"Boss, what took you so long to grab the wine? The meat's already roasted! Don't tell me your strength's fading, hahahahahaha!"Lakilu burst out laughing the moment Shanks and Anna pushed open the door.
"Oh no, you're the guests—how could I let you cook?" Anna hurried over, flustered, trying to push the big man out of the kitchen.
Shanks chuckled and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's fine, Anna. Lakilu's cooking is top-notch. You'll get to enjoy a real feast later."
Anna hesitated for a moment, her eyes scanning the room. Mom… Dad… where are you? If they were here, they'd never let guests cook on their behalf.
Beckman, ever observant, noticed her distracted gaze. He leaned back against the wall, exhaling a small puff of smoke. "It's getting late," he said calmly. "You two should probably rest after this."
"Thank you, Mr. Beckman," Anna said politely, bowing slightly before turning toward the kitchen.
But before she could take a step, Shanks grinned and blocked her path. "Anna, what did I just say? No working tonight! Everyone, listen up—Anna's joining our banquet! Let's bring out the island's finest wine and celebrate properly!"
Anna froze, a little embarrassed. Except for Shanks, she wasn't really familiar with anyone here. But the next moment, their warm cheers erased every ounce of her nervousness.
"To Miss Anna!" someone shouted.
"Welcome aboard!"
Everyone raised their glasses. Not one person objected.
Shanks nudged her toward the counter and popped open a bottle of wine himself. Anna quickly poured him a glass, and he raised it high.
"Drink to your heart's content! Tonight's party won't end until morning!"
Anna couldn't help but smile at the infectious energy around her. She lifted her own glass. "Then we won't go home until we're drunk!"
"Ohhh, I like that!" someone cheered.
"Haha! Don't pass out too early, little lady!"
"You think I'll lose to her? You're on!"
"Let's see who drops first!"
The laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the crackle of roasting meat filled the air. The atmosphere was wild and joyful—just like the kind of party she'd seen in her dreams. It almost felt unreal.
Shanks noticed the distant look in her eyes. "Oi, Anna," he teased, leaning closer. "What are you spacing out for? Tonight you drink till you're drunk."
Anna blinked, then turned toward him. Right. This wasn't a dream. This was real.
She lifted her glass and downed the wine in one go. The sharp, spicy flavor hit her throat, flooding her senses. The warmth burned through her chest—it was so vivid, so alive. This taste could never exist in a dream.
"Hahaha! Alright, Shanks, now it's my turn to show off!"
A little tipsy and emboldened, Anna jumped to her feet and walked behind the counter. She started pulling out bottles and utensils with practiced ease.
Since this was a wine-making island, she'd spent time studying how to mix drinks here—and back in her old world, she'd trained as a bartender. Her hands moved confidently, every flick and pour elegant and precise.
Shanks leaned back in his chair, watching her curiously. The little girl had downed her wine in one go, face flushed red, and now she was strutting to the counter like a pro. He couldn't help laughing.
"Hey, everyone!" he called out. "The little lady says she's gonna show us her skills!"
The room went quiet for a second before everyone turned to watch.
One by one, Anna lined up strange-shaped bottles and started blending colorful layers of liquor. Blues, reds, ambers—they sparkled under the lamplight.
Shanks tilted his head. "Can I drink that?"
Anna puffed out her chest proudly. "Of course! This is Anna's specialty cocktail! Even if you had all the money in the world, you couldn't buy this anywhere else."
Shanks didn't hesitate. He grabbed one of the glasses and gulped it down.
His eyes widened instantly. The layers of flavor exploded across his tongue—sweet, bitter, fruity, and strong all at once.
"Whoa! This is amazing! Anna, pour me another!"
Anna blinked at him, watching his shining eyes follow her every move. Just moments ago he looked like a noble pirate captain—now he was more like an eager puppy wagging its tail.
"Shanks, I can make more than just that one," she teased, grinning. "You haven't even tried the others yet."
"Hah! The boss can't hog all the good stuff!" someone shouted. "Let me try too!"
"Same here!"
"Anna, another round!"
Before long, everyone crowded around the counter, cheering and laughing. Anna mixed drink after drink, filling the room with vibrant colors and sweet aromas.
Between sips, Shanks leaned over and said with a grin, "Anna, you should join our crew. Come sail the world with us! I'm not sure I can live without this wine anymore."
"Yeah, little Anna," Jesus Burgess chimed in. "This drink's divine! If I can't have another glass, I might just keel over right here."
Lakilu raised his mug and laughed. "She's right! This cocktail pairs perfectly with my meat!" He took a huge bite of the roasted chunk in his hand, grease glistening on his beard.
But the laughter died instantly when the door creaked open.
In a flash, everyone was on guard. Weapons were drawn, eyes sharp and alert.
Shanks' easy grin faded into something more dangerous. "Since you've come all this way," he said evenly, "why not show yourselves instead of eavesdropping?"
A calm voice replied, "Anna won't be joining your Red Hair Pirates. She belongs to the Whitebeard Pirates."
The door swung open. Marco stepped through.
"Yeah! You guys snatched our lovely Anna while we weren't looking!" Sachi shouted, bursting into the room with dramatic flair. He sprinted straight for Anna at the counter.
"And aren't you the ones being rude?" Vista added, following behind with a smirk. "Trying to steal our crewmate while we're away?"
"Little Anna," Izo drawled as he gracefully slipped past the crowd. "Long time no see. You've become even more beautiful."
"Ohhh, Marco!" Shanks' grin returned instantly. "Why don't you all join me instead? Let's make it a joint party!"
"Shanks," Marco said, taking a seat beside him, "long time no see. But what brings you to an island under our protection?"
Shanks laughed and raised his glass. "Heard the wine here was special, so I came to test it myself."
Marco sighed, smirking. "Really? That's your excuse?"
Beckman stepped forward, shaking his head. "Sorry, Marco. He's just… like that."
With the tension gone, laughter filled the air again. Shanks waved them toward the table. "Come on, sit! Let's drink together."
Anna smiled, already mixing another round of her signature cocktails. She placed a glass in front of Marco.
"Come on, Marco," she said warmly. "Join the party."