The Going Merry continued its journey toward Baratie.
After some time—
"Hey! It's the big fish restaurant—we're here!" Luffy shouted.
Usopp squinted ahead. "I think we'll need extra food for the trip after this."
Zoro opened one eye and stared at the sea—the same waters where he had once been defeated by the world's greatest swordsman.
Nami gazed at Baratie as well. A small smile formed on her lips.
"Let's enjoy our last meal here."
Sanji said nothing. He pulled out a cigarette, placed it between his lips, and lit it in silence.
Slowly, the Going Merry docked once again at Baratie.
Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, and Nami jumped off the ship and walked inside to order food.
The moment they entered, the entire restaurant froze.
Diners stopped mid-bite. Glasses trembled in hands. Chefs stared from the kitchen doors.
"H-Hey… what's wrong?" Usopp asked nervously.
Nami and Zoro scanned the room, confused—but Luffy casually sat down at a table and grinned.
"Come on! Hurry up and order!"
That snapped everyone back to reality.
"That's impossible…" "He's really here…" "Did you see the newspaper?" "They said he defeated five hundred fishmen—and corrupted Marines too!" "That's him. No doubt about it."
"Bring the newspaper!" "No—bring the bounty list!"
One by one, people pulled out freshly printed posters.
MONKEY D. LUFFY
DEAD OR ALIVE
BOUNTY: 30,000,000 BERRIES
The room fell deathly silent.
Everyone stared at Luffy.
"I-It's really him…" "Don't stare…" "That guy's dangerous…" "The highest bounty in East Blue…" "Just ignore them—act like they don't exist…"
Nami and Zoro heard the whispers.
They both looked at Luffy—who was impatiently banging his fork and spoon on the table.
"The highest bounty…?" Nami muttered.
Zoro didn't care. He sat down beside Luffy anyway.
Nami, however, felt a chill. A bounty like that meant trouble—constant trouble. Without saying anything, she quietly turned and walked back toward the Merry.
Usopp stayed at the table, still waiting for food.
In the kitchen, Zeff and Sanji worked in silence. Neither spoke.
♤
On the Merry
Nami returned to the ship, unfazed by the bounty—but she knew Luffy would be thrilled once he saw it.
She decided to plant her orange trees in the small garden on deck.
As she looked up toward the crow's nest, a breeze passed behind her.
She turned instantly.
He was there.
The bandage man stood quietly, watching her.
"Well," Nami said softly, "I never really introduced myself before. You can call me Nami."
She looked up at him, expecting the same in return.
He didn't answer.
Instead, he stepped closer.
Slowly, he bent his head toward her neck.
His fangs sank into the same two marks he had left before.
Heat spread from her neck through her body.
Nami gasped and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
He stopped suddenly and whispered,
"Y-you can c-call me… Xetra."
Nami tried to speak, but her breath came heavy, her body sensitive from the warmth flooding her veins.
"S-Setra…?" she murmured. "Your name is Setra?"
He smirked beneath the bandages.
"C-call me w-what y-you w-want."
Setra didn't let go.
His long tongue traced the bite marks, licking them slowly. Sometimes the tip slipped through the holes, sending shivers straight through her.
"Ahh…"
A moan escaped her lips.
Setra finally stopped and caught her as her strength faded, wrapping one arm securely around her waist.
Dizzy and exhausted, Nami rested her head against his chest.
Setra sat down on the deck, letting her lean fully against him.
They held each other quietly.
Eventually, Nami's arms slipped from his neck. Sleep claimed her.
Setra gently lowered her, resting her head on his lap.
He stared down at her peaceful face and muttered,
"Setra… sun SET, sun RA-ys. A ship SET–s sail, so RAise the flag… m-more m-meaningful t-than t-the o-original… w-which m-meant n-nobody."
♤
Back at Baratie
Chaos erupted.
Luffy devoured everything in sight while Zoro and Usopp fought to protect their own plates.
Then—
BAAAAAANG!
Sanji was kicked out of the kitchen—his suitcase flying after him.
The chefs followed, with Zeff at their front.
"Leave. Now," Zeff said firmly.
Luffy kept eating but watched.
Zoro smirked, sipping sake.
Usopp stared wide-eyed.
Sanji stood, dusted off his suit, and lit another cigarette.
"Shut up, old man. I was leaving anyway."
He grabbed his suitcase.
"Let's go."
Luffy activated his ultimate technique—
Serious Move: One Bite.
BAAAAM.
Everything on the table vanished.
"YOOOSH! Let's go!" Luffy shouted.
Zoro stood, one hand on his swords.
Usopp dodged in time, saving his food.
The four left Baratie together.
The chefs gathered at the entrance.
As Sanji stepped outside, Zeff's voice stopped him.
"Don't catch a cold."
Sanji froze.
Tears streamed down his face.
He dropped to his knees.
"Owner Zeff! Thank you for everything you've done for me! I'll never forget this debt for the rest of my life!"