One Piece: My Crew Members Are Legendary 3D Heroines

Learning navigation wasn't as easy as it sounded.

Even after spending nearly a week on the island, Mona still hadn't finished reading the most basic Guide to Nautical Navigation.

It wasn't just that the guide was dense and packed with technical detail more than anything, it was because Ethan Chen kept interrupting her.

One day, he'd drag her into the sea to collect clams and shrimp. The next, he'd pull her into a beach volleyball match against 2B. Then they'd build sandcastles, or set traps on the island to go hunting.

They'd had a blast these past few days but learning? Not so much.

At first, Mona tried to protest. She'd accuse Ethan of being an irresponsible captain, constantly distracting his hardworking crew.

But eventually, she gave in. If the captain himself wasn't worried, why should a mere crewmate like her stress about it?

If he wanted to play, then fine. Let him.

Three days before the Grand Culinary Tournament was set to begin, Ethan finally curbed his playful streak, packed up their supplies, and set sail.

Their destination: the food-famous town of Antia.

They left in the morning and arrived around noon the following day.

It would've been quicker if not for the headwind, but nature had its own plans.

Antia was a town built around food and famous because of it.

Even before docking, the savory aromas wafting from the island's shores reached their noses, making their mouths water.

Due to the upcoming competition, the harbor was packed to capacity. Ships from every sea and city were crammed along the docks, jostling for space.

Just getting a proper mooring took considerable effort, reminding Ethan of the traffic jams during holiday shopping back home.

As he had back in Shells Town, Ethan handled the docking paperwork, paid the necessary fees, then left the assistant drone aboard to watch over the ship while he, Mona, and 2B headed into town.

"So lively!" Mona marveled, clinging tightly to Ethan's arm to avoid getting lost. "Food stalls everywhere... and chefs in tall hats!"

2B nodded in agreement. "This place is much busier than the last town. I've never seen some of these dishes before... and there's wine, too."

"It's alright," Ethan replied, far less impressed. "This isn't too different from the night markets back home."

"Night markets?" 2B asked curiously.

"They're open-air markets held every night rain or shine."

"Liar," Mona scoffed. "No way a city could host something like this every night. How many people would that take?"

"Not that many," Ethan said, amused. "My hometown's just a third-tier city only a few million people."

"A few million?" Mona stared at him. "That's what you call not many? Don't third-tier cities rank below second and first-tier cities? How many people are in those hundreds of millions?"

"Not quite." Ethan thought for a moment. "I think the largest first-tier city has around thirty million."

Mona rolled her eyes and stopped arguing. Instead, she tugged him toward a nearby food stall.

It was a kebab stand, where skewers of marinated meat sizzled over an open flame. The meat was golden and crisp, juices bubbling to the surface. It looked incredible.

"Resisting temptation is part of an astrologer's discipline," Ethan suddenly said. "Should you really be giving in to your appetite like this?"

Mona froze, her cheeks turning red.

She'd grown too comfortable with this recent life of abundance every day filled with rich food and luxury. She'd forgotten the core philosophy of an astrologer.

To indulge in unnecessary desires was not only vulgar, but dangerous.

"Th-then what should we eat?" she asked, scanning the stalls. Her eyes landed on one that was nearly deserted, run by a few thin and sallow-looking chefs.

A vegan stand.

...Was she seriously about to eat salad?

Her stomach clenched. Though she used to like salads, that had been out of necessity, not preference.

But now that she didn't have to cook or pay herself who wouldn't want something more indulgent?

"We're getting salad," Ethan declared.

Mona felt a pang of disappointment until the plate arrived.

Instead of plain greens, she was handed a grilled meat wrap, piping hot and delicious.

"This is your idea of salad?" she asked.

"Of course," Ethan said, taking a huge bite. "The wrap is made from wheat. The cow was raised on grass. Inside, you've got tomatoes, lettuce... Even your juice is made from fruit.

"So what is this if not salad? It's just expressed a little differently."

"Ridiculous logic," Mona muttered, but she smiled and took a bite.

It was delicious.

After eating, they got directions from the vendor and made their way to the town square the site of the Culinary Tournament to sign up.

They followed the main street straight into the heart of town.

A long line had already formed. Most were chefs in tall hats and aprons, chatting in groups. These were clearly seasoned professionals, brimming with culinary spirit.

"Maybe we shouldn't enter after all," Mona hesitated, staring at the crowd. "There are better things to do with two hundred thousand Berries than lose it here."

"I agree," said 2B. "Given our skills, we likely won't win."

Ethan didn't argue he didn't have much confidence either. But the thought of that summoning quest wouldn't leave his mind.

The system never gave out tasks without reason. And this was the "Sailing Partner Summoning System," after all.

If it wanted him to recruit a cook, there had to be a way to earn the summoning points through the competition.

It was the only lead he had.

And truthfully, two hundred thousand Mora wasn't much to him now.

"I still want to try," Ethan said firmly. "To be honest, I've always had a dream of becoming a chef. But because of family reasons, I had to go into another profession.

"Even so, that dream never died. I want to stand on that stage not as an amateur, but as a real chef, cooking for others with heart and soul... even if I've never had formal training."

"Well said, my friend!" the tall chef in front of them turned and gave Ethan a thumbs-up. "If you have the passion to bring joy to others through food, you're already a true chef!"

"Thank you," Ethan said with sincere emotion. "If you've got the heart, anyone can be a chef."

"I understand now," 2B nodded. "If it's for your dream, then the entry fee is nothing."

Mona couldn't object either not when he made it sound like some noble pursuit.

Even if, deep down, she suspected this "dream" had been invented on the spot.