After much chaos, Sanji, Zetsumei, and the found Marimo had managed to make it back to the Sunny, long after the others had gotten there. By this time, the Straw Hats had agreed that it would be best to leave the island and make onto the next, much to Luffy's disappointment.

It was evening now and the Sunny was gently sailing through the seas with the Straw Hat pirates doing things to pass the time for dinner.

The women, in this case, had decided to take a bath together before the meal (and after Chopper stitched up Zetsumei's leg). They were dirty from all the mud and sweat that perspired while running through the forest.

"Zetsumei?" Nami called, turning around to look to the woman. Zetsumei was currently getting her back washed by Robin, who was already covered in soap.

"What is it?" Zetsumei asked, looking back over her shoulder.

"I've been curious about this for a while now." Nami grinned, crossing her arms as she stood under the shower cloud. "When's your birthday?"

"My birthday?" Zetsumei questioned, turning around again. "Why are you asking me that?"

"I wanted to know more about you," Nami answered, washing the shampoo out of her hair. "You haven't really told us much about yourself, and I think us girls should stick together while on this ship of idiots."

"I agree," Robin said, with a smile. "Don't you, Kitsune-san?"

Zetsumei sighed, standing to her feet and walked over to the shower head where she proceeded to wash off all the soap. "I guess you're right. There's no point in hiding this since you know everything else." Zetsumei ran a hand through her hair calmly as she looked towards her fellow females. "My birthday is..."


After dinner, most of the Straw Hats had headed to bed except a small group that had stayed in the kitchen to relax. This small group consisted of Robin, Brook, Usopp, Luffy, and Sanji, who was still in the kitchen fixing tea for the woman that had requested it.

"Hey, Sanji," Usopp spoke up, looking up from his contraption, "can we ask you a quick question?"

Sanji turned around and set down the cup of tea Robin has requested for on the counter. He guessed that the 'we' Usopp was talking about was involving Luffy and Brook also. "Depends."

"Do you like Soumei?" Luffy asked quickly, grinning brightly as he leaned forward.

Sanji scowled at the group. "Why are you asking such a foolish question?! Of course I-"

"I think they're asking if you have more of a desirability for her," Robin spoke up, smiling as she put the cup of tea to her lips to take a drink.

"You are rather different around her, Sanji-san," Brook said, holding his teacup in his hands.

"You don't even treat Robin and Nami the way you treat her," Usopp said, pointing his wrench at Sanji.

Sanji swatted the wrench away from his face before he crossed his arms. "Even if I was, why would I tell you idiots?"

"Would you tell me?" Robin asked looking to the chef with a smile.

"Of course, Robin-chan!" Sanji chimed, clasping his hands together and doing a small spine.

"Come on, Sanji," Luffy pouted, "tell us already. We wanna know!"

Sanji crossed his arms again as he looked back to the group of three. What was the use? They were just going to continue to pry even when he flat out refused them.

"Fine…" Sanji grumbled, shaking his head. The three boys brightened up, especially when the chef continued. "She's special."

"You want her," the three boys chimed with small giggles. The chef didn't deny this; however, his face did go red at the thought.

"If you don't mind me prying," Robin said, drawing the chef's attention, "have you told her yet?" Her guess was from the blank expression, and soon small pout, the answer was 'no'.

"You haven't told her?!" the boys shouted, jumping from their seats.

"Will you three knock it off?!" Sanji shouted at them, which made them retake their seats.

"But you're…you're…" Usopp couldn't find the word. The only thing that Usopp could think of saying was that he was 'Sanji'. Sanji always wore his heart on his sleeve, but he was hesitating when it came to Zetsumei? That was really…

"It's weird," Luffy said, frowning. The young captain crossed his arms and tilted his head. "Why don't you just tell her?"

"I haven't found the right moment," Sanji said, glaring at his captain. He hadn't forgotten about what happened the other day. "And last time I tried, it was you two idiots that interrupted!"

"I thought it was because she considers herself too old for you," Brook spoke up, which made the chef drop his head in despair. He had completely forgotten about that fact until Brook suddenly brought it up. However the chef soon bounced back when Robin gave him hope again.

"If it's any consolation," Robin said with a small giggle. "There might be an opportunity to tell her in the near future."

"What do you mean Robin?" Usopp asked.

Robin smiled brightly as she told the four men in front of her what special day was coming the day after tomorrow.


Another short chapter, sort of, but that's because of school and everything. This was as much as I could currently write today. Next chapter will, most likely, be longer…maybe… Anyway, thank you all for the support of this fanfiction and thank you for all the wonderful comments, they make me smile and laugh at times. I'm surprised how much you guys know. Anyway, thank you again and I hope to see you all next time!