A.n I own Nothing
So Live action One Piece is good. Really good, I have a few minor issues with it but overall I was really impressed. I loved the actor who played Mihawke, he was portrayed perfectly and Mihawkes and Zoro's fight was my favourite part of the season. Also, this chapter has been broken up into 2 parts as the total page count was just over 36 pages, so I broke it up. The second part will be posted within the hour of posting this one.
As always Please Review
The next morning, Kokoro once again joined the crew for breakfast. Chimney was also there, eagerly praising Sanji for his delicious food while also attempting to coax Connor into spending more time with her, reminiscing about the fun they had at the beach the previous day. Ezio chimed in with comments about how Connor was well on his way to becoming a real man, despite the age difference between the boy and Chimney. Sanji also expressed his approval of Connor's culinary techniques, feeling a sense of pride in his student's progress.
Connor, on the other hand, had no clue what they were going on about, and he certainly didn't understand why Zoro and Sanji seemed to be on the verge of a fight over it. He shrugged it off, figuring that grown-ups sometimes had strange conversations.
Amidst the chatter and laughter, Nami suddenly shouted in excitement, capturing everyone's attention. Holding out her wrist, she displayed the log pose, which was now stable and pointing downwards slightly.
"The log has officially set!" she exclaimed with glee.
"It has? ALRIGHT!" Luffy cheered, pumping his fist into the air.
"Yep, now we just need to wait for the ship to be finished, and we can set off," Nami declared with a smile.
"You're leaving already?" Chimney asked, her eyes filled with sadness. "But you only just got here."
"We still need to wait for our ship to be finished," Robin responded, trying to console the disappointed girl. "So we won't be leaving just yet."
"Actually, that is what I came to tell you. The ship is done," Kokoro announced.
"IT IS!" Luffy cheered, nearly falling out of his chair in excitement.
"Yep, there are some minor last-minute things that need to be done before it can sail, but Franky and Iceberg are confident they can have it ready for sailing tomorrow," Kokoro confirmed. "It would be ready today, but Iceberg had to deal with a serial killer, so final checks and last-minute preparations were delayed until today."
"WHOHOO WE CAN SAIL!" Luffy cheered again, causing a ruckus at the table.
"Excuse me, but what was that about a serial killer on the loose?" Ezio asked, his brows furrowed with concern.
"Apparently, someone went around killing off almost thirty people yesterday and left a message for Iceberg in his office. He's looking into it, and it led to a local loan shark who's been exploiting his clients and selling them off to pay for altered and forged debts," Kokoro explained, her expression growing sombre.
Zoro perked up when he heard that. "What's he doing about it?" he asked, hoping that the family he had been helping yesterday would not be involved in any more danger. He had been furious when Sharki had told the lady who was taking care of orphaned kids to sell them, and even more so when he'd actually made a move to go through with it. Zoro had witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of slavery on children.
Zoro glanced at Connor, realizing that he, too, had experienced the horrors of slavery.
"Iceberg arrested him yesterday, raided Sharki's house, and found everything he needed that explained the operation: contacts, how it worked, and, turns out, those thirty bodies were of those who supported and profited from Sharki's scheme," Kokoro stated.
"Will those who were extorted be in any more danger?" Zoro asked, concerned about the potential repercussions for the victims.
"Doubtful, but Iceberg is making inquiries anyway, just to be safe," Kokoro assured him. Her gaze then shifted to Ezio, her eyes filled with meaning. "I also doubt we'll be seeing any more murders."
"That is good. It is best if the streets are kept safe, after all," Ezio agreed, his thoughts veering back to the safety of the city he had come to care about.
"Good for him. It's lucky Iceberg caught on when he did; who knows how long this would have kept happening," Chopper chimed in, relieved by the swift resolution.
"Somehow I don't think luck had anything to do with it," Robin muttered, her eyes subtly watching Ezio.
"Well, if we're leaving tomorrow, I'd better pick up all the fresh food today," Sanji commented, eager to prepare delicious meals for the journey ahead.
"Connor, are you leaving with the Straw Hats too?" Chimney asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"Yes, I am part of the crew, after all," Connor answered with a grin.
"NOOO…" Chimney whined, latching onto Connor's arm. "I DON'T WANT YOU TO GOOO!"
"Uh…a little help?" Connor pleaded, unsure of how to extricate himself from the enthusiastic girl's grasp.
"Ah, to leave a senorita behind with a longing for her man to stay. Truly, Connor is growing up to be a true man of the sea," Ezio commented, adding a touch of humor to the situation.
"First Apis and now Chimney," Sanji nodded in approval.
"You two are bad influences," Zoro commented dryly. "Kid, don't grow up to be like them."
"Watch it, moss head," Sanji warned, his eyebrows furrowing.
"We won't be leaving until tomorrow. Why don't Chimney and Connor spend the day together?" Robin suggested, seeing an opportunity to keep both of them entertained.
"They did that yesterday. Besides, I was going to take Connor with me to get the fresh food. Teach him how to identify the freshest and top-quality produce," Sanji explained.
"I want to learn that too," Chimney blurted out, her excitement undiminished.
"Are you sure? You might find it boring," Sanji cautioned.
"No, I want to go too," Chimney declared, her determination evident.
Sanji sighed. "Alright, you can come, I guess. As long as Kokoro doesn't mind,"
"Eh, doesn't bother me," the older woman shrugged "Chimeny, make sure you behave yourself,"
"YAY! SHOPPING!" Chimney cheered, bouncing in her seat.
"I'll stock up on medicine and herbs," Chopper declared, preparing a mental list of what they needed.
