Chapter 43

The heat

Sanji slowly sat down next to the swordsman. Despite the still blue sky, the air was icy and he wrapped himself tighter in his coat. The Sunny had entered the climate zone of their next destination that morning and the air was cooling quickly. Nami had expected the winter weather and everyone had brought out their clothes accordingly. Luffy and Chopper were excited to enjoy the snow and they had watched the sky for a long time but it remained remarkably clear for now. As the hours passed, the temperatures had dropped further and most of the Straw Hat Pirates had retreated indoors. It was without counting on the swordsman who didn't seem to suffer from the cold and had settled down on the green grass as usual. Zoro was examining his purple-sheathed sword with concentration and the cook observed his crewmate for a few moments.

Since they had fought two days earlier, a certain peace surrounded their interactions. Their complicity had instantly reappeared and their following exchanges had become more authentic and rougher, like their old habits. This way of communicating was more like them and in the process, it had reassured the cook. His relationship with Zoro wasn't completely ruined and he could at least count on this aspect that belonged only to them.

Despite his initial apprehension, Sanji remembered how fast the adrenaline had carried him away and he had enjoyed every second of their fight until he forgot he had to make dinner with Robin who was waiting for him. For the first time in weeks, the cook had lost track of time and clearing his mind had never seemed so easy. He had feared for a moment that Chopper would disapprove of his new method but the little reindeer didn't say anything. On the contrary, the atmosphere among the crew hadn't been so light since their departure from Wano and Sanji had figured out that his crewmates had felt the tension disappear too.

This is why at the end of the afternoon, the blond didn't hesitate long before finding the swordsman on the deck. They hadn't traded any further blows and the cook doubted that the mood was ideal for physical training. Yet his serenity was such that he felt the right to seek his company as before.

A few centimeters from him, Zoro didn't seem bothered by his presence either, but as time passed without him opening his mouth, Sanji decided to take the first step. After all, the swordsman had never been much of a talker.

"Don't you miss Shusui?"

Zoro kept his gaze fixed on the blade in his hand. "I'd have been happy to keep her, she's an excellent sword, but she remained difficult to handle," he answered honestly. "Not so much because of her weight because I managed to adjust, but because of her character. I think she was still devoted to Ryuma even after his death. It was with him that she became a black blade so I think she'll be more at home in his country."

"But not Enma?"

The swordsman shook his head. "Enma has a thirst for adventure, I think that's why she responded so well to Oden. They both shared an excessive appetite for challenges."

"She'll be happy with you too then," the cook pointed out. "Becoming the sword of the best swordsman in the world is an ambition that must suit her."

"I'm counting on it. She's a constant challenge, I have no room for error."

"She still absorbs a lot of your Haki?"

"Less, but she remains on the lookout for the slightest moment of inattention. Ever since I first touched her, I feel like she's testing me."

"She's testing you?" The blond wondered, staring at the sheath in turn.

Zoro nodded. "She demands a lot of power and control from me, she wants to see how far I can go. At first, she refused to obey me and she deliberately missed my targets. I had to draw from my strength and will to stand up to her. Now I kind of get her. The more Haki I give her, the more she will obey me."

"The sword of Hell, eh?" The cook murmured, his gaze still fixed on the sword.

"She worked with Ame no Habbakiri, her alter ego. If Enma can cut through to the bottom of hell, they say her twin can slice heaven itself."

"The one Oden gave to his son," Sanji remembered. The swordsman nodded while still examining his new blade and Sanji looked back at his companion. "Why did the old blacksmith say she was related to Wado when he gave the sword to you?"

"Because they were forged by the same man; that made it easier by the way," the fencer replied. "It's like they already know each other and using them together is natural."

"What about your third blade then? Is she… fitting in well?"

"Sandai Kitetsu is cursed, Enma likes her. On the other hand, they tend to do as they please when they're together."

"I never imagined that swords had their own personalities," the blond admitted.

"A blade is imbued with the will of its creator and that of its owner. Everyone uses it in a unique way."

