#(i do not think Sanji's a devil fruit but i wouldn't be surprised if he had some lunarian)

[sassypantsjaxon]

You know... this joke becomes kind of sinister when you know that the person who made Sanji was in a fucked up little science club with the person who was making artificial devil fruits

[the-real-treasure]

Treasure Treasure!

An OPLA Sanji x Reader

Master List Here

Previous Chapter: Big Big Top Troubles and the Risks of Show Business

Chapter Five: Sweet Syrupy Lies

Summary : A sinking ship leads the crew to an island where liars mean well and pale girls are fed strange stories, and stranger soup.

Trigger Warnings: Threats and descriptions of violence, scars, swearing, threatening language and behaviour, Reader's Devil Fruit power is overwhelming and overstimulating, graphic descriptions of sensory overload and overstimulation, selfharm caused by scratching, blood, body mutilation? Sort of? Word Count: 8, 100 **Edited: 16/09/24**

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Your arms were itchy.

Under the long sleeves of your aqua jacket and the clean cream top you had changed into under it, stretching up your arms past the end point of the wrapped bandages on your hands, they were itching again.

The deep, carved imprint of chain links, the grooves creating deep ravines around your arms from wrists to your elbows, scarring around your upper arm and across the expanse of back between your shoulders.

If you were lucky, it was just the scarring on your fingers and hands that itched, the old hard skin hidden away under wraps of fabric dry and cracking with the heat and salt of sea travel, but today you weren’t lucky.

Nami was perched at the prow of the boat, map unfurled across her knee and glasses on her face. With her and Luffy out here and Zoro inside, there was no where private, no where secluded enough for you to tear off the fabric driving you to sensory mania and bathe yourself in cool water and ointments to relieve the feeling for a while, like Sanji and Zeff would encourage.

So instead you stood, sweat on your forehead and dripping down your back and you scratched.

You were drawing blood.

But you scratched.

"Hey Nami! Nami, Y/n! Look!" Luffy called from beside you, pulling you out of the fevered itching of your skin.

"What?" Standing from his crouched position beside you, he pulls up a huge swathe of black fabric he had been decorating, supposedly under your supervision as "an expert tailor" since you know how to use a needle and thread. Explaining your passion for embroidery to him had been a mistake as you looked at his work, the incredibly lopsided skull wearing an oddly shaped hat at a jaunty angle left much to be desired.

"It's ready!" He cheered from behind the mangled fabric.

"And what is it?" You took in a deep breath and squeezed your eyes closed. The skin on your arms was screaming.

"Please tell me it's not-"

"Our Jolly Roger." You groaned and dropped your face into your hands. "Every pirate crew has to have one. And now we do!"

"If that's what you were doing," you yanked the length of fabric from his hands and inspect the stitching around the edge of the skull, tutting as you pull loose the weakly sewn threads, "you could have just let me handle it. This is..." you look up, eyes meeting his hopeful grin, "it could use some work, you should've asked me."

"Nah. You seemed like you needed a minute for yourself there." He gave your arm a gently poke, where blood had seeped through the fabric just below your shoulder. He keeps surprising you, this captain of yours.

"We're not a crew, and you are not hanging that on my boat."

"You know where you could have hung it."

Nami's eyes roll. "I swear if you say 'my boat, the Guppy,'" her voice turns nasily as she mocks the beginning of your sentence.

"You see the Guppy,"

"Y/n I swear, your boat was not that much better!" she sighs, "And it wouldn't have been much of a pirate ship either, so there would be no point in hanging any Jolly Rogers."

"More of a pirate vessel than this one."

"Zoro!" Luffy called as the swordsman finally left the small cabin, "Zoro, check it out." Zoro stares at the flag for a moment before he smacks his lips together.

"That's unique. Nami, I think the toilet's busted." Nami stared at him reproachfully.

"We don't have a toilet."

"Oh." Zoro turned away from her again. "Well, then something back there's leaking."

"WHAT?!" She jumped up and rushed into the cabin, returning moments later and storming towards Zoro in anger. "We're taking in water. What did you do?"

Hearing the state of the ship, you grab Luffy by the arm and scramble up on to the cabin's roof with him.

"I didn't do anything, what are you two doing now?"

"The way you're clanging those swords around, you must have broken something."

"Maybe if you're such a good thief, maybe you should've stolen a better boat."

"I don't care who did or didn't do whatever, our crew is half made up of Devil Fruit users who, need I remind you both, don't do well in sea water?"

"Guys, guys guys. Ok, crew meeting." Luffy let his torso hang down towards the pair arguing as you clung on to the back of his shirt, eyes sweeping the deck for any sign of sea water that wasn't already there.

"Not a crew." the two chimed together, turning to him anyway.

"We're gonna need a better ship to make it to the Grand Line. A real pirate ship. Not this holey ship, not the Guppy," his head swivelled 180 degrees to look at you as you opened your mouth to let out an indignant "She could make it!", "A ship, worthy of the Straw Hat Crew."

"Wait." Nami interrupted his impassioned speech. "Straw Hat Crew? Really?"

"Yeah! I thought it had a nice ring to it."

"'Demon' had a nice ring to it, headgear? Not scary." Luffy shrugged at the green haired swordsman.

"Who says pirates have to be scary?" The pair look around in confusion as Luffy let's you pull him upright and hops easily down to the main deck, leaving you perched above the trio. "The point is, we need a new ship. So, where do we get one?" Nami sighs and pulls open her map journal, searching around for a moment before answering.

"Our closest bet is the Gecko Islands. We can probably make it there before our ship sinks. Ditch this one and get a better one."

"Good. With a working toilet." Luffy tapped his finger towards Nami happily.

"Great job, navigator." Nami frowned as he lifted the flag from the deck.

"You're still not hanging that on my ship." Luffy smiles at her before clambering back on to the cabin roof beside you. He plonks down on the wood as you stare out to the horizon behind you, pulling the flag into his lap to inspect the threads you had tugged loose in your inspection.

"Hey Y/n.." He mumbled thoughtfully as he looked over his lopsided design.

"Yea?"

"Do you think," he sighs quietly, joining your observation of the wake of your boat in the sea, "that everyone has a dream? Or a wish or whatever you call it?" You hummed.

"Yeah, I would think so, though it might be different then what they think, or they might not even know."

"What about everything?" You turned your head to face him. He shrugged at you. "Like, I don't know..."

"A boat?" You finished his question for him, a smile slowly spreading across both your faces, the itching on your skin long forgotten. "What did you have in mind?"

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"You got to be kidding me." You stood looking over the bulletin board in the small square of Syrup Village, staring at the wanted posted of Buggy, where underneath his name it read 15 million. "That clown was worth 15 million Berry." Zoro was quietly fuming. "We should've stuffed his head in a bag and brought it with us."

"What Marine would pay you that bounty anyway?" Luffy was laying with his back on the ground, legs stretched up the wall, looking up at you and Zoro. He giggled. "You're kind of a wanted man yourself now." Zoro grunted in unhappy agreement.

"Didn't think of that." And, not for the first time, you wondered if word of your actions had reached Baratie yet. If Sanji and Zeff were arguing about what happened to you, if Patty had successfully rescued your beloved baby blue Guppy from the docks at Shells Town. If that fucking merchant had done his job and got that order shipped out yet.

Luffy rolled himself upright and stood. "All the more reason to get to the Grand Line. Fresh start!"

Your chains itched. You resist the urge to drag your nails down your arms or try and scrub your skin off.

"Right." Luffy turned to the returning Nami happily.

"Hey! You got us a ship?"

"Working on it. Did you push the sloop out to sea like I told you?"

"Yeah! No Marines are gonna be following us here." Nami and Zoro eyed each other.

"Well, we're not gonna be here very long. Turns out Syrup Village is known for their ship building. Lots of options!" Luffy grinned.

"Well, what are we waiting for then?" Luffy happily took of in, what you assume, is the wrong direction, Nami quickly following behind. Your pace is more leisurely as Zoro rips the wanted poster off the wall and scrunched it into a ball.

"Stupid clown.

Your quartet traipse through the shipyard, casting critical eyes over the hollowed out hulls and local craftsmen doing their work. At Luffy's request, you keep your sixth sense peeled, hoping some glimmer of want would ripple across the yard and pull you in the right direction.

"Look at 'em all!" He glances back at you, and you shake your head. Just the normal everyday deepest wishes of desperation and desire, like normal. No heart wrenching yearning for the sea, not yet.

"How much do these even cost?" Zoro asks from beside you.

"If you have to ask, you can't afford it."

"Okay, so we need to get one with a very, very impressive figurehead. At least two," he counts on his fingers quickly, "no, no three masts! And a really high crow's nest. Y/n is keeping an ear out for what we need, so we follow their que and we'll work from there!"

Nami shakes her head at your and Luffy's new shared delusion. "We are not gonna be able to sail a ship anywhere near that size. There's only four of us." Luffy's smile doesn't fade.

"Four of us, right now!"

