With that single meal, Ryne had done more than prove his culinary skills.
He had established an unquestionable authority aboard the ship that would one day become the flagship of the Rocks Pirates.
After conquering the crew’s stomachs, his status aboard the ship became unique.
Gatz became his most devoted supporter.
Every day, he followed Ryne around, constantly addressing him as “Chef Ryne.” Whenever Ryne needed help—whether chopping firewood or hauling heavy supplies—Gatz was always the first to volunteer, working harder than anyone else.
Silver and Dorum weren’t nearly as exaggerated as Gatz, but they, too, had developed a genuine respect for Ryne.
Every day, the moment they looked forward to the most…
Was mealtime.
Unfortunately, even the greatest chef couldn’t cook without ingredients.
The ship’s food stores were soon exhausted.
No matter how miraculous Ryne’s cooking was, he couldn’t create food out of thin air.
For several days, every meal consisted of nothing more than grilled fish seasoned with the Endless Seasoning Bottle.
“Chef Ryne…” Gatz said pitifully while gnawing on another grilled fish.
“It’s delicious, but…” “When are we going to eat meat again?” “I still dream about that meat porridge.” “We’re out of ingredients.” Ryne’s answer was brief.
Listening to the crew complain while watching Ryne’s calm expression, Rocks suddenly slapped his thigh and stood up.
“You’re right!” “How can the crew of Rocks D.
Xebec live on grilled fish every day?” Walking to the bow, he spread his arms wide to the sea.
“I promised you the finest ingredients in the world!” “Today…” “I’ll fulfill the first of those promises!” Turning toward Ryne, his eyes gleamed.
“Chef.” “Tell us.” “What prey is worth hunting in these waters?” That was exactly the question Ryne had been hoping for.
The Grand Line Ingredient Encyclopedia (Early Region) unlocked by the system had already cataloged the surrounding seas.
He knew exactly what treasures could be found nearby.
Hunting the Azurefin Tuna Ryne walked beside Rocks and pointed toward the glittering sea.
“About thirty nautical miles to the southeast.” “There’s a convergence of fast-moving warm currents.” “A species called the Azurefin Tuna lives there.” “It spends its life chasing those currents, giving it firm flesh and exceptionally rich fat.” “The belly meat, in particular, is known as the seafood equivalent of Premium marbled meat .” “It’s the perfect ingredient for first-class sashimi.” After a brief pause, he added, “But it’s incredibly fast.” “It can move almost as fast as a cannonball.” “And because of its enormous size…” “Ordinary fishing vessels have no chance of catching one.” “As fast as a cannonball?” Gatz licked his lips excitedly as he hoisted his massive anchor onto his shoulder.
“Now that’s a challenge.” “I like it.” “Captain, give the order!” Rocks roared with laughter.
“Hahahaha!” “Then that’s our target!” “Dorum!” “Change our course!” “Silver!” “To the crow’s nest!” “Gatz!” “Get your harpoon ready!” “Today we’ll haul back a living cannonball and let our chef cook us a proper feast!” “YEAH!” The crew answered with an enthusiastic roar.
Under Dorum’s guidance, the old pirate ship clumsily changed course and headed southeast at full speed.
Silver climbed the mast with the agility of a monkey, reached the crow’s nest, and swept the sea with a spyglass.
About an hour later, his calm voice rang out overhead.
“Three o’clock!” “Abnormal water movement.” “Large creature detected.” Everyone immediately became alert.
As the ship approached, they saw the sea current quickening.
Beneath the surface, a gigantic blue-black shadow raced through the water, throwing up long trails of white spray.
Its dorsal fin shimmered with a brilliant sapphire sheen beneath the sunlight.
The Azurefin Tuna.
“That’s enormous!” Instead of fear, Gatz’s face lit up with excitement.
The fish was at least ten meters long.
Standing at the bow, every muscle in his body tensed as he prepared to throw.
“NOW!” Silver shouted.
With a roar, Gatz hurled the massive harpoon attached to a thick rope.
The weapon tore through the air like a bolt of black lightning.
But the Azurefin Tuna’s reaction speed was unbelievable.
Just before impact…
Its immense tail flicked.
The entire body shifted several meters sideways in an impossible maneuver.
The harpoon missed completely and plunged into the sea.
“Damn it!” “It’s too fast!” Gatz slammed a fist against the railing.
The failed attack only enraged the fish.
Instead of fleeing…
It turned and charged straight toward the pirate ship.
Its mountain-sized body sliced through the sea like a torpedo, pushing up a towering wave before the bow.
“It’s charging us!” Dorum’s face paled as he gripped the helm.
“This old tub won’t survive that hit!” Just as the massive head was about to smash into the hull…
Rocks stepped forward instead of retreating.
A savage grin spread across his face.
“Perfect.” He didn’t draw a weapon.
Nor did he assume any elaborate stance.
He simply threw a punch.
One simple right punch.
BOOM— A massive invisible shockwave erupted from his fist.
The sea ahead exploded apart.
The water was blasted aside as though struck by an enormous invisible hand.
