"Yosaku, even though they're our saviors, now is our chance to make a name for ourselves! If we take down Eden, we'll become the strongest bounty hunters in the East Blue!" Johnny declared firmly.
"You're right," Yosaku agreed, gripping his sword. "Sorry, everyone. Even though you've saved us... we're bounty hunters."
"Water-Make: Prison," Juvia said calmly, instantly immobilizing both Yosaku and Johnny with water prisons.
"These two are surprisingly brave," Kuro muttered in disbelief. He initially thought his own crew was daring for confronting overwhelming odds, but these lesser-known bounty hunters were even bolder.
Yosaku and Johnny thought confidently to themselves, "Who do you think we are? We're the Sword Saint and Blade Emperor, men brave enough to challenge even Dracule Mihawk!"
For a moment, Kuro felt quite old; reckless fools seemed to be multiplying rapidly on these seas.
After Johnny and Yosaku were effortlessly subdued by Juvia, they joined Kuro and his three subordinates locked in chains on the deck.
The next morning came quickly.
With thirteen days left until Gray's release, the group docked at the Sea Restaurant Baratie.
"We've unexpectedly gained extra mouths to feed, and our supplies are running low," Nami sighed, managing their finances. She had greatly underestimated Eden and Natsu's huge appetites. These two could easily eat enough food meant for at least twenty people each meal. Nami found herself genuinely curious about their physiology.
"Aye!" Happy cheerfully agreed.
As the Shark Supreme docked, Eden and Natsu, nearly incapacitated from seasickness, instantly revived upon feeling solid ground beneath their feet. "Land is definitely more suited for us," Eden sighed in relief.
"Although," Natsu mumbled, covering his mouth, "this place is built from several ships, so waves still make it feel pretty shaky."
"Never mind that," Eden interjected. "Let's eat first—that's what really matters."
Entering the restaurant, including their chained prisoners, the entire establishment fell silent.
"Isn't that... Eden, the strongest pirate in the East Blue, the 'Sea Emperor' with a bounty of 40 million Berries?" patrons whispered nervously.
"Hey," a blond-haired waiter in a black suit approached sternly. "Regardless of who you are, don't disturb our other guests, or I'll kick you out myself. Except for the beautiful ladies, of course."
"Sanji, get back to the kitchen, and stop intimidating our customers!" a voice called from the kitchen.
"Apologies, ladies. Duty calls," Sanji smiled charmingly before leaving.
"What's his problem?" Buggy grumbled.
"Slurp... crunch crunch... But the bread and soup here are amazing!" Natsu exclaimed happily, clearly unbothered by Sanji's attitude.
Eden, familiar with Sanji's personality, found it amusing and respectable—except for his bias towards women.
"Captain, a famous pirate just arrived. Aren't you going to arrest him?" a seductive woman teased her companion, Marine Captain Fullbody.
"Me? Face Eden?" Fullbody shivered slightly, quickly regaining his composure and whispering urgently into a Den Den Mushi. "HQ, this is Captain Fullbody! Eden spotted, bounty 40 million! Requesting immediate backup!"
"Acknowledged," replied a calm female voice with scarlet hair and knightly armor. Erza Scarlet smiled softly, "Eden, it's been a long time. I hear you've recovered the Fire Dragon."
"This is Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Erza. Preparing immediate deployment to engage Eden. Awaiting HQ approval."
"Vice Admiral Erza? We're saved!" Fullbody rejoiced.
Meanwhile, another figure approached swiftly on a coffin-shaped boat, slicing through the sea casually with the world's greatest black blade.
After many challenges, the Straw Hat Pirates also approached nearby.
Thus, promising figures from various factions gathered at the Sea Restaurant Baratie, drawn by the unseen hand of destiny.
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~# Every 20 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter