cocoyasi Village came into full view. What was once a tiny black dot now loomed clearly ahead. They'd arrive in half an hour at most.
---
Meanwhile, at Arlong Park
Inside a large office, Arlong sat back with a smug grin, holding a Den Den Mushi to his mouth.
"Hello, Captain Nezumi? Got a favor for you. A nakama of mine in Cocoyasi Village wants to buy the whole town. She'll be back in a few days. I checked where she hides her Berries—she's got about 100 million Berries saved. Come up with an excuse to confiscate it. I'll give you a 20% cut."
The voice on the other end let out a slimy laugh.
"Geh geh geh~ I'm free now. I'll be there in half a day. Don't forget my share."
"Of course not," Arlong replied smoothly. "Money makes the world go round. We'll have a long partnership ahead, Captain Nezumi."
In truth, Arlong didn't care about money. What he truly loved was the power—the thrill of controlling lives, enslaving people, and lording over the weak in the East Blue.
Today just so happened to be the day the Arlong Pirates collected protection money. Arlong had already sent two of his men to shake down the village.
---
Send Powerstones ! Here's a bonus Chapter.