Chapter 55

Fingertips

"Great job, sweet Lily, you're the best! Amy, my dear, your movements are fantastic!"

Sanji gazed at the two young women who were doing their best in front of him on the beach, dazzled. At this early hour, the place was still deserted and ideal because as the day progressed, it would soon be too hot to really enjoy it, not to mention that many of the island's inhabitants and tourists would come to lie down on the warm sand of All Blue or swim in its ocean.

After a few minutes, Lily and Amy changed postures and the blond nodded vigorously. To be completely honest, the cook was struggling to focus his gaze solely on their movements, getting caught up in both their grace and the pain of their bodies due to some exercises. As he had immediately sensed when Lily had asked him, teaching the fisherwoman to defend herself cost him almost as much as if he had to face her himself and when Amy had wanted to join them, his ordeal had only increased. Yet if the blond didn't budge from the idea that women had to be protected so as not to suffer, knowing they were at their best delighted him and participating in their happiness gave him the additional strength he needed to overcome his own weaknesses.

That's why the cook put all his enthusiasm into complimenting them at every moment, as much to support them as to give himself courage. Indeed, he wasn't naive and he knew himself well enough to know that despite his efforts, he was really quickly reaching his limit: it was unthinkable to fight physically against them or simply teach them to parry blows. Even asking them to work their abs and seeing their faces wince with the difficulty was hardly bearable to him.

Sanji hadn't resolved his dilemma yet and so he suggested limbering up exercises necessary for fluidity during combat sports. Either way, he was sincerely convinced that facilitating the practice of some movements was an exercise neglected by most fighters although they revealed the endurance and vitality of the person who practiced them. And as so often, battles were won by details. In this way, Sanji wanted to be sure that on this point, his princesses would be the best.

Today he focused on stretching the back and hamstrings in order to promote mobility as well as on the iliopsoas, a muscle often forgotten but essential to prevent hip and lower back pain due to kicks.

"Is the position good, Sanji?" Lily asked him suddenly. On her knees and with her body weight forward on one of her legs, the young woman had slightly turned her chest in order to stretch the muscle of her opposite thigh.

"It's absolutely splendid but if you could turn your upper body a little more to the left, it'd be truly perfect!"

"I don't know if… I can go lower," Amy whispered alongside her friend, her face tense.

In the same position as the fisherwoman, she had turned red and sweat was gathering on her forehead. Immediately, the blond rushed to her side and grabbed her hand clenched on her knee.

"Take deep breaths, sweetie, and use your breathing to relax your muscles." Amy forced herself to exhale slowly, allowing her body to relax a little and Sanji smiled broadly. "Well done! In about thirty seconds, you'll have finished your exercise!"

The girl nodded despite her clenched jaw and Sanji felt her hand tremble in his. He squeezed it back to give her all his strength but after a few seconds, Amy's face froze again. The blond was about to ask her to take a break when she shook her head fiercely in front of his worried look. The young girl forced herself to hold on for the few remaining seconds then finally released her effort to drop onto the sand, panting but satisfied.

"Is everything okay, Amy?" The cook asked, concerned. "Maybe I shouldn't have suggested this movement, it's terribly tiring and you may have aches tomorrow," he added. He then guiltily watched the two young women catch their breath.

"If we only do easy exercises, we'll never progress," Lily reminded him after taking a sip of water.

"That's true but maybe another type of stretching…"

"Be brave, Sanji. You have to make an effort too," his protégé chimed in, amused.

The girl's hand on his arm soothed him as much as it made the cook sigh and beside him, Amy and Lily burst out laughing. This training hurt each of them and that was the goal: for everyone to improve according to their level.


"Five pouches and three fishermen pan fried. Three iced nougats with pink pralines." Zeff read as Amy headed back into the dining room after giving them her new order.

"Yes, chef!"

"The pan fried for table seventeen is ready," Sanji said, placing his immaculate plate on the serving tray. He then turned around to continue his preparations but frowned. "Can I know where my bricks are, Sam?!"

"They're coming, chef!"

"What about my chanterelles? You think they'll come by themselves, Elio?!"

"They're here, chef!"

"Hurry the fuck up, we don't have all day!"

