8 8. Sanji Evolution

The encounter with the bear had left a deep impression on everyone, not just Luffy and Zoro, but also Sanji.

Sanji's frustration was palpable, even more so than Zoro's. While Zoro had managed to face the bear twice, Sanji's single kick had left him injured while the bear remained unscathed. As one of the top three fighters in the crew alongside Luffy and Zoro, being outperformed by both of them stung.

Despite his usual role as the crew's chef, Sanji harboured a simmering anger. "Hey, Luffy, your ability to enhance strength requires special points, right? How many people can you enhance?" he inquired.

"After upgrading Zoro, there are still about 10,000 points left, so probably only one more person can be promoted," Luffy replied, sitting up straight and crossing his feet on the stool.

"At first, I used 20,000 evolution points for my enhancement, and Zoro used 10,000. For you, it's probably around 10,000," he explained, noting the discrepancy in the amount of evolution points required for their enhancements.

It seemed that Luffy's abilities stemmed from more than just his Rubber Fruit. While it exhibited traits of both Paramecia and Zoan Devil Fruits, it also had another form reminiscent of the mythical Zoan fruits, granting him incredible power even without fully utilizing it.

"Does that mean there's room for one more person?" Sanji wondered to himself.

"I don't need it for now. I'm not much of a fighter, I prefer reading. Just think of me when you have spare points," Robin interjected with a gentle smile, sensing Sanji's determination to improve.

Seeing Sanji's resolve, Robin relinquished her spot without hesitation. In the past, she wouldn't have passed up any chance to enhance her strength, but now, with dependable comrades by her side, she could focus on her studies without worrying about combat.

"I'll pass too. I've never been much good at fighting," Nami added with a wave of her hand, content to leave the enhancement to others.

"I don't need much improvement either. I'd rather focus on enhancing my mechanical transformations," Franky chimed in.

"Ha! Same here, I don't even have a physical body to enhance," Brook added with a chuckle.

One by one, almost everyone opted out of the enhancement method, preferring to pursue their own interests instead.

In truth, who wouldn't want greater power? But they selflessly chose to forgo it for the sake of their comrades who needed it more.

"Everyone," Sanji addressed his companions, sincerity evident in his gaze.

Surrounded by allies with whom he had fought countless battles, empty words seemed unnecessary. Their actions would speak louder than any speeches.

"Individual scan successful. Straw Hat Pirates Chef, Vinsmoke Sanji."

"Estimated evolution cost: 8,000 evolution points. Proceed with evolution?"

"Evolve."

"Comprehensive physical fitness evolution initiated. Estimated completion time: five days."

"Conqueror's Haki evolution initiated. Evolution successful."

"The comprehensive evolution of kicking skills has begun, and the evolution was successful."

Apart from physical fitness, the other evolutions progressed swiftly. In the blink of an eye, Sanji felt like a completely different person.

Zoro and Luffy were the first to notice the change. Their keen senses picked up on the sudden shift in each other's aura. It was akin to transforming from a harmless kitten to a fierce tiger.

With the top three combat powers of the Straw Hat Pirates now evolving, only Zoro and Sanji lacked the comprehensive evolution of physical fitness. However, their physical evolution was significantly faster than initially expected, completing in just five days.

"Is this Armament, Haki?" Sanji pondered aloud. "It feels like there's a protective barrier around my foot, making it weightless."

He demonstrated by kicking, generating countless afterimages in the air. When his foot collided with an iron sheet, the impact was felt deep into the bones, yet his flesh remained unaffected by the force.

"If I were to kick that bear again..."

He wouldn't repeat the embarrassment of breaking his bones like last time, that's for sure.

A day later, ships sailed on the sea, but it wasn't just the Sunny anymore. Alongside it was a small boat, a floating takoyaki stall.

The owner of this mobile stall was none other than Hachi, the merman who once fought alongside Luffy in Cocoyasi Village. Over time, he had changed his ways and now travelled the sea, selling takoyaki.

Accompanying him were Camie, a beautiful mermaid, and Pappagu, a talking starfish. They had crossed paths with Luffy and the crew by chance that morning.

While navigating near the Red Line in their shark submarine, they encountered a massive sea beast. Luffy swiftly dispatched it with a punch, causing Camie and the others to emerge from the creature's mouth. They had also rescued Hachi from a man named Duval, who bore a striking resemblance to Sanji's wanted poster.

In gratitude for their assistance and to make amends for his past actions, Hachi offered to make takoyaki for the crew for free. In addition, he provided them with directions to Fish-Man Island, expressing his thanks to Luffy.

"No way, I still can't believe it! Why does that guy Dibalu look so much like Sanji?" Luffy laughed heartily as he sat in front of the small takoyaki stall.

"Hey, Luffy, he doesn't look like me, he just resembles the sketch on my bounty poster," Sanji retorted, poking Luffy's cheek with a stern expression.

"Haha! He looks exactly like you, you smelly cook!" Zoro chimed in, nonchalantly sharpening his sword while munching on takoyaki.

"What? You wanna start something here, moss-head?" Sanji countered, balancing on one foot while holding a takoyaki in the other hand.

Without missing a beat, Zoro drew his sword, and the two locked eyes in a heated standoff.

Unfazed by their squabble, Luffy devoured takoyaki at lightning speed.

"It's crazy how much that guy resembled the sketch on Sanji's bounty poster," Chopper commented from the sidelines.

"If it weren't for Sanji, he would've met a very interesting fate," Robin added with a serene smile, her words carrying a hint of profundity.

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