When Lambo entered the store, the rhythmic sound of metal meeting metal immediately stopped and that's how Lambo met the gaze of a narrowed eyed man that seemed to loom over Lambo, despite the fact that Lambo is half a head taller than him, and Lambo has never been taller than anyone his age or older.
"Boy... you here for a weapon?", the man said, his voice rumbled as he spoke.
Lambo slowly nodded, understanding a little better why people didn't enter The Weaponsmith so easily to browse or admire the weapons crafted here. The owner is an intimidating man, not great for Lambo's nerves, but he's used to shoving them down when they're not needed.
"Do you have anything that are good conductors? For electricity or lightning specifically."
The man raised a scarred brow, "That's pretty specific. You a Devil User?"
Lambo shakes his head.
He nods in, seemingly, realization, "Those Will Flames then."
What?
Lambo blinked in surprise at the unexpected, and correct guess.
"Uh, yeah.", Lambo nods in confirmation, "How did you know?"
"Boy, you think I sell this crap to only pirates? Or marines? Bah!", the man scoffs as he waved his hand in dismissal, "I've sold weapons to travelers, mafiosos, marines, pirates, even nobles, and bounty hunters. I don't care who you are or what you do. Good or bad. I only give my weapons out to those who are the best."
That's... different.
"I've never heard of policy like that.", Lambo comments slowly, thoughtfully.
He truly hasn't. A store is made for a certain type of people usually, they take sides. This man states, and does so according to what the old woman across the street told him, that he is basically neutral, if not without his own bias.
"You find with craft as good as mine, you want them in the right hands.", the man said gruffly as he crossed his arms, "What say you?"
"Uh... what say I what?", Lambo asks in confusion.
The man raised a brow, "You think your hands are the right ones to hold one of my weapons."
"... If there is one here right for me, I'd like to think I'm right for it as well.", Lambo answers after a moment of silence, "Besides, I'm looking for a specific kind. I wield the Lightning Flames, if you hadn't already guessed. The last weapon I was using got destroyed by an opponent with a similar, yet lesser, skillset. I'd rather not have that happen again."
"Hmm...", the man hummed, eyeing Lambo up and down, seemingly having still not made up his mind on whether or not he will sell to Lambo, "So you want a good weapon?"
Lambo can't help but feel like he's being walked into a trap, well the old Fortune Seller woman kept using the word best. Will that work?
Maybe.
Does Lambo believe that the Fortune Seller was trying to help him?
Not really, not at first at least.
But it doesn't hurt to try.
"I was told you made the best.", Lambo says after a short pause of considering his words carefully.
The blacksmith raised a considering raised brow as he looked at Lambo, seemingly staring into his soul. It felt like that at least with how seriously the Blacksmith seemed to take Lambo. Not even the straw hats looked at him like this. Like his worth his being judged, for real, not off handedly like Tsuna and the Vongola did. It... honestly the way he looked at Lambo reminded the teen of how Hibari would look at Lambo the same way, especially when he was younger.
"You want the best?", the man hummed gruffly as he walked to the front of the store where three large, elaborate swords hung in the window, "These are the three best in store. Do want them? Any of them? All of them?"
On the right is a large gun, decked to the nines with anything and everything that can go on a gun. Scope, extra ammo, maybe a hidden blade or weapon somewhere on the muzzle of the rifle with how excessively large it is. Lambo can see the appeal it may have for customers, bigger is better after all. And all the extra add-ons are enticing to those who are heading to the Grand-Line, be prepared for everything and all that.
"Oh? I see The Rising Morning Star has caught your eye.", the blacksmith states with a raised brow as he takes the gun off from where it's hanging in the window display, "If you're heading for the Grand Line and need the best of the best, this gun is surely meant for you. Even if shooting isn't your style, it will certainly help you in a jiffy. With its size, The Rising Morning Star's fire power is un matched. The only gun that packs as strong as a punch would be a cannon itself!"
But that's just the thing... the whole gun itself is way too big, especially for the likes of Lambo. It's almost as long as Lambo is tall! Only a monster or abnormally tall man would be able to hold a such a rifle, forget about shooting the damn thing.
"It's too big.", Lambo blurted out.
Immediately after the words escaped his lips, Lambo paled, remembering the Fortune Seller's words from earlier about the Blacksmith's stinginess and temper. He expected to be yelled at for his blunt callous words.
Luffy is definitely a bad influence for him, Lambo needs more sane company!
The Blacksmith stared at Lambo for a long moment, only letting out a hum as he put the rifle back up in the window and taking a step back, drawing Lambo's attention to the weapon on the left, right next to the Blacksmith.
This sword is a large broad sword, not something meant for the sea, much less be used in battle. But Lambo can definitely say that it is... bright. Very bright. Which is no surprise with all the gold and jewels that decorate hilt, even between the spaces of the grip of the sword. The blade itself is like a mirror or, a better comparison, a jewel, a diamond. The way it shines and twinkles in the sunlight shining through the display window, it's as if some noble came in with a handful of jewels and treasures and demanded it be made into a weapon.
"Ah, this one is called The King's Precious Jewel.", the Blacksmith introduced, grabbing the sword and waving it through the air with practiced strokes with ease, "It took a lot of time and effort to craft this one with the gold and jewels while making sure it's still fit for battle!", Lambo highly doubts that last bit, "Any leader, be they pirate, marine, or mafioso, that wields this sword can feel like the top dog they all think they ought to be. This beauty is worth a fortune and, quite literally, it's weight in gold. If you can't wield it, then sell it off!"
Indeed, the sword is absolutely gorgeous... and rich. Again, Lambo has no idea how long that thing would last in battle or even in prolonged exposed time out at sea. Not to mention the infamous unpredictability the Grand Line is said to have. And did Lambo mention the sword is fancy? How has no one bought it yet? Wait, that's a stupid question now that Lambo thinks about it. With all the jewels and ornaments decorating the thing, which looks like is deserves to be on display rather then used in a fight, all leads to the fact that...
"It's too much.", Lambo said before sweat dropping as he stared at the literal sparkly weapon, "And too bright."
Without a doubt, the only real use that sword can be in battle is by blinding the enemy.
Once again, the Blacksmith took no offence to Lambo's bluntness, only looking at him with a considering hum before putting the elaborate sword back in its place in the window display.
That just leaves the final weapon in the middle. Unlike the other two that frame the weapon, this one isn't decked to the nines with too many gadgets or finery. It's a katana, simple and sleek with a small charm dangling from the end of the hilt that sparkles when the sunlight hits it just right. Even someone as clueless at swords as Lambo is can tell that this katana was crafted with great patience and care.
"If you are one of those minimalists, then this weapon should get the job done for you.", the Blacksmith assures Lambo as he, just like with the rifle and broad sword, takes the sword down from where it hangs in the window, unsheathing it with flare, "I call this one... The Dragon's Simple Samurai Treasure."
Lambo deadpanned, what is with these ridiculous over the top weapon names!?
"The last two had many add-ons upon the request of those that requested them. But when they proved to not be the best, I kicked them right out of my shop and hung them up my window as a warning... and invitation.", the Blacksmith explained, "But this one... this is one of the first weapons I made with this shop in mind. I'm very proud of the word it's done. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders, this sword can probably incorporate those Dying Will Flames of yours too, just what you were looking for, ay?"
"It's... a good sword.", Lambo agrees hesitantly, the Blacksmith's expression is completely blank, revealing no emotion as he listened to Lambo's words, "You claim that sword is the best in its craft?"
The Blacksmith just nods, staring at Lambo with shrewd eyes.
"Then, if I were to get that sword, it'd be a waste on me.", Lambo states slowly.
"So, you refuse to buy any of my best weapons?", the Blacksmith voice is low pitched, it almost sound like a growl as he now spoke.
Intimidating, sure, but Lambo needs a weapon, might as well get the best if this guy sells the best. Of course it could all just be a scam, the Fortune Seller did mention something about that earlier, but Lambo isn't so sure it is the more he stays in The Weaponsmith. So, to the Blacksmith's question, Lambo's answer is simple.
"In my hands, they wouldn't be the best.", Lambo replies with a shrug after a moment of thought.
For a long moment, the Blacksmith remained silent, then he grinned. And it wasn't a very good grin in Lambo's opinion, it was blood thirsty, sadistic all wrapped in some cruel kind of glee that twisted up the guy's lips as he bared his teeth.
"That woman... finally sent me a good one! HA!", the many bellows, the terrifying grin only growing instead of disappearing, "I was right boy, you do have a good head on your shoulders."
"Uh... huh?", Lambo could only say in confusion.
Was this a test?
The Blacksmith jerked his head to the weapons he showed Lambo on display, "I wasn't lying when I said those are my best weapons... the best at helping me find the fools who come in with delusions of grandeur that is, HA!"
He walked past Lambo, with a pat on the back, the almost made Lambo go sprawling despite the fact he's, for once, taller than the guy.
Wait a second...
It Was A Test!? Who does that to paying customers!?"
"As I'm sure you heard from that crazy woman across the street, I only give my weapons to the best.", the Blacksmith declares as he goes to the weapons set up behind the forge, the less flashy ones that seem to almost blend in with shadows of the back, the only light coming from the forge the Blacksmith works at.
"Don't you mean sell?", Lambo asks as he rubs his back with a wince.
Of course, blacksmiths are strong, they carry around metal and make weapons larger than life. Lambo just didn't think he'd be hit with force, although he has a finally that the pat on the back was the lightest use of force the Blacksmith is able to do, assuming from his gruff personality and confidence at least.
"I said what I said and I said what I meant!", the Blacksmith shouts from where he's rummaging, "Here!"
Lambo jumps, just barely managing to catch the small bag tossed to him. He opened it up to find several handfuls of rounds that one would use for a regular pistol.
"Now don't be fooled.", the Blacksmith's voice came from right next to Lambo, causing the poor teen to jump, again, in surprise, "Those aren't rounds, I'd suggest you'd be careful where you stash those. Wouldn't want any of those mafioso pals of yours to load their gun with the wrong ammo. These babies were part of special canon ball I've been trying to develop, they're supposed to be magnetized together, but when they are fired out from a cannon, the black powder is supposed to spread them apart scattering the shot and widening the range while increasing the damage. Only problem is every time I load them, they explode inside the canon from either the electric charge or the black powder setting it off, same with pistols. Might have to do with the metal alloy I've been using for the magnetism aspect not mixing well with the heat of either charges. Had to scrap the project in the end."
Lambo eyes widened as he held the back as far away from his body as possible.
"Porca puttana!", Lambo exclaimed, "Hai appena dato l'equivalente di bombe di marmo!?" (Holy shit!...Did you just give me the equivalent of marble bombs!?)
"Nah, for the most part, they're stable. They won't explode unless you send a jolt of your Lightning Flames through them. All it takes is one and the rest is a chain reaction.", the Blacksmith waved his worry away without a care, let's also ignore the fact he understood Italian without Lambo needing to translate his earlier words of horror, and Lambo is also trying to ignore 'for the most part' when the Blacksmith tried to reassure him, "Now, you said your last weapon exploded, right? What were you using before? Let's see if I got something in my stores that'll work best for you."
"... I used a whip.", Lambo answered after a moment of hesitation as he tied the bag of dozens of mini-death bombs to his non-dominant side.
"What kind? Stock, bull, signal, chain, snake?"
Lambo felt a little light headed from the rapid fire. He had no idea there were so many kinds of whips, only recognizing like two or three of the kinds the Blacksmith shot at him.
"Bull.", he answered after taking a second to regain his bearings, "I used a bull whip."
The creepy grin was back and the Blacksmith's eyes seemed to sparkle with excitement as his hands clamped down on top of Lambo's shoulders, almost causing Lambo's knees to buckle from the sudden weight.
"You...", okay no one should have a smile that wide, it should physically be impossible, "are someone I've been waiting years for. I have just the thing, never before seen. Last weapon I made before I left the Grand Line even. You stay right there, while I go fetch it from the back."
And just like that, the Blacksmith disappeared in
Is it too late to leave?
.
.
.
Yeah.
Lambo's invested now. Who knew someone so stoic and grumpy upon first impression can be so... giddy. Scarily so. But for the most part, Lambo is slowly coming to like the guy. He admires the Blacksmiths passion for his craft and his curiosity over the man's past and history, especially his connection to the mafioso families.
...
I-Pin was nearly snarling with frustration. Barely even an hour ago,after sprinting to the execution stand, her men told her through the baby den den mushi she has on her wrist that Monkey D. Luffy was seen flying across Loguetown, and now she can't find the damn Captain. It's taking alot of I-Pin's self control and the use of the many breathing/calming exercises that her master had taught her when she was little to keep he Dying Will Flames at bay.
She can feel how the Storm tingles just beneath her skin in answer to her mounting frustration.
It's frustrating, but I-Pin has to remain calm and collected, just as master has always said. Alyways remain in control and she can accomplish whatever she wished. Right now I-Pin wished those words were literal, because if they were she would have found the pirate captain by now!
Unable to help it, I-Pin turns to a nearby alley kicking at a empty barrely with a growl, followed by an explosion by her technique and flames that rendered the barrel into charred pieces. She takes a deep breath, tension falling from her frame as she slowly lets it out. I-Pin is still frustrated, but the small act of violence managed to put her at piece so she can think clearly.
"Hey! How'd you do that!"
I-Pin spoke too soon.
She slowly turns around to see a guy, whose height a build suggests that he his either her age or only a couple of years older, wearing a ratty cloak, sunglasses perched at the end of his nose, red gloves on his hands, and I-Pin can just barely see spiked orange hair with bleached tips from under the cloak's hood.
"Only I can do flashy explosions!", the other teanager growled... possessively?
"With what?", I-Pin challenges with a raised brow.
The guy flips up his cloak, I-Pin managing to see a flash of orange and sparkly yellow before it flutter back down to his forearms. He now held small circular bombs between his fingers.
"With these!", he declared with what would be a fanged grin.
If I-Pin were anyone else that is. The thing is, similarily to Lambo and his Lightning, I-Pin's technique centers around explosions, bombs more specifically. Her entire body is a bomb due to her training, even more so ever since she learned how to use her Storm Flames. The bombs this guy is holding, is nothing to her Pinzu Timed Super Explosion that I-Pin would tend to do when she was five years old.
So it was simple for I-Pin to swipe the bombs out of the guy's hands, much to his shock, and with the use of her Storm flames containing and destroying the bombs, their resulting explosion not even bothering I-Pin. She wasn't even smoking.
"Uh... wh-wh-wha...?", the guy stumbled over his words.
Not even bothering with a real technique on the ameteur, I-Pin just kicked him where the sun don't shine walking casually past as the boy fell to his knees with a high pitched whine.
"If I were you, I'd get a better weapon.", I-Pin advised with a roll of her eyes, "Those things you use as bombs won't do anything on the Grand Line, much less a reall threat."
Now, what was she thinking about before? Right, Monkey D. Luffy, who is who knows where, but might make his back to the execution stand. You never know.
As she searched, I-Pin made a call on the baby den den mushi, ordering men to keep watch for Monkey D. Luffy at the execution stand.
...
"Here!"
Once again, Lambo was met with a face full of something metal, except this time, it was coiled. Fumbling with it for a moment, Lambo held out the weapon in front of him. It is indeed a bullwhip, albeit it's length shorter than Lambo expected, with the handle weaved as a grip like you find on a farm or ranch, but it is somehow a mix of both leather and metal weaved in a much more complicated way than Lambo has seen in... any kind of whip really. If one were to look at just the shape of the weaving itself rather than the form of the whip, one's first thought wouldn't be weapon, much less a whip.
