The group of five watched curiously as Miguel set up what he told them was the warp circle to send his findings to Elysia. After drawing the magic circle, he set up two dark crystals at the top and bottom of the circle before placing the treasure he had come to collect and left in his personal dimension.

Once he injected a bit of his magic into the array, the circle lit up and the treasure all vanished in a flash of light.

''Whoa...'' Usopp breathed ''...how does this work, Miguel?''

''It's kind of hard to explain. We have to be very careful with those or things could get very bad.''

The circle glowed for a moment before releasing a burst of magic. It faded away, revealing a few items, like more dark crystals, along with a letter. Miguel picked it up, wondering if it was the response he was waiting for.

Nami inspected the items with interest, it looked like a bunch of medicinial supplies and some magical items, even a big bag. Over all, quite the useful items on a journey''So you carry all that treasure you picked up in this personal dimension?''

Miguel nodded ''Like this.'' He held up his blade, a small spell circle before he pushed it a little, making it fade from view. ''It's basically a special space linked to the user. I keep my swords and other things there too. Simple but pretty handy.''

''It sure sounds that way...'' Idly noting the wording, Nami remembered he had that wind blade and the ice one he revealed back in Gecko Island. Did that mean he had more?

''So he's been at this for months?'' Usopp clarified.

Zoro nodded ''Apparently, they're putting their home back together after the war almost destroyed it. They've got it down to a system, Miguel said something about how he the people behind the system set up the link between them around every two weeks. He's worked hard to make sure they get the best of his findings.''

''They really had it rough, huh...?''

Miguel's attention was drawn to the big cloth in Luffy's hand, namely due to the random splashes of color here and there ''What's that?''

Perking up, Luffy hoisted the cloth. ''I finished making our flag!''

Now that statement would've been a welcome surprise it weren't for the fact that Luffy was a terrible artist.

''That's...our flag?'' The sight of the malformed skull and the strangely shapen hat on its head left Zoro grimacing.

Luffy completely missed his mood ''Great, right?''

Zoro traded exasperated glances with Nami and Usopp, sighing ''...A pirate flag is supposed to symbolize death and terror.''

''I'm feeling terror, but it's the terror of his talent.'' Nami didn't miss how Miguel was trying not to laugh. Okay to be fair, it was funny.

''Luffy, using that would be a bad idea.'' He began.

Pouting, the rubber teen's demand for an explanation died in his throat when Usopp laughed ''What Miguel's too kind to say is that no one will takes us seriously with this piece of work. I've been a painter for 50 years!''

Luffy predictably took this at face value ''Wow, really?''

''Yeah, it sure is amazing. Just goes to show looks aren't everything, I know for a fact it isn't magic. What an ability it has to be.'' Miguel put in brightly.

''Right?'' Nami was grinning ''What's your secret, Usopp? Inquiring minds want to know.''

Zoro chuckled as the teen's expression soured under their expectant looks ''...Are you two going to keep doing this?''

''Well, you practically walked into that one.'' The swordsman shook his head ''Okay, let's see what you can do, Usopp.''

''Sure!''

In minutes, Zoro would come to regret his wording. Why? Well...

''Who told you to make your own mark?'' Luffy scowled while Zoro smacked the back of his head.

Boasting aside, there was no denying that Usopp was good. His jolly roger was clear done with skill and finesse...the problem was that hereplicated the mark of the Usopp Pirates. A skull wearing a bandana with a slingshot near one of the bones.

Usopp rubbed the sore spot ''Ow...learn to take a joke, guys.''

Zoro remained unimpressed ''Don't push your luck. Can you take this seriously or not?''

''Okay, okay...''

The end result finally incorporated Luffy's design but with much more finesse. All in all, a much better look for a prospective flag.

''That's more like it.'' He nodded.

Nami and Luffy smiled as they held it up, yes, it was easy to tell that this was the perfect jolly roger for the crew. The straw hat resembling Luffy's and even the grin now was reminiscent of the rubber teen's current expression.

''It'll be our flag then!''

Luffy decided to try practicing shooting with the cannons, but he could never seem to hit the mark. Usopp came over, curious with all the ruckus he was making and he easily guessed what was going on by looking at the state of things.

''Step aside, amateur. Let a pro show you to do this.'' Usopp prepared the cannon before aiming towards Luffy's target, a rock in the distance.

