Tani watched the newly crafted toaster, waiting for it to pop. Franky wanted her there, since she was an expert on this technology (she wasn't, she just knows what the end product should look like). The toaster ticked, the smell of cooked bread rising from the contraption. Then again, Sanji's bread always smells good.

*Pop*

The toast came springing out of the slot, flying across the room. Usopp and Tani gave small jumps of surprise at the projectile, while Franky was already noting down the intensity of the spring pad.

The toast smacked the roof, wedging into the wood. The bottom half was slightly burnt, but other than that. It was the perfect piece of toast... And weapon too.

"Usopp-bro, you could super! Use this design for your slingshot." Franky noted, already taking the toaster apart. Usopp was already thinking about it.

"Anything else you guys need me for?" Tani asked, stretching her arms. She'd been hunched over the bench, staring at the toaster. She needed to move her stiff limbs.

"Not for now Tani-sis. You were super! Helpful though." he praised. Tani rubbed her neck sheepishly.

"Aw, you're making me blush." she danced. Heading towards the ladder out. "Call me back when ya need me," she requested, leaving to the sounds of affirmation.

The summer breeze washed over her face, the Sunny was breathing with life.

Nami was tending to her trees, Robin lending a hand or dozen. Zoro was working out, his movements slow and tired. Chopper was drying and crushing up some medical plants, keeping an eye on the recovering swordsman.

Brook was playing an amalgamation of fast paced ballad, and rock n' roll. It sounded awesome!

Sanji was taking a smoke break, staring at the ocean with a soft smile. He had a notepad in his other hand, probably listing off the meals he was making for that week.

Luffy was missing, Tani had an idea on where he was. The girl made a B-line for the masthead. Knowing he would enjoy her company... And she would enjoy his too... Shut up! She still gets flustered about it.

Tani popped her head around the corner, Luffy didn't hear her approaching. The captain was holding a small piece of paper in his hand, the tip was burning up.

"What's that?" she asked, already moving in to take a seat beside Luffy. He looked up at her with a concerned face, which morphed into a small smile.

"It's Ace's vivre card." he stated, keeping his fingers tight around the little paper.

"Is that why it's on fire? Because Ace is made of fire," she asked, scooting close enough that her leg was pressed against Luffy. The boy shook his head.

"Lola says that the paper burning, means the person is hurt." he said with a quiet (Luffy quiet) voice. Focusing on the burning page, it was only the tip of a corner.

"Well, he is a pirate. A high ranking one at that. Of course he's gonna get roughed up." she attempted to comfort. Luffy looked up at her with a brighter demeanor.

"Yeah, Ace is strong though. He wouldn't want me worrying about him." Luffy said, giving the page one last look, before tucking it back into his hat.

"You're allowed to worry about him Luffy. He's your brother," Tani assured. "It means you care." Tani said. Luffy gave a sigh.

"Ace won't die, so I don't need to worry." Luffy said with a grin, his mood already lifting. "He promised me he wouldn't, Ace doesn't break promises." Luffy assured himself.

Tani nodded, she'd call Oscar about this later.

"Hey, what's that?" Luffy pointed to a flurry of bubbles that boiled on the ocean surface. "You think we could catch it? Maybe Sanji can make lunch out of it!" Luffy cheered.

A shadow breached the surface of the water, a blur of green and pink came screaming from the water. A voice that sounded feminine, and squeaky.

Following this, was an even bigger shadow. This one was a seaking, with a mouth that could swallow half of Sunny in one go. The fish/bunny hybrid was very clearly aiming to swallow the-

"Is that a mermaid?" Tani blurted with excitement. The mermaid was fast, diving and avoiding the massive maw of the beast that chased her.

The commotion brought the whole crew out to watch the spectacle.

"Are we... Gonna help her?" Usopp asked. This triggered something in everyone's heads. This mermaid was very much in danger.

"Luffy-"

"Sanji, can you make that big fish our lunch?" Luffy was already stretching out his arms. The chef nodded in affirmation. That was all Luffy needed.

He was already jumping towards the giant fish, not at all thinking about the fact that he was jumping towards the ocean... Is one major weakness. Tani was already shoving her scorkel into her mouth. Ready to dive in without a seconds thought-

"Gum gum pistol!" Luffy punched the giant fish with the force of a bullet train. The seaking skipped over the water, into the distance.

The captain made his descent towards the ocean, when the mermaid jumped straight out of the water. Grabbing Luffy and throwing him back onto Sunny. This was followed by the mermaid flinging herself onto the deck too, she landed with a heavy thud.

