#red boots zeff

[gildedmuse]

Luffy: You seem to be confused. The meal has been paid for in full I just haven't paid you yet.

Zeff: And how's that?

Luffy: I may not look like a big deal deal, but I'm the future king of the pirates. And once I find the One Piece, I'll come back here and repay the bill in full. With credit.

The best part is this sweet pirate angel totally would.

[dfortrafalgar]

Special Delivery

(Sanji x Fem!Reader)

Red-Leg Zeff wakes up to surprising visitors.

You can read Part 1 here! Original AO3 link

Days on the open ocean were long and monotonous.  It was a decent struggle to keep track of the sunrises and sunsets, but Red-Leg Zeff had developed a system, very recently at that.

Next to a parchment letter and three photographs he nailed to the wall of his captain’s quarters, he tacked up a separate piece of paper and made a tally mark for each day that passed since he received the small parcel.  Each day that went by was another day of inwardly hoping to see the image of the Thousand Sunny off the deck of the Baratie.  It was wishful thinking, and Zeff was a level-headed man, not one for futile hopes or daydreaming, but could you blame him?  He had a grandchild and a daughter-in-law, all things considered, anyway.

The three photographs that Sanji had sent in the package were what greeted him every time he awoke, and were the last images he saw behind his eyelids as he shut in for sleep.  As the days turned into weeks, and then months, and now well over a year according to his tallies, and as Zeff’s braided facial hair continued to slowly turn gray at the roots, the pictures stayed the same.

Like clockwork, Zeff rose from his stiff mattress before the sun rose in the morning, stretching his aging muscles and groaning.  He gazed off across the room at the photos hung on his wall.

“Good morning, Sa–”

“CAPTAIN ZEFF, YOU’RE NEEDED ON THE BOW.”

Patty’s booming voice outside the thin wooden door sent a startled shockwave through Zeff.  He jumped and yelped at the commotion.  Followed by the command, a pounding on the door caused the blonde man to grumble and stomp across his small cabin towards the noise.  He swung open the door, right before Patty threw his fist into the wood for the hundredth time.

“What in the fresh hell do you want?  You’re gonna wake up the whole crew, you oaf.”  Zeff rubbed two calloused fingertips against the bridge of his wrinkled nose.

Eagerly, with a light in his eyes, Patty waved a hand in the direction of the ship’s bow.  “There’s a large vessel spotted approaching from northwest, about ten miles away.  It looks like a pirate ship but we couldn’t make out the image on the sail.”

Zeff stepped into his one boot and rolled up his pants around his peg-leg, making it easier for him to walk.  He firmly gripped his chef’s cap in his hand as he marched past Patty and closed his door behind the two of them, leading him out to the front of the Baratie.  It took them a few moments to roam down the flights of stairs to the lower deck and dining hall, and upon opening the large double doors to the outer deck, he spotted his kitchen crew huddled around Carne, who firmly gripped a pair of binoculars in his large hands.

“What are you all doing?” Zeff’s voice boomed over the hushed whispers of the kitchen staff, who quickly turned their heads to address their captain.  He pushed past the men and placed a firm hand on Carne’s shoulder, yanking him back slightly and grabbing the binoculars out of his hands, holding them up to his own eyes.

“It’s definitely a pirate ship, Captain, but my eyes are shot,” Carne eagerly noted.  Zeff merely grumbled in response.

It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the binocular lenses, but when they did he managed to make out a fairly clear picture of a ship in the distance, now well less than ten miles away and approaching quite rapidly.  Definitely a large pirate ship.  It had a very odd looking nautical figurehead, almost like a sunflower he assumed, but his heart leaped into his throat when his blurry eyes focused on the primary sail which flowed outward, fully unraveled and pushing the vessel towards the Baratie.

A simple Jolly Roger, a rudimentary skull and crossbones design, with a peculiar red-banded straw hat placed on the head of the skull.

“Should we man the–” Patty began to ask, before being cut off by Zeff.

“It’s the Straw Hats.  Prepare the mooring ropes and fenders, they’re going to tie up to us.”  Zeff shoved the binoculars back into the chest and hands of Carne, who once again put them to his face and gazed at the sail of the ship.  The rest of the kitchen staff ran to awaken the boat crew and make the necessary preparations for a vessel connection.  

“Sanji?” Patty simply asked, with sudden wonder in his voice.

“Hopefully,” Carne responded, passing the binoculars to his coworker.  “It’s definitely them.  Look at their Jolly Roger.”

Zeff had turned his back to his two right-hand men to help the others prepare the baratie’s starboard side for the tie-up.  Crew men, freshly shaken awake from their slumbers, bustled around the lower deck tossing heavy, tightly coiled ropes to each other, tying them around the deck’s bollards and laying them down to make them easier to access when the Thousand Sunny would pull up alongside.  Zeff quickly found that there wasn’t much for him to do, the sight of his crew excitedly scurrying around as the news of the Straw Hats’ return to the Baratie spread like wildfire from the mouths of the men bringing a fond smile to the old man’s face.

Now within enough distance to the Straw Hats’ ship that they could hear the excited yelling of their captain perched cross-legged on the top of the figurehead, waving his hand in the air.  A few of the other crew members leaned over the side of the ship, excitedly waving to the Baratie crew.  Once close enough, a large, strangely built blue-haired man launched a heavy rope from the deck of the Sunny downwards towards the Baratie’s crew, who grabbed it and began to pull it taught.  An orange-haired woman (Zeff thought she looked familiar) instructed the sails to be furled while the larger men of the ship helped the Baratie’s sailors moor the two vessels together.  A few stragglers from the floating restaurants crew looked through their portholes at the commotion.  Carne and Patty assisted the blue-haired man (were his arms made of metal?) in raising a gangway for the Straw Hats to board the Baratie, but their captain, still donned in the same straw hat that he wore when they first visited the luxury cruiser, wasted no time in launching himself off of the figurehead and landing with a hard thud on the wooden deck.

“Hey, Geezer!”  His smile almost covered his entire face.  “Do you have any food?”

“Luffy, seriously?  Can you not wait a single minute?”

A familiar voice caused Zeff to turn his head.  Through the hustle of the crews finishing their mooring duties, a head of bright blonde hair and a thin trail of gray smoke met the old chef’s view.  He immediately broke out into a fond smile.  Sanji was leaning precariously over the side of the Sunny, any more and he would tip over the side, a large grin on his face.  Next to him was a young woman, a bit shorter than him, with a steady hand placed on his shoulder ensuring that he didn’t fall overboard.  She gazed down at Zeff, and her face broke into a grin just as large as Sanji’s.

He recognized her as the woman in the photographs.  She was just as beautiful in person.

The gangway was successfully tied, joining the two boats together, and the two first mates excitedly welcomed the Straw Hats aboard the Baratie.  The four who had already visited almost five years prior marveled at the impressive renovations done to the vessel.  New decks, refurbished dining and lounging, impressive paintwork on the outer hull.  The same blue-haired man from before (his arms were made of metal!) was starstruck by the craftsmanship of the restaurant and immediately began asking questions to a few of the crewmen.  A green-haired man with three swords on his hip and a shorter man with curly black hair greeted Carne and Patty with excitement, remembering the two of them from their first visit.  The two women from the Straw Hats, with tangerine and black hair, quickly exited the gangway and joined their companions.  Zeff watched curiously as a skeleton donned in formalwear hauled himself over the side of the Sunny, followed by a fishman.  The Straw Hats were a very curious bunch, but he was filled with a giddy, child-like joy at the sight of them all, healthy, fit, and just as excited as his own crew was for the surprise reunion.

Sanji and his wife disappeared from the side of the Sunny, but quickly reappeared.  Sanji was the first to step onto the gangway before turning around and taking something from his wife, who swiftly followed his lead.  She looked like a natural on the water, and Zeff hummed, pleased.  Sanji turned around to march down the ramp, a child held in his arms, tightly gripping his shirt in her fist.  The two were the last to disembark, and immediately headed toward the Baratie's captain, who stood in mild shock as the three approached.

Sanji passed the child back to his wife so he could greet Zeff with a handshake, but he was beaten by the captain’s speed as he enveloped the smaller man in a bear hug, almost lifting him off his feet.

“Sanji,” he muttered, voice quivering.  “You look incredible.”

“Hey, no crying on me now, Zeff,” Sanji returned the gesture in kind, squeezing his adopted father back and jostling the hat on the older man’s head.  

The two released their warm embrace, and Sanji held out a hand towards his wife and the child in her arms.  The woman stepped forward with a warm smile.

“Red-Leg Zeff, it’s an honor to finally meet you!” she said with profound enthusiasm before introducing herself.  “Sanji’s been talking nonstop about this visit and how excited he’s been to see you again!”

Sanji flushed, embarrassed, but Zeff could only muster a hardy laugh.  He remembered Sanji as a stubborn, hard-to-crack kid, endlessly determined and stopping at nothing to get his way, and the man who stood before him was all of that and more.  He was gazing tenderly at his wife, cheeks rosy with embarrassment and adoration, a smile adorning his thin lips.  Zeff was beyond proud of the man Sanji had become.

“So, who’s this little one?” he asked, cautiously approaching the child in the woman’s arms.  His heart fluttered at the sight of her.

She had wavy, strawberry blonde hair and her dad’s ocean-blue eyes.  A mixture of her mom and dad’s skin tone, and she was clearly developing Sanji’s facial features.  The right corners of her eyebrows had a very slight upward curl.  She was beautiful, and her large eyes gazed curiously at Zeff as he approached.

“Sora, this is your grandfather,” the woman said affectionately.  “Say hi!”  She bounced the baby on her hip.  

When she came to the infantile conclusion that Zeff was indeed not a threat, her chubby cheeks wrinkled with a smile revealing a few barely there baby teeth.  Zeff held out one of his thick, calloused fingers, and she eagerly reached for the man.  Sanji’s wife passed the baby, Sora, over to him, and he held her like a delicate porcelain pot, like she could break at any moment.  Sanji watched the action fondly.

“Her name is Sora, she’s almost two now,” he said, his voice light and airy, almost a whisper.

Zeff bounced Sora, his granddaughter, in his arms, and she released a shrill giggle which brought a smile to his face.  “Sora…”  He knew that was Sanji’s late mother’s name.  It seemed only natural that his daughter would take the honor of bearing her name.  “She’s beautiful,” he sighed, looking at his son and daughter-in-law.  

Sanji looked like he was fighting back tears at the sight of his honorary father holding his daughter.  His wife gently squeezed his hand, and the floodgates leaked, making her chuckle.

“He’s been a bit nervous,” she said toward Zeff.

The gruff captain stepped toward his son and ruffled his smooth blonde hair in his free hand.  Sanji sniffled, picking his head up and wiping his eyes on his sleeve.  His shoulders trembled slightly with the motion of his repressed crying, but he quickly shoved it down and locked eyes with the fatherly ones staring at him.  Zeff didn’t need to ask any questions to know how much a moment like this meant to Sanji.  A child so wronged by his family and the world, growing up with no purpose, no encouragement, losing the one source of love in his life, forced to age so rapidly to survive some of the worst experiences a human should ever have to face.  To have been blessed with a crew that cared for him, fulfilling his dreams, practicing his passion, meeting one special woman who loved and supported him, and being the father of his own child, Sanji was finally content.  He was finally happy, finally content.

Zeff’s voice cracked as he uttered the sentence that he knew would make Sanji crumble.  “I’m so proud of you, son.  Look at how far you’ve come.”

Sanji’s blue eyes welled with tears that he had been holding in since his own childhood.  The commotion from the rest of the two crews faded into a muffled static as Zeff pulled Sanji’s head into his chest, holding him close.  Sora’s hand lightly smacked the top of Sanji’s hair, making him laugh, but it came out as a crackled sob.  His wife laughed, rubbing his back.

“I didn’t want to cry,” he uttered into Zeff’s chest, voice blank with slight resentment.  

“It was inevitable,” you responded with a humorous lilt.

“I know.”  He easily relented to your words, picking his head up from Zeff and placing a hand on his father’s shoulder, giving it a firm smack.  “Sorry for getting your shirt all wet, old man.”

Zeff’s chest bounced with the force of his laughter.  “You’re gonna pay for it, kid.  You’re on dish duty.”

Sanji’s mouth fell open in a panicked retaliation, but after realizing Zeff was, in fact, joking around, his tense shoulders fell in relief.  Sora reached back out toward her mom, who took her from Zeff’s grasp leaving both his hands free again.  He was able to deliver a quick, encouraging slap on Sanji’s back.

“I do expect you to help prepare this feast, though.  Show me how much you’ve improved since you left.”  He winked at his son.  “Though, I doubt you improved that much.”

“Shut up, old man!  I’ll make you the best feast you’ve ever laid eyes on.  A feast that could kill you!”  Old habits die hard, and the family meandered towards the rest of the crew, who were now milling around the lower dining hall excited for a meal to celebrate the Straw Hats’ return, and Zeff’s new granddaughter.

Zeff clapped his hands, alerting his own crew, who frantically took their places around the ship to cater to their pirate guests.  He quickly made his way into his kitchen, rustling through the main pantry for a piece of equipment he hadn’t needed to use in a very long time.  He pulled out a small food processing machine, equipped with an internal blade perfect for mashing fruits and small vegetables.

“Captain, do you need anything?” Patty was rolling up his sleeves and washing his hands in the large wash basin.

“All the fresh fruit we have.  The kid doesn’t have teeth yet, she needs some mush.”

[nonoel-28]

So I have lately been thinking about SanNami future kids non-stop all night, and just wanted to share what I thought of so far. Forewarning, this is gonna be somewhat long 😅

Okay, first off, I picture Sanji and Nami having 5 kids (I love big families, sue me). Sanji teaches all of his kids the basics of Black Leg Style, but ultimately lets them decide what fighting style they want to learn. All 5 of their kids adore Luffy. Also, most of these are the basic, bare bone of ideas. So with that in mind lets get started.

The Oldest- Mika

Mika is a girl who is a spitting image of her mother, Nami, with the orange/red hair and brown eyes. The only physical trait she got from Sanji is the curly eyebrows.

Her birthday is March 6th.

One of her hobbies is cross-stitching and studying all of Nami's maps.

Mika likes to sunbathe with Nami.

She is extroverted. And an incorrigible flirt.

Mika's favorite Strawhat (besides SanNami and Luffy) is Zoro.

Whe she was 4, she told Zoro that when she grows up, she was going to marry him. XD

Zoro forever rubs that in Sanji's face, and Sanji doesn't know where he went wrong. Nami finds it hilarious.

She has a scar over the curly part of her right eyebrow, making it look like she has only one curly eyebrow. She got it runnng with a knife.

She thinks it looks awesome because know she looks just like Uncle Zoro.

Mika is training under Zoro in swordsmanship, although she prefers dual swords.

Mika's favorite spot on the Sunny is in the mast, traing with Zoro.

The 2nd Oldest- Sora

Sora is a boy who has blonde hair and green eyes. He has a beauty mark on the corner of his left eye. He also has curly eyebrows.

Sanji and Nami were confused on the where the green eyes came from at first, but then Nami realized that it must have been something Sora got from one of Nami's biological parents.

His birthday is November 28th.

One of his hobbies is baking.

He is introverted. Shy.

Sora's favorite Strawhat (besides SanNami and Luffy) is Chopper.

Sora likes having Chopper taste test his desserts he bakes with Sanji.

Sora is training under Chopper to become a doctor.

Because of that, Sora uses Black Leg fighting style and upholds Sanji's ideal of never using his hands in a fight, because Sora's hands are meant for healing.

Out of all the siblings, Sora is the best at Black Leg Style.

Sora's favorite spot on the Sunny is Nami's office. He studies his medical books their while Nami works on her maps.

The Twins- Genzo and Zeff

Genzo and Zeff are identical twins with orange/red hair and blue eyes. The only way to tell them apart is their curly eyebrows, they curl in opposite directions (Genzo curls like Reiju's and Zeff's curl like Sanji's).

Their birthday is July 26th.

They are both extroverted.

They are quite the ladies men.

Genzo's favorite Strawhat (besides SanNami and Luffy) is Franky, and Zeff's is Usopp.

One of Genzo's hobbies is building stuff with Franky and Usopp, and Zeff's is playing the guitar. They both like to cook.

One of Genzo's flaw is that he will do any and all dares.

It how he got his devil fruit power, an ability to freezes objects and people with a stare (not like actual ice freeze, more like whem you play freeze tag frozen... if that makes sense 😅)

Zeff dared him to eat the "rotten fruit" they found while exploring a new island.

Zeff is a bit manipulative like Nami.

