I'll Still Cut You
"Huh, looks like that guy wasn't dead after all!" said Luffy, glancing over at Spike who was still bellowing angrily.
"I said get down here so I can kill you properly this time!" Spike shouted. "My Spikes will pierce your heart next."
Ryuza narrowed his eyes at the threat. "Damn, he's very persistent."
Sanji sighed and lit the cigarette in his mouth with a silver lighter. "We should have figured this fight wouldn't be over so easily." He muttered before blowing a puff of smoke into the air.
Gin, who stood in front of the three on the battle deck, narrowed his eyes. "Sanji. I wanted you to leave the ship without hurting you. But it seems things can't be that way. So, the least I could do, I kill you myself."
"Heh, why thank you." said Sanji with disdain in his voice, shaking his head. "Now, kindly eat shit, and die."
"It didn't have to be this way, you know?" sighed Gin, his blunt weapons gripped tightly in his hands. "The same goes for you two! Straw hat, you could have left with your crewmates and lived. Samurai, you could have left with your companion, or at least let Hawk Eyes Mihawk kill you quick and easy. But now, you both have to suffer and die."
Luffy blinked and responded blankly, "Nah, it's not as if I could ever be beaten by weaklings like you."
His words caused a wave of furious and angry roars to brush over the Baratie. The renaming men of Don Krieg's crew barred their teeth like snarling animals due to the insolence that came from Luffy. A few of them began shouting words in a fit of rage.
"H-he just called us weaklings and told our commander off!" One yelled.
Another pirate shouted, his fist pounding against the water. "We're the Don Krieg pirates, damn it! The most feared crew in the East Blue!"
"So what?" Ryuza asked, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "It doesn't matter if you're the biggest crew, the most feared crew, or even the strongest crew in the East Blue. From what I've heard, you're all just cowards hiding behind a white flag, preying on innocent people. Your kind makes me sick. You have no honor or respect! You're just a bunch of spineless thugs!"
Ryuza's thoughts turned to the teachings of his mentor, and that of the Sword God Ryuma, and the samurai honor that had been instilled in him from a young age. He had sworn to uphold the values of righteousness and protection of the weak. The Baratie and its people had become important to him, and he was determined to keep them safe.
With a resolute glare, Ryuza addressed the pirates. "I swear on my samurai honor that I will protect this restaurant with my life! I will strike down any of you who dare to threaten it! But I'll give you one chance to leave, and never return."
Luffy, standing beside Ryuza, grinned and nodded in approval. "Yeah, you tell 'em, samurai guy! We won't let you have the Baratie!" His enthusiasm and determination were as unwavering as Ryuza's, both of them prepared to defend the floating restaurant and its people to the end.
Sanji gazed at the two as they made their declaration. He couldn't help but chuckle and smirk ever so slightly. In all his years of working at the restaurant, the straw hat and samurai had to be the most bizzare individuals he had ever meant.
The cooks of the Baratie stood off in the back and watched on. They did not know whether to be encouraged by the young samurai's words, or fearful from Luffy's antagonism of the less than pleased Don Krieg pirates. Head Owner Zeff witnessed the event alongside Patty and Carne. A small chuckle escaped his lips as he watched on.
Screams of rage once again erupted from the Don Krieg pirates. The crew had been so used to people cowering under the mere mention of their name and the name of their captain. People would run for the hills, offer gold to them, or beg for their lives to be spared. And yet despite this, the two straw hat boy and samurai spat in their faces by saying that they are weaklings. Not only that, but offer the choice for them to leave as if had the upper hand.
None of them could not take the insults anymore. Each one raises their weapons in the air, their faces warped with anger as their killing intent had only increased.
"That's it!" One shouted, raising his sword overhead. "We're gonna kill every last one of you!" The rest shouted in agreement.
However, before any of them could move, Don Krieg himself called out, "Stand back! All of you!" He ordered with a smirk. "Someone who gets angry for being called weak, indirectly proves that they are weak. The final result is what decides who is strong and who is not."
With that statement, Don Krieg tugged on the fur coat that covered the rest of his golden plated armor from view. His armor shifted again, and in his hand was a large and round shield of the same material as his armor. It gleamed in the sunlight, and on the front of the shield was the jolly roger of the infamous Don Krieg pirates.
Ryuza took a deep breath and steadied himself. He was very aware that Don Krieg himself would go all out in this fight.
"It appears that we may be entering the final stages of this battle." said Ryuza, his eyes switching over to Gin and then Spike who still awaited him while shaking with anger.
