The moment he realized that Trafalgar Law not only possessed outstanding combat potential but also wielded the uniquely powerful Op-Op Fruit—renowned for its unparalleled medical capabilities—Kaito's mood instantly brightened.
It was like fate had delivered exactly what he needed at precisely the right moment.
"After an intense competition, the judges have reached a unanimous decision! The winning dish this time is 'Passionate Barbecue,' and its creator, Miss Karina, has officially become this year's Food King!"
"Ahhh! Karina!!"
"Why am I not a judge? I want to taste Miss Karina's 'Passionate Barbecue' too!"
"She really won! Miss Karina is not only this year's Food King, she's also the youngest Food King in history!"
"As expected of a culinary prodigy—achieving such honor at such a young age!"
…
Time passed quietly, and before anyone realized it, the winner of the Food King Competition had been decided. As the host announced the results, thunderous cheers erupted throughout the entire square.
Inside the arena, the defeated contestants withdrew in disappointment, while Karina—the victor—lifted high the golden knife that symbolized the title of Food King.
Karina was a stunning red-haired beauty with a distinctive beauty mark beneath the corner of her left eye. Not only was she attractive, but she also possessed an exceptionally striking figure. Even beneath her chef's uniform, her curves were impossible to conceal.
Combined with her superior culinary skill, her appearance only amplified her popularity. The atmosphere of this year's Food King Competition surged to unprecedented heights.
"Everyone, please quiet down! Next, we will invite our Food King to give a speech—hey? Who are you? Get down from there!"
With a bright smile, the host stepped toward Karina, following the standard ceremony procedure. But halfway through his sentence, he froze.
Someone had suddenly appeared in front of Karina.
The host had no idea how the person had gotten there. Assuming it was simply an overexcited spectator who had rushed onto the stage, he hurried forward to remove him.
"Who are you?!" Karina instinctively stepped back in shock. Her left hand moved swiftly, scattering red powder outward in reflex.
Boom!!!
A violent gust swept across the square.
More precisely—it was the eruption of Conqueror's Haki.
The man standing on the stage was Kaito.
Moving at a speed invisible to the naked eye, he had leapt from the elevated private platform to the arena in an instant.
He did not immediately answer Karina. Instead, he glanced briefly at the approaching host—then unleashed Conqueror's Haki.
Plop—
Like a massive invisible storm, the wave of Conqueror's Haki swept across the entire square.
In an instant, the running host collapsed. The densely packed audience below—along with the nobles and wealthy spectators seated on the high platforms—rolled their eyes back and fell unconscious one after another.
None of them had even the slightest chance to react.
Opposite Kaito, another body slumped to the ground.
Karina, her face pale, fell weakly into a seated position.
Unlike the others, however, she had not fully lost consciousness.
Kaito had deliberately controlled the intensity of his Conqueror's Haki. Karina was temporarily incapacitated—but not harmed.
"Don't be afraid," Kaito said gently, offering her a warm smile. "I won't hurt you. After all, you're my favorite chef."
"Chef…?" Karina blinked, still struggling to catch her breath.
Kaito nodded.
"That's right. My name is Kaito. I'm the captain of the War Pirates. I came here specifically to recruit outstanding chefs. Your performance in today's competition impressed me greatly. I want you to join my crew. I'll appoint you as head chef."
"War Pirates? Recruit… me?" Karina's thoughts spun in confusion.
Yet strangely, as she looked at the man before her, she felt no instinctive resistance. Instead, there was a subtle pull—an inexplicable urge to comply.
"My head is still spinning," she said cautiously after a pause. "But if you promise not to harm me… I'm willing to go to your ship and see for myself."
Kaito smiled calmly.
"Of course I won't hurt you. And if one day you decide you don't want to stay, you're free to leave at any time."
Leave?
That was impossible.
Just as Karina found herself unable to reject him, Kaito understood perfectly how his Conqueror's Haki worked.
One application might not secure absolute loyalty—but a few more would.
Once someone boarded his ship, they would never truly leave.
Karina, unaware of his hidden leverage, relaxed under his reassuring tone.
Though the situation had unfolded abruptly, she sensed no immediate danger. For now, she accepted it.
Footsteps echoed from one side of the arena.
Both Kaito and Karina turned toward the sound.
Robin approached calmly from the edge of the stage. Behind her stood several War Pirates members, each carrying an unconscious chef over their shoulders.
While Kaito personally recruited Karina, Robin had handled the remaining nine finalists.
Unlike Karina, they had not received special treatment.
They had collapsed instantly under the full force of Kaito's Conqueror's Haki—just like the rest of the crowd.
"It's settled on my end," Robin said casually. "What about you?"
"All good here," Kaito replied with a satisfied smile. "Karina has agreed to join us."
Robin's sharp eyes briefly examined the red-haired chef seated on the stage before nodding.
"Then let's return to the port."
"Not yet." Kaito raised a hand. "There's still one more recruit I want."
He turned his gaze toward a nearby elevated platform.
His voice carried clearly across the unconscious square.
"Mr. Trafalgar Law—would you mind coming down for a chat?"
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