Sanji looked at the sword in Zoro's hands, thoughtful. Around them, small snowflakes began to flutter in the sky, surely from the island they were approaching.

"Enma could go to a higher level thanks to you," he said after a moment.

"That's what I promised her. It'd be a great honor and she won't settle for less ambition."

Sanji observed the fencer's determined gaze on his blade and swallowed. "It's a priceless sword," he suddenly whispered. "And she gave it to you. I mean, Hiyori, Momo's sister. She gave it to you."

"Yeah…"

Sanji looked away for a moment, uneasy. He had never known what precisely bound together the swordsman and the sister of the new ruler of Wano. He had first known her because of her incredible beauty, the most beautiful in the whole country, but the cook had quickly realized that her assets weren't limited to her breathtaking physique. She also possessed extraordinary determination and courage. She was the incarnation of grace as much as royalty, her posture and presence attested to this.

As a gentleman, the blond could only be blown away by her nobility and elegance and he had thrown himself at her feet at the same time as his heart had exploded in his chest at the mere sight of her. But Zoro had always preceded him with her and involving a woman, it was definitely the first time.

Sanji had learned that the swordsman had saved her from Kamazo and then from Orochi's guards during Yasuie's execution. They had spent days in private when Zoro had been injured and she had nursed him back to health. Brook had even teased the swordsman about it when they had left the kingdom a few weeks ago. Obviously, he had caught them in an awkward position and even if Zoro had ignored him, the blond couldn't help but listen.

Hiyori had also given him Enma. Obviously, it was in exchange for the national treasure of her country, but this sword was an intimate and precious memory of her father. It wasn't just any blade and she would never have entrusted it to a stranger, even one who had Ryuma's sword.

To his knowledge, Zoro wasn't interested in women, but Sanji knew his crewmate well enough to know that what mattered most to him was self-sacrifice, boldness, and resolution. Hiyori wasn't very strong physically so her willpower was all the more admirable. There was no doubt that Zoro respected her and that was already a feat in itself, he who only gave his attention to those he deemed worthy of interest. And Hiyori certainly was. She had all the required qualities. That she was sublime probably didn't matter to the swordsman but regarding her personality…

In comparison, all the others looked foolish. Sanji looked foolish. This woman had hidden for twenty years and suffered the worst outrages while keeping her head high. She had always kept her goal in mind and moved on with the shadows to restore justice in her country. Hiyori was worthy of the best swordsman in the world, without a doubt. While he…

Sanji bit his lip. He hated himself when thinking about it but he couldn't deny that he felt torn by the ambivalence of his emotions regarding the young woman. He wanted to adore her in the same way as the others because she certainly deserved it but at the same time, he couldn't help but resent her and the blond was deeply mortified. Because if Sanji had often been jealous of other men that his goddesses looked at, he had never felt it towards a woman.

Deep down though, the cook knew that he would accept their happiness. It wouldn't hurt any less, but he had missed his chance with his crewmate so he only had himself to blame. Who knows, maybe Zoro had promised Hiyori to return to Wano when he won his title and Luffy became the Pirate King… He had every right to do so. Zoro was an honorable man and Hiyori couldn't find a more worthy husband. Even Momo wouldn't object, the swordsman having become a legend after his many exploits even before the Straw Hat Pirates stormed Onigashima.

"I'm happy for you, Zoro…"

At these words, the man took his eyes off his sword to turn towards the blond, surprised. He frowned then. "What's going on, cook?"

The latter raised an eyebrow in turn. "What do you mean? I'm just saying I'm happy for you. This sword and everything else, you deserve it."

The swordsman stared at him attentively, visibly wary. "I don't know what you're talking about but what's certain is that you seem off and I don't see how the fact that I'm happy makes you feel that way."

"It's… Never mind, it's no big deal. Just enjoy your chance."

Zoro stared at him even more and Sanji took a cigarette out of his pocket, embarrassed. He didn't' want to go into details but he wasn't going to shy away now. He had said too much and the fencer was already suspicious.