"There are some books I saw for sale that might be beneficial to our journey," Robin mused. "Nami, would you like to come with me to buy them?"
"Sure, I need some new tools for navigating anyway," Nami agreed, always on the lookout for equipment to aid her in charting their course.
"I want to out for meat," Luffy announced, thinking about his priorities.
"Idiot, we have an appointment this morning," Zoro reminded him.
"Oh right…then I want to go out for meat after that," Luffy declared, clearly unfazed by the previous conversation. Zoro let out a sigh.
An appointment? With whom?" Nami asked curiously.
"Iceberg, he wants to talk to Luffy about the new ship," Zoro quickly lied for Luffy. The rubber captain was many things, but a good liar he was not.
"Oh, should I go with you? I'm the Navigator, after all," Nami claimed.
"No, we can handle it," Zoro responded.
Nami wasn't convinced. It's not that she didn't trust Luffy and Zoro—it was that she didn't trust them to understand or remember what Iceberg had to say. However, Robin stared at Zoro; she could tell the swordsman was lying.
"When did Iceberg request this meeting?" Nami asked suspiciously.
"Last night, Paulie told me while Ezio and I were out walking around," Zoro tried. He was starting to sweat a bit and hoped Nami wouldn't ask any more questions.
"Really?" she asked.
"Si, Paulie did approach us last night while we were out walking," Ezio agreed.
Nami looked at Ezio and narrowed her eyes. "Really? And you heard him tell this idiot about Iceberg wanting to meet with him and Luffy?"
"Ah, Bella, would I lie to you? To even tell a small lie to someone such as yourself would hurt more than any wound. However, if you would like the exact details of what was spoken about, I would be happy to tell... in private, of course," Ezio said in a very suggestive tone.
"HEY, IF ANYONE IS GOING TO TALK TO NAMI-SWAN IN PRIVATE, IT'S ME!" Sanji yelled.
"My apologies, Sanji, but that is unlikely to happen. My private talks tend to leave women exhausted and wanting to spend more time with me," Ezio claimed. "I have had many private talks with women over the years and am quite good at keeping them... shall we say engaged in the conversation."
"ARE YOU SAYING THAT I CAN'T KEEP NAMI-SWAN ENGAGED IN A PRIVATE CONVERSATION!"
"I am saying you haven't been able to yet, so why not let me give it a try," Ezio said playfully.
"NEVER, I'LL KICK YOUR ASS IF YOU TRY TO HAVE ANY KIND OF CONVERSATION WITH NAMI-SWAN OR ROBIN-CHAWN!"
"We did have a private lunch together yesterday," Robin commented.
"NOOOOOO! ROBIN-CHAWN'S INNOCENCE!" Sanji cried and dramatically fell to his knees.
"You two are both perverts," Nami muttered irritably. Zoro watched the whole exchange and breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed that Nami had forgotten about her previous line of questioning.
"I don't get it why is Sanji mad about Ezio having a private conversation with Nami?" Connor asked.
"I'll tell you when you're older," Robin said with a smile.
"You've been saying that a lot lately," Connor observed. He then looked at Ezio "What about you, Ezio? What will you do today?" Connor asked.
"Me? Hmm... I think I will tag along with you and Sanji," Ezio decided.
Luffy and Zoro stiffened, casting wary glances at each other when Ezio said that.
"Fine by me, just don't get in my way or interfere in the lesson," Sanji huffed.
"I won't," Ezio promised, glancing over at Luffy and Zoro. "You won't even know I am there."
Once everyone was ready for the day and before anyone could leave the crew agreed to meet back up at the residence around 2 pm so they could pack up their things, as Kokoro promised to get some of the shipwrights to take their belongings and supplies to the new ship, so it would all be ready for them tomorrow. Luffy and Zoro left before the others with Luffy telling Sanji to keep a close eye on Connor, Sanji thought the request odd but shrugged it off. After their departure, they hopped onto a Yagara and moved to the southern coastline, where the Merry had originally been docked when they first arrived. This location held painful memories for both Luffy and Zoro.
When they arrived at the designated meeting place, they were still ten minutes early. They sat down on a rock, silently waiting for Ezio's chosen contact.
"Do you think they'll show?" Zoro asked in a serious tone.
"Yeah, they will," Luffy replied.
"If they don't..."
"We'll work something out," Luffy assured.
"I don't like Ezio hanging out with the kid by himself," Zoro admitted.
"Sanji will take care of him," Luffy claimed.
"He'd better," Zoro said seriously.
They continued waiting, and when the appointed time came, both Zoro and Luffy looked around, but there was no sign of anyone coming from the city or walking up the peninsula along the coast.
"Looks like it's a no-show," Zoro sighed.
"I would not say that," a voice spoke up.
Startled, Zoro and Luffy whipped around. Sitting nearby on a large rock formation was La Volpe, a smirk hidden beneath his hood.
"Oi, who are you, and how did you do that?" Luffy demanded.
"My name is La Volpe, and you are Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro, Captain and First Mate of the Straw Hat Pirates," La Volpe introduced. "I assume Ezio told you to expect me?"
"You're his contact?" Zoro asked.
"I am indeed. I would say it is a pleasure to meet you, but I am not exactly thrilled with the prospect of joining a pirate crew," La Volpe claimed.
"How did you appear out of nowhere?" Luffy asked. "Did you eat a Devil Fruit too?"
"I did not appear out of nowhere; I simply hid my presence from you until I wanted you to see me. As for eating a Devil Fruit... no, that is all-natural talent and skill," La Volpe smirked.
