Chapter 52

Double or nothing

"What are you doing?" Usopp asked the blond as he glanced over his shoulder. Sanji had been locked in his galley for hours now and when he had come out to bring their snacks, the sniper had noticed that the room was already filling up with food.

"Cooking. Can't you see?" Usopp exchanged a glance with Brook and Jinbei who had entered at the same time as him and Sanji raised his head in turn to look at them. "You need something?"

"Um, no, just…We were wondering if everything was okay?"

The gunner smiled a little stiffly and Sanji shrugged his shoulders, "It'd be better if you didn't get in my way, I got work to do." He muttered, focusing on the pile of wafers he was unmolding.

Usopp seemed to make a silent request to his two companions and Brook took a step forward. "What good things are you making for lunch, my friend?" He asked in a light tone.

"There'll be cod fillet with lemon rice and fried vegetables," the cook replied, quickly pointing to his pan on the stove. "Maybe some tangerine sorbets if I have time," he added after a moment's thought.

"My mouth is watering!" The skeleton exclaimed cheerfully. "Forgive my curiosity," he then continued as he looked at the overflowing plates of food on the counter, "But why all these other dishes then?"

"It's for the inhabitants."

"The inhabitants?" Usopp was surprised, "Which inhabitants?"

"The inhabitants of the island, who do you think?" The blond said annoyedly, his teeth clenched around his cigarette butt.

"But…" The sniper turned to the musician and the helmsman, definitely worried. He took advantage of turning his back on the cook to form the name of the ship's doctor without a sound and Jinbei spoke. "We won't bother you any longer then."

Sanji nodded without turning around. "It'll be ready around noon; don't be late." His crewmates confirmed it before hurrying to the exit.

"We need to tell Chopper right now; he's having a relapse!" Usopp was terrified and the galley door barely closed behind them.

"I didn't find him as nervous as he might have been," Brook tempered as they headed towards the library where the little reindeer had gone to work.

"I felt like hearing his usual retort," Jinbei agreed.

"But he cooks for the locals! Why would he do such a thing?! They're afraid of him!" The sniper reminded them. "Let's hope it's not a denial of reality!"

Absorbed in their conversation, the three friends walked past Law and Robin sitting in the shade of the tangerine trees around a game board. Since the surgeon had been able to get up and leave the infirmary that morning, the archaeologist had shown him their collection purchased on Kurta Island so that he would pass the time more pleasantly. The doctor had immediately shown an interest in strategy and logic games and Robin had suggested that he try a simple game board to which only black and white tokens were added. Goban, the young woman had explained when the sniper had questioned them a little earlier.

The goal was to take control of territories by encircling the other without letting yourself be locked up and the winner was the one with the most land and prisoners at the end of the game. The archaeologist had specified that this game was easy to learn but difficult to master and this simple precision had been enough for his crewmate to decline her invitation to join them. If the game was a challenge for these potential tacticians that were Law and Robin, Usopp knew full well that he had no chance of standing up to them, even if Goban developed patience and concentration.

Usopp, Jinbei and Brook walked around the tangerine trees, the sounds of Franky's hammer in his workshop echoing intermittently in the air. The rest of the Sunny was quiet as the captain and his first mate had gone for a walk on the beach and they quickly arrived at their destination.

Pushing open the library door, the sniper immediately called out to the little reindeer who was classifying books with Nami. "Chopper, we have a problem! Sanji's cooking tons of food again!"

"Are you sure?" The navigator asked, worried.

"There are dishes everywhere and he told us he wanted to give them to the locals," he confirmed.

"What? How come?" The young woman panicked.

"That's what I'm saying; it doesn't make any sense…"

"Sanji told me about it and I gave him permission," the doctor said then.

At these words, his companions turned towards him, surprised. "You gave him permission?" The sniper repeated, taken aback, "But why?!"

"Do you think he's ready to confront them again?" Brook asked him.

"He came to see me this morning and he explained that he wanted to cook for the inhabitants of the island. He was very determined," Chopper agreed. "I think he wants to force them to see him differently."

"Is it possible for this to work?" Jinbei wanted to know.

"I don't know, but it's important to him," the reindeer replied.

"Isn't that a little too fast? He was in shock because of what he learned just three days ago!" Nami reminded him.

"I was surprised by his request but it had been a long time since he seemed so sure of himself. That's why I gave the okay."

"By offering them food, Sanji-san is trying to separate himself from the image they have of his family," Brook noted.

"It's not a bad idea in itself but it's still dangerous given the circumstances." Usopp grimaced, "What if they refuse? He's gonna end up losing it!"

"Actually, it's a much-needed opportunity."

Nami frowned while her friends turned to the doctor again. The reindeer put his book away before shaking his head. "Franky finished developing the antidote associated with the Vinsmokes technology. Thanks to the documents we found, he was able to make the final checks."

"That's excellent news!" Brook got enthused.

"We've been waiting for this for so long!" Usopp rejoiced.

"He's gonna come back to life!" The navigator exclaimed in turn, delighted.

