Chapter 40

Breathing

Nami carefully placed her hand on her still slightly sensitive stomach. Leaning against the rail of the Sunny on the seaward side, the fresh air was pleasant on her skin even if the gloomy weather kept her from enjoying the warmth of the sun.

It had been four days since the Straw Hat crew ship had reappeared on the horizon after ten hours of panic during which its remaining occupants had stock up on cola at full speed. This anxious time hadn't been the last though because the toughest challenge had been for Franky to calculate the most precise return path possible. Indeed, only the navigator could make them cross the barrier of natural whirlpools and without her, he had aimed for the exact spot between the murderous whirlpools and the island of Riverview.

The redhead remembered that when the flag of the Sunny had appeared in the morning mist, she could have cried again, but this time with joy. The cyborg had remembered all her indications and headed for the southern tip, anticipating that the young woman wouldn't take any risks about fuel. When Brook's voice had sounded through a baby Den-Den Mushi used as loudspeaker, she had wanted to rush up to the beach to wave at him and let him know where they were. But at that moment, her body was more painful than ever and her own voice had sounded terribly scratchy.

Seconds later, Luffy had caught her waist with one arm and threw the other towards the Sunny, propelling them towards the deck at full speed. Despite her relief to find the ship, the dizzying speed in addition to her injuries had left her nauseous and she had soon felt her legs buckling.

Immediately, Chopper had rushed and took her to the infirmary. Looking worried, he had examined her carefully while the redhead struggled to keep her eyes open on the bed, fighting against unconsciousness. She didn't remember the result of her examination. She just remembered that when she had opened her eyes again, the sun was shining weakly outside and the little reindeer had told her that she had slept almost 24 hours. The navigator had been stunned before learning that she had several broken ribs and that her exhaustion due to the efforts she had to provide to save Luffy had dehydrated her quite seriously.

The doctor's treatment was final, the young woman needed to rest and she needed to forget about sailing for a few days to recover. Nami had just nodded back. She didn't know if the part due to the stress was the most important about her condition, but she had been happy to just enjoy a little time for herself anyway. She had plenty to think about after all.

She enjoyed the rather unexpected calm in which the Sunny was bathed since the crew had moored again at Riverview. The Marines had totally ravaged the port before leaving and the inhabitants were slowly regaining possession of the premises despite the almost total disappearance of their pirate clientele. As a precaution, the cyborg had decided to stay a little away so that the navigator could regain her strength in peace. Indeed, Nami was the one who was to guide them to their next destination but in view of the recommendations of the ship doctor, it had been agreed that they would stay a few days on the island even if it no longer offered much provision.

By the second day though, Nami had wanted to leave the infirmary and when she had crossed the door, she had been warmly welcomed by the other crew members, admiring her courage and the way she had gotten out of this tricky situation. The young woman had greatly appreciated this comfort after the ordeal she had gone through but what had warmed her heart even more had been Luffy's attitude towards her. The captain had also praised her tenacity but above all, he had made no reference to her tears and distress. Although she wouldn't have been ashamed, the fact that he showed off her strength in front of their friends after their last confrontation about it had made her feel like they were standing together and regaining some of their natural complicity. Their conversation came back to her then.

And after the surge of emotion in the highly trying context that she had experienced, hindsight now allowed her to better appreciate its value. Luffy considered and respected her for her skills as much as for her person and icing on the cake, he still felt this special bond he had developed towards her.

Yet Nami didn't want to rush and she had decided to let time do its work between them. The fact that Luffy has his own logic and interpretation of their relationship wasn't easy to grasp and the need for rest she felt was as mental as it was physical. She didn't want to think more than necessary just yet. She just wanted to savor the fact that her feelings were reciprocated. Both would see where their next adventures would take them and what place their relationship might have at that time. Now understanding his way of thinking about it, she had no doubt that Luffy would have the same analysis anyway.

Suddenly, a crackle from the cyborg's workshop sounded and she turned hastily to come closer. Franky had been working since dawn to locate a frequency that Liam's transmitter had picked up when they arrived in the cove. Initially, the whole crew had stayed nearby in the hope of reaching All Blue but the connection was random and, in the end, everyone had left to go about their business while waiting, except for the skeleton who was lending a hand to their friend.