"Well, unless you can find another weird, desperate soul to help us." Something echoes through you gently, the whisper reminiscent of your time aboard the Orbit.

"Speak for yourself." Zoro grunts. You push past him and Nami, falling into step with your captain a moment before your pace pulls you past him too. Nami's hand grabs at the fabric of your sleeve as you start to pull ahead.

"Listen, we are going to need something a little less flashy if we wanna sneak out of here." Her words pull both you and Luffy to a stop.

"You want to steal a ship?" She scoffs at the pair of you.

"How else did you expect us to get one?"

"I don't know. But we can't steal one."

"What kind of pirate are you?"

"One who knows the value of 1) a ship and 2) what he wants!" Luffy nods along with your words.

"A ship is not just a ship-"

"It's our home!"

"-it's a part of our crew! We need to find the perfect one. And we're gonna get it the right way."

"Okay, pitch that to the salesman. I'm sure that'll win him over." Luffy smiles at her understanding.

"Exactly!" And he takes off again, heading closer to the main docks. She turns from watching him go to meet your eyes, aqua and gold staring almost through her.

"No one and nothing does well in a role they're forced into," you whisper. "That's not something I'll let happen, not on this crew." And you turn, following behind your captain as he bobs between boats.

(Please please please)

You continues through the maze of boats and ships, darting past builders and workmen, as the yearning for adventure, for returning to the sea ripples through you.

(Just once more, one more adventure)

Turning a final corner, your eyes rest on the joyful figure head of a beaming sheep, horns curving out and towards you. Slowing to a stop, Luffy follows and lets out a small happy sigh as his eyes meet the boat as well.

(Golden sunsets spread as far as the eye can see. Glorious crisp white peaks on cobalt waves cresting the horizon. Murky green rich with seaweed and stories)

Your chest burns with the want of the sea, it echoes through you, ripples bouncing off of you and back to the boat, going in and out and in over and over.  The more you listen, the more you realise it's not jus the boat the ripples are bouncing off. You let Luffy climb the ladder ahead of you, a quiet reverence having taken over him as he approaches the ship. The wishes thrum through the air around you, the tips of your ears tingling with the energy. The overwhelming itch on your skin fades to a dull throbbing as you both stand below the figurehead. Luffy, with extreme care, raises his hand to the chin of sheep and rests his fingers on it.

"Real beauty huh?" Luffy stares in wonder as you dart your head over the edge of the platform, looking towards the main body of the boat.

"You can talk?" A young man in a red bandana and green vest pops his head over the edge of the boat.

"No! Over here." Luffy joins you for a moment, also spotting the young man. "Yo." Luffy pushes past you to lean further past the platform.

"This ship is amazing." The man's eyes drift up the figure head as he agrees. "What can you tell me about her?"

"Caravel class, top-of-the-line. Ninety-six feet of pure luxury. Whipstaff rudder, full galley." Both your ears prick up for a moment, eyes glancing to each others with a grin. "Cannon decks fore and aft." He gives a small chef's kiss at the perfection of the craft. Luffy asks the obvious question,

"Is she fast?"

"The fastest," he replies with a grin, "Not a ship in the East Blue can keep up with this baby." Luffy smiled with glee and tapped the side of the boat.

"She's perfect."

"You can say that again." You stare at him curiously.

This boy seemed to belong more with the majority of people, with less focus or surety on his true dream, though the tingling in your ears and the fuzziness in your head of your power sends swirling echoes of the crafts' dream of crystal blue water surrounding you, but also that of a pretty, pale girl with big eyes and a big smile fluttering past your mind's eye.

"There you two are." Nami's voice calls from below you as she and Zoro arrive from the smoky air.

"Guys!" Luffy's voice is loud as it rings out beside you, crashing you back to reality, eyes flickering back into focus as the boy in the boat smiles at you warily. You had been staring, finger raised but not sure which way to point. Oops. "We found it! We found our ship. And this guy will sell it to us." The boy stutters as you and Luffy clamber back down the ladders to your crewmates current and temporary travelling companions.

"Uh, wait. Wh-what? Uh..."

"Yeah!" Luffy replies happily, "The ship, we'll take it."

"Technically, she's not for sale." You both look at him.

"Huh?"

"And technically, I'm not a salesman."

"Impressive salesmanship skills for someone who isn't a salesman and has nothing to sell." You have to give him that. He grins in reponse.

"Thanks."

"Do you even work here?" Nami asks, ignoring you.

"Of course I do. I'm Chief Technician in charge of encrustation removal and aviary waste eradication." The speed of his speech stalls your brain out for a moment, and though the title sounds impressive, something doesn't add up.

"Encru-wha?" Luffy is in the same boat.

"He scrubs barnacles and cleans bird shit." Zoro answers plainly.

"He can't help us."

"Wait-wait-wait-wait! I can help you. The owner of this ship just happens to be my closest friend in the world." Smugness layers his speech.

"Your friend owns this ship."

"Not just this one, she owns the whole shipyard. She's," turning to look at you and Luffy from the side of his eye. "rich rich." You and your captain look at each other excitedly. "I'm sure you could strike a deal with her."

Luffy slaps his legs excitedly and you and the young man mimic him immediately. "See?" Nami looks between the two of you.

"Well I guess it couldn't hurt to say hello."

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There are eyes on you. You can feel them.

"I've never seen a house this big before." You and Luffy stand side by side staring up at the mansion past the well, paved courtyard and topiary bushes. Your eyes travel across the garden, you skin itching again as you look for whoever is spying on you and your crew captain.

"Impressive right?" The boy pushes past you both and walks, backwards, towards the house. "Kaya's given me an open invitation to drop by anytime I want." There's movement in the bushes to your left, but you don't turn your head to observe it, yet. "We just have to keep an eye out for, uh, Roku. He doesn't like people wandering near his plants, ya see."

"Wow. All this for just one person?"

"And staff, I suspect. Gardeners, foreman, cooks. If she's a lady, she must have workers of some kind." You ask him.

"Yeah, she lives here with her butler and a few other staff." You hum, eyes sweeping the bushes again.

"Interesting choice, a butler for a young lady. Normally its a maid, or lady in waiting if there position is high enough." He squints at you.

"How'd you know all that?" You shrug.

"I work in a restaurant, clientele varies, so we've had some posher folk come through." He nods. Nami mutters behind you as he and Luffy flop forward over the well and look down at the depth of it.

"Money really shows you who people truly are. Most people only care about themselves and what's theirs."

"Sounds like someone I know." Zoro snides back.

"And a small staff makes for easy pickings." You glance back at them as you follow Luffy and your guide further into the garden.

"Why? Gonna rob the place blind?"

"At least a little blurry." Moving to turn back to your captain, your eyes land on a figure amongst the tall flowers, creeping steadily towards your group, short but dark silver hair peeking out from under a bucket shaped hat.

"So if you have an invitation, why are we going around the back way?" As you all climb the steps and start past the lovely lily ponds, your eyes don't wander from your stalker, the man's figure coming in and out of focus as he sticks to the shadows of the trees at the edge of the property.

"Oh, I never use the front entrance. This is a more of a VIP entrance reserved for special guests." As you hop across the giant lily pads to the other side, Zoro mutters behind you,

"This guys full of shit."

"Yeah, but as long as he get us inside the house, who cares?" Your eyes dart over to the shadows of the trees. The man's gone.

As you all are forced to a stop behind him, the boy peels around and tries to usher you all back in the other direction.

"Oops, you know, there's actually a more exclusive entrance back this way." As he speaks, a knife goes whizzing between his feet, landing in the bed of the lily pad and the (unusually sharp) prongs of a garden rake catch the strap of his bag, pulling him to a stop as it tightens around his chest.

"Going somewhere Usopp?" The voice sounds like its been gargling gravel, the stupid hat tilted low over the man's face to protect his eyes from the sun. His head lifts, and you can see the scrabbly lengths of his fringe curling around and covering both of his eyebrows, his green irises reflecting the sunlight away from slanted gold pupils.

As he straightens, pulling Usopp easily off the overcrowded lily pad and on to the grass, towering over you all easily in scruffy gardeners clothes and stinking of grass clippings. The other man, the one who threw the knife, comes stalking up behind the large man, sneering around him at the boy.

"The hell are you doing here, Usopp?" Usopp stutters nervously

"Buchi, Roku, buddies, uh, Kaya's expecting me." The maid further back lifts their mop as Roku drops his grip on the back of Usopp's bag, stepping aside as Buchi easily grabs a hold of him instead.

"Another one of your lies." He yanks Usopp forward, nearly knocking him to his knees as he struggles against the older man's grip. "You ain't welcome here and you know it."

"I know nothing of the sort," He replies with false bravado, "I'm here to give Kaya an extra-special gift." As Buchi's lips curl away from his teeth, a girls voice calls from further in the garden.