Luffy's eyes widened as the cannon ball hit the mark. ''Hey, you did it!''

''I did...? I really did...'' Usopp's own amazement faded in favor of that cocky grin making a come back. ''Yeah! I told you I'm a pro! See? You'd be better off letting me take over as Captain.''

''No way!''

Nami spared the arguing pair two an unimpressed look. ''Seems like the kids are having fun.''

Miguel half-smiled ''Let's just leave them to it.''

''Nice to see someone this easy going...you know, Usopp seems really interested in becoming captain.'' She remarked. ''Aren't you?''

''Not in the slightest.'' His tone held zero hesitance ''I really can't imagine myself in that station at all. I'm wondering if Usopp even realizes what he's asking for.''

''That's actually a good point...'' Nami mused. Both agreed that being a captain was quite a responsibility and it wasn't just something anyone would do on a whim. ''...though you're not really fair on yourself either. I can't see you being that bad at it, you're pretty responsible. You're the only one out of them who actually knows how to sail and navigate and you actually tried to prepare for traveling.''

''Thanks but I've got nothing on you. Besides, we learned pretty early on that there was no such thing as being over-prepared.''

''Now that I can agree to...'' Nami looked back at the map in her hands. ''...so back to what we were saying, we've got some decent supplies here so I think we'll be good for a while. It's probably best to stop if we find a place that could help. Any ideas?''

''Well...I heard that some people stop at Logue Town before heading to the Grand Line.'' Miguel recalled, the former humming in thought.

That did leave him wondering, Nami hadn't said anything about what she planned regarding this apparent alliance she had with Luffy but what was she going to do when the time came to leave for the Grand Line? Miguel himself was deliberating his options but Nami had made it quite clear that she had no intention of becoming a pirate. And yet here she was, making plans as if she were a part of the crew.

They had just been trading stories the other day when Luffy let slip that Nami's history with pirates was bad. In fact, one seemed to have hurt her terribly. But he couldn't ever get her to say more, the girl remaining as cagey as ever around her past.

The question remained though, where would this leave her?

As it happened, Nami seemed to be thinking along the same lines ''Come to think of it, how were you planning on going back to the Grand Line anyway? Can they get you over to Elysia or something?''

''Yeah, there's a way around that. I've had a couple of ideas on how to go about it but I'm thinking it over.'' Miguel paused for a moment ''What about you though? If I didn't know any better, I'd say you already consider yourself part of the crew like Luffy does.''

''Don't even joke about that...'' Nami couldn't even find it in herself to get worked up over this, instead wondering of the veracity of the statement. Did Luffy really think of her that way?

That...she was surprised to note that it actually sounded quite nice. Despite his goofball tendencies that did aggravate her, Luffy was quite a friendly person and while she did think he was naive, she did like the way he saw things. And he wasn't anything like the pirates she was used to dealing with...nothing like him.

She had such fun with them that it was easy to forget. As much as she would love to attain freedom like Luffy spoke of, it just wasn't possible for her.

Miguel's expression told her he'd noticed something was wrong. That wasn't good-she couldn't get them involved. Enough people had died already.

''Nami...?''

Thinking fast, the girl fired back questions of her own ''What about you, huh? How long were you planning on staying-or actually, what were you planning on doing?''

Suspecting the attempt at changing the subject, Miguel decided to play along ''Not sure, actually. I'm like you, I don't think I would've considered becoming a pirate if I hadn't met Luffy. I had a few ideas about where to go since I started looking up info about the blues before I left. I was in North Blue for a while and it looks like I'm about done here too.''

That made sense, she conceded. His plan was awfully vague but he did seem to try his best to figure out his next step. Information was quite vital to their travels after all ''So you're thinking about his invitation?''

A nod ''It was nice of him to ask and I think we could be great friends. Honestly, becoming a pirate wouldn't make a difference to me like it would others. A lot of the marines I met treat me barely any better than if I were a pirate.''

Heck, even Coby had appeared initially wary when Zoro figured out was a wizard. He'd known his people had a terrible reputation in many parts but he had no idea it was this bad. There was a reason he'd learned to conceal his power when he did.

''You know, if you're still intent on going to the Grand Line either way, there's something you're going to need. It's absolutely vital to keep one on hand but I haven't had much like finding one...wish I remembered to ask my friends back home if they could manage it...''

