Chapter 12: Refused?????

Zeff was the former captain of the Cook Pirates, also the father figure of Sanji in the original anime.

As the head chef of Baratie, Zeff is an elderly-looking man who still retains his blonde-colored hair, which he keeps underneath his extra-long chef's hat.

Currently his mustache had grown considerably long, and he grew a beard. He wore his chefs uniform, with a blue ascot, and white apron. Also, since he lost his right leg, he has a peg leg and he seems to have no trouble walking with it.

" If you can't pay, then get out of here. You can't eat here. " barked Petty to Gin.

" You bastard, give me food or i will really blow your head. " shouted Gin. Betty couldn't restrain himself anymore and pounced on him. He threw Gin outside and left the lobby.

Reiju went inside the kitchen and after a while Luffy saw her walking outside with a plate in her hand. Luffy told Kaya to wait for him and followed behind her. Then Luffy watched the drama unfold between Gin and Reiju.

Reiju placed the food in front of him, " You can eat this. " Gin glanced at the food for a while but looked away reluctantly.

" I don't need your sympathy, just take the food and get out of my sight. " said Gin while looking straight into her eyes.

" Don't be a pussy, if you keep acting tough then i really will take it back with me. Listen i don't care about your life or death. I am only offering you food because of the old man Zeff. He once told me about the value of food for a starving person and to give them food if possible. So i am just following his teachings. " She said in a calm and collected manner.

Gin was about to retort but his stomach grumbled by the sweet aroma of the food. He couldn't maintain his facade anymore and started munching food, while he kept praising for it's taste.

" Just as i thought, you are a good person. " a sound was heard from her behind. Reiju looked back and found out that it was the boy form before. She had a very positive impression for this strange yet powerful person.

" Hmm, but how did you manage to escape form my sensing ability and come here unnoticed. " asked Reiju with a curious look.

" Oh, it is actually very simple. I can mend my aura with the nature and only those who have very strong Kenbunshoku haki can sense my presence. " Luffy replied in a casual tone, but Reiju was very curious about this haki power he was talking about.

" But what is this haki or something? " asked Reiju with some expectations in her eyes, even Gin was paying attention.

" Hmm, haki is a power widely used in the second half of Grandline. There are total of three types of haki; Busoshoku haki, Kenbunshoku haki and Haoshoku haki. " Luffy took a break and let Reiju digest the information. Then continued, " The Busoshoku haki is used in strengthening your diffence and offence. You can use that haki to fight with the Devil Fruit users. "

" Then the second one is Kenbunshoku haki, you can use this haki for observation. There are some people who can even see future by using this haki. They can see your next move before you even think about making it. " Luffy paused again and then added, " The last one is the rare one. You can't master it by practicing, only those who born with it can practice it. Haoshoku haki is very powerful, you can knock your opponent unconscious without even touching him. "

After thinking for a while Reiju had a serious doubt, " But how did you know this much, have you ever been to Grandline? "

Luffy just grinned, " That's a s e c r e t . " Reiju pouted hearing him. Luffy found her pouting face very cute.

" Okay, i have decided i wil take you with me. " Luffy made a serious face and said to Reiju.

Hearing his absurd statement, Reiju almost tripped on the floor due to the shock. But when she looked at his serious face, she was surprised to find out he was serious.

Her cheecks started to turn red from embarassment. It was still her first time someone boldly announced to take her without her consent.

But it was kind of new but exciting experience for her.

" What do you mean by that? " Reiju could only say this as her mind was not working properly.

She looked at his face and had to admit that any sane woman would accept his proposal after looking at his charismatic face.

" Yes, you heard me right. I would like to make you the cook in my pirate crew. " said Luffy with a righteous face.

Hearing his absurd reply she just face palmed herself. She thought this guy was hitting on her, but it seems all those were her misunderstandings. But for some specific reason, she had a urge to bite this bastard to death.

But it make sense, if he wants to recruit a good chef the best place in East Blue was definitely this restaurant.

She was happy due to the invitation for a moment but her face immediately dimmed down in the next moment. She was indebted to this old man, who sacrificed his leg for her.

When she left her home to find his brother Sanji's whereabouts, she met this old man.

The old man was also very protective of her and would chase out all those who wanted to recruit her.

In the first place she also didn't have any interest in joining any of them.

She shook her head, " Sorry, but i can't join your crew. "