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There were many options that could've been better than One Piece. Like Harry Potter, Lookism, uh, Naruto? Not Naruto, well, it would be better, since she knows it more then One Piece. She watched all of Naruto, even if it has been a couple years. At least, she watched it.Her knowledge of One Piece was fucking horrible and she only realized as she woke up as Black Leg Sanji. Or Vinsmoke if his memories were right. And she had a new found hatred for all of those bastards. Jean had thought his last name or his title was Black Leg after his father, Red Leg Zeff. Maybe ignoring most of her old classmate's rant was really rude and this was some godly Karma. She didn't think she ignore them that much, honestly, she knew most of the Strawhats, some of their abilities.She even knew that her future partner or Sanji's future partner was a swordman named Zoro with green hair and terrible sense of direction. Only now, she looked up at the man who glared down at her, Zeff wasn't his bio father. No, he was Sanji's adopted father and they just met in a shipwreck of all places. The two of them were stuck on a little island or a really big rock. It was the first day and she had no clue on what to do. He gave her a bag of food, telling her it was hers and he had his only supplies. Sitting off to the side, hugging her bag of food, she watched the waves.They will get off this island soon, right?They both survived and lived, the bag of food was enough for a week. Probably two or three if she skipped meals and slept most of the time. It was like when she was sixteen again.The first thing she ate was the bread, one roll to hold off the hunger. It was a bit soggy and salty. Jean would be okay.-x-On day three, she started paying attention to the man. He was a big man, easily three times her size and the bows in his mustache caught her eye. "Why do you braid your mustache?""Mind your own business, little brat." He huffed, not looking at her. She huffed louder, turning back around to watch the ocean. How many more days until they can leave?Sanji's memories were slowly became more clear. His mother, the helmet. Then the All Blue.Jean tried her best to pull up anything about it. About the All Blue sea, because it had to be true. This place had mermaids, giants and little elves. It's not so surprising that there was a place where the four seas meet. There were places in her world where two seas met, so clearly one was saltwater and the other freshwater. Anime logic could make it so four met.-x-Day five, she had only ate a bunch of grapes and more bread with a bit of lime. Her food supplies was still enough for her not to panic. But her young body couldn't handle hunger, growling and a bit of pain showing up. Jean or Sanji had gotten over the disgust of drinking puddle water. It was too hot and she is sweating too much, death from thirst sound terrible. "Have you heard of the All Blue?" She asked him, voice a bit strain. It has been almost two days of no talking. It was weird, hearing how different her new voice was. It was lower than what her own kid voice had been. Hers was always high-pitched, her music teacher always said she sounded like bells. (It wasn't an insult like she thought at the beginning, no, her music teacher liked her singing. Even got her into the school choir when she finally got to middle school.)He didn't answer and she was okay with that, she was used to be ignored. So Sanji talked and talked about it, wonder outloud about what type of fish could be there. Wonder if some of the animals had grown used to another type of sea because of being there. Wonder if some of them swim back and forth, uncaring of the changing water.Did they taste different? Would it be a good difference or would it be worse? Harder to cook?-x-Day eleven, her bag of food had started growing bad. So Sanji started eating the bad food. Swallowing the aging and slightly moldy vegetables with a wrinkled nose. They were so..soft, yuck.She had tried to dry the thinner and smaller fruits and vegetables. It worked for the most part, so she saved those for the very last. The dried food was very crude and not done properly so they wouldn't last much longer than usually. They didn't get mold as fast, so good enough for her."Here, eat this." She didn't care that he looked at her like a idiot. Pushing the bruised apple in his hands, she sat besides him as she painfully ate the smushy grapes. "If I live, I am gonna find the All Blue. It might take until I am old and wrinkly like you and the apple, but I am gonna find it and cook a bunch of food and feast for days.""I ain't wrinkly, you little shit." He muttered, cheeks had lost a bit of it's flesh. Hers did too, she thought as she touched them. Her stomach growled, pain twisting, throwing the last grape into her mouth, she chewed it angrily. "A runt like you would die before you even reach the grand line.""Screw you, old man, I will make it." She vowed glaring at him, the original did, he joined the future Pirate King's crew and one day, she would too. "Eat the apple or I am throwing it off this stupid rock."-x-Day twenty, she only had potatoes and onions left over. Keeping them in the shade and dry. They hadn't gone too bad, but dragging out her food this long was shitty.She cried as she ate half of a onion, the other half for tomorrow, why hasn't anyone sailed past them yet?-x-Day thirty, she ate the last of her food. Zeff didn't say anything about her sobbing. -x-Day thirty two, she crawled to Zeff, curling up against his back as it started to rain. Unable to smell the rotting as she passed out. -x-Day forty, she found out about his leg. Holding onto him, she begged him not to die on her. She was scared of being alone."PLEASE! PLEASE, I STILL NEED YOU!!"-x-Day fifty(??), most of her days were spent sleeping now. Sometimes, she would wake up curled up by Zeff's side, others she would be moved back to her orignal spot.-x-Day sixty, she spotted a ship in the distance. Zeff was passed out, even when she screamed and cried from them to notice them, he didn't wake up.Scrambling, she grabbed the biggest and shiniest treasure from his bag. Her hands trembled as if it weighted a hundred pounds as she held it up. The sun shone on it, reflecting the light off it. She swayed, nearly stumbling off the edge. A large rough hand grabbed her as she cried.They didn't see her or hear her.-x-Seventy two, Jean was preparing herself for death again. Looking at the sea blankly. She could end it, end the pain."We will make it out, little brat."She would wait for the old man to die first.-x-It took her a couple days, but she placed a few shiny treasures onto rocks around them.-x-
-Brat, brat, wake up- have to-brat..please.

-x-

-come on-just a bit more-gotta see the All Blue, remember?

-x-

I wanted to find it too-my crew, we weren't good people-dreams, we had those too.

Suppose to find it together-karma-we didn't think the storm would be so bad.

-x-

I don't know why-at least, I found you-a bit stupid.
-x-Sanji blinked his eyes opened as clean water slowly dripped into his mouth. A gentle woman smiled at him, relief. Safe, he was safe."I got you, baby boy, you and your daddy. Don't worry, Captain Ivan is a kind man.""D-Dad?" He choked out, she must have mistook his confusion as concern."Yeah, our doctor is checking out his leg."-x-Sanji woke up to Zeff sitting in a bed next to his. They were in a medic room, Big enough for three small beds and a desk with some medicine crap that he couldn't name right now."Old man?" He called weakly, Zeff looked at him with a smirk. "Fuck you.""You little shit, wait until I can get up from this bed!""Calm down, you might get a heart attack.""I ain't that old!!""Your crappy attitude aged you that badly?""Get over here-"She laughed, tears sliding her face. They lived, they lived!-x-When they dropped off at a island, Zeff was prepared to give her half of the treasure before leaving her behind. When the man told her the news, she kicked his remaining shin with no mercy. "IN YOUR DREAMS, OLD MAN! I'M YOUR PROBLEM NOW!! NO REFUNDS!""What the fuck do you mean no refunds?!?! I ain't taking care of a brat like you!" He hit her head, making her grunt with pain."You saved me, so that means I am your problem now! SO STOP TALKING ABOUT LEAVING ME BEHIND!" She headbutt his stomach, making him bend over in pain. "This is called a forceful adoption, old man! Accept your fate like I DID!""I am gonna make your life hell, little brat!""I am gonna make your life worse than hell!""HA! I will make yours ten times worse!"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Maybe the old man did make her life hell.Adopting meant training in his mind. Not only cooking but in the way he fights. Her classmate did say something about Sanji using only legs when fighting. She had foolishly thought it wasn't a choice.
"Hands are important to a chef, they are one of the most important tools. You treat them with the utmost care, little brat-are you even listening to me?! Stop eating the ingredients, you little shit!"
In the only way a kid can make you uncomfortable and clueless on what to do, she showed affection openly to him. As a form of pay back, obviously. She was a grown woman underneath the nine year old face after all. She wasn't searching for fatherly love in a asshole like Zeff. After cooking, she would purposely give him the first serving of her food, would wait for him to take a bite before she did. Looking up at him, she would make her eyes wide as if waiting for his praise.He hadn't realized it was meant to be a sign of affection.He carefully tasted the chicken fried rice. "Your control of fire is still horrible, parts of it is overcooked and others undercook.Your seasoning needs some work.""Damn." She sighed as she took a bite, can't even get mad. He was right. "I will eat it-""Fuck off, brat, a twig like you can't  finish this pot by yourself." He grabbed his bowl with a disgruntled look. She huffed, chasing after him with her own bowl in hand."I can too! Give it back! Your old stomach can't handle shitty food like this!""I got a iron stomach! I can eat anything!""Yeah, right! Stop acting tough! You gonna get stomach cramps!""I ain't that goddamn old, you little shit!"-x-The next plan of 'Operation: Kill 'em with kindness', was  physical affection.When the next training session was over. Instead of running to the showers like usual, she stood in front of him with a serious face. Mentally trying to pump herself to continue with the plan. He looked down at her, amused with a bit of questioning."Legs ain't working?"She scowled, before she leaped forward like a cat would onto its prey. Zeff stepped back, tense as her arms failed to wrap around his frame. She buried her face into his stomach, the faint smell of his 'smokey forest' soap was nice even if she thinks the name is stupid."Brat?" He sounded concern, which was stupid. She is just hugging him. Nothing to be concerned over. "Alright, that's enough." He lift her up by her shirt, leaving her hanging like a kitten from its parent's mouth."Stupid old man." She grumbled, tears definitely not streaming down her face. She wasn't going to be a crybaby in this lifetime too. That's so lame. "Put me down before I beat you up."Anger replaced his concern, a scowl on his face as he dropped her down on the ground. She landed on her feet, barely moving in time to dodge his peg leg. She was not able to dodge the second swing."Ouch! Are you trying to give me brain damage?!  Whose going to take care of you when you are only bones and wrinkles if I am a vegetable!?!""Tch, you would kill me in two days anyways with the crap you call cooking!""Fuck you! I AM STILL LEARNING!"Plan two failed. She thought angrily as she scrubbed her body in the shower, the mud from the puddle she got kicked into, swirling down the drain. Asshole.-x-They eventually found a shipwright and a boat builder who works together to build a restaurant boat.Which. Was. So. Freaking. Cool.They stayed on the island while it was getting built, Zeff selling food with a stand and Sanji was the cutest cashier and waiter that this island has even seen. He knew he was cute with his black suit and adorable smile.The elderly ladies pinched his face and made sure he knew he was a little gentleman in the making. The women smiled at him and called him cute. He was on cloud ninety-nine with all the positive attention from the women.He thrived, smiling and laughing with them. Serving them at the tables they had nearby.The men on this island..well, they were men. Rude and self centered, jealous of a little kid. Weirdos. Their clients were mostly females or couples after a few fights. Villagers were nothing in front of trained fighters. And if he couldn't handle a couple of them, Zeff would step in.Men, blah!-x-After eleven months, their ship, their home was finally done. He looked up at the boat with awe and excitement."There she is-""Lady Baratie!" Sanji interrupted him, practically swooning over the beautiful sea foam green ship. He knew  it was sea foam, because he had picked it himself. "She's so pretty!""Not even ships are safe from your gushing." He grumbled, but still a grin pulled at his lips as he took in the ship. "She is certainly a beauty.""No, Lady Baratie is perfection!" He declared as he walked closer. He didn't step onto the ship, waiting for Zeff as he hopped and rocked back and forth on his feet. Zeff was walking so slooow!Zeff stood next to him, before he laughed loudly. "Welcome to Baratie!"-x-Sanji got his own room, with Zeff's room to the right of him and to the left of him was a room meant for one of the higher level cooks. There was four rooms that are meant for a single person, a office that was connected to Zeff's room. Two rooms for double beds and the last two rooms were a four person rooms with bunk beds.The middle floor or deck was the kitchen and supply room which was a bit empty currently. The whole ship was a bit empty,  Sanji thought dejectedly as he cleaned the restaurant which was the bottom deck. He was the lone chore boy, also, cashier..waiter.. he doesn't even get paid!Zeff had hired two cooks and one dishboy. But he forgot to hire people for the front and Sanji was stupid enough to be good at multitasking. So, he was taking his time, Baratie wasn't well known and wasn't making enough to hire someone if they didn't need to. Sanji understood that, but he didn't have to like it!He sighed as he finally finished sweeping the floors. Very tiredly, he put away the cleaning supplies before washing his hands and changed into his waiter's suit. Dragging his feet, he yawned as he unlocked the front entrance.Seeing the big ship and a rowdy crowd getting off with a red haired pirate with a missing arm leading them. He sighed loudly, slamming the door shut, flipping the sign back to closed. Bright hair like that is definitely an important character, that's like Anime 101."Brat! Let those customers in!""Uncle Patty! Tell him I got seasick suddenly!" Sanji wasn't going to do this today. He doesn't get paid for this. He doesn't even have a allowance!" Little shit! I can hear you!"Sanji pouted, maybe they left, he thought hopeful as he pulled the door open. Nope. Still there. He put on his customers service smile. "Welcome to Baratie, how many are we sitting today?"They laughed at him, like asshole pirates do when facing children's obvious misery with life. The red haired pirate smiled at him. "Do you have room for thirty people?""Yes," he smiled at him politely. Do you have room for my foot up your- "Come on, I will show you to your tables. I have to warn you, the wait time for food might be long.""It's alright." The man laughed, following Sanji.He sat them off to the side, so if they do get more customers, they would have some distance. He wasn't surprised  when they ordered alcohol and wine like heathens. It was barely seven in the morning, they were ordering breakfast. Ugh. But they were polite, compared to some of the rich fucks that thought they were better than them.Rowdy, loud, crude but the Red Haired Pirates weren't truly asses. God, her standards are so low, it's disgusting.Just as he was getting comfortable with them, making shady comments and talking back. A familiar rich fuck walked in proudly."Waiter! I have been waiting here for five minutes!""God, I pity the lady you will marry if you thought that was five minutes."  