"Usopp!" You all turn to look at the girl as she approaches, arm curled into that of the tall dark butler beside her. Her skin and hair were pale, though her skin more sickly so then natural, and her pink dress, edged with frills, was lifted clear of her feet as she carefully stepped down the stone stairs towards them. "What a wonderful surprise!"

Usopp smiles smugly at Buchi for a moment before pushing off his grip, skirting past the foreboding figure of Roku as he moves towards the girl.

"Kaya! Happy birthday." She smiles sweetly at him.

"You remembered."

"Of course I did." The butler clears his throat and pushes the glasses on his face up with the palm of his hand before looking down at the boy in front of him.

"Usopp. We've had this discussion. You mustn't show up unannounced." Kaya squeezes his arm gently, pulling his attention to her.

"Nonsense, Klahadore. Have you come to tell me another story? I do love hearing about your adventures." Usopp smiled at her gently.

"I'll do you one better. I brought some of my crew." As Usopp turns, you turn with him, searching for any sign of this supposed crew as Luffy joins you in confusion.

"Is he talking about us?" You all glance at each other awkwardly as Kaya speaks.

"It's so nice to meet you. You all must stay for dinner." A smile grows on Luffy's face at the mention of food before the butler interrupts.

"Miss Kaya. It is a bit last minute. I'm afraid the kitchen hasn't prepared for any extra guests."

"Please, Klahadore. It's my birthday. Can't be too much trouble, can it?" She asked, looking up at him hopefully. Aside from Klahadore, the rest of Kaya's staff all restrain eye rolls and try to hide pulled faces.

"Of course, Miss Kaya. Anything for you." He hadn't even finished speaking before Kaya had turned to Usopp smiling happily at the prospect of them joining her for dinner.

"All right!" Luffy clapped his hands in excitement. "When do we eat?"

"You don't. Not dressed like that." Klahadore looks them up and down judgementally, nose turned up at them. "Sham, kindly show Usopp and his friends to the guest suites. You will bathe and change before dinner."

Nami smiles over at you and you join her. "A bath does sound nice."

"You're telling me!"

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Luffy stares dumbly at the ceiling of the dressing room/closet as you and Nami pick through the cloths hanging wall to wall in the large space.

"Why would anyone even need this many clothes?"

"It's not about need with these people," Nami calls back to him, "It's about want."

"What are we even supposed to wear?"

"Anything you want! When are you ever going to get the opportunity to wear things this nice?"

If you were being honest, you were struggling to find something yourself. The nicest thing you had ever owned was the knee length aqua coat, with the gold filigree embroidery edging the bottom and cuffs of the sleeves. Now you stood surrounded by lavish cloths and you were at a loss. Wrapped in a towel so big it dragged along the floor and covered you chest to toes, you had left your hair to dry in the crisp cool air of the evening. The curling expanse fell down past your shoulders, almost to your hips. The itching skin of your tattooed shoulders grated at your nervous, but the cool water and salts had soothed some of it away, though the need to scratch still lingered.

You pause your flicking through the dresses, shirts and suits as Nami emerges from behind the dressing screen. She wore a black dress with navy metallic squares and rectangles crossing the body and skirt.

"Well?" she asks, "What do you think?" Luffy looked at her confused.

"You look like Nami." With a blank face, she turns to look at you. In that moment a memory from your childhood sparks, of a girl only a few years your senior, turning away from her brothers to you with the same blank but unimpressed stare, her big eyes full of disappointment but hiding behind pink hair.

"You look gorgeous," a small smile rolls across her lips as she swishes the skirt around her legs, "but I don't know if the colour suits you. Too dark, I think."

"Yeah.." she looks down at the dress thoughtfully and turns back to go behind the dressing screen again calling out a "thanks!" as she disappeared.

You turn back to the rows and rows of cloths, flicking through more and more until one set catches your eye, just as Zoro finally enters.

"Hey Zoro!" Luffy cheered, finally given a distraction from you and Nami fussy about your outfits. "Whatcha gonna wear?"

"Something black." You don't look up as he passes by you, eyes captivated with what you had found as you pull it free of its brethren.

The suit was a darker shade then what you would normally wear, closer to a teal green than your usual aqua or seafoam shades. The waistcoat would fit well over your chest, and the high waist, wide legged trousers were in keeping with your preferred leg wear. And while it was missing a shirt, you could go without, even if the suit jacket was lighter in weight and material compared to your own coat. Shorter too. It would look good draped across your shoulders, leaving your arms free of restriction like the broad sleeved shirts and coats you liked to wear.

You moved further into the room yourself, bypassing Zoro and Luffy to reach another secluded dressing screen as Nami commented "How edgy."

"Hey, does that butler seem familiar to you guys?" You call out a "no" as you throw your towel over the partition, pulling the trousers up your legs, fabric trailing through the air as you kicked up experimentally. No pulling or tightness. Good.

"Yeah, I think he was at the last dinner party I attended." Nami sassed as you buttoned the waistcoat up your chest, the smooth material cool and soothing across your easily irritated skin. You may have to steal this. (Sorry Kaya.)

"I swear I've seen him somewhere." Listening to the clicking of his swords and scabbards, you drape the suit jacket across you shoulders and shuffle your hands into the trouser pockets. Stepping out from behind the dressing screen, you eye Nami as she reappears as well, this time in a slim fitting black dress with a sparkly sequined cardigan over the top.

"How's this?" You smile as the sparkles catch your eye.

"You look amazing Nami." She smiles bashfully as the boys make their thoughts known.

"Still Nami."

"I said I'm wearing black." You give them both deadpan stares as you stride across the room, trouser legs billowing behind you, in search of some shoes to go along with your chosen outfit.

"I hate you guys. At least someone appreciates good fashion. You look fantastic in that suit by the way." You beam up at her from where you're crouched on the floor, hoking for shoes.

"Thank you!" you reply warmly and she replies with an equally warm,

"You're welcome." Before glaring at the boys once more and going back to looking at clothes.

"I feel kinda bad for Kaya. All this stuff. All this space. It's gotta make a person feel... lonely." Your eyes catch on a pair of pointed black boots hidden behind some red silk.

"Rich people don't have the same emotions we do. This stuff doesn't make her feel lonely. It makes her feel important." Pulling out the boots, you tug the red silk dress out as well, knocking Nami's leg with your elbow and gesturing the dress towards her. She 'ooh's quietly and pulls it out fully to inspect.

"Well, Usopp likes her. And she invited us to dinner. I'm sure we can work out a way to get that ship."

"No way." Nami responds eyes trailing across the patterns on the dress you had pulled for her as you struggled the boots on to your feet as your jacket falls to the floor, "Rich people don't stay rich by giving things away." Luffy smiled at her mischievously.

"You wanna bet?" Nami stares at him, before dropping her arms to her sides.

"What are the terms?"

"I bet I can convince Kaya to give us that ship."

"And when you can't?"

"We go with your plan." You look up at him, startled by the decision. "Steal one and move on."

"Uhh, no, let's? Let's not do that?" you stutter up at them, one boot still laying on the ground. They ignore you as they shake on the deal.

"You're on." You stare at Luffy as he walks away, barely registering the fabric whipping past your head as Nami throws a black silk shirt at Zoro.

"Nice."

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You stood with Luffy and Usopp, picking at the tray of hors d'œuvres Sham carried past you. You bit into one of the miniature quiches , exploring the texture like Zeff taught you, while the boys scarfed theirs down. Your hair was partially pulled up and away from your face, curtesy of Nami corralling you before you could stick it into you usual bandana and ponytail combo and the bandages normally wound around your hands are replaced by a pair of leather gloves.

"Eggs a bit gritty for some reason." You feel eyes piercing your head, and turn slightly to spot the chef, Buchi, glaring daggers at you. You lean closer to the boys. "Might be cooked at too high a temperature."

"Mm! But they're so good."

"I know right? Reminds me of that one time I slayed a dragon, cooked it over an open flame, ate the whole thing myself. You ever had dragon?"

"Nope." He spun to look at Sham. "Do you have dragon?" She looks at him bewildered for a second.

"Afraid we're fresh out."

"Oh well. Hey Zoro!" Luffy called to the swordsman as he picked up a champagne glass. "You gotta try this!"

"I've got all I need right here."

"May I present..." Klahadore's voice echoes from the top of the stairs. "Miss Kaya." He carefully walked her down the stairs to join the rest of them, as the accountant, Merry, climbed up to meet them. You scooted out and away from the boys to stand beside Nami as the pair reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Nami, I love that dress on you!"

"Thanks."

She replied, a smile crawling up her faces at the compliment. Kaya reaches out and touches the fabric of the dress gently.

"It belonged to my mother. It was one of her favourites."

"Oh-" Nami stuttered, "I'm sorry, I-I,"

"Not at all. I'm sure she would agree it suits you splendidly." Nami's eyes darted to you for assistance in this awkward conversation and you come to her aid as well as you can.

"You look lovely tonight yourself, Miss Kaya." The girl beams at you, skin pale and washed out from sickness but still radiating joy. "You look," you hesitate for a second but finish quietly, "Happy. You look incredibly happy."

