Legend of the Strawhats

by The White Wulf

John was an everyday sailor who had just inherited his father's ship. What should have been a happy occasion with his loving family turned into a day of devastating loss. In a world utterly alien to him, John finds himself associated with a boy made of rubber, one who wants to be King of the Pirates! To make things worse, Luffy decided that John was to become a member of his crew.

6. Chapter 6

I had a lot of fun writing this chapter! I've decided to go further with this character design for John, so let me know how funny or cringe this chapter is XD. Next update is fate/clover.

Legend of the Straw Hats Chapter 6:

John sighed, wondering where it was, he went wrong. He had warned them, warned them all the dangers of it but no. No one seemed to understand the danger of it.

"Are you sure about this?" asked John.

"Come on don't be a party pooper!" grinned Luffy "Just do it!"

John shrugged and formed the very thing that Luffy wanted.

"You sure?"

"YEA! Let's go, guys!"

"Luffy wait!"

The young man jumped into the air and into the ice slide that John had created. The boy, idiotically, launched himself so high that the resulting momentum from going down the slide launched Luffy into the open sea. Nami screamed, her eyes bugging out as Luffy was laughing away. John raised his right hand, a javelin forming. As Luffy neared the ocean he hurled it.

"GUNGNIR!"

A detonation of ice splurged under Luffy, keeping the boy safe from the clutches of the sea. He turned around, throwing his arm out with a rope twisted with knots along the length.

"HOW WAS THAT!" asked Luffy.

As Luffy stretched himself back to the boat, John checked the number of notes. The ice platform broke into nothingness as John whistled.

"850 meters."

The measuring rope, one that was usually used to measure speed, was being used to measure the distance that Luffy was able to launch himself off an impossibly smooth ice ramp. Why the boy decided to do so over the ocean escaped John.

"Why are you letting him do this!" yelled Nami.

"Because the lad would do it without me."

"…oh…he totally would," sighed Nami.

Better for John to assist than for Luffy to drown on his own.

"JOHN! JOHN!"

The man sighed as he rubbed his eyes.

"Yes, Usopp?"

"IT'S KAYA SHE'S!"

"Perfectly fine. Just going through withdrawal. It's unpleasant but she'll be ok. Just support her, there's nothing we can do but that."

Usopp's lip quivered John understood where the young man was coming from. There was nothing he could do to ease Kaya's current suffering. Thankfully she seemed to be through the worst of it. It had been a harrowing time for the crew but John's ice was capable of a great many things, the key aspect being keeping Kaya cool. It seemed to help over the last few days. Speaking of. The girl herself seemed to finally regain what strength she had, for she was leaning against the door, smiling at Usopp's tears.

"SHE'S WALKING" smiled Usopp.

"…I told you I would be fine" smiled Kaya "Besides Uospp it wasn't like I couldn't walk before?"

The girl was looking better already. Her hair was a tad brighter and her dress was. She looked weak, a few days at sea having wreaked havoc on her untested sickly body. But the girl had found her sea legs quickly. John nodded to her in greeting and turned to his creation.

He destroyed his ramp and Luffy landed with a loud boingy plop, having tried to launch himself again without telling anyone. He groaned as John inspected Kaya.

"You seem all right. How are your cravings?"

"Better" smiled Kaya "though I still get the odd small urge. Nothing like two days ago."

John rubbed his chin.
"Interesting. In my experience, this is usually a lot harsher than this."

"Really?"

"Really. It might be due to the drugs themselves…bah, this is why we need a doctor Luffy!"

"A COOK FIRST!" roared the boy "I'm tired of fish!"

"Enough of that" growled John "You know exactly why we don't stock up on any food aside from the bounties of the sea."

"…."

"Tell me why lad!"

"…Because I eat it."

"NO" grumbled John "it's because you eat it all without a second thought for others. So no, until you can control your appetite during voyages, I won't let you anywhere near the fridge nor have your fill

The "fridge" as John put it was simply the pantry. However, it was a pantry that John froze over with his dry ice with no locks or seems. As such Luffy had no way to break into it annoyingly enough.

"Now" smiled John, turning to Kaya, "take it slow. Get used to the rocking of the boat. The more you move the stronger you'll get. Remember to push yourself little by little and I promise you'll be as strong as any woman your age should be."

Kaya smiled.

"Thank you, John. You're sure you're not a doctor?"

"I am positive lass. We need a true specialist if we want to sail the Grand Line. Common knowledge and remedies from my homeland won't suffice. Not there."

If even half the stories were true John doubted any of his experiences would be of help.

"And that's why we'll get a doctor on the Grand Line," grumbled Luffy "Don't want to get a doctor that doesn't know anything."

John nodded.

"A sound decision if it were not for our current crew members. Look, let's at least visit a doctor before heading to the Grand Line. They may not be the crew member you want, but we can at least get things to help her and stock up on any meds we may need."

Luffy just grinned and ignored John. The man sighed as he made his way to go back into the ship.

-John-

On an ice pad of my own making, I was etching out our current supplies. In terms of food, we were good for the next long while. Discussing our current trajectory with Nami had shown that the next island was a distance away. Thankfully our current supplies were more than enough, but I had concerns if the next island having what we needed.

"Reminder" I muttered, "talk to Nami about distances between islands."

Maps were not common in this world. You could buy them…but again Luffy didn't exactly prepare for his maiden voyage. But I couldn't blame the lad…after all, I forgot as much as everyone. Nami had a map, but that was more akin to a collection of islands in the area rather than the entirety of the south blue.

