A/N: I'm back and couldn't be more enthused to bring you a new chapter. I've been double dipping between stories lately and am finishing up Elseworld, which only has 5-6 chapters left and am currently planning the first chapter for the sequel. However with those stories they have a planned beginning, middle, and an end— a limited canvas. With this story I only have vague ideas here and there of where I want to go; this story could go on forever. So if you have any suggestions or ideas let me know; I look forward to sparking dialogue. So as always I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it and I appreciate the patience.
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Kuina rubbed her eyes sleepily, immediately shielding her eyes from the sun that briefly blinded her. She wiped the sweat from her forehead blinking a few times before placing her red glasses on face.
"You're finally up sleepy head." Edward said squatting down so he came face to face with her. "Jeez I didn't think you'd ever wake up."
Kuina groggily opened her eyes nearly jumping from the boat at the proximity of his grinning face. She fiercely hit him across the face before he could protest sending him toward the other side of the boat.
"I swear do you no nothing of personal space?!" She yelled with a slight tint to her cheeks. His lack of awareness when it came to little things like this annoyed her to no end.
"Wait this isn't my blanket... did you cover me last night?" Kuina asked feeling a little guilty for knocking his lights out.
"Yeah I did, you were shivering from the cold and I didn't want you to develop hypothermia—it's more common than you think. I've seen it happen to the toughest of Navy personnel, so your welcome." He spoke placing his hat firmly on his head covering the steaming bump before turning to face away from her.
Kuina felt guilty after striking him, she was just being defensive like her parents taught her to be around men. The samurai folded the blanket quickly, placing it next to the navigator.
"Thank you." She spoke softly hoping he wouldn't hold hard feelings for her striking him suddenly.
Edward smirked glancing toward her, "Yeah well don't go gettin used to it, it was a one time thing—I almost froze to death last night cause of you."
Kuina's mouth fell slightly agape from his rude remarks. "Well I didn't ask you to do it so next time don't, jerk." She grumbled sitting on her side of the ship.
The two fell into an uncomfortable silence as their small ship sailed the open ocean. It was nearly an hour before she spoke to him again.
"Is it really going to take a day another two days to get to our destination?" She asked breaking the silence.
"Yeah it will, but we're going to take a detour. As much as I want to eat my food, we're going to need more and restock. My dad gave me coordinates to a place not to far from here; he used to take my mom their on dates." He said glaring out into the open ocean hoping something would happen to take him away from casual conversation and ease his boredom.
"Really where?"
"The Baratie."
Kuina's eyes widened slightly. "Hey I know that place!" She exclaimed her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"You do?" Edward questioned scratching his hat.
"Yup it's where my—"
The ship suddenly started to rock back and forth violently as waves in front of the pair shot out from beneath the surface sending the boat backwards.
"What the hell?!" They yelled in unison seeing a large sea serpent appear. The creature's head poked out the surface and its body slithered to the surface. It rose to an astounding height rising twenty five feet above their heads.
"Finally! Here we go Kuina!" Edward shouted jumping straight for the creature's head.
"Wait Edward, we need a plan—ah screw it." She spat drawing her blade.
The swordsman ran to end of the life boat, slashing the serpent's body causing it to roar and whip its tail toward her. She quickly brought her blade down on tail cutting the tip off causing another loud roar to rip from its throat.
Edward grasped tightly onto the top of its head trying to tame the beast. He surrounded his fists in shockwaves beginning to wear it down. The top it's head began leaking out blood as a gaping hole appeared its head, leading to its skull.
"Time to put your ass to bed, night night beastie." Edward bragged raising his shockwave charged fist high into the air ready to deal the final blow.
Kuina noticed the monster took its attention away from her as she slashed at its exposed underbelly. On instinct the monster perceived Edward as the bigger threat at the moment, whipping its tail powerfully toward him.
"Edward look out!" Kuina shouted seeing he was unaware of the monster's tail.
Before he could blink, his fist collided with the serpents tail; the monster howled in pain loudly diving beneath the surface, causing wakes of waves to appear pushing the boat after out to sea.
Edward flew high into the air, a good distance from the boat. The last thing he heard was Kuina's shouts before he closed his eyes and froze as the cold sea swallowed him whole.
Thankfully the boat was pushed toward where Edward landed. Moving quickly Kuina used her superior reflexes stripping everything except her underclothes and raising the sail to keep the boat in place.
She took one glance at the air bubbles memorizing Edward's location before diving into the freezing sea.
