BARATIE
Name: Sanji
Occupation: Pirate; Cook; Prince (former)
Residence: Baratie (former); Germa Kingdom (former)
Epithet: Black Leg; Mr. Prince
Age: 19
Status: Alive
Birth: March, 2
Height: 177 cm
Bounty: 77,000,000; 177,000,000; 330,000,000
Family: Zeff (father figure), Sora (mother)
Relations: Vinsmoke Family (former); Baratie chefs (resigned) (still loved)
Travila: Respects food; Loves women (chivalry to the point of death); Man in the Iron Mask story; Two brands of Cigarettes King Ground and Death, Mellorine is like ice cream, Hokuto no Ken is on his Knife, never been sick, Name means three o'clock snack, third son of family, third strongest, irritating wanted posters, similar to Sabo, can read woman's breast, hip, waist sizes, Steven Buscemi?, hair natural blonde from mother
Don Krieg Pirates
The hourglasses on Don Krieg's skull and bones are supposed to indicate the time left until the death of their prey, so it holds meaning like, "it's only a matter of time until your surrender".
Krieg's age: 42
Baratie
Patty is named after Patisserie.
Carne is the Spanish word for meat.
Zeff's mustache is braided hair. The technical name is "somehow okay hair."
OOO
"It doesn't make any sense!"
"Zoro, please just accept it."
"I won't! It's stupid!"
"That how the rules are traditionally set in place."
"Well, it is a stupid rule then."
"Zoro…"
Said pissed off swordsman throws his hands in the air, "I'm just saying there is no way paper could beat rock. Rock is clearly the strongest!"
"Paper is pretty good too…" Oyal adds lamely.
Zoro crosses his arms, completely and utterly done, "Whatever, rock should always win."
"You're really not good at this," Tobio correctly observes.
"Shut up," wow, what a great comeback Zoro.
Oyal sighs, "Do you wish to try again?" as if they have not played forty-eight times already.
"Yes," he says with conviction.
"Okay. Rock... Paper... Scissors...!"
"Damn!"
"Please, stop choosing rock…"
"Never!"
It is strange to say how they got to this position where Oyal thought it would be a fun challenge to outsmart the other but rather leading to Zoro gambling half the morning away. Oyal's morning training turned into a children's game of who can beat out who in a game of rock, paper, scissors.
Oyal was actually excited about her strategy playing out. They wished to calculate their chances, checked the percentages of each move, and see what the collected data had gestured to the simple children's game. However, at the end it had all gone to waste in favor of Zoro being a stubborn moron.
"You are really not smart," Tobio again correctly observes.
"SHUT UP!" Zoro intelligently comes back.
"Shishishishi, Zoro is a sore loser," Luffy laughs, playing cannonball happily in hands, "Come on, Usopp! Let's try this!"
Tobio looks at them longingly, "Aww, I wanna try…"
"No, you don't," Ganzo snaps, from the houseboat right next to the Merry's, "Last thing you need is to be playing with weapons," they tied the little boat on the right, next to the Merry, making it easier to communicate. Tobio enjoyed the wider space the Merry provided though.
"Hey, hey," Luffy hands Usopp the ball easily, making Usopp struggle to not drop it, "My Grandpa let me play with all kinds of weapons when I was his age! Look how I turned out!"
Ganzo looks at him for a silent moment, then gives Tobio a level stare.
Tobio understands, nodding obediently "Yes, Grandpa."
Luffy feels he got insulted somewhere in there...
Oyal whips their head at the sight, "Captain, are you sure you want to do this?" they would hope he would remember what happened the first time but... mistakes do happen.
Luffy waves his hands carelessly, "Yeah, it will be fine," Luffy has an idea what he wants to do, "It would be a waste not to use it!"
Usopp finally puts the cannonball in the cannon aiming it over the ship, "Huff... Got it...!"
Luffy pushes him out of the way, "Me first!" he lights up the sucker trying to aim anywhere close to the rock formation in the distance, "Aw… I missed," no amount of Observation Haki is going to make him better at a gun.
Nami comes down the stairs at the sound of an explosion, "What are you guys doing?!" Seeing Luffy in front of a cannon did not fill her with comfort.
Luffy and Usopp give matching cheeky grins, "Cannon practice!"
Usopp puts his hands on his hips, "Stand aside my amateur friend, and watch a master at work!" he stands to move the cannon at the far away rock, "Judging the distance between here and the target... This should about do it…"
"Wait, Usopp," Luffy puts a hand on his shoulder, "Can you just fire right over that rock?"
Usopp raises a brow, "Not hit it? Okay," he shrugs and moves the cannonball to sail perfectly over the rock.
SPLASH!
Luffy jumps in amazement, "Amazing! It was like a millimeter away!"
"You're right it was!" Usopp says more out of shock, but quickly turning to smug, "I mean- Of course, when it comes to aiming, I know everything. Don't you think?"
Zoro smirks overhearing, "You sound pretty surprised to me."
Usopp turns quickly on Zoro, "This is my first canon fire, alright!"
Luffy ropes an arm around the sniper, "Looks like I really did get the best sniper in the East Blue!"
Usopp gives a weak laugh at the genuine compliment, "Y-Yeah! Of course! Actually," Usopp gains more confidence, "If you need someone for First Mate position," he points to himself, "I will more than gladly take the place,"
Just as Luffy is about to open his mouth to answer Zoro interrupts his own pity party, "Nah, the position is taken."
Both boys look to a still ticked off Zoro staring at his own hands in a rock position, "Who?" They both chorus.
Zoro doesn't look away from his hands, as if they had all the answers, "I'm First Mate."
Luffy's jaw drops, "You are?!"
"HOW DID YOU NOT KNOW THAT!" Everyone but Oyal react.
Ganzo shakes his head, "I swear, how are you going to be King with that attitude?"
Luffy sheepishly smiles, scratching the back of his head.
"Forgive me Captain, but I took the liberty of asking Zoro to hold the position," Oyal plainly states choosing paper again to Zoro's dismay, "Do you disagree?"
Luffy thinks about it and shrugs, "Hmmm, Nah," he gives his big grin, "Sorry Usopp, but it looks like Zoro is that."
Usopp sags a bit, "Figures. Asked too late," he still feels a little down about it. While he doesn't feel like fighting for captain he still felt he should be… useful to the crew somehow.
"But!" Luffy shakes his shoulder a bit, "you can be my Second Mate!"
Usopp tries to play it cool despite his obvious excitement, "Alright, I guess I can settle for that for the time being."
Nami rolls her eyes, "Well shape up everyone we should be reaching this floating restaurant soon."
"Wait, Nami!" Luffy points over the ship, "Go to the rock, I think I see something!"
Nami looks over, "What, I don't see a thing?"
"Well, I do!" he childishly responses.
Nami sighs, "Alright, alright," she turns the ship to the damn rock.
Luffy grins, "I can't wait to get to the Baratie."
Zoro smiles softly, "An indispensable crew member for the long voyage,"
Luffy grins only widens at the irony of Zoro looking forward to his biggest headache, "You think so too right! The guy I have in mind is perfect for you Zoro!"
Zoro raises a brow but looks forward to meeting this guy Luffy thinks so highly of. So far his choices had been... strange but they are good people. Nakama he can trust. What more can you ask of a crew member?
Luffy knew how well Sanji and Zoro got along... that saying not very well. They were just so similar! Like knife on a knife, sharpening each other with competition and challenges. But he knows that Sanji and Zoro care for each other like brothers even if they would rather have their tongues cut off before admitting it. They were so funny like that!
Maybe that's why Sanji doesn't like Zoro, because his hair reminds him of his dirt brothers. But Sanji isn't so shallow to not like someone based on their looks. He only doesn't like you if you are a boy or an asshole.
Luffy nods, "We need a critical position of the crew to be filled, without it, we won't get anywhere on the Grand Line."
Nami raises a brow, a little impressed with the maturity Luffy was showing over the seriousness of getting a crew member.
He takes a grave breath, "A musician!"
"ARE YOU RETARDED?!" Nevermind, "And here I thought you were going to say something smart for once!"
Usopp sweat drops, "Do you have any idea what sailing on the sea is like?!"
"I don't know why you are so insistent about this, we shall get him later!" Oyal barely raises her voice.
"Are you guys going to die?"
"Shut up, Tobio," Zoro spats.
Luffy just laughs, "A pirate group needs to sing!"
"COME OUT YOU DAMN PIRATES! JUST TRY TO PULL SOMETHING!"
Ah, just in time, Luffy sees Zoro suddenly sit up, "That voice? What-?!"
Luffy looks over the edge at the rock formation they finally sailed to, "Who the hell are you?"
Unnecessary question as Johnny looks back up at him, ready for murder. Blue jacket, tattoo on his face, sword in hand, slightly tan skin, and dark glass perfectly covering his eyes, he sneers, "Who I am? I should be the one asking," he tries to look intimidating with his swords in hand, partner poorly hidden to the side, passed out on the floor, "WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!"
Luffy hums, "Luffy, Future King of the Pirates."
