"Fullbody\~"
"Have you found a way to deal with those notorious pirates?" asked Fullbody's seductive companion teasingly, noticing the smug grin on his face.
"Haha, relax," Fullbody assured confidently. "The person coming shortly is an extraordinary individual. Remember the one I told you about? The monster who climbed ranks rapidly within a few days, leaping from a common officer to one of the youngest Commodores at headquarters."
Fullbody felt a pang of envy recalling Erza's impressive record, though strangely devoid of jealousy. Having briefly glimpsed Erza at Navy HQ before, her overwhelming strength alone had discouraged any thoughts of rivalry.
"Rumor has it, she's caught the eye of the Navy's top brass! She might even become an Admiral candidate someday. Do you understand what that means? It's a height people like us could never dream of."
Fullbody smiled confidently, declaring, "With Erza and I teaming up, we can definitely wipe out Eden's pirate crew."
"Amazing\~" his companion praised enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, Sanji served dishes to Eden, Natsu, and the others at their table. "Seafood stew, steak, spaghetti... and pudding specially prepared for the ladies."
"Delicious! So good!" Natsu praised between hearty bites. "Your cooking is amazing!"
Sanji smirked lightly, giving Natsu an "OK" gesture, proudly accepting the praise.
Just as Sanji proudly watched Natsu enjoying the food, the entrance door to Baratie swung open once again.
"Could it be Erza?" Fullbody excitedly turned around, only to see three soaked figures stumbling into the restaurant.
"Tch, not her," Fullbody scowled, losing interest immediately.
Sanji glanced toward the newcomers, frowning slightly. He didn't mind the straw-hat boy in front or the long-nosed fellow beside him. It was the indifferent, green-haired swordsman with dead eyes and three swords strapped at his waist that irked him inexplicably.
Perhaps it was just bad chemistry, but one look filled him with annoyance.
"Welcome," another server greeted the newcomers politely.
Ignoring the server completely, the trio headed directly towards Sanji's group after spotting Eden and the others.
"Looking for trouble?" Sanji muttered, subtly stepping protectively in front of Nami and Juvia.
"Nami, can you lend us some money? We're completely broke," pleaded the long-nosed boy and the straw-hat youth simultaneously, bowing respectfully before Nami.
"No money," Nami responded coolly, wiping her delicate lips with a napkin.
"You know them?" Sanji asked, relaxing slightly and lowering the leg he had subtly prepared for a potential kick.
Similarly, the green-haired swordsman loosened his grip on his sword handle after noticing Sanji's eased stance.
"Please, Nami! We went the wrong way and barely managed to catch up here. We're starving!" Usopp and Luffy begged earnestly.
"Hmm… lending you money isn't impossible," Nami said casually, producing a pre-prepared "servitude contract" and pen, handing them to Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp.
"Huh?! 50% of everything we earn—ships, food, jewels, weapons—must be paid in Berry?" Zoro's eyes twitched as he read. Signing meant they'd work for Nami indefinitely.
"I'm not a monster\~ just one of you signing will do," Nami said sweetly, an angelic smile hiding her devilish intentions.
"Luffy, don't sign!" Zoro quickly urged.
"Ah... I already did," Luffy admitted sheepishly.
Zoro sighed heavily. "I give up."
"Thank you for your patronage\~" Nami smiled victoriously, instructing Sanji to set another table for Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp.
As Zoro considered making the most of their "expensive" meal to spite Nami, a familiar voice called out to him.
"Huh...? Johnny, Yosaku?"
Turning, Zoro saw Johnny and Yosaku chained up alongside the Black Cat Pirates, confirming he hadn't imagined the call.
It seemed fate itself was sealing Zoro's servitude contract.
~# Every 20 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter