💖 If you enjoy my work, consider supporting me on Patreon. I'm offering advanced chapters there as a thank-you to readers.
--------------------
Check out advanced chapters on : patreon.com/DragonOP
--------------------
Night had fallen over Foosha Village, and a bright, ethereal moonlight sprinkled down, dressing the peaceful settlement in a shimmering silvery veil. Usually, at this hour, the Partys Bar would be winding down, but tonight the doors were bolted shut while lively, boisterous sounds echoed from within.
"Go, Goku! You absolutely can't lose to a local kid like Luffy!" "Yeah! You're the only person I've ever seen who can actually keep up with his appetite. Don't let us down!" "Quick, clear away these empty plates! Makino just finished another batch of roast pork!"
Inside the bar, the usual arrangement of tables and chairs had been pushed into the corners, clearing a wide arena in the center of the room. A large group of village residents had formed a tight circle, cheering with wild enthusiasm. Two villagers hurried through the crowd, struggling under the weight of a mountain of empty ceramic plates, only to return moments later with fresh, steaming platters of food.
At the center of the spectacle sat Goku and Luffy. They were surrounded by literal mountains of food, their hands moving so rapidly they appeared as mere blurs. Shoveling plate after plate into their mouths, their cheeks were puffed out and bobbing rhythmically, making them look like two human-shaped squirrels. They devoured the feast at virtually identical speeds, a feat that left the onlookers breathless. However, speed wasn't the goal tonight—this was a war of attrition to see who could eat the most.
Clang!
Goku casually tossed an empty plate onto a stack that was already nearing the ceiling. His right hand shot out like lightning, grabbing a full platter of meat and shoving it into his mouth. He caught Luffy's eye across the table. He eats so much! Goku thought, genuinely impressed. This is the first time I've seen someone who can eat as much as I can!
Opposite him, Luffy was having similar thoughts through a mouthful of noodles. I can eat this much because I'm a Rubber Man and my stomach stretches, but how is he doing it?!
The competition had started innocently enough. After returning from their adventure in the Goa Kingdom, the two had brought back several forest beasts they had hunted. Makino had decided to throw a small banquet for her friends in the village. But when a villager joked that Goku might actually be able to out-eat Luffy, the "Rubber Man" took it as a personal challenge. Luffy had immediately accelerated, devouring three plates in seconds. Not one to be outdone, Goku responded by finishing four. From that moment on, the banquet turned into a legendary duel.
After another hour of relentless eating, the physical toll began to show. Luffy's belly was now greatly distended, stretched to a comical size thanks to his Gomu Gomu no Mi powers. He poured the contents of ten plates into his mouth at once, staring intently at Goku. Goku's stomach was also bulging significantly. He gritted his teeth, forcing down another plate of food. He could feel himself reaching his limit; if he kept going, he feared his stomach might actually burst!
Recognizing his defeat, Goku's expression relaxed. He let out a long breath and lay back on the floor. "I can't eat anymore," he said simply.
The cheering villagers instantly froze. Luffy stopped mid-chew, blinking his eyes. "Huh? You're done?"
Goku rubbed his distended belly and grinned. "I'm really full! I can't fit another bite."
Luffy showed a victorious, toothy smile and chuckled. "I see! It seems I can eat more after all!"
"Mhm! You're amazing!" Goku praised him without a hint of bitterness. "You're the first person who's ever eaten more than me!"
The villagers burst into laughter, the tension breaking instantly. "You two are monsters! All of us put together couldn't even finish half of what one of you ate! Hahahaha!" Infected by the joy, both Goku and Luffy joined in the laughter, their voices filling the bar.
The next morning, the sun rose over a quiet Foosha Village. Goku stood on the shore, bidding farewell to his new friends.
"Goku, are you sure you don't need a boat?" Luffy asked, leaning against a palm tree. "I can give you the one I was saving. I can always find another."
"No need! I'm still planning to swim," Goku replied with a confident grin. "This is part of my personal training!"
Makino looked on with a worried expression. "Please be very careful, Goku. If the sea gets too rough, come back to us immediately."
"Mhm! Thank you, Makino!" Goku waved goodbye, then turned and plunged into the sea without hesitation. He began swimming with powerful strokes toward the next island Makino had suggested—Kaya Island. Luffy watched his departing figure and sighed, "It must be nice to be able to swim." Then, he turned back toward the forest. "I need to hurry up and train, too! It won't be long until I set sail!"
On Kaya Island, specifically in Syrup Town, the morning peace was being disrupted. A young woman with beautiful, short orange hair was pressed against a stone wall in a narrow alley, her eyes scanning for pursuers. Seeing the coast was clear, she leaped up, grabbed the top of the wall, and agilely flipped over.
A large cloth bag filled with 1,000,000 Berries was tossed over the wall first, landing with a heavy thud. The woman followed quickly, her face a mask of nervous energy. She stuffed the loose bundles of cash back into the bag and hurried deeper into the maze of alleys.
"Chase her! Don't let her get away!"
A group of tall, burly men in black suits appeared at the alley entrance. They moved with murderous intent, pursuing the thief. At that same moment, Goku—having swum for half the day—reached the shores of Kaya Island. He dried his clothes, slung his Power Pole over his shoulder, and walked into town, only to walk right into the path of the high-stakes chase.