Ganzo takes a peak from his home-ship, "What's with all this yelling?"
Johnny starts looking at the strange group but not letting his guard down, "Don't come any closer. I've killed countless of infamous pirates," probably a lie, "I WON'T LET SOME NO-NAME PIRATES LIKE YOU KILL MY PARTNER!"
Ganzo just stares at this guy, not even flinching.
Johnny stares right back, a drop of sweat falling down his face.
Ganzo stares.
Johnny stares.
Ganzo goes back into his houseboat.
"HEY!" Don't just ignore him!
Zoro finally gets up quickly to see overboard, "The hell- Johnny?!"
Said swordsman lowers his swords slightly at the sight of his friend, "Zo-Zoro-bro! You're on a pirate ship, Bro?"
Usopp whispers to Nami, "What's going on? Those two know each other?"
"Small Blue, I guess," Nami whispers back.
Zoro jumps off the Merry on the rock, "What's wrong?" He looks to see his other friend on the floor, "What's wrong with Yosaku?"
The guy grits his teeth, "Y-Yosaku is... he's sick!" He cries to his partner on the floor.
Luffy and Zoro easily and gently take the guy on the Merry, Johnny's and Yosaku's boat behind her. He had a weird headband and a green jacket. His plaid shorts showed off some very unshaven legs but nobody seemed to mind his horrible fashion.
Once on board, they got the story, "Yosaku is... he was perfectly fine until a while ago. Then he grew pale and started to lose consciousness. I have no clue why," he puts his head in his hands on the verge of crying, "Lately, his teeth started falling out. And his old wounds have started to bleed again I just don't know what to do anymore! So I took him to that rocky island, to let him rest. I saw your cannonball and panicked, I-"
Usopp felt his neck sweat. If he had hit the rock… he turns to Luffy, "Did you..."
Luffy winks, and points to Oyal behind his hand not-so-subtly, "Magic," he whispers.
They really wish they had visible eyes to roll.
Johnny continues bawling, "Yosaku and Johnny... we were infamous enough to have pirates shaking in their boots at the mere mention of our names. We've lived and worked together as bounty hunters for years! Is this… how it is going to end?!"
Zoro actually looks aghast at the whole situation, putting a hand of Johnny's shoulder to comfort. He didn't make friends often, Kuina being his first and only friend for the longest time. Even if it was only a couple of months, Johnny and Yosaku were the first friends he had made on his own, his first connection with other people in years.
Oyal watches his reaction in surprise. Not that they doubted Zoro cared but by how much emotion he was showing. Truthfully they had nearly forgotten about these two as they made a little impact on the story overall. They aren't really sure what history they had with Zoro beside working together for a time but it was clear he genuinely cares about them.
Nami is not as sympathetic, "ARE YOU STUPID?"
Zoro glares at her, "What did you just say?" if looks could kill Nami would have died, been brought back to life, and died again
Even Johnny got out of his teary haze, "Lady, I won't let you go free mocking my partner's suffering…"
Ganzo shakes his head feeling a little more tactful, "Young man, that man has scurvy."
"Huh?"
Nami rolls her eyes, "Luffy! Usopp! Tobio! There are some limes in the storage, aren't there? Bring 'em to me, right now!"
"Aye, aye!" The three boys run fast, ready to obey orders, tripping over Tobio, "Get out of my way!" "You get out of my way!" "You're both in my way!"
Ganzo shakes his head at their antics, "We're lucky to have stumbled upon you," he watches as the three come back, hands full of limes. Usopp lifts the guys head, Tobio squeezing the limes, and Luffy shoving the juice down his throat, "Any longer and he could have died."
Johnny looks like he's almost crying again until Nami intervenes, "We've got him in time, he should recover in a few days."
"A-are you sure, Sister?!" he bows his head, "I'm really grateful, Sis!"
"Don't call me Sis," Nami closes her eyes at this buffoonery.
Oyal quietly looks at Johnny from behind Nami, "He seems quite… surprised his friend will not die," the man goes from murderous to teary to happy all within five minutes. How exciting to use so many emotions, she almost can't keep up.
Zoro waves his hand, "He is just an emotional dude, they both are," he shakes his head, "They tend to overreact a lot because of that."
"In the past, it was an incurable disease that plagued sailors."
Tobio pokes the guy throat, hoping he isn't downing, "Come on, drink up"
"But now, it's just a minor problem, caused by the lack of Vitamin C," Nami continues very smartly, "In the past, ships couldn't carry enough fresh fruit to avoid it."
"That's the last of it," Usopp put his head down, "He should be fine now. If he doesn't drown, I mean."
"He should be fine! He can swim!" Luffy reassures.
"CUT THE CRAP! THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS!" Tobio yells at both of them.
Johnny stares at his partner, "It's working! He's recovering!"
Yosaku jumps up suddenly, skipping about, "Alright, I'm charged up on nutrients and ready for action!"
Jonny jumps with him, "Welcome back, partner!"
With Usopp and Luffy joining in the kickline was unavoidable, "Nutrients ~ Nutrients ~ Nutrients ~"
"YOU DON'T RECOVER THAT QUICKLY!" Nami snaps again.
"These people…" Tobio watches half in awe, half in horror, "aren't human."
"No, they are. They are just morons," Oyal helpfully supplies.
Both bounty hunters stop their actions and stand in a cool pose mirroring each other. Left hand placed under Johnny's chin, "Pardon us for not introducing ourselves. My name's Johnny."
Right hand to Yosaku's mouth… with a cigarette that came out of nowhere, "And I'm Yosaku," should he be smoking? "We are the pirate hunters! Zoro-bro used to be one of us too," he finishes his line.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," both say quiet politely.
"Nice to meet you," Luffy being the only one to return the niceties.
Zoro smiles at his friend's antics, "I never thought I would see you two again."
"I don't know how to thank you," Yosaku says lightly, "I thought I was a goner for sure."
Johnny gives a light-hearted laugh as well, "Yeah, I never expected to see you here, either bro! But, I'm even more surprised..." he chuckles a bit, "The pirate hunter has become a pirate himself."
"Huh? Big Bro!" Yosaku did a double at his long-lost bro and spats out some blood falling to the floor.
"Yosaku!" Johnny goes back into panic mode.
"JUST SHUT UP AND GET SOME REST ALREADY!" Zoro yells at his two friends.
After cleaning Yosaku up, he was left to actually rest on the floor.
Nami sighs, "Let this be a lesson for us."
Oyal nods pulling out their journal to date their log entry, "Never trust emotional outbursts…"
"She meant the scurvy, papercut!" Zoro rolls his eyes, "These kinds of things can happen on a long trip. Especially since we don't have much room for food on this ship."
Usopp nods turning to Luffy, "Not to doubt you or anything but this chef you keep talking about? Is he really as good as you say? We need someone who can see we stay healthy after all."
Luffy grins, "He is the best in all of the six seas!"
Ganzo huffs, "It took me years to master getting the best ingredients for my customs, he'll have to be boarder like biologist if he could handle the Grand Line."
Johnny picks up at the news, "If you're looking for such a great cook, I know where you could go."
"That's is not necessary," Oyal cuts him off, "We are already going to the Baratie."
Johnny deflates a little, "O-Oh, so you've been there?"
They shake their head, "Not physically," Johnny blinks at that, "Only Luffy," who gives a happy wave.
Johnny thinks that seems legit, "The rest of you guys are going to love it then," the turns to the rest of the crew, "The Floating Restaurant of the Sea! Then I guess you know that the man that Big Bros' been hunting for, Hawk-Eye is around there too."
Zoro heart fucking stops at that. He doesn't show it which is quite impressive but Luffy could hear it.
Zoro looks right at Luffy his eyes waiting.
Luffy meets his gaze. He nods only once.
It might as well have been set in stone then. Zoro grits his teeth, Mihawk will be there. He isn't ready. He isn't near fucking ready if half of what Luffy said was true. But it doesn't matter. If that man is there then he is going to fight him. One way or another.
Luffy looks on deciding what to do, what to say? Could he say anything? Is there anything to be said? Zoro is going to fight Mihawk one way or another.
Oyal pats Zoro lightly on the shoulder surprising both men, "...Fight well," they say in their monotone voice
Zoro looks down, a feral grin crossing his features, "Don't tell me what to do."
Oyal shrugs, "Die then," just as monotone.
Luffy was sure he laughed the whole two days it took to get to the familiar floating fish restaurant in the distant. It was hilarious in design but it is absolutely recognizable from miles away. Almost a symbol of hope to those with empty bellies. Luffy was trying his damndest not to break Merry's floorboards by how high he was jumping, "Sanji~ Sanji~ Sanji~ Food~ Food~ Food~"
Johnny grins as well, "Zoro Bro, Usopp Bro, Luffy Bro, Tobio Bro, Master Ganzo, Oyal Bro, Nami Bro! Watcha guys think?"
"Why am I brother now?" Nami snaps.
Oyal recalls two days ago, "You asked for this Nami."
Nami pouts, "What about you?"
