Chapter 60

"I see now… Mapping the world, becoming the world's greatest swordsman, becoming the Pirate King—those are truly grand and difficult dreams."

Zeff set down his wine cup, admiration in his eyes as he looked at the passionate faces of Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and even Usopp.

With his experience, he could see how seriously these young pirates pursued their goals. Even Usopp's relatively modest dream—becoming a brave warrior of the sea—held a steadfastness that Zeff respected.

Unconsciously, he thought of the dream he could no longer chase.

"And what about you? What kind of dream pushed you to set sail?"

"To be honest, I don't quite understand why someone with your level of power would join a rookie pirate crew."

Zeff finally voiced his doubt as he turned to Genrou with serious eyes.

"If you want to talk about dreams... I've got two."

Genrou grinned, placing one arm around Nami's shoulder and the other around Luffy's.

"First, I want to help them accomplish their dreams."

At those words, Luffy, Nami, and the others couldn't help but smile.

"Second, I want to explore all the mysteries of this world."

"Sky Islands tens of thousands of meters above, Fish-Man Island deep under the sea, Gol D. Roger's treasure site, and the mysterious ALL-BLUE…"

"Aren't those places worth seeing?"

As he finished, Genrou shot a sly smile at Sanji, who'd been quietly listening.

"ALL-BLUE?!"

Sure enough, at the mention of that legendary sea, both Zeff and Sanji visibly perked up.

"Can't believe a wanted man like you even knows about ALL-BLUE… It's said that ingredients from all four seas gather there. To a chef, it's a holy grail…"

Getting excited, Sanji began to talk about the myths surrounding ALL-BLUE and his own dream of finding it.

He didn't notice the contemplative look that flashed across Zeff's face.

After a long talk, just as Sanji was finally winding down, Zeff suddenly said:

"If you want to find ALL-BLUE that badly, why not leave this restaurant now?"

"Eh? Old man, what're you saying?"

"Exactly what I said. Your cooking doesn't suit this place anymore. Luffy and his crew are looking for a cook, right? You should go with them."

"What do you mean it doesn't suit this place?! I'm your sous-chef!"

"Not anymore. As the owner of this restaurant, I'm officially firing you. Honestly, I only gave you that position out of pity. Skill-wise, you've still got a long way to go."

Zeff turned to Luffy.

"So? Straw Hat brat, do me a favor and take this punk with you."

Zeff had originally expected Luffy to readily agree. He'd already read Luffy's simple nature like a book during the meal.

But to his surprise, Luffy's face twisted in dismay.

"Eh?! He's not a good cook? But we're looking for someone whose cooking can match Genrou's!"

Zeff's jaw dropped. For a moment, he had no idea how to respond.

He couldn't just reverse what he'd said and claim Sanji was a good cook now…

"Hmph. All the better then. If you already have a top chef, there's no point in me joining."

Sanji leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, pretending not to care.

"That's not right. I've got other responsibilities on the ship."

"I do hope we find an outstanding chef to join us."

"Even if Zeff says your cooking sucks… I get the feeling he's lying."

"Someone who's wanted to be the best chef since they were a kid? No way they'd still suck after all these years."

Genrou said meaningfully.

"Huh? What do you mean by that? How do you know about my childhood?"

"Oh, I know. Reiju asked me to say hi to you if I ever found her little brother."

"WHAT?! You know Reiju?!"

Sanji shot to his feet, eyes locked onto Genrou like he was trying to read his soul.

Zeff, watching Sanji's reaction, suddenly felt a strange curiosity about the blond's origins.

"Yup. I ran into Germa 66 in the North Blue not long ago."

"Things got a little tense. I beat the crap out of that bastard Vinsmoke Judge and barely escaped their pursuit."

"Once I reached safety, Reiju left. We're still on good terms."

"If it weren't for her bloodline and her forced obedience to Judge, I would've taken her sailing with me."

Genrou watched Sanji's reactions carefully as he spoke.

Sure enough, once Genrou began recounting details of Sanji's past—information only Reiju could've told him—Sanji's doubt completely disappeared.

His face flushed red, and he slammed both palms on the table.

"Alright, alright! Shut up already! I believe you!"

Zeff stroked his beard. From Sanji's expression, he knew Genrou was telling the truth.

He was especially shocked to learn that the child he'd rescued from the East Blue all those years ago… was actually the son of Germa 66's infamous Judge.

"Damn. Can't believe you met Reiju."

"But even better—you punched Judge? Hell yeah!"

Sanji's lips curled into a smirk. For a moment, Genrou looked a lot more likeable.

Just then, a commotion broke out near the restaurant's entrance.

Zeff frowned and turned.

A tall man had collapsed on his knees just outside.

"Gin? What's he doing here?"

Sanji lit a cigarette, eyes shifting from Gin to the man beside him clad in golden armor. His expression became unreadable.

"Looks like the guy you fed before wasn't just here for fried rice after all."

Zeff said calmly.

From those words, Genrou quickly pieced together what had happened.

Gin must have already come to Baratie before they arrived and received Sanji's hospitality.

Now, he'd returned—with his captain, Don Krieg.

Their arrival caused quite a stir.

Patrons and staff alike shouted and cursed, demanding the two pirates leave.

Gin begged and pleaded, while Krieg himself cast aside his pride and pressed his forehead to the restaurant floor, asking only for ten servings of food.

Genrou leaned his cheek against his hand, looking at Krieg and then at Sanji.

Sure enough, after a few moments, Sanji couldn't resist. He stood and walked toward the kitchen.

But the restaurant staff, remembering what happened last time, rushed to stop him.

Even so, Sanji managed to place a plate of fried rice in front of Krieg.

Seeing this, Genrou turned to Luffy.

"Luffy, what do you think? Is he good enough to join our crew?"

"Hehehe! I think he's great!"

Luffy grinned, clearly approving.

Zeff smiled faintly as he heard their exchange.

Just then, Krieg—having eaten—suddenly lashed out, knocking Sanji to the floor and demanding 100 servings for his crew.

Zeff sighed and silently walked toward the kitchen.

"So… should we help out, Genrou, Luffy?"

Zoro asked, resting a hand on his sword, eyes on Krieg and Gin.

"Of course. We are taking Sanji with us."

Luffy said, smiling.

Genrou nodded and looked to Nami.

"Nami, how about we help ourselves to that shiny golden armor Krieg's wearing?"

"Hehe! That's why you're Vice-Captain, Genrou—we're totally in sync!"

Nami's eyes sparkled. At this point, she wasn't afraid of Krieg's 17-million-Berry bounty at all.

The only thing on her mind was how much that golden armor might be worth.

Genrou smirked, watching Krieg and Gin walk away.

In his mind, he couldn't help but think of another man—

"The world's strongest swordsman... Dracule Mihawk."

"At this rate, Mihawk should still show up, right?"

"Maybe Zoro will break through from fighting him…"

(End of Chapter)

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