On the dining table, Cry was being fed by Nami.
Then Cry seemed to notice two new guys. She pointed her finger toward them. Jonny and Yusaku didn't see the action, but they could somehow feel the gaze of Cry's blue crystal irises.
Then Cry said, "Who…"
Jonny and Yusaku had dry throats and couldn't answer. Zoro, who was also eating, said, "Friends," while trying to concentrate on his food.
Cry then retracted her long hand and repeated the word, "Friend."
Then Nami spoke. "Oh, they are Jonny and Yusaku, friends of Zoro."
Cry didn't really get it, but there didn't seem to be any problem.
Then Luffy, who had finally lost it, said, "Cry, food and meat," as he spoke to her.
This caused Usopp, Nami, and Zoro to smack their heads.
Cry looked at Luffy, then her enchanting voice came out again. "Meat."
"Yes, meat," said Luffy.
Then Cry asked, "Big?"
Luffy then stood up and made the shape of a creature, like some kind of pig-sheep-bear. No one really knew what shape it was supposed to be.
Cry looked at Luffy while he was still making random movements.
Then Cry tilted her head, and after that, she nodded.
This caused Nami and Zoro to prepare themselves, just in case something big would come out again.
But they were wrong this time.
Cry made a whistling gesture with her pinkish lips. She blew out air, and a tiny, salt-like grain came out from her lips. It hovered in the air, then slowly began to take form. It started to expand little by little.
They all saw it—even Jonny and Yusaku, who were still trying their best not to look at her. But curiosity and eagerness became stronger. Still, they avoided looking directly at her, knowing that if they stared, lust would consume them whole.
So instead, they watched the hovering thing as it took shape.
Finally, they all saw it.
It wasn't the meat Luffy was expecting—but it was big. Not as big as the whale, but as big as three people combined.
It was a lobster.
The lobster had a long, armored body covered in a hard reddish shell. Its tail was thick and segmented, curling slightly under its body. Two massive claws stood out at the front—one larger and heavier, the other slimmer but sharp—both capable of crushing or cutting. Long antennae stretched from its head, twitching slightly, while multiple small legs lined its underside, gripping the deck with faint clicking sounds.
"Wow," said Luffy. "It's food…"
His eyes were shining like stars ⭐
Usopp stood frozen, staring at the massive lobster now occupying the deck.
"W–what… she could really do this?" he stammered. His eyes were wide—so wide it looked like they might pop out of their sockets—and his mouth hung open in complete disbelief.
"Fuuuu…" Nami let out a long breath. She never knew what Cry might pull out next, but thank goodness this time it was at least bearable.
Zoro also relaxed, the tension easing from his shoulders. He had been half-expecting another whale to emerge, already prepared to slice it apart the moment it appeared.
Jonny and Yosaku mirrored the same reaction. They looked as though they had seen a ghost—shock, awe, and disbelief written plainly across their faces. It was unbelievable… and undeniably impressive.
"Wow! You're the best, Cry!" Luffy shouted, jumping up and down with pure excitement, his eyes shining like stars.
After Cry's little performance, all the boys jumped into action, ready to cook the massive lobster.
Luffy, practically vibrating with excitement, grabbed a huge cleaver and positioned himself at the cutting board. "Okay! I'll cut it into pieces!" he shouted, his wide eyes gleaming. He swung the cleaver with surprising precision, chopping the lobster's claws and tail into big chunks. The sound of the blade hitting the board echoed across the deck.
Zoro stood nearby, a smaller knife in hand, focused and calm. He handled the legs, slicing them expertly while muttering under his breath about timing and precision. Each movement was deliberate, almost like a deadly dance, though this time with food instead of foes.
Usopp, ever the craftsman, took charge of preparing the seasonings. He measured out spices, drizzled oils, and even rigged a small makeshift fire-grill with clever adjustments, muttering, "This is how a real sniper cooks!" Each sprinkle and stir was done with careful precision, like he was aiming at a distant target rather than seasoning lobster.
Jonny and Yosaku worked together on the boiling pot. Yosaku added water and herbs, while Jonny adjusted the heat with careful attention. Both of them stole glances at the others, trying to keep up, occasionally whispering instructions to each other, "Careful with the claw!" "Don't burn it!" Their nervousness was tempered by awe—they had never seen such a group work together with this kind of chaotic energy.
Meanwhile, on the deck, the lobster slowly started to cook, steaming and filling the air with a rich, oceanic aroma. The boys shouted over one another, giving each other tips, arguing briefly about the best way to cut the meat, but their energy was infectious.
Watching all this unfold, Nami sat beside Cry, patiently guiding her again with simple words. "Slice… like this," she said, demonstrating slowly with her fingers, showing Cry the motion of cutting. Cry tilted her head, focusing intently. Her blue eyes followed every movement as she tried to mimic the gestures, her little hands copying the motion almost perfectly.
"Good… good, Cry," Nami encouraged softly. "Chop… wait… boil… stir…" Cry repeated each word after her, her voice melodic, tiny syllables forming slowly. Each repetition showed her growing understanding, each word a little victory.
Together, the boys cooked, laughed, and argued, while Nami and Cry quietly observed and learned. The ship was alive with energy, smells, and sounds—the sizzling of the lobster, the chatter of the boys, and the soft, careful instruction between Nami and Cry. It was a chaotic harmony, a small yet perfect moment of camaraderie at sea.
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To be continued