Genzo fighting style is also Black Leg Style, but with weapons, curtesy of Franky. He has some weaponized greaves as well as rocket boots for that extra pow in his kicks.

He likes to freeze enemies just seconds before he kicks them in the face.

Zeff learned how to fight with a Bo staff like Nami. He also very good at strategic planning.

They never get tired of Brook's skull jokes.

They like taking naps under Nami's mikan trees. It's their favorits spot on the Sunny.

The Youngest- Belle-mère

Belle-mère is the youngest girl. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. She strongly resembles Sanji's mother. She is the only SanNami kid to not have curly eyebrows.

Her birthday is September 23rd.

Some of her hobbies are playing chess and helping Sanji in the kitchen.

She is an introvert, but not nearly as much as Sora.

Belle-mère's favorite Strawhat (besides SanNami and Luffy) is Robin.

Bell-mère loves having teaparties with Robin, Brook, and Jinbei.

Jimbei is training Belle-mère in Fishman Karate.

Her favorite spot on the Sunny is in the kitchen with Sanji.

If you made it to the end of this, thanks for sticking around to read my rambles. Alot of this wasn't really thought through, for the majority of them I just wrote down the first thing that popped into my head. If I ever decide to expand more on this, I will definitely put more thought and care into each of SanNami Eggplants, so things are bound to change a bit from what I have here, but for now I'm happy with it and I hope you guys enjoyed it as well. :)

[turntechgaykid]

How I imagine the Strawhat Crew in a Demon Slayer AU:

If you have any ideas please comment I wanna hear it (for any one piece characters)

Luffy: made his own breathing technique called 'Rubber Breathing' and has Nichirin Knuckles

- Garp tried to train Luffy, Ace an Sabo to become slayers (Sabo still has his 'death' an is taken in by Dragon)

- Luffy meets Shanks who ended up teaching him some of his own breathing technique

- Ace & Sanji only learned enough from Garp to master Flame breathing.

- (Ace: Has Nichirin Knuckles Sabo: Has a Red Nichirin blade)

- (Ace was captured by Akainu an almost killed after years of training with Whitebeard bc they found out he was the son of Gol D. Roger)

- (Sabo uses a Mix of Flame breathing and Serpent breathing)

Zoro: uses Wind breathing an has 1 Green and 2 Black Nichirin blades

- Kuina wanted to be the Hashira to Defeat the Demons but her father (who is an ex Hashira) said women can't be Hashira, Kuina ended up passing an Zoro took up her wish

- When Luffy finds him he's been captured an strung up by a Demon (Morgan), Luffy frees him and they kill the Demon together

Nami: uses Thunder breathing and has a Orange Nichirin blade

- Her mom was a Retired Kinoe who took in Nami and Nojiko after she found them in the wreckage of a village

- Arlong was a Demon who took over her village, she made a deal with him that if he didn't kill the villagers she'd bring him other people to use/kill. He intended to turn Nami into a Demon too but Luffy (, Zoro, Usopp & Sanji) killed him and saved her

Usopp: doesn't use breathing techniques. has Nichirin ammo and uses a sling shot

- His dad is a well known Kinoe who suddenly went missing and he's never met him

- Luffy, Nami & Zoro are sent to his village bc there's been many reports of Demons in the area (Kuro) they meet Usopp when he almost dies trying to fight the Demon Jungo

Sanji: uses Flame breathing. Taught by the retired Water Hashira and has Nichirin Boots

- Meets Zeff after escaping Judge when the ship he was on was attacked by Demons, Zeff saved him but both end up stranded an starved til they were saved an Zeff retired

Chopper: has a Pink Nichirin blade. Wishes to one day heal the Demons

- Was trained to be a doctor but idealized Slayers an became one, mixed the poison an precision parts of Insect breathing with the unpredictable and ferocious nature of Beast breathing to make his own breathing technique

Robin: uses Flower breathing and has a Purple Nichirin blade

- When she was 8 Aokiji was ordered to destroy her village bc it was believed they were all Demons in hiding or hiding the upper moon Demons

- She learned how to use breathing techniques on her own an became a Slayer to find out more about The Demon Slayer Corps for a certain upper moon 6 before Luffy gives her a new reason to live

Paulie/Franky: Swordsmith, makes swords and specialty weapons for the crew

Brook: uses Sound breathing and has a Silver Nichirin blade

- Was trapped by Lower moon 1 for many years but is saved by the crew

Jimbe: uses Water breathing and has a Blue Nichirin blade

- Fisher Tiger ran a dojo an took in many orphaned children including Jimbe (and Arlong) but was killed by a Demon and Jimbe decided to become a Slayer afterwards to avenge him

Yamato: uses Beast breathing and has a Nichirin Kanabo

- Kaido was grooming Yamato to become very strong as a human before turning him into a Demon but when he was 8 Yamato met the Slayer Oden an vowed to be just like him when he grew up

[thewildomega]

Faded Name (Zeff x Reader) Ch.1

Leaning against the old shipwreck you sighed. The once pirate ship had been washed onto the beach for so long that most of it was buried below the sand with only the bow still visible. But still it served a purpose, offering you shelter for the past month. Hugging your knees to your chest you attempted to keep what little body heat you were producing close. Looking out over the dark horizon you saw where the sea and sky blended into one. Forcing your heavy feeling eyelids to remain open so you could focus on the slowly falling snowflakes you settled your attention on one particularly large one, following it down to where it landed on the sand in front of your bare feet. 

"This ain’t no kind of weather for a lady to be in."

Startled by the deep, gruff sounding voice, you just then noticed the single boot and wooden peg that had come to be in front of you while you were so lost in thought. Slowly looking up to the owner of the said single foot you saw a familiar face looking down at you. One you did not honestly think you would ever see again. Confused by his presence you blinked slowly and tried to get some sort of moisture into your dry mouth. "Nnnor is this the p...place an executive ch..chef should be." you managed to stutter out, your voice cracking no matter how proper you tried to sound. 

Watching as her sunken eyes slowly dropped back down and closed as she tried to even out her breathing from how exerting the single sentence conversation was he felt his frown deepen. Taking notice of her trembling, even as her boney fingers dug into the dark fabric over her upper arms he snapped his eyes down to her bare feet that were close to being frostbitten, her toes already a shiny red with a bluish undertone. She was wearing the same navy blue dress as she had been the last time he had seen her. Now however the fabric hung loosely on her petite frame, it would likely fall from her shoulders if it was not being held on in a desperate attempt to keep warm. From here he could even see a few rips along her side, sleeves and some in the skirt which was blowing slightly in the freezing wind along with her unkempt hair. Had she not been a constant thought in his head since he had first laid eyes on her, he might have mistaken her for a begger. But no, this was her.

As a harsh gust of wind blew you turned your numb face into your knees and tightened your arms around your body even more if it were possible. Biting your lip to silence your body's attempt to cry out in pain as the cold seemed to cut through your sore body, you heard him huff out and then the rustling of fabric making you assume he was leaving you to your fate. The thought alone caused a clenching in your heart that you did not fully understand but you said nothing. You weren’t his problem, he had no reason to care about some pathetic soul like you. No one did. 

"Just what the hell has that spineless fuck done to you my dear." he growled out as he took in the state of her. Removing his Captain's coat he placed it over her, the material making her seem even more frail if it were possible before he scooped her up into his arms. With one arm under her knees and the other supporting her back he felt her stiffen as he held her to his chest and turned to walk towards his awaiting tender boat. 

"W..what..." you tried to question, winded from the quick movement that caused your head to spin. 

"It's alright now Y/n, you're goin’ to be just fine." he assured her in as calm of a voice as he could muster, the sound of her name rolling from his tongue for the first time in years helping to keep his temper at bay. He could feel her bones through the layers of fabric and knew between that and her nearly unrecognizable weight in his arms, that she had not eaten in quite some time. Gritting his teeth at the thought of that piece of shit husband of hers neglecting her, he made the decision to deal with him later, right now he had more pressing matters. 

Noticing he was carrying you down the beach away from the place you had been staying for the past month you blinked and licked your cracked lips. "Where are y..you ttaking mmme?"

"Back to my restaurant so I can get some food into you." 

Inhaling a small gasp you glanced at his face to see him as serious as ever causing your empty stomach to clench painfully as the truth shoved its way into your head. Swallowing down on nothing you looked down in shame and embarrassment, giving your head a small shake as your heavy eyes closed to keep the tears at bay. "That is very k..kind of you Chef but I have to decline." 

Her voice was so soft he nearly didn't hear it through the sound of the crashing waves and harsh wind. "Well I am declinin’ your refusal." he told her firmly. 

Feeling your throat thicken you felt your lashes grow wet. "I..I have no way to pay you." you told him honestly. 

Humming he kept his eyes forward. "That is of no concern to me." 

Shaking your head you felt a few tears trail down your frozen cheeks. It was awfully kind of him but still, "I will not steal from you." 

Chuckling he made his way down the dock to where his tender boat was tethered to. "That my dear you are already guilty of." She looked confused by his words but he gave her no explanation for now. Stepping down into the boat he had to quickly catch himself from falling, finding it harder to step into the rocking boat with the woman in his arms. Pushing the cushion to the floor he sat her down on it, wrapping his old coat tighter around her to keep her warm as he moved to take the bench seat so he could row them back to the Baratie which was waiting just a ways off shore. Glancing down to the woman balled up between his legs he sighed at how frail she looked, so different from a month ago, from the first time he had laid eyes on the woman that was his soulmate. 

.............................................

"Hey Chef, there is a fancy group of people that just sat at table four. Pretty sure they are nobles." 

Humming he didn't look up from the skillet he was currently tossing but pointed to the racks of wine. "Offer them Barolo or Chianti. I'll wait the table myself, the last thing we need is for one of them to show their ass and ruin every other diners experience." 

"Yes Chef." 

Sitting in the chair closest to the window you easily toned out the conversation at the table, instead focusing on glowing oranges, reds, pinks and purples the setting sun was casting in the sky and on the calm sea. It truly was a beautiful afternoon and with only the occasional wispy cloud it looked to be a beautiful night as well, pity you were stuck with such horrid people. Still at least you would have a nice view and the air smelled utterly delicious. As the cackling laugh from one of the women residing with your group pierced your ears like nails on a chalkboard you lifted your glass of wine to your lips to sip on. Maybe if you drank enough of it you would be able to numb yourself completely, hell maybe you'd drink yourself into a coma and this would be your last birthday. 

"Hello and welcome to The Baratie. Is the Barolo to your liking?" 

"Quite. I have been told your specials change daily." Johnathan spoke. 

Humming Zeff looked to the man who had spoken, no doubt noble or a man of old money based on the way he held himself and dressed. "They do. Tonight we offer both a seafood risotto and pasta. Dress Shrimp Paella is also one of the specials along with a potato pallie and our signature curry." Having taken notice of the woman who had been staring out of the window that she was sitting beside turn to look at him as he began listing off the specials for the day he quickly saw the shine in her eyes grow with every menu item he said. It was something he saw only in those that held the same passion for food he did. 

"I think I will have the Paella."

"I will as well. That does sound delicious." 

"The curry for me, hold the onions though would you." 

One by one the group gave him their order, many requesting changes, something he hated. 'No onions, no cream, no fat' Holding his tongue simply because it was a full house and he knew the group would rack up a good bill he looked to the only member of the group left that had not ordered yet. "And for you miss?"

Looking up into the man's grayish blue eyes you felt this sort of light feeling in your chest and smiled softly. "May I ha..." 

"She'll have a plain salad, lemon juice, olive oil and black pepper." Johnathan told the chef before raising his chin and lifting his wine glass to his lips that had turned up into a smirk "We have to watch those calories right doll. Afterall no one wants a fat wife, isn't that right Don?" he spoke with a chuckle which the rest of the men joined in on. 

Hearing the man to her left speak over her, quickly telling him what it was she would eat he felt his lip twitch as the small bit of light that had been in the woman's eyes dimmed before she looked down to her lap and then back out to the window. Taking a deep breath and giving a stiff nod he told them it would be up soon before making his way towards the kitchen all the while this annoying clenching was felt in his chest. 

While cooking the group's meals his thoughts seemed to linger on the sad eyed woman. She had looked slightly happy for only a moment before what he assumed to be her husband ruined it. Placing the second to last plate on the platter he moved over to make the pathetic excuse for a meal that she would have to eat. A plain salad, who the hell wanted to eat just a plain salad as a main course? Then there was the man's comment on watching her calories, that no one wanted a fat wife. The woman wasn't even fat, far from it actually he would bet a hundred berries she weighed less than half of the bags of rice he ordered each month. Tossing the lettuce with some arugula and spinach to give it some kind of taste he squeezed a lemon over the bowl before adding some oil and black pepper. Spooning it into a bowl and placing it on the tray with the rest of the plates he sighed and shook his head before lifting the tray up to carry it out. 

Glancing at every dish as it was laid out before each of your husband's 'friends'  and himself you felt your stomach clench and your mouth water. They all looked so good, every single thing, down to a single grain of rice, cooked to perfection. The plating was exquisite as well, not even a smear of sauce or oil to be seen. Then there was the smell, oh the smell alone could tell you how amazing they all would taste. What you wouldn't give to try just one bite. As your salad was placed down before you however you inwardly sighed. The plating was still beautiful, even if it was all just leafy greens. Raising your eyes to the ruggedly handsome chef you gave him a small grin. "Thank you." 

Even for only being served a simple salad she still grinned and thanked him, something none of the others had taken the time to do. Taking notice of the color of her eyes this time when they met him he noted they were blue but quite dull yet still alluring in a way. Humming he dipped his head to the woman "You are welcome miss." Making his leave he heard the others talking about how delicious everything looked and smelled, something he normally took pride in, but knowing that she had to also listen to them made the words turn sour in his ears. Glancing their way as he made it to the kitchen door he saw as the woman kept her head down, taking a bite of the salad into her mouth. 

Being the first to finish you spent the rest of dinner gazing out of the window, watching the sun dip lower and lower in the sky. As the plates were collected you made the move to at least hand the small boy your plate, having already laid your cutlery across the plate horizontally with your fork above your knife. Seeing the chef glance down to it as the boy took it you quickly dropped your eyes back to your lap where you folded your hands. Hearing everyone question him on deserts you glanced to the window once more, knowing full and well Johnathan would not allow you to have any, not even a slice of cake on ‘your’ special day. 

It came as no surprise to him that the woman's husband would not even offer to get his wife a dessert, even when everyone else at the table including himself seemed interested in the idea. "...Cannolis..." he called out to the group.

That caught your attention and you glanced at him out of the corner of your eye, licking your lips as you tried to decide if you should speak or not. Deciding it wouldn't hurt to ask one question while everyone else talked about what they wanted to order you took a small breath. "Mascarpone or Ricotta?" 

Snapping his eyes to the owner of the soft voice he saw her eyes looking to his, that small glimmer in them once again. "Mascarpone my lady." Seeing her think it over he felt the corner of his lip lift the smallest amount, so she did cook. "I'll take it you use ricotta." 

"Half and half.

Raising a brow he could not stop a small grin from forming on his face. "And the results?"

"I find it offers a more creamy taste while not being too rich, especially if one is adding any extra fillings." You told him, forgetting your place for a moment as your passion took over your thoughts.

"Johnathan, you did not tell us your wife was a little baker." one of the men at the table spoke in amusement. 

Chuckling uncomfortably Johnathan reached under the table to grip his wife's wrist. "A childhood pastime really, one she has grown out of. Isn't that right doll face?”

"Yes." you spoke softly, your eyes dropping to hide your wince as Johnathan squeezed your wrist in warning, no doubt adding new bruises to your skin.

"Apologies Chef, my wife will not waste your time with her ramble again. That will be all for our desert order." Johnathan spoke to the man. 

Noticing how the woman's shoulders curled inwardly he grit his teeth. Not wishing to make things worse or embarrass her more he gave a nod and headed for the kitchen. By the time their dessert was ready and he brought it to the table the woman was no longer seated with the rest of her group. Assuming she had gone to the restroom he made his way around the room, making sure the other diners were well taken care of. 

Once back in the kitchen he did his round of making sure everything was being done. It was nearing the end of the night so things were beginning to slow down as far as cooking went and things switched over to clean up. "Get to work on those dishes brat." he told Sanji who retorted with some smart remark which earned him a smack to the back of the head. Moving over to the grill something caught his eye on the deck outside that caused him to stop in his steps. Feeling a strange pulling in his chest he moved over to the staff door and opened it quietly. She was just standing there, staring out at the ocean. 

Watching as the petrel glided through the air, a soft flap of its wings every so often giving it the momentum to fly further and further away you sighed. What you wouldn't give to have wings so you could fly away. Or fins, you thought as you looked at the setting sun on the water's surface. Anything to get you as far away from here as possible. 

