Tajio

Tajio is a boy the Straw Hats meet in one of the episodes in the anime-exclusive Post-Alabasta Arc. He is a young apprentice chef who joined the Marines in hope of finding the All Blue.

Tajio had been apprenticed on his ship for six months; in that time, all he had done was wash dishes and peel some things. The episode takes place on a foggy day, the day the captains of his Marine fleet are expected to have curry for lunch, and the day his ship is supposed to make it. Tajio accidentally spills the curry on the floor, and when he apologizes to the chef, he is ordered to remake it himself. He tries several times, but never succeeds. He goes outside on the deck, and then falls from his ship when startled by the presence of the Straw Hat Pirates' ship passing close by in the fog bank. After coming to and trying a dish Sanji made, Tajio tells his story. Sanji accompanies him back to his ship with Luffy's help, then gives him some encouragement. Tajio realizes that he was expected to learn from the skills that the chef demonstrated in the kitchen, rather than receive instructions. He decides to try once more, and with his chef's advice in mind, along with a bit of help from Sanji – who tries his best to appear indifferent – to spark his memory, Tajio succeeds. Shortly after, Luffy gets spotted, and the two Straw Hats make a hasty retreat back to the Going Merry. Before he leaves, Sanji tells Tajio that he also believes in the All Blue. Tajio assists them in their escape by saying that he did not see anyone when asked by pursuing Marines. Later, when the curry is served, all the captains enjoy it greatly. The chef cryptically praises Tajio, then walks away. Tajio looks out the window and sees the Going Merry sailing away. He promises Sanji that he will work hard, and someday be as good as him.