"Tha... kyou..." she puffed through heavy breaths. Holding up her hand for a second, to catch her breath. She let out a couple coughs. How long was she running from that fish?

Her bag (yeah she had a backpack on) started to shake, popping open to reveal a bright orange starfish with a rastacap. He jumped out of the bag and began talking to the mermaid.

"Camie, Camie are you alright?" he waved in front of her. Camie gave him a nod, smiling brightly. The starfish sighed with relief. "Now..." The starfish turned to face the crew.

"Who are you guys?!"

The crew gave him a quizzical look. They should be asking him the same thing!

"I'm Luffy, I'm gonna be the king of the pirates," Luffy introduced, he started pointing at his crew mates. Giving them small introductions.

"Well thanks a bunch for saving my life from that seaking," Camie thanked, taking a bow. The starfish gave a huff.

"That's the third time this month," he reprimanded. Giving her a smack to the head, she rubbed at the sore spot with a snicker.

"Can't help it Papagyu," she laughed, hopping into her tail. How she was keeping herself up right? Tani doesn't know. She kinda looks like a cartoon snake character. That's pretty cool though, means that mermaids aren't troubled on land.

"Anyway," Camie clapped. "As a thank you for saving me, how about we celebrate with Takoyaki!" she cheered. Luffy rushed over to the girl, grabbing her hands as drool rolled out his mouth.

"Yes! Free food!" he called back to his crew. Most of them shrugged, who could say no to free food?

"I'll go tell Hach-" Camie paused, realisation dawning on her face. "Oh right! I have to call Hachin first, otherwise he'll get shocked." she said. Papagyu jumped into her bag, tossing a den den mushi from inside. Camie caught it with a bit of a fumble.

The den den had spiky white hair, with a round mouth that poked out a bit. As well as a sun shaped tattoo on the head. Tani didn't know why, but it looked vaguely familiar... How? Dunno.

*cacha*

"Oi! Hachin, it's me Camie!" she shouted into the den den, her aura a bubbly bundle of joy. She really adored this Hachin guy. "I have-"

"Who's this?" came a gruff voice. Camie lost her smile instantly. "Who are you? Answer the question, brat." the voice demanded. Sanji looked mad at the awful voice, how dare he berate a young lady.

"I'm looking for my friend Hachin, have you seen him?" she asked. A new voice called out.

"Oi! Camie! Don't come here. They're slave hunters-"

"Shut up,"

*crash*

"Camie! Run!"

"Hachin!"

The line went dead. Camie looked lost, eyes wide with horror.

"Captain," Zoro was the first to speak. Letting out a yawn. Luffy looked at his second in command. "What's the plan?" the swordsman asked.

Like he didn't already know.

"Let's go get that takoyaki!" Luffy cheered. Camie brightened up at the declaration. "Nami! How do we find this Hachin guy?" Luffy asked.

Nami was oddly quiet, an odd look for discomfort on her face. She shook her head, clearing away those thoughts.

"Um... I'm not sure. We don't have any leads, do we?" she asked. Pondering for a moment, when Camie spoke up.

"I can ask the fishies if they've seen Hachin," the mermaid grinned. She dived over the side of Sunny, surfacing to give the crew a wave.

"I'll be back in a moment! I promise," she assured, before diving back down. In the mean time...

Tani ran to the women's quarters. She wasn't going to join this fight unprepared. Her waver shoes were next to her bed, ready for her to use. She wasn't having another building topple incident.

The door creaked open, Tani lifted her head to find Nami standing in the doorway. She had a strained expression on her face.

"Uh..." the navigator started. "Why are you gearing up so soon?" she asked, filling the silence.

"Just in case. If we're having a battle on the ocean, I'd like to have an advantage." she pointed to her shoes, Nami pointed at the girls outfit.

"You're not gonna be useful in that," she stated. Tani looked down.

Right, she was wearing the dress. Come on! It was a really nice day, and she didn't expect to be jumping into action so fast.

"I'll figure something out," Tani waved off. Jumping to her feet and giving Nami a twirl. The redhead gave a weak laugh. "Hey... Are you alright?" Tani asked. Nami nodded, Tani didn't believe her at all.

"Come on Nami, you can trust me." Tani grinned. Nami was holding her arms, clamping a hand down on her tattoo.