"Yeah." Sanji agreed with a nod of his head, his eyes narrowed at Gin. "It doesn't look like the other trash is going to be stepping in anytime soon."
"I don't care if his little friends step in or just watch from the side." laughed Luffy, grinning as his eyes locked onto Don Krieg. "I'll take care of that guy with the weird shield."
Ryuza snapped his head over to Luffy. "Wha—, hey! I will be the one to take care of Don Krieg! As a samurai, my honor dictates that—"
"Shshihshi," Luffy snickered then smiled at Ryuza. "You already have an opponent who's still up and running. And he still wants to fight you! So that means I got the big fish!"
Luffy's words made Ryuza's shoulders drop. He wanted to argue against it, but he knew that he was right. As much as he wanted to duel and dispatch the captain himself, he still had other matters to attend to. No matter what happens, he needed do take down the lieutenant once and for all if he wanted the battle to be over and the Baratie protected.
"Fair enough…." sighed Ryuza. He stepped over to the railing, his eyes narrowing down at Spike who awaited him on a wooden platform with angry eyes. Ryuza took one last look back at Luffy and Sanji and said, "If I finish my opponent off before your guy's fights are finished, I'll be there to assist you."
"Heh, worry about yourself, samurai guy." Luffy grinned, walking to the railing and preparing to take on Don Krieg head on.
Sanji shrugged his shoulders and took a step towards Gin. "If you want to step in then I won't stop you. But you better hurry and take care of that. He's getting pretty whiny."
Ryuza managed to force down his urge to chuckle, and instead nodded stoically. He turned his gaze onto Spike and leapt from the deck of the Baratie, hopping from wooden debris to debris until he landed on the same platform as Spike. The Lieutenant narrowed his bloodshot eyes, and stretched his arms.
"You caught off guard last time you little brat. That's a mistake that won't happen again." Spike growled, taking a step toward the young samurai.
Ryuza narrowed his eyes, his hand gripped tightly around his sword handle that was still placed in its scabbard. "You underestimated me. That was your first mistake."
"As if!" Spike bellowed in outrage. "I am the lieutenant of the Don Krieg pirates! The fiercest group of pirates in the East Blue! You are just a nobody playing dress up! Now, allow me to pay you back for dropping me in that sea water!"
As finished his statement, he lifted his gauntlet and shot two sharp spikes toward Ryuza. Ryuza unsheathed his sword and knocked the spikes away with his blade. Shooting spikes wasn't the lieutenant's only trick however. Spike dashed at Ryuza, his fists clenched tightly and launched a barrage of punches at Ryuza. He was faster than the young samurai had anticipated.
As Spike unleashed his barrage of attacks, he cleverly feigned a punch. Ryuza reflexively lunged backward, attempting to dodge the incoming blow, but was caught off-guard when one of the lieutenant's razor-sharp spikes grazed his wounded cheek instead. Ryuza winced as the gash, a lingering reminder of his fateful duel with Mihawk, deepened. His blood trickled down to his neck, intensifying the searing pain.
Despite the encumbrance of his heavy armor, Spike displayed surprising agility as he rapidly followed up with his next set of attacks, capitalizing on Ryuza's momentary shock. The lieutenant launched a ferocious punch aimed squarely at Ryuza's chest. Caught off balance from the previous assault, the young samurai had no time to recover. He doubled over, gasping for air as Spike's fist connected with his stomach. Without a moment's pause, Spike brought his other fist around, crashing it into Ryuza's jaw.
The force of the attack sent Ryuza tumbling back, and nearly plummet into the sea. But the young samurai regained his footing, rolling and landing on his feet. His eyes narrowed into focus despite the pain and frustration. With both hands gripped tightly around his sword, he dashed back the lieutenant, preparing for an upward slash. Spike grinned and hugged his body again. The larger sharp spikes protruded from his armor again, forcing Ryuza to stop as his face nearly touched the razor tip.
He leapt back as Spike lunged forward, trying to pierce him with the spikes that covered his armor. Ryuza gritted his teeth in frustration as Spike continued to move closer and closer, still hugging his body so that his spikes would remain extended. He closed the gap between him and the young samurai, slowly forcing Ryuza to the edge of the platform and near the ocean water.
"Face it, you little brat! You can't touch me!" Spike said with a boisterous laugh. "Now just sit still and maybe I'll make your death less painful than what I had planned for you!"