Speaking of her, Nami became increasingly uncomfortable the more we mentioned the Grand Line, but I put that out of my mind. That was her business, as Luffy had so expertly mentioned. I went to my room and smiled. It was…well it was huge for a boat. I was used to more cramped quarters and yet…the material and engineering of this world were completely bonkers. The personal quarters were abundant and Luffy had seen fit to grant me my own room. Usopp and Zoro shared the male quarters. Usopp would have had his own room but decided to sacrifice it to have a space for his tinkering, or something.

Zoro didn't care one way or another that his room got shared with Usopp. Luffy kept the captain's quarters. It was an interesting arrangement, but I had mentioned to Luffy the need for a larger vessel one day if we did garner the crew he was talking about.

Still though…this boat was beautiful.

"Stunning" I smiled, rubbing my hands along the expertly crafted seems, "you're one hell of a ship old girl."

It truly was. While the ship itself looked…well it looked wonky I'll admit, it was a sturdy vessel, fast too. It was a shame that it couldn't fit a large group of people. I had rarely felt so comfortable in another vessel other than my father's. There was a connection there I couldn't describe…one that I was feeling here though to a lesser extent. I could have sworn something tickled at the forefront of my thoughts. But it collapsed. I smiled at my room, enjoying the bed, desk, and closet that was in my space. Without a second thought, I threw on a pair of shorts and removed my shirt.

I don't think I can sweat anymore, but today was the day I'd find out. I've been slacking, ignoring ym own training and improvement out of fear…well not anymore. Come what may I planned to be ready…though what I could do on a ship would be limited I imagined.

I opened the door back to the deck and rolled my back muscles, letting them pop in and out. In my previous world I never really thought about how much of my own body I was aware of…now? It was like my eyes were opened to a perspective I've never felt. I could feel each muscle in my body, how they moved, how to control them.

It was surreal.

"Mmmh."

In the corner of my eye, the poor girl Kaya gave a, what she hoped, was a quiet blushing shriek. Her face was flushed in embarrassment, but I found her reaction cute…and a bit of an ego booster if I say so myself. As I had mentioned before, Zoro was the most ripped out of us, his muscles straining against his skin. But me? I was by far the largest on the crew in both height and muscle. Three years stuck on an Island with Luffy meant that I was never standing still. Strength was required. There was also the boredom. In my world, I had a phone, the internet, and my books. Here? Working out was the only thing I could do that didn't require money. Books were brutally expensive where we were, with most being borrowed from Mayor Woodslap. The man could be an ass…but he was kind and fair, sharing his wealth with the village as best he could.

Honestly, I wish more leaders were like him.

Usopp glanced at his arms and sighed piteously. It got worse at Kaya's blatant staring. Poor girl probably never seen men aside from that butler of hers. Now she was on a boat with shirtless men grunting and working out? It was a sight to behold I'll give her that. Usopp grimaced and turned to Zoro.

"Zoro!"

"What?"

"Will you train me, the great Usopp!"

"No."

You could have heard glass shatter at the way Zoro rejected him. The boy turned to me, he was nervous. That or he was afraid, either or.

"W,w, will you uh?"

"Train you?"

"Uh…yea."

"Sure lad, though I don't know if it will be all that helpful for a sniper like you."

Usopp grinned, rubbing his nose.

"A great warrior like me must be a master at all disciplines!"

Zoro rolled his eyes, though his amusement was visible.

"All right. Any goals in particular?" I asked as I transitioned to one-finger push-ups. Zoro looked at me oddly as I did but hey, why not. My finger was reinforced with my ice, so I had no concerns about breaking it. That and it was something I always envisioned doing as a kid. Did it work out my body? Probably not but damnit it if I wasn't going to do it anyways.

"Goals?"

"Yes" I smiled, easily pushing my weight with just a finger, "goals. Things you wish to achieve lad. For instance, do you want to focus on strength? Endurance?"

"Uh…well…I mean…maybe endurance I guess?"

"Excellent. In that case it's cardio and burn-outs."

"….what?"

"Follow my example and we'll see what your limits are."

I said limits but the truth was that there was very little we could do on a boat this size. At least for cardio anyway.

Usopp blinked but followed. I gestured to Nami, though the girl seemed far less enthused.

"Do I have to?"

"No complaints lass. You can't expect to coast by with the protection of others. Why be protected by the strong when you can be the strong?"

The girl blinked. I was dead serious.

"Laps around the going Merry" I said.

"…why?" asked Usopp.

"For cardio-vascular strength."

"…what?"

"It's to make your heart and lungs stronger."

"YOU CAN DO THAT!?"

I couldn't help but laugh. I guess from the uneducated view, the idea that you could strengthen your organs was a bit of a long shot.

"Of course lad," I smiled "but it can be a gruelling task. Now, start running."

Anyone that had started exercising with Cardio would all say the same thing.

It sucked.

For most, it would become a welcome sort of burning. A way to feel that you have exerted yourself properly. For me? It still sucked but I did it anyway. Falling in line with Usopp was the least I could do for the boy, no need for him to feel like he was the only one. His stamina surprised me but after the tenth lap the poor boy seemed to start lagging. This was where the fun began. I slowed myself down just a bit, just enough to see Usopp's back.

"No slowing down" I smiled "this is where the fun begins!"

Before the boy could respond I decided to try something new. With a quick breath I let loose the cold of my ice as a frosty wind, a freezing breath if you would. Contrary to how I envisioned it though it was far from freezing. More like a cool breeze…but for someone who was exerting themselves like this? It was a godsend. The cold did the trick, and the boy began pushing himself harder. To my genuine surprise, Usopp lasted a staggering fifteen more laps before he fell to his knees, or at least tried to.