Luffy and Zoro glanced at each other, pondering the abilities of someone who could remain so close to them, yet remain invisible not only to sight but also to all forms of perception. The idea that Ezio might possess this skill as well suddenly made the threat of Connor being taken from under their noses without them even knowing all too real.
"Now, down to business. Ezio has informed me that the boy who travels with you possesses Eagle Vision. Is this true?" La Volpe inquired.
"I don't know about that, but he has a second sight that Ezio said would kill him," Zoro supplied.
"Yeah, his eyes glow golden yellow, and he says he can see people's auras and stuff," Luffy added. "I don't really get it."
"Eagle Vision is the name of this gift," La Volpe clarified. "And from what you describe, it sounds like he truly does possess this gift. Tell me, has he had any formal introduction to it?"
"We met a pirate named Edward Kenway, who also had it. He explained some parts of it to Connor but said he just had to practice with it to make it stronger," Zoro answered.
"Edward Kenway, you say?" La Volpe asked, intrigued. "How on earth did you meet a man who died over thirty years ago?"
"EDWARD WAS DEAD THIS WHOLE TIME!" Luffy shouted in shock.
"You idiot. Don't you remember that Robin said the mist connects different points in time?" Zoro scolded and smacked Luffy on the head.
"The mist?" La Volpe asked, now even more confused.
"Yeah, we landed on an island where we got trapped in the Rainbow Mist. We met Edward there, though he claimed he was from fifty years prior," Zoro summarized.
"I see... I would be very interested in hearing more about this. For now, let us continue with the purpose of this meeting," La Volpe said.
La Volpe proceeded to ask questions about Connor, specifically if the crew knew at what stage his sight was. Luffy and Zoro provided what information they could, although it wasn't much. La Volpe also inquired whether Connor had experienced sudden headaches, twitches, or spasms during or after using his sight. Both Luffy and Zoro hadn't noticed anything, nor had Connor ever mentioned such symptoms. La Volpe nodded and took it as a sign that Connor had yet to show any signs of his sight evolving. From what Luffy and Zoro described, it sounded like Connor was only using the basic and rudimentary abilities that Eagle Vision could offer.
Still, La Volpe could work with that. Everyone had to start somewhere.
"Thank you for this information, gentlemen. It has given me a good idea of exactly where Connor is in his development," La Volpe said.
"So, is he going to be okay?" Luffy asked, his voice filled with hope.
"Hold on, how do we even know you can teach him?" Zoro demanded. "I won't leave the kid in your hands if you're not going to do your job properly."
"I understand your scepticism. However, the fact remains that I can teach him because I not only have the same power as Connor and Ezio, but it is also fully evolved. I have taught others to use this gift as well," La Volpe claimed.
"Really? Who?" Luffy asked.
"A few people you have not met…but if it will ease your mind I believe you are familiar with Jacob and Evie Frye," La Volpe stated.
"Jacob and Evie have this gift too?" Zoro and Luffy gasped.
"Indeed, in fact, they were among my earlier students. I have also taught their current apprentice and two others from that also share this ability," La Volpe confirmed. He gave a sly smile. "If these credentials are not enough for you, then know that I even trained Ezio."
"Ezio too?" Luffy asked in surprise.
La Volpe nodded. "I taught them all how to utilize this gift. In Ezio's case, his sight had already undergone the evolution process long before I met him. I simply helped him refine and master all it had to offer."
Luffy and Zoro took all this in, it seemed like La Volpe really knew what he was doing when it came to Egale vision, they didn't know who Jacob and Evie's apprentice was nor did they care. But confirmation that both Jacob and Evie had the same gift as Connor and both had made it to adulthood was proof enough that with Ezios and La Volpe's help, Connor could survive to reach adulthood. Even if the price was giving him up.
"Well, he's clearly qualified," Zoro muttered and then looked at Luffy. "What do you think?"
"Ezio mentioned some other groups who would want to use Connor's gift for themselves," Luffy remembered. "Can you protect Connor from them too?"
"I am aware that should I join you, my responsibilities will also include protecting the boy and serving as a shipmate... for a time, anyway," La Volpe agreed. "But make no mistake, my loyalty is and always will be to Ezio."
"Then how do you know you won't just disappear with the kid the moment we let our guard down?" Zoro accused.
"You don't, but you don't have much of a choice, do you?" La Volpe answered.
Luffy narrowed his eyes, trying to get a read on La Volpe's intentions but found it very difficult. One thing he did know was that if Connor were to have any chance of living until adulthood, La Volpe was needed.
"You can help Connor, though, can't you?" Luffy asked seriously.
"I can," La Volpe nodded.
"Okay, you can join," Luffy said with a big grin.
"Huh? Just like that?" Zoro asked.
"Yeah, Connor needs him. Besides he seems like a good guy," Luffy smiled. "After all, Jacob and Evie were nice, and Ezio is nice, so that means he's nice too."
La Volpe frowned. He did not realize he had appeared that way; he was trying to come off as intimidating and in charge. But now it appeared that was not how Luffy saw him at all.
"Very well, then I must ask… what are you willing to give me in return?" La Volpe asked.
"Huh?" Luffy tilted his head in confusion.
"My services do not come cheap, and the knowledge I possess is very dangerous. I can't just give it out for free... so I ask again. What is the life of one slave child worth to you?"
"Slave… wait, you know?" Zoro responded and gripped the handle of his sword.
"I do. Ezio informed me of the boy's situation, and quite frankly, it is the only reason we are having this conversation at all," La Volpe stated. "So I ask again, what will you give me in return for my services?"
"Whatever you want," Luffy answered.
"Whatever I want?" La Volpe asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, gold, jewels, meat… even One Piece," Luffy said seriously. "Whatever you want."