"I never grow tired of that view." 

Snapping your eyes towards the gruff voice you saw the head chef making his way over to you, just now noticing he was missing part of his right leg. Quickly collecting yourself you looked back towards the multi-colored sky. "It is very beautiful." 

Coming to stand beside the woman he looked down to her to see some strands of her hair had come undone and were blowing in the breeze. She was shorter than him, coming up to his shoulders with her heels on. Now that he was able to get a good look at her he had to admit she was breathtaking. Although her beauty would be amplified if her eyes did not look so sad. Feeling this unsettling feeling in his chest he crossed his arms over his chest and raised his chin as he too looked out over the ocean. "I appreciate your feedback on the salad, cutlery placement is not something many people know or even take time to do.." 

Glancing up to him you saw his eyes focused on the sea in front of you both. He was handsome, in a rough, dangerous sort of way. He looked to be in his mid to late thirties. From the part of his head that his tall chef's hat did not cover you could see dirty blond hair that matched the color of his long mustache, the two sides tied on each side of his face with blue ribbon. There was a slight scruff along his chin but his cheeks seemed to be shaved clean. He stood tall, confident, his shoulders wide and squared. Recalling he had spoken you blinked rapidly, "Oh um of course. It was delectable, thank you." 

"I hardly see how leaves tossed in some oil and citrus juice could be considered a meal, let alone delectable." he huffed. Glancing down to her out of the corner of his eye he saw her own eyes drop down. 

"Your mixture of lettuce, arugula and spinach was well balanced. The lettuce and spinach being more on the sweeter side while the arugula offered a slight tartness. It was refreshing." you told him honestly. Truthfully you had just been expecting plain lettuce. 

"But it was not what you wanted, was it." he stated and saw her turn her eyes back to the water, lifting the wine glass to her lips. Watching her quietly he allowed his eyes to linger over her slender frame. The navy dress she was wearing was beautiful on her but it offered little skin to the eyes with its long sleeves covering her arms and the length flowing around her ankles. The neckline however was a v -cut that dipped down enough to show a modest amount of her cleavage. There was a diamond necklace around her neck that matched her earrings, items that screamed wealth. Tilting his head he studied the woman before him, that strange pulling intensifying. "So what was it then, what was it you would have ordered."

Taking a deep breath of sea air you bit the corner of your lip. "Well that would have depended on what the chef recommended." you spoke, glancing back up into those gray blue eyes. There was this strange fluttering in your stomach that confused you but also made you want to continue holding his stare. Hearing him hum and seeing the corner of his lip lift into a small smirk you could feel a spark of something you had not felt in quite some time, tranquility. In an instant however it was gone.

"Y/n!" 

Hearing the harsh bark of your name from your husband's lips you instantly stiffened and jumped, the glass in your hand falling to the wooden deck. Snapping your eyes down at the sound of the glass shattering your heart began to beat heavily in your chest. Quickly moving to your knees to begin picking up the broken pieces of glass you tried swallowing down the thickening feeling in your throat. "I.. I'm so sorry i.. it slipped I..."

"Can I not take you anywhere? I swear you are so pathetically hopeless." Johnathan growled through his teeth as he shook his head and looked around to make sure no one had seen, rubbing his hair back. 

Licking your lips you quickly placed the shards of glass in your palm with trembling fingers. "I'm sorry." you whispered as you tried to blink away tears. Wincing as a sharp piece cut your fingertip you ignored it for now as you continued trying to clean up your mistake. 

So caught off guard by the name being said it took him a few seconds more to process the events than it should have. Coming back, however, he gave a small shake of his head and glanced down to see her on her knees picking up pieces of the broken wine glass up from the deck. Quickly moving down to kneel  with his left leg to balance him he saw the red staining some of the shards as well as the tips of her fingers. She was hurt. Hearing her whisper out how sorry she was and how she would clean it up he felt a clenching in his chest and blinked rapidly. "That is not necessary." When she persisted he gently took her shaking hand in one of his as he grabbed the rag from his side and laid it out so he could tilt the glass from her hand onto it. Once he was sure all of the glass was off her hand he took her other one into his and tugged loose the blue ascot from his neck so he could wrap it around her bleeding fingers. 

"Oh, no, the blood, it will be ruined." you tried to tell him but he only continued wrapping the silk cloth around your fingers, his thumb stroking the top of your hand soothingly.  

 "It is no trouble my dear." he assured her, looking into her wet eyes as they raised to look at him. Wrapping his ascot around her fingers and hand, his eyes shot to her wrist as the sleeve of her dress rode up her arm a bit. Seeing what looked like bruises staining her skin he furrowed his brows.

"Johnathan, is everything alright? What is this? What happened?" 

Hearing the others coming out Johnathan growled out and moved over to yank Y/n up by her upper arm, none too gently. "Embarrass me anymore tonight and you will regret it." he hissed into her ear between his clenched teeth. Turning back to his associates as they grew closer he gave a small laugh and cleared his throat. "Ah nothing to worry about, my little doll of a wife does not know how to hold her wine. I think it is about time we made our leave tonight, are you all ready then?"

"Ah yes I believe so." 

"Very well then." Taking out his wallet he took out a few crisp bellies and held them out for the chef to take as he stood. "Here you are then. I do believe this should be enough to cover our bill and the broken glass. I apologize again for my wife's foolishness, she truly is a hopeless case but where does any of that matter when it comes to looks and a good lay am I right." he laughed, all but shoving the money into the man's hands. Taking Y/n's arm once more he tightened his grip and raised his chin while giving her a firm glare that was warning enough for her to remain silent and keep her eyes cast down.

He was so damn angry he didn't know what to do or say which was a first for him. While he wanted nothing more than to kick the man's head in, he couldn't risk it when she was right there. Looking at her he saw her eyes yet again cast down in shame, embarrassment and even worse fear. Hearing the man thank him once more before turning towards the ship they had all come here on, practically dragging his wife behind him he watched with a blood boiling rage as they boarded the ship, his associates promising to tell the other nobles of their island all about the delicious meal that they had at his restaurant. He could not focus on any of their words however as his eyes stayed on that of the woman he was sure had to be his soulmate.

.......................................

The ship was quiet as he rowed up beside it, everyone sleeping most likely. Helping her up the stairs he made sure to be ready to catch her at any moment. She was trembling and seemed to barely have the strength to hold herself up. As she nearly fell on the last step he quickly held her to his chest and lifted her up onto the main deck. Feeling her still shaking he glanced down to her, noting that now she was without her heels she only came up to his mid chest. 

"I’m sssorry." you mumbled out, keeping your eyes closed and your head down in shame. He must think you were as pathetic as they came, you couldn't even walk on your own. Why he was wasting his time helping you, you didn’t understand. 

"You have no reason to apologize." he assured her in a low voice. Glancing down to her nearly frozen toes he made the decision to just carry her again, knowing it would be faster and easier. Taking her straight to the kitchen he turned on the oil lights and moved to sit her on one of the stools by the small table that he had in the kitchen for down time. Tightening his old captain's coat around her small frame he looked down at her, the lights helping him see her better now. Even with her head bowed down he could see the bruises along her eye and temple, a small cut over her cheekbone that had a greenish yellow bruise around it. Gritting his teeth at the thought of that fuck putting his hands on her he took a deep breath to calm himself as he stood back straight and moved to the refrigerator. "What would you like to eat my dear? Name anything and I will see what I can do, except for a salad that is." 

Staring down at the floor you held his coat around you, taking comfort in the heavy material as well as his scent coming from it. Although you knew you shouldn't think in such ways you couldn't help but miss the way being in his arms made you feel. Hearing his deep voice ask you what you wanted to eat, giving you the option to choose for yourself you closed your eyes. "You shouldn't be doing this." you started and felt his eyes on you. "If he finds out you helped me he will be angry."

"You think I care what that spineless worm thinks." he huffed out.

"He could ruin your business. H..he could hurt you." Caught off guard when he started laughing you snapped your eyes up to look at him, going from confusion to annoyance. "I'm serious. Johnathan has ties with a lot of dangerous and powerful people. I do not wish for something to happen to you just because you helped me. It is not worth it, I... I am not worth it." you told him, becoming winded after speaking for so long.

Looking at her he slowly walked over to stand back in front of her. Staring down into her sunken eyes he crossed his arms over his chest. "That is where you are mistaken my dear, you mean more to me than you yet realize. As for that prick you can rest assured that I will deal with him. But his fate is not something I will bother you with, for now the only thing I want you to think about is what it is you would like to eat."

Being able to hear the seriousness in his voice and see it in his eyes you sighed. "Chef's choice." you told him and saw the corner of his lip lift the smallest amount before he hummed and turned around to move back to the fridge, pulling out this and that. 

Watching him cook when you managed to keep your eyes open you were able to tell he was a very confident chef. Possessing a skill that you had wished for so very long to have. The sound of something being placed down in front of you caused your heavy feeling eyes to snap open and you looked up to him before glancing down at the steaming bowl on the table in front of you to see what you thought was some sort of noodle dish. The smell alone had your mouth watering and a lump forming in your throat. "Th..thank you."

Sitting on the stool across from her he drank from the bottle of wine as she silently ate the meal he had made her. She kept her head down which he was coming to assume had something to do with that prick since not once had he seen her look him in the eye. Come to think of it every time he had looked to her she had instantly tried to make herself as small as possible. A smaller target. It was clear as day that she had been hurt, to what extent he still did not know but he would not question her tonight. Seeing a tear roll down her cheek and fall to the table he knit his brows but said nothing, not wanting to embarrass her. He knew all too well what starvation felt like and knew what she would need to eat and how much to keep from getting sick or worse dying. Pho was a simple and light first meal that would slowly work her body back up to digesting food once more. 

As you finished up the delicious food you swallowed down the lump in your throat. "Thank you, truly it was amazing." you spoke softly. Wishing you at least had a piece of the expensive jewelry Johnathan forced you to wear out in the public eye, knowing one of them could pay for your meal and his time spent collecting you. Unfortunately though your husband had made sure you removed them before he had thrown you out onto the street. No doubt they would be given to one of his many mistresses, not that you gave a single shit. Still you would have to think of some way to repay him. Licking your lips you raised your eyes to his, "I do not have any money or valuables to pay you with Chef but I can clean or..." 

"I have told you before that payment was of no concern to me." He spoke in a firm voice.

"Surely you do not just chauffeur every helpless woman you see back to your restaurant and then cook them an extravagant meal in the middle of the night at no cost." 

"If a person is hungry I will feed them. As for rescuing well that only applies to you." he told her with a small smirk towards the end. 

"Why?" 

Humming he sipped from the wine and looked to her tired eyes, wishing to see them when they were not so clouded by pain and suffering. "You have yet to ask me my name."

Confused, you blinked and then adjusted yourself in your seat. "I fail to see what that has to do with anything. I have not given you my name either." 

"But I heard that worm say it, though I do not care for the way it sounded coming from his mouth." Seeing her looking at him he grinned some. "Y/n. The name I have been waiting to hear my whole life." 

Feeling that fluttering once more as he spoke your name you quickly tried to shrug it off and looked to the window once you understood what he was getting at. "If you are under the impression that I am your soulmate then you are mistaken. I am sorry for the confusion but.."

"There is no confusion. I know it is you." he spoke confidently. 

"We can not be name bound, it is not possible." you told him, your eyes closing as you felt a clenching in your heart. 

"And why is that my dear." 

"B..because my soulmate is dead. His name faded from my skin two years ago." you told him in a soft voice, your heart aching at the reminder of how you would be forced to live out the rest of your life without your other half. Alone. Never whole. The one chance you had at being wanted by someone, of possibly being loved, gone. 

Humming he leaned forward to rest his arms on the table. "Well I can assure you I am not dead."  Seeing her shake her head and go to speak he reached out to curl his knuckle under her chin, lifting her sad eyes to his. "I can prove it, five minutes that is all I am asking of you darling."

Looking into those gray blue eyes you saw something in them that made you give a short nod of your head. 

"First off I can tell you exactly where my name was on your skin, right ankle, inner side, about an inch above the ankle bone. It was blue, and looked like someone had written it in a hurry." Seeing her now looking at him in an awed disbelief he smirked. "Convinced you yet? Need more proof, then go ahead, ask." 

Taking in a shaky breath you looked across the table and into his eyes. "W..what is your name?"

"Zeff, my name is Zeff." he told her with a smile that grew when he saw the astonishment on her face.

[rainbowmoonstonestories]

Why The Caged Bird Sings | Chapter 1

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: One Piece (Liveaction) Rating: Explicit Relationships Vinsmoke Sanji x F!Reader Characters: Vinsmoke Sanji, Patty, Red Leg Zeff, Original Characters, Strawhat crew. Warnings: 18+ content (minors DNI), explicit sexual content, minor POV switching. Summary: One night, you were brought to the luxurious Baratie Restaurant Ship, renowned for its exceptional cuisine that your family had been intrigued to sample. A particular blond and comely waiter captured your attention with his charming smile and gentle eyes, but while your beauty and sophistication intrigued him, Sanji also observed the profound nervousness that caused your jaw and body muscles to tense whenever your fiancé made contact with your hand or your parents delivered a humiliating criticism towards you. One dinner at the Baratie soon turned into a recurring event, and then more. As your friendship with Sanji slowly evolved into something that burned from within, you strove to make your longstanding dream come true; freeing yourself from a constricting existence. -------------------------- As Sanji looked at you curiously, the gentle smile never leaving his face, you asked him, "Do you know why the caged bird sings?" He thought about it for a moment before answering, "Because it has a song to give?" You chuckled at his response and shook your head. "You're not entirely wrong, but no."

Divider by firefly-graphics

Warning: Minor emotional abuse included.

One might assume that growing up surrounded by wealth and luxury makes someone the luckiest person alive. Having seen the struggles and sacrifices of the poor in society, you could confirm that this assumption was not entirely false. Since Gold Roger's announcement about the One Piece, a legendary treasure that no one had found for 22 years, piracy had become rampant. You lived in an era where gold and status held more importance than anything else, even family itself.

You witnessed an increase in deceptions and subterfuge, whether it was on the open sea or within your own household. Your father was a successful entrepreneur with a modest number of valuable connections, both in the private sector and among Marine colonels and various associates. It was extremely important for you to follow his protocol and ensure that everything was accomplished in a way that upheld your family's reputation.

Unfortunately, this also meant agreeing to a forced engagement with one of the admirals' son, regardless of what your heart desired.

It could have been so simple, really. A firm and confident "no" was to be expected from you, as you never wanted to marry for benefits, but only for love. And yet, throughout your entire life, you struggled to find the courage to go against what everyone wanted you to do. As a natural people-pleaser who didn't like disappointing those around, you grew up surrounded by cruelty, opportunism, and a severe lack of affection.

You were trained to be nice and condescending, having to wear a fake smile at all times, and when necessary, even put your cleavage on display with the nicest dresses in your wardrobe. Or, to describe it more accurately, your mother's wardrobe.

Your parents barred you from selecting the garments that you would be most comfortable in. You harbored a preference for a more casual look, which consisted of shirts and fitting pants, leather jackets, and boots. Nevertheless, in accordance with their view, such clothes did not suit a lady of your importance. Consequently, you had to store your own funds separately, and keep the non-compliant outfits inside a concealed wooden box.

Occasionally, you were able to experience a sliver of freedom with your best and only friends from your hometown, conjuring up plausible alibi while avoiding arousing any suspicions. They were the only ones who addressed you with kind and considerate words, openly expressing their views that opposed your constant acceptance without putting up a fight.

You knew they were perfectly correct in their statements, yet you were unable to ascertain the missing drive and find that spark within you; the strength you had tried to put into good use whenever your parents confined you to your room for several days, with the bare minimum food intake as a method of teaching you a lesson concerning the specific expectations that they wanted from the good and well-mannered girl whom they attempted to nurture.

You had no voice left in your throat to scream, alongside possessing a minimal amount of stamina to retaliate and advocate for yourself amid the continued degradation that you had to face on a consistent basis.

You thoroughly despised your cowardice. You dreamed of an existence where you could stand up for yourself, fighting for what you wanted with full determination and fervor. And yet, that day still felt so far away, as you were constrained to attend one business dinner after another, whether with your parents present or by yourself.

They wanted a doll, so you acted like one.

You didn't know yet, but everything was about to change significantly and unexpectedly on that fateful night.

There was a particular location known as the Baratie Restaurant Ship that served the most high-class and succulent dishes in the entirety of the East Blue. Your parents expressed considerable enthusiasm towards dining at this establishment and subsequently extended an invitation to your father's closest admiral associate, along with your presumed fiancé. As a result, you were summoned to attend the gathering without any possibility of evasion.