He muttered as he walked over with a polite smile. "Welcome, sorry for the wait.""Hmph, hurry up, you are wasting my time." Rich Fuck rolled his eyes as he walked passed him to the seat that he usually sits in. Thank fuck, Sanji put the pirates off to the side. He didn't want to know if Rich Fuck can throw a bitch fit, just yet.Rich Fuck was one of the only repeated customers and he tips very handsomely. He was toleranted.-x-The Red haired Pirates stayed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The first two meals were okay. No property damage or complaints from other customers.Then Rich Fuck came back with two of his friends. They were more obnoxious than Rich Fuck, how was that possible? She didn't know. Sanji's polite smile was fighting to stay alive even as she was helping Beckman-san with his wine."Waitress, this food is too salty!"
It was a losing battle.
Her hold on the wine bottle tightened briefly before she slowly breathed in. Looking at the Red Hair crew, she bowed lightly. "Enjoy your meal, sorry for the other guests. Would you like me to leave the bottle?""Yeah, go ahead." The man pat her head, smiling at her.She left, walking to the table where the two dickheads and Rich Fuck were sitting. It wasn't even his favorite table, instead of his window seat. They sat by the door."You said the meal was too salty? Sorry, would you like me take it back and get it remade?" She asked, trying to keep her hands relaxed. She was so ready to crash out and drown this asshole in his soup."No, just get me something else. Made by a different cook who actually knows what he is doing."  He sneered down at her. Rich Fuck looked at him shock, before he turned towards her with a forced smile."Actually, I think we are done here-" Rich Fuck tried his best, really."-No, we came here because you said the food is great. All we got is subpar cooking." Dickhead scoffed.Sanji stopped smiling, glaring at him. "Leave.""No, I want-"Sanji stepped back before leaping forward, kicking him in the face and sending him to the floor.The restaurant grew quiet.Sanji's last clean suit had gotten dirty. And she had to wear the pretty dress that she bought for special occasions. Dealing with the Red Hair crew was annoying, Uncle Patty's quiet insults that hit a little too close. Not to mention Zeff's silence when it happens.She was acting stupid and knows it.Stepping on his face, her pretty sea foam kitten heels dug into his cheek. "Listen here, you uncultured swine, I understand people have different likes and tastes. But to imply that the Chef, the Head chef can't cook could only mean that your taste is lacking beyond comprehension. Your taste buds must have been warped from all the ass kissing you do to Rich Fuck!"Rich Fuck made a choking sound, while Dickhead #2 snorted. The people near them laughed a bit and Sanji was so glad she can provide them entertainment."Get off me!" Dick head tried to get up but Sanji only pressed down harder."Shut up! I am only going to say this once-" she yelped as she got picked up from the back of her dress. "Fuck! Put me down, old man!""Stop beating up the guests, you little shit!" Zeff yelled as she struggled to kick him. It was a bit insulting that she failed to do so, Zeff couldn't even bother to act like her flailing inconvenienced him. "And how many times do I have to tell you don't CURSE IN FRONT OF THE GUESTS!?!""UNTIL YOU STOP TELLING ME!" She finally wrapped her legs and arms around his arm and like toddlers do when angered, she bit his arm firmly. Not enough to get blood but there were going to be marks."Fuck! Let go, brat!" He tried to pull her off."Can I get the sake I got last time?" Rich Fuck asked calmly, ignoring Dickhead who was cursing and leaving the restaurant. Dickhead 2 was laughing into his arm, like her getting swing around was amusing.The two of them stopped fighting to look at him. Sanji smiled at him, "would you like it chilled?""Yeah, can I also get the new dessert? And a plate of fruit?""Of course, anything else?" She ignored Zeff who was peeling her off with a look of disgust. When her feet touched the ground, she calmly straighten out her dress. "I would also recommend the Lola XXXX red wine instead of the sake with that dessert. Well, our patissier does. I don't drink.""Hmm, okay." He nodded. "I will have that instead.""I will put the order in." She bowed lightly before she got dragged away by Zeff. Calmly waving at the guests as they passed them.She blamed the Red Hair pirates for the extra training she received that night. Not only because their captain got her suit dirty but because they took Richie's usually seat. The table by the front entrance and Richie must be a bad combination. It has to be.(Okay, fine, they shouldn't blame someone else for it. It was after all Dickhead #1 who started it all.)-x-Standing in front of Zeff, she waited for him to start the training. It has been two weeks since that day and the Baratie got two new waiters, a older choreboy, and a new cook. She was an assistant cook when needed and cashier for most of the time.Zeff sighed, rubbing his face, "change into different clothes.""Why?" She asked, a bit confused as she looked at her clothes. Brown pants, a green shirt with a sunflower on it and regular shoes. They were normal clothes she usually wears for training."Sanji, change the shirt, I ain't training you with that on." He told her seriously.Very confused now, she frowned while looking at the shirt. "Is there something wrong with it?"He kneeled down, his hand holding her shoulder. "I don't fight or harm women. Men are supposed to protect women, they aren't supposed to kick them. And I teach through kicking. The only reason I am continuing to teach you is because I already started. If I knew you were a girl, I wouldn't have.""That's stupid, I am not a girl, I am Sanji." She huffed, before she realized what he said. "Wait, why can't you fight women? Women are generally weaker, yeah but some of them aren't! My sister used to beat my ass!" Her sisters in her past life actually but her sister in this one totally could if she wanted, it was unfair how she was the weakest sibling in both lives. "You can't let people beat you up because they are women! That's so dumb!""WHO SAID WOMEN ARE BEATING ME UP?! DO YOU THINK I AM THAT WEAK?!" Zeff stood up to glare down at her. "Don't lump me up with you, I am not a weak twig like you!""I am not weak! My sister was freakishly strong! Okay?! My fists-er, my feet are rated E!" She tried to make herself taller."Rated-E? What are you even talking about, little brat?!""E means everyone! I will even beat up a old man like you!""I am not old!""Ouch! I thought you didn't kick little girls!""Didn't you say you weren't one!!""Yeah! I wasn't then but now I am!""You little shit! You can't change genders when it benefits you!""Why not?!"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Being thirteen sucked ass, Sanji thought as he looked into the mirror. Peach fuzz, growing pains and endlessly hungry, not to mention hormones. But they aren't talking about that.Zeff stood next to him, laying out a few things on the counter. Sanji looked at them curiously. "Alright, here are the things we will need. Shaving brush, shaving soap, straight razor, aftershave and a cup, plus two towels. This is a strop, it doesn't sharpen the razor but it keeps the alignment of blade straight. You can do it before or after shaving.""Yes, sir." He nodded, watching him as he put the soap and water into the cup, using the brush to mix it up."Alright, make sure you prepare this first. Then you will strop the blade carefully."  Zeff explained as he did so, Sanji looked carefully at the way he held it. " After you get done with that, you will wet the larger towel with hot water. After wringing it out, place it on your face."Sanji felt stupid, but did it anyways.  After he got done, he had to put the shaving soap on. After Zeff showed him how to hold it and a few do's and don't's, Sanji was about to start when he got stopped by Zeff who was frowning."You know what? I am gonna shave your peach fuzz, so you know how it's supposed to feel. Then you can try it on my face."-x-
"..heh."

