Chopper finished listening to Zoro's lungs and set his stethoscope back into his bag of medical supplies. Taking a look over his shoulder at the window behind him, he noticed the gray clouds covering the sky. Growing up on a winter island, he was familiar with what those clouds entailed: snow. The winter season was back on what Nami had dubbed "One Week Island." He let out a frustrated sigh; this was not going to be good for Zoro's lungs.
Zoro started coughing and Chopper snapped his head back to his patient. To his surprise, the swordsman was conscious. Not to his surprise, the same idiot was already propped up on one elbow, trying to sit upright under his own power.
"No, no, no, Zoro!" Chopper protested immediately, grabbing two extra pillows and putting them behind the swordsman before forcing him to lie back but more upright on the pillow pile; it would help to help ease the cough, but without Zoro using his still healing shoulder and back muscles. "You're still not quite over the pneumonia yet and you'll re-tear your stitches if you try to get up again."
Zoro's single eye focused on him, still glassy and hazy, but more alert than Chopper had seen him in weeks. The swordsman opened his mouth to say something and ended up nearly doubled over with a wet racking cough instead. Chopper changed into heavy point form and put his arm behind Zoro's back, supporting him until the coughing fit ended. The doctor reached behind himself and grabbed a rag, using it to wipe Zoro's mouth and then settle him back down. Zoro's eye immediately settled back on the young doctor.
"They're here. They're coming," Zoro rasped, his voice still weak from being shot in the neck. The bullet had nearly severed Zoro's windpipe and it had taken all of Chopper's medical skill with what few supplies he had in his bag to get Zoro stabilized with a field trach, even with the incredible amount of blood the man had lost. With Marines prowling the island, forcing Chopper to keep them on the move, he'd been convinced despite all his efforts that his friend was going to die in front of him. That is, until Usopp, Nami, and Jinbei showed up the next morning. With Usopp's skill in Observation Haki, Jinbei's offensive power, and Nami's Clima-tact able to keep them hidden, they'd been able to avoid or fend off the Marines until the troops had finally left the island a week later. The small group of pirates had even been able to set up a make-shift shelter using some of the trees and palm fronds from around the island. And then that first winter had come, nearly dooming them again…
"Who's coming, Zoro?" Chopper asked, transforming back into his smaller Brain Point. But the swordsman seemed to be drifting back to sleep.
" 't's alright now, Chopper. It's…alright…" Zoro mumbled before closing his good eye and letting out a loud snore. Chopper let out his breath in an exasperated huff. At least his patient was sleeping.
"Hey, Chopper!" Franky called loudly as he opened the door and walked into the shelter. Chopper immediately turned around and tried to shush the cyborg, indicating his resting patient.
"Oh, right! Zoro-bro's still sleeping!" Franky said-still in his loud and bombastic voice—giving Chopper a thumbs up to show he understood. Chopper wanted to cry. There really was no cure for idiocy.
"So anyway, I got the heating system all repaired. And just in time too," Franky explained, looking out the windows at the grey clouds and their promise of snow overhead. "Saw Jinbei earlier. He's just going to gather some more fish and a bit more of that seaweed you were using to treat Zoro-bro's throat. Haven't seen any sign of Nami since this morning. Usopp went to go find her before the snows come since he got the last of the fur cloaks done."
Chopper opted against reminding Franky that Nami had forgotten more about weather than any of them had ever known (and could therefore recognize when snow was coming) and decided to ask instead, "Were you able to make any progress on the Sunny today?" He put another blanket over Zoro, who didn't stir.
"A bit, but she's still not quite sea-worthy." Franky explained.
Franky had survived the burning and subsequent capsizing of the Thousand Sunny by rushing below deck, getting in the Shark Submerge, and carefully using the sub to imperceptively nudge the Sunny towards the island. It had been slow going, especially with the Marine patrols around, but eventually a fierce summer storm had put out the last of the fires on the ship and had the added bonus of discouraging the Marines from getting too close to the island. Taking his chances, Franky had managed to guide the Sunny into a shallow cove and beach it.