"Oh I am. I'm so glad Usopp brought you all here, it's so so good to have people around. And you look wonderful as well, the colour suits you." And you laugh, gesturing your half uneaten quiche down yourself in amusement.

"Ha! Suit, because of the colour, but also because," Nami's eyes widen at you and Kaya's smile grows mischievous, "It's what, uh, what I'm wearing, because it's a suit, it was, yes. Hm, clever." You grit your teeth in an awkward smile and stuff the rest of your hors d'œuvre into your mouth to escape taking anymore nonsense. Kaya snorts and giggles at you as Nami's eyes nearly roll into the back of her skull, and you're saved speaking anymore by Merry approaching Kaya quietly.

"Kaya, I wondered if I may have your ear. There are matters concerning the transfer of ownership of the shipyard we need to discuss."

"Merry," Klahadore cuts in, "Dear friend, it's always business with you." The sheep man sighs, "Tonight is about celebration. Shall we all move to the dining room?"

"YES!" Luffy cheers excitedly at the promise of dinner, "Oh! Oh, I'm so ready for this!" As you all move to your seats, you eye the man Roku, confused why the gardener was working at this time of night, and inside as well. His own reflective green iris meet your glowing swirling clouds of aqua and gold, both shifting and catching the candle light around you in the colours. You say nothing, but you hold eye contact as you sit, him standing with back to the wall now.

Sham moves through the dining room as the rest of you eat, carrying a tray of smoked fish. Kaya calls out to her as she passes,

"I'd love to try the fish tonight."

"I'm sorry, Miss Kaya, but that is not possible."

"Maybe just a small piece." Your eyes move up the table to them from your seat between Luffy and Nami.

"Now, you know that certain foods can affect your constitution."

"Are you allergic to any seafood, miss Kaya?" You call up the table. Your own plate sat mostly untouched in front of you, the under seasoned fish and too hard potatoes causing an echo of Zeff roar through your mind.

"No, she is not-"

"Then fish should surely help her here, there are plenty of good fats and beneficial oils and omegas in fish, and with how unseasoned it is, the flavour is hardly going to upset her stomach." You're almost sure you hear a hiss from the cook situated behind her, but you ignore it in favour of keeping eye contact with the silently fuming butler.

"And, I'm sorry you'll forgive me for querying, where did you get your expertise about food from, precisely?" The last word is hissed out through grit teeth. Nami spoke from beside you.

"They grew up and work in a restaurant. A successful one, given the stories of the patrons we've discussed." Nami eyes were narrowed at the butler.

"Yeah!" Luffy chimed helpfully with a mouthful of food, "They clean the dishes!" You screw your eyes and mouth shut as you pair of you turn to glare at your captain, who smiles shamelessly at you.

"Well." Klahadore cuts with a smug smile, "You'll forgive me for not taking the word of a dish washer over an expert medical opinion. Here, Buchi has prepared your special soup." The chef gingerly places the bowl down in front of her, shooting a glare over at you, which you returned.

"Kaya, it's your birthday. You should be able to eat what you want."

"Miss Kaya's medical condition," Klahadore once again cuts in your and Nami's pleas to allow the girl some freedom, "necessitates that I closely monitor her dietary needs."

"Does it mean you also speak for her?" Luffy raises his hand from beside you.

"I'll take her fish." Usopp gulps and tries to divert the conversation.

"Luffy, isn't there something that you wanted to talk to Kaya about?"

"Oh! Yes! Usopp told me that you own the whole shipyard." Kaya smiles slightly.

"Well, actually my parents founded the shipyard, and Merry's been running the business since... well, since they passed." Merry raises his glass to her. "But all of that's about to change. Tonight, at midnight, I will become the sole owner."

"Ah, well. That's great, because we want to buy a ship from you."

"I see! Usopp mentioned that you're sailors." The two share a small smile before Luffy opens his big mouth and ruins it.

"Nope, not sailors. We're pirates." You, very very slowly, lower your head to the table and begin to bang it against the wood surface gently. Usopp spits his drink back into his glass as both Zoro and Nami take longs sips of their own.

"This oughta be good." Kaya's eyes glance between you in confusion.

"Pirates?"

"Yep. We haven't sailed together for very long, but we have already defeated an evil clown, raided a Marine base, and taken down a captain with an axe for a hand and a nasty lieutenant." Your shoulders start to shake in quiet laughter. You couldn't help it, this is going so badly already, and you've all barely started.

"These sound a lot like your adventures, Usopp." He laughs breathlessly,

"Yeah, that's, that's crazy."

"Oh yeah! And we're just getting started." Luffy happily climbs on to his chair and stands on the table, glass in hand.

"What are you doing? Get down from there at once!" Klahadore starts to move around the table, making for Luffy, and you stand to block his way, wanting to allow your captain to at least finish his point. The butler sneers down at you, but you don't move.

"Being a pirate has been my dream for as long as I can remember. And I'm finally making it a reality." He drops his elbow to his knee, making direct eye contact with Kaya. "We're heading out to the Grand Line, where even more adventures await us. And at the end of the journey, I'm gonna find the ultimate treasure," he starts walking down the table, "the One Piece, and become King of the Pirates." Kaya stares up at him.

"You're... serious?" Taking a gulp, he pushes the still mostly full glass into Klahadore's face, breaking up the staring competition you had going on with him, though you don't sit. He growls as he takes it out of Luffy's hand. Reaching down, he takes Kaya by the shoulders gently.

"Kaya. You have a beautiful ship out there. A caravel with a sheep figurehead. It spoke to me. To us! That's the ship we need to follow our dreams. I promise you we'll take care of it. Maintain it. Treat it like any other member of our crew, because a ship is also a home." A small smile begins to form on Kaya's face before Klahadore roars out.

"That will be quite enough! I should've known Usopp would bring riffraff to our doorstep."

"Klahadore, it's okay, I-" but before she could finish her sentence, she begins to cough.

"Now look what you've done. You've upset Miss Kaya. All of you, out of this house at once!" Kaya shakes her head and wheezes out a

"No. It's late. Let them stay the night." Klahadore helps her up as she stands, shakily.

"As you wish, Miss Kaya. But they are out, first thing in the morning." And he rushes her out of the dining room, leaving you all in stunned silence.

"That went pretty well." Luffy chirps as you pull him by the shoulder off his perch on the table, shooting sidelong glares at the hovering staff who were glaring back at you. "Don't you think?"

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You follow Nami quietly as she makes her way through the dark hallways. Watching her pick up different items and feeling the weight of them in her hands before stashing them in her pillow case sack. She had changed out of her dress, but you had kept the waistcoat and trousers on, fancy pointed boots swapped for your wide toed ones instead.

"If you don't like me stealing from her, either say your piece or go back to your room, there's no point in following behind me and judging silently."

"I don't like you stealing from her, but given that I won't be returning this suit, I'm not one to talk." She stops and turns back to you, eyes trailing up your arms and shoulders, following the length of chains embedded in your skin.

"I didn't know you had tattoos. Adds to the whole 'why I thought you were a pirate' thing." She did air quotes around the words and laughed softly.

"Tattoos?" she looked at you frowning and gestured to your still bare arms, jacket abandoned. "Oh! Oh yeah, I don't-" You laugh awkwardly, "I don't know where I got these. Had them as long as I can remember." You shrugged as she looked them over, quietly stunned.

"As long as you can rememb- like even when you were a baby?" She asks, gobsmacked, and you nod thoughtfully.

"Yeah. I don't know if they are, ya know." She looks at you, "Tattoos, I mean, they're- deep, like, really deep, here feel." And without warning you grab her hand, running it up and down the chain links marred across your arm. Instead of the raised skin of an old scarred tattoo, or the smooth skin of a well healed one, the skin under the chains is sunken, like their buried deep into the flesh of your arm, leaving a gap deep and wide enough for you to easily slot your ring finger into. She gagged and pulled away quickly and you chortled at her over reaction. 

"You're right, those-" she gags softly and looks at them horrified, "Those aren't tattoos." Shaking her hand to rid herself of the feeling she turns back to her heisting, dropping a solid, probably silver candlestick in her sack. "Why are you following me then, if not to disapprove?" You hummed, peering out through the curtains to the dark gardens below.

"I don't trust that gardener. Or the maid. Or the chef. Or the butler as it happens." She smirks at you.

"So you don't trust any of them."

"Yea."

"And that means you're following me because...?"

"I know you can handle yourself, but something here feels... off. I thought maybe we should, ya know, stick together. Where we can." You shrug lamely, peering down the dark corridors as she moves further through the labyrinth of halls.

"Well, you're not wrong. I can handle myself, and unlike you," she glares down at your boots, "and those shoes, I know how to be quiet when I'm looting so maybe you should just-"

Footsteps echoing down the corridor drag both your attentions away from the small argument you had started, and in a flash you separate, assuming the other would be following behind. As she books it to the nearest door and slips inside, you twirl around and dash, as quietly as you can, down the hall from where you came, catching hold of one of the floor length curtains and wrapping yourself, perching up on to the windowsill and obscuring your shape behind it.