"Shut up, Crane or I am kicking both of you off the boat."

"Wow, did you lose a fight with a cat, Chef
?"

"...I'm gonna kill ya, Patty
."
-x-Sanji sighed, kicking her feet as she looked towards the endless ocean in front of her. As much as she likes the guys, it gets boring staying on the Baratie for weeks. Richie hasn't came over in a month since he brought his fiancée.She kinda figured they won't show up much, because Mel lived on the other side of East Blue. Richie was so smitten it was sickening sweet. He probably moved. Fuck, Sanji hopes she can find someone who loves her that much. Who looks at her with that much love and adoration."I am not going to sit here, moping." She stood up, a fire lighting up in her chest. "If I have the time to pout, I have the time to train! To become the best cook out there and the strongest!"-x-Curling up into a ball, Sanji covered himself up with a blanket. "I am not leaving this room!""It's just a pimple, brat! A part of growing up! No matter how good you take care of yourself, you are bound to get a pimple!" Zeff yelled angrily, his footsteps were heard walking back and forth in front of his door. "I told you that you are buying the vegetables and fruits two days ago! I am not letting you do what you want!""Why not? What's the point of being the Chef's kid if I can't get away with things?! You let Leon get away with more shit!" Sanji yelled, what's wrong with being a Nepo baby? Who said it was wrong? He did, before today, before the mountain appeared on his flawless skin, Sanji always did what was told and even more because he wanted to know everything about being a cook and how to run a kitchen. "How can I let Sally see me like this?!""...This is about a girl?!" Zeff opened the door, no doubt a glare on his face. "Get out of your bed, you little shit! Before I kick you off the ship with only your pajamas!""Noo! It's so ugly!" Sanji sat up, his hand covering his forehead, not even Zeff is allowed to see it. "Sally's image of me will be ruined! I won't be that cute boy anymore!""You are not! You are a damn teenager!" Zeff dragged him out of bed, Sanji started to struggle. Holding onto his bed post that was bolted down. "Get over yourself and get me the damn vegetables!""No, no, no! I am not leaving this room until this damm thing gets off my face!" Sanji gritted his teeth, desperately holding onto the bed."Just cut bangs, you little shit!"Sanji paused, bangs? He had grown out his hair when he realized it looked nothing like his bio father's. Instead of the wild untamed mane that who shall not be named had, he had the gentle waves of his mother. He started growing it out. Braiding it was a bitch in the morning, but it looked so beautiful on the days he wanted to wear dresses or skirts."Overdramatic little brat, come on, I will cut it for you."Sanji looked at his reflection. Memories of a mother, of a gentle woman, replayed over and over in his head.(She thanked the heaven, that so little of the man showed up. That the first thing she notices is her mother's eyes.)"You look okay, brat." Zeff pat his head, not exactly gentle but not painful. A smirk appeared on his face and before Sanji could try to run, he messed up the newly cut bangs."You damn old man! Fight me!"-x-Humming, he shredded the potatoes mindlessly. Anything to do with Prep duty was kicked into his head. He could do it in his sleep."Behind." Sanji muttered as he walked towards one of the cooks. Putting down the plate of potatoes before moving onto the next task.After the lunch rush was over, Sanji moved onto preparing for dinner. Starting with helping Leo with the dishes. You think the life of the future Pirate King's Cook would be a bit more exciting.Sanji thought he would be fighting more often. Like tons more. But Zeff was the main person he fights. They get random raids from no name pirates, but when your staff is filled with angry cooks with giant oversized utensils, fights don't last long."Sanji! You are needed in front!""Don't knock anyone out again." Leo smirked at him, Sanji elbowed him lightly. "Hiss, so mean. This is why you are single, no one likes a bitch!""I am single by choice, you are single because you hit every branch of ugly on your way down." Sanji flipped him off before washing off his hands and drying them. "I can fix my attitude, you will need a magic lamp."-x-Breathing in, he carefully stretched out his legs. Zeff had made sure he could do the splits and continue as he grew up. The older man was surprisingly flexible and it was completely trained.Sanji was expected to be the same. It came with the fighting style. So the first thing he does in the morning was stretch. If his morning breath was super bad then it would be the second thing. Currently, he was doing his second set of stretches for the day."Do you ever do anything besides cooking and training?" Leo asked, amused as he smoked, the older teenager was annoying. "If you aren't in the kitchen, you are out here or in your bedroom training. Like, what's the point? Your father doesn't even let you fight half of the time, princess."The moment that word fell from his mouth, Sanji had him against the wall with a foot on his throat. "Do not call me princess." He hissed, pressing his foot down more. "And mind your own business. You are always poking at me and whining about not getting taught shit. How about you show the chefs that you actually care about what they teach you and not act like a spoiled brat?"Leo's smirk fall off his face, he grabbed Sanji's foot, twisting it. "Me? Spoiled? When you are Zeff's freak of a child and walking around like people actually like you. Bitching about appearance and-" Sanji pulled his foot away, before swinging it back to kick Leo away."You think it's my fault, don't you?" Sanji sneered at him, standing at his full height of 5'7. (He still has time to grow.) "That I am the reason you aren't liked by the Chefs, because I am Zeff's kid and you hate me. You think they care about that? They couldn't give a shit, Mike-san hates me too but they still train him. They don't like you because you don't take your responsibilities seriously, you never own up to your fuckups and try to blame it on others.""I don't-" before he could try to deny it, Sanji kicked him again. A bit harder than he thought as Leo slid away into the railing. Hopefully he hadn't break a rib or something."You do, you are still here because Zeff thinks you have potential." He scoffed, looking down at him. "I don't see it, all I see is a ass who thinks he deserves everything he wants. Mike and I work our asses off, we ask for guidance, we do everything we need to and more to get the older Chefs to teach us a fraction of their skills. I might bitch about everything, but I still do what I am told and I  do it to the best of my abilities."Sanji was mad twice over now, his training interrupted and he has to cope with the fact he hates being called Princess now. He straightened out his suit, turning away from Leo to head inside. "I might be spoiled, but I don't act like it means I deserve everything I want. Grow up and start acting like you are going to be a chef one day, instead of just wanting to be one."-x-
"Brat, you couldn't have known what he was going to do."
"I know, I know, but why was he so stupid?"
"People say and do stupid things all the time, no one knows when it's going to get them killed in a world like this. So they keep doing it until it does."

"...Oh god, I am gonna die young, I am so fucking stupid-don't laugh!"

"Just have to be strong enough to survive being stupid."

"More training?"

"Yeah, little shit."

....

....

"Wait a f-"

His laughter rang out.
-x-Singing quietly, she prepared the last of the Birthday breakfast she prepared for Zeff. Carefully, she set everything on the tray. Stepping back, she nodded to herself. "Yup, it looks terrible.""It's not that bad, you just need a couple more toothpicks to keep it together."  Patty told her as he bent down to look at the mini Baratie she made out of fruit. Everything else on the plate was done perfectly, but she was never good with food sculptures. "You did good, but the weight of the fruit is more than the support you have for it can handle."Mike stood next to her, tilting his head. "This is Baratie? I don't see it.""Shut up, not everyone can be like you when it comes to-" Sanji stopped what she was going to say when she heard familiar footsteps coming down the stairs. "What are you doing out of bed, old man?!" She ran to the kitchen door, blocking Zeff from coming inside. "Uncle Patty! Hide it!""I have been waiting in my room for over a hour! I have things to do, who else is going to keep this place running smoothly!" He crossed his arms, glaring down at her. She copied his stand, glaring at him even harder."Being late a hour or two on your birthday won't bring the ship to ruins! Have more faith in the crew you picked out!" She poked his chest. The chefs behind yelled out their agreements, probably more for the entertainment but it works in her favor. "See! Go laid down! Relax, it won't kill ya!""You don't know that." He grumbled, still he turned around. She sighed, closing the door."Alright, what about the placement of the toothpicks?"After another ten minutes, she brought Zeff the tray. Grinning when he reluctantly said her omelette was barely passable.Another birthday breakfast success!-x-"You are a weird woman, you know?" Mike told her as they worked outside, doing inventory."Thanks?" Sanji looked at him, smiling a bit confused. A cigarette hanging from her mouth unlit, smoking around food that won't end up in her stomach seemed rude. "Can I know why I am weird or is this going to be a time where you insult me and don't say anything else?""Half of the time, you are a man or you aren't neither of the two. I don't see why you would continue doing it when over half of the customers don't like you. Not to mention the others." Mike wrinkled his nose as he picked up the strawberries. It was hilarious how much he hated strawberries. "And when you are a woman, you acted like some tomboy. What's the point of saying you are a woman when you don't act like one.""I don't think I act like a tomboy, even if I do, why do you care? " Sanji asked him. "Does it bother you?""Yes." He said plainly. "It does, cause I don't understand why.""Oh, that's okay." Sanji shrugged. "Maybe one day you will understand. When you do, can you tell me?""..sure, whatever."-x-At nineteen, Sanji was getting worried that she changed something. She won't even know how she did, because she didn't even remember why or how the original got recruited by his captain.She barely remembered her future captain's name and devil fruit.Then it happened.A cannon ball crushed into the Beautiful Baratie and Sanji ran outside to beat the fucker who dare to hurt her."Shishishi, sorry." The younger teenager laughed, his grin wide. "I didn't mean for the cannon ball to hit your restaurant!"Sanji smiled, her heels making a clear clicking sound on the deck as she walked forward. "Oh, it was you who did it?""Yup!" He laughed again. In a instance, three people hit him on the head."Don't admit to something like that, idiot!""Oh? Then you won't mind following me inside? So we can discuss a...solution to our problems." She asked politely, behind her, three of the staff ran out."Sanji-chan! The Head Chef told us to bring the culprit to him!""He also said you still have to help the customers!""And leave the culprit to him!"She sighed loudly, pulling out a cigarette to hold between her lips. "Tch, alright, I will leave him to you guys. But.." She glared at the other teenager. "Whatever punishment he gives you, I will make sure you finish it. Understand?""Okay!"
"Don't agree with her!"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Holding back a groan, she listened to the professional yapper talk about a totally different wine so confidently. He looked at her with a leer, "aren't I right, waitress?"She slowly unwrapped the wine to set down on the table as she aimed a small smile at him. "No, you are talking about a totally different wine. This one isn't even made in the same sea, it's a imported wine."His date giggled, instead of being completely turned off from the loser's mistake, she looked at the Marine with a teasing smile. Tch, she totally deserves a different man, but her job isn't to judge a lady's choice. "May I get you anything else?"As the lady was about to say something, the asshat interrupted her. "No, we are good here, waitress." Ugh, men."I am not a waitress, I am the Sous Chef." She informed him, the urge to grab a cigarette was strong. "Our waiters, they were cowards who ran away with their tails between their legs."When she got called back, to see a bug in the soup, Sanji lost her customer smile for a moment. Three fucking days, that soup takes three days to make. Zeff and her had been watching it, had carefully picked out every ingredient. "Is there something wrong?""Yeah, there's a bug in my soup." He smirked, so arrogant."Oh?" She smiled at him, her eyes going down to the bowl. "The bug...I am not a great detective, but to me, it looks squished.""Are you trying to say I put it in there!" He hollered, slamming his fist down on the table. The dishes bounced up, dumping out half of the soup, the cups tipping over.The corner of her eye caught the sudden nervous look on the lady's face. Sanji stepped back, staring down the man. "Please, calm down, you are being too emotional."Sanji swears she hadn't meant for it to come out like that. (She blames Uncle Patty.)"Emotional?"  His face turned uglier, his fist clenched, raising it up. Sanji picked up the lady, jumping away as the table shattered underneath his hand. Food, broken wood and glass flew around.Setting the lady down, Sanji apologized before turning her attention back to the loser in front of her. "Alright, I am giving you one chance, leave or be thrown out.""I am gonna shut this place down, treating me like this! Bugs in your food! Terrible service!" He sneered, when the lady tried to calm him down. He glared at her, a hand raised up. "Shut up! I don't-"She lowered her foot, looking down at the crumbled form of the marine with cold eyes. "Tch, men like you, bug me so much."Hehe, bug."Sanji-chan! No, he's a marine lieutenant! What did you do?!""..Lieutenant? Him?" She looked at the loser in disbelief. "Are you sure he's not some no name posing as one?"Everyone around her sweatdropped. Nile sighed loudly, rubbing his face. "Sanji-chan, haven't we shown you photos of the well known Marines stationed around here? He came here two weeks ago.""I still think he's a fake. I only kicked him a little-uck!" She held her head as someone hit her. When she was about to curse out the fucker, she saw Uncle Patty glaring down at her. "What? He was threatening the restaurant!""So? How many times do we have to tell you? These damn crooks are our customers! Any one whose paying must be treated right! Remember paying customers are kings!""I'm gonna get you thrown in jail..for assaulting a Marine."  The idiot spoke up, his eyes barely open as he struggled to stand up. "I am gonna make sure this place is done for. You hear me? It's going to be all your fault,  you are the kid of the owner, right? How does it feel to know you are-""Are you threatening her?" Zeff's voice echoed throughout the restaurant. The other customers stopped talking as he walked in, followed by that teenager from earlier. Sanji stood taller, glaring at the Marine. "Are you?""Heh, no, I am telling her what her future is going to be like. A pretty thing-" Sanji stood over him, her heel digging into his back, into his spine, forcing him onto the ground once again. "-fuck! Get off me!""Patty, throw him out! He's banned!" Sanji stepping aside as Patty bent down to pick up the Marine. Zeff looked at the other cooks with a glare . "Anyone who lets him in, is getting thrown out too! You hear me?!""Yes, sir!"Just as Patty was dragging the man, the doors opened. A bloodied Marine panted, eyes wide with fear. "Sir! The prisoner escaped! We tried to stop him-" A man lowered the gun, looking over the restaurant coldly.Sanji looked at the man, standing over the fallen Marine. Pale, shaking limbs, dry lips. But, still he held onto the pistol. "Food, give me some food.""Welcome, crook!" Patty greeted him happily. Sanji sighed, already she knew how this was going to play out. She knew her uncle, he definitely wouldn't care for someone without money.She snuck away, ready to find some leftovers that she can throw together. Fried rice was the easiest and fastest thing she could make, she decided. Rice from this morning, eggs they needed to use soon, shrimps and leftover octopus, when Patty got done throwing out the Marine and the prisoner. She was nearly done with it.It was a bit odd, how in this life and her last, fried rice had become a comfort food.After she bypassed the cooks, sneakily making her way to the back. Uncle Patty wouldn't throw the pirate and the marine out of the same side. He was never a pirate, but even he didn't like Marines enough to make their lives easier.Opening the door, the unknown man was curled up, more bruised than before. "You..aren't very smart, are you?" She asked him, obviously he pissed off one of her guardians. "Here, eat with me.""I don't want your charity!"  He growled, that answered her question. She flopped down as gracefully as one can be when doing so. "Didn't you hear me!? Take that damn food and leave me alone!""It's not charity. I just don't want to eat alone, I am on my lunch break, I made too much." She held up her own bowl of food. Taking a bite, she couldn't helping sighing. "Ah, it still doesn't taste right. I don't know why, but I just can't get fried rice just right. One of my worst dishes, if I am honest.""God damn it! Take your food and leave!" He held his stomach, it made a loud growling sound. "I am not hungry, that was a fart!""...ew, gross." She wrinkled her nose, even if she knew he was lying, she backed away. "If you don't eat, its going to go to waste, you know?""..Fine, fine." He got up, grabbing the tray. She watched while he carefully ate his food. His hand shaking a bit despite his best efforts to hid it."Hunger, out on the sea, is the worst type." She told him, looking out to the sea. "The ocean is very beautiful, filled with mystery and wonders that we may never truly understand. But like all ladies, she is dangerous. Angry. She doesn't care if you are hungry, she will continue on. I know that hunger, it eats away on your body. On your soul. Even now, there are some days where I don't feel full. It leaves scars, it never truly ends.""You? Aren't you the daughter of the chef? He won't let you go hungry."  He scoffed, barely chewing as he ate. Gross."Yeah," she smiled to herself. "He wouldn't, but sometimes, things happen.""You are going to get in trouble.""Heh, I can deal with it. But I wouldn't be able to deal with the fact I let someone go hungry." She held out her hand for the empty bowl. Her bowl was barely touched, so she held that out. "Want my leftovers? I'm full.""Liar," he grabbed it still. Not looking at her as he eat slower. "Thanks. I don't know what you are talking about when you said it needs work. It's some of the best damn food out there.""You are starving, moldy food would taste like a decent meal." She leaned back on the side of the ship. "And, I know my food is good, but I still have lots to learn. New recipes, new techniques, there are so many things to learn. Did you know there is a island where they keep a soup going for years? Decades even, like can you imagine all the flavors. Not one of them would taste the same!""You really liking cooking."  More of a statement than a question."Yeah, I do. I like feeding people." Still, she answered him. The sky was beautiful, the ocean calm. "I like seeing them enjoying my food, part of being a cook, I think.""I have decided!"  Her head snapped towards the side as a familiar teenager landed next to them. He had his hands on his hips, it was a superhero pose, fuck he's adorable. He pointed at her with a grin. "You are going to be my cook!"Not that adorable. "No, why should I?  I don't even know you." She said without even thinking. Planning on saying yes and actually doing so are like two different things. Sanji isn't nervous. Maybe a little. Not to mention he had just damaged Baratie and hurt Zeff. That's two of the most important people in her life."I am Monkey D. Luffy, I am a pirate!" He grinned even wider, should be creepy. But it wasn't and she was going to be so screwed. "You liking cooking, right? You can learn tons of stuff traveling! So, join my crew!""No." She lit up her cigarette, looking at the older man who looked amused. Maybe she should kick him off. He's done eating... Too much work, it was her break, so she simply kicked him on the leg lightly."I refuse your refusal!" Luffy laughed when she looked at him shock. "You are going be my cook, I won't accept anyone else!""I refuse your refusal of my refusal then!" She huffed, glaring at the twerp. Kicking the unnamed asshole again when he snorted, this time harder."You can't do that!" He crossed his arms, pouting, honest to god, pouting. "I refuse it again.""I refuse it ten times over!" It was far too easy to fall into a argument. Sanji was the youngest child, second youngest and an only child. Two of those rankings meant she got her way and if she didn't, she was going to make it difficult for other people. "And I totally can!""Then I refuse you-refuse you a hundred times!" He stomped his foot, glaring at her. Ah, another youngest child. A worthy opponent."Refuse you two hundred times!" She closed her eyes, trying to remain nonchalant while he got mad. The first one to truly get angry, loses. "I can do this all day.""Sorry, but what should I do with the dishes, miss?" The older man asked, stopping Luffy. She peeked at him, he held out the plates awkwardly. When she grabbed them, he looked over at Luffy. "You are a pirate? What's your goal if you don't mind me asking?""The One Piece, of course!"  Luffy became excited, his hand holding down his hat as he jumped on the railing. "But first, I am picking up my cook!" He pointed at her, her eyebrow twitched."I am not your cook, twerp!" She hissed, jumping up on the railing too to tower over him. In a move that only could belong to another youngest child, he stretched himself to be taller than her by an inch. Instantly, she pushed him down onto the deck. "Don't make yourself taller! It changes nothing!""You are my cook, I say so!""You are asking for a beating, aren't you?!" She put him in a head lock when she jumped down, rubbing her fist on his head. His straw hat falling to hang from his neck. "Listen to me, choreboy, I ain't leaving my old man alone! I am not going to the Grandline with ya! Especially when you hurt Baratie!"-x-
"We told you, there is no way they are leaving this restaurant."