"None of that!" I declared, hoisting him to his feet "Walk it off. Do not just stop, you could stop your heart like that if you're unlucky."

"SERIOUSLY!"

"There's more factors to it than that but its possible."

Before Usopp could freak out any more I picked some fruit from a sack by the door. I had it prepared this morning and froze the contents inside so Luffy couldn't get any. I snapped my fingers on the ice covering the fruits and threw one to Usopp. Nami was still running, a light sheen of sweat on her face. Dear god she didn't even seem fazed that she was going greater distances than either me or Usopp.

Seemed like I needed to up my cardio then.

The two accepted their fruits. Before Luffy could complain I threw another three apples at him. Nami smiled in surprise at the apple, slowing down with the rest of us.

"I'm surprised they're still good after all this time at sea?"

"So long as you freeze things properly, they can be preserved for a longer period. It normally doesn't work for fruits but in this case, they're not frozen, more encased in an ice vacuum. They'll still go bad eventually though."

Nami enjoyed the fruit, grinning at her superior cardiovascular strength.

"So, it seems I'm better at running hmm?"

John smirked.

"It's a great strength to have, especially for endurance. Now, we move on to strength training."

I turned to Usopp.

"We don't currently have weights for some of the exercises I know, but we can do some bodyweight exercises to help build your muscles. Give me some push-ups."

Usopp grinned and began to do many push-ups at the same pace. Just one problem. I smiled slightly as I pushed Usopp's back into proper position, making it where he had to depend entirely on the muscles targeted with proper form. He still went strong though, greater than his slim build would imply. He began to grunt, exerting himself but I urged him to keep going but stopped him part way through.

"I…I could keep going!" grunted Usopp.

"Oh definitely. But today is not the day to do that. For now, we are working the muscle, getting an idea of where you're at."

I turned to Nami and was surprised to find her struggling. It made no sense to me that she was having a hard time with this. Barely eight push-ups?

"You all right lass?"

"I'm…I'm fine! But is this really going to make us stronger?"

"Having knowledge of arms means nothing if your body can't even keep up with it."

"He's got a point" grunted Zoro, swinging his thousandth strike in a row "doesn't matter how much of the technical stuff you've mastered if you're body is too weak to perform it."

I nodded back. I showed a few more forms to Usopp, basic things really. It was funny watching the boy finally lose his strength along side Nami. The two were strong, just in different ways. Their slim builds hid a strength far greater than I anticipated. But at the same time, they were ridiculously weak in other areas. I turned to the two, standing up no worse for wear.

"You'll be fine but sore tomorrow. Let me know how you feel and we'll adjust as needed."

"Keep pushing", grunted Zoro "till the pain goes away."

Ah. One of those.

"You do realize that muscle grows stronger during rest period, right?"

Zoro rose an eyebrow.

"And?"

"Just checking."

It would explain why the man slept so much. Min maxing every second. But these two were not at his level…nor absurdity. Neither was I for that matter.

"Now…I believe we had a deal" I muttered.

Zoro grinned and turned to get his blades. As for myself…I decided to try something. I focused, much like Gungir to create something new. But much like my previous technique I focused entirely on condensing my ice…no the power that my devil fruit produced. It was as annoying as always, like something struggling to free itself from my wasn't ice, not yet. More like the forces that made me a logia were collapsing into the form that I wanted, condensing into a stronger and stronger state. I knew the name of this skill. After all, I always wished I had such a sword back in the day.

"Gram" I muttered.

The sword came out like an English longsword, a tad thicker in width than the norm, but the edge was deadly sharp. It was easily four feet in length but to me, it was easy to handle as the ice was not the same weight as average steel. I ran my hand along the edge, dulling it considerably. An action that was far more taxing than I gave it credit for. Zoro stared at me and tilted his head at the blade.

"The hell is that?"

"A sword design native to my home. One of many."

Yea right. More like a fantasy knight sword. But as people say, when in rome.

"You're a swordsman?"

"No. But might as well try my hand at it."

Zoro shrugged, not really caring. Then he moved. It took every ounce of my focus to match him. To my utter surprise a small burst of force erupted from our clash. I've always felt that I was superhuman only due to my fruit…was my strength now beyond what I considered normal?

If so…a small childish part of me yelled in victory at the thought. The other half wondered if I could even be classified as human anymore. Zoro grinned, slowly pushing me back. For some reason, our blades did not slide against each other. I felt…a force…like our wills were clashing. If I faltered for even a moment I knew…Zoro would launch this makeshift sword right out of my hands. So, I let him, twisting myself around to try and attack him as his force was added to mine. Of course, I was no master…so the result was as expected.

SHINK.

A blade buried itself into my side and Zoro smirked, though I caught a hint of surprise at my reckless attack. However, just as I made a mistake…so too did Zoro. My movement didn't stop, my body breaking as Zoro's sword continued its path. There was no resistance as Zoro's sword broke my body but my body reformed almost as quickly, his strike doing nothing to impede my momentum. Before he could react, I struck at his shoulder with the pommel of Gram. It was a weak attack…but the intention was clear.

"Damnit" muttered Zoro, rubbing his shoulder, "I should have figured you'd be able to do that. I did watch you get skewered once."

"A logia is impervious to physical harm for the most part. Far as I'm aware you must have Haki or some elemental advantage over ice to harm me."

"So something like fire?"

I shrugged.