Once the storm had ended, Franky had exited the submarine and surveyed the damage. The sails had completely burned through, and the grass deck had been scorched and ruined. Even the Adam Wood had given way to some of the Marine's cannon balls and there were huge holes knocked into the women's berthing, the kitchen, and, unfortunately, the main hull. It had taken Franky a few days in the island's hot summer sun to dry out the remaining supply of Adam Wood they'd had in storage, but he'd managed to repair most of the holes. It had been during a search for wood he could actually burn for a fire during the island's winter that had finally led the shipwright inland. And that had been when the cyborg had finally found the rest of his crew. After a tearful reunion, Franky had immediately set to work building the group a much better and more insulated shelter. It had taken a few runs to the Sunny for supplies, but Franky had even managed to build a heating system for the shelter, much to the others' appreciation. And with some of the medical supplies from the Sunny, Chopper had been able to get his blood transfusion equipment set up, taking small donations from all the others to give to Zoro, who thankfully was a universal receiver.
"She's still not ready, huh?" Chopper said, trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice.
"Sorry, Chopper. But these winters keep slowing my progress. If not the blizzards, then it's those crazy summer thunderstorms!" Franky groused. "But even if those weren't a problem, we still need sails and I don't have anything I can make them out of on this island."
"I see," Chopper said sadly. Franky gave him a sturdy pat on the back that nearly sent the small reindeer flying.
"Don't worry, little Chopper-bro. At the very least, soon we'll be able to move back to the Sunny as a shelter. Even if we can't go much of anywhere, you'll have your infirmary back," Franky promised.
"Yeah. It'll be good to be home, even if we can't go anywhere or save the others yet," Chopper said, getting teary-eyed. To his surprise, a solid sturdy hand patted him on the head, but Chopper could see it wasn't Franky. He whipped his head around to see Zoro, his arm still raised up.
"Zoro! That's the injured arm! Don't move it or you'll…!"
"They're comin', Chopper," Zoro said quietly, his voice still raspy, but it was enough to stop the reindeer's panic.
"You said that earlier. Who's coming, Zoro?" Chopper asked. But the green-haired swordsman had already turned his head and gone back to sleep. Franky leaned over, tilting his head at Zoro.
"Wonder what that meant?"
"Did you see anyone out there, Franky?"
"Besides Jinbei and Usopp, no."
"Guys!" Both of them turned their heads towards the sound of Usopp's panicked voice, getting louder as he approached. "Guys, they're coming!"
Chopper turned his head to Zoro, then back to the door. If the Marines had returned or some other enemy they were going to need all the fighters they could get. But he couldn't leave Zoro yet. Not in this state. The cyborg detected his friend's indecision.
"You stay with Zoro-bro, Chopper. I've got this!" Franky said, rushing towards the door to find out what Usopp was freaking out about. He slammed the door on his way out, but fortunately, Zoro didn't stir from his slumber. Chopper sighed as he tucked the blanket back over Zoro's shoulder. There really was no cure for idiots.
Franky rushed out of the shelter, ignoring the chilly wind that greeted him outside. If Marines were on their way to hurt his friends again, they were going to have another thing coming. The cyborg could still remember when he finally saw his other friends again through blurry, tear-filled eyes: Nami, Usopp, and Jinbei looking exhausted, Chopper run ragged, and Zoro looking pale from blood loss, wrapped in bandages and breathing from a tube cut into the soft flesh just below his throat between his collar bones, while their captain, Sanji, Robin, and Brook were still in the Marines' or Vegapunk's clutches. The shipwright growled in the present as Usopp's panicked cries got louder, making sure his Weapons Left was fully loaded and ready to go.
Then, the sniper rushed out of the bushes into the clearing where the shelter was, placing his hands on his knees as he struggled to catch his breath. Franky aimed his left arm at the trees behind Usopp, ready to fire if a single Marine or government agent came forth. He glanced around, looking for any sign of trouble or their currently missing comrades.
"Usopp, where's Nami?" Franky asked, remembering who Usopp had originally gone searching for. Jinbei was more than capable of taking care of himself, but Franky didn't much like the idea of Nami facing a potential threat alone.
"She's…at…the shore…" Usopp said, panting. Franky's eyes widened.
"You left her there by herself?!" the cyborg shouted. "What kind of a man are you?!"
"Eh?" Usopp stood upright and Franky realized outside of the look of confusion and a face flush from running, there was no sign of fear or panic on the sniper's face. "Of course I did. She's perfectly safe with the others."
"Others?" Franky asked.
"Franky! Usopp!" Chopper whisper-yelled from the door of the shelter. "What's going on? Are we under attack?"
"Under attack…? Oh!" Usopp said. "You guys thought…yeah, yeah. That was probably my fault, but I was so excited, I couldn't help it!"
Franky let out a sigh and finally lowered his left arm from the tree line. "Alright, got it. We're not being attacked by Marines again. Now would you tell us who is coming, Usopp-bro?"
"The others! They're back!" Usopp said with a happy grin. "Sanji, Robin, and Brook! And they have a ship too!"
"Curly-bro is awake?" Franky asked in disbelief. "Is he…you know…himself?"
Usopp's excited grin froze on his face. "You know, we just saw them with my goggles from a distance, I actually didn't think about…that…"
Both men stared at each other for a moment as realization hit them at the same time.
"Nami's alone on the beach with them!"
Usopp and Franky rushed to the shoreline just in time to watch the small ship pull up to shore. Jinbei stood on the beach next to Nami, watching as Sanji, Brook, and Robin (mostly Robin) furled the sails, lowered the anchor, and prepared a small lifeboat to go to shore. As relieved as Usopp had been moments ago to see his lost friends, Franky's words had reminded him about Sanji's "condition" last time they had seen the chef and Usopp couldn't help but watch his blond friend carefully as he approached in the lifeboat. Stepping up to stand alongside Nami and Jinbei, Usopp could tell the two of them had similar thoughts, as their eyes carefully followed the cook's movements.
"He seems to be himself," Nami commented as Sanji-with his shoes off and pants hiked up-got out of the life raft, pushed it until it beached, and then happily offered to carry Robin in his arms the last couple of yards to the shore so she wouldn't get wet. When Brook asked about himself, Sanji told the shitty skeleton he could very well run over the water to shore.
"Definitely sounds like him," Usopp agreed.
"The problem is that much of the time Sanji-kun was himself," Jinbei noted. The fishman glanced at the skeleton laughing as he rushed to shore and the lovely archeologist currently being carried in the love-struck cook's arms, "The better ones to ask are the two companions with him."
"They don't have Luffy," Franky pointed out.
"That's hardly any wonder. He's likely being kept at a highly secure prison, awaiting execution." Jinbei didn't say out loud the thought all of them had refused to allow hold in their minds—that it was possible Luffy had already been executed and none of them had gotten word out here on remote One Week Island. "I'm actually more surprised those three managed to escape from wherever they were being held."
The three in question finally reached the shore. Sanji set Robin down and then retrieved his shoes from where they had been tucked in the back of his pants and put them on, pulling his pant legs back down while he was at it. Brook made some sort of comment, finishing it off with a loud "Yohohoho!" The cook's response was to kick the skeleton as soon as his shoes were back on, while Robin stood to the side, giggling quietly. Nami's emotional dam was the first to break and she rushed to the others as Usopp raised his arm to protest.
"Nami, wait! We don't know…!"
"Robin!" she cried, rushing into the other woman's arms. The archeologist smiled, wrapping the younger woman in her hold as she cried in relief. Before Usopp could get in another word, he heard loud sobbing next to him.
"Franky! Are you alright?" Jinbei asked, alarmed. Usopp sighed, used to Franky's bouts of emotion, and walked over to the group of his newly arrived friends.
"I'm not crying!" Franky said while crying. "It's just so beautiful!"
"Usopp!" Sanji called as Usopp walked over. "You kept Nami-san safe! Good job!"
Usopp let out a nervous chuckle, preparing to tell a tale about his great and daring bravado. "Well, you know…"
"As great as it is to see you all, I must ask," Brook said, interrupting the sniper before he could launch into a tall tale, "Where are Zoro-san and Chopper-san?"
"Oh, they're back at the shelter further inland," Nami said. She quickly added, "Actually, Sanji-kun, why don't you go with Jinbei and Franky to go see them? And Usopp and I can help Brook and Robin with getting supplies from the ship."
"Actually, Nami-sis, if it's for supplies and parts, maybe I should-" Franky began before he was interrupted by a quick elbow to the side by Jinbei.
"That sounds like a good idea, Nami. He can let us know news from the outside world, and Zoro-kun would definitely want to hear it." Jinbei said, coming up with a quick excuse. "Sanji-kun, if you'll follow us?"
Usopp saw the hurt in Sanji's eyes. The cook had always been a sharp one and he recognized that the two current strongest in their group were being tasked with keeping an eye on him. Again. The chef glanced over nervously at Robin and Brook. Robin gave him an assured smile.
"Don't worry, Sanji. I'll explain your situation to them," Robin said. "In the meantime, why don't you go over the plan with the others for saving Luffy?"
"Luffy's alive?!" Nami cried out, her relief palpable.
Usopp's vision went blurry as sudden, unbidden tears came to his eyes, and he nearly fell to his knees until a steady, strangely unyielding arm caught him.
"Yes, Nami-san," Sanji said from right next to him. "But time is of the essence. The government's been debating and politicking on when to execute them and it sounds like their mind is about made up."
Usopp's breath caught in his throat as he realized that once again Sanji's arm didn't feel normal. The skin had no give, like it was made of a hard material like metal. Still, Usopp remembered the hurt look in his friend's eyes. And Sanji was acting like his normal self, even if he didn't feel like his normal self. Swallowing his fear, Usopp forced himself to stay steady and look his friend in the eyes. Sanji's usual warmth met him back.
"How do you know that?" Nami asked.
"Sanji will explain it to Zoro and the others as it's a rather long story and there truly isn't much time," Robin cut in, placing a hand on the other woman's shoulder. "And I believe you and Usopp offered to assist Brook and myself with unloading the supplies." The emphasis Robin put on you and Usopp made it clear that she knew Nami's intentions behind having Jinbei and Franky assigned as escorts for Sanji. And she didn't approve.
Caught in her own plan, Nami heaved a sigh, her curiosity having to wait. "I supposed you're right," Nami said, turning towards the small life raft.
Usopp felt Sanji's arm move away. For a moment, the chef looked at the redheaded navigator, as if he was going to say something. Suddenly, Sanji muttered to himself, "Relax, you don't need to do or say anything. If Robin-chan says she has it handled, she has it handled."
With the exception of Robin and Brook, everyone on the beach stared at the chef.
"Uh, Sanji? Who are you talking to?" Usopp asked. Sanji blinked and then glanced around, seeming to realize that he had just spoken out loud and everyone was staring. He let out a nervous chuckle.
"So! Jinbei! Franky! Why don't you two show me to this shelter Nami-san was talking about?" Sanji said in a hurry, grabbing the two larger men's arms and hurrying them into the forest. Usopp and Nami quickly turned to Robin and Brook.
"Okay, what was that?" Nami asked, pointing her thumb in the direction the trio had gone.
"Yeah. Is he normal Sanji or does he still sometimes turn into evil-I-want-to-kill-everyone-Sanji? Because he sure feels like the evil Sanji. At least physically," Usopp piped in, rubbing his arm where Sanji had steadied him.
"Hmm. How to explain it?" Robin said, one hand coming up to her chin in thought. "He's our kind, woman-loving chef…"
"Oh, thank goodness!" Usopp said, relieved.
"…except for when he turns into a cold-blooded killer," Robin continued.