Seeing Lambo's confusion, the Blacksmith's grin grew into a smug smirk as his eyes glinted knowingly, "C'mon then, give it a whirl. You know how to use one don't you?"
Reflexively to the command, Lambo did as he was told, flicking out his wrist and the whip struck like a snake. But there was no familiar 'crack!' that Lambo has grown used to, instead it... just kept going. Forcing Lambo to keep moving in order to keep the weapon from destroying any merchandise, there is no way Lambo has enough money on him to repay for damages.
It was hard, with many close calls, but Lambo somehow manages to keep the weapon from destroying anything and, oh! Did he forget to mention that the weapons somehow continue to get longer by the second!? Forcing Lambo's movements to get faster and faster as the weapon lengths continues to increase.
"If you want it to stop, squeeze the grip.", the Blacksmith advices with a proud smirk on his lips and mischievous glint in his eyes.
Without protest, aside from a flash of irritation in his chest, Lambo did as he was told and finally, (Finally!), he heard the familiar 'crack!' of the whip... as well as a sharp pain on his leg. Lambo let out a pained yelp as he jumped in the air and then a hiss when he landed back on his feet, the Blacksmith just laugh.
"Different than any other whip you've used, ay?", the Blacksmith gruffly chuckled, "I'd hope so, that whip is one of my few remaining master pieces I've yet to give away. What you're holding is a bullwhip like no other, as you just experienced, the way it was weaved in a unique that allows it to reach farther than its appearance would have on believe. Only stopping when you squeeze the grip like I told you. During my time on the Grand Line, I came across an island that had this little toy they called a finger trap. It's a little tube that you put a finger from each hand in and it's nearly impossible to pull off unless you push."
"Push to... pull off?", Lambo asked incredulously with furrowed brows as he shakes his leg in a vain attempt to get rid of the pain.
The Blacksmith chuckles in amusement, "Ridiculous right? But I tried it for myself, and that's what exactly what I had to do to get the darn thing off. It got me thinking and was the inspiration for that weapon you now have. Made by a material of my own making, a mix of leather and rubber, to help give it that extra stretch, weaved alongside some mismash of different metals that would make the whip a great conduit if you were to use your lightning with it. Make up some powerful never before seen attacks with it. Never made a weapon like it, nor have I seen one. I say you're a perfect fit though, a unique weapon for a unique user."
Lambo looked down at the whip in his hands thoughtfully. The right weapon, for the right user huh? Best for the best. It's then Lambo looks up to the weapons the Blacksmith was showing him earlier, describing their use and name with what seemed to be pride.
"What about the ones hanging in the window?", Lambo asked curiously, "Are those master pieces waiting for the right user too?"
"Those?", the Blacksmith only grinned with a sadistic chuckle, "They're decoration."
"What Was All That Before With The Long Stupid Names And The Fancy Shit Then!?", Lambo angrily shouts with and irk mark and sharp teeth.
"To get rid of the idiotic riff raff that believe I'd give my craft to just about anyone.", the Blacksmith replied simply with a wave of his hand, "The stupid long names are just a ruse, a really good one that tends to hype the morons that come in here. People seem to be under the impression that the longer a dramatic a name, the better it is. Makes my job easier that way."
"So, you give the trash names to the trash.", Lambo summarizes before asking, "Then what do you call your masterpieces?"
"Always something short and sweet."
Lambo holds out the whip he intends to make his own, "What do you call this Masterpiece then?"
The Blacksmith grinned, "I call that one The Whip."
Lambo waited for the other shoe to drop, there wasn't one.
"You got to be kidding me.", Lambo finally deadpans.
Short and sweet, true, but still ridiculous.
"HA! That's the only whip I've made, and it's going to stay that way. I doubt I'll ever make one it's equal. No need to call it anything else than what it is.", the Blacksmith explained amusedly, "The Whip is one of my favorite pieces, and the last one I made while I was a Marine on the Grand Line."
"Marine...? You can't be serious.", Lambo blinks in shock.
"What? Don't believe me?", the Blacksmith raised a brow, "Think I'm not big or strong enough?"
It's not that he thinks the man before him lacks strength or power, Lambo could feel the Blacksmith's strength the second he laid eyes on him. It's part of the reason why Lambo was a little terrified of him when he first entered the shop. No, it's the disbelief that if this man were a Marine on the Grand Line... then Lambo heavily doubts the guy would give out the high-quality weapons he makes to anyone, be they marine, pirate, or mafioso.
"If you were a marine, then why sell your masterpieces to... everyone?", Lambo voices his thoughts, "Why sell your weapons to criminals and soldiers alike?"
"Didn't you hear me before boy? I don't sell my master pieces; I give them away to people like you!", the Blacksmith question as he pokes Lambo, "I give my best weapons to the best people. Titles don't matter no matter what others tell you. I was a marine, but I'm a blacksmith now. Titles that mark who you can come and go just as easily a single round in the chamber. I don't care. People change, their core is what matters though, how they think about the weapons they use, that matters. That's what makes you the best, you understand what it means to wield a weapon, what makes both it you better than those extras that go out to sea. So, I give you the best. The people I sell to, I basically give them junk. Weapons that look like something, but are no better than decoration."
Lambo looks back down at the whip with mixed feelings swirling in his chest. Shock, pride, maybe even awe.
"And, your just... giving it to me? Free of charge?", Lambo asks in disbelief, this is totally different compared to Nami's attitude with Zoro earlier with her three hundred percent interest.