"That woman used something similar, but it barely hurt me. So, who knows?"

My ice was odd. That much was true. Raw heat wasn't the answer to beating my fruit…there was something else. Maybe acid? Perhaps it was the difference between our development as Logia's? She seemed far more reliant on her body than her fruit. Zoro rushed me again without warning and the two of us began a small clash of swords.

Zoro was my superior, that much was obvious. At first, he overpowered me constantly, using his blade in ways I, an amateur, could never have conceived of. It felt like an hour had passed, the two of us progressively getting faster and faster. Zoro grinned as I began to match him blow for blow, only for him to escalate things further. The world was a blur, yet I could still feel my awareness expanding and shrinking. It made my head hurt something fierce. My left arm exploded as Zoro cut it off, only to savagely regrow, even faster than before. Zoro blinked as the ice shards expanded uncontrollably, almost skewering him in the shoulder.

I wanted to apologize…but then the battle maniac decided this was a good thing and stabbed me in the face, laughing.

Was he scaffolding himself? It was the only explanation that made sense. He was stronger than me, faster than me, better than me in the martial arts in every possible angle. The only advantage I had was that he couldn't hurt me and that if I used my ice…he would likely lose.

Logia's were bullshit.

Yet, as we fought I could feel it, there was an…energy to this. I could feel my blade striking at something within Zoro's sword…an untouched power. I focused on this power…perhaps I could help Zoro develop as he helped me? For a brief spark I could feel that same power within me. Than my head exploded.

Literally.

Ice erupted from my skull as I crumpled to the floor, shards of jagged ice erupting along my spine. This was the first bit of pain I had experienced in quite some time. So, suffice it to say I wasn't happy. I could…feel something…it was grating on my senses…like a foreign tumour. No…like a finger gripping my skull. A grip that was crushing me ever so slowly.

Found you. You do not belong here.

A chorus of voices echoed in my skull. Everything else drowned out. My vision began to spin as I felt something burrowing into my skull. Tearing it's way through my very being, looking for something.

We will not suffer another! Begone otherworlder!

You do NOT BELONG!

Whatever this presence was destroyed its way into my skull and my world went black. I was…still conscious. But there was nothing for me to perceive. The pain though, the pain was present. Whatever this presence was, it slithered through my skull. It felt like it was digging through. Then it stopped at what felt like the center of my being.

…a single spark?

The touch that was so savage before…was now gentle. There was little ways to describe the feeling of it. It was like something was…caressing my soul. Twisting it around carefully.

"Light…what are you?"

Before the voices were a crescendo. A multitude of voices overlapped together…like a world of people echoing. But now…the voice was soft…feminine. I couldn't see it…but it was as if the sea became an…entity. An otherworldly thing in the shape of a woman. It titled its head. She felt like the ocean…though there was no body to perceive such a assumption as gender.

Amusing…you must have been perceptive in life to develop observation this far. How ironic…a natural talent but not born of this world.

Its hand grasps the back of my head, its fingers shifting in what felt like my brain or at least how I perceived it.

An otherworlder…but not by choice. Dragged down…burned…a plaything."

A small but cool balm to my mind began to spread. The voice became soothing.

Their method was crude and cruel. To leave you here untethered…You do not belong here…but you were abandoned by your world. Your sea did not protect you. You may not belong…but you will be allowed to find a home here. You are not like the others that were dragged here. There is light in you, little soul.

I…where was I? Was I asleep? What's happening. I tried focusing on the voice but I felt my perception beginning to fade.

You are not ready to hear the world. The words are not meant for you…but perhaps you might be worthy. One day. Such a weary soul…so unaware of their own pain. Perhaps a piece of reparations. A hint of peace.

I felt something shift…as if there was a puzzle piece that never fit was somehow moulded to be perfect. Seamless.

As things should be. Oh, child…your pain burns deep beyond even your own perception. Child of another world…be baptized. For this world…accepts you. Be free and may the winds carry your sails. While your memory will cease, may your soul remember. May you find peace, wayward soul.

The world shuddered. The…being's arms? Their arms spread as if announcing to the world.

What felt like a gentle hand shifted something in me and I fe-

"AHHH!"

I jumped, twisting around, wondering what happened, the ice retreating into my back. Zoro struck at me a few more times, each exchange dulling my headache further. I twisted in place with a loud crack as my sword disappeared. Everyone jumped as I sighed in relief.

"God that felt great" I muttered; my headache gone. Was detonating my head all that was needed? Nice.

"You all, right?" asked Luffy, munching on the apples in my sack. I nodded but my smile dispersed at what Luffy was eating. Zoro just went back to his training like the absolute beast that he was. It was disturbing how much that man trained.

"You fucking GIT!" I roared "How many of those did you eat!"

Luffy shrugged. The corpses of eight apples around his feet gave me the answer. Didn't even have the courtesy to throw the food away.

"We only have so many of those!"

The boy merely laughed it off.

"See you're fine!"

A hint of worry was coming from Luffy but I shook my head. Wait. I dodged to the left instinctively but was skewered anyway by Zoro once again.

"Seems you got your head on straight" grinned Zoro "but…what happened?"

"I think…I think I was trying to be something I once was…and now I've fully accepted what I am…no, who I am now," I muttered.

"…what?"

"Don't worry about it lad…though I do have to rest I feel…exhausted somehow."

"I bet" muttered Zoro, irritated that our bought was over…wait…how did I know that?

"DON'T IGNORE THAT!" yelled Nami "His head exploded mid-way through, what's wrong with you two!?"

Zoro reared back, sweat running down his forehead. Luffy frowned slightly.