"WHAT?!" Nami and Usopp shrieked in terror together.
"Ah, what Robin-san means to say is, that other part of Sanji-san and our Sanji-san have come to an understanding," Brook hastily added. "There will be no killing, no dying. Except for me of course…"
"I'm sorry, what?" Usopp said, confused.
"It appears we were incorrect in our initial assessment of Sanji's other self. He was not, in fact, caused by the Germa modifications but rather a supressed part of Sanji's psyche that formed as a result of his harsh upbringing. The modifications simply allowed that violent and cold part of Sanji to come to the forefront," Robin explained.
"Okay. We know why Sanji-kun has two personalities. And we're not still freaking out about this…why?" Nami asked.
"It appears while Sanji-san was in Law-san's medical tank, his body and mind reached a point of total neutrality. The two personalities were essentially trapped in Sanji-san's subconscious together," Brook said. "In such a situation, they had no choice but to talk to each other."
"And it appears they hashed a number of things out," Robin continued.
"Like what?" Usopp asked.
"Their names, for one," Robin said. "The Germa personality is called Vinsmoke. That personality calls our Sanji Cook. The person as a whole is considered Sanji."
"Okay, let me see if I have this straight," Usopp said. "Evil Sanji's name is Vinsmoke. Good Sanji's name is Cook. And both of them together make Sanji?"
"Correct."
"By any chance, is this Vinsmoke guy like Zoro when he's not trying to kill us?" Usopp asked, joking half-heartedly.
"No, not at all," Robin answered, ignoring the sniper's attempt at humor. "The best way to describe him is…cold, I think. He has Zoro's brutality and harshness, but none of his passion or warmth. But regardless, he won't harm us."
"That was one of the agreements Vinsmoke and our Sanji agreed to," Brook put in. "Vinsmoke considers us as any of the Germa would consider a fellow Vinsmoke. We are part of his 'crew.' Therefore, we are to be protected."
"He's not kind or warm about it," Robin added, "And he can't feel emotions like a normal person does. But he will keep us safe in his own way."
"Is that how you guys escaped?" Nami asked.
"Yes, he managed to break us out and helped us escape Vegapunk's ship," Robin explained.
"Wait, how did he escape Vegapunk?" Usopp asked incredulously. "Wasn't he still asleep in Law's medical pod?"
"Turns out Vegapunk was in a relationship with Sanji-san's mother. Yohohoho!"
"That's…not quite right," Robin said. "Rather, Vegapunk seemed to have some kind of relationship with Sanji's mother. But what exactly that was, we could only guess." Robin shuddered, thinking about the man. "And probably the less we know, the better. But whatever it was, it caused Vegapunk to help Sanji escape."
"And thus, Sanji-san was able to assist in our escape," Brook continued.
"So, if Sanji was well…his cook self, why did his body feel like his other self?" Usopp asked. "He caught me, but his arm felt weird. Like it did whenever his body changed."
Robin stiffened. "Vegapunk offered Sanji the chance to have the modifications without changing his looks or personality."
"And he took it?! Why?!" Nami cried out.
"Nami-san, you must understand," Brook said, trying to assure the navigator. "Sanji-san had been in that medical tank for months. Vegapunk had previously healed him of all the modifications, but that time frame took its toll on Sanji-san's body. Even with the raid suit, if he wanted any hope of success to save us, let alone you all and Luffy, he had to let Vegapunk do it. He agreed to take the partial modifications."
"Wait, he has the raid suit back?" Usopp said, trying to keep the excitement out of his voice.
"Oh, yes. That's another thing we must discuss," Robin said. "Perhaps a bit later. And if possible, with Law present. I think he would want to hear about this development."
"Do we still have a way to contact Law-san?" Brook asked.
"We'll have to get another transponder snail, but we should be able to. I still remember the number. The question is if he'll be willing to take our calls." Nami said.
"Trust me, he'll want to hear about this. It concerns his murdered crew members," Robin said, coldly. Nami appeared ready to ask more but froze at the harsh smile on Robin's face. Usopp knew he wasn't going to be any braver broaching the subject. Time to move onto a new one.