"The voice... Sounded like someone I knew." Nami was quiet in her delivery. Looking down, her orange locks covering her nervous face. "Someone who hurt me..." she whispered.

Tani looked at the hand holding the tattoo. The scared over skin, covered in navy blue ink. Tani never got to see the original tat-

Oh.

"It's one of the fish guys from your old crew." Tani stated. Nami clenched her teeth.

"Prison..." she ground her teeth, hand squeezing over the tattoo. The skin turning white, then red. Not a blood red, but she would be bruising that spot if she continued to hold it down.

"Nami," the younger of the two, walked to Nami. Looping her arms around the distressed girl. The pair didn't say a word, Tani pressed into Nami with as much warmth and comfort as she could provide. Nami slowed her breathing, though her heart was still pounding in her chest.

"I'll... I'll be fine." Nami sighed, a shake it her voice. Tani looked the girl straight in the eyes.

"It's ok to be afraid," Tani assured. "These people hurt you. You're allowed to be afraid of them."

"I-"

"Camie's back, she found a-" Sanji paused, looking at the clearly panicking navigator. "What happened?" he asked.

Nami removed herself from Tani's hold, steeling her features.

"Nothing... It's alright, I'm fine." Nami promised. Walking out the door. "I'll go set the course." and with that, she was gone.

Sanji looked at Tani with worry, the tracker shook her head. The conversation was put on hold, as the ship was turned to follow the pod of dolphins that Camie found.

Operation "Let's save this Hachin guy, so we can eat takoyaki!" go!

...

Tani skated along the ocean, cruising beside Camie. On the other side of the mermaid, was Nami. Riding along with her newly upgraded waver bike.

It was decided, after the third seaking attack, that Camie couldn't be left alone. Since Tani and Nami were the most capable with wavers, they volunteered to keep an eye on the mermaid.

The dolphins chirped and bounced around the ocean, playfully swimming around the three women.

That is, until Tani heard the sound of buzzing.

"Keep an eye-"

Tani was knocked from the back, something slimy pressed into her backside. Flipping her back, onto whatever had collided with her from under the sea.

The girl snapped out of her shock, quick to act. She shot her yo-yo's forward, flicking her healed wrists. The movement was much swifter, the weapon looped around her opponent. She tugged back, only to go flying forward.

Tani's eyes adjusted to the form of her target. A man's back was to her, his belt had a clip attached to a rope. The rope was tying him to the flying mount. Which happened to be a massive flying fish!

If Tani wasn't holding on for her life, she would have started spouting off about how awesome the fish was.

For now, she had a driver to toss.

Tani yanked backwards, pulling as hard as she could. The driver was pulling against her, the yo-yo strings were wrapped around his waist. He still had access to his arms, that could be an issue.

This guy was stronger than she was, Tani needed to look at this from a new angle... That's it!

She tossed all her weight to the right, which wasn't hard when you're literally flying behind a fish. The waver shoes giving her that boost she needed. The guy wouldn't know what hit him.

Once on the right, she aimed for the ocean below. All while twisting the strings of her yo-yo's inward. The unexpected weight shift was too much for the flying fish to counter.

The fish went into a tail spin, Tani being flung around with it. She clawed at the strings, trying in vain to get closer to the source of the spinning.

A sliver gleam caught her eye. For a guy who was spinning wildly on a fish, he really shouldn't be handling a dagger-

*slice*

Tani didn't get time to register that her yo-yo strings had been cut. The girl went torpedoing toward the Sunny, which was under attack, because of course it was. Tani needed to think of a way to soften her landing, and fast.

She clicked her heels together, not needing that boost of speed from the wavers. Her body was straightened, arms to her sides. The wind dried her eyes up, but she couldn't close them, not when she needed to pay attention. Time this just right.

Her goal was in sight.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One!

"Incoming!" Tani shouted, flipping her legs in front of her body. Curling into a ball shape, she smacked her heels into each other twice, causing a puff of air to slow her bullet like speed. The girl collided with the main sail, the material was strong enough to not tear under her weight. Instead she bounced off it, the sails throwing her backwards.

The fall would probably hurt-

"Guard point!"

Tani landed in a pile of soft, fluffy fur. Her heart beat racing from all the excitement.

"Thanks Chopper," she sighed with relief. Not making an effort to move. Chopper's so soft and warm~

"Is she ok?" Usopp asked, hovering above her with a concerned look. Tani was laughing her adrenaline away, hands grabbing at her stomach.

That's when she noticed the strings of her bare weapon, floating in the wind. The laughter died on her tongue.

