One Piece: Truly Precious

Hello everyone. Trace Carter is back with yet another chapter. Today, we finally arrive at the Baratie and meet up with everyone's favorite ero-cook, Sanji-kun. Unfortunately, the long awaited fight with Mihawk might not happen for another chapter or two, but I have plans for what's going to happen here, so I hope you all won't be disappointed. I just don't want to rush things, as so to give you guys a better chapter.

Well, let's get things started.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

"This is it," said Johnny, "the floating restaurant Baratie."

The Strawhats ship, had pulled to a stop in front of a large ship that resembled a fish floating on the water. This was the restaurant Baratie, a restaurant made from a ship that was anchored in the middle of the water, providing fine dining to the passing sailor.

"Impressive," said Nojiko, "and we're here to find a chef?"

Nami nodded, "There's no better place to find a chef on the high seas."

"Wait," said Nojiko, "isn't that a Navy ship?"

The group turned and there indeed was a Navy ship docked at the restaurant with its flags flying. To make matters worse, a blond officer was walking onto the deck facing them.

"You there," said the Marine, "state your business here."

"I'm Monkey D. Luffy!" called out Luffy, "We're here to recruit our chef for our crew."

"'Straw Hat' Luffy," said the man in surprise before smirking, "you don't look like much. I'll probably get promoted if I bring you criminals in. All guns fire on that ship!"

"But Lieutenant Fullbody," said an officer, "didn't you have a date today?"

"Right," said the now named Fullbody, "blow that ship out of the water, but don't hit the restaurant. My date and I want to have a good time."

"Yes sir!" said the officer, "Enjoy yourself, sir!"

Fullbody walked off the deck as the officers moved to aim their cannons at the Going Merry.

"Um guys?" asked Nojiko as she watched them load cannonballs into the artillery, "what are we going to do?"

"I wouldn't worry," said Nami as Zoro and Luffy stepped forward, "these guys got it. Just don't damage the restaurant!"

"Yeah yeah," said Zoro as he unsheathed Wado and held it ready.

"Fire!" yelled the marines as they fired their cannons at the Going Merry.

Luffy and Zoro just smirked and readied themselves. As the cannonballs flew at them, Zoro channeled Haki into Wado and sliced through the shells, causing them to explode harmlessly away from the ship while Luffy caught them and used his rubber body to launch them back at the ship with greater speed. Soon the ship was a sinking wreck, leaving the straw hats free to head to the Baratie.

xXsceneXx

When the crew walked into the Baratie, they were treated to the sight of an irate blond Sous-chef holding the lieutenant that had threatened them up by the throat. There was a shattered table next to them and the lieutenant was covered in blood and bruises.

"If you don't like the food here, then leave," said Sanji coldly as he tossed the man to the deck, "but those who waste food on the high seas, don't live very long."

"Sanji!" exclaimed Luffy.

"Wha…Luffy?" asked Sanji as he looked around, "What's going on?"

"We'll explain later, though you'll probably not understand," smirked Zoro.

"OI!" growled Sanji, "At least my sense of direction is better than yours, shitty-marimo!"

"Ero-cook!" growled Zoro as the two of them smashed heads together before the two of them separated with a smirk on their faces.

"Good to see you again, you third-rate swordsman," said Sanji as he extended his hand.

"Same to you, bastard chef," said Zoro as the two members of the Monster Trio clasped hands in brotherhood.

"So since we're here," said Sanji, "may I get you a table?"

xXsceneXx

Sanji set up the Straw Hat pirates with a large table and brought them a small feast from the kitchens, cooked up by his own hands using some techniques he learned from the Attack Cuisine recipes, before sitting at the table with his crew to catch up.

"So we're back here?" asked Sanji, "And it looks like you have a new beauty on the crew."

As he said this last part, he knelt down on one knee in front of Nojiko and pulled a rose out of…somewhere.

"May I say that your beauty is as great as the Red Line itself," he said before Nami grabbed his ear and twisted it painfully, "GAH!"

"Don't even think about touching my sister," said Nami in a sickly sweet voice.

"Hai, Nami-swan!" said Sanji weakly, causing the Navigator to release him.

"This food is pretty good," said Nojiko as she took a bite.

"Why thank you," said Sanji, "I learned the recipe after escaping from hell."

"…ok," said Nojiko hesitantly.

"Oi, Sanji!" yelled one of the waiters, "Get off your ass and get back to work!"

"Keep your apron on!" Sanji yelled back as he got up, "I'll be joining you guys when I finish up here."

Suddenly, the doors of the restaurant were kicked open and a soaking wet, gaunt figure dragged himself inside and plopped down on a chair.

"Oi, waiter," rasped the man, "give me some food."

A large man wearing a chef's apron walked up with a falsely cheery smile, "And how are you going to pay, good sir?"

The gaunt man smirked and pointed a flintlock at the waiter's head, "You take lead?"

While most men would be intimidated, this waiter was also one of the chefs at the Baratie, working as a waiter due to being short on staff, and the chefs at the Baratie knew how to fight back, so when the pistol was pointed at his forehead, the chef, Patty, raised his meaty arms and slammed the gaunt man into the deck, shattering the chair he was in and upsetting the table.

"If you don't have the money then get out," said Patty as he moved to pick up the downed man.

"Wait."

Everyone in the restaurant froze and turned to Luffy, who had just spoken up. The rubber captain got out of his seat and walked over to the fallen man.

"We'll pay for his meal," said Luffy.

The diners began to whisper at that statement.

"Does that kid know what he's doing?"

"That's Gin of the Krieg Pirates."

"It would be better just to let him die."

"I don't want your charity," growled Gin from the ground.

"It's not charity," said Luffy with a smile, "you're gonna join my crew."

"Sorry kid," scoffed Gin, "I already have a captain, and I don't think I'll be leaving him."

"Shishishi," laughed Luffy, "I think you will, but we'll feed you anyway."

Zoro nodded, "There's nothing worse than starving at sea."

"Besides," said Nami, "you're not eating for free. You'll pay us back one way or another, so just shut up and dig in."

Gin wanted to protest, but a growl from the empty pit of his stomach made him decide to swallow his pride and pull himself into a chair and eat some of the food at the table. As he took a bite, he felt energy and vitality flow into him. Tears flowed from his face as he realized that it was the kindness of these people that allowed him to survive.

"Than you," he said softly as he continued to eat.

xXsceneXx

After eating his fill, Gin thanked them again for the meal and set sail on one of the Merry's Life Rafts. The Straw Hats stuck around for a few more days, the core crew knowing that important events would happen soon, paying for their meals and chatting with Sanji. This continued until the restaurant received a surprise visit from Gin as he walked in, half carrying a man wearing a brown trench coat.

To be continued…