The charging Azurefin Tuna entered the shockwave’s range.
Its gigantic body shuddered violently.
It was as though it had slammed headfirst into an invisible wall.
Its speed collapsed instantly.
Momentum sent it tumbling through the water before it floated belly-up…
Completely unconscious.
One punch.
Just one.
Across the sea itself, Rocks had knocked out a giant fish powerful enough to smash ships.
Gatz.
Silver.
Dorum.
All three stood frozen in disbelief.
They had known their captain was strong.
None of them had realized he was this monstrous.
Rocks casually shook out his fist.
As if he’d done nothing noteworthy.
Looking toward the stunned Gatz, he shouted, “What are you waiting for?” “Pull it aboard!” “R-Right!” Snapping back to reality, Gatz and Dorum struggled together to haul the several-ton fish onto the deck using ropes and pulleys.
The enormous Azurefin Tuna occupied nearly half the deck.
Its scales glittered brilliantly beneath the sunlight.
Everyone cheered the successful hunt.
They were equally awed by Rocks’ overwhelming strength.
Only Ryne reacted differently.
He quietly walked over and crouched beside the fish.
He didn’t even glance at Rocks.
Every bit of his attention was focused on the perfect ingredient before him.
Gently placing a hand against its smooth skin, he felt the dense elasticity of the muscle beneath.
Then he looked up at Rocks.
His eyes shone with satisfaction.
“Excellent belly meat.” Seeing Ryne appraise the fish with the seriousness of a master craftsman, Rocks burst into hearty laughter.
He knew his promise had ignited the young chef’s passion.
A feast unlike anything they’d ever experienced was about to begin.
Standing beside the colossal tuna, Ryne looked tiny by comparison.
Yet at that moment…
No one dared underestimate him.
He removed the cloth wrapped around his chef’s knife.
The blade gleamed coldly.
It wasn’t a Meito.
Just an ordinary knife forged from the finest steel.
But Ryne had sharpened and maintained it with his own hands for years.
“Gatz.” “Hoist it.” “Head down.” “Got it!” Gatz immediately moved.
Together with Dorum, he suspended the several-ton fish using ropes and pulleys.
Ryne inhaled deeply.
Then his knife moved.
There were no flashy techniques.
Only speed.
Precision.
Control.
A flash of steel.
The massive tail fin fell cleanly away.
His blade then glided along the backbone in one seamless motion.
Shhk!
The thick skin peeled away together with the layer of fat beneath it, revealing beautifully marbled pink flesh.
Every movement was executed with perfect precision.
It felt less like butchering a fish…
And more like creating a work of art.
The crew watched in complete fascination.
None of them had ever imagined ingredient preparation could be so mesmerizing.
The Rocks Pirates Officially Set Sail “Silver.” “Bring me the cleanest ice you can find.” “The more, the better.” “Dorum.” “Set up the largest pot.” “Start a fire.” “I’m making broth from the head and bones.” “Gatz.” “Rinse these fillets with lightly salted water.” Ryne issued instructions one after another.
The rough pirates, who knew nothing but fighting and sailing, had become perfectly obedient kitchen assistants.
He sliced the prized tuna belly into evenly cut sashimi.
Each piece displayed exquisite marbling.
Delicate white fat intertwined beautifully with vibrant crimson flesh, making every slice resemble a work of art.
He carefully arranged the sashimi across a chilled platter layered with ice.
Every piece was positioned with meticulous care.
Next, he selected a lean section from the fish’s back.
Using the back of his knife, he gently pounded it before mincing it finely.
From his luggage, he produced several dried spices.
Then, quietly activating the Endless Seasoning Bottle, he created a single drop of a special sauce that combined the rich umami of soy sauce with the bright acidity of fruit vinegar.
Mixed together with the minced tuna and spices…
It became an elegant tuna tartare.
Finally, Ryne laid several richly marbled tuna steaks onto a blazing-hot iron griddle.
Sizzle— The instant the fish touched the metal…
The fat melted immediately.
An intoxicating aroma erupted across the deck.
Pure…
Perfect…
Golden roasted fat blended with the natural sweetness of fresh tuna.
It was far stronger than anything they had smelled before.
Gatz was practically drooling.
Squatting beside the griddle, he stared helplessly at the sizzling steaks while his stomach growled like a starving beast.
When the fish-bone broth finally turned a creamy white, filling the air with incredible fragrance…
Ryne announced, “Food’s ready.” The crew rushed over immediately.
Three dishes sat upon the table.
Crystal-clear Azurefin Tuna Sashimi.
Fragrant Tuna Tartare.
Perfectly seared Grilled Tuna Steak.
Beside them stood a large pot of creamy fish-bone soup.
Rocks reached for the sashimi first.
Without dipping it into any sauce…
He placed a slice of tuna belly into his mouth.
The instant it touched his tongue, it felt like a cool, impossibly soft cloud had enveloped his senses.
As the fish slowly warmed…
Its luxurious fat began to melt.
An explosion of sweetness and umami flooded his palate.