Your friends advised you to feign illness and make a covert escape from your home as soon as the ship set sail, but you were exceedingly familiar with your parents' modus operandi better than anyone else. You discerned that they would have surely transported you with them even if you were physically disabled, so you chose your mother's favorite dress for the occasion, applied your makeup, and selected the kind of uncomfortable shoes that you disliked wearing while standing due to their tight fit and high heels.

As soon as you arrived at the docks, the aroma of cooked meat, grilled fish, and baked potatoes filled the air. Upon entering the restaurant, a soothing melody immediately greeted your ears. While your parents spoke with the fishman at the entrance about their reservation, you took in the upscale setting. Admiring the ambiance, you appreciated the cozy atmosphere with dim lights lending a romantic vibe that made it the perfect spot for a genuine couple.

Christopher, your supposed fiancé, touched your back in an unpleasant manner as he analyzed every patron in the establishment with a visible expression of disdain.

"I'm sure some of these people are filthy pirates," he sneered. "I hope the food is as good as they say.”

With a forced smile on your face, you nonchalantly stepped away from his hold. "You can't exactly choose the customers, Chris," you said pointedly, hoping to discourage any further negativity.

The man seemed unfazed by your rejection and proceeded to walk down the stairs. Your parents followed suit, escorted to your designated location for the evening with the admiral following in tow. His usual grin was plastered on his face, and he strode past you as you stood frozen, not saying a word.

You took deep breaths in an attempt to calm your frazzled emotions, but your heart continued to hammer in your chest with a loud, pounding rhythm.

"Come on, Y/N, you can do it. Just a couple of hours, you'll survive this," you whispered to yourself, trying to muster up some courage and push through the discomfort.

You swallowed the lump that had surfaced in your throat and then joined the group near the center area of the restaurant, waiting for the others to take their seat on the long couch made of high quality leather.

Despite Sanji's best efforts, Zeff once again belittled and ignored one of his delicious meals, causing him to be relegated to the lowly role of a waiter. As he hurriedly wiped down a table, clearing it of the empty plates and keeping the growing pile on his left hand, Sanji's gaze casually shifted to the group of people that had just arrived at the Baratie. He abruptly turned around for a moment when he caught a glimpse of you, utterly entranced by your beauty and the elegant movement of tucking a hair strand behind your ear as you took in your surroundings.

Sanji found himself staring at you longer than he intended to, his lips curving into a wide smile the moment you settled onto the couch and subtly adjusted the fabric of your dress to conceal your thighs. Amidst the vibrant conversation that occupied the others, you remained quiet and reserved, lightly tugging at the corner of your lips as you tried to blend in.

Even though they all engaged in lively chatter, you showed no special interest in the topic of discussion, drifting away and briefly meeting Sanji's eyes in a quick glance of contact.

To Sanji's displeasure, the man sitting near you attempted to capture your attention by holding the menu in front of you. You redirected your focus to carefully inspect the list, and Sanji was left standing there, one hand tucked in his pocket, watching as your lips pressed together in concentration.

Amongst the multitude of female patrons present that night, you stood out as the most mesmerizing for reasons that he struggled to put into words. Sanji hastily gathered the remaining clutter, taking it to the kitchen before fixing his jacket and tidying up his hair to make it look as neat as possible.

Clearing his throat, he stepped back into the dining hall, walking towards your table with long and confident strides.

Christopher wasted no time in adopting an uncouth position that led to his leg frequently brushing against yours on the couch. Luckily, you were seated at the edge of the furniture piece, providing you with a convenient escape route if needed.

Your attention was successfully diverted from your tense predicament by the sound of footsteps approaching your table. When you raised your head once more, you saw the blond waiter that you had noticed earlier halting in front of your group with an elegant stance.

As you viewed him from a distance, you couldn't tell whether his radiant grin was intended for you or someone else. But as the two of you now came face-to-face, you couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked from up close.

You felt yourself growing flushed under his intense gaze, his beaming smile making you feel as if he were peering right into your soul in a way you were not particularly used to.

“Welcome to our Restaurant, my name is Sanji. What can I bring for you?”

The sharp switch between his pleasant demeanor and mild frustration whenever the men made their statements about what to drink or eat was quite amusing, but it was difficult to ignore the fluttering sensation in your stomach when he turned his attention towards you again, with the same radiant smile from before. “Madam?”

It took you a moment to respond, as you were unable to process the suitable thing to say. "I'll have whatever is best on the menu. Surprise me.”

His grin increased in size to the point where you were able to witness his exquisite set of gleaming white teeth. "And what would you like to drink?”

Just as you were about to respond to his question, your mother intervened and answered on your behalf. "She enjoys fine wine, just like her fiancé. Could we have an esteemed bottle?”

If your eyes were able to hurlin daggers, the intensity of your glare would have been enough to pierce her head on the spot. For the first time, you felt the powerful urge to rebel against her declaration, as you had always known that retaliation is most appropriate when served ice-cold.

You turned back to the man named Sanji, offering a big smile in return. "Actually, I would prefer water. With ice, thank you.”

“Cubed or crushed?”

“Cubed is fine.”

It appeared that everyone was simultaneously startled and speechless because of the bold pronouncement you had made, which provided you with intense satisfaction as you continued to keep up your firm countenance.

Sanji took a small pause, observing the tense atmosphere that had materialized in the air and moving his gaze back and forth. Upon perceiving how determined you were about your order, he nodded and walked away from your table area. “Coming right up.”

You became aware that Sanji had neglected to note everyone else's orders. However, you presumed that due to the restaurant's renowned reputation, he was competent enough to recall them without any major problems.

In the meantime, your mother nervously clenched her hands, seemingly ready to voice her complaint to you.

And so, she did.

"What was that?" she asked you.

"Nothing," you said, trying to appear oblivious. "What’s the matter, mom? I can't even decide what I want to drink?”

"I thought you preferred wine, just like Christopher.”

You raised your shoulders in a dismissive gesture and remarked, "See, that's how little you know about your own daughter.”

Your father, who had maintained a disturbing calmness up until this point, sternly uttered your name. Given the vibrations in his voice and his expression that exuded a certain level of seriousness, it was apparent that he was about to give one of his reproaching speeches.

“You are crossing a line here,” he warned you in a forceful tone. "I won't accept any form of disrespect tonight.”

Maybe you didn't want to seem weak and easily influenced in front of that attractive waiter, but the threshold of tolerance was likely about to overflow.

"Disrespectful? How is ordering water instead of wine considered disrespectful?”

In the past few years, your father had managed to keep you obedient through his strict upbringing, making you timid and condescending out of fear of the consequences. Memories of his controlling treatment during your childhood were still fresh in your mind, and even if his presence continued to make you feel uncomfortable and restricted, on this particular evening you had a distinct feeling.

And he didn’t like your newfound attitude of independence.

"You will not speak to me like that, especially not in front of our guests.”

Admiral Joseph Wheeler crossed his arms in front of his chest and displayed a facial expression that indicated amusement and nonchalance. “Oh no, don’t mind us.”

You rolled your eyes and reacted with evident disdain."I can’t believe we’re arguing over a drink. I said I wanted water, and I don’t see why you have to treat it like front-page news scandal.”

As the conversation continued, your father's anger seemed to intensify, and you couldn't help but enjoy watching the scene unfold.

"Well, I thought you preferred wine too," Christopher said. "That's what you told me.”

“No, that’s what they told you to please you. I never did.”

“Y/N.”

You felt your stress and tension levels starting to creep on you, and dinner hadn't even begun yet. For a brief moment, you locked eyes with your father and held his firm gaze with your own fierce expression, all while tightly gripping the tabletop with your fists, careful not to rip it.

Admiral Wheeler, on the other hand, suddenly burst into hearty laughter and repeatedly patted your father on the shoulder as a sign of approval. "Would you look at that, your daughter has got some bite!”

You were unable to decipher the true meaning behind his remark. It was unclear whether it was intended as a compliment or as a way to ridicule and diminish you even further.

At the very least, your father appeared noticeably relieved to see Admiral Wheeler entertaining himself. "She must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.”

Your heart began to race as you heard these words. They always made it their personal mission to outsmart and defeat you in various ways. Did your family really see you as that insignificant, only good for their schemes and to be discarded once they no longer needed you? Did they hope to entrust you to Christopher, just to finally be rid of your presence in their home while solidifying their partnership with the admiral?

You suppressed the emotion of sorrow that loomed within your eyes, managing to push the tears back by promptly blinking a few times.

Sanji the waiter returned after a brief moment, carrying a tray that held beverages and empty glasses. You were the first to be served, as he took his time to pour you some water before affably filling your glass with a few glistening ice cubes. The bright smile he displayed proved to be infectious, causing your entire body to relax simply through looking at his face.

Following standard etiquette, your mother was the second to receive her drink. Despite his cordialness and compliments towards the woman, causing her to turn red and giggle in delight, he utilized a noticeably different approach as he filled the remaining beverages. Christopher, who clearly doubted Sanji's intentions, scrutinized him with suspicion, and you could tell that the waiter, in turn, was conducting a similar examination of the man seated next to you.

Sanji's change in behavior was impressively smooth and appealing, as he diverted his attention back to you, flashing another wide grin and producing a beautiful snowy flower from the inner pouch of his jacket.

"For you, madam," he said, presenting a white tulip to you.

You were rendered utterly speechless and astounded, as you stared alternatingly between the flower and his eyes.

"For me...?" you asked in disbelief, hesitantly taking the stem and brushing his fingers in the process.

“Something beautiful for someone beautiful.”

His voice, accent, golden strands of hair falling over his left eye, and the consistent smiles he gave you with his hands placed inside his pockets made your legs feel abnormally weak. Although you were not unfamiliar with men demonstrating flirtatious conduct in your presence, Sanji was able to present himself in a pleasant manner using the right approach.

For a brief moment, you pondered the possibility that Sanji's small, kind act stemmed from recognizing your uneasiness. Your rapid assessment of the dining hall revealed that none of the other female customers had received a flower, either holding it in their hands or having it placed on the tabletop.

And so, mimicking his smile, you accepted his gift. "Thank you so much. That's very nice of you.”

Unfortunately, the calm within your mind was ultimately destroyed when Christopher grasped your left hand. He proceeded to delicately entwine his fingers with yours and moved closer to you on the couch as a form of ostentation.

"Yes, well. Aren't you supposed to wait on other tables and bring our orders, Sanbey?”

The blond maintained his cool, politely diverting his head towards your fiancé. His mouth formed a narrow line, and his eyes transformed to a darker color. “It’s Sanji.”

Chris grunted. "Whatever. Now get lost.”

A wave of bitterness and loathing flooded over you, to the point where you perceived an acidic flavor at the back of your tongue. Gradually, you removed your hand from Christopher’s grasp and subtly slid further onto the cushion in order to escape his hold.

Before Sanji could leave, you leaned over and gently reached for his elbow, not actually making physical contact with it, but just using a feather-like touch. "Please don't mind him. Your service is greatly appreciated," you said.

"Beautiful and sweet. Thank you, madam, I'll be back with your orders.”

Concealing the pang in your heart when you watched him stepping away required a moderate amount of effort. Sanji's flirty mannerism could potentially be a facade, developed specifically for marketing the restaurant and gain potential returning customers. Nevertheless, you discerned that his persona was wholly authentic, as the glistening glimmer in his eyes provided evidence of his genuine attraction towards females.

As you sank down into your thoughts, you held onto the flower with your thumb and forefinger, inhaling its delicate, soothing aroma. For a moment, you even forgot that you were sitting among other people. When you remembered, an uncomfortable silence fell over the table.

"Did you really enjoy that?" Christopher asked, forming fists with a visible sign of distress.

“I do like the flower, if that’s what you mean,” you replied.

"Oh, so now you're going to accept flowers from the first dandy stranger?”

You had to contain the deep sigh that you wanted to let out. "You're being ridiculous now, he works here.”

"Yes, and you didn't even try to reject his advances.”

Normally, you would drop the argument before it could escalate, striving to behave like a scoundrel solely to appease his anger and convince him that there was no reason for concern. However, this time something snapped inside you, and you made a decision that you were not going to back down.

"Well, maybe you should start looking at yourself in the mirror for once.”

An unexpected blow on the table caused everyone present to jump at the sudden gesture, to the point where even the people sitting a few feet away fell silent. Your father was livid, glaring at you in a manner that showed his sheer desire to incinerate you with only the power of his mind.

“Apologize immediatly,” he growled at you.

Once again, you were almost tempted to do as he said, but you forced yourself to keep staring back without reacting.

Admiral Wheeler sneered again. "She's not entirely wrong, son. I keep telling you to style your hair differently. You look like a mop.”

"Hey! Whose side are you on?!”

Your father reacted with great indignation, displaying a flushed face due to the embarrassment he had just experienced. Your mother, who had remained quiet until that point, finally sat up straight on the couch and spoke. "No Joseph, my husband is right. I can see the wit and charm of that waiter, but she shouldn't flirt around with other men when her fiancé is right next to her. I would expect such behavior from a low-class prostitute.”

If your blood could flow any faster, it's possible that you would spontaneously combust.

"First, you complain about my drinking choices, and now I'm criticized for accepting a souvenir?”

She clicked her tongue. "Your lack of consideration for Chris is appalling.”

In your peripheral view, you saw the man in question acknowledging your mother's declaration with a subdued nod. All you longed for was to violently upend the table and make your escape, stealing the vessel in which you arrived and forcing them to return to their abode by virtue of swimming.

Unfortunately, you were cognizant of your limits, and you simply didn't have it in you at this time.

In the end, knowing that a further discussion would be of no use, you reluctantly decided to tolerate their judgment while grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw tightly.

There did not seem to be any viable means of extricating yourself from such an unwanted reunion anyway.

Sanji knew that Zeff had barred him from the kitchen for his creative initiative with off-menu dishes, yet upon noticing the sorrow and anguish on your angelic visage, he felt a powerful impulse to personally cook for you. After all, you requested the best they had to serve, and there was no one who possessed the skill necessary to fulfill your exacting taste aside from him.

Sanji wanted to make you smile. It was his personal mission to delight the women who strolled into their restaurant, but with you, a distinctive motivation operated his dexterity with ease, driving all his actions behind the stove.

Sanji didn't know you, and it was already established that he lacked the will to resist an appealing lady whenever he saw one. But even though you were unfamiliar to him, you possessed your own unique vigor that seemed to fascinate him more than anyone else in the entire restaurant. Additionally, he could still perceive your delicate touch upon his forearm, causing his skin to tingle beneath the fabric of his rolled-up sleeve.

Patty had attempted to persuade him, fully aware of the excessive fury the Chef was prone to display upon discovering his colleague was cooking things that he never approved. Nevertheless, Sanji refused to listen, stubbornly cutting the fillet of cod into flawless square shapes, boiling the rice, and adorning your dish with the appropriate amount of seasoning.

As the best cook in all of East Blue, Sanji didn't just desire to produce food that was delectable to the palate. He wanted his creations to appeal to someone's soul, seeking to connect with their innermost sentiments and touch the deepest aspects of their heart.

Sanji wished to refrain from interfering, but it was straightforward for him to notice that you were unhappy and very uncomfortable in the presence of your handsy boyfriend. Frankly, no one else at the table seemed to possess a particularly considerate attitude towards you. You resembled the most unblemished bloom, a creature who could imbue an entire room with radiance. It was unbearable for him to see you afflicted.

The moment Zeff returned to the kitchen, Patty surreptitiously departed to the storage area. The food for your group was completed and ready to be served, although the man did not refrain from offering a plethora of critiques for Sanji’s work for your order. However, the young man swiftly put his jacket back on and retrieved the dishes while displaying an exuberant expression, leaving Zeff behind rolling his eyes at the sous chef for his constant inflexibility.

Over the next few minutes, you refrained from speaking while your parents discussed trivial matters with Joseph and Christopher, addressing topics that simply failed to engage you being related to their business. The flower had been placed on the tabletop and in front of your glass, which you incessantly observed for its beauty, grazing at the velvety petals with your fingertips. Your eyes then became transfixed on the ice cubes as they cracked and dissolved into the water, emitting a vivid rainbow-like reflection on your skin.

You mentally thanked the Divine and quietly breathed a sigh of relief when Sanji reappeared. He was holding two large trays filled with all of your meals, which were smoking hot and exuded a heavenly scent from their plates.

