NOVEL FROG Ch22- Enough to Scare
The second extra chapter of the day!
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Luffy, watching the unexpected act of kindness by Sanji, couldn't contain his amusement at Gin's situation. "You sure got lucky. That food saved your life. You almost starved, hahaha!" he laughed heartily, his usual carefree demeanor on full display. His laughter echoed in the air.
Turning to Sanji, Luffy's eyes sparkled with an idea. "Hey, Mr. Cook. Join us, be the cook in my pirate crew." He leaped from the balcony to where Sanji and Gin were, his sudden appearance startling them. "Huh?" both Sanji and Gin exclaimed simultaneously, taken aback by Luffy's bold proposal and sudden intrusion.
After a brief moment of surprise, the trio fell into a comfortable chat. Luffy, curious about Baratie and its crew, listened intently as Sanji explained the unique nature of the floating restaurant. "So you are a pirate? Don't cause any trouble. The Boss, Zeff, used to be a pirate," Sanji warned, his tone both caution and pride.
Luffy, intrigued by this revelation, recalled seeing the old man reprimanding Sanji earlier for beating a customer. "That old man was a pirate?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of surprise.
Sanji nodded, a smirk playing on his lips. "Baratie is that old man's treasure. And everyone working here are pirate-like runts, drawn to this place. Perfect people for a place frequented by pirates," he explained, his respect for Zeff evident in his voice.
Luffy, his head nodding in understanding, remarked, "Yup, this place is a nuthouse." His observation was simple yet apt, capturing the essence of Baratie's unique atmosphere.
Sanji's smirk widened at Luffy's comment. "One you get used to," he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Some people are just caught by the novelty of it, but they run away quickly."
Luffy nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the lively scene inside. "That's why you cooks serve," he said, acknowledging the resilience and strength of the Baratie crew.
Luffy, ever persistent in his quest to build the strongest pirate crew, once again invited the cook to join him. "Anyway, you should sail with me," he suggested, his voice carrying the excitement of shared adventures on the high seas. Well it was Luffy, he probably could see those images already.
Sanji, looking up at Luffy, replied with a firm yet respectful tone. "I decline. I have a good reason for staying here." His dedication to Baratie and his mentor Zeff was clear, a bond he wasn't ready to break.
Luffy, unfazed by the rejection, frowned and retorted, "No! I decline."
Sanji, bewildered by Luffy's response, asked, "What? Decline what?"
Luffy's expression turned determined, his eyes locking onto Sanji's. "I decline your declination! You're a good cook. You're joining my crew," he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Sanji frowned, his brows furrowing in slight irritation. "Now hold on. Listen to my reasons," he asserted.
Luffy, his curiosity piqued, nodded eagerly. "What is it then?" he asked, his voice was eager. Anticipating a cool story since he heard this restaurant was a treasure to old man and probably to Sanji too.
Sanji turned his face away. "None of your business," he muttered without explaining. Which wasn't a smart move when Luffy was anticipating a story.
Luffy got visibly annoyed. His easygoing demeanor shifted to one of frustration. "You just told me to listen!" he protested, his voice rising in both volume and pitch.
The two men, now face to face, locked eyes in a battle of wills. Sanji's gaze was sharp and unyielding, while Luffy's was filled with a stubborn determination. "I meant respect my reasons, you fool. I will make a fillet out of you, you crap-hat kid," Sanji threatened, his tone laced with irritation.
Luffy, equally annoyed and never one to back down from a challenge, retorted. "You make fun of my hat, and I will send you flying!" he declared, his fists clenching. He really meant it, as what he did to Buggy was proof of that.
Gin, who had been watching the exchange with a bemused expression, finally decided to interject. Compared to Luffy and Sanji, his tone was more subdued, "Sorry to butt in but..." he began, drawing their attention.
Both Sanji and Luffy turned to him, their irritation palpable. "WHAT?!" they yelled in unison, their previous conflict momentarily forgotten.
Gin, unflustered by their outburst, continued. "I am Gin of Krieg Pirates. If you are really a pirate, what is your goal?" His question was direct. Maybe he wanted to gauge Luffy's ambition, or it was the only way to know a person through their goals.
Luffy's irritation vanished instantly, replaced by a broad grin. His eyes lit up with the fire of ambition. "I am after One Piece. I am going to Grand Line!" he declared proudly.
Gin's face turned serious at the mention of the Grand Line, a place known to all as the graveyard of pirates but his crew ignored until it was too late. "If you don't have a cook, you must not have much of a crew yet," he guessed, not sure if anyone would have such ambition without a proper crew.
Luffy nodded in agreement, unfazed by the comment. "This guy makes six," he said, pointing at Sanji, who instantly protested, "Don't count me!" Sanji's yell was both annoyance and exasperation, but Luffy seemed oblivious to his refusal. He decided anyway, what others thought didn't really matter.
Gin, ignoring their shenanigans, leaned forward, his voice lowering to a more serious tone. "You don't look like a bad fella, so I will give you a bit of advice..." He paused for a moment, ensuring he had Luffy's full attention. "Whatever you do, do not go to Grand Line. You are too young, do not rush your doom." His warning was stern, a sincere expression of concern from someone who had likely witnessed the perils of that treacherous sea.
Luffy, however, wasn't one to be easily deterred. His grin remained unshaken, a testament to his unwavering resolve. "Thanks for the advice, but I've made up my mind. I'll find One Piece and become the Pirate King!" His declaration was bold, but that was Luffy for you. He set his mind for it, and there was no turning back.
Luffy, his interest piqued, leaned in closer. "Do you know Grand Line? Have you been there?" he inquired,..
Gin held his head, his expression showed conflicting both of respect and fear. "No, not at all. But I know enough to scare me," he admitted.
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