AN: I love when you reviewers give me ideas! It helps keep this drabble series going :) I got a few suggestions, one of which came from xMousex which was for Team Luffy and how they feel about Sanji's past (thank you for the suggestion)
WARNING: if you are not at or near the end of the Zou Arc - DONT read this chapter as there will be spoilers mentioned! You have been warned.
Disclaimer: not mine, belongs to the wonderful Eiichiro Oda
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The Thousand Sunny plowed through the waves, salt spray splashing the rubbery captain of the Straw Hats in the face. Shaking his head quickly, Luffy flicked off the cold water and hopped down from his captain's seat on the large ship's lion prow, sandals slapping the deck as he walked over to the grass where his crew were sitting.
Nami was tapping at the log pose and asking Carrot what she knew about this area's weather, trying to be prepared for anything. Chopper was preparing medicine, the mortar and wheel grinding quietly while he listened to the sound of the violin. Brook was playing with his instrument, not really making music but the gentle notes still danced in the air. High above them, perched near the crow's nest, was Pedro, silently surveying the surrounding ocean.
Chopper's ears twitched slightly at the sound of the grass being crunched down when walked upon, and looked up to see a pensive frown on his normally happy friends face. "Luffy? What is it?" He stopped rolling the wheel and stood up, tugging gently on Luffy's pants to get his attention.
Blinking, the mop of dark hair shifted, smiling a little at the reindeer hybrid. I need to talk with them about this. It's important to me to know how they feel about it as well. Smile widening (though more bittersweet than cheerful) Luffy looked back up to see the rest of the crew watching, waiting for an answer. With a sigh, the boy began, still feeling conflicted. "How- when we found about about the name Vinsmoke and what it means… what did you all think?"
Startled, Nami realized that the truth about Sanji's family had not been forgotten - indeed, the issue appeared to be bothering Luffy more than she thought it would. "Luffy…" When the boy in question looked at her, gaze unwavering, she continued. "It- it bothers me a little. But I know our Sanji-kun isn't like them at all." Toes of her shoes kicking lightly at the grass, Nami brought her arms up in a move reminiscent of hugging oneself. "It actually makes me feel bad that it's what he grew up with before finding his way to the East Blue."
"Ahh. Yes, it does sound odd when you think about it. Sanji-san comes from a family of assassins. So why caused him to leave and go to the East Blue?" Brook spoke out, violin now held at his side, forgotten. "Yoho, we will have many questions for him." He folded his long bones underneath himself, sitting down in a pretzel position and stared at his violin in his lap, saying few words for such a serious conversation.
Sitting beside him, Chopper went back to his medicine. Talking to Luffy or himself, none knew; either way he didn't look at Luffy. "Sanji is our nakama. I trust him, no matter what Pekoms says." Knowing the lion mink could hear him, despite lying down in Chopper's doctor office, the reindeer continued, voice beginning to waver. "Sanji- Sanji always protected us, he'll come back. He has to." The mortar stopped moving, tears falling out from under Chopper's lowered hat, as both hands reach up to clutch the brim.
Luffy placed a hand on his friend's hat, and lifted his head, resolution filling him as he looked toward the bow and the open waters ahead.
"Don't worry Chopper. We will get him back."
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That's it for now. I got lots of other reviews and I wanted to thank everyone who has reviewed so far: Black' Victor Cachat (thank you so much for all the kind words), LessTheNever, LuckyKittens and xMousex: thank you all 3
And thank you Black' Victor Cachat for the suggestions - im using one for the next chapter.
Hit that 'Review' button and tell me what you all thought! Suggestions are still welcome as well.