"So, Sanji talking to himself is just something we're going to have to get used to or…?" the sniper asked tentatively, hoping this wasn't going to somehow concern the murdered Heart Pirates.
"Ah, yes, he's been getting into that habit lately," Brook said.
"He didn't at first. In fact, he had to wear the raid suit to transform into Vinsmoke at all. But as time goes on the barrier between the two personalities seems to thin," Robin said.
"Is he dangerous, then?" Nami asked.
"No, not that we've seen. It's more like…how did Sanji-san describe it?...previously, whoever was not in control of the body was simply a quiet voice in the back of the other's mind. Vaguely aware of what was happening, able to say a bit here and there. But as the two of them have become more in sync, it would appear that the "quiet voice in the back" has been becoming louder and louder." Brook said.
"He started talking to Vinsmoke out loud not long after we stole the ship," Robin explained. "We've been pointing it out to him whenever he does it and he tries to be careful, but like I said, it appears the barrier between the two is shrinking. Vinsmoke sometimes does the same thing, and they can transform back and forth without the aid of the raid suit now."
"And Sanji-kun…is okay with this?" Nami asked, unsure.
"We spoke to Sanji about this extensively, Nami," Robin continued.
"He's come to terms with it. I believe we should all do the same," Brook said.
"But…but Sanji! What must that be like for him? Being trapped with another personality in his head!" Usopp said. "I can't imagine what that must be like."
"Oh?" Robin said, a mysterious, mischievous smile coming to her face. "Perhaps you should ask your friend Sogeking when next you see him."
Usopp chuckled, embarrassed. "Good point, good point."
"In any case, we should work on getting these supplies over to the Sunny," Robin said, turning around to reveal the lifeboat, not far from where the group had last seen it, but now filled to the brim with various supplies and equipment.
"R-Robin!" Usopp and Nami shouted in unison.
"When did you get the lifeboat…and the stuff…from the ship?" Usopp tried to continue.
Flower petals suddenly dispersed in a cluster from the lifeboat, getting caught in the breeze as they drifted away. The Flower Flower Fruit user smiled back at the group. "As I said before, time is of the essence. We can talk more later. Now, let's get these supplies moved, shall we?"
Author's Note: Well, this chapter took me a bit longer to get up than it should have. Apologies, all! First one of my kids got sick with a bad stomach bug, then I got sick with it. No winning all around. Everyone's better now though.
According to an SBS and the One Piece wiki, Zoro is XF blood type, which translates to AB. If you didn't know, blood types work as follows: O can give to all blood types, A can give to A and AB, B can give to B and AB, and AB can only give to AB. RH factor works generally that RH negative can give to RH positive, but not the other way around. The other Straw Hats' blood types are (XFS system listed first and ABO in parentheses):
Nami is X (A)
Usopp is S (O)—likely RH+ since he couldn't donate to Sanji or Luffy during Fishman Island
Jinbei is F (B)—likely RH- since he was the only one who could donate to Luffy during Fishman Island
Luffy is F (B)—likely RH- since Robin and Usopp couldn't donate to him during Fishman Island
Chopper is X (A)
Franky is XF (AB)
Sanji is S- (O-) (thus a universal donor, but couldn't donate during Fishman island for obvious reasons)
Robin is S (O)—likely RH+ since she couldn't donate to Sanji or Luffy during Fishman Island
Brook is (was?) X (A)
Assuming Zoro isn't RH negative, he could receive blood donations from everyone else in the crew. As you can see above, Sanji is S (O). He's also the only one we have confirmed as RH negative. Based on the events of Fishman Island, it's logical to assume that Usopp and Robin (S/O) are positive since neither Sanji nor Luffy could use them as donors, which would also mean that Luffy and Jinbei are likely F (B) negative. So, funny enough, Sanji is a universal donor and Zoro is (maybe) a universal receiver. Maybe that's how he keeps surviving all that crazy blood loss in the series.