''You could try that next time.'' Nami pointed out. ''So what is that thing anyway?''

His response was cut off by a cry they both recognized as Usopp. Startled, the pair approached him and Luffy to find them faced with an angry man waving a sword around and cursing them.

''Back off, we didn't do anything wrong! Don't damage Merry!'' The captain snapped.

''Hey, what did you guys do?'' Nami demanded.

''Nothing!'' Usopp cried. ''He just started attacking us out of the blue!''

''Yeah, right!'' The man snarled. ''You're the ones who attacked my partner!''

''What?''

''We didn't attack anybody!''

But this seemed to aggravate him further. ''My partner was hurt because of your cannon ball!''

At this, he and Luffy exchanged alarmed looks, suddenly understanding that the man must have been near their target.

''I won't let you get away!'' The man cried, raising his sword again.

What happened next threw him for a loop. ''Is that Johnny?''

The man almost balked at the new arrival ''Zoro-aniki?! Why're you with those pirates?''

''Long story. Where's Yosaku? You're usually together.''

Johnny lowered ''He...he's...''

Miguel looked between the two ''...Why don't you bring your friend over? I think we can find a way to help him.''

Usopp frowned as he stared at Yosaku, listening to Johnny explain how he wouldn't wake up and his old wounds kept reopening. As bad luck would have it, the two had been resting on that rock when the cannon ball struck.

''We're sorry!'' He and Luffy cried.

''What's the point?! As if things weren't already bad enough...I don't know what to do!'' Johnny wailed.

''Miguel, you patched me up before, can't you help him?'' Usopp wondered.

''I'm not sure. My healing magic only works on wounds and injuries...It looks more like he's sick.'' The wizard observed, having just finished examining Yosaku.

The sniper started ''You think so? This doesn't look like anything I've ever heard of.''

''Me neither.'' Zoro added.

''Are you a doctor?'' Johnny asked, curious.

''No, but I've had one teach me while I learned about healing...This seems familiar...'' Miguel stopped to think.

Nami, who had also been observing closely, finally spoke ''Thankfully, someone here has the right idea. I think I figured it out. Luffy, we've got some limes in storage. Can you bring a few?''

''Okay!''

When he came back, Nami cut one open and opened Yosaku's mouth before squeezing some drops from it and repeated the process a few times.

''What're you doing?'' Zoro asked.

''He's got scurvy.''

It fell into place for Miguel then ''So that's why...limes would really help. It's more common with sailors but scurvy hits when people don't get enough vitamins.''

''Exactly.'' Nami stepped back once she finished with two limes.

''You figured it all out just like that? You're both amazing!'' Luffy exclaimed.

''It's common knowledge!'' Nami returned. ''Especially for people out on the sea, you guys need to take this journey seriously!''

Yosaku woke up a little while later and sat up with a grin ''I feel so much better...''

''That's great!'' Johnny cheered and they began dancing together.

As glad Zoro was to see this, he was also pretty confused ''Uh, guys? Is he supposed to bounce back this fast?''

''Wait for it...'' Nami rolled her eyes as Yosaku collapsed, making Luffy, Usopp and Johnny freak out. ''...idiot.''

Miguel sighed ''Okay, guys-give him some space...''

Yosaku started recovering after a bit of rest. Immensely grateful, Johnny thanked them before beginning to tend to his partner and the group got together to talk.

''Let this be a lesson to you all.'' Nami stated. ''We can't take this journey lightly.''

''Yeah, which means we need to fill an important position soon.'' Usopp remarked.

''I know!'' The two looked at Luffy. ''We need a musician!''

They almost fell over at this, Miguel sweat dropped while Zoro rolled his eyes ''I should've known...we were wrong for assuming he'd say something smart.''

''I'll say!'' Nami slapped the teen's head. ''We meant a cook, you idiot. What does a musician have to do with anything?''

''Pirates need to sing!'' was his response.

''Who cares about that now?''

''Luffy, we need someone who knows how to make the best of our supplies.'' Usopp offered. ''Nami and Miguel are the only ones who have any experience cooking. Remember?''

''And it's not like we're experts either.'' The wizard added.