"Luffy, are you sure?" Zoro asked. "You'd give him One Piece?"
"If it would ensure Connor would live, yes," Luffy declared without hesitation.
La Volpe nodded, surprised by Luffy's commitment, and pondered the rubber captain's response. Owing Gol D. Roger's mythical treasure was extremely tempting, even though he had never sought it or had any interest in becoming the Pirate King. However, Luffy's offer to give it to him freely proved just how determined he was to save his shipmate. From La Volpe's observations and interactions, Luffy and Zoro were meeting his expectations. Now, it was time for the test. Words were cheap and easily changed, forgotten and turned into lies. Promises could be broken. No, La Volpe needed to be sure that these pirates were serious and meant what they said.
Actions, however, were proof of a person's true character, and he knew just how to measure these two.
"Hmm... all right then... in that case, I want your straw hat," La Volpe said, pointing to Luffy's hat. Luffy froze in shock. La Volpe then moved his hand to point at Zoro's waist. "And his White Katana. Payment in advance, of course."
Luffy froze again. La Volpe wanted... Shanks' hat? Luffy racked his brain, trying to figure out why La Volpe would want it. The hat held no monetary value; it was a symbol of a promise made between the two of them. What would Shanks think if Luffy showed up at their appointed meeting time without it?
"Like hell," Zoro shot back. Luffy looked over at Zoro, who was protecting his katana and holding onto it defensively.
"Oh, I thought the life of your Nakama was worth more than mere material possessions," La Volpe mocked. "And you did say I could have anything I wanted. Do you value an old hat and a sword over the life of one of your own?"
Zoro growled at that. Luffy understood the dilemma they were in. Both the hat and Zoro's sword were irreplaceable to them and held the promises and motivation to become pirates and fulfil their dreams. Without that motivation, they might not be as strong as they are now. If they gave it up, they might not be able to continue to grow and have the strength they had achieved.
"I see… disappointing," La Volpe said, taking their silence as the answer. "If you are unwilling to pay, then we have nothing more to discuss."
He turned and started walking away.
"Hey, get back here," Zoro demanded. "Pick something else, anything else."
However, La Volpe didn't respond and just kept walking, waiting to see if they would accept or not.
"WAIT!" Luffy suddenly shouted out. La Volpe stopped and glanced back.
"Wait," Luffy repeated. He walked up to La Volpe, took his hat off, and held it out. "Deal," Luffy said. "Just save Connor."
La Volpe took the hat and looked it over, nodding in satisfaction before putting it into his cloak.
"Hey Luffy, are you sure?" Zoro asked with concern.
"Yeah, Shanks will understand. He gave me this hat after he saved my life. So passing it on to save Connor seems appropriate," Luffy said with a smile, although Zoro could tell it was forced and Luffy was struggling to keep his emotions in check. "Besides, it's just an old hat."
"How about you, Swordsman, will you follow your captain's example, or should I disappear once more?" La Volpe asked.
Zoro glanced at Luffy, the rubber captain stared back at him with an unreadable expression, and it was clear that Luffy was letting Zoro decide what would happen next. Zoro looked down at his sword, placed a hand over its hilt affectionately, and took a deep breath. Luffy had given up his most prized treasure for Connor, so Zoro walked forward, pulled his sword from his waist, and held it out.
"Take it," he said.
La Volpe did so, drawing the sword from its sheath and holding it up to examine it. He then gave it a few test swings before sheathing it again.
"This is a good sword," he commented, tying it to his waist. "I have arrangements to make. I shall meet you at your residence in Dock One at sunset."
La Volpe took a single step back and vanished from sight, leaving Zoro and Luffy to deal with their emotions after giving away their most treasured items.
Zoro wanted to say something to Luffy, but the rubber captain was already walking back towards the city. They made their way back to the residence in Dock One in silence, and Zoro couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had a feeling that they were only just beginning to see the true extent of the danger Connor was in. But he pushed those thoughts aside for now, focusing on the positives. La Volpe had agreed to teach Connor, and saving the boy was what mattered most.
When they arrived back at the residence, Luffy sat at the table, his hand every so often reaching to feel for his hat, only to find it gone. As if he didn't believe he'd just given it up. Zoro also felt lighter now that the weight of Wado was gone from his hip, and he subconsciously reached for the blade. But like Luffy's hat, it was gone. It would take them both some time to get used to this fact.
Zoro and Luffy sat in silence for a long while, processing what had happened. It was clear that giving up their prized possessions had not been an easy decision for either of them. But they had done it, for Connor.
After a few more moments of painful silence, Zoro spoke up. "Luffy, are you okay?" he asked, looking at his captain with concern.
Luffy nodded, but Zoro could see the sadness in his eyes. "Yeah, I'm okay," he said quietly. "It's just... hard to let go of something that's been with me for so long."
Zoro could relate. His own sword, Wado Ichimonji, had been with him for as long as he could remember. It was a part of him, an extension of his own will. But he had given it up. He wondered if Kunia would have done the same thing or what she thought now that he no longer possessed the blade. Hell, what would her father think?
"We did the right thing," Zoro said, trying to reassure Luffy and himself. "The kid is one of us, and we have to do everything we can to save him."
Luffy nodded again. Zoro knew Luffy understood the weight of what they did, but at the same time, it was just so hard to bear. They both knew that they would do whatever it took to save their nakama, as the recent events at Enis Lobby had proved. Zoro's mind wandered to when Robin sacrificed herself to ensure that the Straw Hats would not be targeted by CP9, and the emotional turmoil she went through believing she had sentenced them to death when they came after her. Zoro wondered just how Connor would feel, knowing that they had given up their possessions for him.