"I don't need them here."

"I know that, Chef,

they

know that. But it's a matter of the heart, you are older than most fathers. With your old injuries and any you may get, their time with you is
even more
limited."

"Their youth is limited too, I don't need that little shit to worry about me."

"Matter of-"

"-of the heart, I know, Carn
e."
"Trust me, I know."
"Get back to work,
I ain't paying ya to look pretty."

"Heh, you think-"

"You would be terrible at it, waste of money."
-x-Walking over to the new customers, she straightened out her vest. Making sure it wasn't wrinkled. Smiling, she looked over the table- holy fuck, that shirt hides nothing. The man looked at her with a raised eyebrow, oh god no, he's hot. When her eyes landed on the only woman, she realized with horror, they were all hot.The younger teen with a long nose was more of a next door cute, but that didn't help her at all.She's cool, super cool."What could I start you off with today?" Sanji asked, trying desperately not to focus on the way the green haired guy's arm flexed as he crossed his arms. Is there a heat wave? Was this place always so warm? "I mean what could I do to you?"The silence was deafening."Blahahahaha!" Mike gasped loudly, bent over before he started laughing again. Sanji stood in front of their table, sick to her stomach. "You had it right the first time!"Sanji breathed in, not looking at them as she set her tray and notebook down. She bowed to them lightly. "Excuse me, I have to kill Mike and myself. I will be right back." She turned around, lowering herself down, she pounced onto Mike who was cleaning up a table next to them.Grabbing Mike by the neck, she was careful to make them fall so he would only get winded as his back hit the floor. She growled, "shut the fuck up! I am gonna kill ya!""Ain't my fault you are a loser." He choked out, somehow still smug despite the fact she had him in a headlock. "Dumb bitch.""I swear to any gods out there, I am gonna kill ya!" She wrapped her legs around him as he stood up."20,000 Beli on Sanji!""No way, Mike all the way!""I will take that bet!""Alright you damn crooks! You know the rules!" Patty appeared at the mention of Berry and bets. He pulled out the scoreboard. "Don't get too serious yet! Head outside!"Sanji grunted as she got thrown to the ground. Mike rubbed his neck, smirking. Kicking his shin, she got up too. "You better give up now, fucker, don't want get embarrassed in front of all these people." She dusted off imaginary dirt. The restaurant was always clean enough to eat off the ground. Hygiene was important to the whole crew."Like you?" The older man grinned as he walked outside. Mike was unfortunately, still taller than her and had filled out. Still a ugly fucker tho. Whenever the older crew tried to get them together, both of them were equally disgusted. They grew up, side by side, practically siblings by now. Or cousins, since Mike pretty much belonged to Patty and Carne. Their ugly stepchild.Walking out onto the platform, Sanji kicked off her heels. For one, the heels were metal and meant for fighting. Two, her feet were killing her. High heels did wonders for her legs and height but killed her feet.Mike kicked off his own shoes, rolling his shoulders as he stood in front of her. He moved into a classic boxer stand. "Do your worst.""I have to if you want a chance at winning." She got into position, grinning. Patty quickly took all bets, while various bags of popcorn were brought out. Fights were common between the two of them, Patty found a way to benefit from it.Zeff didn't like them, got pissed every time. Sanji knew the two of them got away with it being the youngest cooks. Softhearted when it involved them, maybe that makes her filled with joy. By thirteen in her last life, she was expected to be mature, a soon to be adult mature. Zeff didn't want her or need her to act like the 'bigger person'.(She knew she wouldn't be able to do so when she leaves, when she became the head cook of a crew. She would need to be serious, to plan and think ahead, to make sure they had enough water and food if they lose their way. Sanji was scared, scared to leave his protection.)(So stupid, she has been training, learning and aiming for this. But what if, what if, she asks repeatedly.)(Not to mention, sixty-five is old here. Sixty with old injuries and illnesses that wrecked his body over the years. Tick-tock, the clocks echoes in her ears, mocking her-)"Alright crooks! Remember no cheap shots!" He aimed a look at them, Mike and Sanji grinned back widely. "No hair pulling! No scratching! Especially no biting! Now..Fight!"Sanji leaped forward, aiming for his head. Mike grabbed her leg, a grimace as he redirected her badly. Finding her footing, she spun back around, dodging the punches as she got closer."Rapid kicks!" When he subconsciously moved to block the kicks, she kicked out his legs with a smirk. People here called out names of their moves and she took advantage of it. "Again? Geez, when will you learn?"She jumped up, spinning in the air, aiming a kick to stomach. He barely rolled away. The wooden board broke a little when her foot met it, she wanted to beat his ass, not kill him. Okay, she did a little bit. A tiny bit."Cheating bitch." He laughed, kicking her in the side. She stumbled a bit. He jumped up, throwing punches quickly. Dodging, she moved away from him.Aiming a kick at his side, he caught it, letting her headbutt him. A terrible move that hurt both of them. But it made him stumble back, giving her a opening to kneel his stomach."Fuck." He cursed, Sanji didn't let him think more besides blocking her kicks. He was a heavy hitter, she was rapid hits with stamina. Wearing him down and slowly cracking his defense was usually how she wins.When he landed a punch, a couple of the women gasped loudly. But, Sanji was made to take hits. Terrible at it compared to her other siblings. But amazing compared to other humans. She barely felt it, continuing her attacks.Slowly, he started throwing punches slower and weaker. The fight was showy, near misses and dramatic changes to keep their audience attention. But she could feel the changes as they dragged on.(Disappointed, she was always disappointed. Zeff was the only one who give her a run for her money. The older she got, the less fun it is to fight.)("A growing fish in a small pond.")Sanji held him down, cheers and a few groans of disappointment came from the crowd. "Aah, I won..again." She laughed, letting him go."Yeah, yeah." He got up, rolling his eyes. "Still a better cook than you.""Ha! In what universe? The one in your dreams?" She elbowed him lightly as he walked past her. "Want a pillow? I will tuck you in.""Fuck you, crossdresser." He flipped her off.She grabbed her chest, making a pain filled face. "Ouch, fuck, right where it hurts. Oh wait, I forgot, I am still more handsome than you." She flipped him off too. "Ugly ass.""I am not the one who hasn't-" they both yelped as Patty hit them on the head. "You lazy ass crooks! Get back to work! We still have customers that are hungry!""Crappy ass cook." They muttered together, slouching as they walked into the restaurant. Sanji dodged the second hit, but got caught by Zeff's peg leg. "Fuck!"-x-It was barely a week and Sanji was pretty sure that Luffy was costing them more money than he's worth. Sanji has been following him around, teaching him how to clean.He couldn't clean dishes, no matter how many times Sanji tried to teach him. He understands how to sweep, how to wipe down tables. Thankfully he can bring in dishes without breaking them. But, he's testing his patience. Really, really testing it.Sanji practically had to bathe Luffy himself. It was a battle every morning to get him into the shower. Sanji wasn't going to let him walk around without being clean. He works around food, he needs to be clean!Luffy could scream and run all he wants, Sanji wasn't going to let up on this."Luffy! Stop twisting around! The more you stretch, the more we have to clean!" Sanji growled, his arm held Luffy's head close to his body as he scrubbed Luffy's armpits. His BO wasn't too bad, but Sanji gave him a couple more years before his BO truly got bad. Luffy whined, his arms wrapping around Sanji's stomach tightly."You are so mean!""Then do you give up on me being your cook?!" Sanji blew his bangs away from his face. "Great!""What?! No!" Luffy wrapped his legs around him, buring his head on Sanji's stomach. It felt weird, he was warm and- Sanji needs more sleep. Maybe he was touch starved. The cooks and Zeff weren't the type to hug or god forbid cuddle. "You are mine! I even asked your dad to let you go!""..Ask my dad what?" Sanji paused, Luffy looked up at him, grinning."If you can go with me! That's why you don't want to go, right? He said he doesn't need your care!" He laughed smugly, smiling up at him. "So..you will go with me now, right?""..." Sanii looked away, gripping the soapy rag in his hand. "After you finish your year here, ask me again.""No! ANSWER ME NOW!""Watch where you are touching, brat!"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Zoro watched the cook that Luffy wanted, curious. He knew that there were people who dressed up as a woman or man. But, he listened as another cook talked with Sanji. Everyone on the ship used different pronouns when talking with him, them?The five days that they have been docked at this restaurant, the crew changed what they call Sanji three times. Sanji when they had men's clothes on, Sanji-chan when they had women's clothing on and Sanji-kun when they-Zoro wasn't exactly sure why they add the -kun.Sanji was dressed like a waiter that day, their voice wasn't very deep or high. Zoro wasn't sure if they were supposed to be a woman or man that day. Maybe they weren't supposed any of them."Hey! Are you coming to eat today? We have leftovers from this morning if you want." Zoro straightened up when they suddenly turned towards him. Sanji smiled at him, Zoro knows a pretty face when he sees it. Sanji was pretty, and their future cook, he reminded himself halfheartedly as he smirked at them, enjoying the slight red appearing on their face."Sure, got any sake?" He jumped onto the deck, walking over. Ussop and Nami had eaten earlier when Luffy was on his break. He had waited, knowing Sanji will eventually find him. He stretched a bit, watching the way Sanji looked over him.Being the first mate, it's his duty to help recruit new members,  right?"Luffy giving you trouble?"  He asked, standing next to the cook lazily. "I heard the yelling this morning.""Making him take a bath is always a pain." They told him, rolling their eyes as they took out a cigarette. The pink lipstick looked nice on them, different from the bright red ones he had seen on them.He nodded, walking along aside of them silently. Yeah, definitely helping Luffy with this one.