Edward always knew despite holding great power, it was useless for a devil fruit user to struggle against the sea—they were natural enemies. Any user willing to consume the fruit would lose the ability to swim for the duration of their existence. He always laughed at that notion; he joked with his ex-Navy comrades the sea had birthed him and would not take him back to her depths. Now here he sank, descending slowly into the darkness of the vast ocean.
He was sorry. Sorry for not being able to live out his dreams after just beginning his journey. Sorry for his parents that he told he would be safe. Sorry for being reckless and not considering his circumstances sooner. Edward closed his eyes awaiting whatever fate awaited him.
Edward felt strong arms wrap around his waist as he slowly felt his body floating upwards. He snapped his eyes open to see Kuina; her cheeks were puffed out as she held her breath expertly. She encircled his back in her grip with an arm while the other reached furiously for the surface, all the while kicking her feet rapidly. In a matter of moments the pair broke the water's surface gasping for air.
Edward grasped onto the edge of the boat being hoisted in by Kuina who hopped in right after him. He laid on his back heavily breathing from his near death experience.
He peaked an eye open at her. "Thanks for saving me back there Kuina." Edward wheezed still trying to catch his breath.
"Your welcome, but don't get used to it. I need you as a navigator otherwise I'd be stranded." She replied coldly mirroring his words from earlier.
Edward nodded, "that makes sense, I appreciate it." He said still glaring at her. He noticed she didn't have her glasses and only had on her undergarments. He didn't notice until now the way her long green hair flowed down her body. He turned around with a slight tint appearing on his cheeks.
"Sorry for making you risk your neck out for me, it won't happen again." Edward spoke intently not willing to let it happen again.
Kuina couldn't help stop rummaging through her bag hearing his words. She expected him to brush it off with a whatever or he didn't care, yet he was sorry. A small smile reached her features hearing him humble himself.
Edward noticed the boat had stopped moving. He turned his head upwards noticing the sail was up; he quickly hopped to his feet attempting to fix the vessel's equipment.
"Wait!" Kuina called halting his movements. "Before we set sail again, I-I need to change so turn around." She commanded.
He did as she requested turning his back to her.
"And if you look I swear I'll throw you in the ocean and won't save you this time." Kuina stated with an all too serious attitude.
Edward's shoulder's tensed at her words. He whipped his head around to stare her directly in the eyes. "Call me whatever you like; idiot, moron, jerk, but don't ever call me a pervert." He said not breaking the stare he held into her eyes.
She nearly lost her breath by how serious his attitude about the situation was; she'd never seen him this earnest before and she didn't dislike it.
"Then prove me right and turn around." She said softer than intended. She knew he wasn't anything close to a pervert. Her parents had long since taught from a young age how to avoid perverted mens' advances and stares.
The moment she met Edward she could tell he wasn't that way based on how he looked at her. Even when he placed his arm around her shoulders and he tried to play it cool; she could feel his nervousness radiating from him—it was one of the reasons she didn't break his arm for that move. Kuina shook her head to rid of those thoughts as she tore her gaze away from the navigator in front of her.
Edward moved his gaze from her eyes sitting in his original spot on the edge of the ship, folding his hands on his face staring out into the open ocean. His mind flashed back to his crucial mistake during the fight. He went in too rashly aiming to take out a creature like that in a short amount of time. He didn't even attempt to weaken it before dealing the killing blow; it irritated him to no end dwelling on his mistakes—he was a perfectionist.
"You can turn around now." Kuina said with a smile pulling her wet hair into a ponytail. She dried her glasses with the end of her shirt before placing them back on her face.
Edward went about his navigational duties; prepping the boat to sail once again and checking the currents and wind directions—it would take them a few hours to reach their destination.
The pair fell silent creating an awkward silence among them. They weren't exactly friends and somewhat trusted one another, it was a complicated partnership to say the least.
Edward placed his drying hat on his head grateful if hadn't been lost underneath the surface where it would be lost forever. Despite not having known his blood uncle, he felt an attachment to the gift bestowed to him by his dad.
The navigator peaked his eyes under his hat to glance at his companion. Kuina was currently off staring into the distance, her mind drifting elsewhere from the moment. He didn't need to know her long to decipher she was a home body and her parents were the closest people in her life—he could relate to her in that way.
"Where'd you learn how to swim like that, I was a good distance away and you pulled me up like it was nothing. Some of the most experienced Navy swimmers wouldn't have pulled that off that easily." Edward exclaimed trying to get her back into conversing.
She raised her chin off her hand address the man sitting across from her. "Besides being the strongest swordsman in the world, my father was a master swimmer; he had to be in order to look after your..." she paused trying to skip past what she was going to say not wanting to start an argument with him. "Anyway in our homeland of Wano, we have some of the fiercest waters in the world. When he took me fishing, we had to get close to the water and sometimes you could fall in..." she paused again remembering her incident in the past.