"You sure you're, ok?" he asked me.

"I'm…I admit I've been having headaches for the last few years. Nothing serious but…it's gone now."

"Really?"

"I don't know why. A part of me just…knows it."

I stared at Luffy. For the last few days, I had…accepted what I was now. It was difficult to explain. Logically I knew that I was no longer the same man I was before this whole…debacle. But it wasn't until this adventure with Luffy that I've really come to accept how alien this all was…and the part I played in it…no…the part I wanted to play in it. The desire to actually…live, not just function. It was fun, sailing with Luffy, and seeing this vibrant insane world. Meeting new people and cultures. My soul yearned to be free for so many years…to find new places, explore the unknown! Here…it was possible. But for every light there was a darkness.

"I've accepted it, fully Luffy…if that makes sense."

"Ah…I got you."

Funny thing was…I felt that he did.

"…Ok!"

I turned to Nami before she could speak.

"Lass…where are we heading?"

Nami opened her mouth but jumped at the sound of a canon ball launching. I turned my head and saw Usopp was practicing with the canons…though the way his face was utterly shocked said otherwise. Yet…Kaya was clapping away as Usopp destroyed some kind of rock.

"I knew you could do it!" smiled Kaya.

When did he start fiddling with the cannons?

It was only for a moment, but I could feel the love she had for Usopp…it was so pure and clean. Like a blanket of security…and to my growing smile…Usopp felt similar for her. My senses blanked out as I felt two in the distance, but they were…blurry. I couldn't tell what direction they came from. If anything, I became somewhat nauseous from the feeling. Then the connection was severed.

Luffy's stiffened and he turned to the direction of the rocks. Sure enough, there was a people in the distance.

"We got people overboard!" yelled Luffy "John, rush over there!"

I didn't need to be told twice. I jumped over the railing, noticing the two specs in the distance as Luffy pointed them out. My newfound senses were difficult to use…but unlike before I could ignore them if need be. Like background static almost. For the first time ever my ice responded seamlessly. The idea of control wasn't even a conscious thought, it was like breathing. The moment my foot was near the water my ice splurged forth. I rocketed forward, using my momentum like skates to speed across the calm waters. I couldn't help but think how ineffective this would be if the water wasn't as calm.

Still, I made excellent time. The two men I reached were…undescriptive. They were not ugly or anything just…they looked normal. One wore shades while the other had this headband of sorts. The two looked sickly…almost like…

Oh, for the love of God.

I hefted the two of my shoulders and skated back, my legs now fully iced and freezing the water around me constantly. It was funny. I had never noticed that the ocean routinely rejected my power. It was minute, small. But it was there. The longer I stayed in a single spot the more the ocean tried to reject me. It was surreal…like my perception…no, my entire world had just expanded! I dashed forward, my ice propelling me forward with nary an issue.

"…is this what it's supposed to be like" I smiled "Was it growing pains or something? Doesn't matter."

Using the ice below me I created a launch pad, a pillar of ice erupting beneath me to launch me back onto the deck of the Going Merry.

"Get some oranges, Lemons, Limes! Whatever we got."

Luffy opened his mouth and I gave him a sharp look.

"I'm trusting you here! You get two more! Grab a bunch of them from the fridge but I swear to god lad, if that fridge is empty when I check it I will freeze your nuts right off!"

Luffy grinned and saluted, dashing towards the cabin. He kept back with a small armful of the fruits, his mouth filled with some of the cured meats we had in stock.

"We're running low on food" I muttered "We'll have to make a stop at some point."

Kaya nodded, having seated herself beside me.

"If memory serves me correctly there's apparently a restaurant of sorts here in the middle of the sea."

"Really? How the hell does it make money?"

"Just because the world government restricts travel between islands doesn't mean people don't have ships" giggled Kaya "It's a bit more complex than just having a license."

"I figured that" I muttered "but everyone I asked about that just looked at me like I was a loon, others told me that the Naxy controlled everything and I made my own guesses. Garp wasn't exactly…detailed."

The man literally told me that the navy-controlled travel between islands. That may have been true in theory but the practice was obviously much different than the laws indicated. Man was as simple as they come…like an old Luffy.

"It's been common knowledge for hundreds of years. Of course, they'd look at you like a…what did you call yourself?" asked Nami.

"Don't worry about it."

Luffy returned with an armful of fruit. He seemed to have control of himself though and only ate, what I hope, was two of them. Soon the fruits were crushed and the two I saved were good to go…but honestly, I felt little desire to be a part of the conversation. Supposedly these two were Zoro's…friends? The feeling I got was more reluctant on Zoro's end than these two described it…actually, now that I think about it…what were their names?

"What were your names again?"

"COME ON MAN!"

Once again they lacked the ability to maintain my attention and I forgot to hear their names…

"Was I always this much of a dick?" I thought.

Either way, it didn't matter. What mattered was that we finally had a destination. A restaurant in the middle of the ocean…I had to admit. This I had to see.

"Dad would have loved this," I thought.

Once again, the downpour of guilt tore down my happiness…but it was ok. I was the only person that was going to remember them…the only person that could remember them in this case. A little bit of pain to remember them by was nothing. I don't know why I'm here…they deserved to-

"What was I thinking about again?" I muttered.

I felt a little depressed, but I've gotten used to it…still, though I felt like I was forgetting something.

"SHIT THE FRIDGE!"

I dashed forward, ignoring the outrageous laughter Zoro had at the pitiful sound of his two companions.

"COME ON MAN WE EXIST!"