"Shit."

"They're retreating! Don't let them escape!" Zoro commanded from afar. There was a strain in his delivery, he really shouldn't be shouting right now.

"Where's Nami? Camie?" Sanji called out.

"We're over here!" Nami's voice called back.

Tani felt the fluff pop away, she dropped to the ground. Her heavy weight, slamming into the small form of Chopper. She made no attempts to move, still in shock at the absence of her key weapon.

The strings danced around, twisting and twirling with the wind. Tani stared at them with a blank expression.

"Why's Tani being all weird?" Luffy asked. Tani didn't focus on the many faces that now hovered over her.

Chopper managed to squirm his way from under the girl. Taking a look at the girls expression. "She's in shock." he concluded, only to realise his words. The little doctor started freaking out.

"Over what?!" Usopp joined the panicking.

"I don't know! Something," Chopper cried back.

The pair ran around in circles, Luffy watched them with a laugh. They looked so dumb. Tani was already going back to normal, look! She's sitting up and everything. Just give her time to register things and she will be right as... Something that isn't wrong.

"Tani's not in shock anymore," Luffy pointed out, the pair of panicking straw hats ignored their captain.

"You can't break out of shock that quickly!"

"Yeah, and we don't even know what caused it! She could be stuck like that forever,"

"But... But she's sitting up right now? Look at her." Luffy was making jazz hands in her direction. Tani shook her head, giving her cheeks a couple of slaps.

Alright! The local alien is back in business. Why are Usopp and Chopper running around in a circle?

"Will you two quit it?" Nami showed up with her fists at the ready, smacking sense into the overreacting duo.

"Hey guys," Tani waved, the pair waved back as if nothing had happened.

"Can we all get our shit together?" Nami demanded. "Tani, what happened?" she asked directly. Tani lifted her hands up.

"Bastard cut off my yo-yo bases." she answered. Nami turned to Usopp.

"Can you make her a new set? How long would it take you?" the navigator asked. Usopp sat up straight, counting on his fingers while muttering to himself.

"About... Two days," he responded. Nami gave a nod, turning to Tani.

"You still have my old staff right?" Tani nodded in affirmation. "Good, otherwise I'd have to fine you for losing it." Nami winked.

"We're approaching a base of sorts," Franky called from the helm. Nami jumped into action, running towards the cyborg to investigate. Leaving the trio behind.

Luffy was the first to speak.

"I wanna ride on one of those fish," he spoke with a gleam in his eyes. Tani was already seeing flash backs of when he went flying off Nami's waver.

Yeah, that wasn't happening.

"They go underwater though," Tani pointed out, "They're fish. Luffy and water, don't mix." she made an X shape, just to prove her point.

"They were flying, you can be really dumb sometimes." he replied. Tani put her hand to her heart in mock shock.

"You wound my already very low self esteem." she said dramatically.

"We should get that checked out," Chopper joined in.

"I diagnose her with 'I'm trying to use common sense on Luffy' disease. A fruitless endeavour," Usopp joked. Tani dropped to the ground, mock writhing in pain.

"Oh heavens above, save this poor soul. Bleh," she poked her tongue out and rolled her eyes back. Holding her breath as best she could. Usopp dropped to his knees, pulling Tani into his arms.

"Why? Why cruel world! Why?" he cried. Tani couldn't hold back the laughter. The pair doubled over, sputtering with fits of joy.

"Play times over," Robin said softly from above them. They looked up at her, "It appears we've found Hachin," she pointed towards the lone cage that hung from within the centre of a crescent shaped water town.

"Hachin! It's me! Camie!" the mermaid called out, waving her arms excitedly to the vaguely familiar shaped Fishman.

Tani didn't really participate during the Arlong fight, too busy saving her idiot captain from drowning. The expressions on her crew mates though, it was very clear that this was a former member of the Arlong pirates.

"Camie! What's you doing here? Leave, before they catch you too," the octopus man cried to her. There was fear in his tone, his entire body was covered in ink. Tani didn't want to think about where that ink came from.

"Look! We found Hachin, let's go save him," Camie said with joy. Already making a move to jump over the side of Sunny. Nami was quick to grab the mermaid by the shoulder.

"This is very obviously a trap," Zoro declared. Untying his bandana from his arm, preparing for the oncoming battle.

"Camie! It's a trap," Hachi called out to her. "Leave with the Straw hats, they're strong people." he begged.