"Gender, like time, is a social construct," Oyal explains.
Usopp gapes at the sight, "Oh, that's a humongous fish!"
Luffy grins, "Isn't it amazing?"
Even Nami gives a low whistle at the sight, "It really is! Amazing!"
Tobio was jumping at the rails, "It's so funky!"
"Yeah... it's really- SHIT!" Usopp interrupts himself jumping a foot back, "A marine ship?! Way out here?!"
Nami looks in the direction Usopp was referring to, "It didn't come all this way just to attack us, did it?"
Zoro grits his teeth, "I smell trouble."
Yosuke and Johnny shiver behind the boat's railing as the marine vessel approached, "Hey, we ain't pirates over here!"
Oyal stares at the two, "I thought you were fearless bounty hunters?"
Yosuke took no mind to her, "Yeah, bounty hunters. Hunting pirates. The government is another thing completely!"
Some pink haired bitch came out walking on the marine ship like he owned the damn thing, "I've never seen your pirate mark before," Luffy could feel his eyeballs roll into the back of his head, he could not care less about what this guy is saying, "I'm the Marine Lieutenant," he said like anybody actually cared, "Iron Fist Fullbody, but you can call me Sir! Who's your captain? Show yourself!"
The Straw Hat Pirates kept sailing.
"HEY! DON'T IGNORE ME!"
Nami looks back at the marine vessel, "Um, Luffy? Is it really okay to just keep-"
"Yes," Luffy says without a hint of doubt in his voice, "I just... I just don't care," Is it possible to negative care? He is sure if he had to deal with a moron like that his soul will leave his body and he just got this thing. He wants to see Sanji, "Now, let's head to the restaurant!"
Fullbody felt his whole body twitch, how dare they ignore him! "That ship is an eyesore. SINK IT!"
The Marines blindly follow their orders, "Aye!" and prep the cannons.
"THEY ARE FIRING AT US!" Johnny screams fruitlessly.
"Yup," Tobio watching with almost a bored look, "Those poor bastards," he gives Nami a wink.
She winks back.
"Language," Ganzo lightly chastises but is kinda interested in where this is going.
"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?" Johnny is stomping his feet on the ground, trying to make a point in that they all might die! But in his excitement, he drops some paper to the floor, as the Straw Hat effect claims another victim into taking horrors lightly.
Nami picks them up with some interest, "What's all this?"
Johnny looks down at the mess he made, "Oh, These are all people with bounties on their heads, Nami Sis. It means that if we get 'em, we'd get the money offered on their wanted poster," he doesn't seem to notice how she picks up one in particular, hands slightly crumbling the edges, "Don't you think it's good business, Sis?"
Luffy notices though. Shit… he really does not want to deal with this. He wanted Nami to trust him to beat up her guy and for them to be nakama. He wants her to be free. To be happy. He wants to kick Arlong's ass to kingdom come and never look back.
But... he wants this to be Nami's choice.
Yosaku brings him back to the present, "This is bad! They're aiming right at us!"
Even Usopp looked on lightly, "Wow..." he turns to Zoro, "So this is the feeling?"
Zoro nods, arms folded, "Yup."
Usopp puts a hand it his chin, contemplatively, "I see, I see."
"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!" Yosaku barks.
Usopp calmly turns to him waving his hand, "Don't get me wrong, I am as terrified as you are, but..." he trails off at the end looking a little conflicted, "I mean, with that guy on board," he points to Luffy, "...it just feels like they are wasting ammo."
Luffy smiles as he gets on the railings, captain coat slightly flapping in the breeze "Let's get this over with..." the cannon was shot, "Gum Gum…" he blows his body up, "Balloon!"
"That's new," Usopp sounding slightly surprised.
"Seen it," Oyal drawls.
"Awesome!" Tobio cheers, jumping a bit on his feet.
The cannonball hits right at Luffy... and bounces back into the Marine's ship.
"Well, at least you didn't cause any major damage this time," Oyal mutters as their captain shrinks back to normal size.
Fullbody stands in horror at the sight of his wrecked ship as the threat of sinking becomes more and more imminent, "YOU BASTARD!"
"You fired on us," Luffy fixes his hat, "We don't even have bounties or anything," he sticks out his tongue and stretches one eye down, "Dumbass!"
Yosaku and Johnny stand in horror at the sight, "WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!"
"So we wouldn't get hit," Zoro explains. He knew his friends weren't the smartest but anyone could have seen that.
"Hey, you scumbags!" Attention from both ships turns to a single person on the Baratie yelling at them. He was a larger man with a goatee and a huge mouth, "Listen up! You can kill each other on your own time but at this restaurant, there is no fighting you hear me!"
Luffy grins at the beautifully mustached man, "You got it, Old Man!"
Fullbody grumbles, "Get that hole repaired!" he snaps at his troops. He will get his revenge one way or another.
"Sir, yes sir!" they start scrambling to fix the hole.
The chef snorts at the pathetic display, turning his attention back to the pirate in front of him, "Are you customers? Or should I kick you out now?" he yells as Luffy and crew board the Baratie.
Luffy grins, "Paying customers."
Nami huffs, "This is coming out of your allowance."
The man's mood did a complete 180, "Well if that's the case, please follow me to your table, most beloved guests!" he gestures to the doors, "I am Patty and I will be your server today!"
Luffy starts jumping up and down again. This is it! "One table for…" he starts counting how many people he has, "Oyal, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Ganzo, Tobio, Johnny, Yosaku... Me…. 9 please!"
Patty girns a too wide smile, "This way please," and leads them inside.
The interior was far more stylish than the exterior, with smooth cream colors and elegant designs. The place really looks like a five-star restaurant. However, the brick center to the upper floor and nearby cooking stations gave off the feeling of a personal, homey atmosphere. Like everyone working there wasn't there for a paycheck but for a purpose. It gave life to the restaurant, one that few places could ever capture.
He gestures to a table for ten as they take their respective seats.
Before Patty could even ask for their drinks Luffy raises a hand, "I would like to speak to the head chef here."
Patty stops, "Huh...?" his brow furrows, "Why should he bother with a bra- I mean such great customers like yourselves!"
Luffy meets his smile, tooth for tooth, "I have a cook of my own he could hire and would like his approval."
The rest of the crew watches in utter shock, not at Luffy being such a pushy brat but at the way he was speaking. He was like a completely different person!
Patty's eyes turn to Ganzo immediately. He knows a fellow cook when he sees one. He sighs, having an inner battle with himself, "... Very well. He will be seeing you shortly," after getting their drink order he left.
"What do you think you are doing?" Oyal hisses. They knew this was the idea but what angle is Luffy getting at?
Luffy waves them off, "Trust me."
"Doubt."
"Brat," Luffy turns to see an older gentleman behind him with an equally displeased Patty on his right side, "You have something to say?"
He looks to be a stern man with a beautiful mustache, rivaling that only of the great Whitebeard himself. He had a peg leg and a hat unreasonably tall and a look clearly saying Luffy only has five seconds before he was going to be kicked through the window.
Luffy clears his voice, "A-hem..." he points to Ganzo, "I would like to trade out this older model with a newer one," he points to Tobio, "I'll even throw in the boy as a bonus!"
"WHAT?!" Everyone but Oyal shouted. They would have actually shout this time if not for the fact they are busy banging their head against the table.
Zeff just raises a brow, sure he was going to regret even asking, "Explain."
Luffy took the lack of peg leg crushing his skull as a good sign, "As you can see Ganzo is at a ripping age of..."
"...64," Ganzo supplies.
"And his grandson at..."
"10!" Tobio yells.
"So an old man and a young boy make the age of..."
Oyal sighs, "74," Luffy's jaw drops, "However, I don't think that is what you are going for. Rather, if you are talking about the mean then it would be 37."
Luffy claps his hands, "A 37-year-old man altogether!"
Patty grits his teeth, "That has got to be the most idiotic thing-!"
"Wait," Zeff puts a hand up stopping his employ. He takes a seat at the empty tenth seat at the table, "Keep talking."
Patty jumps his jaw, "Head chef!"
Luffy smiles, "Thanks, Old Man!"
Pegleg to the face. At least it only knocked Luffy out his chair and not the window, "WHO YOU CALLING OLD, YOU WHIPPERSNAPPER!"
"Don't even bother," Ganzo sighs, being one of the people placed right next to Zeff, "This eat-and-run has no respect for his elders,"
Zeff looks at him with a steady gaze.
Ganzo holds his gaze back.
Both stare at each other, neither backing down as the world fell silent between them.
"Old man fight. Old man fight. Old man fight," Luffy not so subtly whispers to himself on the floor.
Zoro hits him in the back of the head, "Stop that."
Then suddenly both men move and hands clap in a firm but respectful handshake, "I see I'm dealing with a somewhat competent chef here," Zeff sorta compliments.
"I can almost say the same to you," Garno almost smiles.
Tobio looks between the two confused, "Do they… do they like each other?"
Usopp pats his head wisely, "The language between men of pride is one few know and fewer can speak… we are witnessing one of those moments."