As the footsteps pass by, you hold your breath and watch the reflection in the glass. A tall looming figure passes, and the sound of rattling follows, the sound dragging along with a "shuff-shuff" against the carpet.

Peeking out from behind the dark fabric, you watch the figure move deeper into the darkness. It is hard to make out but the shape of the floppy dark hat atop their head cause your eyes to widen as you recognise who it is.

The gardener Roku carrying a large sack over his shoulder, with lengths of chains dragging along behind him in the darkness.

As he slips around another corner, the chain clipping the wall as he goes. There's a near silent rustling of fabric as you move beneath the curtain, carefully, carefully, unbuckling and unzipping the black boots on your feet before placing them down on the ground, toes no longer hidden under the length of the fabric. Now bare foot, you drop on to the carpet and look around.

"Nami?" You whisper into the darkness, listening for the noise of dragging chains returning. "Nami?!"

You get no response.

You suck in a deep breathe through your nose and stop. Your hands are shaking as you pull your gold bandana from the pocket of the waistcoat and try to tie it deftly around your head. The scar tissue of your skin and the leather gloves make it hard to bend your fingers, the lack of sensation and tremors from the damage done making them even harder to control.

Your arms were itchy.

Your body aches and you're tired.

You didn't eat much of the disgusting dinner, so you're hungry.

You're head is pulsing and your powers are screaming at you as energy whistles around your ears.

It's dark.

But you focus. And you follow.

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Silently, you follow Roku through the mansion, down, down, down, until he stops in the doorway of the wine cellar.

You stop as well, peering down at him from around the corner as he stands, chains coiled around his feet. He pulls off the stupid hat, revealing two pointed horns of hair, almost mimicking cat ears. One is made from a patch of bright white, a stark difference to the dark hue of grey the rest of his hair is made up off.

There's someone talking in the cellar itself, the low familiar drone alerting you to Zoro's presence. There's the "shing" of a sword being drawn and the twang of thin sheets of metal bouncing off each other before another figure in dark clothing appears in front of the gardener, hands sporting five sharp blades at the end of each figure. Damn those look cool. The shattering of glass breaks the moment as well as the bottle and you realise with a start, that this is very bad. Very bad indeed.

You're standing at the point of a bottle neck, down one Zoro, and up potentially four assailants. And you have no idea where anyone else has gone. Ignoring the scuffling from the room, you turn tail and sprint back up the stairs of the cellar, the only indication you've been heard is the thump of Roku's sack onto the ground and the loud, heavy footsteps following behind your own.

The noise echoes all around you as you make a mad dash through the halls, the gardener hot on your tail as he hisses and snarls in the darkness, voice mocking and raspy as he calls out to you.

"Here, little kitty, come here!"

"Big ol' Roku won't do you no harm!"

"We just needs you to stay very quiet for a very long time!"

"COME HERE I SAY!"

Shooting around one more corner, you spot a door ahead of you, unbarred and hopefully unlocked. As you barrel into it, you're relieved to learn you were right, the latch giving way immediately as you all but tear it from its hinges.

The cool night air stings your lungs and your skin, small sharp rocks in the gravel digging into your feet and burying themselves into your skin. You think, you hope, you pray you had escaped him as your mad dash pushes you out past the topiary bushes and glorious flowerbeds. 

Your eyes just barely spot the faint lights from the distant village before something winds around your foot and lurches you back, sending you plummeting face first into the gravel. Rolling over, you catch sight of Roku's arm outstretched, the length of chain and shockingly familiar grooves cut through his skin. With a yank, the chain on your ankle tightens and hauls you back, your skin scoured by the rocks beneath you, and, in a moment of awful, gut churning panic, you copy his motion, reeling your arm back and swing it forward.

Weight chases up your arm as the chains on your arm shift and pull and snap out of your flesh, the end of the length whipping through the air and cracking him right in the centre of his forehead. For a moment, silence rings out, and then as one.

You both release blood curdling screams.

Next Chapter: Let Sleeping Cats Die

[pipsterz]

Lux's opinions on the strawhats.

Written ver until I can be bothered to draw it.

Luffy.

• She refers to him as 'the rubber kid'.

• Sees him as childish.

• Lux is a year older than Luffy so doesn't fully believe in his devil fruit's power and believes it to be exaggerated rumours.

• She has an avid dislike for his cheery attitude and thinks it will get him killed.

• Sees him as a younger version of her twin brother.

• Vows to capture him one day, but never will actually do so as much as she says so.

• Lux hates when Luffy refers to her as his friend as it risks her position in the marines.

• She's threatened to melt him into a rubber soup at least five times.

Nami.

• Lux sees Nami in the same way she views her girlfriend, a strong and dangerous woman.

• As much as she won't admit it, Lux has a slight crush on her.

• She would offer to cover Nami with her coat if she ever met her, Kholodian clothing standards show her style as provocative.

• When Lux's hair is not on fire, the two look identical minus eye colour.

Zoro.

• The two have had very brief encounters, mutual dislike of each other.

• Refers to him as 'plankton' as she views him as small and insignificant.

• She has listened to Tashigi rant about his swords too many times to not remember the blades. Though she struggles to pronounce the names of the three swords.

• She has a slight respect for him due to his connection to Mihawk, but that's as far as it goes.

• She'd like to invite him to spar with her one day.

Sanji.

• Lux finds him VERY irritating, but tolerates him.

• She has exploited his love for women in at least two fights.

• She would love to teach him some recipes from her homeland, Kholodon.

• Lux has admitted on one occasion that she would consider him were he not so perverted.

• She recognises his cooking ability and states that he might be better than most marine chefs.

Ussopp.

• She believes he is just a coward.

• Lux hates Ussopp greatly due to his habit of lying.

• While she dislikes him, she won't deny his ability to shoot, even putting it on the same level as her own second in command, Zotto.

• Lux doesn't understand why he's on the Straw Hat crew, but internalises the confusion.

Robin.

• Lux is terrified of Robin.

• She refers to her as 'the devil woman' and will not refer to her by her actual name.

• She knows Robin is wary of her, so keeps her distance.

• While they both have a mutual dislike, they can agree on intimidating Sanji when necessary.

• Lux does not like Robin due to the amount of paperwork she caused her when she was Miss Sunday.

Brook.

• Had it not been for Lux working under a living skeleton when she lived in Kholodon, she'd be surprised.

• She dislikes the amount of times he's asked to see her.. yeah.

• Lux has threatened to turn him into bonemeal on several occasions.

• Lux enjoys his music as it makes her feel less homesick.

Franky.

• Lux has had very few encounters with him, though she admits his shipwright abilities are incredible.

• She refers to him as 'that blue brute'.

• Lux has no general opinion on Franky, all she knows is he causes her paperwork which is mildly irritating.

Chopper.

• Lux is infatuated with Chopper since he reminds her most of her homeland.

• She has said his abilities are incredible and that she'd like to have him join the marines to work with him on several occasions.

• Lux often refers to him as 'Kholodian Puffball' though she knows he wouldn't understand the meaning behind the nickname.

Jimbei.

• He reminds her of her dad.

• She likes Jimbei a lot, viewing him as a familial figure.

• Lux is a little intimidated by him.

• She has a positive opinion, but isn't as keen since he was a warlord.

• Out of all the straw hats, she likes Jimbei the most.

• When tired, Lux will sit next to Jimbei and rest despite her night terrors.

• Lux is the closest with Jimbei out of all the warlords.

[hahaifolded]

The Siren, the Cook, and the Sister (7)

Sanji x PirateHunter!FemReader (Masterlist) Chapter 7: Love and Envy (Previous) (Next) Summary: Wanting to move forward, you try to make peace with Sanji. Warning: None

"Dinner's ready!" Sanji called out from the kitchen door.

Despite such an eventful day, the Strawhats seemed unfazed by what had occurred. As they went on with their tasks, you sat under the main mast and just watched them. You found that the crew's dynamic was unlike any other you've had seen. It was endearing how they interacted like a family with no strict hierarchy. That must be nice... a big family.

A hoof gripped your hand, interrupting your thoughts. "Hurry! Before Luffy eats everything!" Chopper cried. He pulled you upstairs into the kitchen. He rushed in, leaving you at the doorway.

In front of you sat the entire crew, conversing, laughing, just existing among one another. You felt very out of place. However, before you had a chance to self-wallow, the friendly cyborg invited you over.

"Don't just stand there! Take a seat," he patted right next to him. I absolutely love this man. You took him up on his offer and sat between him and Robin who nudged you, humming.

"And dinner is served," announced Sanji as he set the last plate on the table. Your mouth watered by what laid in front of you. Hands immediately lunged towards the center as everyone tried to fill their plate. You stayed still, taking in the sight before you.