In front of the closed face of the little reindeer, Jinbei preferred to be cautious. "You don't seem as enthusiastic as I thought you'd be," he pointed out and his companions froze when Chopper only nodded in return.

"Franky has worked miracles but even so, neither he nor I can guarantee the result," he sighed. "This bacteria and its functioning as well as this technology are unique and unknown."

A tense silence greeted his words and it continued until Jinbei nodded as well. "In case the antidote doesn't work as expected, Sanji may not have lost everything," he understood.

"The possibility that he'll never regain his taste or sense of smell is real," the reindeer agreed. "If so but he knows that he can still cook, the shock will be less harsh."

"It…" Usopp swallowed, his throat dry. "It could really be happening then…"

"We cannot know exactly the effects that this nanotechnology will have had on his body after all this time. Even if Franky managed to eliminate the bacteria, we have no idea of the consequences until we can observe them."

"Maybe Law can help," Nami chimed in, "With his devil fruit, he'll be able to see precisely what's happening and it'll be easier to treat him!"

"Maybe. But we can't be sure."

"Has our friend been informed that the treatment is ready?" Brook asked quietly.

"He doesn't know," the ship's doctor admitted. "I was about to tell him when he asked me if he could cook for the inhabitants and I decided to seize the opportunity."

"We're playing double or nothing," Usopp noted, uncomfortable. "If he gets rebuffed and, even more, if he doesn't regain his sense of taste or smell, I don't know what we're gonna say to him!"

"Telling him right now would just make him carry an extra weight," the musician pointed out.

"I'll take responsibility for this decision but in the meantime, you shouldn't tell him." The little reindeer insisted seriously, "The reality of what his family did here was harsh, but I think that the fact that he wants to cook isn't a sign of denial, on the contrary. I think he's trying to take matters into his own hands to stop enduring and that's a good thing. I talked to Luffy and he agreed to wait for the most appropriate time."

"We won't say anything; don't worry." The navigator reassured him, although she was saddened.

"Either way, we'll know for sure pretty quickly." The sniper sighed, "I think he'll want to go this afternoon…"

"Let's just hope that the residents will appreciate his gesture," Jinbei concluded.

Sanji stared at the two tangerines he held in front of him, his eyebrows furrowed. The navigator's fruits were among the most difficult products to estimate in the absence of two of his senses and he had grabbed them to better observe them. He had hoped that their shape, color and especially their touch would help him to select the ripest one but to his surprise, an indefinable impression filled him when he looked at them. He had an irrepressible desire to choose the fruit in his right hand but, objectively, nothing differentiated it from the one he held in his left hand.

The blond looked at them even more attentively. Maybe his touch had sharpened over the weeks and his fingers perceived a texture he was not aware. The cook grimaced. A few days earlier already, he had chosen one egg over another without knowing why but at that moment, he had not paid attention to it. He had been late and quickly forgotten the strangeness of the situation. Today though, it came back along with other similar events and Sanji didn't know how to process them.

Deep inside him, a fear was slowly emerging: what if the bacteria that had infected him was mutating or spreading to contaminate his mind? Maybe it was gradually robbing him of his ability to think and he was left with a conviction that made no sense.

The cook slowly lowered his fruit to take a deep breath. He should not give in to panic even if the temptation was great. For now, he wasn't sure so it was best not to think about it too much until Chopper could examine him. In the end, Sanji still chose the tangerine in his right hand. If his friends wrinkled their noses at dessert, he would have a clue about his diminishing abilities.

No one made the slightest comment about his sorbet and the cups were gobbled up as quickly as usual. Even Law, who had joined them around the table, didn't flinch and the conversations continued naturally until the blond brought tea and coffee to end the meal.

Yet this didn't completely reassure the cook who began to imagine that he had been lucky. Maybe his impressions were just random? Either way, this new sensation didn't really help him. He was already having trouble coming to terms with his condition so if it should evolve further, the road would be even longer.

After a few moments of debating with himself, Sanji decided to put his doubts aside and he brought his last coffee to the surgeon who thanked him with a nod. He would talk to Chopper by the end of the day and in the meantime, he would focus on his project.

"I'll be away for a few hours this afternoon. I've made some dishes for the residents and I intend to make them taste them," he told his friends while leaning against the counter and everyone's eyes converged on him. "Before you start freaking out, I wanna say that I told Chopper about this," he added in front of the tense faces of some of his crewmates.

They nodded while Law drank his coffee in silence, visibly indifferent. Usopp seemed quite nervous though and the blond had no doubt that the sniper had been worried since he saw him in the galley this morning. Sanji knew his attitude might seem reckless but he had made a decision the day before and he was determined to stick to it. He had wanted to make the first move by informing Chopper to reassure the crew and he had been happy to see that the ship's doctor had not objected. The cook was also aware that the hours to come would not be easy but at the same time, he was eager to take action.

"I'll be back for dinner but I left some snacks in the fridge," he continued after a minute. "It's strictly forbidden to touch them before snack time," he firmly warned his captain who had raised his head with shining eyes. "It'll be locked anyway."

"You sure it's safe?" Franky finally asked him.

"I know it seems hasty but I have my reasons," the blond replied.

