Chapter 324: Delicious Enough to Make You Cry
Chapter 324: Delicious Enough to Make You Cry
The venison was thoroughly cleaned, and Ju Geng, whose delicate frame seemed incapable of heavy labor, effortlessly hoisted an entire deer onto a bamboo skewer. Moving with practiced ease, she flipped the animal’s body before reaching for a small pouch at her waist, sprinkling its powdered contents evenly over the meat.
“This aroma…”
As the seasoning met the venison, Lida—the self-proclaimed ‘Big Eateress’ who had devoured delicacies across the East Blue and the first half of the Grand Line—twitched her nose, closed her eyes, and sighed in satisfaction. “Such a gentle fragrance. Even with this intensity, it doesn’t overpower the meat’s natural sweetness.”
“That’s right. It’s my homemade spice mix.”
Ju Geng smiled. “It doesn’t mask the venison’s innate sweetness but blends harmoniously with its aroma.”
“Oh? You’ve never left this area, have you?”
Kuro sniffed approvingly. “To create such a refined seasoning without formal training… impressive.”
“What? You want me to accompany you to the bathroom? And build a shelter for it?”
Ju Geng blinked, puzzled. “If you need a restroom, the nearby woods are fine. No construction required.”
…
You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?!
Why did you understand Lida perfectly but twist my words like this?!
“I’ll eat my words if I talk to you again!” Kuro shot her a glare.
“Kuro…”
Outside, Klah and several Navy members returned with more deer. “That’s all we could get.”
Kuro glanced at the haul and nodded. “Enough.”
“Wow, so many deer!” A group of children buzzed excitedly around the Navy.
“Hey hey, Navyuncle, are these all for us?” Su Zhan pointed at the deer, beaming at Kuro.
“Don’t get the wrong idea. We’re just hungry and need food. You’re not involved. If there’s leftovers, maybe you’ll get some,” Kuro replied flatly.
“Eh? That’s it?” Su Zhan’s face fell. “Uncle, you’re so stingy!”
“Don’t talk nonsense!”
Ushida scolded Su Zhan and bowed to Kuro. “Thank you, Navy officer.”
The aroma intensified as the venison crisped to a golden hue, drawing audible gulps from the Navy.
Looks like it’s delicious!
Su Zhan grinned proudly. “Ju Geng’s cuisine is the best in the world!”
He spread his arms dramatically. “The very best!”
“All right.”
Ju Geng adjusted the heat. “It’s ready to eat.”
At her words, the children rushed forward. One reached for the venison, yanking his hand back instantly.
“Hot!”
“I’ll handle this!”
Lida’s palm flared with Haki as she seized a deer leg. Tearing it off, she sent sizzling fat into the fire, amplifying the flames. She split the leg in half and offered a piece to Kuro. “Here, Kuro. Half for you, half for me.”
“You go first.”
Kuro glanced at the drooling children. “I’m not hungry yet.”
“Eat first, Navyuncle! Without you, we wouldn’t have this feast.”
Su Zhan insisted. “Ju Geng’s cuisine is so good it’ll make you cry!”
“Cry over a roast? I doubt it.” Kuro rolled his eyes but accepted the leg, taking a bite.
The moment the meat hit his tongue, his eyes glazed over. Chewing mechanically, his nostrils flared as tears welled up.
“So… tender!”
The Navy, finally digging in, erupted into sobs.
“Too tender! It tastes like… mom!” Deng Shi wailed.
“Waaah! I miss home!”
“I’m from the South Sea… I miss my mom’s scoldings!”
The soldiers wept openly, while the children ate quietly, their faces lit with serene, hopeful smiles.
Kuro swallowed, staring at the half-eaten leg. The flavor had dredged up memories of his past life—long-forgotten scenes of family warmth.
This cuisine…
It evoked the soft nagging of his mother and the quiet wisdom of his father, all wrapped in the comfort of home.
“So gentle…”
He eyed Ju Geng, who smiled as the crowd feasted.
“You didn’t drug this, did you?” Kuro raised an eyebrow.
For a moment, he’d almost cried.
“Nisan…”
Lida stared at her venison, stunned.
“Lida?” Kuro turned, noticing her daze.
“Huh? Nothing!” She shook her head, biting into the meat. “Kuro, this venison’s amazing! Ju Geng’s cooking’s the best!”
“Eat more, then.”
Kuro finished his leg, lit a cigar, and watched smoke curl into the night sky.
Unforgivable…
Ju Geng, seeing everyone enjoy her food, beamed—then suddenly paled. Her body swayed before collapsing.
“Ju Geng!”
Hui Na rushed to her. “Ju Geng, what’s wrong?!”
The commotion halted the children mid-bite, panic spreading.
“She’s fine,” Kuro scanned her, using Observation Haki. “Just collapsed from exhaustion after the tension eased. Her aura’s weak—probably been starving. Let her rest.”
Ushida wiped his tears. “She’s worked so hard…”
Suddenly, a howling wind surged from the horizon, smothering the campfire’s flames.
“Nature’s Zephyr!” Ushida shouted, sprinting toward the farmland, hoe in hand. “Evacuate! Everyone stay indoors!”
“Old man, what are you doing?!” Kuro called.
“I’m protecting our farmland!” Ushida yelled without turning back.
(End of Chapter)
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