Well, I just read chapter 843 of One Piece when it came out, and it blew my mind. Seriously, the 2 weeks wait was worth it. I feel like so much happened in just this one chapter, and now I can't wait for the next one. When I went to bed that night, I found it so hard to go to sleep! My mind was just getting filled with ideas and theories on what will happen next! So this is a little something I wrote, in order to channel all those excessive thoughts :D. So far, this arc has been phenomenal for me, and it has helped me realize something about myself – I'm a SaNami shipper?! Lol

So to summarize – the story starts at about halfway through the chapter, and continues from there to its end(I liked how it builds up drama), and into my wild imagination. :D

NOTE: lines in italics – "like this" – represent Sanji's thoughts.

Disclaimer: I do not claim to have any rights to owning One Piece. 'Cause daaamn if I did, I would ruin it :D

Happy reading!

"Is it just me, or are the people in the nearby town freaking out about something?" asked Yonji, wondering about what all the noise going on in the town is about.

"Perhaps they caught wind of our arrival, and couldn't contain themselves." commented Niji.

As the cat-carriage was steadily making its way through the forest area to Big Moms castle, Sanji could only silently lament on the crazy circumstances that had brought him to this bizarre scenario. Never… not even in his wildest nightmares did he thought that one day, he would return to his family like this. It was like they had him caged and locked away as a child, all over again. Betrothed to one of Big Moms daughters, with the sole purpose to serve his father's tyrannical ambitions.

Truly, he was sick to his stomach from all this. Not because of his fiancée, though. She seemed as sweet and nice as the pastries she baked. In fact, she was the only beacon of light in this dire mess he had gotten himself into. But the thoughts of the forced marriage, of becoming a part of Big Moms crew, of him doing all this in order to further the plans of his family… and of never seeing his old crew again, all of that was making him feel sick.

And there was absolutely nothing he could do about it, was there? Not with his hands – his treasure, bound in weird bracelets(more like shackles), ready to be taken away from him with just a mere push of a button. But even if he did somehow managed to take them off unscathed, he would still have no other options. They've threatened to kill some of the people he cherishes the most in this world – the chefs on the Baratie, along with old man Zeff, the only real father figure he has ever had in his life. He couldn't let that happen. He would never forgive himself, if it did. What's even worse is that, once they were done with the bloodshed on the Baratie, they would probably turn their heads to his crew with more threats and even more bloodshed, just the thought of it made him feel nauseous. This… all of this, was hopeless.

Then, the unthinkable happened.

"Lord Judge! An unidentified object is headed straight towards us, from the side!" spotted the carriage driver.

"HEEEEEY! SANJIIIIIIIIII! It feels like it's been forever!" a shout, not so far away, and all too familiar.

"What the-? How did that kid manage to close all that distance, so quickly?!" exclaimed Yonji.

"Luffy?"

"And what the hell is the deal with that huge ass tree behind him?! It's actually running!"

"Sanjiiiii! It looks like we made it just in the nick of time! I was so worried we would never see each other again!" a female voice, this time.

"Nami-san?! What the hell is going on?!"

"Why are they here?" Sanji's voice was barely a whisper.

The situation couldn't get any worse than this. His crew… had found him. His captain, looking happy now that he had found his chef, just blatantly stretches and closes the distance between himself and the carriage with great speed, almost managing to topple the carriage as he latched on to it, then he just starts rambling about why they were here, something about him wanting to come alone, but Nami insisted that she came as well, stuff about what was happening with the rest of the crew, explaining everything, all the while with a huge grin on his face, and blissfully ignoring everyone else on the carriage. It was kind of funny actually – to his captain, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. As if he was expecting him to just get out of the carriage, and head back to the Sunny with the rest of them. Such a tempting thought… yet impossible.

"Why are you here, you idiot?! And why have you brought Nami-san as well?! Don't you all know how serious all of this is?! What if she gets hurt?!" Threats or no threats, if any of his brothers – those monsters touched even a hair on her head, he would kill them all ruthlessly.

"I have to do something before things get out of hand. I'm really sorry about this Luffy." And with that, he delivered a swift kick to his unsuspecting captain's face, sending him flying at least 20 feet away.

"Hey now! What's the big idea Sanji?!" Nami was utterly confused by his actions.

"Leave… you filthy, lowly sea thugs. My name is Sanji Vinsmoke. I am prince of the Germa kingdom." His brothers were really enjoying the display. "I apologies for hiding it all from you until now, but I had my reasons… I didn't want you all to develop an inferiority complex, for being such worthless peasants when standing in my presence! As long as I stay here – wealth, soldiers, servants… all of it will be at my beck and call."

