One Piece: Fist of the World

"We need a cook."

"You're disgusted with my cooking."

Penguin, who was temporarily filling the role of a part-time chef, looked indignant.

"Don't you want to have a delicious meal every day?"

"That's right, let's go find a cook, Captain."

Penguin immediately changed his tune.

"Of course, a chef is essential."

Rhodes wiped his mouth. Penguin's culinary skills were indeed only mediocre, but he didn't want to cook himself, so they would have to make do for the time being.

However, being out at sea year-round, they did indeed need an excellent chef.

Excellent chefs could not only prepare delicious meals to satisfy their appetites, but some also mastered various special recipes and could subtly regulate their bodies through daily diet, much like the Okama Kenpo recipes Sanji learned in the Kamabakka Kingdom in the original story.

However, finding a chef of that caliber wouldn't be easy.

"Before that, let's make a grand entrance and make our names known!"

Hearing this, everyone looked at Rhodes with burning anticipation.

Those who had chosen to set sail together were not individuals content with an ordinary existence.

"Our first target is Speda Myers, where the Donquixote Family has a base. Let a Shichibukai be our stepping stone."

"Shichibukai!?"

Gray suddenly exclaimed.

"Why do you look so confused? We've discussed this before."

"When did we discuss this?"

"Oh, I almost forgot, you were injured and unconscious at that time."

"That means you didn't discuss it with me!"

"Forget it, it's not important."

"It is important, you asshole!"

"Everyone, please prepare yourselves!"

"Is it too late for me to get off the ship now? I'm just a scientist who wants to build a ship. Why should I face the vicious Donquixote Family..."

As a native of the North Blue, how could Gray not have heard of Doflamingo's name? As the other party's place of origin and early success, many legends about him still circulated in the North Blue.

"At our current speed, it will only take two days to reach Speda Myers from here."

No one paid any attention to Gray's mumbling. Neru unfolded the nautical chart and pointed to a spot marked with a cross on the map.

"According to the intelligence we gathered previously, Speda Myers was the Donquixote Family's original base in the North Blue. Although it was abandoned for a time, after Doflamingo became one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, they sent people back from the New World, and once again took control of this small town where they first made their fortune.

Not only that, the Donquixote Family controls a significant number of related industries there, from auctions to weapon shops to casinos, all operating under the guise of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and even promoting the development of other industries in the town. It has now become a well-known trading city.

That small town is also the largest underground exchange in the entire North Blue. Beneath the apparent prosperity, all sorts of shameful transactions are concealed. Given the special status of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Navy won't attack without substantial evidence.

Even the navy itself might have secret dealings with the Donquixote Family. At least according to the information I've collected, most countries in the North Blue have clandestine agreements with the Donquixote Family, including some member states of the World Government."

"As expected of a Seven Warlord of the Sea! Their influence is intricate and complex, encompassing all interest groups, forming a massive web of mutual benefit. Just hearing this, one can feel a terrifying pressure."

Nia sighed. It was just a base in the North Blue, yet it exuded a darkness like the abyss. Compared to the Donquixote Family, the previous Felke family was like children playing house. "It sounds incredibly powerful, but with the captain here, we'll be fine."

"We should also be offered a bounty by then. I wonder how much the reward will be."

Penguin and Shachi were still full of confidence and were even fantasizing about their bounties.

"I was wrong. I shouldn't have contacted the Felke family in the first place..."

Gray felt a sense of dread after hearing this. Before, he only knew of the Donquixote Family's fame and Doflamingo's notoriety. After listening to Neru's description, he felt that boarding Rhodes's ship had been an impulsive act.

"According to the intelligence, the person currently in charge there should be the user of the Bomu Bomu no Mi, Gladius. He is a core executive who has followed Doflamingo from the very beginning. You should know more about this person, Law."

Law looked intently at Rhodes and Neru. These two had gathered such detailed information about the Donquixote Family. It seemed they had been preparing to confront the Donquixote Family for a long time.

He had been concealing this from them and had even planned to face it alone. Looking back, he seemed too weak and lacked the resolve to directly challenge Doflamingo.

"Yes, this guy's strength should not be underestimated. He can detonate his own body or anything he touches. The power of the explosions far surpasses that of ordinary explosives. Many years ago, he had a bounty of 31 million Berries. He is a dangerous individual."

Pushing aside the distracting thoughts in his mind and recalling his experiences as a teenager, Law spoke in a deep voice.

Although a long time had passed, he still remembered learning artillery from Gladius.

He was a man fiercely loyal to Doflamingo and deeply valued family honor; but he was also a volatile person, much like his Devil Fruit ability.

That guy will be very surprised when he sees me.

No, I should be the very angry one.

Mr. Corazon's smiling face involuntarily appeared in Law's mind once more.

I will fulfill your wish, Mr. Corazon!

"After becoming a Shichibukai, the bounties of the Shichibukai and other members of his pirate crew no longer increase, so that guy's strength is worth more than 31 million Berries now."

Neru looked around at his companions and added.

"Besides that, there is another noteworthy individual on Speda Myers' side, the user of the Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Dachshund - Edorad Manudo. He is the Donquixote Family's reserve executive in the North Blue, and he has previously defeated a pirate with a bounty of 43 million Berries."

"Everyone is now clear on the general situation. We must win our debut battle beautifully!"

Rhodes clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention, and then spoke, his tone filled with anticipation.

"The Donquixote Family has been in business for so long, they must have accumulated a considerable amount of wealth."

A light flickered in Nia's eyes.

"Since they control the entire North Sea's weapons trade, they must have mastered some special technologies."

Gray stopped his mumbling.

"We defeated a Shichibukai in our first battle. I'm sure all of us will be carrying a huge bounty."

Penguin and Shachi jumped up excitedly and high-fived each other.

"Maybe they have some cute she-bears there."

Bepo's face flushed slightly, and he let out a chuckle, as if lost in a pleasant fantasy.

This is too far-fetched...

After glancing at Bepo, who was lost in his daydream, Law silently rubbed his temples.

As everyone looked forward with anticipation, two days passed in a flash, and Speda Myers came into view!

(End of this Chapter)