Chapter 9: The Cook’s Resolve

The atmosphere at the Baratie slowly returned to normal after the commotion. The blonde cook, Sanji, stood tall as the defeated pirate groaned in a heap against the wall. Despite the power he displayed, Sanji's composure remained unshaken.

"Anyone else want to eat for free?" Sanji's voice dripped with sarcasm, his eyes scanning the crowd. No one dared to challenge him further.

"Oi! You're strong!" Luffy's grin stretched ear to ear as he ran up to Sanji. "Join my crew!"

Sanji barely spared him a glance. "Not interested."

Luffy blinked. "Huh? But why not? We're pirates too!"

"That's exactly why," Sanji said flatly, lighting another cigarette. "I've had enough of pirates."

Luffy's confusion deepened, but before he could press further, Dikun Silver stepped forward. Unlike Luffy's boisterous approach, Dikun's crimson eyes studied Sanji with keen interest.

"You're no ordinary cook," Dikun said, his voice calm. "That kick was no amateur move. You're trained."

Sanji exhaled slowly. "And what of it?"

"I'm not here to waste your time," Dikun replied. "But I can see that you're more than just a cook. You fight to protect this place, don't you?"

"Tch. That's none of your business."

"It is," Dikun stated firmly. "Because we're not like the pirates you're thinking of. Luffy may act like an idiot, but his heart is in the right place. We're not here to pillage or terrorize."

Sanji narrowed his eyes. "And why should I believe you?"

"You don't have to," Dikun said simply. "But watch us. Judge us for yourself."

For a moment, neither man said a word. The air between them thickened with tension. But something about Dikun's unwavering gaze made Sanji pause.

"Fine," Sanji finally said, his voice low. "But I'm not making any promises."

Dikun nodded. It wasn't victory — not yet. But it was a start.

---

Luffy's Appetite and Dikun's Observation

The crew soon found themselves seated around a table, plates stacked high with food. Luffy attacked his meal like a starving beast, devouring everything in sight.

"This is amazing!" Luffy declared, sauce dripping from his face. "Sanji, you're the best cook ever!"

"It's wasted on you," Nami said, shaking her head in disbelief.

Zoro smirked. "You're lucky you haven't choked yet."

While the crew bantered, Dikun remained calm, carefully savoring each bite. Unlike Luffy, he appreciated the complexity of Sanji's cooking. The layers of flavor, the perfect balance of spices — it all spoke of experience and dedication.

"You're skilled," Dikun finally said, his tone neutral. "Not just in fighting. Your cooking speaks for itself."

Sanji flicked ash from his cigarette. "Of course it does. I don't half-ass anything."

"But why stay here?" Dikun's question came without warning. "A man with your talents — both as a fighter and a chef — could do so much more."

Sanji's jaw clenched. "I have my reasons."

Dikun didn't push further. He could sense the weight Sanji carried. The blonde's loyalty to the Baratie, particularly to Zeff, was clear. Convincing him to join the crew wouldn't be easy.

But Dikun was patient.

---

The Threat Approaches

Just as the evening settled, the distant sound of cannon fire echoed across the ocean. A heavy mist clung to the waves, and from the shadows, an ominous ship emerged. Its battered hull and tattered flag marked it as belonging to none other than the infamous pirate Don Krieg.

The crew tensed.

"Krieg," Zoro growled, his hand instinctively reaching for his swords. "What's that bastard doing here?"

"I thought he was supposed to be dead," Nami added, her brows furrowing.

Dikun's eyes remained cold and calculating. "Dead men rarely stay dead at sea."

As the massive ship loomed closer, panic spread through the restaurant. The Baratie's chefs scrambled to prepare for the worst, while the Straw Hats exchanged uneasy glances.

Sanji, however, remained unfazed. His gaze hardened, and the determination in his eyes spoke volumes.

"This is my home," Sanji said firmly. "I won't let anyone destroy it."

Dikun nodded, understanding the resolve burning within him. "Then let's see what you're capable of, cook."

---

To Be Continued

The battle for the Baratie was about to begin. But amidst the chaos, Dikun saw a glimmer of what Sanji could become — not just as a fighter, but as a leader.

And soon, the Silent Commander would extend his hand once more, offering Sanji a place among the Straw Hats.