Notes: Drabble request for Tumblr

Sanji knew fully well that Johnny wasn't exactly the strongest of bounty hunters—he was pretty sure Usopp could take him down, which wasn't meant to be an insult on the sharp shooter. Johnny just… needed to train more. Get stronger. Maybe stop crying every time something startled or frightened him.

The guy had guts he just… didn't have the strength to back the guts up with.

Which was why he didn't know why this surprised him.

They weren't exactly the best of friends, but the guy was basically Nakama. He had traveled with Zoro for a long time—he assumed—and they all had gone through that ordeal to protect his lovely Nami-san back at Arlong Park. He wasn't just going to stand around and watch as the guy got his ass kicked.

Sanji had been walking through the town, two bags of groceries tucked under his arms, when suddenly he heard the sound of a fight. The only reason it sparked his interest was that the one in the fight might be one of his nakama. He didn't really put it past Luffy to get into a brawl on an island they were met to be peacefully docked at.

When he drew nearer and saw that familiar tattoo he let a noise of surprise. Which soon turned into a scowl when he realized what was happening.

Johnny, the scrappy little bounty hunter, was getting his ass kicked by two larger goons. Sanji rubbed his face and stepped in when it seemed like Johnny wasn't going to get out of this on his own. Normally he was one to leave a man to his own fight, but he didn't want to witness the bounty hunters demise.

The larger goons went down quickly. He didn't even have to put down his bags, just a few choice kicks and they were on their backs with blood on their lips. Johnny stared up at him with an equally bloody face as Sanji tossed him one of the shopping bags. The older man fumbled and grabbed onto the bags, holding them tight to his chest and staring at Sanji in confusion—and maybe a slight bit of thankfulness. Lighting up a cigarette with his now free hand, Sanji stared down at Johnny with a little smile.

"Come on," Sanji said, blowing some smoke out in the direction of the crowd. "Let's get you cleaned up. No one has to know I saved you from getting your ass kicked."

"T-They were only winning by a hair!" Johnny explained, face red.

"Sure. A hair."