"Please, just leave quietly without me."

"Either I return to your ship and gallivant and roam the seas with you buffons… or I just stay put and live in eternal glory, with no need for absolutely nothing, with Big Mom's beautiful daughter by my side?"

"I'd choose the first option in a heartbeat, if I could..."

"I'm sure even the world's biggest idiot can tell which of the two, is the better option here! You guys really need to learn how to read between the lines… all that stuff I wrote in that letter, was just to soften the blow on you. I'm not going back!"

"To think you were dumb enough to come all the way here, well sucks to be you but it was all in vain… Now begone… wait, what was your name again?"

At this point, Nami looked like she was on the verge of tears. It was hard to believe what she was hearing right now.

"I'm sorry, but there is no other way!"

"Screw that! I'm not buying any of this shit!" Luffy was visibly pissed.

"Hahaha! This is so rich! Here, I'll help you get rid of these pests." Said Yonji, all too eager to start a fight.

"You stay out of this!" Sanji wasn't going to let that happen. "I will be the one… to take all this trash back to where they belong!"

"Damn it, Sanji! I don't want to hurt you, but I will knock you senseless unless you cut it out with this crap! We came all this way to get you, and this is the treatment we get?!"

"I don't remember asking anyone to 'come and get me'. Your own foolishness is what led you here, but I'll be more than happy to send you back!" He had barely finished his sentence, and in the next moment he was already next to Luffy, with his leg held high to deliver a strong axe kick to his head. The force from the kick made Luffy bounce lightly of the ground, and Sanji took the opportunity to kick him sideways while he was in the air, sending him at least another 10 feet back.

"Sanjiiii!" now vexed, Luffy started to counterattack. "Gomu Gomi no: Pistol!" Luffy let loose his trademark attack at Sanji, who managed to dodge it and lunged straight for Luffy again, but this time Luffy was ready for him – he dodged the incoming kick, and smashed his now armamented forehead against Sanji's – successfully stumbling him back. And Luffy wasn't done yet, he let loose another pistol towards the 'Prince of Germa', Sanji let the fist connect with his jaw this time, just because he felt like he deserved it.

"Hehe, so much for that mask my sister gave me. At this rate, my face will get all bloated again."

Immediately, he could tell Luffy was not at his best, judging by that punch. "Looks like you've been fighting until recently. Well, I can't really say I'm in top shape myself, after that beating I had to take from those three idiots." The 'event' was still fresh on his mind. "I really ought to think of a way to get back at them, once I'm done here."

The 'fight' that ensued was gut-wrenching. Kicks and punches were all over the place, some dodged, some landing head on. Neither of the two fighters used their most potent attacks, yet it didn't feel like a normal sparring session either, they were both giving it all they got. Now 10 minutes into it, battered and bruised all over, they could tell that this was going nowhere. Sanji was currently having a hard time feeling his left arm. At some point, he had started to use his hands to block some of Luffy's incoming punches. His left hand had taken most of the brunt damage. He was also withholding himself from using Diable Jambe, out of fear of burning his captain, so it looked like the fight was going into Luffy's favor.

Nami continued to be a silent observer to everything that was happening. She felt hopeless as she watched two of the most important people to her fight each other. She couldn't stop her tears from flowing.

"Damn it Sanji, wake up! Why the hell are you being so stubborn?! What have those bastards done to you?!" Luffy wanted answers for all this.

"Absolutely nothing." was the answer. "I haven't been brainwashed or mind-controlled, if that's what you're thinking. I've just been reminded of what I truly am – royalty. Or in other words – better than you."

"It sure as hell sounds to me like you were brainwashed, though! The Sanji I know, would never spew bullshit like this!"

"This is getting me nowhere. There's just no arguing with this idiot once he's set his mind on something. I have to think of something fast before my family becomes restless, and decide to join in."

"Then just get it through your thick head – the Sanji you knew is gone!" Sanji bellowed.

At this, Luffy's face became contorted with rage. "No, he's not! He's standing right in front of me, acting like someone I don't know!" Luffy bend his knees, assuming the position he takes before he switches to second gear. "I already said, I'd bring you back, even if I have to knock you senseless!"

"So, you're switching to second gear, Luffy? Are you perhaps, planning to end this quickly? The speed behind that form usually surprises many of your opponents, but I'm afraid it won't work so easily on me."

"Gear: Second." Luffy bit his thumb, pressurizing his legs and arms, making him produce steam and giving his whole body that reddish-pink glow – his form known as second gear.

"This is your final warning Sanji! Just back down, and come to the ship with us! We can sort through all this shit later! Don't make me use this against you!"