"Yes, chef!"

Zeff gave a pastry bag filled with airy whipped cream to the blond who nodded before placing an artistic touch on his three dessert plates where the iced nougats were already resting. He then grabbed a handful of crushed pink pralines and sprinkled them on his preparation. He took his plates to examine them critically and wiped away the slight traces of splashes with a clean cloth. He placed them on Amy's tray and finally grabbed the bricks that Sam had just left for him while Elio brought him the chanterelles.

The environment of his kitchen was a real breath of fresh air for Sanji and he enjoyed every minute spent within these walls. For some time now, he and Zeff had been able to resume cooking more and more regularly: new suppliers had been found and the attacks they suffered were most of the time managed quickly thanks to Liam's alarms. Getting back into the kitchen was a real relief in addition to a clear victory for the All Blue team even if vigilance was always required.

"How's training with the girls going, chef?"

Sanji clenched his teeth around his cigarette butt while he buttered his bricks with a brush. Leaving his two kitchen boys in charge of the All Blue had given them confidence and Elio in particular no longer hesitated to provoke his boss for fun. Sanji also suspected that Zeff had encouraged him on this matter. For his part, Sam remained discreet and in addition to his less extroverted nature, Sanji knew that he would keep a low profile given his relationship with the young fisherwoman and the protective nature of the cook towards the ladies.

"It's going perfectly well because they're much better than you at following instructions," he replied, grabbing a bunch of sorrel and scissors.

"Lily told Sam you worked on stretching your thighs this morning," he continued cheerfully while his colleague shook his head in front of his own preparation on the other side of the kitchen.

"It's very important to avoid getting hurt," the blond agreed.

"I can't wait to see them defend the All Blue!" Elio went on in the same tone while stirring the contents of a saucepan. "I thought of some battle dress for them, both sexy and warlike! That'd be crazy publicity for us, don't you think, chef?"

"You fucking bastard!"

The cook's foot crossed the kitchen in a flash but Elio moved to avoid it, laughing. He was well aware that Sanji never fully unleashed his power in this sacred place.

"Where's my sauce?!" His boss roared back.

"Ready, chef!"

"Lemme see."

The blond glanced at Elio's preparation, who was smiling from ear to ear, and Sanji grabbed his pan to pour the contents onto the salmon simmering in front of him.

"Well. I see you have enough time to have fun and cook so you're gonna make all the pouches from now on, I could use vacation."

The young cook immediately lost his smile. "I-I haven't finished the frying pans yet, chef…"

"I didn't quite get why this was my problem. Get to work."

Sanji threw him the new bricks that Sam had just brought him and Elio barely caught them before rushing off to his post without asking for more. Sanji appreciated the only characteristic sound of the utensils in the middle of the focus atmosphere of his cooks then. It was better this way.


Nearly an hour later, lunch service was ending and Sanji prepared the last iced nougats while Elio and Sam began cleaning the kitchen. At that moment, Amy went through the doors to get some coffee and at the same time, she turned to Zeff.

"Table twelve's customers are from an island south of the second door and they'd like to talk to you. I think they want to establish some sort of partnership with All Blue; they say they have exceptional fresh fruit."

The old cook continued to whisk his bowl of whipped cream and simply added a touch of icing sugar. "Sanji. Get in there."

Busy pouring rose syrup on his desserts, the blond looked up to stare at him. "What do you mean?"

"Did I stutter? I'm telling you to go."

The cook put down his bottle of syrup in annoyance. "You represent the All Blue, remember, old fart?"

"I'm busy here, you little shit, so you're the one who's gonna do it. Is that clear?"

Sanji observed the almost finished whipped cream from the old cook who still had his back turned to him.

"What if I'm recognized?"

"You just need to know how to behave."

"We have just found a balance, we're not gonna take that risk! Everyone has worked hard and the inhabitants feel safe again!"

"For all I care."

A tense silence stretched out in the kitchen until Sanji lowered the cigarette butt he had stuffed into his mouth. He then threw it in the trash and took his last desserts out of the fridge.

"Sam."

"Yes, chef?"

"Take my place and finish the nougats, there are about ten left. Then you clean your station and don't set foot in the restaurant again until tomorrow."