"I'm not leaving you," she huffed. "Let's go-"

"So, you left the Arlong pirates?" Nami called out. Hachi froze at the icy tone she used. He'd never forget her voice, not after the years of torment his crew put her through.

"Please, forget about me. Take Camie out of here," the octopus Fishman requested. "Camie, please leave." Hachi spoke with guilt in his voice.

"Come on, we need to save him-"

"He asked us to leave, so let's leave." Nami said with a bite to her voice. This struck the whole crew with a feeling of bewilderment.

"Nami, that's a bit harsh-"

"He said to leave, so let's leave." she repeated.

Camie didn't like that.

"Fine! If you guys won't help, I'll go save him myself." she declared. Nobody could stop her from jumping over board.

And getting herself caught within the span of 0.8 seconds. A new record, according to Papagyu.

"Well... Guess we're helping." Nami shrugged. The whiplash of this woman's statements...

"Ok, we helping or not?" Zoro asked. Looking to Luffy, the boy was quiet the whole conversation.

"Takoyaki... But helping weird octopus man that was mean to Nami... Takoyaki... But help-"

"Luffy! Focus," Zoro snapped, wincing slightly. Luffy turned his head towards Zoro.

"Let's go save octopus guy. I want takoyaki." the captain declared.

"Aye aye captain," Zoro smirked. He'd been looking for a spot of action.

"Prepare for battle! Let's get that takoyaki!"

"Yes captain!"

...

Cutting to the chase, Tani got her revenge against the bastard that cut her yo-yo's in two! In the coolest way possible.

A gum gum rocket here, and a punch there. Tani was now riding on a flying fish, with Luffy clinging to her back. The objective was simple! Get Luffy to the big bad, who she knew was named Duval. The den den mushi was freaking out over her capture of the fish. Tani laughed.

"The bastard wrecked my yo-yo's, he had it coming... He only had himself to blame~"

Duval was not pleased with that response.

"Dive!"

All flying fish, made the motion to dive for the water. Tani could survive, Luffy...

"Can you make that jump?" Tani asked quickly, motioning towards the island. Luffy took a quick glance, then looped his arms around her waist another seven times. That answers that.

Tani took a deep breath, Luffy did the same.

The cool of the ocean, consumed the pair. Tani held onto the fishes handles, focusing her attention on the loosening of Luffy's arms around her. The boy went slack, the loops did their job though.

Tani didn't have much time. How the hell does she get the fish to go back up? She tugged at the handlebars, the fish continued to swim idly. Waiting for a command? This could take a while.

She whipped her bag around, Tani finally! Got to use the scorkel. It's been like? Five arcs since she last used it. She placed the device into her mouth, took in a couple puffs of air, removed it, then shoved it into Luffy's mouth. The boy visibly relaxed as the air filled his lungs.

Now to figure out how this fish works.

There needs to be an emergency evacuate system on here, that's just common sense. Tani kept her eyes peeled for literally anything out of the ordinary. A lever, button, pull string, anything would do.

Something in the water felt off. Tani may be in the ocean, but feeling the eyes of... Someone, on her back. This situation was stress inducing. Sanji had recounted his underwater battle, all the way from Arlong Park. Tani had an idea on how to quickly take out a Fishman, in theory.

A seaking though? Yeah she was basically dead meat if that was the case.

She also needed to factor in Luffy. He was lead in the water, and he couldn't hold on to anything. Tani wouldn't be able to leave from the fish, or Luffy would drag her down.

Stop thinking about these scenarios! You've got a flying fish to pilot. Tani turned her attention back to the fish, a sense of urgency on her mind.

This?

Nope.

That?

Na-da

How about those?

Zilch.

Let's try-

"Surface!" the den den commanded. Tani snapped her hands around the handlebars. Out the corner of her eye, she spotted a trio of fast approaching fish men. Their goal? Probably the fish that was racing towards the surface, the fish that her and Luffy were on.

The fish that WASN'T SURFACING FAST ENOUGH.

Tani couldn't risk letting go, not when they were racing upward.

Come on Luffy plot armour, activate or something.

The fish men drew closer.

Hurry up!

Oddly proportioned faces became clearer.

Shit-

*slash*

A blur of peachy-pink, glided through the water. Tani didn't get time to watch the conflict, seeing as the fish was out of water.

Let's steer this bad boy!

Is what she would say, had the fish not instantly bucked. Tani jerked upwards, her arms pushing down on the handlebars. The fish took this as a signal to... Well

To dive bomb, towards one of the buildings on the crescent boat. This was gonna hurt.