"That's right.", the Blacksmith confirmed with a nod and no sign of insincerity or doubts about his actions.
"Even the marble bombs?", Lambo raised a brow.
The Blacksmith let out a guffaw at the name, "Marble bombs, HA! I like that. Tell you what, tell me what Famiglia you're with an island your station on, and I'll send you a bag of your marble bombs similar to the amount of the one you got right now."
"Actually, I'm not part with a Famiglia anymore. I'm a pirate now.", Lambo grins as he hooks the new weapon on his belt, "Send the marble bombs to a caravel ship called the Going Merry on the Grand Line. We're going to set sail there today."
The Blacksmith crossed his arms with a small smirk, "Well what do you know. My masterpieces always seem to find their way to the Grand Line. It's like they know when they're going to used."
"Wouldn't be surprised if that were true at this point.", Lambo chuckles as he turns to leave the shop with a wave, "See yah! Thanks for the weapons."
Self-imposed quest completed, Lambo just wandered aimlessly, having no idea he had a flashy stalker hidden away in a drab cloak. Said stalker immediately rushed inside the shop, wanting the best weapons just like his self-proclaimed rival had gotten.
"Give me the best weapon with the best fire power you got!", a certain pirate bomber demands once inside.
Few minutes later, the bomber would be stumbling out with the over-the-top rifle that was in the window. The Fortune Seller watched as the cloaked guy struggled to walk properly with the new weapon strapped to his back. Shaking her head with a chuckle as she turns to the window, watching knowingly as the Blacksmith put up a new rifle that is the exact identical to the one that was just sold. Stepping out of the shop just long enough to send the Fortune Seller his own cheeky, but knowing, grin.
"Gave away a masterpiece and scammed an idiotic moron. It's a good day for me!", he crows proudly.
"Hmph. Swindling bastard.", the Fortune Seller shakes her head, unable to hide her own smile as her neighbor laughs.
...
Lambo didn't wander for very long before he came upon a large crowd that surround a large open area.
"... cooking festivities are about to start!", Lambo hears an announcer speak from the speakers surrounding the square as he approaches, "The greatest cooks from the East Blue are here competing today!"
A cooking competition? Lambo is honestly surprised there is such a large crowd gathered for such a thing. And yet on the other hand, competitions are fun to watch and the best cooks all around the East Blue are gathered, so it's sure to be something.
"This here grand prize is an elephant! Blue fin! Tuna!", the announcer states with just the right amount of flare, "It's the gem of the ocean, and a miracle food! Who is going to win this spectacular prize!"
"Hey Lambo!"
Blinking in surprise with a jolt, Lambo automatically turns to where the shout of his name came from. Quickly spotting the forms of Ussop and Nami, the former has a large grin back pack, that reminds Lambo of when Ussop was ready to set out to sea before he joined the crew, and the latter is lugging a large sack over her shoulder. Lambo is half-tempted to ask if Nami somehow managed to steal some more treasure already. Reminiscent of his first adventure with her, Luffy, and Zoro against the Buggy crew, with how large the bag is as he shoves his way through the crowd to join his two nakamas.
"Hey Ussop, Nami!", Lambo greets, "Checking out the competition too?"
"Yeah, we spotted the crowd and Nami wanted to check it out.", Ussop agrees, "Got anything cool?"
"A new whip and something that might turn the tables when needed and if used properly.", Lambo nods, but then grimaced as he remembered whipping his own leg by accident, "Although this one is a little different. I'll have to practice with it before I'm any good with it in battle. You?"
"I spent all my money on any and every tool a great warrior such as me could need on the Grand Line!", Ussop proclaimed proudly as he showed off his backpack that must have all the stuff he bought.
Lambo sweat dropped, "You mean you didn't save any of it?"
Ussop shrugged, "Well, I got a couple of berri left, but only because it wasn't enough to buy anything else."
Yeah, he got scammed. Everything, if not all then most of things, he got were probably useless.
Instead on voicing his thoughts, Lambo turned to Nami instead, "What's in the bag?"
"Clothes.", Nami smirked, "I got a good discount for pretty much everything in this bag."
"Right. Good for you.", Lambo couldn't but sweat drop at the greedy proud glint in Nami's eyes.
She's on the total opposite side of the spectrum in comparison to Ussop. The scammer and the scamee, what a pair they make.
"You guys think we'll be able to make it closer to get a better look?", Ussop asked as he surveyed the crowd skeptically.
Lambo looks around as well, his eyes already mapping out multiple pathways that get closer, or even lead to the front of the pack.
"Yeah.", Lambo smirks, "Yeah, we can squeeze through. C'mon."
Lambo started to shift and dodge around the people, making sure to go down pathways Ussop and Nami can follow after him with little trouble. Especially with Nami's large bag. It wasn't long before they were more than halfway through the crowd when Nami suddenly stopped near the edge, since the path Lambo was taking had them circling around in order to make it to the front.
"Hey, look! Sanji's here!", Nami exclaims.
Both Luffy and Lambo turn to see, sure enough, their cook fawning over a pretty lady with pink hair and a dark red dress with spiked white fur. He was quickly being pushed away by two short men... one has a large square chin that was very hard to look at. The other, fortunately, looked normal enough with these dark sun... Nope. Those are nostrils... Very very very large nostrils. Where are his eyes!?