His kitchen boy stared at him, taken aback. "Wh-Why?"

Sanji put another cigarette into his mouth before washing his hands. "Lily had something planned for you and she asked me if you could be off tonight. You haven't had a day off in three weeks so I said yes."

"Thank you, chef!"

"Don't make me regret it." The blond grumbled, glancing at his reflection in the mirror to check his outfit. "If you're late tomorrow morning, you won't see daylight for the next few months, I guarantee it."

"You can count on me, chef!"

Sanji ignored his assistant cook's goofy smile and wordlessly walked past his old mentor to follow Amy who had grabbed the serving tray full of coffees and bills. He wasn't stupid. Zeff was no busier than usual and so it was for another reason that he was sending him to meet these customers.

The blond forced himself to reject the most logical and painful explanation that came to his mind: Zeff no longer wanted to be put forward because the Baratie had suffered from it. He probably considered that it was up to Sanji to take responsibility now.

Swallowing his remorse and a smile plastered on his face, Sanji passed through the swinging doors of the kitchen towards the room.


"Sanji!" The cook looked up from his notebook and saw Liam eagerly pushing the restaurant door open, a wide smile on his lips. "I saw the light when I came back so I came straight to the All Blue. I was hoping you were still here!"

"What's going on?"

Night had fallen for a while now and the last customers had left almost two hours ago. Zeff, Sanji and Elio had had time to clean and tidy up then everyone had gone to bed but the blond had stayed a little longer to do the accounts. Afterwards, he had opened his recipe book and hadn't seen time pass until that moment. Lately, he had seen little of the scientist who, like almost every evening, had stayed near the doors to study them and stay alert. The cook sensed that the news he was going to bring him was of the greatest importance then.

Quickly closing the door behind him, Liam approached and put his headphones and detection device on the table next to the cook's papers and the small basket of fruit in its center. He then sat down on the bench next to the blond while turning enough to face him, his eyes shining with excitement.

"My alarms are gonna be marketed!"

Sanji felt his own eyes widen in surprise. "Your alarms?"

"Yes! A security company has heard about our defenses on All Blue and they wanna produce the ones that snap on and emit a sound to destabilize intruders! They think it'll be a great success in private homes and among professionals alike!"

"Really? That's excellent news!"

"They came to find me this evening and they offered me a contract!" The dark-haired man added, digging in the pocket of his jeans. He then unfolded a paper before showing it to him, beaming. "Look! Look at the price they're offering me!"

Sanji leaned towards the paper and adjusted his sight before his mouth opened in shock. "Are they serious?!"

"They are!" Liam burst out laughing. "I checked; it's an investment company specializing in security. They're known for creating modern applications in this field and to prove their interest, they've already paid me ten percent!"

"It's incredible," Sanji murmured, looking through the contract.

"Wait, you don't know the best part! I received a letter some time ago from acousticians and they told me that they'd be very interested in meeting me so that I could participate in their research on the underwater study of sounds!"

At these words, Sanji put the paper back on the table to stare at his companion, astounded. "Scientists have contacted you about your work on the doors?"

"I know, that's crazy but thanks to All Blue, the island's notoriety has grown and the transition from one place to another is very carefully studied!"

"What did you tell them then?" The cook urged him.

"I told them I'd be happy to, of course, and they sent me an invitation today to meet them at the Basterl University. Basterl University, can you imagine?! It's the reference place for study of sounds on the Grand Line, I still can't believe it!"

"That's… wow." The blond agreed, also stunned.

"I'm not sure yet what I'm gonna do with this money," Liam continued feverishly. "I was thinking about maybe investing in some acoustic equipment but I know Lily could use a better boat and with the money they gave me I might be able to help her. Unless you need something for the restaurant?" He asked, looking up at the cook and ready to fulfill his every wish.

Sanji shook his head, amused. "The All Blue is a profitable business. It's not luxury yet but the profits are increasing. Either way, this money is yours; you can do whatever you want."

"You're right, I… I don't realize…"

Overjoyed, Liam suddenly jumped into the blond's arms to kiss him passionately and although surprised, Sanji let himself go, a smile on his lips. "You deserve it, Liam, you've worked hard."