Luffy shook the salt water off his skin, the strength that was sapped came rushing back.

"Get ready for impact," Tani leaned back, Luffy removed his arms from her waist. Quickly re-placing them around her shoulders and forehead. Before impact, Tani removed her hands from the handlebars, immediately crossing them over her chest.

If there's one thing she remembered from her driving classes at school, it was to protect the ribs, and the neck. Tani didn't want to look like any of those crash victims. Luffy had her neck covered, how he knew to protect those spots? Tani wasn't sure and didn't care.

They smashed through the wooden roof, Tani jerked forward, but Luffy's iron grip kept her head in place. Thankfully, the fish took the brunt of the impact, taking out all the wooden boards that would have smacked into Tani.

All in all, the landing was a success!

Tani coughed on the dust she inhaled. Luffy was already dismounting the fish, dusting off his shorts while looking around the room.

"Woah, this guy looks ugly." Luffy started laughing. Tani waved dust away from her face, only catching a glimpse of the giant man's face.

Curling brow, bench blonde hair, large lips, massive eye.

This has to be a joke.

Tani tried to hold back her laughter, she really did. The set up for this joke was too much!

The man shoved an iron helmet over his face, hiding the punchline. His eyes, still visible. Were down right furious.

"Motobaro!" he commanded. The rubble under the laughing teens, rumbled. A monstrous roar, bellowed.

Luffy grabbed Tani by the hand, still laughing, and made a run for the front door. Tani being dragged behind him, still cackling.

The captain obliterated the door, sandals slapping against the stone path. He found Zoro and Brook standing around, watching the Sunny with battle read eyes... Unless it was Brook, because Brook doesn't have eyes. Skull joke!

"Oi! Zoro! Brook!" Luffy waved, he two swordsmen looked at the approaching captain and his tag along. One shared thought in their minds (except Brook doesn't have a brain).

What trouble did he get into this time?

"COW!" the pair shouted in unison. Followed by the roar of a bull, smashing of wood, and the clacking of hooves on stone.

Zoro let out a tired sigh. He was gonna be grey before the age of 20.

"Finally!" shouted the angry masked man, cape flying behind him as he rode the bull into battle. "I can have my revenge!".

"Come on! We only just destroyed your base-"

"Not you brats," he snarled, cutting Tani off. "Though I do wish to kill you all... I'm after that man," his gaze, staring with pure hatred at the Sunny.

Tani was gonna go out on a limb here, and place her bets on-

"Black leg Sanji," the iron masked man roared.

Ding ding ding, collect $200 when passing go.

Tani and Luffy looked at each other, then back to the iron masked man...

They burst into laughter. Dropping to the ground and rolling as they desperately tried to inhale the oxygen they were expelling.

This was too much!

"Why?!" Sanji called back, confused at the sudden target placed on his head. "Who the hell, even are you?" the chef had no idea.

"I'm Duval! Thee man you ruined the life of!" Duval proclaimed.

"Still don't know who you are, Asswipe!" Sanji called back, frustration mixed into the tone.

Duval didn't like this response.

Harpoon gun at the ready, tips dripping a rancid purple colour. He fired multiple towards the confused chef, who kicked them away with ease.

"It's all your fault!" Duval yelled. Sanji stomped his foot in frustration.

"Who the hell are you?!"

"I know!" Luffy called out, launching himself at the masked man. Both hands locking over the eye holes. The captain ripped the mask off, revealing Duval's true form.

There was a beat of silence. Jaws dropped, laughter sputtered, eyes bugged, and a singular helmet clanked on the ground.

Staring Sanji in the face, was a perfect replica of his wanted poster.

Time to break that silence.

"I didn't know Sanji had an ugly twin brother!" Tani roared with laughter.

Sanji was left with a narrowed expression. Fringe covering his low hanging head. He flicked his half lit cigarette to the ground, stomping hard on it.

He tossed his suit jacket onto Chopper, who caught the garment. Sanji dived into the water.

Sanji put Olympic freestyle athletes to shame, swimming with purpose.

Nobody dared to make a move, too engrossed in this turn of events.

Duval was spitting insults and ranting about how he was being hunted down by the marines, that Sanji ruined his life, yadda yadda. Nobody was listening, opting to watch the chef slice through the water.

The blonde launched out of the water, landing with a screech against the pavement. Sanji stared at his doppelganger, Luffy chose that moment to jump off Duval's shoulders.