They wouldn't be able to hide this from the crew for long; after all, they were all coming back from their own preparations in the afternoon. They had until then to figure out how to tell Connor and the others about the situation.
With Sanji.
After Zoro and Luffy had left the rest of The Straw Hats headed out, and Sanji pulled up a large cart to carry the shopping in. Sanji left with Connor and Chimney riding in a large cart that Sanji was pulling to hold the shopping. Ezio walked next to the cart and made light conversation with Sanji about the type of foods he liked to cook and different techniques. The subject of All Blue was brought up, and while Sanji thought that Ezio would laugh at him, Ezio didn't and asked him when he found it if he could cook him a meal using ingredients found in All Blue.
Sanji was ecstatic to talk about his theories of the mythical sea, and Ezio also spoke about his own ideas about where it could be located and even suggested a few locations in the Grand Line for Sanji to check. As the group wandered the marketplace, Sanji showed both Connor and Chimney how to identify the freshest produce using different techniques, while Sanji could easily identify which were the freshest and the best with a glance. Connor didn't have that eye for it like the chef did.
"So for bread, it's the sound of the crunch; fresh bread always makes a crispy sound when applying pressure to the end," Sanji explained and demonstrated on a baguette. He handed the seller some coins. "This one is good."
"What about fruit?" Connor asked, pointing to a fruit stand.
"That one is trickier and depends on the fruit," Sanji said. He then went over and proceeded to demonstrate how to identify the freshest fruit. Chimney also watched and asked her own questions, and Ezio kept in the background as he, too, became enthralled with the lesson. He had no idea there were these little tips and tricks for identifying the best produce and committed them to memory. As they made their way through the markets, Ezio asked which was the best apple at a fruit vendor. Sanji immediately pointed the best ones out and the ones to avoid. Ezio, on a whim, bought one of each, and when no one was looking, he activated Eagle Sense to check the quality of the fruit.
True to Sanji's word, the one Sanji claimed to be the best was of better and higher quality. Ezio was impressed, and at every stall, he would quickly activate his sight to check the quality of produce, and every time, the things Sanji had pointed out and chosen were the highest and freshest. Ezio was impressed; he needed to use his sight to determine such things, but Sanji just knew it automatically.
As the day drew on, the cart got fuller and fuller; eventually, the two kids had to sit on the edge, as there was just too much in the cart.
"Sanji, I'm getting hungry," Chimney whined.
"You are?" Sanji asked and looked back at the girl. Chimney nodded. The cook then looked at Connor. "Are you hungry?"
Connor shrugged in response. Sanji frowned; that was Connor's normal response to questions like that. The cook knew the boy's brand would sustain him if he didn't eat or sleep for a month, but that didn't mean Connor wasn't hungry or tired. It just meant that he would have energy no matter what. So whenever Connor was asked if he was hungry or tired, the response was always a shrug. The crew had learned long ago that the boy would not ask for food, and he never complained about not sleeping properly. Sanji was sure if one of them didn't send him to bed every night, the boy probably wouldn't sleep at all.
Still, it would do no good to let the kids go hungry. He looked back over the cart; they had pretty much gotten almost everything apart from a few seasons and spices from the shops for their journey. Sanji had also gotten stuff for dinner for tonight as well.
"I suppose we can take a break before heading back," Sanji agreed. "Chimney, is there any place around you'd like to go to lunch?"
"Yeah, I know the best place in Water 7," Chimney cheered.
"Really, then let's go," Sanji smiled. Chimney hopped off the cart and led Sanji to the back streets and down some stairs; there was an old boat tied up by the canal, and a couple of younger men walked up the stairs, complaining about how the place wasn't open.
Sanji parked the cart aside, and he, Ezio, Connor, and Chimney walked down the stairs; there was an old man snoring away and holding a nearly empty large bottle of Sake. He was leaning against the bow of the boat.
"Grandpa, wake up, I'm hungry," Chimney demanded. "Wake up."
"Grandpa?" Ezio asked.
"Yeah, everyone calls him that because it's the name of his business," Chimney claimed, pointing at the sign above the boat that had the name written on it.
"Old Man's Boat House," Sanji read. "All-day meals, delivery upon request."
Ezio looked down at the sleeping old man. "Judging by the amount missing from this bottle, I suspect we won't be eating anytime soon," he reasoned.
"Aww…but I'm hungry," Chimney whined.
"I'll make us something, and then we can continue," Sanji declared.
"Won't the old man be upset you used his kitchen?" Connor asked.
"If we explain it to him, I'm sure it'll be fine," Sanji assured.
Sanji went back to the cart and got out some ingredients along with a large bottle of wine. He'd give it to the old man as payment for letting him use the kitchen. Once he was set, Sanji examined the utensils; they were fairly basic and nothing like the carving knives and other professional tools that he used. Sanji made mental notes; you could tell a lot about a cook by the equipment and setup in their kitchen. This one, however, was set up to make small, quick, and easy street food and singular dishes.
"Well, it is a street vendor," Sanji supposed, so he couldn't be too judgy or compare the kitchen to the Baratie that he grew up cooking in.
Sanji quickly prepared a simple plate of pasta and veggies for everyone. As he was chopping and preparing the food, Connor, Chimney, and Ezio took a seat on the edge of the boat that had a blanket over it. While he was cooking, the old man woke up. He rubbed his eyes and saw that Sanji was cooking; he glanced at the others, and Ezio gave him a friendly wave while Connor and Chimney sat patiently waiting for their food.
"Huh, who are you?" Grandpa asked as he came round from his drunken nap.