"Thank you but it's also thanks to you if I'm starting to realize my dream today so I'm grateful too." The scientist kissed again, this time more quietly but just as ardently, and Sanji gently hugged him back.

After a few moments though, he pulled away slightly. "Liam."

"Hmm?" The dark-haired man was lost in contemplation of his companion's blue eyes and Sanji observed him. "Why didn't you tell me about it?"

"About what?" The cook nodded slightly towards the paper left on the table in front of them. "This company contacted you a while ago before offering you this contract and these scientists too since you replied and they sent you an invitation. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Oh, I… I never wanted to push you aside, I swear. It's just…" Liam looked down and Sanji placed a hand under his chin to meet his gaze. "Tell me," he insisted.

The scientist shook his head, his cheeks flushed. "I just didn't want to bother you, that's all… You had to think about the All Blue and Vorgo's attacks and… I wasn't even sure how it was going to turn out so… I figured that'd be best. If it hadn't worked out, I wouldn't have wanted to disappoint you or waste time on it…"

Sanji didn't reply but faced with his companion's guilty look, he ended up placing another kiss on his lips. "You could have talked to me either way but it's okay, I understand. The important thing is that your work is finally rewarded. I'm really happy for you, Liam."

The scientist nodded, visibly still embarrassed, and a short silence stretched between the two young men until Liam noticed the notebook on which the cook was working before he arrived. He shifted a little to grab it.

"New recipes?" He asked him as his hand timidly caressed the blond's nape.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah. Some guys came this afternoon from Cracotte Island. They told me about the supposedly incredible fruit they grow on their land and they wanna become our suppliers. I told them I was willing to test the fruit for a week before thinking about an official arrangement and they're gonna bring some back tomorrow so I'm thinking about new desserts."

With his free hand, Liam turned the page of the notebook to read what was written. "Warm mille-feuille with red fruit. Watermelon with spiced honey. Blueberry tart with almond cream."

"I still have a doubt about the rose, pomelo and lychee macarons," Sanji showed him, pointing to the basket of fruit. "It's a complicated recipe and I don't know if Elio and Sam will be able to keep up."

"They seem talented though," the scientist pointed out to him.

"They stood firm," the cook admitted, "But they're not entirely ready yet."

Liam looked thoughtfully at the fruit on the table. "To think that just a few weeks ago, we were afraid of not finding someone to sell us enough ingredients… People are fighting for you to choose them now."

"We have nothing to complain about," the blond agreed, "But I still remain cautious; it could also be a trap."

"Your dream will definitely come true soon, Sanji."

The cook looked at him in surprise, and Liam faced him again, letting his hand slide through the blond hair that always concealed part of his face.

"Before long, the influence of the All Blue will exceed all land and sea borders. Its reputation will become global and even people from the other side of the Grand Line will want to come and discover your restaurant and this ocean. The inhabitants of the island…"

Liam let out a small sigh, almost troubled to realize what he was about to say.

"The inhabitants of the island were able to take their destiny into their own hands. They left to build their lives elsewhere or they stayed and they thrived. All Blue is a living and independent nation today. Just like you promised."

Facing him, Sanji shook his head, amused.

"We're not there yet," he pointed out. "There are still lots of details to consider. For example, All Blue doesn't have a strong enough defense in the event of a pirate or World Government invasion and its harvests don't allow the entire community to sustain. We still need to import a lot of food and-"

"I know you miss your crew, Sanji."

The cook froze in his arms and Liam gently ran his thumb over his cheek, a hint of melancholy in his voice.

"We won't blame you if you wanna leave. I'll understand…"

"I don't wanna leave."

Sanji firmly looked back at the dark-haired man, his eyebrows furrowed.

"All Blue is my dream, Liam. Of course I miss Luffy and the others, and some days more than others, I don't deny it. But I've been looking for this ocean my whole life. Why would I wanna leave?"

The scientist didn't reply. He looked at the cook for several long seconds before nodding slowly and kissing him in agreement. Yet Sanji could have sworn he felt the man's lips tremble against his own at that moment.


The second third of this story will end soon and to make it count, be prepared for the next chapters. They may hurt. Afterwards, we'll begin the last part of the story with a new momentum.