Zeffs takes his hand back getting relaxed, "Patty, get those drinks!"
Patty stumbles a bit, "Uh...? Yes, sir!"
Zeff gives an eye to Tobio, "You a brat?"
Tobio nods, "Probably."
"Well, at least you honest about it," he turns his attention back to Luffy, "The rest of you are pirates, right? And heading for the Grand Line," in all his years being and watching pirates he can smell their kind a mile away. Dreamers.
Luffy grins, "Yup!"
Johnny and Yosaku raise their hands, "We're not..." going unnoticed.
Luffy gestures to his crew, "Once we get our final member here we can start heading there."
Zeffs huffs, "You brats think you know everything don't you…" he studies Luffy a bit, "Hmmm, maybe you won't die immediately though."
Ganzo shrugs himself, "He might survive a month or two..."
Zeffs snorts, "I give him a month."
Usopp puts down the menu he picked up, "We are right here, ya know."
That's kinda how the conversation took over, with old men talking about foods and oden while the Straw Hats scan the menu. But Luffy couldn't sit still.
He could feel his heart race a mile a minute, shaking in his seat. He had to bolt his feet to the floor to keep himself all but lunging when he sees the blonde chef. His brother in arms. He went through hell and back in the form of a little girl's delusional sweet filled wonderland to get him back and nothing, no robot siblings, or genetically modified army is going to stop him.
Oyal gently places a hand on his shoulder, "... Please try to calm yourself, Captain. You're making a scene."
Ah, so he was. Apparently bouncing in your chair isn't good table manner, "Gotcha!"
He just couldn't wait to see-
"Welcome to the Baratie," a smooth and formal voice says, "I will be serving you for the rest of the afternoon."
Luffy's head gave a silent scream, turning it so that any normal human would have snapped it.
"What are you doing out here old man?" the blonde questioned the head chef.
Zeff didn't look the least disturbed, "It's my restaurant, my rules. Just serve their appetizers."
"Hey I worked all night on this soup," he gives a dry response, cigarette in mouth, and perfect posture, the gentleman placed drinks in front of Zeff first, "By the way, I'm the Assistant Head Chef, Sanji."
FUCK YEAH YOU ARE! FUCK-YOU-VINSMOKE SANJI BLACK LEG!
He just kept talking like he isn't the most amazing person in the room, "All the waiters ran away after what happened yesterday. But don't mistake me for a waiter," and continues serving to Ganzo and Tobio.
Luffy had to bolt his feet to the ground as his eyes never left Sanji's back.
"I take it that's him," Nami leans in silently.
Luffy very reluctantly turns his eyes away, "What's makes you think that?" he tries to play it off cool.
"You are staring at him like he had the secrets to the One piece," Zoro comments quietly after getting his soup, "He doesn't look too tough," he mutters the last part.
"Hey, neither do I," Usopp points out, "Maybe he is specialized like Nami and me."
"No," Ganzo replies as Sanji's attention turn completely on Nami, "That's man is a fighter alright, but he is a chef first and foremost," he hums, "Good choice."
Zeff raises a brow, "You interested in my brat?"
Luffy's grin splits his face, "I want the best chef in all the sea and only Sanji can fill that spot!"
Zeffs face turns unreadable, "Is that so…"
Luffy rocks in his seat as Sanji finally comes to serve him!
"Look! Isn't that guy over there Lieutenant Fullbody?" "He's a lieutenant of the marines." "Oh, he's so handsome and noble!"
Ugh, why is everyone talking about this filler pink haired bitch? The real star of the show is-
"YOU!" Fullbody started making his way to the Straw Hats, date in tow looking incredibly embarrassed about the whole thing.
"Excuse me, waiter!" Fullbody pushes Sanji to the side, away from Luffy and his chance to have soup, "I have business with these pirates!" Rather than be worried, every Straw hat is looking at their supposedly newest member's reaction.
Said member looks bored overall, "Actually I'm not a waiter, I am a chef" he leans over to Fullbody's female companion, "But you've certainly got good taste when it comes to your company," he says sickling sweetly, "How about it, Miss? Would you care to ditch this guy and have some wine with me?"
"Well…" the woman looks actually considerate.
"He's a shameless flirt," Nami says not-unkindly.
"Gross," Tobio sticks out his tongue.
"Hey!" Fullbody brings the attention back to himself, "Do you know who I am? I am a Lieutenant of the Marines!"
Luffy rolls his eyes, "I can kick your ass after dinner or whatever. I just want to get my meal first," his face longingly on Sanji's hand.
Sanji nods approvingly, "Perfect, you two can beat each other up after lunch then."
Fullbody was turning murderous, "This is not a game!" he yells too loudly causing a huge scene, now everyone was looking over making the Straw Hat table less conscious.
"This is taking too long" Luffy mutters, hand form into a fist.
"Luffy, no," Usopp slaps his hands.
"Here we go again," Oyal knowing that there is no escape.
Fullbody raises his fist, ready to smash the table into pieces...
To be stopped by an open hand catching his fist mid-air like it was a softball, "Hey..." a dangerous ex-pirate who has been quiet for some time looks up, "You weren't planning on breaking my tables now, were you?"
Luffy uncurled his fist, he almost felt back for this sucker now. But not really.
Before Fullbody could throw a temper tantrum the back of his shirt was grabbed by... a hand. A rubber hand stretched over to the back of Fullboy's fancy suit, "Huh-" only to be thrown out eh window.
There was complete silence in the restaurant.
"EXCUSE ME!" Luffy shouts like he didn't just throw a marine officer into the ocean. He grabs Sanji's soup only to see there was a little fly in it.
Everyone follows his movements as his crew stares down in shame. Luffy picks out the little fly, "Later little dude," and slurps the entire bowl in one gulp making sure not one drop falls.
Sanji's soup! How long has it been since he tasted the best food in the world? He loves food, don't get him wrong but after tasting Sanji's food, everything else just seems… blander... Lifeless. No only Sanji's food can satisfy his appetite.
With one big gulp, he lets out a happy sigh, "DELICIOUS!" huge grin on his face, "Best soup I have ever had!"
And just like that time seems to move again, everyone kinda going back to their meals. The lady being offered a free glass of wine by another chef who came out guiding her to her own table for the day. But Sanji's eyes were on table 10 with the nine customers.
He walks slowly over, cigar in hand, watching Luffy almost lazily, "... You like it, huh?"
"Yup!" Luffy grins happily, "You made it, right?"
Sanji nods.
"Then I want everything we have today made by you!" Luffy demands.
Sanji lets out a puff of smoke, "I'm not your servant," his eyes drift in a certain direction, "However," he goes to one knee in a fluid motion, heart in his eyes, "If I will be servicing this lovely goddess then I would happily slave over a stove for you," he holds out a rose that seemingly came out of nowhere in front of Nami.
She blinks at the rose but takes it all the same, "Um, Thanks?"
Sanji continues, sure he has seen the most beautiful creature in the entire East Blue, nay, the entire Ocean Blue! "O' Mother Ocean! Thank you for arranging this encounter today! Oh, my love! Go on, laugh at me. I, who can't bear torture. As long as I'm with you, it matters not if I'm a pirate or a devil. My heart's ready as can be! But, this is horrible! There's such a great obstacle between us!"
His language was… painful to say the least. Not physical pain but somehow… pain altogether.
"HEAD CHEF DROPKICK!" Sanji gets a peg leg to the head, "Stop flirting with the customers. And you... DROPKICK!" While Luffy is sent flying out of his chair by a peg leg to the ribs, "You better be paying for that window!"
"Stupid, Old Man," Sanji picks himself up easily as well, not at all affected by the kick.
Luffy picks himself up, "Aww… come on, I saved your table that should totally cover it."
Zeffs kicks him not-so-lightly in the head with the peg leg again, "You don't get to make the choices here," He gives a leveled look to Sanji, "Speaking of obstacles...Sanji."
Sanji finally let his eyes lay on his old man, "You got something to say, old fart! What do you want?"
Zeff points to Ganzo, "Looking at your replacement," making Ganzo almost spit out his water, "Why don't you just run off and be a pirate just like them," his voice was calm and harsh, "We don't need you here anymore!"
Sanji grits his teeth ready for a comeback but interrupted by the door slamming open.
"YOU BASTARD!" Fullbody growls stomping his way to both Luffy and Sanji, "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH."
Sanji's face was unreadable, looking just as done with this guy as Luffy was, "Sir, you are disturbing our guests, I'm going to have to ask you to leave," his voice is calm but anyone with half a brain would know the undertone of anger, "If you are not here to eat then you are not welcomed."
Fullbody did not have that kind of brain capacity as it would seem, "Should you have such an arrogant tone towards your customers? I'm the customer! A customer who paid you money!" he looks like he is getting ready for a fight.
His lady companion had enough standing up from her table, "Stop it, Fullbody!"
"Shut up!" he spat at her.
She flinches at his harsh tone, "F-Fullbody?!"
"Ohhhh," Luffy sings, "He's gonna get it~"
Sanji puts his cigarette to his mouth, face unusually calm, "Can money fill your stomach?" he simply asks.
