Eating at the Baratie ~ age 20
"How many plates do you think he'll eat today?" asked one of the cooks
"At least 15 plates," said Sanji, "We're serving one of his favorites- basically anything with beef," he chuckled.
"Is he really a Marine Lt? What about Smoker? He's so rough, I have my doubts about him sometimes too, heh," asked one of the new recruits.
"Hmpf, the East Blue Marines only attract the bottom of the barrel types, this is the weakest sea," said another cook.
"Oi, those two aren't that bad— and you know it. They catch the bad guys and don't take bribes like some others we know that come here" Sanji interjected, defending his frequent customers.
"Ho, is this the same Sanji who constantly yells and berates the Lt.? I thought he was such a headache because of all the food and plates he breaks occasionally," laughed Carne.
"Eh, whatever, he pays and Head Chef Zeff seems to like him" Sanji replied, blowing smoke in Carne's face.
At the table
"Jeez, Luf, can't you slow down, you're starting to make a mess," Smoker said, picking off a carrot that had flown over.
"Sorry, Smoky," Luffy answered, gulping down another BBQ rib. "The Baratie's food is so good, I can't help it sometimes, shishishi," he continued laughing.
"I bet, I swear that's the only reason you even visit, you just want to eat Sanji's cooking," Smoker responded.
"Shishishi, aww Smokey, I come for you too!" Luffy answered laughing while bits of food flew out of his mouth.
"Eh, whatever, so how's that partner of yours, still surly as ever?" asked Smoker, while lighting another cigar.
"Aw Smokey, I knew you cared," Luf exclaimed, "Tch, please, that bastard is annoying," Smoker quickly jumped in.
"Shishishi, ok Smokey, whatever you say. But Lucci is evaluating some new recruits, they want to expand the team. I don't see why, Lucci and I are a two-man army but eh, as long as they don't get in my way, I don't care. But Lucci was incensed when the Chief told us, called him all types of names. That was a couple weeks ago and Lucci has killed all the new recruits so far. The Chief is so angry but he did say they had to pass our test before joining, so it's really his fault that he didn't set any parameters," finished Luffy, taking a drink of water.
"Damn, why do I even ask about the bastard, "Smoker responded gruffly. Luffy's answer could be barely understood through all the food in his mouth.
"Hmpf, please stop Luffy, don't bother answering, you're getting food all over the place," Smoker said, exhaling some smoke.
The other customers covertly glanced at them but the regulars barely looked their way. The Baratie's frequent customers were well-accustomed to their antics.
"Well, Lucci is so upset he even recommended me as the next Chief, can you imagine? Me– as the Chief of CP-9, shishishi," Luffy laughed.
"Oi, be any louder, would ya?" Smoker answered "Even I'm not cleared to know about Cipher Pol, and here you are, blabbing about becoming one of the Chiefs," Smoker added, shaking his head.
"Oh please Smoker, it's one of the Navy's worst kept secrets, and you're my best friend so it's alright to tell you," Luffy told Smoker.
"Heh, don't try to butter me up," Smoker said, his ears turning red.
"But, eh, you as the Chief? That Spandine guy has done some foul shit. I trust you more leading those psychopaths at Enies. You do get shit done when you want but you would definitely need a secretary, hahaha," Smoker said, chuckling a little.
"Ya, really think so? Lucci said he'd rather follow my orders than the Chief's. And you're right, the current Chief is trash-he can barely throw a punch and always blames his mistakes on the other agents," Luffy said in one of his rare thoughtful moments.
"Hmm, but we'll see, if Lucci gets any more stir crazy I might give it a shot, shishishi," Luffy added cheerfully.
"Ugh. Only you would call his murderous spree, 'stir crazy,' but yeah, get that man to chill, the recruits can be sent to other groups, they can't be completely useless if they made it that far," Smoker told him
"Hmpf, you'd be surprised who the Marines let in, shishishi," Luffy said laughing.
A/n: thoughts? Thank you for supporting, makes me so happy :)