Edward picked up on her hesitation knowing where she was headed. "Hey you don't have to tell me, I get it—"
"No—you asked me, so the least I can do is tell you." She said cutting him off.
"One day we went far on the rocks trying to catch giant codfish. I got overconfident thinking I had the line secured, however I was dragged in the water as the line snapped. The currents were flowing so rapidly I barley had time to reach surface before being swept under again. Last thing I remember is my father swimming after me as I descended into the darkened depths." Kuina stated holding strong to remember what happened next. She glanced at Edward who was completely enthralled by her tale, nodding for her to continue when she was ready.
Kuina steadied herself searching her memories. "The next thing I know I woke up on a nearby beach coughing water from my lungs. I've never seen my father so upset with himself. He told me he'd never take me fishing again unless I dedicated to waking up early before swordplay lessons and learning with him by his side; I did just that, eventually learning to swim through rough currents. So swimming through calm oceans like this is pretty much effortless." She said as she finished recounting her story.
Edward sat speechless on her epic story of survival. "That sounds really cool, I'm jealous." He smirked. The navigator wanted nothing more than to be able to swim, however he was more grateful for receiving the legendary tremor powers.
Kuina gave a smirk back. "I would teach you but your devil fruit powers won't allow it."
He sighed digging in his backpack with a slight smile accompanying his features. "Here..." he said offering her some food he packed. "This should hold you over until we get to our destination, if not I have more so just ask." He said placing the fruit and sandwiches in her lap.
"Thanks Edward, I appreciate it." She said picking up the food items to munch on.
"Its the least I can do you saved my life after all, so again thanks Kuina shishi." He said with his signature smile resembling the late pirate king. Kuina couldn't help hide a smile seeing his family trait show on his features.
Edward took his seat beginning to eat himself. The pair began talking about their parents and the similar paths they had leading the up to this point. Whatever their opinions of one another, they were acquaintances; forced to rely on one another to survive in this harsh terrain along the Grand Line.
Kuina finished laughing loudly at Edward antics as he finished telling a story about his old captain in the Navy and how much of a coward he was. Going as far as to hide under his desk and suck his thumb while pirates raided their ship during the night.
Edward finished wiping his tears from his eyes laughing from the memories. He leaned back placing his hat over his eyes enjoying and for first time really enjoying the company of the samurai.
"Hey Edward can I ask you a personal question?" She asked causing him to lift his hat to glance at her.
"Nope." He said with a smirk before a bubble appeared above his face. Snores echoed across the open sea as the navigator fell into an instantaneous nap.
"He fell asleep that fast!" Kuina shouted to herself nearly falling off the boat. She couldn't help giggle at the snores coming from the ex-vice captain as the bubble grew larger. She didn't know why but seeing him sleep peacefully and his snoring brought her comfort—the samurai was glad she saved his life.
"Edward wake up!"
"Not now Mom, it's the weekend..."
"Edward wake the hell up!"
"Five more minutes..."
"EDWARD WAKE THE HELL UP!"
The navigator jerked up whipping his head around furiously before standing up wobbly. "Are we under attack? Is the sea monster back? I'll take all those bastard on!" Edward yelled half asleep falling onto his back again.
Kuina let out a heavy sigh. "No we're not under attack you dolt; The Baratie is straight up ahead." She said pointing in the distance.
Edward squinted seeing a large blur in the distance. He turned his attention toward the swordsman with a twitching brow.
"What?!" She shouted crossing her arms noticing the look he placed on her.
"We're still about a half hour away, and we're not under attack, why the hell did you wake me?!" He shouted trying to stand up unsuccessfully.
"I was just being helpful you jerk!" She said jabbing a finger in his direction.
"Ah shut uppp and let me sleep will ya!" He said pulling his hat over his face.
Kuina sat down angrily tempted to strike the arrogant man in his thick skull for his manners.
The pair roped the vessel into the medium sized docking station seeing exquisite looking boats all around. Edward tied the ship down tightly, lowered the sail and draped a cloth over their belongings.
"Edward," Kuina called catching his attention, "this is one of the nicest places to eat in the blue seas, try and act decent for once okay?" She scolded.
He just rolled his eyes. "Jeez you act like this is my first rodeo Kuina, it will be fine you got nothing to worry about." The navigator said walking toward the entrance. Kuina let out a another sigh before trailing behind him, she defiantly had something to worry about.
"Welcome to the Baratie, ranked top five in all the places to eat in the world for over fifteen years—how may we serve you." The restaurant greeter spoke jovially as she smiled widely.