-x-Zoro was handsome, a bit of a knucklehead but Sanji had to admit he understood why his canon counterpart would fall in love with him despite liking women so much. The lazy confidence and dark humor, he was very.. delicious. He didn't know how else to say it, Zoro was- Sanji covered his face as he breathed in. Distracting, he was very distracting.He eventually walked out of the supply room with the box of flour and baking supplies. Dropping them off in the kitchen, he headed down to the restaurant. Still no waiters, is he destined to be a server? He cooks more for the staff than he cooks for the guests.As he got to the bottom step, the doors slammed open. When he was about to curse out the fucker, he realized it was the unnamed man from a week ago with a larger man hanging off him. He stepped forward, worried. Only to get stopped by Patty, his hand landing on his shoulders."Don Krieg, what a honor for you to join us." Patty said, his usual smile gone, glaring at the man. "Someone call the marines!""No! Please, we are just here for food!" The unnamed man looked at Sanji, silently begging him to help them. Patty's grip on his shoulder tightened for a moment before he moved forward to block him from view, to block Sanji's view. "Sanji, please, he desperately needs food.""I won't hurt anyone here, I promise."  Don Krieg's voice was weak. Lying, he's lying. Sanji and Zeff survived for over a month, nearly two without food. People here are built differently.  A man who was supposedly without food for a couple weeks, had no signs of sweat or thinning. That time would have killed anyone in her world, Sanji knows, yet. "Please, I am starving, I have money."He closed his eyes, before turning to walk up the stairs."Damn it, Sanji! This isn't the poor fuckers you fed in the back! I can look away for them, but not this man!" Patty yelled at her. He stopped, looking at the unnamed man, who stared at him back with bright eyes. "He's going to destroy this ship your father works so hard for! Or worse, he will steal it!"A loyal man, a stupid loyal man.Sanji glared lightly at the large man hanging off of the skinny man. He always knew he was going to die young, he was stupid enough. Sanji continued to walk up.He grabbed a large bowl of leftover soup from the lunch rush. Slowly, she walked up to her room, going to her dresser where bottles of various 'spices' were carefully stored. Carefully, she poured a nice spoonful of brown powder into the food, mixing it. When she brought it down, Luffy and the other cooks were in the restaurant."Sanji! Think about what you are doing! Carne, talk to him!" Patty snapped, Carne looked at Sanji with a frown, searching his face before he sighed lightly, pushing up his sunglasses."Sanji..he does what he wants." Carne said slowly. "When has he ever listened to us, Patty? He doesn't even listen to his own father.""I am spoiled." Sanji said dryly as he walked towards the door. The unnamed man smiled at him relieved, stupid, stupid man. He was no better, Sanji set the bowl in front of them. "Eat up, don't eat too fast or you will upset your stomach.""Thank you, thank you." The man cried as he stuffed his mouth. Sanji watched him coldly, his customer smile painted on his face. "I thought I would have died!" He said after drinking the soup.Five minutes."No problem, I am glad to feed hungry people." Sanji stood up, his eyes never leaving the man eating some bread. The stupid man was also watching Krieg eat, telling him how he knew Sanji would help. "I hope you like the food, I cooked it myself, you know? I am aiming to become one of the best cooks in history.""Yeah, it's pretty good."  Krieg stood up, crushing the empty bowl on the ground. He looked at him with a grin, a laugh slipping out of his mouth. "In fact-""Has anyone told you that your sideburns look hideous? A bit tackey, perhaps?"  Sanji stepped back, his knees bending down a bit. Four minutes. "Because, they are. You should shave them, it might make your ugly mug look better.""You know I was going to let you live because of Gin, but I change my mind." Krieg glared at him. Gin looked shock, staring at his captain. "I am taking this damn ship as my own. I need 100 meals for my men first!""You said you weren't going to harm her!" Gin stepped back from his captain. "You promised you were just going to get food and leave them alone!"Krieg backhand him, glaring at Gin who fell to the ground. "Plans changed, Gin, do you wanna join them?" He slipped off his coat, revealing the golden armor underneath. All he needs now is a mustache and he will be the villain of some 80s movie. "You know what happens to traitors, Gin."Sanji took this chance, leaping forward to kick him in the head. Krieg knocked him away, his bejeweled glove hitting his leg.. he had tried to. Sanji gripped onto the obnoxious large gold chain, flipping onto his back. Slipping the stupid towel Patty makes Sanji carry around, into the chain, he pushed himself back.Krieg tried pulling on the chain to get it away from his neck, but Sanji pulled back more, effectively choking him. "Fuck, uncle help me!" Sanji struggled to hold on, Krieg moving around.Patty ran forward, a grim determination on his face as he punched the man. Carne pulled out one of the hidden guns, pointing it turns Gin. "Don't move!""Quick! Help Sanji and Patty!" Mike snapped as he pushed the other cooks on the stairs. Holding his stupid butter knife spear. Sanji still thinks those are stupid.The cooks moved forward, grabbing and pulling on the man. The guests were hiding away, ready to bolt the moment Don Krieg escapes. Sanji didn't plan on that happening.When they pinned him to the ground,  Mike slammed the blunt side of the knife into his head. Sanji still didn't let up, his hands burning a bit red from towel. After he stopped moving, the cooks slowly let go, backing away."Let go, Sanji." Zeff said quietly, setting a bag of food onto the ground. Looking at him like he was a wild animal. Rude. Sanji shook his head."No, not until we get his armor off." He tightened his grip. This was an anime, with stupid anime logic. He wasn't trusting shit. "Take off the shitty armor."Everything about this man was annoying, his laugh, his voice, his taste in fashion."Alright." Mike bent down, unlatching the armor. Using his stupid spear to break a few things off. "Stop insulting Bob.""It has an insulting look, I can't help it." Sanji grinned."..I am sorry, I didn't think he would-" Gin froze as Carne took off the safety. Sanji didn't look at him. "Please, I swear I wouldn't have brought him if I thought he-""Don Krieg got where he was from lying, he became Don because of his lying. A tiger won't change its stripes." Carne hissed, Sanji adjusted his hold on the towel. "He pulled stunts like this all the time, you would be a fool to think he won't have done this!"Mike peeked up at Sanji, worry in his eyes. Sanji's lips thinned into a line, eyes staring at the washed out purple hair underneath his shoe."I know, I know but I thought he would have followed through, I never asked  anything from him before." Sanji closed his eyes tightly, bracing for the gun shot. Mike handed off the last of the armor to a cook, who started pulling it up the stairs."It doesn't-" Sanji stumbled forward, barely saving himself from knocking his head into a table. Their guests started screaming again, hanging onto each other.Zeff gripped onto his arm, walking towards the door easily. Sanji tried to see what was happening. Only to see the galleon sinking into the ocean. "Quick, pull up the anchor before we sink with it too!""Yes, sir!"Sanji's eyes widened as a lone man came from the wreckage. Trying to get a better look, Zeff held her back. "Those eyes, that strength, it's-""Hawk eyes!" Zoro said from the steps, Sanji looked back, wondering what was his problem. "I have been searching for him, finally...""Hawk eyes-" Sanji immediately thought of Marvel Hawkeye, crossover fanfiction? "-is the best swordsman in all of the seas!"...Damn, that's a shitty name for a swordsman. He's kinda disappointed now."Big Bro Luffy! Big Bro Zoro! Big Bro Ussop!" Sanji looked confused as he stepped forward to look over the railings. Seeing the two men who have been hiding on the Merry Go, Sanji sighed pulling out a cigarette before throwing out two of the ships floating rings with ropes tied to them. "Ah, thank you! Thank you, kind sir!""Yeah, yeah." He muttered, pulling them up. Luffy looked down too, before his arms shot out to grab them, bringing them on. Sanji fell on the ground, his eye twitching. "God damm it, warn a guy, Luffy!""What happened to you guys?!" Zoro stood over them with a glare."Where's the ship? Kaya gave us that ship!""That witch took it!" One of them cried out, sitting up. "Just before that ship fell apart, she pushed us off the boat!""Yeah, she said she was going to change, so we turned around and then she pushed us off!" The other one also sat up, nearly in tears. Sanji sighed, rubbing his forehead."Where's your boat?" Luffy asked, serious. Sanji looked at him, Luffy nodded when they pointed it out. "Alright, Zoro and Ussop, you guys go get Merry and Nami back. I have unfinished business here, I will find you when our cook agrees to come with us!""Stop saying I am your cook! I haven't even agreed yet!" Sanji snapped, glaring at him."Shishishi, you said yet." Luffy grinned. "That means you will!""Alright, we will get Merry and you get Sanji." Ussop nodded, crossing his arms. "We will see you guys later then.""And Nami! We need our navigator!"  Luffy reminded them. Sanji sighed, leaving them to argue as he stood next to his father."Should we be worried about that man?" He whispered, the lone man was still slowly making his way over. He could see him better now. A handsome man, his abs just out in the open. He should, honestly, it's a very understandable choice of fashion. Very- fashion, so fashion, maybe Zoro will take it up. He should."No, he usually doesn't fight without someone provoking him nowadays."  Zeff narrowed his eyes, thinking. "Those idiots in the restaurant must have done something if he followed them here. Maybe they woke him up from a nap.""Oh." Sanji watched him, lighting his cigarette. "What are we doing with dickhead anyways?""We are handing him over to the marines. If we didn't have guests, I would rather have thrown them overboard and called it day." Zeff rubbed his chin, looking back at the downed pirate. "Did you put something in the food?""Meh, nothing that could kill him." Sanji also looked back, someone tied him up, alongside Gin. "Baratie has went through enough this week, I couldn't chance another destroying more of her.""Yeah, I guess so." Zeff didn't like her dealing with poison. Didn't approve of it. But Sanji would rather have another card in this world. He didn't disapprove enough to not give her a book of poison. "It's probably best for us to wait for the survivors to make their way towards us. Capture the ones that do and feed them something before the Marines show up.""..Gin?" He asked softly, the others were busy, keeping Baratie afloat or dealing with the pirates that were trying to get on the boat."Tch, you are gonna get killed with a heart like that." Zeff crossed his arms, briefly glancing at the defeated man in question. "Your problem, your responsibility.""Yeah." Sanji nodded, Gin probably died or something in canon. Don Kreig didn't seem like a man who likes his subordinates talking back. "I saved him, so he's my problem, right?"Zeff laughed, "that sentence bit you in the ass.""What is he doing?" Sanji caught the sight of Zoro standing on a large piece of the broken ship. "Is that idiot challenging him?""He is," Zeff stepped forward, squinting. "He's either stupid or too eager."As Roronoa Zoro stood in front of Dracula Mihawk, one Black Leg Sanji watched with wide eyes, hearting race.
"I feel like if I step back right now..I will lose something important."