Sanji leapt into the air, leg curled back. At the peak of his jump, he snapped his leg back out. Slamming the human weapon of a limb, point blank into Duval's face. The man flew backwards with a skull crushing snap.

"I don't give a shit," Sanji landed with grace, his back towards Duval. "It's your fault for having such a shitty face,"

Brook and Zoro joined in on the laughing, prompting Sanji to snarl at them with threats that they all knew he wouldn't uphold. Softy.

"You stole my face! Now the whole world wants to catch me," Duval accused. Sanji rubbed at the temple of his head.

"Then change your face," he groaned. Duval paused in his ranting and raving, looking at Sanji like he'd been told the meaning of life.

"Why didn't I think of that?"

"Because you're an idiot." Sanji answered.

"You think that I, Duval! Could be an idiot-"

"Yes,"

"Shut up! I'll have you know, I used to be a feared mafia boss-"

"Don't know, don't care,"

"Stop interrupting me!"

"Stop padding this out. We have places to be,"

"Ugh, fine. Riders!" Duval clicked his fingers. A steel net flew towards the unsuspecting blonde. Catching him in one swoop, the fish that the net was attached to dived back into the water. Dragging Sanji down with it.

Luffy, being the idiot that he is. Dived in after Sanji, the affects of the ocean were instant. Tani jumped in after him, grabbing him with one arm and dragging him back to the surface. Zoro grabbed the captain by the jaw, and dragged him back onto land.

"I'll go after Sanji," Tani moved to dive, only to have four hands grab around her. She looked up in momentary terror, at the octopus Fishman.

"Humans swim too slowly, I'll get him," Hachi assured. Gently placing Tani beside Luffy. Duval laughed.

"Not even a Fishman could save that life wrecker. Flying fish are the fastest creatures in all four oceans-"

*splash*

"That's were you're wrong," Papagyu smirked, crossing his arms. "Flying fish may be the fastest fish, but nothing will ever be faster than a mermaid." he pulled a dramatic pose. "And when Camie sets her mind to something. She's impossible to catch,"

Camie was their friend, they could trust her.

A loud splash erupted, the group standing on the dock island stared at the Sunny. Her mane spinning like a propeller, sending her backwards. The flying fish riders continued to swarm around her.

Sunny didn't waste time, a lion ready for to strike. Her mouth cracked open, a large canon popping out the maw.

What Tani didn't expect, was a monster sized laser beam to come careening towards the dock. Sending Sunny flying backwards, as well as dispersing the flying fish riders.

Tani had to grab her jaw before it hit the floor. Brook's eyes popped from his head (except he doesn't have eyes!). Zoro was staring in awe, whispering a "woah," to himself.

Luffy's reaction was hilarious. Eyes bedazzled, water gushing from his tear ducts, mouth clenched as he tried desperately to hold back his awe.

"That was too awesome for him to handle," Zoro sighed, still in awe himself.

"The boat shot a laser! I think he's allowed to be awestruck to the umpteenth degree." Tani fumbled, Zoro gave a nod. Steeling his expression, but they all knew he was still impressed.

Tani waved a hand in front of Luffy's face, trying to bring him down from his trance.

"So... Cool," he sobbed, Tani huffed with humour.

"Come on Lu, we're still in the middle of a battle." she reminded. That was enough to stop the tears, Luffy blinked the stars out of his eyes.

*Splash*

A gasp for air was heard, the group turned to find Camie holding Sanji in her arms. He looked dizzy, blood dripping from his nose.

"What happened?" Tani asked. Zoro held his arms out for Camie to hand Sanji over. The blonde having lost colour in his face.

"His nose started bleeding, I don't know why," the mermaid panicked. Sanji coughed up a lung, Zoro awkwardly pat him on the back.

"He was dragged down pretty fast, maybe blood pressure or something like that. I don't know the technical terms." Tani tried to explain, nobody understood.

"Black leg's still alive?!" Duval shouted.

"Yeah! And all your fish guys left." Luffy rubbed salt in the wound. Duval didn't appreciate that.

"Then I'll just have to kill him myself," the doppleganger declared, kicking the bull he was on. The large beast came roaring down the path, ready to trample anything in its way.

"Run!" Tani called out, already making a dash for anywhere that wasn't in the beasts war path. Sanji pushed Zoro way, swiping the blood from his nose, onto his sleeve. His footing was wobbly, head still dazed from the pressure of the deep blue.