"Yeah a table for one please." Edward said placing his hands behind his head.
"Huh?!" Kuina questioned shocked he had the nerve to not include her.
"But sir what about your girlfriend?" The greeter asked pointing toward the lone bewildered samurai.
Edward yawned looking over his shoulder. "Her? Yeah she's not my girlfr—"
"He's not my boyfriend!" Kuina shouted throwing a handing in his face stepping toward the greeter's booth.
"Hey get your hand outta my face, what the hell's your problem?!" Edward growled from under her fingers.
"My problem?! You were going to ditch me back there!"
The woman could only laugh loudly at the duo's antics. "What a lovely couple."
"We're not a couple!" They yelled turning their attention to the greeter.
"Well if you two will kindly follow me to your table." She said beginning to walk through the restaurant.
The two comrades folded their arms turning away from each other before following the woman.
"So much for acting decent huh Kuina?" He asked staring off in the restaurant.
"Shut it Edward, you're a jerk." She stated looking toward the wall aligned with numerous awards handed by the press to Baratie for outstanding food and service over the years.
Kuina and Edward sat at a table near the ship's railing staring off anywhere but each other.
"Why'd you try to ditch me back there?" She asked looking toward the waiters who brought out large trays of steaming seafood to patient customers.
"Do you have any money?" He inquired glancing at her.
"No.."
"Sorry I don't cover free loaders." He deadpanned leaning back in his chair.
Kuina scoffed at his petty reason for almost leaving her behind. She couldn't help grind her teeth together from her boiling anger, he was so infuriating; just when she thought they were becoming friends.
"Edward," she growled, "I swear you're such a greedy—"
"KUINA- SWAAAAAN!" A voice interrupted.
"What in the blue hell...?" Edward questioned to himself darting his head in every direction as Kuina stood from her seat.
Before the cloud of smoke heading towards Karina could reach her, Edward stuck his forearm out catching mysterious figure heading towards his companion.
The blonde man with a short goatee, half smoked cigarette dangling from his mouth glared towards Karina with heart eyes and drool pooling down his mouth.
"Alright pal, get your perverted ass out of here and don't touch my comrade." Edward stated putting more force into his forearm sending the man on his heels.
Instantly breaking from his love-struck trance the blonde man became serious turning his attention to the young man in front of him.
"Just who the hell do you think you are, arrogant little shit." He spat glaring at Edward. Although he couldn't place his face, he recognized the hat from somewhere.
"Edward wait—"
"I got this Kuina, let me handle this pervert." Edward said throwing the man off him. "Now get lost."
The curly browed man ignited his leg. "Listen good you punk, I'm going to teach you some manners." He said raising his knee, igniting his foot into flames.
"Oh-ho, I've been looking forward to this all day!" Edward said surrounding his fist into shockwaves.
The guests and staff around them looked back and forth between the two combatants clearing from their tables to stand by the rails.
Kuina grabbed Edward under his shoulders making sure to hold him back.
"What the hell's your problem Kuina, let me go!"
"I told you to shut it you don't understand this is—"
"Sanji!" A voice from the far side of ship hollered catching everyone's attention.
Immediately his leg turned back to normal and his heart eyes reappeared. "Yes my darling!" He sang toward the woman.
"Great now who the hell is that?!" Edward asked to anyone that was willing to listen.
"Pudding my dear, Kuina-swan is here!" Sanji hummed happily, his body swinging wildly back and forth.
"My sweet Kuina is here." Pudding's eyes turned into hearts mirroring her husband's as they both rushed toward the samurai.
She tossed Edward aside hugging the two people she considered family.
"Aunt Pudding, Uncle Sanji I missed you two greatly." She said embracing them both happily.
Edward scratched his hat in confusion showing a bewildered but amused expression. "Just what the hell is going on exactly?"
"Oh Kuina, who is your boyfriend? He is quite the handsome young man." Pudding exclaimed offering a friendly wave and smile to Edward to which he returned.
"Aunt Pudding," she sighed, "for the last time he's not my—"
"Boyfriend..." Sanji seethed with rage behind the two women. He growled noisily becoming surrounded in flames letting out a loud shout of fury echoing across the boat. The guests refused to sit back in their seats fearing the chef's rage.
"No its not like that uncle that's—"
"Monkey D. Edward, nice to meet ya shishi." He smiled taking off his hat rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Is everyone just gonna keep interrupting me?!" Kuina shouted to no one in particular.
Sanji's rage immediately dissipated in the air, his demeanor turning into shock. His body shook with nerves as he nearly fell into the nearby seat next to him. Looking at the young man now it became all too clear to him. He was really the son of the last pirate king and queen but to him they were some of the two closest friends he had.