A few of Don Krieg's crew members watched on from the surface of the water. "Yeah! Kill him Lieutenant!" One shouted with glee as Ryuza was pushed toward the edge.
"Teach that guy what happens when you mess with Don Krieg's crew!" Another yelled.
The chefs and cooks watched with growing concern as Ryuza struggled to defend himself. "This isn't good," one of them murmured. "He can't get close enough to cut that guy with those spikes in the way."
Ryuza's breathing grew labored as the seawater lapped at his heel. There was no room left to maintain distance from the relentless onslaught of spikes. However, the young samurai refused to be defeated so easily, particularly with an audience watching. As Spike continued to close the gap between them, a sudden idea took root in Ryuza's mind. He recalled a technique he had used against Dracule Mihawk, a move that his beloved mentor had taught him.
The memory of his mentor's voice transported Ryuza back to a simpler time when he was just a child learning the way of the sword. When his master had informed him of the sacred technique, he was stunned.
※
"What?!" young Ryuza exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder.
"Ryuza," his mentor began, a mysterious smile gracing his face. "There is a technique I will teach you when you're ready. With enough skill, you will be able to cut your opponents from a distance without them ever seeing it coming."
Young Ryuza's eyes widened with astonishment. "But, Master, how is that possible?"
His mentor chuckled, "It requires a deep understanding of the sword and the soul of the samurai. Once you can feel the blade as an extension of yourself, you will learn to project its power beyond the steel's edge."
Ryuza frowned, his young mind working to comprehend such a concept. "I…I don't fully understand, but I promise I will learn this technique, Master. I will train harder than ever before!"
His mentor placed a gentle hand on Ryuza's shoulder, the pride in his eyes evident. "I have no doubt that you will, my young pupil. Keep honing your skills, and the day will come when you master this formidable technique. Now, let us return to our training! 100 squats thrusts! And then, we shall take a run around the forest! Yamato already has a head start over you. So you best hurry,! Move it, boy!"
"Yes master!" Young Ryuza smiled, nodding his head vigorously.
※
A small smile crept onto Ryuza's face as the memory of his mentor warmed his heart. But soon, that smile disappeared, replaced by a determined glare aimed at Spike. It was time to put his master's teachings to the test.
Despite the spikes jutting out from Spike's armor, Ryuza charged forward. "You fool! You have a death wish or something?" Spike taunted, confident that his armored defenses would protect him.
At the last moment, Ryuza sprang into the air, soaring gracefully over Spike's head. As he twisted in mid-air to face his opponent, the azure glow enveloping his sword intensified. With a swift, almost imperceptible motion, Ryuza flicked his sword through the air with such speed and precision that it left behind a trail of brilliant blue energy.
This energy lingered in the air for an instant, and then, with lightning-fast reflexes, Ryuza unleashed a flurry of rapid, accurate slashes. With each cut, he released more of the potent, blue energy that swirled around Spike. The azure light twisted and interwove, creating a myriad of shimmering circles that encircled the lieutenant, forging a lethal halo.
As the circles whirled rapidly, time appeared to slow down, and from each ring, a sudden surge of invisible, razor-sharp energy bursts forth, targeting Spike from every conceivable angle. The ethereal slashes struck with lethal accuracy, slicing through his armor and the wooden surface beneath him with unparalleled ease.
Landing softly on the ground, Ryuza's momentum carried him forward slightly, as the blue energy circles dissipated into the air. Spike's armor bore the evidence of the assault, displaying multiple deep gashes from the ethereal-like blades.
"Y-you bastard…." Spike groaned with rage, turning to face Ryuza, his silver armor that was once perfect armor, now damaged with deep cuts from his front and back. "What the hell did you just do to me!?"
Ryuza took a deep breath, adrenaline pumping in his veins. He turned to Spike with a serious gaze, "You underestimated me. Again. Even with all your spikes and armor, I'll still be able to cut you."
Spike clenched his fists, his face contorted with rage and pain. "T-This isn't over, you brat! I'll still kill you!" he shouted, but before he could finish, he coughed violently, blood splattering from his mouth. One of Ryuza's carefully-aimed cuts had found a critical spot.
Ryuza remained calm and resolute, his expression stern. "You brought this upon yourself. Your dishonorable actions led to your defeat." With that, the young samurai turned away from Spike, showing him his back.
Unable to withstand the pain any longer, Spike collapsed to the ground, his face hitting the wooden floor with a dull thud. His defeat was a clear signal to the rest of the Don Krieg pirates, who gasped and exchanged panicked glances among themselves.