Zoro recalled how Nami offered to make them breakfast this morning. Trouble was, that was only going to happen if they paid her a lot upfront. Thankfully, Miguel had some idea what to do and he had been able to bail them out. ''We also need to make sure that someone wouldn't bleed us dry.''

Nami gave an innocent smile that fooled no one ''A girl's got to make a living too, you know?''

''Well...'' Zoro blinked as a thought occurred to him. ''...Wait a minute, we still have food, right?'' At the questioning looks this earned, he explained. ''I just remembered that Luffy flat out cleaned us out pretty quickly before. He even tried to take your food, remember, Nami?''

Nami nodded ''Oh, that. Well, no need to worry. Miguel blocked the storage off. He cast some shield about it that won't let anyone in unless he says so.''

''Don't remind me. I just wanted to eat but I couldn't get through!'' Luffy complained.

Miguel gave him a look ''Luffy, we need to be careful about that food. There's no telling when we'll run out and we might not always be able to find supplies.''

''Yeah, don't be selfish! It's for all of us.'' Usopp added.

Zoro's eye twitched ''And here I was thinking he could actually learn some restraint. Shows what I know, right?''

''I highly doubt he knows what that means. Anyway...so we've agreed, we'll try finding a cook?'' Nami received positive replies.

''We'll try to fill all the positions we can, Luffy. We just need to make priorities.'' Zoro told the captain.

''Yeah...'' Luffy perked up at the thought. ''...This is good too. We can have loads of yummy food with a cook!''

Johnny came around then ''Hey, I heard you guys talking. I know a place where you can find a cook.''

''Really?''

''Yup, it's a sea-restaurant not far from the Grand Line. I heard the cooks are as tough as nails, really skilled too.'' Johnny recalled. ''There's even talk of a certain swordsman going there.'' He looked at Zoro ''A man with a huge black sword and golden hawk-like eyes. He's been seen there a bunch of times. It's him, Zoro-aniki, no doubt.''

Zoro tensed, very much alert at the news. Miguel was equally taken aback ''Wait, as in...he comes around these parts?''

''Yeah-oh, Miguel-aniki, you're a swordsman too so you definitely heard of him, huh?'' Johnny received a nod. ''He's Zoro-aniki's goal. What do you say, Luffy-aniki?''

''Take us there!''

''You got it.'' Johnny smiled.

''Wait, they were talking about magic before...'' Johnny tilted his head. ''...so even while knowing healing magic, Miguel-aniki had to study a whole bunch to get it down in the first place?''

''Pretty much.'' Zoro confirmed. ''The woman who taught him that magic learned about medicine from a doctor herself. It sounded like she applied the same method with him. Way I see it, that makes sense. Come on, they can't just go waving a hand and expect everything to turn out okay. Nothing in the world is that convenient, even magic.''

''Huh, I never thought of it like that, you're right...'' Johnny spotted a ship not too far away. ''...oh, that's the Baratie, Zoro-aniki!''

It was a fairly large vessel with a generally oval shape with a fish as the figure head and a small array of cannons on the sides. Luffy ran up to him, grinning at the sight.

''It looks cool!''

''Pretty funky!'' Usopp nodded.

The sniper noticed Nami frowning ''What's wrong?'' She pointed to the ship's left, bringing their attention to another vessel. ''That's a marine ship...''

''Oh great, what's that here for?'' Usopp didn't think it could have been them since they haven't done a thing yet but that didn't mean it was any less trouble.

A man in a striped suit was standing on deck, turning in their direction once he noticed the Merry Go.

''I'm Lieutenant Fullbody. Which of you is that ship's captain?''

''That's me!'' Luffy replied.

''Actually, it's this great Captain Usopp!'' He missed Luffy's irritated look. ''I'm the one who made our jolly roger!''

''Well...'' Fullbody quirked a brow, spotting Johnny and Yosaku, who were trying to make themselves small. ''...ah, I remember you two. The small time bounty hunters...so you actually went and got yourselves captured?'' He barked out a laugh. ''I always knew you two were pathetic.''

''What did you say?!''

''We'll show you what we can do!'' The pair's declarations only led to them getting clobbered.

That was when Nami noticed some papers on the floor where Johnny was. A closer look revealed them to be wanted posters. One in particular caught her attention, making her grip it tightly. The wicked grin and haughty look before her gaze only making her blood boil like it always did.