"Sanji dear, is everything alright?" Pudding asked placing a hand on his chest. She knew this day would come and what his reaction would be seeing his nakama's lost son for the first time. All the lost years he felt with his nephew and not being able to see him grow up alongside his parents weighed heavily on him.
The chef couldn't take his eyes off the young man who resembled his father in every way despite being bulkier like his uncle. There was no mistaking it either, that hat he wore once belonged to fire fist Ace."
"I-I'm fine dear, come on you two let's get you a private table with us; we'll serve you all the food you want." Sanji said gesturing the two to follow them before hurrying off toward the main part of the ship with Pudding right behind him.
"I told you try to act decent and you almost start a fight with our uncle." Kuina said crossing her arms, disappointment etched on her face.
"Stop talking like that. He's not my uncle, your not my cousin, we're not a family—so stop." He stated a little harshly causing her to slightly step back from him.
Edward immediately regretted what he said seeing how his words hurt her.
"Kuina look I'm sorry I didn't mean—"
"Don't Edward, I know what you mean." She said glaring at him angrily. "Just don't." She walked after her family with him trailing behind her with his hands dug in his pockets—he really did it this time.
Edward reached the table to greeted by Sanji and plates of food. "Woah look at all this food! I'm starved!" Edward shouted excitedly rushing the table.
He began sinking his teeth into every dish he could overwhelmed with the delicious selections in his lexicon.
"Oi Kuina come join in!" He shouted digging into the meat and rice platters.
She glanced at him side eyed ignoring his words before disappearing through a nearby door with Pudding.
"What happened to make her act like that towards you? You seemed alright outside." Sanji inquired lighting a cigarette from across the table.
Edward contemplated telling him to not worry about and mind his own business. However this chef was feeding him and he wasn't a liar despite wanting to avoid talking about his companion.
"I told her we weren't family, any of us; she thinks otherwise." He states before digging into his plates happily.
Sanji exhaled his cigarette arching a brow at the young man. "But we are family, your father and mother..."
"Look I don't mean to be rude but they're not my folks. I didn't know them nor did they raise me, I didn't receive anything from them; a picture, nor a letter so I don't want to hear it with all due respect." Edward said continuing to gorge his food until his cheeks were stuffed like a hamster before pounding his chest to force the food down his esophagus.
Edward peaked an eye open to see the chef staring at him in awe. "Oi chef, can ya quit staring at me like that, it's kinda freaking me out." He said setting his plate of food down.
He could see tears forming at the chef's eyes nearly falling onto the table.
"Woah, woah my bad man I'm just pulling your leg, it's not a big deal no need to cry over it." Edward said rubbing the back of his neck feeling guilty over his comment.
"I can't help it..." Sanji spoke quietly catching his attention. "You look so much like them, every time I look at you I see my friends."
The ex-vice captain mirrored his father's image and physical traits to a tee. If he hadn't known his name he could've sworn his former captain had been reborn in the flesh and walked through the Baratie doors. However there were a few differences that stood out; his attitude, articulation, and eyes all reflected his mother it was scary, even the tips of his black curls held an orange tint.
"You just resemble your father so much, but there's no doubt about it, you're your mother's child." Sanji said laughing to himself.
"You seemed to admire them a lot, enlighten me then." Edward said uninterested but figured he could use entertainment while eating.
"Well kid, I thought you'd never ask." Sanji said continuing to puff his cigarette.
The chef explained his relationships to both of the them recounting some memorable moments from his journey. However they were mostly vivid, short accounts of silly antics they got involved in, nothing special. However Edward's ears perked up when Sanji mentioned how he was kidnapped by the former emperor Big Mom.
"Charlotte Linlin?" Edward asked letting his jaw drop. "You've seen her?!"
Sanji smirked seeing his nephew take an interest in his tale. "Yup she was technically my mother-in-law." The Cook laughed thinking about the irony of someone like Big Mom being apart of his extended family.
Edward punched his chest twice in order to down the food. "W-wait so you mean your wife is..."
"Yup."
"WHHHAAAAT?!"
The entirety of the restaurant's guests turned towards Edward's shouting exchanging bewildered looks with one another before shrugging and turning back to their food.
"So how did you end up in Big Mom's clutches?" Edward asked retaking his seat after falling out of it from surprise.
"It's a long story but I was in the land of Zou with your mother and the rest of my crew mates after being forced to separate awaiting your father's arrival. When a man named Capone Bege—"
"The Fire Tank Pirates..." Edward said quietly, nodding for the cook to continue. Sanji smiled seeing the kid done his homework about the notorious Pirates affiliations in the world.