Zoro just laughed harder.

"YOU'RE NOT HELPING ZORO BRO!"

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

-A few hours later-

I was taking inventory, again. Normally I wouldn't have to do this so much but with Luffy's craftiness…well, I couldn't help but keep a constant eye on our food. Perhaps I should find a high-caloric substitute for him? Some kind of go-to snack that could sate his appetite, at least for a time. I didn't want to constantly shit on Luffy about this. The boy literally needed that food to function. He wasn't a total idiot; it was just how horrid his hunger was.

"JOHN!"

I turned my head, allowing my ice to swallow our would-be pantry.

"LAND-HO….kind of" muttered Nami.

I chuckled at her voice and ran off to the deck. I stared at into the distance and couldn't help but gawk at the absurd ship I saw. It was large and circular in shape. Even from this distance I could smell the food from there…it was heavenly.

"That smells good" I smiled, "everyone has money, right?"

"My money…"

Nami grimaced and tightly clutched the bag of gold she had near her. I smirked, figuring she'd be this way, and produced my own bag of gold. The money I had earned from my bounties thus far was more than enough to pay for the crew eight times over….wait I've never actually been in a restaurant in this world before? Was it brutally expensive? I hope not. Nami surprised me as she grinned, clapping her hands, her own stash now hidden from the world.

"Well, if you're paying!" smiled Nami.

"Witch" muttered Zoro.

"Let's see how expensive this place is first," I said, "best not to get too overboard on this ship just yet."

"So, no food" whimpered Luffy.

I slapped the poor kid on the back.

"I promise you Luffy if the food is priced as I think it is, you can have as much as you want."

"Really!?"

"Really. You're not devouring our food supply after all."

"YEA!"

The docking situation was weirder than I thought, but we had made good time coming this way. Still though, the thought of filling our roster of crew members still ran around my mind. I couldn't help but hope there was a possibility of learning of where we could recruit a cook. Was there some weird application or something?

As we entered the restaurant a large, oddly shaped man grinned at us. His arms were…unique. I looked at his name tag, the name Patty was written on it.

"Welcome customers! You've come at a good time! Lot's of seats available for hungry customers like yourselves!"

Luffy grinned as Nami smiled and took control. She was certainly the face of the group I'll give her that. Took charge more often than Luffy at this point. As everyone got seated I tapped the man on his shoulder.

"What can I do you for?"

"I was wondering if I could talk to a chef or two. There are some dietary requirements that I'd like to discuss with them before my crewmates order, if that's possible."

The man blinked.

"…you're an odd fish you know that?"

"…I'm sorry?"

"Ah, follow me."

I followed the larger man to a set of revolving doors that led to a kitchen. From the brief look that I saw it was immaculately clean. It was almost supernatural how clean the damn restaurant looked. The man went in, and I respectfully stayed behind. It wasn't my place to-What the actual fuck.

The man that came walking towards me had a ridiculously large hat, it was comical how large the hat was…how the hell did it even stay on his head!?

"What you want?" he muttered.

I admit a large part of me kind of wilted at his response. Was I wrong in assuming their inherent knowledge about nutrition? No, I'll trudge forward…I've been surprised at the knowledge base this world had. Granted there was a ridiculous gap between islands, but that didn't mean it was absent in its entirety. No need to assume.

"I'm sorry to bother you," I said, ignoring the way this man's eyes began to slowly rise at my voice. I gestured to him to look at my table in the distance. I could tell he knew immediately who this would be about.

"My crewmate" I began explaining "has been subjected to a long period of malnutrition and…poison. We've only recently freed her from it and have been feeding her slowly over the course of the last few days. However, I wanted an expert's opinion on what I should be feeding her to replenish her strength and help rebuild her muscles and bones."

The man than turned to me and narrowed his eyes.

"What's your game?"

"What?"

"Your. Game."

"….I don't understand lad?"

"I've dealt with you new dragons or whatever the fuck you call yourselves in the new world. What do you want?"

"I'm not a celestial dumbass" I muttered.

Anyone that called themselves "celestial dragons" are dumbasses. No stop. The man blinked… then he laughed. It was a hearty and loud laugh, one that echoed in my frozen bones.

"HA! No…they would talk like you…but a genuine one wouldn't spit on their so-called greatness like that. So…the girl? She needs food?"

"Yes. Something tailored to promoting good muscle development if possible. I know it is forbidden to ask but any possible recipes for our trip would be appreciated."

The man just grinned.

"I have just the thing. I'll warn you though, it will sit in her stomach for a few days. Really get her building back her strength. I'll even throw in the recipe for a the laugh."

That made really no sense at all…but hey if something that convenient existed, why the hell not?

"Thank you."

"Bah. It's a chef's job to cater to their customers as best they can. You're lucky I still have some of that new world shit here. Pain in the ass to get. Go, enjoy your meal. It's something she can have with whatever she orders."

Even weirder but ok. Was still wondering what a new world was but…I could make some guesses. I went back to the seat and chuckled a bit at Nami trying to help Luffy order. Luffy's head rested on her shoulder and I doubt the girl even noticed the intrusion of personal space. If I was honest…I don't think she cared. It was cute.

"You can order more if you're still hungry but try actually EATING something for once."

"Hey I love eating!"
"YOU INHALE YOUR FOOD, THAT'S NOT THE SAME!" growled Nami.

