Chapter 116: The Baratie
Holy Land, Mary Geoise - Pangaea Castle
In the Chamber of Authority, beneath the cold marble dome, the Five Elders sat around a long, ebony table. The atmosphere was heavy and silent.
Stacks of intelligence files were spread across the table, detailing the new generation of Marine elites.
Sunlight streamed in through the windows, but it brought no warmth to the room.
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter flipped through a file, tapping the table. "What do you make of the assessment reports on the new generation?"
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro closed a file, his eyes cold. "Law—Sengoku's adopted grandson, user of the Op-Op Fruit."
He paused, his tone wary. "Sengoku submitted a report on him long ago. That fruit is too dangerous, especially the possibility of the 'Perennial Youth Operation'... Keeping him in the Marines at least keeps him controllable."
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn sneered. "Hmph. The Op-Op Fruit... we all know how much blood has been spilled over it."
"If it fell into the hands of the 'D Clan,' the Revolutionaries, or them..."
He trailed off, but the threat was clear.
Saint Topman Warcury opened another file. "Ace and Luffy... Garp's grandsons."
He huffed. "Garp's bloodline is not to be underestimated. And now, with Roy personally training them... those two brats will eventually grow into Admiral-level threats."
Ju Peter frowned slightly. "Ace ate the Logia-type Mera Mera no Mi?"
Nusjuro snorted. "Roy apparently took it from Doflamingo. Since he gave it to him, we don't need to worry too much."
Saturn smiled cryptically. "At least for now, he is just a normal Marine."
Silence filled the room.
Warcury placed his file down, glancing at the last page. "Zoro and Kuina—sword prospects from the East Blue."
"Good potential, but compared to Roy and the Admirals, they are still green."
His tone was flat, stating a fact rather than an opinion.
After a long silence, Saturn spoke, his voice like a gavel. "For now, these brats should be observed, but they are not a concern."
"The true core of the Marines remains the Three Admirals—Kizaru, Akainu, Aokiji—and... Roy."
Ju Peter nodded slightly. "As long as Roy doesn't cross the line, there is no need to antagonize him over a few juniors."
Nusjuro sneered, his gaze meaningful. "And so far, Roy has shown no signs of 'impropriety.'"
"He hunts pirates, suppresses rebellions, purges corruption, and even destroys underground smuggling routes..."
"He is the perfect 'Avatar of Justice' in the eyes of the public."
Ju Peter set down his quill. "Maintain observation, but do not intervene."
His gaze sharpened like a blade. "But if he makes a move..."
He didn't finish, but the cold light in the eyes of the other four Elders said enough.
They would not tolerate anyone slipping their leash.
Meanwhile, East Blue - Calm Waters
The sea was calm, the sun glittering on the azure waves.
A small white warship cut through the water, seagulls circling the mast, the peaceful atmosphere of the East Blue surrounding them.
On deck, Ace and Luffy were hanging over the railing, their heads squeezed together, eyes shining with excitement.
"Big Bro Roy! I thought we were going back to see Grandpa and Grandma?!"
Luffy grabbed Roy's coat, munching on a snack he'd pulled from somewhere.
"Yeah!" Ace added, impatient. "You said you were taking us to eat something 'good'? What is it?!"
Roy stood at the bow, his coat flapping in the breeze.
He smiled faintly, looking at the horizon. A strange ship was slowly appearing—a massive vessel shaped like a fish jumping out of the water, flags flying high.
"The sea restaurant, Baratie," Roy said, his tone teasing.
"I heard the food there... is so good it makes pirates give up plundering~"
"WHAAAT?!!"
Ace and Luffy's eyes went wide, drool instantly forming. Their eyes seemed to sparkle.
"I WANT MEAT!!!!"
Before Roy could say another word, Luffy transformed into his Hybrid form and launched himself like a cannonball!
"Hey! Luffy, wait for me!"
Ace turned into a ball of fire and shot after him, leaving a trail of flames in the sky.
Roy sighed, shook his head, and warped after them.
The Baratie
It was lunchtime, and the Baratie was bustling.