Just like before, you were the first to be promptly served in a chivalrous manner. Sanji set a bowl of rice before you, and just by taking a look at it, you could immediatly notice that it was a genuine work of art. The white grains were embellished with vibrant pieces of codfish, minced spinach, intermingled cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. It was something refined, yet also simple enough for your taste. The chef who prepared the dish for you crafted it with clear passion and consideration for the ingredients.

"I have the most delicious pot of cod and rice for you, madam. A house specialty.”

The wink he gave you when you exchanged yet another glance with him struck you in the gut, but in order to prevent a third argument from erupting, you responded with a small, tight smile.

"A Bouillabaisse for the lady," he continued, extending a plate of fish soup to your mother. "And for our fine gentlemen, a boulette, bifstek, and Dress Shrimp Paella.”

You were inclined to laugh upon observing the dirty look that Sanji shot towards Christopher, almost halting himself in the middle of his action of setting down his plate on the table. You couldn't help but speculate that Sanji was potentially taking your side despite merely having observed your interactions.

Or at the very least, you liked thinking that was the case for once.

Christopher remained placid without uttering a word of protest, retrieving his fork and promptly engaging in devouring his food. Admiral Joseph and your parents proceeded to immediately take part in their dinner as well, and Sanji politely excused himself with his unique manners, moving to another table nearby.

Without hesitation, you picked up your spoon and scooped a serving of rice, inhaling its appetizing fragrance before introducing it to your mouth. As you started chewing, you closed your eyes in utter satisfaction, allowing the food to melt on your tongue before swallowing. The rice was incredibly rich and creamy, yet not heavy on your stomach. The cod was of significantly higher quality than any other fish you had, and the spinach seamlessly combined with the tomatoes in an exquisite explosion of flavors.

As you savored every bite of the meal, each one better than the previous, a large grin instinctively formed on your face.

Before vanishing behind the wooden doors of the kitchen, Sanji cast a curious glance towards you from afar. You were eating the meal with your eyes closed in ecstasy, savoring each bite of rice with care and delicacy. Your smile was so appealing that Sanji had never witnessed such a sight before.

Just then, you released a melodic cackle that Sanji could only barely detect from his distant position. He saw you turning to the others while gesturing at the bowl, bringing your hand against your chest, exactly where your heart was located. "If this isn't the most delicious thing I've ever tasted, I don't know what is,” you exclaimed.

Sanji's smile grew even wider upon hearing your assertion. He marveled at the sparkle in your eyes as you giggled with every mouthful of the rice he had prepared exclusively for you.

Your parents, Admiral Wheeler, and even Christopher all concurred in regards to the quality cuisine, regarding their dishes as incredibly satisfying and asking for further portions. Throughout the entire dinner, they seated at the table exuding a noticeably elevated sense of contentment. They were at a loss for words, and you definitely appreciated the peace and quiet with a lighter heart.

Unfortunately, the calm atmosphere didn't last long as your mother finally asked the dreaded question you had been avoiding for quite some time.

"So, when are you two going to tie the knot?”

You accidentally gulped down a considerable amount of water, leading to a series of coughs as you tried to alleviate the uncomfortable raspy feeling in your pharynx.

Chris let out a small chuckle, displaying a mixture of embarrassment as he scratched the back of his disheveled and unruly black hair.

"Ah, well. I haven't given it much thought yet," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"You two are old enough to start your own family," she continued, "Hopefully, you won't keep us waiting for too long.”

You took a deep breath, keeping your composure and refraining from delivering a sharp retort to your mother.

As Christopher extended his right hand along the back of the sofa and brushed it against your bare shoulder, you shivered at the physical contact. You pushed yourself forward, reaching out to grab a slice of bread as an excuse to retreat from him and create some distance.

“Y/N? You don't have anything to say?" your mother questioned, her tone filled with anticipation.

You bit the inside of your cheek, contemplating the appropriate response to give. Ultimately, you realized that you were mentally and emotionally exhausted to fabricate a falsehood.

“No, I don’t.”

The entire table's attention was now focused on you, as your parents stared at you intensely, their eyes fixed on your face with piercing scrutiny.

What?" you asked with your mouth full. "Do we really have to discuss this right now?”

"Yes, we do," your father replied. "Your carefree and indifferent attitude needs to change.”

With mounting annoyance, you allowed the remaining chunk of bread to slip into your empty bowl.

"I'm sorry, but we're discussing my life here," you said, asserting yourself. "Are you seriously going to make decisions on it without my consent?”

Once again, your father's temper flared. He stood up from the couch, using one hand to support himself on the table as he restrained his anger.

"Oh, you can rest assured that we will. What are you even good at without our guidance? Do you seriously believe that we would let you throw away everything we've built?”

This time, it was you who slammed your palms. "And what is it that you've built, dad? An empire of lies, hypocrisy, and dirty money?”

“THAT’S ENOUGH!”

A deafening silence spread across the room, causing the other diners who were engrossed in their own conversations to stop and redirect their attention to your table. The two of you engaged in a new staring contest with a comparable level of fervor, but in an effort to maintain a sense of decorum and avoid causing further ruckus in the restaurant, you exhaled a frustrated grunt and shifted slightly in your seat. You assumed a slouched position with your forearms crossed in front of you, diverting your teary eyes downwards.

Christopher attempted to provide you with some solace, sliding his hand beyond your hair while gently stroking the side of your face with the underside of his fingers. Still, you didn't want any of his attention. You moved your head away and shunned him by raising one hand up.

Admiral Wheeler cleared his throat, his gaze shifting between you and your father, as he swiftly downed the remnants of the drink in his glass.

It was an understatement to say that Sanji was infuriated. He was unaware of what led to the man's outburst, but the enchanting smile you had a second ago had been replaced by a much darker expression - a look he certainly did not like to see on a woman like yourself.

Discerning that you preferred not to be surrounded by those people sitting with you was easy for him to figure out. Were it not for his imperative task at hand, he would have acted as a knight clad in shiny armor, whisking you away from the callousness that blatantly depleted your spirit and caused you to have a strong yearning to shed tears.

A lady crying was a spectacle that Sanji couldn’t handle, not without feeling like he wanted to kick the one responsible for it.

For the remainder of the night, he continued to provide service to the arriving patrons and was repeatedly sent out of the kitchen by Zeff whenever he dared touching the stove again. For some reason, he couldn't get your lovely face, appearing completely distraught because of some imbecile's disrespectful treatment, out of his thoughts.

When he returned to your table to take a new order from the dessert menu, he noticed that your seat was now empty. Your mother had blurted out something about you taking too long in the restroom, presumably fixing your makeup that had started to deteriorate and ruin your appearance.

Sanji immediately recognized the mocking tone in her voice. As he returned to the kitchen to deliver the requested selection of sweets, a strange somberness settled in the core of his stomach.

Later, when he came back to the dining hall with the baked treats on a silvery tray, you were still absent.

You didn't even know how much time had passed since you hurried to the restroom. The urge to escape and be alone was strong, so you gave yourself a moment to cool off and fix your makeup as best as you could.

Right now, you looked like a complete mess. Tears were streaming down your cheeks, smudging bits of mascara beneath your reddening eyes. Your reflection revealed someone who was miserable, fragile, and hopeless, much like your younger self that you could still vividly see curled up in a corner of your room.

You were anticipating this night to wrap up in a couple of hours, but your parents weren’t showing any concern regarding how late it was getting now. Even though you tried your hardest to keep it together, it became increasingly challenging with each passing second. Your breathing became labored, your heart raced at an unimaginable pace that made you think it might shoot out of your chest, and your whole body started trembling like a quivering branch.

You anxiously wiped away the tears from your face, removed the smudged makeup from your skin, and took deep breaths to calm your racing pulse. As soon as you managed to regain control of your emotions and appear presentable again, you used your nails to comb through your hair, adjusted your dress, and proceeded to push open the door.

You stood frozen and paralyzed in front of the dining hall, watching as the others carried on with their meaningless chatter, seemingly oblivious to your state of mind.

But the harsh reality was that in truth, they didn't even care.

Your ears started to buzz and your surroundings turned into a muffled murmur, as if you were submerged underwater. Your hands tightly gripped your handbag, holding onto it with sheer desperation.

“…dam. Madam? Is everything all right?”

You quickly composed yourself when you heard someone speaking to you. The second you swivelled your head, you saw Sanji the waiter looking at you with a furrowed expression, his hands tucked into his pockets.

For some reason, his blue-ish eyes seemed to have a grounding effect, causing the ringing noise in your ears to immediatly fade away.

When your nerves became more solid and allowed you to feel stable enough, you gave him a response. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m okay.”

Judging by the way he slightly inclined his head to watch you, it was quite clear that you didn't sound very believable. You could have continued telling lies, even to yourself, returning to your seat and feigning like nothing had ever happened. But there was a certain attribute in him that urged you to let it all go, to stop pretending to be someone you were not, at least for one night.

In the end, a sad chuckle escaped you as you massaged your forehead in defeat. "Actually, no. I don’t think I am.”

"Can I offer you something sweet to bring back your beautiful smile?”

A slight tinge of red spread across your cheeks, causing you to cast another glance at your table from afar.

“Actually, I think I might need a drink now,” you clarified. “A strong one. And no, I don’t really like wine at all.”

A mischievous smile stretched across Sanji's face in response to your comment. "Tell you what, the restaurant has a bar outside. Would you mind if I joined you?" He asked.

You eyed him in bewilderment. “Aren’t you working?”

“I’m on my break,” he said. “And my shift is almost over.”

You pondered the proposal, peering at the dining table one last time to weigh out the undesirable repercussions. Vanishing with the Baratie's waiter would likely escalate your father's anger, and enduring a prolonged argument on the boat later was not an appealing prospect for you. Nevertheless, the more you felt Sanji's focus on you, the stronger your desire became to escape with him for the remainder of your stay. Returning to your seat didn't constitute an option you wanted to choose.

As you pushed your hair away and behind your ear, you issued a resolute nod to him. “Screw it. Let’s go.”

Sneaking out of the restaurant without being noticed by your family was less arduous than you thought it would be. They were engrossed in their continuous conversation, never lifting their heads or paying attention to the movements around them. Sanji softly grazed your back as he accompanied you, his palm making only slight contact against your skin. You relished the pleasant sensation of the heavy ring he sported on his middle right digit, feeling the coldness of the metal in contrast with the warmth of his touch.

Once you reached the mouth of the fish at the end of the ship, the energetic music coming from the speakers immediately captivated you. Patrons were stationed on the sofas with large colorful beverages placed on their laps, some engaged in dancing inebriatedly before the bar. As Sanji retrieved two vacant stools from a corner, he politely offered you one. You couldn't help but yearn for his electric touch again the moment his hand left you.

While you ordered a full tumbler of cocktail, Sanji opted for only a small glass of liquor. It was fine with you, as he needed to remain sober for the purpose of continuing his job later. You gently took small sips of the beverage using the straw, feeling the strong liquid burning down your throat. He took out a lighter from his pocket, idly toying with it while you sat in silence, transfixed by his flawless hands.

Your heart thumped harder as he turned to face you, his broad smile permanently etched on his perfect face. "I hope you don't mind me asking, Madam, but what brings a woman like you together with a man like that?”

You chuckled at his inquiry, amused by how effortlessly he recognized that Christopher was not the lifelong partner you had chosen for yourself.

"Do you ever feel like you're stuck, unable to move forward with your life?” You asked him.

Sanji's eyes appeared to shine when he heard your words. He glanced downwards, and you could see the hesitation tugging at the corners of his mouth. “More than I want to admit.”

You rotated ever so slightly on the stool to orient your face more directly toward him. “You don’t want to work here?”

"It's complicated, sweetheart.”

Downing more of your drink, you gave him an agreeing nod. "I guess that’s just how life works for some of us.”

Sanji stayed silent, but he continued to gaze at you as if you were an incomparable treasure.

His handsome features seemed to shine under the dim lights of the bar, even more brightly than you could have thought possible. You were almost tempted to brush aside those golden locks that covered his left eye, but you had to scold yourself for developing a similar attraction for someone you knew nothing about, and who naturally exuded a flirtatious attitude.

Maybe that drink was already starting to affect your lucidity.

As Sanji looked at you curiously, the gentle smile never leaving his face, you asked him, "Do you know why the caged bird sings?"

He thought about it for a moment before answering, "Because it has a song to give?"

You chuckled at his response and shook your head. "You're not entirely wrong, but no."

Using the straw to casually swirl the ice cubes in your drink, you observed the ripples that formed within the cocktail.

"A free bird leaps on the back of the wind and floats downstream, 'till the current ends, dips his wing in the orange sun rays, and dares to claim the sky. But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage can seldom see through his bars of rage. His wings are clipped and his feet are tied, so he opens his throat to sing."

Sanji appeared slightly puzzled, but he also paid close attention, listening intently.

“The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown, but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom.”

When you assessed his reaction, Sanji's beaming expression turned into the most delightful toothy grin you had ever witnessed. “Is that a poem?”

You nodded. “One of my favorites.”

He looked away, steadily flicking his lighter on and off in a continuous flow of motion. "The bird sings because it wants to be set free.”

“Yes.”

This time, Sanji took out a white cigarette from a flat box, lit it, and held it between his middle and index fingers. He inhaled the nicotine before exhaling a puff of smoke, making sure not to blow it on you.

For some reason, you found even those actions to be seductive.

"I'm not a waiter, you know," he declared.

You snapped out of your daze. "What?”

"I'm a cook,” he explained, exhaling another puff of smoke. “The best one in all the East Blue.”

Confusion flickered in your eyes for a moment. "You're the chef in charge?”

“Ah, no. The old man is. The shitbag doesn’t appreciate my creative choices in the kitchen.”

You shrugged your shoulders. "Some imagination while cooking is always nice.”

“You should tell him that. You liked the rice, didn’t you?”

Your mind went blank as soon as you thought of that delectable bowl of rice. You looked at Sanji with awe, your eyes widening as the truth suddenly dawned upon you. “You made it?”

Sanji had an air of pride, laughing at your reaction and taking another deep drag from his cigarette.

"Whoa, okay. My mind is blown right now. That was seriously the be-"

"The best thing you've ever tasted?" He interrupted you, looking into your eyes with contentment. “I know.”

In a cheerful tone, you inquired, “Did you hear that?”

"I told you. I'm the best cook in the East Blue,” he replied. “But yes. I might have heard you.”

Sanji winked at you once again, and you couldn't help but feel a surge of anger at yourself as your knees weakened at such a simple gesture.

"Okay, hat off. It was delicious. Thank you for that.”

Without noticing, you had unknowingly gotten closer to his body, nearly touching his upper leg with yours. Sanji didn't seem to mind, as he continued to look at you without interruption.

A little tipsy from the drink, you leaned your elbow on the countertop, resting your head against the side of your palm. “Do you do this often?”

He maintained his smile. “Do what, Madam?”

“Flirt with your customers.”

"Only with the most beautiful ones.”

You licked your lower lip, feeling the heat spreading across your cheeks. “Do you think I’m beautiful?”

"Oh, trust me, Madam. Your beauty is blinding me.”

You leaned forward, lowering your voice to a whisper. "Y/N, please, I prefer simple things.”

You spoke with a slightly more mischievous tone than you had intended, yet you were unable to acknowledge any feelings of embarrassment as he got closer.

Sanji turned his face away without saying anything, proceeding to put out his cigarette and allowing his gaze to survey your body. You allowed him, granting permission for your heart to perform a series of somersaults inside your chest. It felt as though he was consuming you with his eyes alone, yet simultaneously, there was a very gentle aspect within those seemingly ravenous actions of his.

And just when you anticipated his lips to come closer to yours, his grin vanished. "I apologize for intruding, but is there anything I can assist you with?”

You raised an eyebrow, trying to grasp the precise meaning of his words amidst your hazy state. “Assist me?”

“Do you need help?”

And when you finally grasped it, you let out a brief sigh and closed your eyes. Moving your head away from your palm, you let your arm rest against the counter, with your hand inadvertently placed next to his.

"That's nice of you to ask, but no. Everything's good, really.”

"It didn't seem like it was.”

Sanji looked deeply serious, his kind-heartedness now evident. Your lips, slightly damp and chilled from the fresh cocktail, regained their smile. You gently brushed your fingertips over his black tie, sliding them around the knot.

Sanji seemed to swallow, taken aback by your unexpected gesture.

"Just like you said earlier, it's complicated.”

In the midst of the moment, he stretched out his fingers, letting them come in touch with your wrist on the bar counter. Nonetheless, the contact was tender, exhibiting no signs of pressure or ulterior motives. "I just don't see how anybody could clip the wings of such a lovely bird.”

Upon hearing those words, you had to summon all of your inner strength to suppress a new rush of tears that threatened to form. “Some birds are just not meant to fly.”