The question caught him off guard, "What?" he was expecting fear, he should be feared and respected!
Sanji gave neither, "I said: Can money fill your stomach?"
The other chefs at the back of the restaurant start seeing the commotion, "No! We have to stop him!" "Someone grab Sanji!"
Zeff raises a hand, "Stop," the chefs look uncertain but listen, "Let's see where this goes."
Sanji cracks his neck, "Still refusing?" all mercy leaving his one showing eye, "How unfortunate."
It happened within a flash. One moment Fullbody was standing up, the next he was on the floor bleeding.
"He's fast…" Zoro mutters.
Luffy grin's "Dinner and a show," as Sanji lifts the bleeding man up with one hand.
The woman was terrified at his state, "F-Fullbody!"
Patty opens the door just at the right time with a large grin on his face, "Service, service and more service! Custo-" he eyes land on the horror scene in front of him, "A customer! You're at it again, Sanji?" his large brow turned downwards in anger, "What're you doing to our customer? Isn't that a marine lieutenant?"
Sanji scoffs, eyes not leaving the marine, "Are you blind, you crappy cook. This guy was harassing the actual customers. I'm just taking out the trash."
Luffy almost spits out his drink at that. How that hell dares call his chef crappy? Besides Zoro! But Zeff is already there, one hand stopping Patty, "Let him be, though put a tab on the window he broke."
Patty blinks at the information, "Okay, carry on then," he goes about his business like he didn't see anything important.
Fullbody climbs back from the floor, "What kind of restaurant is this? Do you treat all your customers this way? How does it even stay in business?" anger takes over. He really should start listening to his self-preservation instincts more and read the fucking atmosphere, "I'll destroy it! I'll destroy your precious little restaurant. I'll contact my superiors right now!"
Luffy sips his water, "Ohh bad idea~"
"Luffy, I am going to smack you myself," Oyal hisses. They just want to get this guy and go!
Zeffs glares at the man similar to how Sanji was looking at him, "You're no customer here! Get the hell out!" and kicks the bastard right to the floor.
Fullbody laid on the floor debating whether to get up again and finally realized he had royally fucked up. What kind of hell hole restaurant is this?!
Nami turns to Luffy drink in hand, "Won't he get in trouble for that. Customer or not that is still a Marine," it's not that she wasn't enjoying the show but…
Luffy smiles his troublemaking smile, "You think they care? This place is run like a pirate ship," he turns back to Sanji, "In other words fighting Marines is a daily lifestyle."
Sanji turns to the Fullboy's female ex-companion, "Forgive us for the trouble, but really you can do so much better."
"Ah, I think I'll have the calamari," Zoro thinks out loud.
"You sure?" Usopp leans over to his menu, "A bit pricey,"
Luffy waves his hand, "Totally worth it."
"Where is the dessert menu?" Tobio looks over.
Before any ordering could be done however there was a smash at the door, "L-Lieutenant! Lieutenant Fullbody! We've got a problem!" A bloody marine held the doors open.
Luffy's stomach growls, "We are never going to order are we…"
The panicked underling continues his panic, "The Pirate Don Krieg's man has escaped!"
Fullbody actually was competent enough to pull himself together, "What?! We thought he could've given us a lead on Don Krieg."
"We've already lost seven of our men," this guy does realize there are civilians around just… listening to this. Great way to keep calm.
"That's ridiculous!" Fullbody stupidly replies, "When we got him three days ago, he was about to starve to death! And we haven't fed him yet, have we?"
Whispers start to spread already, "The d-dreaded Don Krieg Pirates?!" "Isn't he supposedly the most powerful pirate of the East Blue?" Wow, really? What the hell, Buggy? You let this bozo take over the East Blue? Luffy knows he's laying low or whatever but man this needs to be a major change. Also is Arlong... just not a thing? What happened to take over the East Blue, you lazy bum?
"I'm really sor-" BANG!
How rude, a gunshot interrupted the marine's apology. The seaman collapsed to the floor as some woman screamed in the restaurant.
Big mouth looks on neutrally, "Another customer has arrived," he's going to have to get someone to clean up that mess.
Zeff glares as well, "He'd better not cause any more trouble in my restaurant."
Oyal puts down their menu, "So he is finally here..." they look on with interest.
Silence covers the entire restaurant as the customers slowly start to leave their seats on the back of the ship. The man with brown hair and darker skin walked calmly to the middle tables. He had white pants, seemingly out of place for his line of work, green shit and a grey jacket with dragon decorations. He had a sweatband covering his eyes in the shows and two earrings on each ear giving him a punk vibe of 'don't mess with me'
He sat with one leg on the table, gun in hand, "Bring me some food. This is a restaurant, isn't it?" his voice was rough and he was sweating from such effort as talking. But seemed more like a wounded animal, the closer you get the more dangerous it is.
"Welcome, mere bastard," Patty puts the customer service act on thick, not giving two shits if he was dangerous or not.
"Oh, sure he gets service before we do," Luffy complains loudly.
"NOW IS NOT THE TIME!" Usopp smacks his head.
"T-that guy…" Tobio looks back to the Marine, "is he…"
Oyal did not hesitate to pat Tobio on the head, "He's alive," seeing the man barely breathing on the floor, "Bleeding out but alive."
Sanji sees the kid's discomfort, cooly answering the unasked question, "It happens all the time here kid. Characters like him are not that uncommon," he points to the dangerous individual.
"I'll only say it once more, so listen up," Mister Dangerous speaks slowly, "Bring me some food."
The rest of the customers watched with morbid interest, "He's gonna kill that cook!"
Patty, while still being very polite asks, "I'm sorry Sir, but we'll be expecting you to pay for a meal here? Do you have enough money?"
Dead on feet raises the gun to Patty's forehead, "Do you accept lead?"
Patty doesn't even blink, looking more annoyed than anything, "So I take it that you don't have any money," and without hesitation grounds the man and his chair into the floor with a double smash with his hands.
Fullbody's jaw dropped, "What?!"
Zeff was just pissed, "Patty, you broke one of my chairs!"
Patty huffs knowing that is coming out of his paycheck, "If you can't pay up, you can't eat."
The guy grunts on the floor, trying to get up.
The customers cheer, "Way to go, Mr. Cook!" "That pirate's nothing," even the chefs cheered their fellow mate on, "Take him out, Patty!"
There was a loud rumbling coming from the pirate on the floor, Patty took notice, "Oh, your stomach's growling there, you filthy pirate."
The guy just smiles, "That was a fart, you bastard. Hurry and get me something to eat."
Patty kicks him while he was down, "You're no customer, so get the hell outta here!"
"Kinda hard to threaten on the floor like that..." Usopp mutters at the sight.
Luffy watches but his focus was more on another man who quietly left the room.
Fullbody takes the distraction to get going, "I can't take it anymore. I don't want anything to do with this kind of restaurant! I-I'll never come here again!"
Once Patty is done beating the man he gives a little curtsy to the crowd who gives a standing applause, "Alright, everybody! Please, continue with your meal," he picks the pirate up with one hand and throws him out a side door, "Please get lost!"
And everything went back to normal. Customers went back to their seats and conversation flowed too easily again.
"Well I guess we can order now- Where did he go?" Zoro started to say only to see their captain missing.
"Important stuff," Oyal explains, trying to get another chef's attention to order, "Don't worry I know what he wants."
Said important stuff included Luffy sneaking to the roof of the fish restaurant, hearing a certain pirate curse, "Damn him- How dare he- I wouldn't normally let anyone get away with that crap…"
The man would have continued to curse if not for a plate of fried rice being placed right in front of him, "Hey, you're starving, aren't you?"
The Pirate dude grits his teeth at the smell but looks away from the tempting meal, "S-shut up," his stomach growled again in protest, "I'm not the least bit hungry."
The blonde smoothly takes a seat right there lighting a cigar, "Eat it."
"Shut up! Go away! This is worse," his stomach growled again trying to protest some common sense in the man, "I won't accept charity. Take it away!"
The chef rolls his eyes at the display, "Don't be so tough, just eat it already," he lets out a smoke of air, "To me, any hungry person's a customer."
The pirate licks his lips, "I- I can't pay for it."
Sanji hums twisting the cancer stick in his mouth, "It's amazing how beautiful and cruel the ocean can be. It's awful to not have any food or water…. Just awful, I understand starving people more than anyone," his voice was cool but it was laced with something not entirely recognizable, "I don't care if you wanna die with dignity. But if you eat up, you'd be able to look forward to a new tomorrow, won't you?"
The pirate looks at the meal than at the chef and the meal again, he closes his eyes and surges forward grabbing the food desperately, eating like the starving man he was. A few bites in he starts to shake, back away from Sanji, "This is so delicious. I've never had such delicious food in my entire life," there were warm tears coming down his face but Sanji wasn't looking at him. If no one saw them then they were not really there right? "It's too delicious! I thought I was gonna die. I thought I was a goner."