The cooks from the Baratie, on the other hand, cheered and shouted in celebration, proud of the samurai who had defended their restaurant.
With a smooth, fluid motion, Ryuza sheathed his sword, the blade gliding effortlessly into its scabbard. The resounding click of the sword settling into place signaled the end of the battle. Despite trying to resist, Ryuza couldn't help but smile when hearing the sounds of cheer and relief from the Baratie cooks and the sounds of dismay from the Don Krieg pirates.
As Ryuza stood stoically with his arms crossed, ignoring the pain he felt on the side of his face and body, he then narrowed his eyes in confusion. The cooks that were once cheering were now swimming past the platform he was standing on and forward. Their cheers were now replaced with panic as they swam as fast as they humanly could.
"Hey! Jump into the water! Quickly!" One of them shouted to Ryuza. "We have to get away as far as we can from the Baratie! Don Krieg is gonna launch poison gas at the restaurant!"
Ryuza's eyes widened and he quickly snapped his head back over to the Baratie. He could see Don Krieg with a mask on his face, and taking a stance to launch something from the barrels on his armor. Ryuza could see Luffy as well, scrambling for a mask that he found near him on the floor. The young samurai quickly realized how dire the situation was.
He jumped into the water and swam along with the rest of the cooks to gain a large amount of distance from the restaurant. Behind him, the sound of something bursting rang in his ear, but Ryuza continued to swim. Once he and the cooks were far enough, they turned around to see a large wave of poisonous gas covering the Baratie.
"We were lucky to get away from that!" One of the cooks said. "Just look at the size of that gas cloud!"
"I hope Owner Zeff and the others were able to get inside!" Another one stated.
Ryuza narrowed his eyes as he waited for the gas cloud to disappear. He had hoped Luffy, Sanji, and the other cooks were safe from the poison gas. He would have moved back toward the restaurant immediately if he did not have to wait for the gas to disperse. For what felt like an hour, the young samurai waited for the gas to fully disperse. He could see a battle taking place near the Baratie.
Despite the distance, he saw Luffy's long limbs reach out and then retract repeatedly while Don Krieg used his armor for his defense and attacks.
Determined to help Luffy, Ryuza began to push himself into the water, intending to swim back to the restaurant. However, two of the cooks stopped him, grabbing him by the arm. "Hey! Hold on!," one of them warned, concern etched on his face. "You're in no shape to join the fight."
The other cook nodded in agreement. "He's right, you can barely stand. You're injured and exhausted, and swimming through the water would only worsen your condition."
Though it pained him to admit it, Ryuza knew they were right. The wounds from his fights, first with Hawk Eyes Mihawk and then the Lieutenant Spike throbbed with every movement, and his energy reserves were almost depleted. Reluctantly, he allowed the cooks to pull him back. "You're right," he admitted, gritting his teeth. "Damn it, I hope he'll be able to handle Don Krieg himself."
As Ryuza watched, he knew that he should have been there, helping Luffy in his battle against Don Krieg. But the pain from the injuries held him back. His body was exhausted, and he knew that if he tried to join the fight, he would be more of a liability than an asset.
Though it pained him to remain a mere spectator, Ryuza knew that this was the best he could do for now. He gritted his teeth and focused on Luffy's battle, silently rooting for his newfound 'ally' and hoping that he could bring the fight to an end.
From his vantage point, Ryuza watched as Luffy and Don Krieg exchanged powerful blows. The battle was intense, but it was clear that Luffy was gradually gaining the upper hand and in turn, angering the deadly captain of the Don Krieg pirates. With each strike, Don Krieg's once-impressive armor began to crumble, the pirate's own strength waning under Luffy's relentless assault. The battle moved back and forth across the remaining ship wreckage, blows, bullets and bombs being used.
Finally, in a decisive moment, Luffy delivered a crushing blow to Don Krieg, sending the armored pirate flying into the air, seemingly defeated at last. Or so Ryuza thought. The deadly pirate captain shot a net from the barrels of his armor, trapping Luffy inside it. He undoubtedly planned on drowning Luffy within the depths of the salty sea. Much to Ryuza's surprise, Luffy thought quickly and countered by stretching his long limbs through the holes of the net, wrapping them around Don Krieg's neck like a rubbery, elongated knot.