"Sorry, the kids were hungry," Sanji explained.
"Eh, it's fine, can't let kids go hungry," the old man waved off. "Just clean up when you're done."
Sanji nodded in agreement, and the old man watched Sanji cook. As he did, the old man recognized the style and techniques. Once the pasta was served, Ezio, Chimney, and Connor were happily munching away. Sanji walked over and handed the old man the bottle of wine.
"Here, payment for using me using the kitchen," Sanji said.
"Oh, thanks, I like this brand," the old man said and started to drink from the bottle.
"By the way, are you related to a pirate named Zeff?" Grandpa asked.
"Huh? You know Zeff?" Sanji asked in shock.
"Yep, you his kid or something?"
"No, I'm his apprentice. I worked and trained at the Baratie," Sanji claimed.
"Ah, that makes sense. The way you cook is similar to him. Listen up, kid, if you want to be a better chef, you've got to stop cooking like that amateur Zeff," the old man declared.
"Zeff is not an amateur," Sanji defended. "He's a chef, a great chef, and was a pirate captain."
"He's an amateur compared to me," the old man declared. "Sit down, and I'll make a dish that puts Zeff's and yours to shame."
Sanji did so, doubting the old man could make anything as good as Zeff did. Zeff was a master chef and an experienced pirate turned restaurant owner. Sanji had been taught from an early age all the best tips and tricks when it came to cooking; it annoyed him greatly that this old man was talking down about the only father he had.
"Yay, Grandpa is going to make us food," Chimney cheered.
"Sanji, I like the food you make," Connor tried.
"Thanks, kid," Sanji said and ruffled Connor's hair.
"I agree with Connor; it will be hard to beat your cooking," Ezio agreed.
The group waited while the old man cooked. Sanji noticed the way he handled a knife was off, and his hands were always shaking. The uneven cuts of vegetables and slices of meat made Sanji wonder if the old man was just reeling him up. When it came to cooking some rice, which was pretty straightforward, he mixed everything together and pulled a spoonful of some seasoning out of a sugar holder and sprinkled it on top.
Once it was prepared, he served out four plates and handed them out. Sanji looked down at the dish; it was just a normal plate of fried rice. He glanced over at Chimney, who was already devouring her plate. Connor was also eating, but he was going at a slower pace, and every so often his eyes would flick over to Sanji. Sanji wondered about this reaction; Connor hadn't had that reaction to food in a long time, back when he thought the others would take it from him.
"Mhmm…this is the best," Chimney said happily. "Pirate cooking is good, but Grandpa's is way better."
Sanji's eyebrow twitched. He prided himself on making delicious and healthy food; everyone praised his cooking as the best they'd ever had, except those chefs on the Baratie. Those idiots couldn't tell a good dish from a bad one.
"It can't be that good," Ezio commented and took a mouthful. However, his eyes went wide, and he glanced at Sanji. "It's...not bad," he tried and immediately started to dig in.
Sanji could tell that the other man was lying; he looked at Connor. "Connor, tell me the truth, which is better: my cooking or the old man's?"
Connor froze, put his fork down, and mumbled something under his breath.
"I didn't hear that, what did you say?" Sanji asked.
"I…I said the rice…it's better than what you just made," Connor said nervously.
Sanji didn't see any reaction or any form of punishment setting in, so he had to assume that Connor was telling the truth.
"What's the matter, boy? Can't bear to face the truth?" the old man mocked.
Sanji gritted his teeth and picked up a mouthful, putting it in his mouth. As soon as the rice touched his taste buds, he knew the truth. Connor, Chimney, and Ezio were telling the truth; this simple plate of fried rice was much better than anything he or Zeff had made in their entire lives.
Sanji devoured the plate along with the others, and once he was done, he looked up at the old man.
"Hey, how did you make such a fine dish? Your utensils are subpar, and the quality of ingredients was average. Just what the hell did you put in that food?"
"Heh, this is why I said Zeff was an amateur; he couldn't figure out my special ingredient either. Looks like you're not as skilled as me either," the old man mocked.
Sanji wanted to argue, but he had no argument. The food was excellent, and nothing he made had ever compared to the quality and taste that the old man had achieved.
"Tell you what, if you can figure it out, I'll show you where I get my special ingredient from," the old man offered.
Sanji grinned; he was never one to back down from a challenge, especially one that involved cooking. "Alright. Ezio, keep an eye on the kids and our cart," Sanji said and stood up.
"Hm, where are you going?" Ezio asked.
"To figure this out," Sanji answered and immediately ran off. Connor, Chimney, and Ezio watched him go.
"Seconds, anyone?" the old man offered.
"Yes, please," Chimney and Connor said together.
"A smaller serve for me, if you do not mind," Ezio responded politely.
Sanji ran through the streets of Water 7, with one goal in mind. The group had passed a spice shop on the way to the old man's restaurant, and he skidded to a halt in front of it before dashing in and heading to the back wall where all the spices were sold. He tried a bit of each, searching for a match or combination that matched the taste and flavor that he had just experienced. But nothing came close to it. Once he was done with the spices, he whirled around to face the owner.
"Oi, is this all the seasoning and spices you have?" he asked urgently.
"Yes, that's all at the moment," the owner replied.
"Are there any other spice shops or vendors that sell seasoning and spices?" Sanji asked.
"There are, but they all stock the same as me. Water 7 isn't known for its trading, after all," the owner replied.
"Damn," Sanji cursed and quickly left the shop.
He started to slowly wander around town, occasionally stopping to talk to other sellers when he came across another shop that sold seasoning and spice. But he still couldn't find a match, and after the third stop, it was apparent that what the first shop owner had said was true: all the spice sellers sold the same ingredients.