"Right. They took me away from the crew and I left a note saying I'd be back when I knew that was most likely off the table. I was put in an arranged marriage to my current wife Pudding. In some way I hoped they would find me but I feared for my crew mates lives. Sure enough they found me and tried to rescue me..." Edward could see the cook struggling for words as if he could see the images running clearly through his head.
Edward chugged his sake wiping his mouth, "Look Sanji, you don't have to continue if you don't want to."
"It's fine." Sanji said holding up a hand before lighting a fresh cigarette. "Anyway I thought I was saving them from certain death by sending them away—I thought they didn't need me to continue their journey, I was mistaken. I tried to get your father to leave by using lethal force against him. Yet he remained still in his stance willing to take a full head on attack from me."
"Woah, so you attacked him and he didn't do a thing." Edward spoke slightly in awe of the man's actions.
"No he didn't. He was right in the end, every kick I dealt to him was like a blow to myself. Your mother was extremely pissed, I knew right away she was ready to leave me to my fate after what I did and the words I said to your father, I didn't blame her, I deserved it. But your father refused to give up despite her protests, it wasn't in his DNA. Ultimately they saved me from the clutches of my fate from Big Mom and her crew after Pudding and I's first wedding fell apart." Sanji exclaimed.
"Damn, so you're telling me they fought against Big Mom and her legendary crew. The Navy won't set foot in her territory even with her gone." Edward stated leaning back for Sanji to finish his story.
"It wasn't a time we enjoyed and would never want to experience again. However after that I gained a new respect for your mother and father. That day I saw them enter Capone Bege's meeting ready to put a stop to Big Mom's schemes; I truly believed them to take on the world one day. Not to mention your father beat Big Mom's strongest sweet general Charlotte Katakuri."
Edward's eyes widened hearing the familiar name. The man who nearly held a two billion bounty was a horror story among the Navy. His mere presence required all three admiral's attention and all nearby resources to capture—he was considered invincible by physical metrics.
"No way." Edward said barley said above a whisper.
"Yes way," Sanji responded seeing the young man's eyes light up. He defiantly looked like Luffy but had Nami's eyes undoubtedly.
"So you ended up marrying her daughter how?" Edward asked placing his hat on the table beside him.
"Well you see I wasn't sure of Pudding's intentions at first. I don't even think she was but I knew she felt a certain way about me. I never doubted her once she helped me and my crew escape her mom's territory. She betrayed her country, her family, and her beliefs to escape someone she hardly knew. My beloved was even selfless enough to try and erase our first kiss so I wouldn't feel guilty about coming back for her while I was out finishing my adventures with my crew. She sacrificed everything, even her freedom just so I could sail with my friends." He spoke with a fondness.
Edward arched a brow. "So how did you remember?"
"Let's just say kid when you find love, you don't forget stuff like that." He chuckled seeing Edward roll his eyes, its exactly what his mother would've done.
After eating in silence, Edward noticed the cook's lack of eye contact every time he would talk with him.
"The reason you avoid my eyes when speaking, its because you see my mother isn't it?" Edward asked starting to eat the hefty rice cakes dipped in soup.
"Yeah kid sorry about that. Even after all these years its still hard to think about them not being here. I loved your mother she was an important part of my life and the same goes with your father." Sanji stated puffing on his cigarette.
"If you loved her why didn't you pursue her instead?" He asked curiously, earning a smirk from the chef.
"I loved her, but not in that way. My two comrades on the Thousand Sunny always held a special place in my heart, but I sought to find love outside the crew. I could tell from day one she only held eyes for your father. After they rescued me it dawned on me they felt differently then just comrades. Hell, on our way to Wano she forgot about our ship only focusing on your father's well being." He laughed as he remembered the moment Luffy jumped off the ship to pursue a giant coy-fish and him having to reassure Nami he was going to be okay. "Besides, I respected your father too much to ever do that to him, I only wanted happiness for my two lady comrades; and their was no one that made her happier or that I trusted or respected more than your father—he was the greatest man I've ever known." Sanji said placing his hands behind his head.
"You know, I pegged you wrong chef. I simply thought you were just another pervert when you approached us earlier but you use that to hide who you truly are. You may have your moments I'm sure, but deep down your a good person like Zoro." Edward said sipping his drink.
"Ah Edward! You ruined a perfectly good bonding moment! Why did you bring up shitty marimo!" Sanji shouted banging his fists on the table.
Edward laughed loudly at his antics. "What the hell do you mean? You two didn't get along or what?"