In one final move, Luffy released the knot, sending Don Krieg screaming as he spun like a twister through the air. Ryuza could make out Luffy's battle cry from his position as he sent the pirate captain into the air and then slammed him, headfirst, against the flat surface of the shipwreck. The impact was so powerful that the onlookers could feel the shockwave from where they stood, staring in awe at the might of the Straw Hat Pirate.
As Ryuza and the cooks watched, it became clear that Don Krieg was not getting up. The cooks erupted in cheers, their voices carrying over the sound of the waves. "He did it!" one exclaimed. "Luffy beat that bastard Don Krieg!"
"Amazing! Don Krieg isn't getting up! Our restaurant is saved!" another chimed in, pumping his fist into the air.
"I knew he could do it!" a third cook added, grinning widely.
Ryuza, his heart pounding with relief and admiration, couldn't help but smile as he watched the fight come to a close. He nodded in approval, recognizing Luffy's incredible strength and determination. The battle was over, and the Baratie had been saved. As some of the remaining Don Krieg pirates began to panic, Ryuza knew that the young pirate had made a lasting impact not only on the pirates but on the lives of the Baratie cooks as well.
As the relief and joy of victory washed over Ryuza, so too did the delayed pain from his injuries. The adrenaline that had kept him going through his fierce battles with Mihawk and Spike now faded, leaving behind the full weight of his wounds. The deep gashes across his face and body ached, while the lingering pain from Spike's powerful blows throbbed within him. Ryuza's eyes grew heavy as exhaustion overwhelmed him, and he collapsed, falling into unconsciousness.
"Hey! Samurai guy! Crap!" one cook cried out in concern. "He's passed out!"
"His wounds must have finally caught up with him," another observed, rushing to his side. "We need to get him back to the ship and tend to his injuries."
"Come on, let's carry him together," a third cook offered, helping to lift the unconscious samurai.
※
Sometime later, Ryuza woke up in a bed inside the Baratie. The peaceful sounds of seagulls calling overhead and the gentle lapping of waves against the ship's hull greeted him as he opened his eyes. A light breeze wafted in through an open window, bringing with it the fresh scent of the ocean. The chaotic battle seemed like a distant memory now, replaced by a calm atmosphere that enveloped the floating restaurant.
Ryuza carefully stood to his feet, feeling the bandages wrapped snugly around his body. His wounds had been tended to, though the injury on the right side of his cheek still felt raw and tender. Despite the soreness that persisted, Ryuza couldn't help but appreciate the sense of peace that now permeated the ship. The sunlight filtering through the windows cast a warm glow around him as he took his first careful steps since the battle.
Ryuza made his way out of the room, his ears picking up the sound of voices nearby. Following the sound, he found Luffy sitting on the railing while Sanji animatedly explained something to him. Curious, Ryuza approached them and asked, "What's going on?"
Luffy looked up at Ryuza, grinning broadly. "Hey, Ryuza! You're finally awake!" he exclaimed, finally addressing him by his actual name instead of "samurai guy."
Sanji glanced at Ryuza and gave him a casual nod. "We're just talking about dreams and the future, my friend. Good to see you back on your feet," he said with a genuine warmth in his voice.
Ryuza blinked and rubbed the back of his head. This feeling was foreign to him. The aftermath of a tough and grueling battle on the seas. Luffy's cheerful demeanor remained the same, but Ryuza noticed that Sanji seemed to be more happy than he had ever seen him during his stay at the Baratie. Though Ryuza was in no mood to question such happy emotions.
"Errr…thanks." replied Ryuza, nodding his head. "So, what happened while I was unconscious. I assume the Don Krieg pirates retreated."
"Yeah, once they saw their captain and their best man beaten, they pretty much started begging for mercy." Sanji chuckled, gazing out at the glistening bright blue sea. "Gin took the captain, that lieutenant guy you managed to beat, and the rest of his crew and then left."
"The lieutenant?" Ryuza questioned, tilting his head. "Don't tell me that guy managed to survive somehow. Even after I managed to cut through his armor."
"Gin said he was still alive but only barely. But hey, at least you managed to finally beat him!" grinned Luffy. "If he's still around, he definitely ain't forgetting that he was beaten by you!"
Ryuza stared for a moment and nodded his head in understanding. His attacks were definitely meant to kill the lieutenant. The young samurai was in now way attempting to hold back his attacks. The fact that Spike somehow managed to survive only meant that Ryuza needed to get stronger. Though, he could not help but admit to himself that Luffy was right. He was happy at the fact that the Don Krieg pirates, or their lieutenant, would ever forget the mark that he left on them.