The Grand Line is supposed to have weirder looking people than that? Lambo will believe it when he sees it.
"Your right!", Ussop exclaims before calling out to the blond cook, "HEY! OVER HERE!"
Lambo and Nami were quick to join him, all threw shouting to catch Sanji's attention and be heard over the excitable crowd, "SANJI!"
Sanji turned towards their shouting and Lambo waved his arm alongside Ussop wave both of his own as Sanji grinned and made his way over to the trio.
"Nami~! You came to watch me compete~!", Sanji practically floated his way to the group.
"Heck no, I was just walking by.", Nami bluntly states with a smile.
"Way to go casually breaking hearts left and right.", Lambo dead panned, only to get shoved in retaliation by the ginger.
"So what made you want to compete in a cooking contest Sanji?", Ussop asks curiously.
"Ussop, Lambo, when'd you guys get here?", Sanji asks innocently.
"I'M THE ONE WHO YELLED OUT YOU NAME FIRST, JERK!", Ussop angrily shouts with sharp teeth.
Lambo, on the other hand, rolled his eyes in exasperation, "You both are the worse."
"Eh, your fine. Hope you're staying to watch me compete squirt.", Sanji grinned as he roughly messed up Lambo's hair before quickly switching gears, getting heart eyes again, as he turned to Nami, "I would love it if you stayed too Nami~."
Ussop looked like he was ready to have another one-sided shouting match again, but the announcer from up front interrupted him before he could get started again.
"Whhhoooo's Ready To Start The Cooking!? Just for fun, we picked one of you out of the crowd to join our panel of judges! Say hello to Sam, who was just on his way home to sleep off the rest of his daughter's wedding reception. You ready Sam?"
Lambo's brows raised in surprise at how clearly he heard a 'YEEEAAH!" from up front. Most likely where the judges are seated.
"The rules are very simple.", the announcer continues, "Each cook competes in the blind draw head-to-head elimination round! Where the highest total score wins. Whoever ends up undefeated through ALL rounds, will be the new... East Blue Champion! First up. From the Eastern most part of the East Blue... SHu the Lizard! Facing him. Representing our very own Loguetown... Broccoli!"
"What.", Lambo deadpans.
Again, with weird names!?
"Ready? Let's Go!", the Announcer hits the bottom of a pot with a laddle as if her were hitting a bell or gong to signal the beginning of the competition.
Ussop, Nami, and Lambo all turn to Sanji questioningly.
"What's up Sanji?", Ussop asks for the three of them, "You really want to be known as the best cook in the East Blue?"
"No. Don't be stupid.", Sanji states frankly, turned away from them and staring at the fish, the grand prize on display before turning back to them with an excited grin, "I'm just after one thing, and that's the fish."
"A fish?", Ussop says, still confused.
Nami, on the other hand, looked intrigue, "Yeeeaahhh, that looks like a nice fish."
"It sure does.", Sanji agrees, turning back to the fish, "But the confusing part is trying to figure how exactly I can get that fish to talk."
That's when all three of them became confused once more.
"What's so special about that fish? Aside from it being a gem among chefs or whatever?", Lambo asks.
"it's a clue.", Sanji didn't turn back to them, never once taking his eye off the prize, "A clue to the All Blue!"
When Sanji turned back, his grin was blinding, and for a split second, Lambo saw a flash of Luffy and Zoro when either one of them talked about their respective dreams of becoming the King of the Pirates and the World's Greatest Swordsman.
"Welp, I better get ready, wish me luck!", Sanji adjusts his suit determinedly as he goes to the waiting area for the competing cooks.
"Good luck!", Lambo waves at his back.
"You better get that fish!", Nami shouts with a smile of her own.
Sanji quickly swiveled on his feet, "Anything for you Nami~!"
Again, Lambo rolled his eyes in exasperation.
Lambo managed to lead the small group to the front, despite the competition having already started, so they all got front row seats to Sanji pretty much kicking the ass of every cook he went up against. Although he wasn't the only one dominating the competition. The tall woman in the long burgundy dress Lambo saw Sanji bothering before they met up was beating every cook she faced off against by a landslide.
Every round Sanji won; the watching Straw Hat's cheered as loud as they could. Lambo's throat was starting to hurt from how loud he was shouting. And time flew by fast, because the next thing Lambo knew, Sanji and the dancing woman chef were ready to cook against each other in the championship for the elephant blue fin tuna.
"Now... IT'S THE FINAL ROOUUNND!"
Lambo's ears actually hurt from how loud the crowd roared with their cheers.
"Oh wow.", Ussop comments brightly, "These people are really excited."
"You're right.", Nami agrees in amusement at the sight of the crowd.
"No way.", Lambo says sarcastically, "I didn't realize that with how much my ears are ringing due to the noise."
Nami raised a concerned brow," You alright Lambo?"
But the teen waved her off," I'm fine, I'm fine. Crowds aren't my most favorite place to be."
It's been easier ever since he joined Luffy's crew, and standing between Nami and Ussop helped a lot as well. But itdidn't completely stop the tingling feeling of phantom eyes, that don't exist, watching his every move. Nor does it help the fact that throughout the competition, the crowd has nearly tripled in size, fraying Lambo's nerves the longer he stays there.
Ussop tilts his head, remembering how Lambo had huddled in the corner of the booth at the restaurant when they first met back at his village, "You're not great in public spaces, are you?"
