Chapter 30: Bounty - 113 million

No matter what, Garp had to do his best to defend Ryu. However, Sengoku's response was disheartening—there was no way to retract the bounty. After all, Ryu's attack on the Marines was now a documented fact.

Still, Sengoku proposed a potential solution that could prevent Ryu from being pursued by the Marines in the future.

But when Garp heard the plan, he erupted in anger. "How is this possible?! Recruiting pirates to serve as Marines? This is unheard of!"

"I have no choice," Sengoku replied grimly. "This decision comes directly from the Five Elder Stars, and it seems there's no stopping it."

"This old man will never agree!" Garp roared furiously.

The next morning.

After an exhausting night of combat, Ryu was ready to rest. Just as he prepared to sleep, a piercing scream echoed outside his door.

"What's going on?" Ryu stepped out, puzzled.

Seeing him emerge, Nami rushed over, thrusting a wanted poster into his hands. Ryu glanced at the poster.

The background depicted a silent, moonlit night. The central figure was a strikingly handsome youth with pale skin, long hair, and crimson eyes. Two swords rested at his waist, and his expression carried a faint melancholy, giving him the air of a prince from a fairy tale—beautiful yet mysterious, inviting curiosity.

Not bad. Whoever took the photo had captured at least ten percent of his charm. The picture was acceptable. But what about the bounty?

"Ten... hundred... million."

113 million Beri.

"Isn't this a bit low? Only 113 million Beri?" Despite his words, Ryu's lips curled into a smug grin.

Did they not understand the significance of surpassing 100 million Beri on a first bounty? Clearly, the Marines recognized his strength. Given his five years of infamy, coupled with the assassination of a Marine colonel, both his power and threat level were undeniable. A bounty this high for a first offense wasn't entirely unexpected.

Seeing Ryu still smiling, Nama couldn't contain herself. "How can you laugh right now?! You're wanted!"

"My bounty increased too!" Buggy chimed in, proudly waving another poster. Sure enough, his bounty had risen to 33 million Beri. Even Kabaji and Mohji now had bounties, though Nami remained unlisted—for now.

Watching the four idiots bask in their newfound fame, Nami struggled to suppress her rising frustration.

"Captain, we'll reach Baratie, the floating restaurant, around noon. You can rest a bit longer. I'll wake you up fifteen minutes before we arrive."

"Alright."

With that, Ryu returned to his quarters to sleep.

Goa Kingdom.

Ace sprinted through the streets, clutching a wanted poster tightly.

"Ace, why are you running so fast?" Luffy, who had just woken up, called out lazily.

"Luffy, look at this!" Ace exclaimed, holding up the poster.

"Oh! Ryu! He's amazing! How did Ryu end up in the newspaper?"

"Not only that—he's got a bounty now! 113 million Beri!"

"Really?! That's incredible! Ryu's amazing! I want to set sail too!"

"No way! You're still a kid. Wait until you're seventeen."

"Tch."

Baratie, the Floating Restaurant.

As usual, Baratie was bustling with customers. At one table, a curly-browed young man dressed in a suit chatted animatedly with a beautiful woman. His demeanor screamed gentlemanly elegance—if not for the two heart-shaped eyes gleaming on his face.

Just as Sanji was deep in conversation, the woman suddenly turned her attention elsewhere. Her eyes transformed into hearts identical to his.

Sanji frowned, confused. Those hearts weren't directed at him. The restaurant's doors swung open, revealing a handsome youth accompanied by a stunning girl. Sanji's gaze immediately locked onto the girl beside the boy.

"What a lovely, lovely girl!"

"Welcome, esteemed guests! What would you like to eat?"

"Beautiful lady, allow me to prepare a dish for you!"

Patty and Sanji spoke simultaneously, then glared daggers at each other.

"Hello, I'm Ikano D. Ryu. We reserved a table earlier. Could you show us to our seats?"

Upon hearing Ryu's name, Patty's smile widened. This wealthy-looking guest was none other than Ikano D. Ryu himself. Surely, he'd be generous with tips!

Meanwhile, several men in the restaurant paled upon hearing Ryu's introduction. They had seen the morning paper and were already contemplating whether to flee.

"Who's Sanji?" Ryu asked.

"I'm Sanji. What do you need?" the cook replied cautiously.

"I've heard you're an exceptional chef. We came here specifically to try your cooking."

Ryu's compliment instantly won Sanji over.

This guy knows how to talk, Sanji thought, his opinion of Ryu improving slightly.

"Very well. Let me show you my skills today."

Ryu proceeded to order six or seven of the restaurant's signature dishes. No worries—while Ryu drank blood sparingly, his appetite for human food was monstrous.

He had once competed with Luffy in an eating contest, and even Luffy, at the same age, couldn't match him. There was no danger of leftovers.

Sanji worked swiftly, preparing all the dishes within half an hour. As the courses arrived, Ryu took a single bite—and couldn't stop. Since arriving in the pirate world, he'd tried countless dishes, but they were often repetitive and grew tiresome.

But Sanji's cooking was different. Each dish was perfectly balanced, neither too greasy nor overly bland. The timing and pairing of flavors were impeccable.

Watching Ryu devour the meal with evident satisfaction, Sanji felt a swell of pride. Even Nama was astonished by Sanji's culinary prowess. She hadn't expected this man to be such a skilled chef.

"Just as I thought, Sanji, I'm impressed! Would you consider joining my crew and embarking on an adventure with me?"

"Huh? Adventure? What are you talking about?"

"Here's the thing, Sanji. We're preparing to enter the Grand Line, but we lack a chef. We've heard of your reputation and decided to pay a visit. We're very satisfied with your skills. Will you join us on our journey?"

"Uh... let me think about it."

At Sanji's hesitation, Ryu exchanged a quick glance with Nami.