"Yo, aren't you going to eat?" asked Zoro. Everyone, but Luffy, looked at you. Even Sanji was surprised to see that you had made no effort to eat. Despite his distaste towards you, you still had to eat. Everyone has to eat.

You paused, unsure on how to respond. Thankfully, Robin came to your rescue. She shared your hesitancy in taking off your mask in front of everyone.

"Oh, don't fret. Not everyone is blessed with such clear skin as mine... wait I don't have any skin" assumed Brook with a mouthful of food. You couldn't help but laugh at his assumption.

You shook your head and then explained your mask and the fallacies of your devil fruit. "The Marines made me this mask to help me communicate since I don't have the best control of the volume of my voice. If I'm not careful, I can accidentally blow out someone's ear drums... or worse That's why I try not to eat with others so I'm not tempted to talk. But it's okay. I'll just eat later."

"What about when you're with your sister then?" asked Jimbei.

"She eats my cooking while I recount my adventures out on the sea. I'll eat once she goes to sleep," you shared, "it's better that way though because when we're together, we are talking up a storm. You really wouldn't want to be locked in a room with us, we'll never shut up." You couldn't help but smile under your mask as you thought about your sister.

Despite your robotic voice, Sanji could hear the clear adoration in your voice when you spoke about your sister. It stirred something in his chest. He always felt a little envious to see people get along with their siblings and here you were. He wondered if that could have been him and his siblings in another life.

"You should cook with Sanji!" mentioned Luffy. Sanji immediately choked on his food as his captain kept eating like he hadn't said something outrageous.

"Ummm... I'll think about it," you quickly replied. Still affected by his outburst from earlier, you didn't want to further get on the cook's bad side. You had to sail with him for a week so the least you can do it keep the peace.

As dinner continued, you couldn't help but feel excited for these next few days.

-- -- --

Three days have passed and you couldn't be happier. You quickly connected with Robin and Nami whose room you stayed in at night. It was nice being among other women.

And when you were not with them, the boys of the ship made sure to drag you into their own interests whether that was games, music, steering, tinkering, or training, you did it all.

After being alone for so long, it felt nice to be surrounded by so many characters and personalities.

However, there seemed to be only one thorn on this rose, and that was Sanji. Despite constantly cycling between one crew member to another, the cook never looked your way.

But, while he may have ignored you, you didn't ignore him.

When you first met the cook, you thought he was a machista cruel brute. But you came to realize that he was just a passionate, loyal caretaker. You noticed how he took care of each of his crew mates in his own way. Whether it was by reminding them to take a break or fueling them with a quick snack, the cook was always keeping an eye on his crew.

It was obvious that all he wanted to do was protect them from any danger, which understandably, included you. You gave him no reason to like you in the beginning and your subsequent actions only made things worse.

Now wanting to make peace, you made your way to the cook's domain, seeing if he wanted any help in preparing dinner.

As you walked in the kitchen, you found Sanji deep in the pantry, grabbing ingredients. Hearing the door open, he turned around and gasped as he saw a dark figure by the entrance.

"Sorry, sorry, just me," you excused yourself. Maybe I should borrow some clothes from the girls or something... this cloak keeps scaring people.

Standing up straight, he asked if you needed something. The cook felt awkward being alone with you. He noticed how easily you got along with the crew. Despite him wanting to apologize for his outburst, it just felt wrong to bring it up as you proved to be nothing but a good person. Bringing it up would just be a reminder of his unfounded distaste towards you.

"Not really...umm... just wondering if you'd like some help in cooking dinner tonight?"

Sanji couldn't believe it. Despite everything, you wanted to help him. Realizing this was his chance, he accepted your offer. Something now you weren't expecting.

After grabbing the necessary ingredients, Sanji and you got to work. He asked you to dice up the vegetables while he prepped the meat.

As you cut, the cook couldn't help but notice how sloppy your technique was. However, despite it being void of any professional training, it looked practiced, almost like you've done this for years. He wondered if your mother taught you that. And without even realizing it, the cook accidentally said some of his thoughts out loud.

Your mask let out a deep laugh as you heard his observations. "I know it's not the prettiest but it's gotten the job done. If you wanted to see real beauty in the kitchen, you should have seen my mom. She was a natural."

Seeing an opening, Sanji asked, "did she teach you how to cook?"

"Ha... no. I just watched her from afar as I wasn't allowed in her kitchen," you giggled, "she said just to watch her for now and once I got my own kitchen, she would teach me, but...," you paused. Sanji noticed how your shoulders sagged. "...she never got a chance too." Silence filled the kitchen.

I just had to ask a stupid question, thought Sanji as he thought he ruined the mood. But to his surprise, you started up again.

"So since then," you continued while chopping, "I've been trying to remember her moves and recipes. I haven't gotten there yet, but it's kept my sister fed so I can't complain too much, right?" It's been awhile since you thought about your mother. You tried not to bring her up to your sister as it pained her that she didn't have much of a memory of her. It was nice talking about your mother again, even if just to a stranger.

"I get that," began the cook. And to your surprise, Sanji shared his cooking journey. How his late mother inspired him to cook and how his 'dad' Chef Zeff taught him everything he knew. As you listened to his story, your chopping got slower and slower until it stopped completely.

Worried that he messed again, Sanji asked if he you were okay. You assured him everything was fine.

"It's just... a touching story," you said. He just hummed in agreement.

Letting curiosity get the best of you, you asked him where his dad was today.

"The old man is probably yelling up a storm in the East Blue." He laughed as he recalled the fiery personality that was Chef Zeff. So caught up on his own thoughts, Sanji asked, "And how about your dad?" He lightly gasped as soon as he finished asking.

"No, it's okay. Don't worry," you chuckled. You found it endearing how the cook was trying not to offend you. "My island was destroyed by some brutes when I was a kid. My sister and I managed to escape but my parents weren't so lucky," you said as you finished cutting up the last vegetables.

"I'm sorry for your loss."

"It's okay... it's not like you did it."

A comfortable silence fell between the two of you as you both continued cooking. With the help of an extra pair of hands, dinner was done in no time.

As you set up the table, Sanji spoke up, “thank you for your help today. Honestly you didn’t have any reason to as I haven’t been the kindest to you. And for that I'm sorry." Wanting to makes things right, he decided to tell the you the one thing that couldn't be denied. "For what it’s worth, your sister is really lucky to have a brother like you.”

After days of tension, it seemed like you and the cook finally found peace with one another. Maybe this could be the start of a nice friendsh-- WAIT did he just say brother?

Word Count: 1668

Previous - Masterlist - Next

Author's Note: Y'all, I read my earlier chapters to see how far I come and y'all I ate... lol. Obviously I don't think it's like Pulitzer award winning but like it's a decent. It makes me proud. Makes me very excited for these next chapters.

Edit (08/05) - I edited this chapter as there were WAY TOO MANY grammar mistakes. So sorry for those who read this when I first posted it. Embarrassing that I was literally hyping myself up at the end and I gave yall that. Oof - lesson learned: Triple read before posting!

[beanghostprincess]

i need to know what you think about uta being ace's and sabo's sister too... like imagine a perfect world where uta existed without the mess of film red (i did enjoy it but also uhhhhhhhh there are a lot of weird things abt it bc i dont think shanks would actually take in uta like that considering he did experience piracy as a kid. so why would he put uta through that even if she'd stay put on the ship–) ANYWAY. so lets say shanks found uta after obtaining the devil fruit and takes her to the nearest island (dawn island.) then found makino and luffy and convinces her to stay w them or whatever.

i imagine that ace and uta do bicker w each other a lot. however sabo is very kind and excited to have a sister!! he's protective of her and enjoys her songs. (which brings out a surprising singing side from sabo ehe...)

i also imagine that uta is as rowdy and gluttonous as her brothers tbh. i mean, she's the only girl there so she's more than likely to be influenced by them. ALSO imagine uta being raised by dadan wheewwwww.... i think if she was raised alongside asl bros, she'd end up way different than she did in film red and well- actually become a pirate– (maybe rivaling with her brothers? that or she acts as luffy's biggest rival to be pirate king as her way of supporting his dream) (idk im just thinking as i type)

so everythings the same but uta is there with three insane brothers (shes as insane too... she is their equal). though it's lowkey clear dadan has a favorite (she loves a tough daughter) and god everything w garp would be so insane too like. before sabo was accepted and started living with the bandits, garp was happy to have a granddaughter (till she said she wanted to become a pirate too 😭) BUT he makes sure ace and luffy treats their sister right and is again being a favorite– however, she wouldn't suck up to him like that. like how the brothers would shield each other from garp, she would also shield them from garp !!