Luffy and Miguel noticed her suddenly different stance, startled by the sheer hate in her expression. Sharing troubled looks, the two were about to approach her when Fullbody went on ''Now I'll get rid of this eyesore of a ship! Fire the cannons!''

He froze up when Miguel stopped the oncoming cannonballs with gravity magic but quickly had his subordinates fire more. Luffy made to jump up and repel them but Miguel was faster. One wave of his telekinesis magic sent them all the ocean.

''What the hell?!'' Fullbody barely had any time to react when a wide wave suddenly propelled them forward, bringing them smoothly near the Baratie. Usopp gave Miguel a thumbs up, the man growling ''Don't think I'll let that slide. Devil Fruit Users or not, you won't get past me!''

His next cannonball only just missed Merry, striking the Baratie instead. Not even giving the restaurant another glance, Fullbody was about advance on the ship when a blond man with a tall chef's hat and a long braided mustache stepped out. He cast an appraising look at the situation as the marine glared''Who the hell are you?! Don't get in my way!''

The response was a swift kick to the face, having a peg leg apparently not fazing the attacker one bit. ''What the hell do you think you're doing to my restaurant?!''

Usopp gawked, the bounty hunters recoiling next to him. Nami blinked, looking from the dazed Fullbody to the damaged wall ''So that's the owner, huh?''

''He's tough!'' Luffy exclaimed.

The chef was about to advance when a female voice called out to Fullbody, bringing their attention to a woman in a pretty dress apparently looking for him and asking about their date. Grunting, the man stepped back ''Lucky for you, I'd rather avoid upsetting a lady. So if you're here to eat, come on in. Otherwise, get lost and don't ever come back.''

He walked in without missing a beat, Usopp gawking at his figure ''S-scary...are we sure they aren't pirates?''

Luffy saw it differently ''I bet we can find a cook here for sure!''

''For once, I agree. If that's the owner, the cooks ought to be interesting...'' Nami trailed off.

A little while later...

The group was met by a tall, burly chef named Patty at the entrance ''Welcome, welcome! Now I should warn you, we don't take kindly to non-paying or troublesome customers if you catch my drift.'' The fact that he was looking at the hole Fullbody caused wasn't lost on them, Johnny, Yosaku and Usopp gulped at his expression.

''I want to say you don't have to worry...'' Patty turned his suspicious glare to Miguel ''...but considering I didn't exactly get around to cashing any of my findings for a while, do you take treasure?''

''Oh, is that all? Sure, we do. It wouldn't be the first time anyway.'' He cleared his throat, any sign of tension fading into a much more pleasant expression ''Now please, come this way.''

''That's just two faced...'' Johnny muttered.

Nami wasn't the only one amazed by the Baratie's interior ''Wow...''

''Talk about swanky!'' Usopp marveled as Patty led them to a big table.

''Why thank you, you'll be much more impressed with the food, I'm sure. Now just sit back and relax, I'll be over with your menus in a minute!''

''You sure about paying for this? A certain someone eats enough for ten men.'' Zoro remarked.

Miguel had been very careful about managing his money so he didn't see a problem ''Yeah, it's fine. We might be here for a while until Luffy figures this whole cook thing anyway. The more you get to learn, the better.''

''I'm not arguing there. You might be just a little too generous, all things considered.'' Nami put in.

Zoro gave her a flat glare ''Not everyone has to be a complete penny pincher, you know.''

''You guys just don't appreciate how important money is, someone has to be careful here-at least Miguel gets it!''

Luffy was frowning at his menu ''I don't know at least half of these names, really...''

''Oh, you'll want something with meat, right?'' Usopp received an eager nod ''Let's see...oh, yeah-this was one of Kaya's favorites! And she told me about that one too, it sounded really good. I think I'll have it...''

The mention of Kaya made Luffy remember their little moment before the departure ''You looked like you'd really miss your friend back there, you must have been close.''

The sniper laughed weakly ''Y-yeah...''

''Yeah, real close.'' He found himself looking away to avoid Nami's sly smile.

''Oh, is that Usopp-aniki's girlfriend?'' Yosaku wondered.

Luffy's quick agreement made Usopp splutter while those who had met the heiress laughed, Nami managing a question ''Do you even know what that means?''