I opened the menu, perusing the list. To my immense shock, the menu was massive, easily a good thirty pages of thin paper. The material was soft but seemed to be resistant to tearing. Wild stuff, and just from a menu of all things. The pricing was phenomenal too. Much cheaper than expected for most of the dishes…as such I splurged on something called a "King's Steak". I'm assuming it was made from a sea king…a creature I've never actually gotten to eat before. I saw one before, near my home with Luffy. Massive creature.

"I have my order ready. What about you guys?"

Zoro grunted. He was good.

Usopp was hilariously adorable as he and Kaya shared a menu. It was nice to see young love like this. It was even funnier because Zoro seemed so uncomfortable with it. Luffy and Nami were…well they were Luffy and Nami. I couldn't tell if their relationship was platonic or had romantic undertones, cute as it was. What I did know was that they shared a bond of some sort…I….I could feel it. Is this how Luffy was so observant?

"Hello beautiful…My name is Sanji, can I take your order today?"

I lifted an eyebrow at our waiter who just…appeared. He was a decently tall guy. His hair was blonde, and his eyebrows were unique. I could tell just from looking at him that while he was on the skinnier side…this man was no Usopp. There was strength to him, a sort of confidence in life. He was also nervous as hell, tripping over himself mentally…at least that was the feeling I got.

"Oh! Thank you" smiled Nami, using her natural looks to have this boy wrapped around her finger, "I'd like a number six please!"

"OF COURSE!" screamed the waiter, his eyes filled with an odd adoration. He then leaned over to Kaya. At first, I assumed the man was a genuine creep, an idiot of the highest order. But the way he approached Kaya made it obvious there was more to him than that. He growled at Usopp for a moment but than focused back on Kaya.

"Hello" smiled Sanji, his entire demeanour more normal, "what can I get a delicate flower like yourself?"

Usopp gritted his teeth but kept silent. Kaya surprised him as she gripped his arm…it was obvious that she wasn't entirely comfortable now.

"I'm thinking some pasta if that's all right?"

"Of course it is!" smiled Sanji, leaning further way from Kaya, "we have a special on our linguini if that's what you're looking for! Lathered in our house sauce and topped with a bounty of the sea. Trust me, it won't disappoint."

He took their orders…and then left.

"The hell?" muttered Zoro, "you forgot us bush brow!"

The man stalled and than turned to us, his face disappointed.

"I don't serve men."

Ah, never mind. He was a dumbass. One that got a fucking mug launched into his face.

"Head chef!" yelled one of the waiters, "why are you here?"

"Calm down, just bringing food. Here, your captain ordered it for you."

Kaya blinked at the odd milkshake that the man gave her. It was the only way to describe it…wait…

"Is that a protein shake?"

The man turned his eye to me and grinned.

"Protein is in it, but no. It's a special blend, should help jumpstart the body, help you get your strength back."

Kaya took a hesitate sip and than blinked.

"It's….utterly fantastic!"

She took to it with a gusto and the head chef laughed.

"Excellent!" he declared, "I apologize for Sanji, he's retarded you see."

"HEY!" yelled Sanji, no worse for wear.

"YOUR JOB IS TO COOK YOU MORON! NOT WAIT ON THEM. GET BACK IN THE KITCHEN BEFORE I SKEWER YOU THROUGH YOUR BALLSACK!"

Sanji shivered at the image and quickly retreated.

"I like him" grinned Luffy.

….uh oh. The head chef seemed to…somehow understand what Luffy was getting at though.

"Take him with if you want. He's basically useless here."

He than turned to Kaya.

"Sorry about him. He genuinely believes he's some sort of Casanova, the idiot. Just tell him you're uncomfortable with his incessant flirting and he stops."

"….really?" asked Kaya.

"Really" grunted the head chef, "he isn't that bad really, just needs to calm down. You tell him it bothers you, he stops cold. Couldn't have female staff here if he was some kind of freak…or worse."
A fair point. Speaking of them the head chef called down a waitress who was more than happy to take the rest of our orders. A good thing too, for some Marine guy entered the restaurant, strutting about like he owned the place. I ignored him, unwilling to get involved…that was until the woman grimaced a bit. I narrowed my eyes, wondering what that was about. I could feel a distinct discomfort…not at the man but perhaps at the situation. I looked around the restaurant at everyone ignoring this…what was his name again?

"YOU!"

I turned to the voice, the Marine himself pointing at me. I gestured to myself.

"Yes, you. There's a bounty out for you!"

"….what?"

The woman at his arms stilled as Fullbody grinned, hugging her closer.

"Of course, there is, thief!"

I blinked.

"HMPH! The other Marines may be willing to leave you on a probationary basis considering Morgan's corruption, but I won't!"

I turned to Luffy and to my immense annoyance, the boy's face was filled with betrayal.

"You have a bounty" muttered Luffy.

I leaned to Luffy, whispering the whole time.

"No, dumbass. This man is trying to get higher up the food chain using me. He can't legally arrest me because there's no actual bounty. I just have a notice on me because I took what I was owed, and only what I was owed, from Morgan's vault."

Fullbody grinned at his female companion, who was now distinctly even more uncomfortable. I sighed and stood up.

"Sorry Luffy, enjoy your food. I'll be back."

Luffy grinned, jumping in his seat like a child.

"KICK HIS ASS!"

"I'm not fighting anyone in a restaurant Luffy."

A small civil discourse should straighten this up. I turned to Fullbody and his companion. I walked to him, and he seemed to get annoyed that I was a bit taller than him.

"I apologize for any discourse lad."

The woman stilled at my voice. I kept forgetting that my lilt and accent were almost alien to this world. Attributed only to those…idiots. I refused to change the way I talk, it was the last vestige of my world that I could hear and fuck anyone that said otherwise.