"He sounds pretty mad. If I play my cards right, I might throw him off his game and put an end to this fight."

"Luffy…" he began. "What do I say to make his temper go over the edge?"

"What? You've got something to say for yours-"

"This fight will end differently, than how your battle with Usopp did, back at Water 7."

That did it. Luffy's eyes went wide with shock and anger at the blunt statement. He was stunned by the pure effort Sanji was making to stay here, and not go back with them. Didn't he want to come back? Why was this happening to his crew… again!

"NO. IT. WON'T!" exclaimed Luffy, now charging at Sanji. "Gomu Gomu no: Jet Pistol!"

Sanji knew that the spot he was standing on was in danger the moment Luffy yelled. He went up to the skies, right before the attack could connect.

"Sky Walk!"

"I'm not letting you get away that easily!" now standing where Sanji had been, Luffy was already preparing to launch straight at him again, using his legs as springs and catapulting himself after him with his now, almost instantaneous speed. "Gomu Gomu no: Jet Bazooka!"

"Now's my chance! You shouldn't have come to the sky, Luffy!"

It was over in an instant. Sanji used his Observation Haki to see Luffy's flying trajectory, and Sky Walked to dive towards him, intercepting him in midair and ruining Luffy's attack momentum, thus successfully catching him off guard, and landing an armament enhanced kick straight into Luffy's head, sending him back to the ground, unconscious. The sheer force and speed momentum from the blow could have killed any normal man, but not Luffy of course. He'll probably just be knocked out for 2 - 3 hours.

Sanji landed next to his now incapacitated captain.

"A shallow victory… I'm really sorry about this Luffy… but too much is at stake here, so I can't let you do what you want."

Several clapping hands started to sound from the carriage. It was his brothers…

"Nice going there, Sanji." commented Ichiji.

"Yeah, way to go bro! I knew you had it in you!" came in Niji with the second comment.

Yonji could barely hold his laughter. "That… face he made… when he got totally pissed… I swear, it was priceless, haha!"

Reiju on the other hand… could only look upon the scene that was unfolding before her with a frown on her face. She truly felt bad for her little brother and what he just had to go through, but she also knew he had no other options. If the rest of them had to intervene… then that Straw Hat kid would've ended up dead.

Sanji turned a chilling glare towards his brothers, who were still mockingly clapping.

"We're done here. My fiancée awaits. Let's go." Sanji had lost his cigarette during the fight, so he light up a new one with his still good right hand, and started heading back towards the carriage.

"Not quite." his father, finally deciding to make his persona present. "We still have one more perpetrator on our hands." he said, fixing his gaze at the top of the tall living tree, to a certain girl.

Sanji's eyes widened with shock and realization. "Nami-san. I almost forgot about her." Normally, that would be impossible for him, this just proved how dire the situation was.

"Hurry up and deal with her as well… or would you rather I send one of your brothers, instead?"

"Yeaaaah! I wouldn't mind taking a turn with that beauty over th-"

"NO!" Sanji bluntly interrupted Niji. "I said I will deal with them. They are my responsibility!"

"Aww come on! I'm sure there's enough of her to go around!" countered Yonji.

Sanji's glare became menacing, almost deathly even. "If you go near her… there won't be enough left of you to go anywhere…"

The threat actually sent a shiver down Yonji's spine. He knew their brother had come back far stronger than he used to be after all these years, because he was the unlucky one who had to fight him 1 on 1, and that… didn't go so well for Yonji's face.

"Sanji is right. They are his responsibility. Go now, boy."

Sanji started to make his way towards the huge living tree, albeit rather slowly, all the while trying to massage his left arm in order to get it to feel again. He needed some time to think. What should he say? What should he do? Should he try to explain his circumstances to her? Would they be far away from earshot distance from the rest for him to do that?

"Why do I have a feeling… that this is going to be harder than my fight with Luffy…"

Nami had managed to take control over her sobbing by now, and after wiping her tear-stricken face with her hand one final time, she said "Take me down, King Baum."

The large tree, seemingly noticing that the situation was serious, decided to withhold any snide comments like he normally would give her, and simply did what he was told. "Whatever you say, girl." He lifted his hand to the top of his head, allowing her to climb on to it, then gently descended her to the ground.

They were standing in front of each other now. The only girl he will ever truly love. Even though he was happy that she had come so far to see him, he really wished she wasn't here right now. This was making things at least 10 times harder for him.

"Nami-"

"Ok, I get it. This is about 'it', right? You want me to say 'it', and that's why you're doing all this. Well ok, you win. 'I love you', there I said it! Now stop acting like a jerk, and just come back with us!" she was angry at him.