"So, what were you guys talking about?" asked Ryuza, lowering his shoulders and leaning his back against the railing. He was more relaxed than he had been in a long while.
"Oh, Sanji was just telling me about the All Green sea!" Luffy exclaimed enthusiastically, completely mangling the name.
Sanji sighed in frustration. "Luffy, it's the All Blue, not All Green. Were you even listening to what I was saying? How could you get the name wrong?"
Ryuza, now curious, raised an eyebrow and asked, "All Blue? What's that?"
Sanji's frustration melted away as he smiled and began explaining, "The All Blue is a legendary ocean, said to be the place where all the world's seas meet. It's a paradise for chefs, as it is believed to contain every type of fish from all four seas and the Grand Line. I dream of finding the All Blue someday and cooking with the incredible ingredients it holds."
Ryuza's eyes widened in amazement, and even Luffy's attention seemed to be captured by the concept. They continued to discuss their dreams and aspirations, a sense of camaraderie growing between them.
As the three of them talked, Owner Zeff watched from the top deck with a small smile on his face, pleased to see the young fighters bonding over their shared experiences and dreams.
After their conversation, Ryuza found himself seated at a table with plates of food piled high, courtesy of the grateful Baratie chefs. Though he initially tried to convince them that he was fine and that samurais do not get hungry, his stomach had other ideas. Ryuza soon found himself devouring the delicious dishes with gusto, savoring every bite.
He tasted an array of seafood dishes, such as succulent grilled fish glazed with a tangy, sweet sauce, tender squid swimming in a flavorful broth, and a crunchy crab salad with a hint of spice. Each dish was a culinary masterpiece, the taste so exquisite that it danced on Ryuza's tongue, and he couldn't help but marvel at the culinary prowess of the Baratie chefs.
As he ate, he couldn't help but notice Sanji arguing with Owner Zeff off to the side. The argument seemed to escalate until Zeff landed a solid punch on Sanji, who grunted in pain. It was then Sanji who stormed out, leaving Zeff shaking his head.. Ryuza was confused by the scene, but ultimately, he decided not to get involved.
His thoughts shifted to Yamato and the uncertainty of her situation. He wondered if she was safe and if they had managed to recover the money Nami had stolen from them. Ryuza sighed to himself, knowing that he had to stay at the Baratie to either pay off his debt or wait for Yamato's return. He couldn't leave with a debt unpaid, as it would go against his samurai code and his sense of honor.
Ryuza was lost in thought when Zeff's gruff voice snapped him back to reality, "Hey, kid, why the gloomy face? You look like you've just lost your best friend."
Sighing heavily, Ryuza admitted his concerns, "Well, the money Yamato and I were planning to use to pay you back was stolen. I have no idea how we can possibly repay you. I'm willing to work here at the Baratie until we can recover the money or settle our debt another way."
To his surprise, the restaurant suddenly erupted in laughter. Owner Zeff, Patty, Carne, cooks and waiters alike found his concern highly amusing, which left Ryuza utterly bewildered. Wiping tears from his eyes, Owner Zeff finally spoke up, "You know, I should make you wash dishes for the rest of your life just for that! But, considering you played a significant role in saving this place, I think we can let your debt slide."
Ryuza blinked in confusion as the laughter continued around him. Another cook chimed in with a grin, "Don't you realize you took down that Spike guy and saved a few of us from getting skewered? You've more than paid your debt."
Yet another cook, wiping down a countertop, added, "If it wasn't for you, who knows what would have happened to the Baratie? We owe you one, kid."
As he listened to the cooks, Ryuza felt a mixture of relief and gratitude wash over him. He wasn't used to such kindness and camaraderie, but he knew better than to argue with them. Instead, he nodded and allowed a small smile to grace his lips, thankful for the generosity they had shown him. It seemed that his efforts to protect the Baratie and its people hadn't gone unnoticed or unappreciated. It warmed his heart to know that he had made a difference in this lively, tight-knit community, unlike any he had encountered before.
Luffy, who sat on the floor eating the food from his plate, laughed loudly. "See! I told you that he'd be willing to let you off the hook if we saved the restaurant!" He grinned.
"You didn't tell me that," replied Ryuza, unable to stop a smile from growing on his face. "But in this case, I'll just say you were right."