Luffy, Chopper and Usopp had decided to take a walk around town again while Zoro was training in the grass with his swords and Robin had gone to the galley to start preparing lunch. For her part, Nami had grabbed her maps for the first time to study their next destination and she had come out of the library after nearly two hours of research.

Despite this low effort, she was already feeling the fatigue but that didn't stop her from hurrying to join Franky and Brook. She hadn't forgotten her promise to Liam to register every door she encountered, and the possibility of reaching the cook who remained on All Blue was just as exciting. It had been almost three months since they had been able to speak to him now, but the navigator had rather the impression that it had been years. So much had happened in the meantime…

"Did you find it?" She asked as she walked into the workshop seconds later.

"We pick up some waves but not enough," Franky growled, moving the transmitter again. "I don't know if it's because we're too far away or because the door's unstable…"

"We made several attempts using Liam-san's detection devices but without success," Brook added.

"Maybe if we move the Sunny along the coast, we'll have better luck," The young woman suggested.

"Maybe," The cyborg approved, "I'm gonna do some more tests until tonight and we'll decide what happens next."

Nami nodded before leaving them to their research and slowly heading to the galley to find Robin. Resuming some quiet habits was really pleasing.

"Hey, look what we found!"

"Sanji! It's Sanji!"

"They talk about All Blue in the unusual section!"

Luffy, Chopper and Usopp had stormed in like madmen shortly before lunch, the sniper clutching a newspaper in his hand which he excitedly waved as soon as all his friends were in the galley where they were about to have their meal.

"Show me," Nami immediately asked, grabbing the newspaper and feverishly turning the pages.

"Page 20!" Chopper said, beaming.

"I got it. Let's see…"

Robin leaned over the navigator's shoulder as Nami began reading the article aloud.

The All Blue opens the doors to a mysterious ocean!

By Julia Blake and Sven Pjarok

On Vorgo, a medium tourist island located not far from the Red Line, everyone talks about it: the misty door literally floating on the water not far from the coast that will lead you directly to the All Blue, a restaurant whose fame only took a few weeks to achieve unanimity.

On a piece of island in the middle of the sea, this establishment has several features that will delight curious as much as paranormal enthusiasts! First of all, if this restaurant gives the impression of being accessible by the Grand Line, it's actually swimming in the blue waters of an unknown sea that its inhabitants call the All Blue [see our insert on the legendary sea of All Blue]. Its only access is through a mysterious door that instantly transports you a few kilometers from the island hosting the restaurant of the same name. When you arrive on site, you will be led to a table where you can taste the specialties of the sea from the four oceans according to the catch of the day.

Change of scenery guaranteed! The cuisine is authentic and particularly refined, the desserts are of incomparable delicacy. Special mention to the sea skewers and spicy lemon shrimps that will take you to the top of culinary art!

"It's Sanji's dish!" Luffy exclaimed, "I love these shrimps!"

"Hooray for Sanji!"

Luffy, Franky, Usopp and Chopper started chanting the name of their cook at the top of their lungs and despite her smile, Nami soon signaled her friends to be quiet to resume her reading.

The owner of the place remains extremely discreet but he's already very well-known since it's the former pirate Red Foot Zeff, famous until recently for the dishes he served on his restaurant-boat in the East Blue, the Baratie. He makes all the meals available to order himself from the freshest local ingredients with the help of his small but enthusiastic team and the success has been undeniable since the opening this winter. Indeed, you will now have to book with the lovely Amy to get a table in the days that follow.

As you can see, the All Blue is both an exceptional table in a totally unique setting and for a very reasonable price, you will satisfy both your stomach and your eyes thanks to its breathtaking view of the ocean. Sail over there!

"Well, it seems that Sanji-kun has succeeded," The redhead concluded with satisfaction.

"That's my cook!" The captain yelled, drunk with joy.

"It's the Mizu Mizu newspaper, that of Water Seven," Franky pointed out as the young woman handed him the newspaper, "They're super guys, we can trust them!"

"It seems to work so well!" Usopp rejoiced.

"I expected no less from our dear chef," Robin approved.

"They don't really talk about him in the article though," Chopper noted with disappointment.