As he wandered around town trying to figure out the mystery, he lost track of time.
"I suppose the old man could have made his own seasoning," Sanji muttered to himself. "But if that was the case, it'd taste the mixture, and there wasn't anything extra in it."
"Hey, you're one of the Straw Hat pirates," a voice called out.
Sanji stopped and turned around to see an older gentleman with the Galley-La symbol on his jacket coming towards him, waving his hand in the air. His other hand was occupied by a large carry bag. Sanji observed him; he didn't seem like one of the shipwrights, as his build was not like the others he'd seen. This man was skinnier and not as muscular or toned, but his eyes had an air of experience in them.
"Can I help you?" Sanji asked.
"Yeah, you're the cook for the Straw Hats, right?" the worker said.
"That's right."
"Oh good, I'm glad I caught up with you before you left," the man said.
"Um, does my captain or any of my crew know you?" Sanji asked, trying to place the face. He hadn't seen this person around Dock One or with the shipwrights. He supposed the old man could've been at their party, but almost the whole town turned up, so he wasn't sure.
"Ah sorry, we've never been introduced. Name's Robert Faulkner(1). I've been meaning to meet with one of the Straw Hats because I've got something I want from you," Faulkner said in a gruff tone.
"And what's that?" Sanji asked, hoping this man wasn't a threat.
"I want to shake your hand," Faulkner declared and stuck his own out.
"Uh…sure," Sanji said and held out his hand. Faulkner took it and shook. "Can I ask why?"
"Thank you for saving Iceberg, I really mean it. Water 7 would be lost without him," Faulkner said. "I wasn't here when the whole incident happened, as me and my mates had left Water 7 due to Aqua Laguna. We heard what happened, and I hope you gave those government goons what was coming to them."
"You're welcome, and we did," Sanji responded. He then noticed the bag Faulkner was carrying had the old man's boathouse writing on it. "Hey, what have you got there?"
"Hm? Oh, this is lunch for the shipwrights. We're pretty much done with your new ship, and Iceberg decided he would treat everyone who worked on it to lunch. We all decided we wanted Grandpa's cooking; I'm just picking up the order," Faulkner explained. "Have you tried his cooking?"
"Yeah, I was there a little while ago," Sanji admitted. "I'm trying to figure out his secret ingredient."
"Ah, good luck with that. Many restaurants here have been trying for years to figure it out. I even heard a rumour a pirate captain specializing in cooking tried a couple of decades ago, and he left in shame, never figuring it out," Faulkner laughed.
"Huh, you don't say," Sanji responded. He thought about it and guessed the timing matched up to when Zeff was a pirate. It would also explain how the old man knew Zeff.
"So, did you work on our ship? You don't seem like a shipwright," Sanji observed.
"Oh, I'm not. My job is testing new ships," Faulkner claimed.
"What do you mean?" Sanji asked.
"When we build a ship, we need to make sure it can cross the waters of the Grand Line, so once it's ready, I take them out for a couple of hours and put them through their paces. Nothing major, just a few turns, testing the guns, response of the steering under pressure, and strength of the sails. Can't give out ships that will sink the moment they touch the water, after all," Faulkner laughed.
"So, is our ship good?"
"Oh yeah, you'll all be in good hands," Faulkner promised. "She's a fine ship. As long as you take good care of it, she'll take you to the ends of the earth. In fact I wouldn't mind sailing on it, your captains not looking for a Navigator by chance are they?"
"No, we've got one and we're in no hurry to replace her," Sanji stated.
"Ah probably for the best, I wouldn't want to leave Dave and Richard (2) behind anyway," Falkner said "If your captain wanted to take me on, he'd have to take them on too,"
"Well...we're looking for a shipwright though," Sanji tried "Still haven't got one yet,"
"Oh really, I'm surprised none of Iceberg's men are offering," Falkner claimed "After what you did for Iceberg I would have thought you'd be swamped with applications,"
"To be honest you're the first person to express interest in joining," Sanji claimed.
"Oh well, I hope you find someone. Here," Faulkner reached into the bag and handed Sanji a small box. "Nice meeting you. Good luck, and thanks again for saving Iceberg."
Faulkner walked off, and Sanji looked at the box in his hand. He opened it and found a rice ball. Sighing, he took a bite, and his mouth was once again filled with the same amazing sensation he got from the fried rice. Sanji found a nearby bench and examined the rice ball.
He broke it apart in the middle to see there was nothing inside. "No flavouring," he commented. "Just an ordinary rice ball."
Sanji ate the rice ball and then leaned back on the bench. He lit a cigarette and began to smoke. He didn't understand it; how could a simple dish such as fried rice taste so good without any identifying spices or seasoning? Just what was the secret ingredient that made a plain salted rice ball with no flavouring taste just as amazing even though there were no extra ingredients apart from rice in it?
Suddenly, Sanji's eyes widened…a plain salted rice ball.
"Wait…that can't be it, can it?" Sanji realized. "But how could…" Sanji then stood up and ran to the nearest canal. He stared down at the water, reached in, and scooped it up in his hand.
"It is, it's the only explanation," Sanji said. He stood up and turned to face the direction towards the ocean. He stared at it for a moment as the pieces began falling into place and a grin formed on his face. "So that's how it is," he said and ran back towards the old man's boathouse.
When he got back, Chimney, Connor, Ezio, and the old man were playing some board games. Chimney was beating the old man in a game of chess, and Ezio was trying to teach Connor checkers. Judging by the uncertain look on Connor's face, he wasn't having much luck.