The rubber teen gave her a look that said how ridiculous he thought the question was ''She's Usopp's friend and she's a girl, obviously.''

''Right, obviously.'' She shook her head, smirking as Johnny and Yosaku shared grins.

Usopp looked like he was about to combust out of embarrassment, Zoro shaking his head in pity ''You're just feeding fuel to the fire, you know.''

''Besides, it's nothing to be ashamed of.'' Miguel assured. ''We're just having a bit of fun but it's a really great thing. You just have someone who lights up your day just by being there, knowing you could have that effect on them too. Someone you could trust your whole heart too and who'd just accept you, faults and all. That no matter what happens, you know you want them in your life.''

The sniper's expression was one of wonder, realizing that a lot of this could be applied to Kaya for him. Did that mean...?

''That's beautiful, Miguel-aniki! Do you have a girlfriend back home?'' Johnny wondered.

The sound of a growling stomach brought their attention to Luffy, Miguel shaking his head in exasperation ''How about we focus on the food before Luffy starts stealing food? If it comes to that, you're definitely on your own.''

''Definitely on your own.'' Nami emphasized, Zoro and Usopp nodding along.

''You guys are mean...''

The common consenus was that Patty had hit the nail on the head. Impressive as the restaurant was, the food was that much better. With the group trading stories as they ate, Nami and Usopp found the knowledge of how Zoro became a bounty hunter especially amusing. They'd suspected his terrible sense of direction for a while but the fact that he'd essentially couldn't find his way that badly was enough to nearly make them crack up.

Even stranger was Luffy though.

Zoro was staring ''Coby mentioned something about a whirlpool but I didn't think he meant that-you actually sailed into the thing?''

''Aren't you a devil fruit user, Luffy-aniki? That could've been bad!'' Yosaku exclaimed.

Nami rolled her eyes ''Don't even bother...'' Luffy waving the concern off due to his belief that everything would've worked out that for the best only proved her right. ''...but it's interesting that we could've met that much sooner.''

The teen's surprised look prompted an explanation ''I remember hearing Alvida being really pissed off at someone. Whoever it was looked like they were doing a pretty good job at kicking her ass.''

''Oh, so you were there! Wish I knew...'' Luffy noticed the new arrival. ''...guys, it's him!''

'Him' turned out to be none other than Fullbody, having come over with his date after all. The group's table was somewhat obscured so he hadn't noticed them, apparently focused on trying to impress his date. The bruises on his bandaged head seemed to do nothing to dent his ego, ordering some of the most expensive dishes in his efforts to show off.

The lieutenant had set it up so they would be served a particular brand of wine but he would pretend not to know and figure it out just from the taste. The one who had given them the wine was a yougn man with blond hair that covered one of his eyes clad in a black suit and leather shoes. The man had completely blown his ploy just like that before ignoring Fullbody all together and flirting a little with his date, leaving her blushing.

Not one to let such things slide, Fullbody placed a fly in his soup and called out. ''Hey, waiter! What is this?'' He gestured to his plate. ''You serve bug soup here?''

''No, we don't.''

''Then explain this!''

''I'm afraid I can't. I'm not a bug expert.''

''You little...!'' Fullbody smashed the plate on the ground. ''You've got some nerve! Do you know who I am?!''

The man began to pick up the pieces of the plate ''...Yeah, you wouldn't exactly let us forget. So clearly I have to remind you again, I'm not a waiter, I'm the sous-chef of the Baratie, Sanji.''

''Like I care! Look at me when I'm talking to you!''

He almost immediately regretted that, the look Sanji gave him then sent a cold shiver down his spine.

''Tell me something, can money fill your stomach?''

''What?''

''Well, can it? This soup would have been perfectly edible if you got rid of the fly. It took 3 days to make.''

''You arrogant little...'' Fullbody was struck by a hard kick by an angry Sanji who proceeded to beat him down.

''Word of advice.'' Sanji grunted, straightening his jacket ''Messing with a sea cook is a good way to sign a death warrant. Don't do it again.''

''Wow, this place really is wild!'' Luffy remarked.

No one missed the fact that this seemed to be a somewhat regular occurrence, going by the way Patty was telling him off. Sanji didn't seem to care one bit, clearly more than satisfied now he was done with Fullbody.

''L-looks like you guys were right, it's just like with the owner.'' Johnny began.