Sanji gives a smile, not a flirtatious grin, not a cocky smirk, not a smug twitch. No, a genuine smile from a cook seeing someone enjoying his meal, "You like it, eh?"
Luffy grins thinking this was a perfect time to ruin the moment, "Hey, aren't you lucky? You aren't even a customer and you got served first," both men look up to see the third on top of the roof," Shishishishi!" good, he got their attention, time to sink them in, "Hey, Sanji! Join my crew!"
Sanji watches as the excitable teen jumps down from the roof and be perfectly fine, "You're a pirate?"
Luffy gives his best grin, "Yup!"
Sanji hums, "Should have guessed from the coat..." he looks a little thoughtful, "Anyways, you'd better not do anything to this place. The head chef here was once a chef on a notorious pirate ship."
Luffy grins, "Right, right, Red Leg or something right?"
Sanji wipes his head at him, "You know?"
Luffy shrugs, "Yeah, it hasn't been that long, only like ten years right?"
Sanji actually smirks a bit at that, "Yeah, I shouldn't be surprised. A lot of the cooks here work out of admiration of that geezer. For that old fart, this restaurant is worth more than any treasure. And those cooks who came after his fame were once fierce pirates."
Luffy grins at the fondness in his voice taking a seat next to his future cook, "Not a quiet moment in this place, eh?"
Sanji lets out another cloud of smoke, "Yeah, this place never seems to have a dull moment. It's not bad or anything. I'm used to it," he laughs, "Recently, most of the people only come to watch the cooks and pirates brawl. But thanks to that, it scares away all of the part-time waiters."
Luffy recalls his time as a waiter here, Oh, that explains it, "So you going to join us?"
Sanji looks at him calmly, "I refuse. I have my reasons why I must remain here."
Luffy nods understandingly, "I understand and respect your decision. And also I refuse your refusal."
"Wha-What?" Sanji was a little lost, "That's doesn't make any scene."
"Hey," Luffy looking a little offended, "I took the effort to respect your decision, you need to respect mine in not accepting your decision." If Sanji was going to say no to him than it has to be his own choice, not because he thinks he owed the old man a favor.
Sanji felt a sweat drop, "That-!" he was getting pissed, "You can't respect someone's decision and not accept it!"
"Yeah, you can! That's why they are two different words!"
"You'd better watch out or I'll gut you like a fish, you straw hat bastard!"
Luffy just laughs at Sanji's little insult, making Sanji even more pissed, "I would like to see you try!"
"Sorry to interrupt, but-"
"WHAT IS IT?!" Sanji snaps unfairly taking his annoyance out on the man he just saved.
He didn't seem to take it personally speaking casually, "I'm part of the Don Krieg's pirates crew. The name's Gin," he gestures to Luffy, "So, you're a pirate too, eh? What's your goal?"
Luffy grins, "I'm going to become the Pirate King! I'm headed for the Grand Line."
Gin starts to sweat at the claim but kept his voice calm, "You're still looking for a cook... Your crew must be quite small."
Luffy tips his hat, "Yeah. But we got the essentials and more waiting for us on the other side," he flips it over, "Makes it easier to cross Reverse Mountain with a small crew anyway, We've got six, counting him."
"Why the hell are you counting me in?!" Sanji snaps.
Gin tries to hide the surprise in his face at the claim, "You- You have been to the Grand Line already?!"
Sanji's anger disappears at that, looking at Luffy seriously now.
Luffy gives a cheeky grin, "Of course! Spent half my life there," or something like that, he lost count after... everything stopped really mattering, "But now I need a crew to head in. Can't be Pirate King unless I have the best crew behind me," he looks at Sanji, "And that includes the Best Cook in all the Seas!"
Sanji grumbles a bit, mad about being seen as part of his crew but utterly flattered for being seen as the best even in the Grand Line. Which only makes him madder that he was flattered.
Gin starts to shake more at the news, "So- so you know," he seems at a loss of words," You know about… the Grand Line…"
Luffy swings his legs, "I know a few things... She is always filled with surprises…" he gives low chuckles, "But I know for a fact that the first half is Paradise compared to the second half." Of course it took his crew two years to get ready for that second half and the first half was no joke but still they made through it alive!
Gin pales at that putting his head in his hands, "You've… you've got to be kidding me…"
Luffy felt his heart bleed for the guy, really he seemed like a cool dude just trying to be the best pirate he can be. Too bad he got stuck with mister 'I-Think-I-Am-Invincible' only to hold him back. With that mindset, Krieg wouldn't have survived a month, no, a week.
Sanji raises a brow, trying not to show his own concern, "Are you really one of the dreaded Krieg's men? You're acting like a scaredy cat,"
Luffy rolls his eyes, "Please, Krieg would hire pigs if they learned how to kiss ass."
Gin looks like someone slapped him with a fish, "Wha- WHAT DID YOU SAY-"
"Hey, don't get me wrong," Luffy holds his hands calmly, "You can follow whoever you want. But... come on. He's got what? A big fleet? Okay, fair. But let me ask you this. Why do you follow him?"
Gin stutters at being cut off, "... he's strong."
Luffy raises a single brow far too smugly, "Oh? And what if someone stronger came around, then would you follow them?"
"No!" Gin snaps, "My loyalty lies with Krieg and only Krieg!"
"And what about his loyalty," Luffy counters, "Is he as dedicated to his men as his men are to him. Are you sure he won't leave you if you ever show shines of weakness."
"... He won't" Gin said a little too late.
"Would you bet your life on it," Luffy looks him dead in the eye.
Gin looked away, not able to match the stare.
Luffy sighs, his eyes turning softer but no less intense, "You're a pirate. Not a slave. Pirates are supposed to be free. If you're not free then what's the point of blind loyalty?"
There was silence after that. Sanji sitting awkwardly between two pirates, one sounding much older than he looks and the other who seemed to have an existential crisis, "So uh," Sanji forcefully butts in, "You need a ship, right Gin?"
Gin nods thankfully for the distinction, "Yeah, I can't stay here."
Sanji tilts his head, "Do you need a ship? I have a dinghy you can use."
Gin smiles, "I- Thank you Sanji, but I have a dinghy of my own. The Marine ship was practically sinking when I left so I was able to snag a dinghy."
Luffy innocently whistles at the news as the dinghy is set and tummies full Gin waves from his new boat, "Later then."
Yeah, more like see you soon, "Think about what I said," Luffy offers.
Gin almost looks like he isn't going to say anything. Anyone could have missed the little nod sent their way if Luffy wasn't watching.
His attention turns to his savior, "Sanji, Thank you very much. You saved my life. The fried rice was the best!" he gives a big ass grin looking more human than he has this entire time, "Can I come again?"
Sanji returns the smile, "Anytime!"
"Hey there, Straw Hat, your order is here!" A voice snaps from the balcony from above.
Luffy waves, "Hey, old man!"
Zeff stares at the scene in front of him. No-longer-dying pirate now on a dinghy looking not healthy but not dying. Empty plate and fort on deck. He thinks he can figure out what happened here.
Sanji leans against the rail, "Get going, Gin."
Gin fiddles with his sweatband, "I'm sorry. You're gonna get in trouble for letting me eat for free," he sounded genuinely guilty.
SPLASH!
"Come again?" Sanji with hands open as he just dropped a dish into the sea, "How can I get in trouble if there's no proof?"
Gin said nothing just watching in shock. He is a proud man. A man who hates getting charity but. He bows lowly on the boat, head reaching the floor in silent thanks.
Sanji smiles calling out, "Don't get caught again, Gin!"
Gin pulls himself up guiding his boat, "Thank you, Sanji," Silently to himself, "I won't forget this, Sanji."
Zeff sighs, getting far too old for this, "Oi! Brats get back to work!"
"I don't work here!"
"THEN GO EAT YOUR DAMN FOOD!"
OOO
"FOOD!" Luffy jumps from his spot heading off like a bolt! "Food Food Food Food Food!"
Luffy starts gobbling up everything in sight. Almost at a horrible inhuman pace. So fast, that it caused great distress to the rest of the customers around him.
"So good!" he cried out.
"Hey, slow down" Sanji snips, "You're scaring all the customs away!"
"Like you don't?" Zeff said.
Sanji just huffs, "Ain't I the Assistant Head Chef here? What's your crap about not needing me no more?" now that the commotion has died down he goes back to the subject at hand.
"You always fight with our customers," Zeff starts to list off, "You flirt with any beautiful woman in sight. And you make lousy food. You're as worthless to me as the chum after brunch! That's what I mean."
Sanji takes a step towards the old man, "What the-"
Zeff keeps going, "The other cooks don't like you anyway. Why don't you just become a pirate or whatever you please? Why don't you just get the hell outta here!?"
"What's this crap?" Sanji grabs Zeff by the collar, okay let's just have another scene in front of the customers, that's this places specialty after all, "I didn't do shit and now you're blowing your head off, old fart? I don't care about the rest of your excuses, But I'll never allow my cooking to be insulted! I don't care what the hell you're gonna say I'm gonna stay right here as a chef! If you don't like it, it's your problem!"