Guests from all over laughed and ate. Chefs ran back and forth between the kitchen and the dining hall, pans flipping, flames roaring.
A fourteen-year-old Sanji, dressed in a pristine white chef's uniform, moved with the grace of a nobleman, balancing a tray on one hand.
He smiled gently, placing a glass of red wine in front of a lady. "May this wine be worthy of your beauty, mademoiselle."
The lady blushed and giggled.
Suddenly—
"BANG!!!"
The restaurant doors were smashed open! Everyone jumped and turned around.
A boy burst in like a missile, eyes shining. "MEAT!!! I WANT MEAT!!!"
Right behind him, a ball of fire materialized into a black-haired boy, yelling, "Luffy! Don't you dare eat my share!!"
The restaurant went silent. Guests and chefs stared, dumbfounded.
Sanji's curly eyebrow twitched. A vein popped on his forehead. "Where did these damn brats come from?! Causing trouble in the Baratie?!"
He took a step forward, but suddenly felt an immense pressure wash over him.
Behind the two boys, a tall figure in black appeared silently, his presence as heavy as a mountain.
Sanji's pupils shrank. He instinctively froze, staring warily at the newcomer.
The man just smiled, his voice low and polite. "Sorry about that. My little brothers get a bit excited."
His tone was gentle, but his aura was impossible to ignore.
Sanji glanced at the man's shoulder boards and froze— "A Marine... Vice Admiral?!"
Behind the bar, Zeff narrowed his eyes, chewing on his mustache. He scrutinized Roy with hawk-like eyes for a few seconds.
Then, he grinned, showing his teeth. "Heh. Interesting."
He waved a hand, shouting, "Sanji! Don't just stand there! Seat the guests!!"
Sanji, still in shock, instinctively replied, "Y-Yes!!"
Roy sat down, nodding to Zeff. "Three orders of your signature set, please."
Ace and Luffy were already squatting on their chairs, holding their forks high, faces full of expectation.
Moments later, the table was piled high with dishes. The smell was intoxicating. Luffy and Ace tore into the food like a tornado, faces covered in grease and rice.
Sanji walked over with a fresh platter of roast meat, staring in disbelief at the mountain of empty plates.
"Are you two reincarnated starving ghosts?!"
He slammed the meat onto the table.
Luffy spoke with his mouth full. "Sho good! Sanji! Join my crew!"
Sanji froze, then rolled his eyes. "...Who the hell would join you!"
Ace wiped his mouth with a napkin, grinning. "We're Marines! How about it? Want to be the exclusive chef for the Navy?"
Sanji huffed, leaning against the wall, unimpressed. "Serving brats who eat like they're at war? Not interested."
Roy sipped his tea, then looked up at Zeff behind the bar. "Chef Zeff... you used to be the captain of the Cook Pirates, didn't you?"
Sanji stiffened, spinning around, his eyes sharp. "What do you mean?"
Zeff just grinned, slapping the counter. "Hmph. You did your homework, Marine brat."
Roy shook his head, his tone still mild. "Just curious... why a pirate who survived the Grand Line would retire to a restaurant ship in the East Blue."
Zeff's smile faded. He was silent for a moment, looking at Sanji.
"Some things," he said quietly, "are more important than ambition."
The restaurant fell silent for a moment. Roy nodded, not pressing further, as if understanding exactly what that "more important thing" was.
Just then—
"BOOM—!"
A massive explosion rocked the ship from outside, followed by panicked screams.
"Oh no! It's the Krieg Pirates!!!"
"They're attacking!!!"
Everyone jumped up, rushing to the windows.
On the sea, dozens of pirate ships had surrounded the Baratie, black flags flying, cannons ready.
In the center of the fleet, on a heavily armored galleon, Don Krieg, clad in golden armor, stood arrogantly at the bow. He spread his arms and laughed maniacally. "BWAHAHAHA! The Baratie is mine today!"
"Hand over all the food and treasure!!!"
Chaos erupted inside the restaurant. Guests screamed and hid, waiters scrambled, dishes crashed to the floor.
Sanji stood up, veins bulging, fury burning in his eyes. "Damn pirates... daring to mess with this place!"
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