''It is a bit much but I think the guy was right. That lieutant's full of it.'' Miguel privately thought Sanji had a point about the food too. Even if Fullbody hadn't attempted to ruin the soup himself, there was no need to waste it.

''This again, brat? How long are you going to keep this up?''

Patty seemed relieved ''Boss! Sanji's rampaging again!''

But it was clear that Zeff knew exactly what happened, his glare at Fullbody promising pain. ''I believe you were warned what would happen if you kept causing trouble. Get out. Now.''

His fear was evident despite his attempt not to show it. Fullbody threatening them in an attempt to show power completely ignored. Sanji rolled his eyes. ''Good riddance.''

He was about to return to the kitchen when he happened to notice Nami amongst the group, his expression doing a complete 180. ''Oh...mellorine...''

Nami almost jumped as he seemed to practically teleport to them ''Apologies for startling you, my lady. I was simply struck by your dazzling beauty. It's a shame to see such a goddess among ruffians who don't appreciate her.''

''Ruffians?!''

''Excuse you!''

But he didn't pay Usopp or Johnny even a glance ''I will gladly bring you a treat that could hope to match your sweet smile, what would the lady like?''

Never one to miss an opportunity, Nami let her smile grow ''Well, that fruit macedonia seems wonderful. I'm a little worried about the price, though...''

''Say no more! I would never even dream of charging you, it's on the house!''

''Thank you!'' Her hug seemed to send Sanji swooning.

Usopp and the bounty hunters remained vexed by the obvious preferential treatment, something emphasized further when Sanji made a point to remind them that they would still have to pay.''Hey, why's it just her?''

''Yeah, this isn't fair!''

But the cook had already left to prepare the promised treat, Usopp scowling ''Zoro, Miguel, you show him what's for!''

''Yeah, no thanks. Fight your own battles.'' Zoro's rebuttal seemed to leave him aghast.

''Didn't you see what he did to that blowhard? He's just as much a monster as you guys!''

Miguel wondered if he should remind that their payment could likely cover for a couple of plates, Luffy's ridiculous appetite being the only reason it even went that far. But Sanji was soon back with the macedonia, with Nami making a point of enjoying the taste, much to his delight.

''Music to my ears! As kind as as you are gorgeous, it's a pleasure to serve you...''

''Nami, she's Nami.'' The wizard put in, mildly amused by the spectacle.

''Nami-san, then.'' Sanji decided. ''Now then if you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask...''

The sound of rushing feet and panicked cries brought Miguel's attention to the marine ship visible from the window ''Say, sorry to interrupt but didn't you guys send him packing?''

A curious Sanji followed his line of sight ''That jackass better not be causing more trouble...'' His curly eye brow went up as someone dove in the water.

Moments later, a man arrived at the entrance and Patty welcomed him, the former wasting no time in demanding food. ''Of course, of course. One thing, sir, would you be able to pay?''

His response was to hold up a gun ''You take lead?''

Patty didn't so much as blink ''So you can't.'' With one swift movement, he punched the man hard enough to knock him out of the restaurant. ''And stay out! The marines better arrest him for good this time...''

''Say, what's going on? Who was that?'' Johnny asked one of the people nearby.

''Oh, we heard the marines panicking about it just now. That's Don Krieg's right hand man. It looks like they kept him weakened and starved for days on the ship so they never thought he could run away.'' The other customer shuddered ''Good riddance.''

''I don't like this.'' Luffy's expression tightened as he watched the man's retreating figure. The man looked like he'd been through hell and back, it was cruel. He just needed food.

Likewise, Zoro's countenance was grim. Having recently experienced starvation himself, he wasn't exactly keen on watching it happen to anyone else. Pirate or not, this was no different from kicking down a person already at their lowest point.

The other customers started talking amongst themselves. ''That guy had such a dangerous criminal on board and he just decided to eat now? Why didn't he throw the guy in jail and be done with it?''

''I know! He really is a blowhard, I'm glad the cooks kicked him out. He deserved it!''

''If he's Don Krieg's right hand man then he was the guy who pretended to be Don Krieg so the crew could escape?''

''You heard that story? Yeah, I didn't see it coming either. Hope the marines arrest him for good this time.''

Only Luffy and Zoro noticed Sanji turning no his heel and heading towards the kitchen, the cook's sudden serious expression prompted the curious rubber teen to follow him.