Before any Sanji flying could have happened Oyal stands up, "Sanji don't speak to your father that way!"
This caught both males' attention. Sanji mid-yell, and Zeff mid-punch, "He's not my-!" Sanji started.
"Don't you give me that," they fluently interrupt, "I know a father and son when I see them," though Sanji's hair was a lighter blonde and his eyes her more a sea blue and sky like Zeff, "The way you act is clearly paternal."
Sanji says nothing in favor of stuffing his head in his hands to cover his shame while Zeff just looks away trying to be coy.
They had to admit that Zeff's plan to push Sanji away through emotional damage was a viable tactic however Sanji's stubbornness must be taken into account for. It would have been wiser if perhaps a heart-to-heart discussion took place but knowing both men that were less feasible.
Zeff then remembers he needed to punch his 'son', "How dare you grab the collar of the head chef!"
Straw Hats and guests seemed to have had the skills of ninjas as they quickly grab every plate on their table, making sure none of the food has gone to waste.
"You stupid eggplant!" Zeff huffs.
Despite breaking the table Sanji gets up completely unharmed, more like he was pushed than actually flung over a table, "Damn it," he gets up, "Are you kiddin'? No matter how hard you may try I'm gonna stay right here as a chef! 'Til the day you go to hell!"
Zeff starts walking away, "I won't die! I'll live another 100 years!"
Sanji rolls his eyes, "What a stubborn old man"
Luffy grins going back to his food, "Isn't it great that he gave you his blessing! Now you can come with us."
"Hell no!"
"Heavens yes!"
Sanji pulls himself together taking another table, "Please pardon me for what has happened," he turns to Nami, "As an apology, I give you a Fruit Macedonia, my Princess."
Nami claps her hands together, "Why, thank you. You're so kind," she adds sweetly.
"It's nothing," Sanji plays it off despite being utterly flattered.
"What about us?!" Usopp claps his hands on the new table, "This is gender discrimination!"
Sanji's flirty smile turns straight into an annoyed sneer, "I've brought you some tea, isn't that enough? You should thank me, long nose."
Usopp met him eye for eye, "Huh? Picking a fight? I won't be easy on you! Get him, Zoro!"
Zoro drinks his tea, "Do it yourself."
Johnny and Yosaku drink at the same time, "The calmness of green tea~" "One must learn how to make tea to truly appreciate it."
Ganzo puts down his cup, "You guys... are idiots too, aren't you?"
Usopp points to the table, "You haven't even cleared the plates away."
"You still haven't finished your mushrooms!" Sanji points out.
"I left them on purpose because I hate mushrooms," Usopp got up in Sanji's face, nose to nose, "I have poisoned by one when I was a kid!"
Sanji doesn't back down, despite nose in his face, "Well this one ain't poisoned so eat up long nose!"
Oyal sighs, "Here," they take the plate from Usopp, "I like mushrooms," they start eating them, "Can we have fruit for the table please," no need to make a fuss, just order it.
Sanji turns to Oyal… stopping… and just stares… "I, um…" he seemed to be thinking.
Now Sanji likes to pride himself with being able to know a beautiful woman from three miles away. That's is what he was trained to do. Usually, he could get a read off a person, no problem, it came with years of practice on serving customers and having to be polite to even the worst ones. And right now he sees one but… he doesn't feel one.
He could tell if a man has long hair or if a woman just happens to be more muscular than normal but this one... he can't get anything. Just... a neutral vibe. It would be so so easy to just say this is a girl but… his instincts are never wrong this isn't… he doesn't know. Not a boy, that's for sure. It has to be a girl! But where are his hearts and twirly legs?
"I am Oyal, a pleasure to met you," and they mean it. They have done extensive research about Sanji Black Leg, Ex-Vinsmoke and world renowned chef. He has a kind heart but gives a special type attention to females. He treats the men of the crew quite different. A little cruel but there was respect and a level of playfulness between them. He... looks at them like a person rather than an object of affection.
"Ah, Yes…" he looks for something to say, still no heart eyes… "I am Sanji, pleasure," could he be wrong? Maybe just a girly boy? But the kid doesn't feel like a boy either...
Oyal feels… good about the interaction so far, perhaps this will be a nice interaction.
If only Luffy couldn't read what he is thinking, "She's a girl."
Sanji went into swave mode immediately, "I knew that!" he barks, attention now on Oyal, "My dear, forgive me for my rudeness I was so distracted by these heathens my mind must have short-circuited," he had to keep the flirting light no matter how forced it felt... how old is this kid anyway?
Never mind. Oyal slowly turns to him, "Did you mistake me for something else?"
Sanji flinches caught in the act, "Well… Ah… and this all my fault obviously, it's been a long day afterall and I just haven't slept in three day thanks to a certain brat," glare at Luffy, "but for a second there… you didn't feel like a girl…" Sanji stutters out, in between his rambles, "But of course that is no fault of yours, I simple must be out of my mind to not see such an angel before me!"
Oyal slowly goes back to their food, "Just… fruit please," they repeat.
Sanji doesn't let his smile drop but he straightens up sweat dropping a bit, "Of course!"
"Thank you," Oyal goes back to their mushrooms. That felt… uncomfortable. Didn't feel like a girl? What does a girl feel like? They never thought much of their looks or gender in general but… they didn't know you can feel a gender. How does they feel being mistaken for not-a-girl? It is strange but… not unpleasant.
But actually being called a girl… what is this feeling?
Nami munches on her delicious dessert, "Please, don't fight over me!"
Sanji immediately loosens up, "Very well, Ma'am. I'll stop."
"Who's fighting over you?!" Usopp snaps.
"I want dessert too!" Tobio shouts.
Sanji sighs, "Yeah, yeah," he may be a dick to dude but kids... he could have a bit of leeway.
"Oh, thank you, Sanji," Nami leans in close to Sanji before he could go, gently cupping his face, "The food here's great, but it's a bit expensive for me."
He was gone, "Of course, I won't make you pay," there were hearts in his eyes.
Nami gave him a hug, "Thank you!"
Sanji could have died right there, but he turns to the males, "You guys have to pay though."
Usopp mutters, "I already saw that coming."
Luffy giggles, "This is going to be great!"
OOO
"What do you mean having one meal a day isn't enough?"
Sanji had a strained smile on his face. He really didn't want to lose his temper in the fact this woman (and all woman are good) has been eating only two meals a day when they remembers to eat, "You're not going to get all your nutrients that way if you want to stay healthy..."
"I eat when I am hungry," Oyal folds their arms, "That seems logical enough."
Sanji grinds on his cigar bud, "In your head but your body isn't energized enough to handle daily activities if you don't get enough food in your system. Do you understand?"
"Illogical," They do understand one thing though. It would seem that when it comes to food Sanji finally puts his foot down, even to females. They respect that.
Sanji burns the rest of his cigarette, trying his damndest not to snap at a lady. Because you are never supposed to snap at women.
"Also I want you to stop seeing me as a girl."
He almost chokes on his cigar, "E-Excuse me?"
"You are pardoned," Oyal answers.
"No, no, about the other thing?" Sanji backtracks, "You want me to stop seeing you… as a girl?"
Oyal nods, "Yes."
Sanji felt a headache coming on, "Like.. a boy?"
Oyal tilts her head, "...No. That will not work either. Rather try a person."
"A person…" Sanji repeats dumbly.
"Yes, I have given much thought to your accusation the other day," Sanji starts to apologize as Oyal steamrolls over him, "And as it takes I have feelings over this implication. As annoying as it is, these feeling must be address…" the child puts a finger to their mouth, "In fact, I shall have the whole crew change their address to me to make this easier on you," they turns to the crew consisting on Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp, "From now on I am neither boy or girl and you shall refer to me as such."
Zoro waves his hand not even bothering to look over, "Whatever."
Luffy tries to balance a fork on his nose, "Cool."
Usopp lifts a brow, "So they/them, right?"
Oyal pause before nodding again, "Yes, that feels… right," they hadn't felt… wrong exactly being she/her before, but when it started coming into question. It felt not right. And they know what to classify as uncomfortable or not now!
Before Sanji could question anything Usopp butts in, "How much longer do we have to be here, it's been four days already!"
Usopp was right. They have been spending far too much time on the Baratie for Oyal's liking.
They sip their tea gently, "I… am not sure," they hate that. In Luffy's contract, he should have arrived two days ago and everything! But so far it has been four days and still no sign of Krieg, "I would like to say we came here early but with the detours we took I thought the chances here unlikely."
Luffy shrugs, "Oh well," he was not too worried about the news, he has been having a blast following Sanji around and 'helping' the chefs with their chores like washing dishes and taste testing food. None to the chefs thought it was near as fun as Luffy did.
"Hey, Chore boy!" Sanji yells trying to find something to distract himself with, "Get the dishes at table three would ya!"
"Yes, sir!" A small but determined little waiter comes out. Tobio had been taking to the restaurant like a fish to water. He enjoyed the tough atmosphere among the pirate cooks. Being the only one brave enough to gather the plates. And small enough to escape any clobbering, "Anything else?"