"I got it," Sanji announced, out of breath. "I figured it out."
The old man looked up at him expectingly. "Oh, and what is it?"
"It's salt," Sanji announced. "But not just any salt; it's highly concentrated sea salt."
The old man grinned. "Well, looks like I was wrong; you and Zeff aren't the same skill level after all."
"Salt?" Ezio asked.
"Salt is the base foundation for all seasoning and spices," Sanji explained. "It's why I couldn't find it in all the spice and seasoning mixes I tried. It's just pure salt. But where did you get such concentrated salt, old man?"
"Follow me, and I'll show you," the old man said.
The group packed up the games and followed the old man down the back streets. Eventually, he turned and entered a building, leading them to the rooftops. Connor stayed close to Sanji so he wouldn't fall off, and Ezio moved closer to the edge, looking over the scenery.
"Welp, here we are," the old man said, directing Sanji to the roof. "My source of the special ingredient."
Sanji walked closer to the red curved tiles, and the old man ran his hand over it. Small crystals of salt came off into his hand. Sanji reached out and tasted some; it was the exact same flavourful sensation that he'd eaten earlier in the day.
"I don't understand," Sanji said. "How did it all get up here?"
"Aqua Laguna," the old man answered.
"Aqua Laguna?" Sanji asked.
The man nodded. He then turned and looked over the horizon. "Each year, Aqua Laguna floods and completely submerges the entirety of the lower city. The roofs are curved domes so they can better handle the water pressure. However, they also make excellent salt harvesters."
"Forgive my ignorance for I am not a cook but what does all this have to do with Aqua Laguna?" Ezio interrupted.
"Simple. Once the wave passes and the water recedes, not all of it disappears. There are always droplets or puddles left. Every year, immediately after the tidal wave hits, we always get sunny days. That constant sunshine dehydrates and dries out any and all water left behind, and since it's seawater, that means once the water is gone, it leaves behind a natural resource."
"Salt," Sanji finished. Then it hit him. If the whole city was submerged, that meant… He turned around to look over the horizons, and sure enough, all the rooftops of the Back Streets were sparkling, the sunlight reflecting off the salt crystals waiting to be harvested.
"This is why Zeff couldn't figure it out. He didn't come to Water 7 during or right after Aqua Laguna, and a good portion of the restaurant and cooks that live here haven't figured it out either," the old man claimed.
"Water 7…makes the salt itself?" Sanji gasped.
"Yep, you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world that would have finer and purer salt than here," the old man claimed. "Well, there is one location, but no one has ever found it."
"All Blue," Sanji realized.
"Got it in one," the old man agreed. "Well, now you know my secret. Don't go spreading it around; it will put me out of business. I'll leave you to collect what you need; just leave some for me."
The old man headed back inside the building, leaving the group alone. Sanji immediately went back down to street level and bought a dozen large sacks. Ezio, Connor, and Chimney spent the rest of the day going from building to building, filling up the sacks. Ezio also bought a sack for himself to take home, and Sanji gave a small pouch worth to Chimney for Kokoro.
By the time they were finished, it was well into the evening, long past the time that Sanji and Connor were supposed to return to the residence to help pack and have the supplies moved to the new ship for departure tomorrow. On the way back, they met up with Kokoro, who was out looking for them. When Sanji hadn't returned at the appointed time, the conductor hadn't been too worried, as she trusted Sanji to look after her granddaughter. However, well into the evening, she was worried and started to look for them. Sanji apologized to Kokoro and assured her it was his fault.
"Well, as long as she had fun," Kokoro shrugged. "Better get back quick; Straw Hat and Zoro are beside themselves with panic for some reason."
"Did something happen?" Connor asked.
"Don't know; they've been like that since you missed the meetup time," Kokoro stated. "Anyway, Chimney says goodbye; we're going home."
"Bye, Sanji. Bye, Ezio. Bye, Straw Hat's boy," Chimney said with a happy wave, and she followed her grandmother as she started to walk off.
"Bye, Chimney. Thanks for hanging out today," Connor waved.
"Shall we head back? We do not wish your captain to worry too much," Ezio supplied.
"Yeah, though I wonder why Luffy and Moss Head would be panicking," Sanji mused. "I know I lost track of time, but surely they know I'm capable of looking after both Connor and myself."
As they walked back towards Dock One, they crossed a bridge, and Connor stopped and looked over it. There, amongst the junk, was Usopp.
"Hey, it's Usopp," Connor pointed out. Sanji stopped and looked in the direction that Connor was pointing, and sure enough, there was the sniper. He was standing out there alone, talking to himself and doing impressions. "What's he doing?" Connor asked.
"Sounds like he's rehearsing something," Sanji said.
They stayed and listened for a bit, and it very quickly became apparent that Usopp was practising interacting with the crew for the sole intent of rejoining them, going over lines and scenarios. Sanji listened in for a good twenty minutes before moving on. He had to get back to Dock One before it was too late, and Luffy did something stupid.
(1) Robert Falkner is a veteran sailor who is friends with Achilles. In the AC games, he is Connor's first mate on the Aquila and teaches him all about sailing, navigation and all other aspects of being a good sailor and a captain.
(2) David and Richard Cuttleback are sailors who possess various skills due to having a large experience on ships. They are good friends with Robert Falkner and respect him greatly as they have served on a few vassals with him. In the AC games, they are recruited as Gunnery officers.
I put these three characters in Water 7 because if they are sailors it feels right to have them based on an island that prides itself on Ship building. Sadly I couldn't make them appear in the Main part of Enis Lobby as it was too hard to work them in with Ezio. So they get a Cameo here.