Sanji was rather surprised by her outburst. "Is she referring to those times, like in Alabasta and Enies Lobby where I would save her and ask if she 'loves me more now?' Hehe… is this really how our final conversation should start?"

"Sanji-"

"Nami-san… just leave this place. Take Luffy, and then take Chopper and Brook and go back to the rest of the crew without me." he tried to give her a reassuring smile "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

She just kept solemnly looking at him. "You're faking all this, aren't you? I can tell you definitely aren't brain-washed, otherwise you would've attacked me by now. So… you're doing this… to yourself. How have they taken such a hold on you, Sanji-kun? Have they threatened us, or maybe somebody else close to you? Just tell me what's going on, we can help you!"

That's his Nami-san for ya, always a step ahead than the rest. But he couldn't let her get involved with that crazy bunch known as his family, it would be the end of her.

"Tell Luffy and the others that I've turned over a new leaf, that I've become one of those 'noble' scums he hates. Find a new chef for the crew, and just forget about me."

"How could you even think I would do something like that?! If you really think I'll do it, then you're an even bigger idiot than I thought you were!" her eyes became watery again. Her feelings were getting in her way, and she didn't want that. This whole situation shouldn't be happening in the first place!

"Please… the only way I can ensure your safety, is if you leave as soon as possible. I've already made my choice Nami-san. Do this for me, I'm begging you." It was like his soul was getting crushed as he was speaking. Nothing would have made him happier at that moment, than to just reach out to her, embrace her, tell her that everything would be back to normal… yet that was the sole thing he couldn't do.

Nami was crying rivers again, at this point. This was too heartbreaking to bear. "Alright… I just have one question for you, before we leave."

Glad that she had agreed to go, he waited expectantly for her question.

"Do you love her?"

"Huh? She's asking me if I love my fiancée?" He honestly did not expect that. Why would it matter? There should be no harm if he answered her truthfully, right?

"There's… no way I could love someone I've only met for 10 minutes. Besides, that special place in my heart has been taken by somebody else a long time ago."

"And… who is she?" she asked between sobs.

"You said 'just one' question Nami-san. Not two." He gave her a knowing smile. "But she's a lot closer, than you think."

Her eyes went wide with the realization.

"Now please go, I'm beginning to sense my brothers bloodthirst. This has taken long enough time." he turned his head to her one last time, before leaving "Stay safe, good luck with all your dreams, and know that my thoughts are always with you guys." and so he left her.

Nami proceeded to wipe her tears from her face, and pull herself together again. She might have been an emotional wreck at that moment, but she wasn't an idiot. There were too many enemies before her, and they were strong. Luffy was knocked out, and Sanji was worn out himself. They still had time. She would retreat with Luffy, help him recuperate and meet up somehow with Chopper and Carrot, then stop Sanji from making this mistake.

She turned to the large tree behind her "King Baum, help me carry Luffy away."

The tree only nodded, helped her back up on top of his head, and went to retrieve the fallen boy.

Sanji had reached the carriage by now.

"You didn't attack her." snidely commented Niji.

"I'm not an animal like you."

"What was that?!"

"Let's just go. They won't be bothering us anymore." Sanji was getting tired of talking to him.

Niji grinded his teeth, but then calmed down "Oh fine, I'll let this slide and let them go. You can consider this to be my wedding gift for you, brother."

"Good. I wouldn't want anything else from you anyway."

"You little-!"

"Enough! We're going." their father's orders were absolute.

As the carriage started heading towards the castle again, the one who was contemplating the most about what had just happened was surprisingly, Sanji's father – Judge. Especially when his son went to talk to that girl – Cat Burglar Nami, if he remembered correctly. He had paid close attention to their conversation, in order to make sure that nothing compromising to his plans was said. Apparently, his son was smitten by the girl, and judging by her words and actions – it was probably mutual. All of a sudden, his mind was filled with thoughts of his younger days… of a woman he loved more than anything… the same woman that had blessed him with 5 children, even though one of them was sort of a dud. Has that dud, really found the same thing he had found so many years ago?

For the first time in a long time now, Judge started to have doubts about his plans.

"Could this wedding, actually be a mistake?" he thought.

Whew… that was actually kind of hard to wright. The feels were for reals. Obviously I don't expect this to actually happen in the next few chapters(Luffy will most probably beat Sanji in reality XD) but I'm happy with how it turned out.

Again – keep in mind that English is not my mother language, so there are bound to be some mistakes, here and there.

Oh, and if you enjoyed the read – don't forget to leave a review. I can take flames and everything else you throw at me XD