The anguish in your voice resonated deeply within him, and you could perceive a barely noticeable head shake of protest. But before he could refute your words, both of you were interrupted by the unmistakable voice of someone you knew, filled with anger and disappointment.

"Ah, so you've been here all this time.”

As you turned, your eyes landed on Christopher, who stood before you with a disgruntled expression. In a swift motion, you pulled your hands away from Sanji and straightened your posture.

"I just needed a drink," you said firmly, maintaining your position against the counter.

"Oh yeah? It looks like you needed more than just a drink," he retorted, casting a disdainful glance at Sanji.

"What is this dandy asshole doing with you?" he asked angrily.

Sanji tightly pressed his lips together, rose from his chair, and flashed Chris a significant, sarcastic grin. "How long did it take you to find her, sir?"

Christopher's complexion grew redder with each passing second as his anger escalated, causing you to audibly sigh in annoyance. In an attempt to calm him down, you reached out and touched his shoulder. "Can you let him be? He was just being polite. There's no need to create a scene," you pleaded, hoping to diffuse the situation.

"Well, it's not like you were drawing a line, were you? You seemed quite eager to jump into his pants like a damn whore," Christopher said, his tone filled with jealousy.

Before you had a chance to offer a proper rebuttal, Sanji stepped in front of you. "Do not speak of her that way."

Sanji's intervention only served to further fuel Christopher's rage, but a mix of emotions surged within you. Your heart raced and butterflies fluttered in your stomach, unaccustomed to such a protective act.

"I can speak of her however I want, she's my fiancée! Don't you have work to do, shithead?" Christopher spat, getting dangerously close to Sanji's nose in an attempt to intimidate him.

Despite Sanji's composed demeanor, with his hands tucked into the pockets of his trousers and his unwavering stare locked with his opponent's, you reached out and gently touched his back.

You moved forward to show your support and alleviate the growing tension. "You got it all wrong, Chris. Just let it go," you uttered. “Fights are against the restaurant’s policy, don’t make a fool out of yourself.”

From your peripheral vision, you could see that Sanji had turned his focus back to you. He displayed a clear sense of awe at your respect for their regulations.

Chris's breathing was filled with agitation and hatred. Despite this, he managed to compose himself, straighten the collar of his jacket, and scoff in Sanji's face. "Fine, but this conversation isn't over, Y/N."

When Chris turned away to leave, you noticed your parents seated on one of the large sofas in the lounge area, alongside Admiral Wheeler. While the admiral immersed himself in the music and bobbed his head to the rhythm, your parents sent piercing glares your way, filled with clear disapproval.

Anticipating what was about to unfold, you couldn't help but let out a final sigh of resignation. You refocused your eyes on Sanji, who maintained a quiet silence, examining your face with a slight upward curl of his lips.

“Thank you," you expressed, infusing your words with genuine gratitude and sincerity.

Sanji's lips stretched into another sweet, full smile, watching you pivot on your heels and approach your family. From his perspective, you looked like a victim walking to the scaffold, about to face your inevitable execution.

Go to Chapter 2 ->

[velkynkarma]

Summary:

Since that fateful shipwreck, Sanji has been taught to always feed the hungry. There are no exceptions. Pirates, marines, and civilians alike, no one starves if the Baratie can do anything about it. But that proves to be a challenge when Sanji fishes the infamous bounty hunter and Demon of the East Blue, Roronoa Zoro, out of the ocean after a storm. And the only head worth money for miles around belongs to Red Leg Zeff.

Warnings: Pre-series, minor language (because Sanji), minor discussions about malnutrition/starvation (again, because Sanji)

Excerpt:

“Hello?” he calls, as he circles the deck to try and spot anyone inside the ship. “Hey—anyone aboard?” No one answers. Shrugging, Sanji leaps lightly over into the ship.   There’s a person there, one who looks around the same age as himself. He’s half sunk in stormwater that had collected inside the boat and clearly unconscious; he’s lucky he hadn’t drowned while senseless. The man has green hair, tattered clothes, worn boots, and three swords in a cluttered heap on one hip. His visible skin is sunburned, and while he isn’t starving yet—based on the scattered fishbones, he’s been feeding himself on raw fish from the ocean if he can catch them—his face is too gaunt to be healthy.  Sanji tuts around his cigarette, and nudges the guy carefully with the toe of one perfectly shined dress shoe. “Hey. You awake? Gonna try and stab me if I get any closer?” The man doesn’t answer, or react to the nudge.  “Hmm,” Sanji notes. “You’ve been out here a while, haven’t you. There’s food and water on the house, if you get up and follow me.” The man doesn’t respond.  Sanji frowns. He steps closer, feet sloshing in the rainwater, and crouches to feel at the man's neck. There’s still no reaction, but after a moment, he does find a pulse.  “So you are alive,” Sanji notes. “You lucky bastard. Today’s your special day, because you get to live to see another one. The Baratie doesn’t turn hungry folks away. But if you try to stab me with any of those swords, I will kick your ass out the door the moment you’ve got something in your stomach. Get it?” The man doesn’t answer.  Sanji shakes his head, and pitches his cigarette over the edge of the ship into the seawater before reaching for the man. Even slightly malnourished, the guy is heavy, and it takes a bit of work to heft him over one shoulder in a sack carry. The three swords clatter obnoxiously in his ear, and make it difficult to get a proper grip on the guy, but Sanji manages to do so without accidentally unsheathing one and dropping it on his own foot.  Clambering from the unstable, sloshing dinghy to the solid deck of the Baratie with the heavy bastard on one shoulder is a little trickier. But he manages, and once on the firm and familiar floorboards of the Baratie, Sanji is fully in control of the situation.  The man says nothing at all as Sanji hauls him towards the ship. He’s probably still unconscious, even being manhandled like this.  “I hope you’re grateful,” Sanji mutters under his breath. “You’re getting stormwater all over my best suit.”

Read the rest on AO3!

[blacklegsanjiii]

Golden

Single Dad!Mihawk raising Sanji that I talked about. Can also be read on AO3 here!

CH 2! CH 3!

Summary: Sanji's hair reminds Mihawk of the tales of Nika's sun. Golden.

“Help us! Hey!” A child’s voice called. Mihawk looked up the impossible island to see a blond boy’s head poking off of the side. “Please! Help us!” The boy couldn’t be older than seven maybe and Mihawk was not a soft man, not by any sense of the word. Yet he laid anchor and managed to get the boy, a one legged man, and their bag of treasure off the island and sail towards the nearest town.

Mihawk was providing the best first aid he could to the man as the boy hunched into a corner on the other side of the coffin ship, trying to give them space as Mihawk wastes a decent amount of really good whiskey on the bastard’s leg. They know each other tangentially, Red Leg a pirate with a long career, Mihawk’s already a decent pirate, an excellent swordsman. 

“Take whatever you want as thanks, Hawk-eyes.” Zeff grunts as Mihawk wraps the bandages on his stump of a leg.

“And what could I possibly take that would be worthy of saving both your lives?” He asked with a hint of aggression towards the older man. 

“The eggplant,” Zeff nods to the boy, “he’s got a long way to go but he wants to find the All Blue. Decent enough that you could get a protege out of him, shit at most things though.”

“Are you trying to put this boy further in debt to me?” Mihawk asked.

“Not at all, Hawk-eyes. But we were on that island for eighty five days.” Red leg says, fixing him a look. “If you don’t like him, bring him back to me and I’ll do as I see fit. I think you two might get on better than you think.” 

Neither Mihawk nor the boy replied to him. Mihawk fixing yellow eyes onto the sea blue of the boy’s. Other than starving and almost being cooked by the sun, to Mihawk’s limited medical knowledge he was fine. His eyebrows curled to one side of his face as Mihawk pat his head and steered them to land. Once docked the first thing they did was drop Zeff off at the local doctor’s who shooed him and the boy out without so much as a word. The boy followed Mihawk as he resupplied his ship, be it small it did have to last him until he got back to Kuriagana and he hadn’t been expecting passengers. The boy helped quickly and quietly, eating the apple Mihawk handed him with an expectant look slowly.

The boy was smart, he wasn’t going to gorge himself sick. He looked around, observing his surroundings but flinching at a lot of the loud noises. Seemingly trying to melt into Mihawk’s coat as to be as unnoticed as possible by those around them despite the eyes Mihawk drew to himself. It was getting late so Mihawk found a modest inn with a room with two beds that he led the boy to. Mihawk had bought him a change of clothes and ordered him to bathe and change which the boy listened to, practically bolting away afraid to make the pirate mad. Mihawk disposed of the boy’s other clothes when he was out and brought food back with him, two plates, both nutritionally dense as he gave the boy the smaller portioned one. They ate in relative silence other than a few mumbled thanks by the child.

“Do you have a name or am I just supposed to call you ‘eggplant’ like Redleg?” Mihawk asked as the boy stacked the plates to return them to the kitchen.

“Sanji.” The boy whispered. Mihawk cocked an eyebrow at the boy who hurried out of the room quietly. “Sanji” was the word for three in North Blue which meant this boy had a storied past or unimaginative parents. Neither of which Mihawk cared for. He hung his coat and hat as the boy reentered just as quietly as he left.

He watched the boy quietly toe off his shoes and climb into the bed furthest from the door, sneaking under the covers and disappearing practically. Mihawk took off his boots and laid in the other, extinguishing the oil lamp and letting himself drift off to sleep. He woke up not long later to small whimpering noises and words coming from the other bed. Mihawk scowled as he sat up and looked, the moonlight putting a cold glow into the room as he listened to Sanji.

“Take it off, please. I’m sorry. Stop.” Muffled by the covers that Sanji had encased himself in and Mihawk's eyes widened fractionally. “It hurts, I’m sorry.”

Softly, terribly softly, Mihawk made his way to the other bed. Sitting on the edge and pulling the covers back enough to find Sanji’s small hands gripping his hair tight enough that he might rip it out with his knees tucked to his chin. Mihawk, unsure of much to do with children, so he tried to pry the boy's hands off his hair which evoked a gasp and blue eyes shooting open to catch sight of the yellow eyed man. Sanji ripped away from Mihawk, on instinct the elder thought, only to begin apologising for waking him up.

“It’s not from the island.” Mihawk stated as he and Sanji stared at each other. One with eyes full of realisation and the other full of fear.

“No.” Sanji agreed.

“Take off what?” Mihawk prodded as the boy’s hands found his hair again.

“Doesn’t matter, it’s gone, they’re gone.” Sanji deflected but Mihawk grabbed his wrists, guiding Sanji’s hands from his hair to his lap. Mihawk accepted his words but didn’t pull away.

“What do you plan to do once you find the All Blue?” Mihawk guided the conversation carefully as he moved up the bed, letting go of Sanji to sit next to him. 

“I want to open a restaurant.” Sanji answered quietly. How fitting this boy was rescued by the captain of the Cook Pirates, how unfortunate for Zeff that Mihawk would take Sanji with to Kuriagana so that he could have a well rounded education Mihawk decided. Mihawk nodded as they looked at each other. “Are you going to leave me with him?”

“No,” Mihawk answered, “you’ll be coming to Kuraigana with me.”

“Thank you.” Sanji said quietly as rubbed his eyes and looked to the window. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I can sleep any more.” He apologised and Mihawk nodded. He stood and put his boots on then his coat and hat.

“I could use a drink and you should eat something small again, come along.” Mihawk drawled and Sanji scrambled to follow suit. Somehow still quietly like he had been trained to hide. Putting Yoru on his back they went and found a bar where Mihawk drank wine that looked like blood and Sanji ate the meat and vegetable skewer Mihawk had ordered him.

When the sun rose and the doctor let them in to talk to Zeff, Sanji thanking him for saving his life and Mihawk telling him he was taking Sanji with, Zeff nodded at all of this.

“Be good, eggplant.” Zeff ordered the boy who nodded.

“If your restaurant is still open when he’s older I expect you to give him a job.” Mihawk said before they left. “For experience.” Zeff nodded and they left. It would be a four day sail to Kuriagana, which Sanji learned everything to do with the coffin ship on. He took to it quickly as if clinging onto the words of the swordsman was the only thing that would keep him alive.

When they arrived, first bringing in their haul to the kitchen to be put away immediately. Mihawk then showed Sanji his room to be, the study, Mihawk’s room and his office and the garden. Pointing out other not so necessary things as they passed, all of which made Sanji’s eyes grow wide.

“Thank you, sir.” Sanji said when the tour concluded and Mihawk gave him a curt nod. 

“We’ll wash up and start on dinner, you’ll need to know how to cook to open a restaurant.” Mihawk said and that was the first time he saw Sanji smile, even if it was just a small one.

~*~

One of the first things Dracule Mihawk notices about Sanji is he's rail thin. He smokes cigarettes around meal times and snack times so after about a day Mihawk had put it together. He also had no idea where the boy managed to steal the cigarettes from. Or how many because he was going to let the boy have his privacy and they were most definitely stashed in his room, likely under the bed or in the wardrobe. He's so thin Mihawk could name every bone in his body when he looked at him. Sanji is nine, he looks like he's six.

They're taking a bath, Mihawk notes the scars the nine year old has across his body. He's washing Sanji's hair because it's so fine and the boy is so rough with it. Sanji grips his hair so tight and often Mihawk is surprised the boy doesn't have bald spots. It also took a lot of coaxing to even get the child to bathe with him. He'd debated on calling Shanks as he was based in Foosha for the time being and on the last call they had he was hanging out with a kid who had recently eaten the devil fruit his crew was going to sell. Shanks would probably be a lot better at this than him, not that he'll ever tell that to the man but the point remains.

"Head back." Mihawk says and Sanji complies so Mihawk can rinse his hair. Turns out his hair is even lighter than first thought. It feels like straw still, dry and cracked and the ends are split to hell. Mihawk gathers the conditioner and runs it through the boy's hair. Noting every breath hitch and flinch. Mihawk doesn't ask. He's made it very clear to Sanji that he will stop when the boy says. He might kill someone for waking him up from a nap and he is a pirate after all, but he's never hurt a kid. Which is more than most pirates, or really anyone on the Blues can say.

He works it in and lets it sit, he washes his own hair in the meantime, giving Sanji a much needed break from his touch. He feels a shift in the boy's haki, becoming drenched in fear he whips to the boy.

"Sanji?" Mihawk asks and Sanji is stock still, eyes flicking around the room following something but he doesn't answer. "Sanji, I can't help you if you don't tell me." And then he sees it, a bug lands on Sanji and the boy screams and swats at it but not before it bites him? Stings him? It hurts him and flies off before it gets hurt and Mihawk is grabbing the boy who is covered in fear and pain and horror for some goddamned reason and immediately his hands shoot for his hair. 

Mihawk is trying to get him to calm down but he's in a full blown panic attack and he's not calming down. He instead gets out of the bath and picks Sanji up and he's so light that it makes Mihawk seethe. He gets them both towelled off and wraps his waist while Sanji gets wrapped into two. He'll rinse his hair out later, Mihawk decides and it could be worse. He treats the sting, pulls the stinger out and all. Sanji doesn't react, he just stares at the ground and now his haki is empty. 

"Sanji." Mihawk whispers, garnering no response. He takes Sanji to the master bedroom because Mihawk had found that Sanji's nightmares were intense and if Mihawk wasn't careful he would startle Sanji awake and he had to deal with a boy who had attempted to run away in pure flight mode. Mihawk's hands were rough and calloused from years of sword fighting and it seemed to scare Sanji into a deeper panic if he touched him too soon but this was new entirely. 

He got the boy dressed in pyjamas that hang off his wiry frame, wrapped his hair in a towel and laid him on the spare side of the too large mattress that Mihawk had never shared before Sanji came into his life a month and a half but the boy spends more nights in Mihawk's than his own. He dresses in his sleep pants and lays down next to the boy, gently rubbing Sanji's back.

Mihawk is not a soft man. Yet here he is, caring for a child who has seen so much worse than most pirates will ever enact. 

Maybe a call to Newgate should be in order.

[akwolfgrl]

LFT 30

Luffy had lost the cool smoke trail, but he did at least recognize where he currently was. He headed straight for the old man's bar from yesterday. He would just have to find what he was looking for later. He opened the door and walked inside. The old guy from yesterday was sweeping the floors. He looked up when Luffy walked in.

“Oh your back I see,”

“I told you I would be!” Luffy hopped up onto the same bra stool from yesterday. “Got any more cool stories for me?” He asked excitedly.