Sanji growled remembering Zoro's face. "I'm going to kick that bastard's face in the next time I see him, don't tell me you think he's a better uncle than me?!" Sanji dramatically sobbed clutching Edward's vest.
"Well I do think being a swordsman is really cool, but you're cooking is better, I need some of it to go." Edward said stacking empty plates on the table.
"Of course my wife's taking care of your food shares right now, it's the least we can do after all your parents did for us." He responded folding his arms.
Edward began recounting his journey thus far, telling Sanji about his time in the Navy and the reasons for leaving.
It didn't come to the surprise as a chef, he was raised by the fleet admiral after all. Neither did his nephew becoming a navigator and wanting to experience freedom outside the systematic military institution.
However what did shock him was being the owner of the Gura Gura no Mi fruit. Sanji knew he'd seen that power somewhere before, the fruit must've been confiscated by the World Leaders after Luffy's defeat of Blackbeard. His nephew inherited the will of the Whitebeard Clan and owned the power to conquer the world. It was no wonder he was so confident in exploring the world.
"So what do you plan to accomplish? You don't plan to become Pirate King?" Sanji asked as Edward patted his stomach full from his one-man feast.
"Hell no, I'm going to become the strongest fighter in the world. I want to explore everywhere and defeat everyone." Edward exclaimed with his signature grin.
The chef couldn't help sweatdrop at the young man's declaration. He defiantly took after his father in that respect of wanting to seek out and fight the toughest foes.
"Well its a vague goal Edward, you gotta find some opponents that are gunning to claim that title. The seas are more dangerous now then when I sailed them believe or not; things are getting worse. Your generation is more ruthless and less restrained than mine, they hold no respect toward one another or anybody for that matter." Sanji exclaimed still smoking his tobacco.
I'll keep that in mind. Alright this stays between us but you're my favorite uncle over Zoro only slightly because he's Kuina's father." Edward exclaimed showing his monkey grin, placing his telltale hat back on his head.
Sanji's eyes lit up in sparkles as he danced back and forth. "That marimo can eat shit! I'm Edward's favorite uncle."
Pudding and Kuina emerged from the door holding duffle bags which Edward assumed were filled with food for their trip.
"Dear wife, Kuina-swan! Edward called me his favorite uncle over marimo!" Sanji squealed as steam flew from his nose showing his excitement.
Edward didn't realize he used uncle, he must've gotten caught up in the moment. He couldn't help glance over to see Kuina's satisfied smile seeing her uncle happy.
"Dad what are you making a fuss about?!" A young woman asked barging through the door with trays of food and a backpack tightly fastened to her.
"Dad?!" Edward shouted standing from his seat—Sanji and Pudding had a daughter?
"My sweet daughter Sora-swannn! Edward called me his favorite uncle!" He said dancing toward his daughter with his hearts in his eyes.
"Maybe I was wrong about you uncle, heart eyes over your own daughter you really are a perv." Edward groaned running a hand over his face. He cursed inwardly realizing he called the chef uncle again.
"See my darlings he did it again." He sang holding onto Pudding and his daughter Sora.
"I'm so glad you two are getting along so well, what'd you say to him Edward—I've never seen him this riled up." Pudding said smiling while running her hands through her husband's hair to calm him.
"Yeah Edward what did you say to him?" Kuina asked, a smile playing at her lips. He could only hope she wasn't still mad at his remarks earlier, he really needed them to be civil for their upcoming journey.
"I told him I wanted to travel the world and become the strongest fighter out there." Edward smirked earning one back from the samurai.
"That so? Well if that's true you're going to have to get in line." Sora said slamming the bags down on the table.
Edward examined Sora curiously. She had short light brown hair like her mother's that draped past her shoulders, reaching her mid-back. Her bangs covered the middle of her forehead and right eye leaving a curly brow resembling her father. Her chocolate brown eyes gleamed curiously back as she stood about an inch below Kuina.
The navigator pushed his hat off his head not taking his eyes off the intense stare. In a matter of seconds her cold eyes turned into hearts resembling her fathers.
"What handsome man!" She cooed running over to him.
"What the hell?!" Edward shouted bewildered at her sudden one-eighty in her emotions. She crushed him in a bear hug squeezing him tightly.
"Wow, soo strong." She sang as Edward returned the hug with an arm.
"Nice too meet ya..." He wheezed losing air.
"Alright, Alright that's enough Sora—he's your cousin for crying out loud." Kuina said pulling her off by the shoulders.
"Are you serious? Damn." She pouted sitting on a nearby chair draping one log over the other.
"Will somebody tell me what the hell kind of sickness runs in your family?!" Edward shouted throwing his hands on his head. The heart eyes and pervertedness of all three members was starting to wear on him.
