"No way, it's really the Great Pirate Krieg! What's he doing here?"
"I heard he took thousands of men into the Grand Line, didn't he? Could those rumors have been false?"
"That's not what we should be worried about right now. What exactly does he want here?"
Ignoring the murmurs around them, Gin helped Krieg walk toward the restaurant.
As the captain of the largest pirate group in the East Blue, it was natural for the head chef of the Baratie, Zeff, to step forward and ask about his purpose.
Krieg spoke to Zeff in a friendly tone. "I'm just here to eat. No other reason."
When guests are hungry, it's a chef's duty to feed them. That's Sanji's belief.
Just as Sanji was about to go cook, the waiter Patty blocked his way. "Are you stupid? He's notorious for going back on his word. Do you really believe him?"
Sanji took a long drag from his cigarette and replied, "So what? All I know is that someone's hungry, and as a chef, it's my job to feed them!"
Patty scowled. "What if he eats his fill and then plunders our restaurant?"
Sanji didn't back down. "We'll worry about that when it happens. We're chefs of the Baratie!"
Luffy's eyes sparkled. "No wonder I like him so much. Sanji's truly a good chef…"
Sandy was speechless. "His brain's messed up—but why is yours messed up too?"
Because the restaurant had gone quiet, Sandy and Luffy's conversation was heard by everyone.
Sanji, not far away, turned to glare at Sandy. "Who did you just say has a messed-up brain?"
Sandy stood up, expressionless. "I said your brain's messed up."
Sanji snapped, "What's wrong with giving food to someone who's starving? Do you even know what it feels like to be on the brink of death from hunger?"
Sandy scoffed. "So, you'll feed him, and then what? Let him get full and go plunder others?"
Sanji thought for a moment before replying, "I'm just a chef. It's my duty to feed the hungry. The rest has nothing to do with me."
Luffy grinned. "That's awesome, Sanji! I definitely want you to join my crew, hahaha!"
"Nothing to do with you? What a convenient excuse," Sandy muttered, annoyed.
Then he realized most people here probably never had formal schooling, so their legal awareness was… nonexistent.
In later generations, Sanji's actions would definitely count as aiding a criminal—and anyone could stop him. But in this world, Sandy really didn't know what to say.
Finally, Sandy said irritably, "Forget it. I'm too lazy to argue. If someone dies at Krieg's hands later, let's see if you can take responsibility."
The restaurant fell silent again as everyone sank into thought.
After a while, Zeff and Sanji still went to cook for Krieg.
Sitting at the table, Sandy frowned. He didn't even want to try convincing them anymore.
He really wanted to charge those two idiots with endangering public safety—the kind with extremely serious consequences.
Sandy honestly couldn't understand what they were thinking. Was it conviction? Selfishness? Or did they just think acting like that was cool?
But beliefs aren't always right.
Then again, Sandy hadn't seen any real laws in this world. The world of pirates was completely absurd! If someone like Krieg existed in later generations, people wouldn't even have time to call the police...
Sandy's irritation was written all over his face.
Nami chuckled. "Aren't you strong? Even if Krieg attacks, won't you handle it?"
Luffy laughed. "Exactly! Don't worry, Sandy, you guy—you guy…"
"Go away," Sandy said flatly. "I'm already annoyed. Don't bother me."
Luffy grinned. "You're not mad because he didn't cook for you, are you…"
"Stupid Straw Hat! I'll strangle you!!"
Soon, Sandy and Luffy were wrestling on the floor.
Nami covered her mouth, laughing. "They're such idiots."
Zoro looked at them, expressionless. "Seriously, those two…"
Then, a rumbling sound came from nearby. Krieg had just finished eating—then punched Sanji, sending him flying!
Sandy exhaled sharply, a look of grim satisfaction on his face. "Good hit. Maybe now you'll learn. If you don't listen to me, die in front of me."
Zoro asked calmly, "What we were worried about just happened. Should we step in?"
Luffy adjusted his hat. "Let's see what happens first."
Sandy added, "Don't expect me to interfere—except for Nami, of course."
Putting his arm around her waist, he said, "I'll protect you right here, Nami. Even if the world ends, don't worry—we'll find a hole to hide in."
Nami turned her head, glaring at him. But secretly, she realized that being held like this… wasn't so bad.
Then something even more ridiculous happened. Krieg demanded Zeff make food for a hundred people—and Zeff actually agreed, serving him enough for all of them!
Sandy muttered to Nami, "Nami, promise me you'll never be that stupid."
After saying that, he leaned in and secretly kissed her ear, making her blush.
As for the situation in the restaurant, anyone with half a brain could tell a huge fight was coming.
And Sandy had already decided—he absolutely wouldn't help. Those who wanted to die… should just hurry up and die.