“Hmm I might have a good one,” The old man put away his broom and went behind the bar to pour two glasses. “This pirate hasn't been heard from in nine years, him and his whole crew vanished without a trace, it's said his kicks where so powerful he could cursh bloder and leave his foot prints in steal. His name came from the blood that would cover his boots after he was done. The Red Leg Zeff,”

“Oh! I know him! He has a peg leg, a tall funny hat and a long mustache, his kicks hurt almost as much as Sanjis,” But Sanji and Nami hurt him more because they loved him. Just like with his grandpa's fists of love. “He has a funny shaped boat! It's shaped like a fish, and it's a reastrunt, but it's kinda broken right now,” Luffy drank the milk the guy poured for him. “Tell me more!” He could always tell Sanji the stories later, and he could add his own details.

“Huh, well, there are rumors that he fled the grand line after kicking a celestial dragons head clean off his body, but there other rumors that it was an admiral and threw his chest,”

Luffy leaned forward eager to here more.

<>

Smoker entered the rundown gold Roger bar. Raoul, the old man who owned, looked up from behind the bar.

“Ugh, so it's you,” He looked away upset.

“Now that's no way to treat a customer, especially your only one,” Smoker teased the man.

“Why don't you cut the crap? You just wana see me close this place down,” Raoul snapped at him.

“You don't have a right to be angry with me,” Smoker informed him as he took a seat at the bar. “I didn't turn all the pirates around here into cowereds. That was all them,” Raoul ignored him and went to do stuff behind the bar, and his back turned to him. “They are just too weak to go against me, how can they survive the grandline if they can't even go up against me,” Smoker knew he was strong but he was also aware that he was nothing compared to the admirals and the vice admirals. He noticed two glasses on the bar. “Well isn't that nice? You had a customer other me after all,” Smoker didn't hate the old man. He felt pity for the guy. “I think I'd like a taste of rum old man,”

“I don't have any for you,” That finally provoked a response. Smoker ignored him and used the smoke from his cigar to grab the bottle from himself.

“Don't be such a bastard. After all, today is a very special day,” Raoul paused in whatever he was doing. Smoker pulled the cork out of the bottle. “Don't you think?” He asked retochily, taking a swig from the bottle. He could feel some of drip down his chin and neck. “Good stuff,” Raoul had good quality booze.

Shortly after getting lost in memories of Gold Rogers execution and young marine brust therw the door.

“Hey, here's the new water poster put where people can see it,” Smoker turned to look at the young man. He dropped his paper to suilt him. “Captain Smoker, my apologies, sir!” He had seen a flash of yellow as the paper fluttered to the ground.

“Huh?” He got off his stool and went to pick up the new poster it was a picture of a young teen with a big grin on his face and a familler hat. “That's a starwhat. That kid from earlier was Monkey D Luffy,” Pirates are getting younger every year, not just him getting older. He couldn't be more than sixteen or seventeen. He had the same name as Vice Admiral Garp. It seemed like Garp had torbles with his kin doing the exact opposite of becoming a marine. Smoker knew exactly where to find this Luffy, the executious platform.

[his-mother-is-lightning]

EPISODE 6: FEAST OR FAMINE (too soon?)

AKA - Break a leg, kid! (Sanji's bad day)

AKA AKA - a blond and a red-leg walk into a bar

AKA AKA AKA - how many pirates does it take to sew up a swordsman? (answer: just one, if he's also a chef)

my episode 5 reaction

Luffy just straight up dissociating over here. A grand start to the episode

Will the trope of someone about to do surgery asking for alcohol and then drinking it ever not be funny? I don't know, but I don't want to live in a world where it isn't

Mihawk wears cowboy boots 👢

I'm so glad they don't call him Hawkeye all the time like they do in the anime. Dracule Mihawk is an objectively amazing name - why the hell would he need a nickname?

Luffy cleaning Zoro's swords + his mental spiral/rant about wanting Zoro to recover is such a gut wrenching moment.

Love me a group of grown men making fun of a child. Poor tiny Sanji has already been through enough guys (as we learn much later in the series) and then Zeff tries to add oregano to his food? The inhumanity of it all!

Just two guys, stuck on a rock, trying to not starve to death. Just a guy watching a bratty kid walk away with all their food. Just a child, laid out in the sun, waiting to die. Just a pair of survivors, dreaming of a restaurant in the middle of the ocean. Just a-

(warning for gross) but like, Zeff was planning on dying and letting Sanji eat his corpse, right? And if they were stuck there for 85 days... what did they eat? Did they finish eating his leg? Bc that seems like the only option. How am I the only one wondering this??

Ngl I don't get the fairy tale Nami reads to Zoro. Maybe that's why I don't get her perspective. Cause she's yelling at Luffy and it's clear that she's upset, but on what planet could Luffy have stopped Zoro from going after Mihawk?

Koby is over here, trying to be helpful by asking Garp to accept his grandson for who he is. Which Garp obvs takes to mean, "if he wants to be a pirate so damn badly, then I'll treat him like a pirate. And kill him"

Meanwhile Arlong slams open the door, late to the party with his Starbucks, ready to make everything worse for everyone.

Luffy trying to talk to an unconscious Zoro - so soft, so pure.

"I can't let innocent people get hurt because of me" must sting. Poor Nami. Everything she's running from is catching up, and here's Luffy literally running at them

HOW DID YOU NOT NOTICE THERES AN EAR IN THE BAND OF YOUR HAT?? He was just repairing the hat last episode!!

Ok Nami I get it. I get it, right. But telling Arlong to drop him in the sea is such a fucked up thing to do. I can only think that she has faith that one of the crew would go and save him. That has to be it, right?

Nami changing into a slinkier outfit when she goes back to Arlong's crew is Noted.

And there's Sanji, diving into the water to save Luffy, a guy he literally just met. Did he realize that Luffy couldn't swim?

Garp makes his stupid little speech wearing his stupid little dog hat. What is with these ppl wearing animals on their head?

Helmeppo looking over at Koby when he hears about the new plan bc he's caught the friendship bug and it's given him a bad case of feelings

Luffy going to Zoro at his lowest moment to say 'i need you right now. I need you back' is so pure. And of course Zoro wakes up for him

Love me a man who wears a full suit to join his new pirate crew. And when he has a beautiful, emotional goodbye with his father figure? Sanji cries and I cry and we all cry about found families.

The return of Buggy! Poor Sanji is standing at the back, prob wondering what the fuck he's gotten himself into

I'm saving the last two episodes for tomorrow. And once I've finished season one, I'll prob go back to watching the anime. I was at episode 60 I think

Onwards and upwards

[missmungoe]

Ma'am you deserve a whole field ⚘🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷⚘

From the next chapter of Tideswept, since you’re always killing me with your beautiful illustrations from that story (and since the last one you did was of Makino in her underthings and his coat, this moment felt appropriate):

He was leaving.

And what was she doing, letting him?

Turning from the bed, she strode towards the wardrobe, the long hem of her nightgown flaring as she ripped open the doors.

Perhaps the old woman had been right, and she’d worn the wrong armour after all.

“Makino?” Koala asked, as she began pulling on her boots, the slip of formal address betraying her surprise, but Makino wasn’t listening.

Finished lacing up her boots, she drew out his coat, the heavy fabric settling over her shoulders as she slipped her arms through the wide sleeves, the flimsy ribbons of the nightgown beneath the only thing between it and her bare skin, and turning to Koala, “Don’t wait up for me,” Makino said, before she strode for the door. Stunned, Koala didn’t stop her.

The palace corridors were dark, but then it was too early for even the servants to be up, although arriving in the kitchens found an exception.

Zeff looked up as she entered, busy perusing a list under the light of an oil lamp, but then she’d gathered from the other night that he started work before the rest of his staff.

His brows lifted under his chef’s hat, his braided whiskers quirking a bit as he got a better look at her, and the heavy captain’s coat over her nightgown, her modesty preserved only by the grace of the gods, but stubbornly prim, Makino only nodded a greeting, striding through the kitchen to the door at the end, and her fingers had closed around the handle when his voice stopped her,

“Turn right once you clear the wall.”

Looking over her shoulder found his eyes on the list, as Zeff said, “Follow the road until it forks, then take the left path past the market. It’s the quickest route to the harbour. And the safest.”

The last was said with a pointed glance, and she wondered then if he’d heard about the other night, and while anyone else might have stopped her, or at least insisted on an escort, she felt suddenly, fiercely appreciative of the silent allowance.

Her smile brimmed, and she hoped he heard it, as, “Thank you,” Makino said.

Zeff only inclined his head, and letting herself out, she didn’t look back as she ran across the palace grounds to the walls, following the same path they had that first night, back when they’d been no more than strangers, and while they still were in so many ways, they were also husband and wife. Partners, only she was no longer content with that designation.

She made it across the grounds without being spotted, climbing through the hole, her heart in her throat as she considered the street below, but then without him to catch her the drop was considerably longer than she remembered. But she landed on her feet, his heavy coat brushing the cobblestones as she straightened, the rush of adrenaline leaving her dizzy.

Loguetown looked different in the dark, but at least it wasn’t pouring this time, and following Zeff’s instructions, she made her way down towards the harbour, and East Blue where she lay sleeping. With the ball over and the attendants retired to their lodgings, the harbour was quiet, and if any of the deck hands smoking at the docks noticed her, she’d passed before they could do a double-take.

His ship lay where she’d left it that morning, the red lanterns on deck glowing faintly through the mist that had crept in from the sea. And it didn’t look any less intimidating than it had the first time she’d stood here, drenched to the bone in her nightclothes, but she wondered at her courage now, approaching it alone, but then in that moment, Makino didn’t think anything could have stopped her.

And anyway; she was queen. And if the ship was her king’s preferred seat, that made it hers, too.

Walking up the gangway, she saw the second the watch noted her arrival, as Fen scrambled to his feet in the crow’s nest, but didn’t give him the chance to choke out his surprise before she was striding across the deck and up the steps to the deckhouse, to pull open the door to the galley.

His crew was gathered within, an after-party on the heels of the ball, their voices and laughter rushing out with the light through the open doorway, just as every head within turned towards her, and the whole compartment went dead quiet.

A stunned beat passed, before they all scrambled to their feet. “Your Majesty!”

Had it been any other time, Makino would have told them the formality wasn’t necessary, but getting a look at their faces, wondered if she’d shocked them so much it was a knee-jerk reaction.

She watched as they took her in, more rogue than queen with her loose hair and their captain’s coat over her underthings; the same she’d looked the night they’d first met, except this time she’d left her shyness at the palace with her clothes, and her gaze didn’t waver now, her chin held high as she looked across the crowded compartment, and it was undoubtedly a queen who spoke, as Makino said calmly, “The king.”

For a beat, all they did was stare at her, before a hundred hands lifted to point in the direction of his cabin, and nodding her thanks, she strode through the galley, the pirates seated on the nearest benches moving to let her pass. Their wide eyes followed her, their mouths parted and their hands slack around their tankards, and shutting the door behind her, she might have expected an uproar, but it was dead silent, and despite her nerves, felt a curious flutter of self-satisfaction.

It helped, because then she was standing before his cabin door.

Her heart was pounding, her formerly calm breaths hitching as it hit her suddenly where she was, and what she’d done. And just a week ago she couldn’t have imagined herself ever doing something like this, but here she was, a wife, and a queen, and now a rover as well, at least if her plan succeeded.

Firming her lips, Makino let out her breath, before she turned the handle.

He was standing before his desk, his broad back turned towards her. He was still in the clothes he’d worn for the ball, although he’d taken off his coat and crown, his right shirtsleeve rolled up past his elbow. A glass of whiskey sat beside his hand, the gleam of his wedding band catching in the light of the lamp mounted above the desk.

Shutting the door behind her, Shanks didn’t turn towards her, only asked, “What is it?”

Makino didn’t answer, only steeled herself, and watched as he turned his head, only for the eyes behind his reading glasses to widen.

[rorywritesjunk]

Okay I just have been thinking of Windy's ol' captain coming for a visit, wanting to make sure she's been taken care of by that dumb merchant who they briefly took hostage when they took over their ship and who fell in love at first sight with the pirate who was ready to kill him. (Windy kind of had love at first sight as well but she wasn't about to falter during a raid)

So Zeff and the crew show up unannounced, he knows where she's living, they still communicate, and when he walks up to their home and pounds on the door, he expects to see his old friend but instead is met by a tiny child with blonde hair and freckles who's looking between him and the state of his boots and oh, they had a kid and his boots are just a little... Gross right now.

And that's how Zeff met Sunny who decided he was funny and had a cool mustache and followed after him during his entire stay like a baby duck. He managed to arrive in time for her birthday which when he saw the cake Blue made, Zeff was offended on behalf of Sunny and Windy, wondering how that man could even consider that tiny little cake a proper one for his daughter's birthday. (Blue was a little offended but when Windy cut into it and pointed out that, hey, honey, this thing isn't even cooked all the way through, then Blue decided fine, someone else could make the cake)

And Sunny earns the nickname "Little Duck" from Zeff after she follows him all around the kitchen, to his ship for some supplies (he has to carry her back to the house on his shoulders because she's five and can only keep up with his stride for so long), and even out to get fresh ingredients.

Of course the name Red Legged Zeff is legendary in its own right, but people don't really believe it's him when he's holding the hand of a tiny child and walking through the market with a basket full of vegetables, bread, and a toy duck he bought for his new little crewmate.

[oh-dameron]

If you ask Sanji for fashion advice he'll nail it every time because he can see the beauty in everyone else and how to showcase it. It's dressing himself that is a fucking Problem. When Zeff essentially forced him to pick out some clothes that weren't chefs whites he settled on suits because that's what the classy male customers on the Baratie tended to wear. A black suit, crisp shirt and tie: a straightforward, elegant uniform that he doesn't have to agonise over every day.

Putting together an outfit that isn't a suit is a fucking ordeal, and it's at least half because when he doesn't feel like wearing a suit he's thinking longingly about clothes he can't picture himself in without flinching.

On hot days when he's put aside his blazer and rolled up his sleeves he daydreams about how comfortable it would be in the flowing, drapey fabric of a sundress. He winds up with a collection of appaling aloha print shirts instead.

Robin dresses to please herself, and that often involves skirts that are almost scandalously short. Sometimes she wears stockings with a cheeky peek of garter lace showing, sometimes her long, gorgeous legs are bare. Sometimes she wears outrageous stiletto boots that come all the way up to her thighs. Sanji thinks he could kick through the whole Red Line in those boots. He settles for shorts and feels kind of self-concious about his hairy legs.

When the limited excitement of choosing what colour tie to pair with which shirt gets stale he imagines how much fun it would be to mix bold colours and patterns with abandon like Nami does. He finds the loudest pieces in his closet and puts them together: yellow trousers, orange jacket, a polka-dot shirt. It's... not the same. He wears it anyway.

Why are there so many ZoSan fics out there where Zoro's fashion sense is the butt of the joke when we all know that of the two, Zoro is the one who has consistently served fire fits every arc and Sanji has grabbed the brightest thing he could find to wear while getting dressed in the dark?

Like... 👀 I'm just saying.

[aneenasevla]

The Heavy Bakery - Kanami Profile

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Name: Kanami Oomori (“she who has the power to help”) Her “romanized name” while she was in USA was Kassia. 

Age: Late 20’s (27)

Birthday: 25/10 (Scorpio)

Height: 1,70 (5′7′’)

Weight: 70kg (154 pounds)

Description: Buff woman, amazon-type, with nice face and hips. Straight caramel hair color. Has green eyes descripted as “like acid”, “that make holes in your soul”.

Hobbies: Practice Muay-Thai and Boxing, Running or Strolling through the park, taking some photos. At home she likes to try new recipes while listening to music and singing. Has a all-black gold-eyed cat called Medeyami (lit. “Darnkess with eyes”), Mede-chan for shorts.

Ocupation: Owner and Cook of a small but prosperous bakery, next to Yamashita Co’s Block, called OomoiBekari (”The Heavy Bakery”). Specialized in breakfast/brunch, cakes, sweets and shakes/smoothies. They thought of also selling ice cream, but gave up on that.

Trivia: 

Actually Bissexual, but prefer men.

Some of the nicknames her friends give her are She-hulk (by Hiro), Gentle Giant (by Tomori, although she is not giant) and The Amazon (by Lihito and the four idiots).

 Lived for 5 years in USA with her parents, and was in university at that time there.

Likes comfortable clothes, but in the feminine side. Hates high heels tho, because make her even taller and menacing that she usually is. Prefer combat-type boots.

Half Japanese Half American, and was actually her mother side who gave her the buff biotype.

Does not stand back from injustice and have opinions as strong as her fists. Has a command voice too, when needed. 

Is graduated in Culinary arts, specialized in Pastries, but loves everything about cooking and preparing meals, even non-orthodox ones, like game meat and foraging-type meals.