"You're under arrest."

"Under what charges, may I ask?"

Fullbody blinked.

"Excuse me."

"Under what charges officer. You'll need a specific list of charges to file me after all. Without it I am allowed to walk free after an hour."

Thank you Garp!

Fullbody blinked and narrowed his eyes.

"Your theft of-"

"A theft" I smiled, "that has already been dealt with by your superiors, no? As an officer of the Navy I believe that you are subjected to the rulings of said superiors? Are you not?"

Fullbody blushed. The woman on his arms stared at me like I was…well I'm not entirely certain what she was on about. She was pretty though, I'll give her that. I turned to her, a small smile on my face.

"My apologies lass. It would seem that your partner was fed…shall we say incomplete information. Let me pay for your dinner, as an apology for intruding on your date."

"Are you bribing an officer right now?" growled Fullbody.

I stared at the idiot. I was not the sort of man that would embaress someone while their on a date…but if need be…

I had no problem playing the asshole. Especially for someone that seemed as uncomfortable as her.

"Sir" I started, ignoring the way Fullbody began to rear his fist back, the poor girl grimacing. Was this a common occurrence? "You are here on a date with a beautiful woman," I said, "I would consider myself lucky to be enjoying that company…is now the time to be focusing on work?"

"A marine is always working!"

Ah, one of those. Fullbody reared back and punched me in the face. I stiffened in response and blinked in surprise when Fullbody's strength was…nothing. There was a blow. There was an impact…but…my ice didn't budge an inch. Neither did my head. Fullbody blinked as I stared back at him. He struck again, but my ice hard body did not yield to his…pathetic display. I had hoped that he was just a zealous marine. Someone hell bent on keeping others safe. An idiot…but at least an idiot with some direction. But no…this third sense…this…whatever it was. I could feel his desire to be better…to be impressive…to be the center of attention and admiration. I felt the same once upon a time. There was nothing wrong with the need to be glorious…just the methods that one would attain it. No on deserved to be connected to such a fool. I caught Fullbody's fist in my hand after the eighth blow.

"Please sir, think of your date. Enjoy the time here, let me treat you for the-"

The man reared his leg back and almost broke it off my body. I sighed. I was beginning to see that my crew members were all stronger than the norm, if Fulbody was any indication. I let a bit of frost escape my mouth and I turned to the poor date, one that had crossed her arms, feeling the leering of everyone around her. Funny enough I saw Sanji being restrained by the head chef for some reason.

"Lass".

She turned to me, almost in tears.

"I think I can safely say that your date has been ruined. Will you let me make it up to you, despite this…idiot?"

She blinked.

"I have no expectations. I just think a woman like you deserves the night out this was supposed to be. Is that alright? If not I'll see if there would be a way to get you home without him."

She smiled slightly and nodded. Fullbody turned to her, his anger apparent.

"YOU BIT-"

I gripped his mouth without thinking and I heard a crack. His muffled screams mattered little to me now.

"You do not refer to a date that way, or any woman for that matter, ever."

There were exceptions obviously, but was now the time to go into that?

"Honestly" I said, dragging the man kicking and flaling behind me to the door, "did your father not teach you anything about respect?"

Fullbody began to struggle less as consciousness left him. I handed him to a few officers that were waiting outside. They sighed.

"Again" one muttered.

"Again?"

The marine sighed.

"He's…it doesn't matter. Is he alright?"

"I fear I may have broken his jaw lad. I'd rather not get arrested for assaulting an officer but I was attacked first."

"We heard everything. Don't worry. The navy has situations like this every once in a while with false charges and what not. Just don't leave your sea of origin and you're fine."

Uh oh. My goal was the Grandline. Was I seriously going to get a bounty just because I left? So be it.

"I understand sir. Please, have a drink on me before you bring this man home. No one deserves a captain like this."

The officers sighed.

"I doubt it will work out the way you think. He's the captain."

Again with this…obsession with the captain post. I'll have to keep my memory about this strange adherence.

"I understand."

I reentered the restaurant and smiled at the woman that was with Fullbody. I kept a small distance and opened my hand to her.

"Apologies for the drama. My name is John, what's yours?"

The woman blushed as she shook my hand.

"Arisa."

"A pleasure. Please, let me get you a meal before you return home, make something of tonight."

The head chef was now laughing as Sanji was on his knees, looking at me like I was…something. The kid was odd. I nodded to Luffy and the others. "Did you want to sit with us, or on your own?"

She blinked and smiled a bit at Luffy's wide grin.

"Well…I admit I don't want to be alone right now."

"It's not a problem. Really."

With that another person joined our table. Zoro was cackling as Nami stared at me with what had to be the most judgemental expression I'd ever seen. Kaya was blushing a storm and Usopp just stared at me like a fish. A waitress was waved over but Sanji suddenly barreled towards me. I prepped myself, wondering what this…odd womanizer wanted. Than he bowed towards me.

"TEACH ME YOUR GLORIOUS WAYS, MASTER!"

What the fuck.

-END-

Hope you enjoyed this chapter! I'm trying to balance Sanji's character (who is obviously played up for comedic effect) with the kind of creepy tones that behaviour would have in a realistic setting. I find that a lot of people just…shit on his character in fanfics sometimes. That's not what I plan to do. Instead, I plan to address Sanji's more…unethical behaviour without ruining what makes him both a great character and funny. The man likes women, let him do so respectfully. While also being our lovable goof. As for Arisa she is not a crewmember, hence the lack of detail with her. So don't worry XD.