Lambo almost denied it if it weren't the nudge to his shin from Nami's foot followed by a pointed, expectant, stare and crossed arms from the orange haired navigator.
With a sigh, he admits, "Not particularly, no. But it's been better recently. Having people I know close helps."
Both Ussop and Nami stepped closer, both of his arms pressed against one of theirs.
"I-I'm fine now.", Lambo protested half-heartedly.
Both Ussop and Nami just stared at Lambo, Ussop humming disbelievingly.
Lambo huffed, "Guess it started getting to me the longer we stayed."
But he stopped protesting after the reluctant admittance.
Ussop pats his back, "It's okay, Sanji just has to win one more round and we can get you out of this crowd."
Lambo sighs, feeling tired all of the sudden after the reassurance, "Yeah, okay, thanks guys."
"Just remember we're here Lambo.", Nami reminded as she gently squeezed Lambo's wrist comfortingly.
The announcer's voice brought the trio's attention back to the competition, "With his instinctive skills and sense for food, we have in the finals... Sanji! Facing him with her gorgeous presentation and culinary acumen... Carmen!"
Said woman was in a dance pose with a ladle in her mouth as if it were some kind of flower or rose. Sanji turned to his competition and immediately started shouting and waving at her giddily with heart eyes.
"Yare yare.", Lambo groaned as he faced palmed in second hand embarrassment at the sight of their cook.
"Start Your Cooking!", the Announcer declared before hitting the pot with his ladle once more to signal the start of the final round.
Immediately, Carmen started cooking with flourish, dancing to where her ingredients are located, grabbing some carrots and spinning to her station with unneeded grace.
"Time to baste~!", Carmen sings as she washes the carrots before peeling them skillfully while she manically laughs.
Her laughter was both musical and creepy. It was honestly freaking Lambo out. Why are people so weird?
"Carmen's cooking with outstanding showmanship while doing things that are relatively simple!", the announcer narrates.
Lambo snorts with barely contained laughter, the announcer pretty much stating Lambo's thoughts for all to hear. Although Carmen didn't seem put out at all by the announcers' words.
"Meanwhile her two cheerleaders are trying to distract her opponent!"
Lambo's eyes fell down to Carmens... cheerleaders(?) the announcer called them. Eyes immediately going to the one in blue's chin before quickly switching to the other and- Oh Come On! For a split second, Lambo thought the green one's nostrils were sunglasses again! What is with that!?
"And how is Sanji doing?"
Immediately wanting to ignore the weird body camouflage, Lambo, along with everyone else, turned his attention to Sanji, who is completely calm, entirely unbothered and unworried by what his opponent is doing as he cuts up some fish handling the knife beautifully and with a little flare as he tosses and flips the knife from hand to hand when needed.
"He is rocking! His knife blade is flying! And it looks like Sanji is whipping up a creation of delectable delight."
Sanji seemed to be in his own world as he worked, grabbing ingredients that he needs and preparing them swiftly and efficiently. And just when he placed his meat in a pan on the stove, he grinned. The same one he had when he spoke of the All Blue. When he mentioned his dream.
Flames burst from Sanji's stove, as his movements somehow sped up despite the fact they were already moving quickly in the first place.
"Sanji is moving on to his final preparations!", the announcer declared just as Sanji snuffed out the flames with the pan lid," Carmen is finishing up as well!"
In response to Sanji's increased speed, Carmen made haste herself spinning at her table as she placed down plates after each spin.
"She just has to plate up her creation! This is it folks! the moment we've all been waiting for! Who will win the elephant blue fin tuna!? "The decision, is only moments away!"
Sanji removes the lid from the meat he had set aflame on the stove before. Then, the crowd all gasp as he suddenly flipps the meat high in the air, plates held up on one hand as the meat fell perfectly in place and he finished plating just as time ran out.
"He Did It!"
The crowd cheered loudly once more, even louder than ever, causing Lambo to groan as he tired rubbed at his ears. This was really beginning to get on his nerves. But Ussop pats Lambo back again and Nami squeezes his wrist comfortingly once more, neither having moved their hands from Lambo's person ever since the final round had begun.
It was nice, grounding in all honesty.
"Sanji's Masterpiece Is Finished!", the announcer declares at the sight of the tabled full of many different dishes, "And here comes Carmen with her final touches!"
The ladle is back in her mouth as she strikes a finishing pose with her arms up in the air as if to present her dishes on display. Lambo deadpans at the sight.
"The Contestants are Done! So now, it is all in the hands of the judges!"
The crowd, for once, is deadly silent as the judges made it to Carmen's table first trying each dish with thought and care before moving on to Sanji's table and trying every one his food. Lambo's hands moved in his anxiety on Sanji's behalf, twisting his wrsit in Nami's hold so she were holding his hand instead and he can grip hers, while his other hand moved and gripped Ussop's overalls tightly as they wait for the verdict.
Finally, one of the judges steps forward, with an envelope in hand.
"Well then, here goes.", the judge says lightly as he holds up a card, "The winner of this years cooking championship is... San-!"
"WAIT!", Carmen suddenly interrupts.
Once again, the whole area seemed to have frozen as Carmen dabbed at her lips with her napkin before standing up straight from her table. She looks to Sanji, a determined clint in her eyes before moving to approach him.