"Don't mind him Sora, he's half idiot anyway." Kuina huffed folding her arms.
"So Sora then huh. I'm Monkey D. Edward." He said offering his hand to shake.
"Vinsmoke Sora, nice to finally meet you Prince Eddie." She giggled shaking his hand.
Edward growled at her teasing. "Knock that off, my parents are fleet admiral Coby and Rebecca."
Sora just rolled her eyes at his declaration. "They may have raised you but your parent will always be the last pirate King and Queen."
Edward folded his arms hiding his displeased expression at the new addition to his team.
"Edward be a dear and help us carry the bags to your ship." Pudding spoke smiling graciously.
The group made their way toward the vessel parked in the docking station.
Edward sat the bags down lifting the cloth over.
"Wait that's your ship?" Sanji asked rubbing his eyes to make sure he was seeing it correctly.
"Yup, home sweet home." Edward said throwing the bags inside before laying down in his usual spot.
"Honey, this isn't going to get them very far, do something." Pudding shouted quietly showing an angry face near his face.
Sanji nervously laughed shifting on his feet. He could help admit his wife was scary but sexy when she got angry.
"Edward, a moment." Sanji said gesturing the man to meet him farther down the dock.
"What's up Sanji?" He asked reminding the chef of Luffy.
The cook shook his head ridding himself of his memory before scribbling on a piece a paper. "Here," He said ripping the paper off the pad, "go see an old friend of mine not too far from here, he's a shipwright, he'll fix you a ship. He was also a crew mate of your father and I's."
"Great another uncle I don't know about." Edward deadpanned examining the coordinates and address; the trip was a day and a half at most. At least they'd get a new ship, it was nearly the opposite direction of their originally intended destination.
"Yeah and an aunt too, she was an archeologist among our crew. I wish I was going with you guys so I could see Robin-Chwan!" Sanji sang showing his heart eyes.
"Jeez cut that out man, it's starting freak me out." Edward said rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
Sanji just laughed placing his hand on the young man's shoulder. "You're your father's spitting image but defiantly your mother's child."
"Funny, that's what Zoro said." Edward said scratching his cheek with a finger.
"Ah Edward don't tell me that!" Sanji yelled clasping his hands over his ears shaking his head. "I didn't just hear that!"
"Alright well I gotta get going, till next time." Edward said offering a hand for the cook to shake.
Sanji bypassed his nephews hand embracing his deceased friends' son. "I loved your parents kid, they were my best friends and I'll be forever thankful they risked their lives to save me; if you need anything from me or Pudding let us know nephew." He said before releasing his hold.
Edward nodded thanking the chef for the food before prepping to leave. The cook stopped him before he could head to the ship.
"Edward, you're like the son I never had but you're the captain and navigator of the ship. So if something happens to those young women, I'm holding you responsible and I'll hunt you down, understand?" He asked as a dark look overcame his features.
"I understand completely." Edward stated holding his hand for the chef to take which he shook firmly.
"Then have fun, and remind Sora to call us—or her mother will worry sick and take it out on me." Sanji nervously laughed pulling his collar.
"Count on me." Edward said heading back to the ship. He gave Pudding a hug before untying the rope holding his boat down and climbing inside.
Pudding smile knowing her daughter was going off on her own adventure. Especially with the son of the Sanji's dearest friends—she had complete faith in him. She respected his parents for never losing faith in her after being betrayed and trusting her from the beginning. Pudding hadn't realized they viewed her as a friend until they all outran Big Mom together. Those two were truly the saviors of her and her husband and she couldn't have been more thankful for them coming to Whole Cake Island bravely and heroically putting a stop to the wedding.
"My darlings Kuina and Sora be safe my beautiful ladies, stay away from perverted men and..."
"Really uncle?" Kuina deadpanned rolling her eyes.
"Dad, just go already I'll call you guys later." Sora said slightly embarrassed at his behavior in public.
Edward facepalmed before snickering, his uncle Sanji was a funny guy. He quickly set the sail causing the ship to pull away from the dock.
"Bye sweeties have fun." Pudding waved.
"My sweet angels don't go! Kuina-swan...Sora-swan..." Sanji cried banging his fist on the dock laying on all fours.
Pudding helped him to his feet and with a swift kiss he was completely rejuvenated waving to the group.
The couple watched them sail off into the distance as the sunset began to fade below the sky.
"I can't help but worry..." Pudding sighed leaning on Sanji's shoulder.
"I know but having met Edward, I trust no one else to guide them safely through the world." Sanji said proudly watching the ship disappear into the distance.
A/N: Hope you enjoy it, as always thanks for the read.