"Who's gonna have the key?" Luffy wanted to know, only concerned about his snack.

"I'll give it to the women of the crew. I don't trust anyone else."

"Oh…"

"No, Robin and I will accompany you." Nami raised her cup of tea to her lips and the cook turned to her, eyes wide. "Nami-san, I-

"This is non-negotiable, Sanji-kun." She cut him short, looking him straight in the eyes, "I respect your decision and I trust you but I won't let you face the inhabitants alone again. We won't intervene if you don't want us to, but we won't be far away."

The young woman put down her cup and as she was about to end the discussion, the blond suddenly twirled towards her.

"Nami-san, I'd be the happiest of men to spend the afternoon with you and Robin-chan!"

His crewmates raised their eyebrows before faces relaxed around the table. If they had thought that their cook would oppose the navigator, they were now completely reassured. With this reaction, Sanji had never seemed more himself.

Nami followed her friend with her eyes as Sanji arranged his dishes on the table that he had set up among the other stallholders on the market square. Wafer cakes, fresh macarons and madeleines just out of the oven for the sweet side but also varied appetizers for the salty side.

Sanji had displayed nothing but confidence since they left the Sunny but the navigator knew him well and he was more nervous than he wanted to admit. His attitude was understandable and it was exactly for this reason she had insisted on being present with Robin. The blond didn't spare himself despite the shock he had suffered and she admired his ability to bounce back so quickly.

It was obvious he wasn't rushing headlong as Chopper had already noticed. Despite the ordeal that awaited him, his eyes were clearer and his shoulders less slumped compared to the last few weeks. The cook had decided to confront his family through these traumatized inhabitants thanks to his main weapon and she could only approve of his approach. Just like she had told him, moving on meant recognizing his wounds and in this way, he could move forward on his own path.

Yet Nami was very aware that her companion would need the support of the crew. Indeed, if no one other than himself could free him from the terrors of his past, the fact remained that the caring presence of his friends around him at this moment would play a crucial role. That's why she stood by his side on this beautiful sunny afternoon. When they had met these statues' gaze in the meadow, like her crewmates, she had promised the blond that he could count on her in this battle. So, in the same way that Zoro, Chopper, Luffy and all her other crewmates played a special role with him, she would do the same.

Soon, the navigator glanced at Robin who was arranging the tasting plates and their eyes met for a second before the archaeologist asked their cook to help her adjust the tablecloth. Nami clenched her jaw, getting the message.

Since they had arrived a few minutes earlier, the three friends had felt the weight of everyone's stares follow their every move. Most of them were obviously fixed on the blond who tried to ignore them and Nami glared at the greengrocer about ten meters away. Their attitude only destabilized the cook and the redhead was determined not to let them shake their companion further.

The man immediately looked away and Nami nodded, satisfied. Yet she knew that it wouldn't help Sanji to be accepted. She then noticed a florist a few stalls to the left and came closer, her brightest smile on her lips.

"These flowers are absolutely sublime!" She exclaimed, marveling at the modest stall. "Which ones would you recommend to brighten up a room?"

The young woman in front of her widened her eyes before stammering a few incomprehensible words, both terrified and shocked. The navigator didn't lose her smile and waited patiently for the shopkeeper to regain her breath. In the end, because her client didn't move, the woman timidly pointed to a bucket filled with flowers with three large purple petals and very developed stems.

"I-Irises are easy-care flowers and… their scent is delicate enough not to become overpowering…"

"Great! Gimme everything you have and add this small rustic bouquet in a vase," the redhead decided, pointing to the one she had spotted.

The young woman stared at her in amazement and Nami smiled even more. After a moment of hesitation, the florist gently gathered the irises. She added the bouquet before handling everything to her, her eyes downcast. The navigator nodded and took out several notes which she handed to her in return but the florist still stared at her, undecided. Nami then decided to put the money directly on the stall before grabbing her purchases and turning away cheerfully.

"I'd like to put some flowers on our ship so I'll definitely come back in a few days!"

"W-Wait, your change!" The young woman suddenly realized, rushing to give it back to her in a panic.

Nami shook her head without slowing down, "If you have flowers whose scent pairs with that of tangerine trees, consider your stock to be sold!"

The redhead quietly walked away in the direction of her two crewmates, aware that the entire market had followed the discussion. When she arrived near the table, Sanji continued to stare at her but she chose to ignore him and placed the small bouquet in the middle of the plates.

"Excellent choice," Robin agreed.

Nami nodded and as she readjusted the bouquet, she didn't miss the blond's furtive glance towards the florist who was counting her money without being able to believe it. The navigator smiled softly and went behind the blond to store the irises in the shade of their table.

"You'll be fine," she whispered as she walked past him.

Sanji flinched before lowering his head, visibly moved, and Nami placed her hand on his back when she walked around the table to join Robin with determination. The redhead would personally ensure that the islanders change their minds towards their cook. Sanji was probably the kindest person she knew and it was time for these inhabitants to realize it.

Even though he can be a pain for her, Nami really cares about Sanji and I wanted them to share this moment where she is the one to protect him in contrast to what happened in WCI.