Sanji looks down, "I think we good for now," he lets a small smile slip, he was on edge about the kid at first. He was a brat but... he was a good kid. Didn't sit and cry when things got tough, he just yelled right back. He likes the little spitfire, "Just don't let the old geezer get to you!"
"I got my own old geezer to worry about!" Tobio said proudly, "He might not have been a pirate but he is damn strong!"
"I heard that brat!" Ganzo shouts from the kitchen. He too had been taken in by the chefs like a long-lost brother. Despite being an older man and having no criminal record he took to the ex-pirate chefs with a strong and prideful attitude. He was hard working and didn't take shit from anyone, what more could a chef need?
A glass breaks, "IT'S DON KRIEG'S PIRATE SHIP!"
Oyal lets out a sigh of relief their body forcing itself to calm down, "...Oh, thank Jupiter…"
"How is that a good thing!" Usopp yells
Oyal calmly turns to him, "What do you think we have been waiting for?"
Usopp jaw's drops, "WE HAVE BEEN WAITING TO BE ATTACKED BY PIRATES?!"
Luffy grins, "Duh! What else are we supposed to do, go to them?"
"How about not going to them at all!" Usopp was fighting a losing battle.
"Illogical," Oyal replies, "Besides we have already fought his brother?"
"YOU WHAT?!"
"We have?" Luffy tilts his head, "I don't remember that."
"Ganzack," Oyal reminds, "The crab man. Turned out to be Don Kreig's brother."
"Really?" Zoro blinks, "Damn, must have forgotten that."
"HOW DO YOU JUST FORGET THAT!" Usopp yells, "THAT IS KINDA A BIG DEAL!"
The customers were sweating at the sight, "The flag that turns brave men into chickens." "That flag is- That flag is- No doubt about it." "It's the King of East Blue! It's Don Krieg!" "Why?! What's Krieg doing here?"
One cook with red glasses started yelling, "Look well, Patty! They're really here! You'll help us drive 'em away, now won't you?!"
Patty lost all confidence he had three days ago, "C-Carne, couldn't you be mistaken?! He's the leader of a 5,000 pirate ship fleet. Why's he coming all this way to avenge a single man?"
Ganzo looks out the window, "There's no mistake! He's really here!"
Tobio looks on in amazement, "That's what I call a ship!"
Luffy smiles elbowing Sanji, "You think that Gin guy's here to pay you back?"
Sanji sighs, "I doubt it. But it's strange…"
Luffy tilts his head at the ship. It was impressive. Was being the key word here. It is about as big as Brook's old ship for the Rumbar pirates, has three masts and a large exterior. There is a cougar in the front with a large open mouth. But it was utterly wrecked. Holes litter the thing like spots on a dog. There are tears all over the mast like it is a rag and overall just looks, "Looks like his ship's pretty much had it."
Sanji nods, "It doesn't look like it was attacked by a gunboat or anything. But it doesn't look like any human could have done that either. A tornado maybe?"
Luffy smirks, "Sanji… you've seen some crazy stuff in your life…" his voice still being light despite the heavy implications, "I think you know humans are capable of crazy things."
Luffy didn't ask about his crews past not because it wasn't important but because it didn't matter to him. Whether from rags or riches, they were his crew and he didn't need to know a damn thing about their past to know that he loved them. If they wanted to tell their past he would listen but he would never force it out of them. Their past was apart of them and he loved knowing more about his crew every day but their past never defines them. They are so much more, they are everything.
Sanji gazes at him cooly, his stance completely at ease but there was a just a hint of steel in those blue eyes, "... Yeah, a lot of crazy stuff happens on the Baratie."
Luffy's smiles, not daring to push it, "Speaking of which I have some business before he comes on board," he starts making his way to the front door.
Usopp starts to shake, "L-Luffy, don't tell me you're going to fight them all?"
Zoro manly pouts, "Yeah, leave some for the rest of us"
"THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M WORRIED ABOUT!"
Luffy laughs but it was somewhat forced. He really does not like where this is going, "I'm just going to check on Nami and the guys," he turns back to the door, "I'll be right back."
Oyal gets up, "... I'll come too."
Luffy stops, "You sure?" he wasn't going to stop them...
Oyal swallows a bit, "Yes... I want to check on them as well."
Luffy nods, "Okay," he turns to his crew, "We'll be right back!"
And with a swing of the door, both Luffy and Oyal make their way to the Merry, completely ignoring the giant barge making its way closer to the Baratie with each passing second.
On the Merry Johnny and Yosaku are shaking in their boots at the sight of such a large barge in the horizon. Nami meanwhile doesn't look the least bit effected, looking more lost in thought then worried about the upcoming confrontation.
"LUFFY BRO! OYAL BRO" Johnny yells seeing the captain of the ship, "WE GOT TO GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! THAT FLAG," he points to the ship, "IS DON KRIEG!"
Luffy smiles, "I know."
"What do you mean you know?!" Yosaku yells. Nami even breaks out of her thoughts to look with little interest.
"We have been waiting for him!" Luffy spread out his arms, "Zoro and Usopp are inside waiting, you two should join them while it is still safe."
Johnny and Yosaku look like their souls left their bodies a little, "We should have just stayed on the rock..." "At least scurvy would have finished off without malice..."
"Stop being over dramatic" Oyal lightly guides them, almost daring to touch them, "Get sit with Zoro and get some appetizers..."
Both bounty hunters hung their head in dejection and deboarded the ship onto the Baratie.
With them gone Luffy attention turned fully to a silent Nami.
She gave her signature cute smile, "Don't worry captain!" she gives a thumbs up, "Let me just secure out treasure and I'll meet you inside!"
Luffy frowns, "Nami... don't do that..." he says quietly.
Nami kept the act up forcing confusion on her face, "What do you mean-"
"Before anything," Oyal quickly says, feeling pride and shame for interrupting Nami, "This is a private conversation but I..." they are shaking a bit. Move you coward!
They take a few shaking steps to Nami trying to look natural, "Nami..." should they just say it? Should they ask first? No, that would be weird right? Or rather this whole thing was weird? This whole thing was a mistake. Embarrassing considering that they will see Nami in a few days, a few hours arguably. They shouldn't have come. This is too much. Too dramatic.
But they are here now, might as get it over with.
They lean forward to a confused Nami and hug her.
Nami... was not expecting that. From the way Oyal was shaking she though the child was going to hit her or something. But that was silly, as she slowly hugs the shaking child back.
"I..." Oyal tries and fails. They just hug Nami harder.
Nami was starting to lose her cool a bit. Was Oyal saying... goodbye? Do they know? Nami wouldn't be surprised if they did, despite her initial awkwardness Oyal was pretty smart on small cues. Does that mean Luffy knows?! Are they here to stop her?
Oyal suddenly lets go and steps back, "... excuse me," and take their own leave, leaving the captain and his navigator.
"I can beat them you know," Luffy states simply. Nami blinks at him, not understanding, "The ones who hurt you."
Nami stiffens, her face turning unreadable. He saw right through her. Despite barriers and facades, he was able to read her like a damn book, hell, maybe even better considered he had trouble reading. She hated every minute of it.
Luffy tries not to let this upset him. Of course, she is guarded, he hasn't earned her trust yet.
Nami closed her eyes, "Luffy... I-" what on earth could she say, 'you caught me, I'm abandoning you all for the sake of money' 'it's not what you think, I swear I'm staying' None of that was going to get past him. He knows. If he knows why she is leaving them he probably knows... how much it hurts to leave.
This connection. She hasn't felt this kind of feeling since her mother. Since her sister. Since she was home. When she had a home.
She didn't want to leave.
"Nami, please," he looks at her with his own pleading eyes, black but unfairly deep and emotionally, "I can help. We all can help you," he sounds so sincere, "If you just let us..."
Nami felt he whole body start to shiver at the thought, "I can't..." her voice broke a little, "This doesn't concern you," I can't let my problems slow you down. He was going to be the Pirate King. It was a stupid dream but damn if Nami didn't see it. She can't let other people be affected by some thief who can't solve her own problems.
Luffy walks slowly up to her.
Nami looks right at him, eyes refusing to back down. But it was like a mouse facing a lion. What did she expect? That he would just let her take the Going Merry and run. He may be a kind fool but no one is that... ridiculous.
As he got closer she expected many things. Anger. Betray. Sadness. What she did not expect was a hug. She was pulled in tight in rubbery arms that should not have made her feel as safe as they did, "It's okay..." he says slowly, "You are free here, if you want to go I won't stop you," he pulls away just to look at her, "But know this, we are just as free to follow you to the gates of hell itself and back. And we will be following you."
Before a shocked Nami could say anything he turns away, "If you want to leave you should do it now before that barge gets any closer," he gives one last look, eyes as firm as law, "If you ever need my help, our help, just say the word and we will be there."
With those last words, Luffy jumps off his ship and starts heading back to the Baratie.
OOO
I would like to thank The Patient One, Miep42, and MadGirl for editing!