Suddenly, a massive crash sounded from outside, shaking the entire Baratie. Ryuza, Luffy, and the other cooks quickly rushed out to see what had happened. To their amazement, they found a gigantic panda shark that had burst onto the deck, with a familiar figure caught in its jaws, crashing down on top of Sanji.
Patty, one of the cooks, exclaimed, "It's a fishman from Fishman Island! He must have come to try our cooking!"
Another cook shook his head, "You idiot! It's clearly just a fish!"
Luffy's eyes widened in recognition, "Hey, that's Yosaku!"
The surreal sight of the panda shark and an unconscious Yosaku in its mouth had everyone's attention. The confusion and surprise were palpable as they all tried to make sense of the unexpected visitor's arrival.
Ryuza stared with concern as the cooks freed the dazed Yosaku from the jaws of the panda shark. The last time he had seen Yosaku was when he had sent Yamato off along with the others to retrieve the money from Nami. If he was here, then that meant something must have happened to the others.
Once the cooks brought Yosaku inside and wrapped him in a blanket so that he could quickly regain his senses. He smiled weakly at Luffy, greeting him with a tired look. Luffy asked him what was he doing back at the Baratie alone and what had happened to the others.
Yosaku answered, "You see, we could catch up to sister Nami, but judging from the way she headed, we're pretty sure we know where she is going."
"Oh, that's good. Then let's go there and bring her back." replied Luffy with a smile.
Ryuza nodded in agreement, "If it's an island she's heading to then it's where she must stow her money. I'm sure Yamato has already gotten the money back by now—"
"H-hey! Wait a second!" Yosaku suddenly protested. "You guys don't understand. She's…heading to an incredibly dangerous place. I…I can tell you guys on the way, but we need your help! Please, come right away!"
Ryuza was taken aback by the request. The thought of finally leaving the Baratie caused his body to shudder. He had been there for so long, that leaving to journey further out into sea made bubbles of excitement fill his stomach. There was no worry of being unable to pay back a debt to hold him back. He was free to roam the seas once again in pursuit of making a name for himself as the sword god.
Luffy's eyes lit up with excitement at Yosaku's plea. "Alright! Let's go!" He turned to Ryuza, grinning ear to ear. "You're coming too, right? You should join our crew!"
Ryuza blinked, taken aback by the sudden offer. "Well, I'll go with you to help Yamato and get the money back, but I didn't say I was joining your crew!" he replied, a little flustered.
But Luffy didn't seem to mind the distinction. He just laughed heartily, practically bouncing with energy. "Great! Now we have even more crew members! Let's go!"
Ryuza couldn't help but shout in frustration, "That's not what I said!" However, his annoyance was short-lived as he felt the exhilarating prospect of adventure and camaraderie that awaited him on the open sea.
As the group prepared to leave, Sanji stepped forward, a determined look on his face as he leaned against the wall with a cigarette hanging from his mouth. "I'll go with you guys too," he declared.
Ryuza glanced over at Sanji, intrigued by his decision to join them. Sanji met his gaze and continued, "I'm going to accompany Luffy on his journey to become the Pirate King. We both have crazy dreams, after all." He took a drag of his cigarette before exhaling a plume of smoke. "And I'll be there to fulfill mine, searching for the All Blue. I'll be the cook for the ship. Sounds good? Or bad?"
Luffy was even more ecstatic, throwing his fists in the air and yelling "Sounds great! Woohoo!"
The cheerful atmosphere enveloped the room as Luffy and Yosaku danced and laughed, making their way towards the exit of the Baratie. Ryuza rubbed the back of his head, following after them with a smile. He stopped for a moment, taking one last look at the interior of the Baratie restaurant. He and Yamato had spent so much time there; it was almost sad to leave it behind.
Turning his gaze to Owner Zeff, Patty, Carne, and the other cooks, Ryuza bowed his head deeply. "This is where we must part ways. Thank you all for saving me and Yamato from starvation. I will never forget your kindness and generosity for as long as I live."
Owner Zeff waved a dismissive hand, his expression a mix of gruff affection and pride. "Ah, just make sure to make a name for yourself out there, kid. You've got the talent and determination."
Patty laughed heartily, slapping Ryuza on the back. "Show the world what a samurai can do!" Carne nodded in agreement, adding, "And don't forget us when you're famous!"
Ryuza bowed one last time, his heart filled with gratitude. He then made his way out of the restaurant, stepping into the warm sunlight that bathed the deck. As he walked toward the boat where Luffy and Yosaku were waiting, a sense of adventure and excitement bubbled within him, ready to burst forth. The open sea called to him, promising thrilling battles, camaraderie, and a journey that would change his life forever. And the reader, too, could feel that excitement, knowing that the story of Ryuza, the aspiring sword god, had only just begun.