''...starving, aren't you?''

Blinking, Luffy followed the voice to find Sanji and the pirate on the other side of the ship. A plate of warm friend rice and a glass of water was on the ground, the pirate looking away from it with difficulty.

''G-get lost...you're wrong...''

''Go ahead and eat.'' The blond obviously didn't buy it. ''I don't turn away anyone who's hungry, end of story''

''...I don't have any money though...''

''The sea is cruel at times. I understand those who are starving more than you think.'' Sanji sighed. ''If you want to die with dignity, it's your choice. Eat and you can wake up and start fresh.''

Luffy's expression lit up, having been aggravated by the pirate's treatment earlier. He'd just been a completely exhausted person in need of food, turning him away like never sat right with him. He was human as the rest of them. If the people's concerns about him being a bad guy were accurate, they could deal with that when the time comes. Despite the oddity he'd seen from the cook before, Sanji was obviously a really good guy.

The teen continued to watch contently as the pirate's restraint finally broke, overwhelmed with the kind gesture and the delicious smells from the food. In seconds, he was eating with gusto.

''I-it's...it's delicious...'' He managed between his tears. ''...the best food I've ever eaten!''

Sanji wore a satisfied grin ''It's damn good, huh?''

With that, Luffy made his decision ''I think I found our cook!''

It was only after they returned to Merry that Miguel realized the mess with the flag had distracted him from the letter he'd picked up earlier. As he went to get it, he found himself idly wondering where Luffy and the others were. He'd lost track of Luffy after the debacle with the Krieg pirate and the rubber teen had yet to make his presence known.

Truth be told, while he did understand the people's concerns, knowing what he did of Don Krieg. Being wary of the man was understandable but Miguel still felt it was wrong to treat him that way. He'd had too much experience with being on rough times like that not to sympathize. Pirate or not, it wasn't like he was any less human than them and he was really getting tired of people sticking a label on someone and just decide that was all they were worth.

Miguel soon spotted Nami leaning against the rail, her weary eyes belaying her unreadable expression. The girl quickly schooled her features once she noticed him but he hadn't forgotten that strange reaction from earlier. ''Everything okay?''

''Yeah, yeah...just thinking...'' Biting her lip, Nami spoke after almost a minute. ''...hey, what would you do if you're facing a problem that seems unsolvable? That no matter how hard you try, you'll just be stuck...and no matter how much you hate the situation, you keep coming back to the same point? And...at the end of the day, it's your only choice...''

His first instinct was to wonder where on earth that was coming from. Given her usual evasiveness, that was all he was going to get. The weight behind her words was far too evident for it to be idle chatter. What did this mean?

''Well...it's hard to imagine something like that...'' He stopped to think ''...it might not be that bad. Maybe there's just some way, some angle you haven't considered. Or maybe just ask for help? Everyone could use a helping hand at times, it's natural. It kind of feels like saying there's no choice can actually limit your choices in the first place.''

Right. He didn't know, of course his advice was generalized. It was her own fault for being so vague.

What was she even doing?

She knew they'd try to help; it was just the kind of people they are. Especially Luffy and Miguel, even Zoro-for all his generally gruff attitude, he could be a surprisingly nice guy. Usopp was more of a toss-up because they'd only known each other for so long but given how far he went for his village, she found it hard to imagine he'd just walk away.

They would be more than likely to interfere-and that was exactly why she couldn't let them.

No one else would die. She didn't care if it was hard, she wouldn't let those monsters ruin anymore lives.

But as time would reveal, Miguel wasn't actually too far off the mark...

Nami's been at this for so long, I find it hard to imagine it wouldn't wear her down. One of the main things keeping her going is that she's close to her goal. I'd be amazed if there weren't any doubts about Arlong following up on his word, really. She really likes the group, having especially connected to Miguel over their shared goal. It's why she came close to asking for help-she knows they're strong but after all those years, she's completely convinced of the Fishman Pirates' strength so it feels like anyone interfering would end up dead.

Miguel's advice would actually be bad but as I mentioned, he doesn't have a clue what she really meant and Nami being so closed up about her past convinced him that there's no point asking for context. He and Luffy haven't forgotten about her reaction to the wanted poster but they don't know how to approach her about it.

Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!