"leave my little brothers alone, old geezer!"

and yes, even if uta is a year younger than ace and sabo, she still would call herself a big sister (especially for knowing luffy longer than the other two. shes just used to being the older one)

anyway... lets say asul au is a tjing, now consider ASUL + S as we love talking about asl+s. with uta around, sanji likely thinks that all sisters are good because shes nice to him too. and how she clearly loves her brothers too. but ofc, uta surrounded by brothers while claiming to be the big sister, makes sanji incredibly jealous about their sibling relationship. it reminds him of reiju and his brothers, how they never really got along. while asul got along really well. they fight a lot but it's never with the intention to hurt each other or make the other feel worthless.

and who am i if i dont bring up sabosan at some point LOL. (also mb that this ask is so long i just love uta sm and i love aus sooo bad <<3) uta is definitely one of the first to notice her brothers' fondness of sanji. she is fond as him as well but not the same way as them lol. she tells sanji some secrets about sabo and sanji just cannot tell if shes actually serious or not because of how mischievous her smile is. and uta absolutely teases sabo about sanji, especially when hes not around like– that little song that little kids sing when it comes to someone havinf a crush.

"sabo and sanji sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g !"

and luffy definitely chimes in while sabo is beet red and begging them to shut up fkldjfldj. makino and uta Looooves gossiping about sabo and sanji. makino does ask to tone down her teasing, which she does, but she can't help but push each other's buttons.

idk theres just a lot to think about if uta was raised with asl brothers and uta growing up to be a pirate :^)

THIS IS SO CUTE !!!! Honestly, Film Red never sat right with me but not exactly because of Shanks' decision of keeping Uta. I see that pretty much in character for the guy-- What I don't like is the way they rushed the ending and the way it all ended, in general. It's just obvious they wanted to do Uta's story but in a way that didn't affect the canon and it's just- Stupid. Idk.

But let's say Shanks meets Uta and spend some years together and she does consider him her father (as I see it, because in this sibling group all of them have to have daddy issues. Except Luffy. Because more than daddy issues he just. Doesn't care-) but he leaves her with Luffy because he says it will be good for her. I think she wouldn't agree with his decision and something like in the movie would happen. Where he just... Leaves. And Uta ends up hating him or at least resenting him a bit. And it's obvious he did for her and he had good intentions but she's just a kid, so she genuinely takes it personal. So, yeah, the girl stays as Luffy's older sister, basically. At least this is how I see it.

Then Sabo and Ace appear and- It's chaotic.

Imo, she's still a diva and she still loves music because it's in her blood and also, she spent some time with Shanks so she already has a bit of her personality made. But being with them makes her learn more about protecting herself and being a bit ruthless, although I think she's more of the type to ler her brothers do the dirty work and only follow them in their shenanigans if they go "You only say that because you can't do it!!" (<- Ace, definitely) and she has to prove she can be as strong as them. So she's a diva but she's a bit more impulsive and reacts in a more violent way. Especially with food too.

I think she wouldn't get along much with Ace at first because he's a mess and she's also a mess and they're really similar when it comes to being Luffy's older siblings so they wouldn't agree on most stuff. But daddy issues are a good way of bonding and I'm pretty damn sure that if Ace ever said "Should I have been born?" in front of her, she would go insane trying to make him see that everybody deserves to live.

With Sabo, though, I think they'd get along pretty well. Sabo is still chaotic but a bit calmer than Ace and he has a strong ideology that Uta would definitely share. He wants to make a statement for freedom and Uta agrees and tbh, he's a writer and she's a singer and there's no better friendship than that one.

Her relationship with Luffy is pretty much the same, except that she now acts way more as a sister and not only as a past friend. Of course. She joins them drinking too!!

Ngl, you can hate me for this but I think the events of Red could easily happen... Again... I mean... Not exactly those events but-- Uta's dream would obviously be to reach everyone with her music. To make them feel seen and loved and making them see they should live. Because after spending so much time with her brothers, she wants to sing songs for the rest of the people that feel the same way they do. She always has them in mind when she sings and she always, always, tries to make them have fun and enjoy life. I think Uta's perception of living and freedom would clash a lot with Ace's and she'd try to make him want to live through music. Same with with freedom and Sabo/Luffy.

But then Sabo dies. And Ace dies. But Sabo comes back and-- I am sorry, and I know it partially was the mushroom's fault, but she's kind of unstable mentally (who isn't in this show tbh) and it wouldn't surprise me that her blatant optimistic views would make her want to do exactly what happens in Red again. But I think this time it should be Sabo and Luffy the ones saving her and, you know, idk, maybe Shanks is there too but this isn't about him today. Whatever. She doesn't hurt anyone and it has a good ending, but it's not the point of the post--

So Sanji is there with them! Following what we've already been saying about Sanji staying with the ASL bros but now adding Uta!!

Uta would absolutely. Adore. Sanji. He's the perfect little sibling. He's cute and knows how to cook and he's literally everything that's right in this world. She complains about Luffy crying but when Sanji does so she only says it's cute and that he deserves to cry-- Uta likes cute stuff canonically and Sanji is the cutest thing, so it makes sense. Also, Sanji just assumes every woman in the world is perfect from that very second because between his mom, Reiju and now Uta he has only had good experiences with girls. He does feel kind of left out at first remembering everything that happened with the Vinsmokes, but Uta always tries to include him in every little thing!

She really likes teasing him and Sabo, though. Uta might adore Sanji but that doesn't mean she isn't a little bit mean to him. It's obvious that they like like each other because, you know, they're kids. Look at them. It's obvious. Uta knows, Luffy knows, Ace knows... Sabo and Sanji spend so much time alone and Sabo always tries to be next to him and he looks at Sanji with like, literal heart eyes.

Uta: Do you like Sanji? Sabo: Sanji? No. No. No. Sanji's just a friend... Uta: Why are your eyes shaped like hearts? Sabo: Allergies...

Uta is an artist. A singer. She's 100% a hopeless romantic. I will die on this hill. So while Ace is extremely "ughhhh" *disgusted noises* by Sanji and Sabo's flirting and Luffy couldn't care less (he just likes teasing them because it's fun to see them panicking), Uta tries HARD to get them together. They're listening to her songs? She will sing a romantic one. They're alone? She will gently push one of them closer to the other. They eat spaghetti once and she goes all the way to try to do the thing where they eat the same one so they kiss. Etc etc etc. She won't stop being a little brat about it too, teasing both of them. And it's driving Sabo crazy. Makino asks Uta about the kids because she knows the girl is as invested as her in the relationship. Funniest thing in the world.

Now I can't stop thinking about them spearating when Sabo dies, following what we said etc etc etc And Uta becomes a famous singer. She doesn't kill anybody, okay? Let's leave it on her just- Doing a huge concert. Sanji and Sabo have already reunited but please, imagine these two not dating just yet. They're in love and pining but not dating. Everyone hates it. And then Sabo joins them for the concert, ofc, and when Uta sees them again (and sees Sabo is alive?? Because what the fuck why didn't they tell her???) one of the first thing she says is "Okay, okay... So you two are... You know?" and they don't understand what she's saying but literally all the crew is like "They're still pining. Please. It's awful". Girl makes it everyone's problem so she does this kiss cam thing to get them together finally. Like I said, good ending.

[pure-garbage]

Battle With The Navy Admiral! A Kitten With No Claws?

Zoro discovered that, rather irrationally, he wasn't unhappy to be given an excuse to draw his blades against the admiral. The clash was short and it ended devastatingly. The rest of the crew watched in horror as Aokiji threatened to shatter Robin. Lana and Luffy moved together while Zoro and Sanji struggled with their own injuries and the others stood paralyzed by shock and terror.

Lana intercepted Aokiji's strike with her body, bracing hard in an attempt to avoid being pushed back into Robin's frozen figure. She grunted in pain and grit her teeth, sliding back from the force of the blow, but Luffy seized Robin and pulled her away before Lana gave out. Pain vibrated through her as she panted and lowered her stance in preparation for the fight that would inevitably follow.

'Damn a hit like that hurts more if you don't fall back to absorb the force!' she noted, flexing her arm. His strike had connected with her already weakened shoulder, still not fully healed from their ill-fated treasure hunt. She thanked her lucky stars he hadn't been using his devil fruit powers when he hit her. The blow had been intended for Robin, already frozen, and Lana knew this was the only thing that had saved her from suffering the same fate as her friends. 'I can't let him touch me again.'

"You hit hard," she groaned, righting herself quickly. "But if you think I'm gonna let you hurt my friend, you've got another thing coming."

"I gotta say, I'm surprised such a little lady's still standing after taking a hit like that," Aokiji replied with a cocked eyebrow. His gaze swept over her one more time, taking a reassessment of the pirate he'd spent the evening objectifying.

"You're strong, but I've taken worse," Lana informed him blithely.

"Now, don't think I'll go easy on you 'cause you've got a good figure and a smart mouth," Aokiji warned her.

"I wouldn't forgive you if you let this fight bore me," Lana shot back.

"Lana, what are you doing?!" Sanji demanded from a few paces back. "Get out of there! Let me and Zoro handle this!"

Lana and the admiral were already locked in a deadly dance, deaf to Sanji's interventionism.