"For Hiyori. I'm happy for you because she's a beautiful and smart woman. I'm sure it'll work and you'll have lots of babies with turquoise or even green hair, why not…"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

Zoro's eyes were wide now and Sanji got annoyed. "There's no point in pretending, I won't say anything if that's all it takes. Just promise me that you'll treat her like the queen she is. And take the time to listen to her from time to time. I know she won't let it happen but if I hear that you're giving her a hard time, I-

"Cook."

Sanji froze. The swordsman was suddenly worried in front of him and he stared back at him. "What?"

"I like men, you don't remember?"

The blond frowned. "I know that," he replied slowly to make his point clear, "But I'm not as narrow-minded as you think I am and I know that there are nuances on the spectrum of sexuality. Even if you like men in general, you can make an exception for a person like Hiyori, no one will blame you and especially not me."

"You don't get it." The fencer insisted, "I only like men. Without any exception."

Long seconds followed before Sanji finally blinked. "So with Hiyori, you're not…"

"Hell, no! Who put this idea in your head?!"

"Brook?" The cook admitted sheepishly. "And she also gave you Enma…"

"You both really are pervs! Because she traded me a sword and tended to me, you assume something is going on!"

Sanji started to blush. "It's because… She's also very brave and valiant and I know it matters to you so I was thinking…" Zoro sighed and the cook looked down, "Sorry, I guess I shouldn't have assumed…"

"Is that why you looked sick?"

"S-Sick? Don't flatter yourself, mosshead," the blond stammered, feeling his cheeks flush violently. "I was just a little surprised that a young woman like Hiyori could grant you such a privilege!"

The swordsman observed his crewmate for a few more moments before rolling his eyes and turning away to resume his initial contemplation. Beside him, Sanji breathed in relief. He had long cursed the fencer's propensity to not grasp the obvious, but this time, he was happy about it. Only Zoro didn't put the pieces of the puzzle together in front of such a clear reaction…

The man soon closed his eyes to meditate and the cook lit a new cigarette, the cold enveloping the two pirates in peaceful silence. Only the cold forced the blond to get up about twenty minutes later.

"I'm telling you, raclette is the ultimate winter dish! It combines the best ingredients and you can add them depending on how much you like them! Nothing beats that!" The sniper declared with an irrevocable tone.

"Reblochonnade seems more typical! I love the taste of diced bacon in hot Reblochon!" Brook pointed out to him.

"That is an outrage!" His crewmate got indignant, "There is no diced bacon in the reblochonnade, that's the difference with tartiflette!"

"Really?" The musician wondered. "Either way, I like tartiflette!" He added playfully.

"You know cheese dishes perfectly, Usopp!" The little reindeer was enthused next to him. "What about cheese fondue, can we put Reblochon in it?!"

"That'd be criminal! You need Comté, Beaufort and Emmental for an authentic cheese fondue," his friend told him seriously. "And don't forget white wine, garlic and of course, bread. It's the classic recipe!"

"What if we added all the cheeses?!" Luffy suggested, his tongue hanging out. "I love bread and cheese!"

"No way, you need the traditional recipe!" The sniper insisted.

"There are possible variations," Sanji tempered. "It can only be made with Comté or Gruyere cheese. Or with Vacherin cheese, raclette cheese or even with a mixture of different cheeses."

"I want them all!" His captain begged.

"I almost never had the opportunity to taste this kind of recipes based on hot cheeses," Jinbei admitted.

"I don't mind either way, I love them all!" Franky rejoiced.

"As long as we can drink good wine with it," Zoro agreed.

"I have a weakness for melted Camembert on the barbecue with toasted bread," Robin confessed.

"Alright, everybody stays calm," Nami interrupted them. "It is a restaurant; we can order whatever everyone likes."

Faced with the general approval, the navigator sighed before leaning towards the menu displayed on the front of the restaurant to try to see it. Around her, the conversations resumed with enthusiasm and she tightened the collar of her coat as the winter wind blew small snowflakes in cascades.