"It's all a matter of precaution, my friend," Brook explained to him. "Our dear Black Leg is a wanted pirate, so he doesn't want his name to attract the Marine's attention and jeopardize his project!"

"Oh, true! He has thought of everything!" The little reindeer gushed.

"We absolutely have to congratulate him!" Franky decided. "I'll find that frequency as soon as we're done eating!"

Everyone nodded strongly and Luffy grabbed the first dish with even more eagerness than usual.

"This is disgusting!"

Sanji chuckled. "You poured too much water all at once," He got amused, adding flour to compensate. Amy tried to get rid of the paste stuck to her fingers and the blond shook his head. "Keep kneading gradually so you don't get any lumps. I'll show you."

Sanji leaned over her and gently grabbed her hands so she could feel the exact movement. The young girl concentrated on the demonstration and the cook slowly incorporated the scattered pieces of bread dough until a fairly consistent ball came off under their fingers.

"Keep it up a little longer and it'll be good."

Amy nodded and Sanji walked away to let her work, watching her movements from the corner of his eye as he washed his hands. Since she had confessed that she wanted to cook, he had been testing her motivation between services and he had already noticed that she enjoyed baking cakes but that savory dishes often seemed too complicated to her. Teaching her how to bake bread was a technique to test her patience because given the number needed each day, the task was exhausting on its own.

A soft knock on the restaurant's front door suddenly sounded and Sanji motioned for his little protege to continue as he headed for the door. On the other side, Lily and Liam had their arms full of fish and shellfish for the evening service and the cook stepped aside to let them in.

"You have found some magnificent oysters!" He exclaimed, noticing the fisherwoman's basket.

"We went to the gulf of islands further north," She told him.

"So far away?" The blond wondered.

"We were all excited. It must be said that after yesterday, we had energy to spare," Liam replied, amused.

"Oh."

The cook felt himself blush and Lily glared at her friend. "Stop making him feel guilty."

"I was joking, Sanji," The scientist apologized.

"I know, I know. I'm still a little ashamed, that's all…"

After his conversation with Zeff and the little surprise party that the people of All Blue had thrown for him, Sanji had decided to follow through on his resolutions and the day before, he had given Lily and Liam their first day off while promising that he would give them more from now on. The two young friends couldn't hide their excitement at this news and the blond was even more angry with himself.

Pushing open the swinging doors leading to the kitchen, the three friends placed the groceries in the huge refrigerator while Amy carefully poured her paste into a tin to let it rest.

Seeing her, Lily came closer. "How's learning going for our new cook?" She asked her, a loving smile in her voice.

"I prefer pastries," Amy sighed, wiping her hands on her little apron, "Even though it's hard, it's so delicious!"

"The hot bread especially just out of the oven is also a delight," Liam pointed out.

"Might as well make sweet bread then!" The girl insisted. "Oh, I know! Sanji, let's make brioche!"

"Like a panettone?" The cook suggested.

"No, a huge tarte tropézienne!" She begged him.

"I prefer chocolate brioche," The scientist chimed in to tease her.

"And I prefer sugar ones," Lily added, getting into her friend's game.

"Let's do them all!"

Liam shook his head with a smile but Lily seemed to approve. "I'm up for making brioches!" She exclaimed. "For once, I have time to do something else so goodbye fish! What do you say, Sanji?" She asked while turning to him.

"I say you're absolutely right, sweet Lily!" The man immediately assured her, whirling beside her. "I'll guide you step by step to make beautiful sugar brioches!"

In record time, he placed all the ingredients on the worktops and the girls set to work enthusiastically. Sanji then turned to Liam who hadn't moved to look at him questioningly. The cook gestured to the bag of chocolate chips he had taken from the cupboard and the scientist bit his lip.

"I already have to overcome my aversion to carnival food, and now I have to cook…"

"Don't be such a killjoy," Lily gently scolded him, "It'll do you good to do something else. You only think about your waves and your devices!"

"Because it's interesting," His friend grumbled.

"I'm sure Sanji can make cooking interesting. Don't you?"

"Of course, sweet Lily! I'm gonna be the best teacher!"

The fisherwoman giggled and Liam had no choice but to put on an apron and move closer to the worktop. Carefully putting down his headset so as not to dirty it, he slowly grabbed his ingredients. For his part, Sanji stood next to the girls to show them the first steps.

