I am in One Piece

With their time in Kano Country at an end, Jason and his crew finished stocking up on supplies. The ship was loaded with fresh provisions, weapons, and training equipment for the long journey ahead.

Before departing, Jason handed Don Chinjao a Den Den Mushi.

"If anything happens, contact me immediately," Jason said.

Chinjao smirked. "You've got guts, kid. I look forward to seeing how far you'll go."

With that, the Nexus Pirates set sail toward the South Blue, aiming to retrieve the hidden treasures marked on Jason's system map. The voyage would take one month, and Jason ensured that time would not be wasted.

Throughout the journey, the crew continued Hasshoken training, refining their ability to use powerful shockwave-based attacks. Jason also pushed himself further, incorporating Hasshoken into his own swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat.

One morning during training, Hancock smirked after landing a powerful strike. "You're getting slower, Jason."

Jason wiped some sweat from his brow. "Or maybe you're getting better."

Reiju chuckled. "I don't know about that. You still haven't gone all out against us."

Koala crossed her arms. "It's frustrating, honestly. One of these days, you're going to have to stop holding back."

Jason only smirked. "Maybe."

The subtle tension between them grew with every sparring match, creating an undercurrent of rivalry and something… more.

After a month, the crew finally arrived in the South Blue, reaching the first treasure island. Using his Observation Haki, Jason quickly located a massive underground vault filled with four billion berries' worth of gold and treasure.

"Not bad," Law muttered, inspecting a gold bar.

Jason smirked. "And we're just getting started."

The same process continued on the next two islands, increasing their fortune to 12 billion berries. However, everything changed when they arrived at Shougeki Island—the location where Jason sensed something unusual.

Examining his system map, Jason noticed two markers—one in a village and another in a broken-down building on the opposite side.

"Let's check the ruined building first," Jason decided.

The structure was dilapidated, barely standing. Jason kicked through the debris, stepping inside. With a single punch, he shattered the wooden floor, revealing two treasure chests and a small ornate box.

Opening the small box, Jason's eyes gleamed with interest.

Inside was a Devil Fruit—its unique swirls and dark-red coloration marking it as one-of-a-kind.

Jason took out his Devil Fruit encyclopedia, flipping through the pages.

Gurume Gurume no Mi (Gourmet-Gourmet Fruit) – Paramecia

Ability: Creates a dome-shaped space where the user can manipulate cooking ingredients and food properties.

Jason smirked, storing the fruit. "Perfect for my new cook."

Leaving the ruined building, he made his way toward the village. As he entered, he saw a long line of customers waiting outside a small, well-kept restaurant.

Ignoring the queue, Jason walked straight to the front and sat at the stall.

The people instantly protested.

"Hey! You can't cut in line!"

"Wait your turn like everyone else!"

Jason turned his head slightly, releasing a subtle Conqueror's Haki-infused stare. The air grew heavy, and the voices died down instantly as the customers froze, fear creeping up their spines.

A confident voice broke the silence.

"Are you ready to be served, sir?"

Jason turned to see a 16-year-old boy stepping out from the kitchen. He had spiky red hair, a white headband, and an apron over casual clothes. His golden eyes held a fearless confidence, completely unfazed by Jason's presence.

Jason smirked. "Give me your best dish."

Sōma grinned, tightening his headband. "You got it."

His movements became fluid and precise, his hands dancing across the ingredients. He sliced onions at lightning speed, marinated the beef with expert precision, and grilled it to perfection, allowing the rich aroma to fill the restaurant.

Minutes later, he placed a bowl in front of Jason.

"Chaliapin Steak Rice Bowl."

Jason took a bite—and flavor exploded across his taste buds.

The tender beef, the perfectly caramelized onions, and the fragrant rice combined into something heavenly. Jason couldn't stop himself from devouring the meal.

After finishing, he leaned forward. "What's your dream?"

Sōma smirked. "To become the world's greatest chef—to travel, discover new cuisines, and push the boundaries of cooking."

Jason's eyes gleamed. "I like that."

Leaning forward, he spoke with conviction. "My dream is to become the one true king of this world—to sit on the throne above all."

The crowd gasped, realizing who he truly was.

"A pirate…!"

Sōma, however, was unfazed. He raised an eyebrow. "You want me to cook for you while you sit on your throne?"

Jason nodded. "I'll help you achieve your dream. In return, you cook for me and my crew."

Sōma chuckled. "That sounds interesting. But… I have one condition."

He grabbed a kitchen knife and a cleaver, his eyes filled with excitement. "I don't follow weak captains. If you want me, then fight me."

Jason smirked. "Alright. Let's go."

They walked into a forest clearing, standing opposite each other.

Sōma entered his stance, his cooking-inspired combat style on full display.

"Precision Blade Style: Chef's Tempo."

His cleaver struck with raw power, while his knife delivered precise cuts, mimicking how he prepared ingredients.

Jason dodged effortlessly. "Not bad. You're fast."

Sōma grinned. "You haven't seen my real skills yet!"

He entered "Sous Chef Flow", increasing his reflexes and attack speed.

However, just as he lunged forward—

Jason flicked his forehead.

Sōma froze mid-air before collapsing, instantly knocked out.

Jason sighed. "You've got talent, but you're ten years too early to challenge me."

Picking up Sōma, Jason carried him back to the Nexus.

When Sōma woke up, Jason grinned. "Welcome aboard."

He introduced Sōma to the crew before handing him the Gourmet-Gourmet Fruit.

"This is for you. It's a Devil Fruit that'll make you an even greater chef."

Sōma examined it before taking a bite. His face twisted in disgust, but as the power activated, his eyes widened.

"I can… sense every ingredient around me?!"

Jason smirked. "Now go experiment. But don't forget—morning training is mandatory."

Sōma groaned. "Great. A captain that makes his cook train."

As the crew set sail toward the Sorbet Kingdom, Sōma walked into the kitchen, eager to test his new abilities.

The Nexus Pirates had gained a legendary chef, and their journey was only just beginning.