Because of that, her favourite character in OP is Zeff Red-Leg, Sanji’s adoptive father, and a little of Sanji himself because of identification with his cooking skills.

Has a kink for Himbos. Some friends call her “dumbsexual” but not true, it’s the innocence-airhead-vibes that always get her protection instincts on fire. (I WANT TO PROTECC THIS S/O SO BADLY!)

Can’t handle alcohol so well. Gets sloppy and angry. No good. 

Has a soft side and is protective with all people she likes, regardless of her own safety. 

She lived in a discrict quite close of the “Inside”, and because of that, her family was constantly bothered by bandits and mafia, even having to pay “taxes” for protection. She always were frustrated, that’s why she learned to fight, because she wanted to protect everyone and to have no need to low her head for douchebags anymore.

Allies/Friends: 

Hiroki Takeshi, takes care of the cash register, is Kanami’s friend since high school. He’s a charming, jokester, flamboyant guy but with a sincere personality, sometimes he can be a little nosy. Charismatic but tends to be manipulative. Gay. Calls her by Kana-chan (or Kanny). Have a evil and cunning smile that granted him the nickname “Satan’s Spawn” by Kanami. Not-so-Secretly has a green thumb and lots of plants at home.

Tomori Uta, another cook of the Bakery. Is also 27 and made Gastro as Kana, but in Japan instead of USA. She’s actually descripted as “cute and shortie” woman. Is a Hiper fan of Professional Fights as MMA, Wrestling and UFC, and “eats beefy men for breakfast”, as Hiro jokes. Acts like a Fangirl sometimes, but that runs strong in her family. Calls her by Kana-kun ou Kana-chan (Kana). As Herself having a sweet tooth, her speciality are cookies and little sweets/candies.

Jiki Paikon, the Janitor. Misterious middle-age man, always drinking and sleeping in workin’ hours, but as he is always doing his job (no one knows how), they leave him be. Calls her by Oomori-sama (Miss Oomori)

Tomoyo Haruhi, the waitress. Soft, cute and chill girl, 16 years, at high school. Works part-time and loves to stroll everywhere with her roller-skates, even inside the Bakery (which is in theme with the 50′s vibes of the bakery). Calls her by Oomori-san or Kanami-san (Miss Oomori or Miss Kanami).

Kanami:

The Bakery workers

Some sketches of their shennannigans:

Heavy Bakery floor plant sketch:

And has this vibe of decorarion: 

  That’s all you need to know about my Kenganverse Oc’s before we start the Fanfiction =)

Back to MasterPost

[bleachanimefan1]

King And Queen Of The Pirates

Chapter Twenty, Protect Baratie! The Great Pirate, Red Foot Zeff!

"You can't be serious!?" A chef shouted in disbelief.

"If all of those pirates get their strength back, the restaurant will be completely taken over!" Another one shouted as well.

"That would be true, if they still have the will to fight," Zeff said looking at Krieg. "Tell me, did your will survive defeat?"

"That can't be..." A chef's mouth dropped in shock.

"The great Don Krieg was defeated?" One chef said in disbelief as well.

"Not even HE could do it. A pirate with 50 ships couldn't even make it to the Grand Line!" Another one shouted.

"The Grand Line?!" Luffy and Aya shouted in surprise at the same time.

"It is you isn't it? Your Red Foot Zeff!" Krieg exclaimed, staring at the old chef in shock. "So you are alive, the unrivaled pirate captain who was also the ship's cook."

"Yes, that's right I'm still alive. But, what does any of this have got to do with you?" Zeff told him. "I haven't been a pirate for many years now. I've chose the life of a cook. "

"Hahaha! Chose the life a cook, huh? Yeah, right. You didn't have a choice, old man." Krieg laughed. "You live as a cook because the only thing that you can be now is a cook. He was known far and wide, Red Foot Zeff was a master of deadly kicks who never used his hands in battle." He continued to explain.

"It was said that his mighty legs would crush bedrock into sand and leave footprints on solid steel. Red Foot referred to his boots which became soaked with the blood of his enemies as he beat them down. You know, it really is a pity now that you don't have that precious let of yours. I heard that rumor sometime ago. How unlucky for you to have such an accident at sea. Now, that your greatest weapon has been sacrificed to sea, your defenseless, completely unable to fight! "

"I don't need to fight anymore," Zeff stated. "I'm a cook. As long as I have my two hands for that, I'll be just fine. Enough chit chat, let's get to the point what do you want from me?"

"Red Foot, your the one who saw the perilous waters of the Grand Line then came back unscathed. Impressive, there should be a log book detailing your tactics, a full year of your journey there. Give it to me now!" Krieg demanded. "And the key As well!"

"I don't know what nonsense you're spouting out, but you are not getting my necklace!" Aya threatened him.

"Your necklace is one of the keys to getting into One Piece. Don't tell me that you didn't know!?" Krieg laughed. "So you've been gallivanting the seas and you didn't even have a clue! You're a sad excuse for a pirate!"

"I'll show you!" Aya growled, ready to charge at him. But, Zeff grabbed her by the neck of her shirt holding her back.

"Don't be foolish!" He hissed, scolding Aya.

"Whoa, so is he saying that you've been to the Grand Line too, pops?!" Luffy asked Zeff turning to him.

"Yeah. So, my log book, huh? You're right I do indeed have a record of my travels," Zeff said. "But, I will never hand it over to you. You ignorant brute! That log book is sacred to me, it's the pride of the crewmen that I've sailed with! It's far to important to give to you!"

"Alright, I'll take it," Krieg replied. "It's true that the Grand Line beat me. Still I will never give up on it! I am Don Krieg! I'm the end it's just another ocean. I had enough weapons and men and ambitions, regrettably the only thing I lacked was information. I just didn't know enough. But, now I'll fix all that. Once I have your log book, I'll form another pirate fleet and seize the legendary One Piece! Then I will stand as ruler as this great pirate era!"

"Now, hold on! It's me who's going to be king of the pirates!" Luffy interrupted.

"Wait! Don't be such an idiot!" Patty shouted at Luffy. "You better back off, choreboy!"

"No way, not from this!" Luffy smirked, stepping up to Krieg.

"Did you say something, kid?" Krieg said. "I won't allow that type if stupidity again. "

"On yeah, well stupid or not, I'm just stating the facts as they are!" Luffy smiled.

"This isn't a game," Krieg growled, annoyed.

"Yeah, I know but I'm still gonna conquer the Grand Line!" Luffy stated.

"As will I!" Aya smirked. "I'm going to be queen of the pirates!"

"No, you won't! It's true that we didn't have the information that we needed, but my crew of over 5000 men was wiped out in just seven days, you brats! That sea is hell!" Krieg shouted.

"Don Krieg's fleet were wiped out in seven days?!" A chef exclaimed in shock.

"Unfortunately, I don't find your smart-assery remarks very amusing," Krieg told the two twins. "If you insist on this foolish behavior I'll crush you right here and right now!"

"Go ahead if you can!" Aya taunted.

"I can and I will! It will be my pleasure to send you to an early grave, you cocky runt!" Krieg shouted.

"What's going on, Luffy? You need a hand?" Zoro smirked. Everyone in the room heard the swordsman's voice and turned their heads to see him and Usopp standing at the top of the stairs.

"If you don't need help that's okay too!" Usopp said, shaking a little.

"Did you get lost and end up on the roof?" Aya said in a teasing time of voice, smirking. Zoro blushed.

"No! I did not!" He argued. Luffy smiled, looking up at the two.

"Oh hey guys, appreciate the offer but I got it from here," Luffy told them.

"Oh, too bad, but if you say that you don't need any help who am I to argue!" Usopp shouted but also shaking from head to toe nervously. "Us awesome fighters are just going to sit this one out. Holler if you need us!" Zoro whacked him the his head.

"Whatcha do that for, Zoro!?" Usopp shouted, angrily.

"Shut up already, you weirdo." Zoro shoved him slightly.

"Are those two guys your crew?" Krieg smirked, unimpressed. "That's a pretty small group you got there, kid."

"But that's not all, I got two more!" Luffy told him.

"I'm not apart of your crew!" Sanji shouted at him.

"I'll deal with you later. Right now, I'm going to feed my men," Krieg said. "Those of you who do not wish to die can leave the restaurant now can escape that fate. The only things that I'm after are the log book, the key and this ship. However, if you wish to stay and be slaughtered I have no problem burying every last one of you at sea, know that.

Outside from the restaurant, the two bounty hunters, Johnny and Yosaku, and Nami were waiting on the Merry.

"It just got real quiet," Yosaku said .

"If big bro Zorro is in there then everything should be fine," Johnny replied.

"Yeah, I know but what if it's not?" Yosaku asked.

"Good point. Big sis Nami, should we go in there too?" Johnny asked her. "What do ya think?"

"Big sis?" Yosaku asked. But, he received no response from her as well.

"Hey, are you okay?" Johnny asked. Nami noticed the two were talking to her and she quickly turned around, hiding the wanted poster of the shark man, clutching it tightly behind her back.

"Hmm? Yeah I'm fine! Is something wrong?"

"I'm so sorry, Sanji, I never thought that it would be this way," Gin said.

"You have nothing to apologize for, sir," Zeff told Gin. "Every cook in this restaurant did what they thought was right. That's all there is to say about that."

"Boss, why are you acting as if your taking Sanji's side!?" Patty shouted. "This mess is his fault!"

"He's right! Sanji's is responsible for this whole damn thing!" One chef pitched in.

"Yeah boss! That man's going to put your precious restaurant out of business!" Another one shouted as well.

"YOU FOOLS DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT! NONE OF YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE ON THE BRINK OF STARVATION! TO HAVE NO FOOD OR WATER ON THE OPEN OCEAN!THERE IS NO WAY THAT YOU CAN POSSIBLY UNDERSTAND! WHAT A TERRIFYING PROSPECT THAT IS! IT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT SITUATION A MAN COULD EVER FACE!" Zeff roared out enraged.

"What? I don't know what you're talking about, Chef Zeff?" Patty asked.

"The difference between all of you and Sanji, is that Sanji knows." Zeff told them. "If all you're going to do is stand around here grumbling, then leave this place and never come back." Aya glanced over at Sanji. So he's been there in that situation before? I wonder what happened for him to be in that situation?

"I got one is going to stand and fight! I couldn't live with myself if I accepted defeat!" A chef shouted.

"I'm staying too!" One chef shouted. "After all, this is our restaurant,isn't it?!"

"That's right! And this place is all I've got too!" Another one shouted as well.

"What are you doing?!" Gin exclaimed. "You saw how powerful Don is, right?"

"Hey, Gin, listen up cause I'm only going to say this once," Sanji explained to him. He walked over to a table and kicked it flipping it right side up and sat down on it. "Feeding someone who is hungry is my sacred moral duty. But, now that your crew his well fed I have no obligations with you. With a clean conscious, I can beat every last one into a bloody pulp. If anyone tries to take the restaurant, they're dead. I'll kill them without a moment's hesitation. Got that?"

"You're a real headcase, Sanji," Patty smirked. "Letting them live then threatening to kill them?"

"Can it, cook." Sanji growled at him.

"See! This guy's awesome!" Luffy smiled.

"Who cares how awesome he is!? We gotta get out of here right now!" Usopp shouted.

"Easy there, Luffy. It is Don Krieg but he's in pretty sad to shape," Zoro told him.

"Hey Gin, you said that you didn't know anything about the Grand Line. But, you've been there? That's doesn't make any sense." Luffy questioned him.

"That's because he lied," Aya frowned, answering for him.

"What?! Why would he do that?" Luffy asked, confused.

"You can be so dense sometimes," Aya sighed.

"Nothing makes any sense now," Gin started to sweat nervously. He had a haunted look in his eyes, recalling the memory from the back of his mind he tried to suppress. "What happened to us on our seventh day of our journey through that cursed sea. I didn't know if it was a dream or reality. But, I was things that's hard to believe. I knew that in my heart that it was impossible. That an entire 50 ship fleet would be completely eradicated by a single man." He continued to explain.

"It all happened so fast. As soon as this man appeared, he began to systematically sink our ships one after another. If that raging storm didn't come upon us when it did, then that monster would have destroyed our flag ship as well. Not a single ship had made it out. It all seemed like terrible nightmare burned into my memory. I just want to forget. His eyes...they were like a hawks, sharp and murderous. His gaze alone felt like cold hand of death!"

"What did you just say?" Zoro's mouth dropped slightly in shock.

"Well, then that can only be one known as Hawkeye," Zeff explained. "Your description of his heartless gaze is proof of his identity and himself. But, the way he decimated your fleet confirms without a doubt that it's him."

"Hawkeye Mihawk!" Zoro shouted in disbelief.

"Zoro, do you know him?" Aya asked.

"Yeah, I do. He's the man I've been looking for," Zoro told her. "Hawkeye is the guy who's the whole reason I set out to sea."

"He sounds like a badass," Aya said, smirking. Then she turned to Gin. "Did that man have some kind of score to settle with you guys?"

"We didn't do anything to him!" Gin told them.

"Perhaps you disturbed him during a nap?" Zeff asked.

"Stupid cook! Why would he destroy an entire fleet for something so trivial?!" Gin shouted.

"There's no reason to shout, it's just an example," Zeff smirked. "I'd thought you want some friendly advice on what kind of a place the Grand Line is."

"And what kind of a place is that?" Aya asked.

"He probably means that anything can happen there," Zoro replied. Usopp's body began trembling, shaking nervously.

"Hey, Luffy! Do we really really have to go there?!" Usopp asked the straw hat captain. But, he received no answer from him. "Luffy?"

"That's so awesome! This is going to be such a blast!" Luffy shouted, excitedly.

"Do you understand the concept of danger?!" Sanji shouted.

"Fine then, my life's goal will be achieved on the Grand Line," Zoro explained. "My rival, is out there somewhere and I'm going to find him!"

"Are you that stupid? It's idiots like you guys who end up dead," Sanji said.

"That may be true, but lay off the name calling," Zoro said. "I devoted my entire life into becoming the world's greatest swordsman. I made my choice so I'm the only one who gets to call them stupid."

"So, you think I'm stupid?" Aya frowned. Zoro's eyes widened.

"What? No! I never said that you were!" He sputtered, defensively.

"Hey! What about me?!" Luffy asked.

"Me too! Right? I mean, it only seems fair!" Usopp added in.

"Shut up, stupid." Zoro told him.

"What morons..." Sanji murmured.

"Enough! Do any of you maggots understand the current situation? That enormous galleon lured in front of our dear little restaurant is none other than Don Krieg's flag ship! So why don't we check back into reality and deal with this!?" Patty shouted.

"Hey guys, look's like they're making their move," Aya said. everyone looked out the windows to see the huge ship advancing slowly towards the restaurant. But, for some strange reason, Krieg's ship stopped. Suddenly, it was split in half by an unknown force as it was demolished.

"What the-!" Luffy shouted, surprised.

"Raise the anchor or we'll sink along with them!" Zeff told a chef.

"Yes, sir!" The chef nodded.

"Wait, Nami and the guys are still on the ship out there!" Zoro shouted. Zoro ran out as did Luffy, Aya and Hello along with the other cooks and Sanji, seeing the damaged pieces of Krieg's ship scattered everywhere.

"Hey big bro!" Yosaku shouted.

"Big bro!" Johnny shouted.

"Yosaku! Johnny!" Aya called out, running over to them, the others did as well.

"Are you okay?!" Luffy shouted.

"What happened to the ship? Where's Nami, is she okay?!" Zoro the two bounty hunters.

"I'm sorry, big bro. I don't know how to say this but, she's gone! Big sis Nami!" Johnny shouted.

"She took all of the treasure and sailed away!" Yosaku shouted as well.

"SHE DID WHAT?!" Luffy, Aya, Zoro and Usopp all screamed out at the same time.

As the waves began to settle, Zoro noticed something else sailing in the water. Krieg's crew began panic in fear. Zoro's eyes widen in shock. In the small boat with an eerie green flame, there was a man. on his back, there was a large black sword that resembled a cross encrusted with some jewels on it. He had short black hair, a beard, mustache, and sideburns that pointed upwards. He was wearing a dark wide brimmed hat with a large plume hanging off the side. Hanging around his neck, was a small golden cross, a long opened black coat, shirtless, with red flower designs on the sleeves and collar, and light purple pants held up with a decorative buckle and long black boots.

However, what stood out the most, was the man's golden yellow eyes, that looked like a hawk's. Sharp and piercing.

"That man is...!"

"No! That bastard! He followed us back!" Krieg exclaimed.

"It's him...he's here," Zoro said. "Hawkeye!"