The crew had disembarked just before dinner on the small winter island surrounded by mountains. Immediately, a desire for hot food had arisen in front of the enchanting landscape under the blanket of fresh snow and the pine woods. A little further up, Usopp had spotted a village whose lights were beginning to sparkle at nightfall. Everyone had rushed to jump ashore when the navigator had suggested eating in town and quickly, the pirates had found the only inn.

The entire village was made up of small, rustic but cozy chalets and the restaurant was no exception. Excited by the cheese specialties on offer, the debate had been raging for several minutes now between the crew members to determine which one to order.

"Do you think they have bread, Nami? We need bread for fondue and raclette!" Luffy pointed out to her.

"Of course they have bread," the redhead replied, annoyed.

"I've never eaten bread with raclette," Chopper said.

"You cannot do that." Usopp grimaced, "This is sacrilege…"

In the end, Sanji decided that it would be nicer to think inside and he was about to push the front door when it opened to let out two customers, their arms full of fragrant boxes. At the same moment, the three men recognized and then stared at each other, their eyes wide.

"What are you doing here?!"

"What about you? I thought you needed to get your submarine repaired!"

"We did and bought all the equipment but the Captain didn't want to stay on site for the reconstruction; he chose to find a quiet place. It was the quietest destination according to the Tri Log Pose!"

"Torao's here?!"

The straw hat boy jumped between Shachi and Penguin to see behind them but they shook their heads, their boxes swaying dangerously under the assault. "He's on the submarine, the rest of the crew has started repairs and we've come to get some food."

"It smells great!" Franky sniffed.

"What did you take?" Usopp asked them.

"Tartiflette," Shachi replied. "I think we took their whole stock."

"Are you kidding me right now?" The navigator grunted, "I was planning to take some…"

"It's very small in here, they barely have ten tables," Penguin showed her with a tilt of his chin behind his shoulder.

"There are probably other specialties," Jinbei noted as he saw new steaming dishes reaching customers through the half-open door.

"We can't go in with ten people," Zoro said, taking a look inside as well. "There are already people."

"Maybe we can take our dinner out too," Brook suggested.

"That'd be ideal," Robin agreed. "The Sunny isn't far away; the dishes wouldn't have time to cool down."

"I can't; I gotta eat with Torao!" Luffy reminded them.

Shachi and Penguin turned to him, surprised. "You're gonna eat with Law? Why?"

"Because he told me so! On the next island, he said we'd eat together!"

"When did he say that?" Penguin wanted to know, confused.

"We were as surprised as you but your captain obviously didn't give him a choice. It's a long story," Nami added when seeing they were dumbfounded.

"Luffy, you can eat with him tomorrow," Usopp pointed out. "He already has something planned. You can wait another day."

"I'm sure he'll plan something super!" Franky assured him.

"I wanna eat with Torao now, he promised!" The straw hat boy pouted and around them, his friends sighed while Robin stifled a laugh. "He didn't promise you anything, he ordered you," his cook reminded him.

"Could your Captain make himself available immediately?" Jinbei asked the two Heart Pirates.

"Well, I don't know," Shachi admitted, caught off guard. "He supervises all the repairs but if he gave Straw Hat his word, he might take a break…"

"Awesome! We order and we go!" Luffy immediately decided.

"Weren't you supposed to have dinner in private for the occasion?" Brook asked him.

"If we're all here, you can say goodbye to the romantic atmosphere," Usopp agreed.

"The romantic atmosphere?" Penguin repeated, taken aback.

"Give it up you two," the navigator sighed. "This is what we'll do," she added to her captain, "Luffy, you go back with the Hearts to their submarine and see what Law wants to do. If you wanna eat in peace, I suggest you come here. For two people, they'll surely find room. In the meantime, we'll order and take our meals on the Sunny."

"What if he doesn't wanna eat with him?" Zoro asked.

"Luffy will eat with the Hearts then," the redhead snickered.

"It's a good idea to save money but not for a date," Chopper noted, worried.

"That's not gonna happen," Penguin stepped in.

"We care about our food, we have just stocked up," Shachi agreed. "Whatever Law promised him, we'll make sure they enjoy it alone!"

No suspense about the content of the next chapter!

Do you like most raclette or fondue?