"I can walk you dolt," Sanji snapped, Zoro rolled his eyes.

"Can you run?" he asked, pointing at the bull. That's when they noticed Luffy.

The captain hadn't moved an inch, except to place his hat back onto his head. He cracked his knuckles.

What was he-

A strange wave of power flowed from the captain, crashing over every living creature in the vicinity... Except Tani.

She noticed her crew mates, the bull and Duval. All stumble back, or grab their heads. Tani doesn't feel anything.

Is this that life force thing that Hina mentioned? Luffy hadn't even moved! What did he do?

The bull stopped in its tracks altogether. Fainting right in front of Luffy. The captain looked at the knocked out bull, then at his crew, pointing at the bull.

"That was cool," he grinned.

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO?!" the whole crew, even those on the Sunny, called to the captain. Luffy shrugged, having no idea himself.

"It's doesn't matter," Sanji said coolly. He walked past Luffy to stand before Duval. The man was on his back, still holding his head from the weird magic that Luffy cast. "I'll get this over with, 10 seconds flat." Sanji promised.

Duval didn't get a chance to scream.

...

The crew docked beside the small takoyaki ship. Half of them sat on the bar stools, watching as Hachi masterfully cooked the battered octopus balls. He flicked them at Camie, who caught them all in the colourful boxes. Decorated with sauces and flakes, served with a stick.

Tani sat beside Luffy, Sanji beside him, Chopper at the other end of the bar. Usopp and Brook sat with Nami on the other side of the boat, the boys shovelled the takoyaki into their mouths while Nami sat down, waiting for her serving.

Hachi walked over with a bright box, it looked as though he'd put a bit more effort into that set than the ones he'd given everyone else. Nami took the box and stabbed one of the octopus balls, biting into the ball and chewing.

"How's it taste?" Hachi asked nervously. Nami looked at him with a shrug.

"I haven't forgiven you... But the takoyaki is really good," she smiled sweetly. Hachi gave her a smile of his own, turning back to continue the impossible task of feeding the straw hat crew.

Tani happily ate her box, they were really good! Hopefully Sanji got some tips from the octopus Fishman... Octopus... Like the takoyaki...

Well that's Robin levels of morbid, let's just shove that thought into the void.

"Oi Sanji," came the voice of Duval. The chef turned his head to find the man in question.

Duval sat atop his giant bull, surrounded by his entourage of flying fish riders. The man's face no longer resembled Sanji's unfortunate wanted poster. Instead looking more akin to a super model, with stupid eyebrows. The only person that could pull off the curly brows look, is Sanji.

"Thanks for making me so handsome," Duval gushed, Sanji waved him off.

"Piss off, I'm trying to enjoy my meal," Sanji continued to eat his takoyaki, Duval and his men went off into the distance.

Hachi collapsed from exhaustion, having filled Luffy and the rest of the crew with takoyaki.

"Thanks for the meal," Luffy grinned, looking like a giant rubber ball. How were they gonna get him back onto Sunny-

Sanji kicked Luffy off the boat, launching the captain onto Sunny with no troubles at all. He turned to Hachi and gave a bow.

"Thanks for the meal, you're truly gifted in the art of takoyaki." Sanji lifted his head and jumped onto Sunny. Zoro dropped a rope ladder for the others to use. Camie let out a sad whine.

"You're leaving so soon?" she pouted. Nami gave a nod.

"We're on our way to Sabaody. It's our last stop before we head towards Fishman island." she explained. Hachi perked up.

"Hey," he waved. Nami looked at him with neutral eyes. "Have you found someone to coat your boat yet?" he asked.

"Coat our boat?" she tilted her head in confusion. Hachi jumped into an explanation.

"In order to travel underwater, you need to get your boat coated by a professional." Alright, that makes sense? Kinda.

"I know one of the best ship coaters on the island, I can call in some favours and have him coat your ship for free." Hachi had Nami at the word free.

"Deal!" she grinned. Hachi let out a sigh of relief.

"Follow me, I'll take you there." he promised. Nobody had any reason to doubt him.

Plus Nami wasn't objecting to the Fishman's assistance.

"Lead the way," she told him. Which Hachi happily obliged with.

Onwards to Sabaody... Again.

(A/N: hello! It's been a little while (a week or so lmao) thanks for your patience, life got a little bit bleh. So writing was tough. But that's ok! Because I got something written up. Please enjoy the chapter, you're all beautiful and handsome :D

Have a wonderful day! Smooches)