Ryuza took his place on the boat and leaned against the railing. All that was left was to wait for Sanji, who was undoubtedly saying a few words to Owner Zeff and the other workers. Minutes passed as Ryuza sat down, crossing his legs on the floor of the boat while he waited.
Finally, he saw Sanji exit the entrance of the restaurant, the door slowly closing behind him. The cooks and servants stood off to the side on the deck, their eyes following Sanji's every step, their expressions a mixture of sadness and pride. Ryuza couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion as he watched this scene unfold.
Suddenly, Patty and Carne burst forward, sprinting towards Sanji with elongated arms, preparing to hit him as they shouted about all the years of trouble he had caused them. Sanji, however, easily countered their attack, sending them flying away with swift, precise kicks. Unfazed, he continued making his way towards the boat.
Just as Sanji was about to step onto the boat, Owner Zeff called out to him from the top deck, his voice carrying over the sound of the waves. "Sanji," he said gruffly, "Don't catch a cold out there."
Sanji hesitated for a moment, his eyes welling up with tears. He shouted Owner Zeff's name, and then, unable to hold back his emotions, turned around and dropped to his knees, bowing deeply towards Owner Zeff and the other cooks. Tears streamed down his face as he cried, "I will never forget you for the rest of my life!"
As much as they tried to hold it back, each and every one of the cooks and waiters smiled or began to cry themselves. Even head owner Zeff, who Ryuza could see from his position, eyes welled up with tears as he smiled a proud smile.
"Damn it!" Patty shouted, suddenly rising to his feet. "We're gonna be lonely without ya!" He said with tears falling from his eyes.
"Real lonely! You hear?!" Carne added, tears falling from beneath his glasses.
Sanji smiled, the tears staining his cheeks as he shouted. "Let's meet again one day! You good-for-nothing-bastards!"
As the heartfelt exchange between Sanji and his fellow cooks continued, Ryuza couldn't help but feel a wave of somber nostalgia washing over him. He stood there, taking in the scene, and found his thoughts drifting back to when he and Yamato had first left their village to sail the sea.
The cheerful faces of the villagers who had known him since he was a child beamed brightly in his mind, their voices resonating with warmth and support.
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"Take care, Ryuza! Remember, we'll always be here for you!" one villager called out.
"Show the world what you're made of, kid! We believe in you!" another one encouraged, a proud smile on their face.
"And Yamato, make sure you come back with lots of amazing stories to tell!" a third villager shouted, waving enthusiastically.
As the memories of their farewells played out in Ryuza's mind, he found himself recalling the tender moment he had shared with his caretaker – the woman who had raised him as her own, even though she was not his mother. Standing on the shore, her eyes brimming with love and concern, she had wished him luck and told him to be careful.
"Ryuza," she had whispered, her voice soft and full of emotion, "No matter how far you travel or what challenges you face, always remember that you have a home here, waiting for your return. Stay safe and follow your dreams, my dear child."
※
Ryuza's heart swelled with emotion as the memory of her warm, loving gaze filled his mind. The words of his caretaker and the villagers echoed in his heart, becoming a constant source of strength and motivation that he would carry with him wherever he went. As he continued to watch Sanji and his fellow cooks saying their goodbyes, he knew that this, too, was a moment he would treasure and remember throughout his journey.
Finally, Sanji leapt onto the boat, a determined look on his face, signaling that it was time to set sail. Luffy's grin grew even wider, and with a loud yell that practically echoed over the seas, he said, "Alright! Let's set sail!"
The sails caught the wind, and the boat began to pick up speed. The ocean water sprayed into the air as the vessel cut through the waves, leaving a trail of white foam in its wake.
Ryuza watched as the Baratie drifted further and further away; his hand placed securely around the hilt of his blade and his blue scarf around his neck bellowing in the wind. The shouts of goodbye from the cooks still reached his ears, gradually fading as the restaurant disappeared over the horizon.
Taking a deep breath, Ryuza looked around, realizing that they were now in the open sea, heading to somewhere unknown. A sense of adventure and mystery filled his heart as the ocean stretched out before them, an endless expanse of possibilities and challenges. The emotions swirled within him, a mix of anticipation and wistfulness, as he prepared to embark on this new journey with his newfound companions.