"I can't forgive myself.", Carmen breathes, "I can't believe I thought I could beat you."
Lambo can't help but feel like he is watching a soap opera live as Carmen's shoulders shakes with her hitched breathes and clearly heavy emotions that have weighed on her for a while.
"I watched you cook when you were young. You were driven even back then.", Carmen admits, "They wouldn't let me in the kitchen like you, it made me so resentful. I've trained so hard for so many years. That's why I wanted to find you and show you what I've learned. But after all this time, you've only gotten better. I don't know what made me think I could beat you... The truth is, you beat me. Fair and square. You. Are the number one cook in the East Blue."
Sanji stared up at Carmen, shocked for a moment, before he smiled, removing the cigarette from his lips as he stood up.
"Carmen~! That's the best compliment anyone's ever given me~!", Sanji declares.
"He had to ruin the moment.", Lambo mumbles to himself as he sweat dropped at their ridiculous cook.
"I'm so happy I could ki-!"
"Don't You Dare!", one of Carmen's... cheerleaders(?), the one in blue with the chin suddenly shouts as he leaps between Sanji and Carmen, clamming a frying pan against the blond cook's face.
Sanji grunts, before quickly kicking the guy away, face red from the impact of the pan.
"WHY'D YOU DO THAT!?", Sanji shouts angrily with sharp teeth.
"I'm forfeiting this round.", Carmen declares smoothly, having regained her composure impressingly quick, "But I'll be ready for the next time we meet. I won't lose to you again."
Sanji smirks, cigarette back between his teeth, "Well, if it's a challenge from you Carmen I'll definetely acept."
Lambo, Nami, and Ussop looked to each other before looking back up to Sanji, all with gleeful laughs as it became apparant of Sanji's success.
"And The Winner Is... SSAAANNJJIIII!", the announcer shouts for all to hear.
Roaring crowd felt like nails on a chalkboard for Lambo's ears. His skin feeling like other the longer he stayed in the stupidly big crowd. Nami squeezes his hand once more.
"We'll help Sanji gethis prize fish.", Nami tells the younger teen, "Why don't you go out and find some breathing room. We'll find you in a second."
Lambo nods were nearly frantic in his rush to leave with the navigator's permission, "'kay, thanks. Tell Sanji I said good job!"
"We will!", Ussop waves him off.
Lambo was half tempted to use his Dying Will Flames to get himself out of their faster. Instead, he took the shorties route out of the crowd and just ran to get as far away from the noise and large amount of people gathered together as far as possible, while still remaining close enough to find the others when they get the fish Sanji competed for.
Fortunately for the teen, the others were quick to catch up, Nami smiling happily, Ussop carrying the head of the elephant blue fin tuna, Sanji carrying the tail and his head in a whole other world.
"Wow! That was fun!", Nami says cheerily as Lambo walked beside her, "I don't know why, but I just love competetions."
"How'd I get stuck with the head!?", Ussop shouts back to Sanji angrily.
But the cook didn't hear, still lost in his own world as he stares at his prize dreamily.
"Yeah.", Lambo sighs beside the navigator, a little disappointed, "I would have had a little more fun if it weren't for the crowd."
"Hey, don't sweat about it.", Nami reassures, "Public spaces and you don't mix, we now know this for certain and can work or plan around it when needed."
"For certain?", Lambo raises a questioning brow.
Nami hums in agreement, "Pretty sure all of us suspected at one point. Now it's confirmed, we can take steps to make sure your more comfortable while we sail the Grand Line-."
She stops, Lambo and Ussop stopping beside her as the girl looks up at the sky the a contemplative look in her eyes.
"What's up Nami?", Ussop asks in concern.
"It's... the air.", Nami answers consideringly.
"The air?", Lambo and Ussop repeat in confusion.
"It's going to rain.", Nami tells them matter-of-fact.
"But it's so nice.", Ussop protest as the three boys look up at the clear sky.
"I'm sure of it.", Nami says firmly.
Lambo shrugs, "Well she is the navigator."
"Let's hurry.", Nami orders as she rushes ahead, Lambo close behind her along with Ussop and Sanji carrying the gaint fish behind the other two crewmates.
"Wait!", Ussop calls as he speed walks to catch up.
...
I-Pin was quick to answer the ringing baby den den mushi, not even getting a chance to answer before there was already frantic shouting from the other end.
"Ma'am! It's Monkey D. Luffy!", came the voice of one of her subordinates from the Den Den Mushi, "He's been spotted at the execution stand again!"
"Keep watching him!", was all I-Pin ordered before hanging up and taking off running again.
With a solid destination in mind, all I-Pin can think about is finding Monkey D. Luffy, for where a Sky is, their Guardians are rarely far behind. Find the pirate, and I-Pin finds Lambo.
Author's Note:
I split this chapte in half because it was nearing thirty pages... how the hell did it still end up that way!? Welp I'm back again! And shortly after the last update too, what a surprise, am I right!
Anyway,the word 'acumen' in Carmen's introduction is an actual word. I think I had to relisten to her introduction six times before looking up to see if I was hearing correctly. Apparantly, 'acumen' means the ability to make good judgment and quick decisions. Which, fair I guess, especially in a competition. We got to see a bit more of I-Pin, and I wonder if you guys recognize the cloaked figure that appeared twice in this chapter.
Hope you enjoyed!
Be Your Best You! Bye~!