"Stow it, you crappy chef! She's gonna do what she wants!" Zoro snapped, still clutching the part of his arm Aokiji had frozen with his touch. The frosted flesh was completely numb, but agony coursed through the connecting tissues of his shoulder and forearm. He was just finding his bearings after taking such an unexpected, horrifying injury. Briefly, he wondered it he would lose the limb.

'I'll worry about that later. For now, I have to focus on this battle.'

"She has no weapons!" Sanji protested. "She's gonna get herself killed!"

"She's buying time for the others to get Robin back to the ship!" Zoro growled. "You wanna help her, or keep standing here hopping on one leg like an idiot?!"

Lana knew the incredibly one-sided fight with Aokiji would be over in an instant if he managed to lay a finger on her.

'Right hook!'

She dodged, taking advantage of her intuition and weaving in a complex series of evasions that left her winded, but still standing. She hadn't been able to land a single hit on the admiral.

'How can I? Even if he gives me an opening, I'm as good as dead if I touch him!'

Aokiji's focus was intense and Lana got the distinct feeling that the admiral was just getting warmed up.

'He's gonna drop... what is that?!'

Lana saw the attack coming, but she couldn't run fast enough. Aokiji struck the ground with his palm and a sheet of ice raced toward Lana, catching her ankle mid-stride. She kept her balance, but cried out at the sudden cold and the alarm of being unable to move.

'This is it. I'm boned. Damn, I suck,' she thought dejectedly. 'What a lame way to die.'

"Lana! Catch!" Zoro called.

Yubashiri sliced through the air, launched clean over her shoulder. She snatched the hilt at the last second, bringing the blade around just in time to meet the icy fists flying at her. Frost crept along the blade, Aokiji's chilly breath clouding the air around his mouth as he gave a lazy smirk, clenched knuckles resting against the flat of the blade.

"I was wondering if you'd show me your claws, kitten," he drawled, sounding pleased.

Lana took advantage of his talkativeness, yanking his cozily quilted sleep eye-mask down to obscure his vision. He grunted with surprise and she brought her foot up to his chest, kicking hard enough to force him back a few steps. Zoro assaulted the fumbling admiral from behind, giving Lana enough time to use Yubashiri's pommel to break the ice around her foot. Aokiji had already regained his vision and engaged Zoro fully.

'He'll grab his shoulder!'

"Zoro, left!" Lana yelled.

The swordsman rolled away from Aokiji's grasp, successfully avoiding the sting of his powers. Lana didn't miss the way Zoro clutched his right arm, teeth clenched in pain as he leapt upright again. Lana distracted the admiral to give him time to get back on his feet. Aokiji avoided a few slashes, but satisfaction thrilled through Lana as she managed to land a strike to his throat that should have killed him. Yubashiri screeched, sliding on solid ice that re-formed instantly once the blade was gone.

"The hell... you're a logia type!" Lana cursed, falling back to orbit Aokiji opposite Zoro.

"Don't tell me you don't know how to hurt a logia?" Aokiji asked, sounding surprised. "And here I thought you were using... huh. Guess you kids have a lot left to learn. Maybe you're a bit too young for me after all, kitten."

Lana met Zoro's eyes past the gabbing admiral. He nodded slightly with grim resolve.

'We'll fight here until he's dead or we are.'

Lana flashed him a toothy, savage grin that caught him pleasantly by surprise. She was just as ready to die here as he was.

'Let's do it then!'

Sanji joined the circle, hands buried in his pockets and pain etched onto his features. Smoke from his cigarette drifted languidly to dissipate over his head.

"I know that stupid look," he sighed heavily. "Don't you morons think for one minute I'll let you get away with hogging all the fun."

He was limping so badly Lana wasn't sure he could walk, let alone fight.

'That ice on his ankle... it'd be terrible if his foot snapped clean off. I wish he would sit this one out, but... he's such a stubborn bastard, there's no way he'll go for it!'

"Everyone stop!"

Luffy's voice rang out, his order freezing his subordinates in place as effectively as Aokiji's power.

"You three go back to the ship. Aokiji, you and me are gonna settle this. Just the two of us."

"Oh? That so?"

"Don't be stupid, Luffy!" Sanji protested. "You can't take this guy alone!"

'Sanji might not be wrong this time... but there's no guarantee we can take him down together either,' Lana realized. Luffy's gambit wasn't entirely based on his victory and that fact wasn't lost on the lockbreaker.

Across from her, Zoro was working through the same logic.

"Cook! The captain gave us an order!" Zoro barked, sheathing his swords. "Let's go!"

"But-"

"Come on, Sanji," Lana urged, tugging his elbow. "Don't act like we have a choice in this. Luffy won't change his mind. You know that, so don't waste your breath. Let's have some faith in his plan."

"We'll make a run back to the ship and check on the others," Zoro decided. "Then we'll come back for Luffy."

"Chopper can take a look at this ice," Lana added.

"Well I can at least walk on my own!" Sanji protested as Lana pulled his arm over her shoulders.

"Shut up and let us help you," Zoro insisted, taking Sanji's other arm.

Lana and Zoro all but hauled Sanji away from the battlefield, grumbling the entire way at the affront to his autonomy.

_____________________________________________________

<== Previous Chapter

Next Chapter ==>

== First Chapter ==

[tonberry-yoda]

🌈

Quiz time!! (One piece and extra)

Bestie, bf and first kiss with..

Usopp, Sanji and chopper (it feels weird putting him here but I’m sure you’ll pick the right option)

If you were a marine and had a crush who would like you back who would it be?

What scene made you want to go through the screen and punch an enemy of the straw hats?

Who had the best glow up?

Who has the best fashion sense ?

You get lost with Zoro….what would u do?

What devil fruit would u want to eat in op?

You have a enemy/lover relationship with someone, who is it?

It’s your birthday and the straw hats throw a big surprise party for you, how do you spend your time with each one?

Each straw hat offer you a kiss/cuddles/hug, what do u think you get from each one and if you reject it

(Extra) your in the spider verse universe and since it’s your birthday, Your crush offers you a birthday kiss, do you accept and who is it?

Happy birthday 🎉

Hope u had a wonderful day💝

AHHHH YIPPEE!!!

Bestie, bf and first kiss with.. Usopp, Sanji and chopper (it feels weird putting him here but I’m sure you’ll pick the right option)

LMFAOOOOO Bestie: Chopper BF: Usopp! First Kiss: Sanji <3

If you were a marine and had a crush who would like you back who would it be?

hmmmmmm good question.... probably Sanji LMFAO because he loves every woman and enemies to lovers tee hee

What scene made you want to go through the screen and punch an enemy of the straw hats?

Hmmmmmmmm KLAHADOR OR HOWEVER YOU SPELL HIS NAME. I HATE THAT GUY. Kitty lookin a-

Who had the best glow up?

Usopp 🤤🤤🤤

Who has the best fashion sense ?

Also Usopp. And Franky. And also Brook

You get lost with Zoro….what would u do?

We would totally just camp out somewhere and cuddle under the stars because he's sleeby

What devil fruit would u want to eat in op?

oh my gosh good question....... I'm gonna be so honest, I really haven't wanted a devil fruit, but if I have to pick one, maybe the gum gum or chop chop because having luffy or buggy's power would be so silly

You have a enemy/lover relationship with someone, who is it?

ZORO! It would go over so well because we would just be picking on each other until finally we kiss

It’s your birthday and the straw hats throw a big surprise party for you, how do you spend your time with each one?

AHHHHHH Luffy - we would eat way too much food together tbh Zoro - we would probably be arguing over something silly and he would reluctantly give me a bday gify Nami - we would be doing karaoke together Sanji - totally flirting LMFAO and he would probably be complimenting my outfit Usopp - playing silly bored games Chopper - we would totally cuddle after passing out from eating too much Robin - we would be reflecting on the years when I want to leave the chaos and just chatting Franky - totally kissing and cuddling because he's canonically my bf. and I would steal his shirt actually Brook - he would join in karaoke

Each straw hat offer you a kiss/cuddles/hug, what do u think you get from each one and if you reject it

Luffy - I would totally give him a hug! Zoro - if I rejected him he would pout, but I would never tbh, so if he ever asked, I would give him all three but let's be real, zoro would never ask LMFAO Nami - I wouldn't give her a kiss or anything lol but I would totally cuddle and hug her frfr Sanji - All three because bbygurl deserves it Usopp - AGAIN ALL THREE Chopper - just cuddles and hugs <3 Robin - she would totally just ask for a small hug for sure and I would totally give her a hug Franky - bro's my bf, so he doesn't even have to ask Brook - ALL THREE I LOVE HIMMM

(Extra) your in the spider verse universe and since it’s your birthday, Your crush offers you a birthday kiss, do you accept and who is it?

AHHHH STAWPPPPPP THE ANSWER IS 100% YES! My biggest crush in the Spiderverse is Peter B. Parker, my big dilf, so 100% please give me a bday kiss sir I literally love you

Thank you so much for the amazing birthday quiz rainbow anon, this means the world! I am sending so many love and hugs over your way <33