"How are my dough balls, Sanji? Is it okay?"

"They're great, you can let them rest. In the meantime, get out your ingredients for the pastry cream and egg cream. Working them at room temperature will be easier."

"Sure!"

Amy rushed to the fridge and the blond shifted to the fisherwoman concentrating on her task. "Your dough rolls are superb, sweet Lily! Perfectly alike!" He congratulated her.

"I did my best," The young woman confessed, "It's harder than it looks…"

"You're doing very well, don't worry! You need to put them on a baking sheet before cooling them," He showed her. Lily left to wash her hands then and Sanji finally looked at Liam's preparation.

"It looks like nothing," The scientist muttered, observing the lumpy dough that stuck to the edges of his kneader.

"Did you add a little flour?" The cook asked.

"I did, I put almost five tablespoons!"

"And that's why it doesn't work; you put too much at once."

"Oh." Sanji poured a few drops of milk into the kneader to try to bind the dough but the lumps were such that the mixture didn't take. Liam sighed. "It's a waste of time. We might as well throw everything away and start over…"

"Throwing away doesn't belong to my vocabulary," The blond reminded him, grabbing a bowl to pour the preparation into it. "We won't waste a crumb of this dough and we'll make delicious chocolate brioches; you'll see."

"I put my brioches near the window so that they rise!" Amy's voice sounded.

"Same here, I just have to wait," Lily added.

"You're wonderful, my angels! Go relax in the dining room, I'll bring you a delicious cocktail to reward you!"

"Great!" Amy exclaimed as she raced for the door and Lily followed her with a smile.

"What about me?" Liam inquired hopefully.

"You, you knead by hand to put things right," The cook said, placing the bowl in front of him, "No cocktail until the dough is ready."

The scientist sighed but rolled up his sleeves.

"How's it going?"

"Well… I think there's some improvement."

Sanji glanced at the dough before raising an eyebrow. "It's slow work," He pointed out.

At these words, Liam sighed deeply. "But I've been kneading this dough the entire time! Why isn't it working?!"

"Because you're doing it wrong, that's why. Ingredients cannot fail on purpose, only the person who uses them is responsible."

"I didn't want to… insult the food," The dark-haired man apologized, suddenly sheepish. "It's just… I can't do it."

Sanji chewed on his cigarette butt that he had shoved in his mouth after serving the girls. He had also brought them tartlets to go with their cocktails and he could now hear them chatting happily in the dining room.

"There's too much gas in your dough, that's why it doesn't work. You stirred it too much."

"Oh…" Liam stared at his bowl, looking completely helpless, and Sanji finally burst out laughing.

"It's not that complicated, really. Look." The blond moved behind him like he had done earlier with Amy and grabbed his hands. "See, you fold it back on itself and then you shove your fist into it. You fold it again and you start again…"

The scientist repressed a start at the touch of the cook against him, surprised by his proximity. Their height difference was slight and leaned over him in this way, he could almost hear Sanji's breathing in his ear. Yet he concentrated on memorizing the gestures of the blond's hands above his own and after a few moments, the cook moved the dough on the worktop.

"The yeast develops gradually and to obtain the right elasticity, you need to start over regularly. As soon as the dough is more homogenous, the lumps will disappear but you must not stop."

"Did Amy do all this?" The dark-haired man wanted to know, frowning.

"She did, this is the basis for a successful bread dough!" Sanji asserted over his shoulder. "Brioches are worked in a fairly similar way."

"I can already feel the muscles in my arms," Liam complained.

"Lily's right. You should think about something other than your waves; it wouldn't hurt you," The blond replied while continuing his task. At these words, a blush tinged the cheeks of the scientist and he stopped breathing in spite of himself.

"Sanji, are there any tartlets left?" Lily's voice suddenly rang out from the dining room. "They really were delicious!"

"Of course, my sweet Lily, I'll be right there!" The blond instantly left his task and the scientist to rush to his pastries and then to the swinging doors which slammed behind him a second later.

Left alone, Liam finally released his breath. "That's exactly what I'm doing…"

Half crew, half All Blue because actions intertwine. I found it more interesting that way at the time.

The next chapter is created on the same model.