"A wound on one's back is the shame of a swordsman!"
Here he is, Sanji, scared to leave his home. And there he is, Roronoa  Zoro, a swordsman who set sail and tried to accomplish his goal even if he knew there was a great chance of dying.
They were always stupid when it matters.
Sanji ran past his father, shoes and jacket thrown to the side as he jumped off the boat.-x-Zeff gripped the railings, watching his child swim towards that shitty swordsman. He knew that one day, they would leave. With endless chatter of the world, filled with wonder and awe. Collecting book after book, filled with information of foreign food and beverages.Eyes always looking towards the ocean as if she was calling them away. Telling them to explore her, telling them it was time to go.Zeff forget why he set sail when he was younger. Had lost his way and Greed took a hold of him. It took nearly dying with a small child crying on him for him to finally retire.He had to settle.Settle with the fact he didn't even get close, that he would never know. Settle with regrets and the ghosts of the people he had failed on his shoulders.His child, his greatest success in this lifetime, they will make it or die trying. They will die, knowing they tried their best.With no regrets.(Seems so simple for a parent to want for their child. But, sometimes, that meant knowing they will go before you.)(Zeff wished he could force Sanji to stay, to be the heir of Baratie that so many people think Zeff is training them for.)(If only Zeff was a bit more selfish, he knew Sanji would clip his wings for him. To stay in this crappy silver cage, close the door and surround himself with glimpses of the world in those books.)"Hey, choreboy! Let's make a deal! You take care of the stragglers and you are free to go!""..And take that little shit with you! He's too much of a trouble to deal with now!"
"He's yours now, Straw hat! No refunds!"

"Accept your fate, little shit!"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It took a whole day before Sanji and Luffy left the Baratie to follow after the others. Between dealing with that traumatized guy, the stray pirates, Sanji had to pack her things.Leaving behind her book collection, nearly made her cry. She had to choose which ones she can bring, of course they were her recipe books, her two journals and the Poisonous Plants Encyclopedia that Zeff had gotten her. It was a very pitiful pile of six books in her treasure chest. The treasure chest was a joke gift from Mike, but Sanji loved it. Used it to store her jewelry and other shinies. Now they hold her other treasures too.Then she had to carefully chose her clothes. It took everything in her to pick six outfits. She was able to squeeze everything into a suitcase along with her makeup and shoes, her coats.In a slightly bigger suitcase, she had her spices, favorite pots and knives. And her pretty vintage silverware set. Well, it wasn't vintage here, just more on the side of expensive here. They were a gift from Zeff when she was sixteen.(Her other 'spices' was in her treasure chest in another box.)-x-Sanji didn't sleep, instead she had carefully cooked a large meal for breakfast."You are really leaving?" Mike asked, leaning against one of the counters."That-That was always the plan." She said tiredly. Removing the muffins from the oven, she looked at him with a brief smile. "I mean, Baratie is my home, I love her...But there is a whole world out there, filled with so many things to eat and taste. I said I was going to find the All Blue one day."He was silent, looking at the ceiling, his hand reached out to her. "Give me one of your cigarettes.""My lady cigarettes or the manly man ones?" She teased him. There were cigarettes meant for ladies here, they tasted the same, just a little weaker and thinner. Sanji bought them when she didn't want the taste lingering. "Because I ran out of the men's.""Tch, just give me one." Mike was unimpressed, holding out his hand more. Sanji slipped out her case, pulling one out and throwing it at him. He caught it between two of fingers, lighting it smoothly. "So, it's just going to be me then.""..Yeah." Sanji didn't say anything as he joined her in cooking. Side by side, moving around each other that came from years of experience. They finished cooking breakfast."Wow! You guys made so much food!" Luffy popped his head in the kitchen, eyes sparkling as he looked at the counters filled with food. "I thought I smelled delicious food!" His hands shot out, making a grabbing motion."No! It's not done yet!" Sanji slapped his hand with a pan, scowling. "Go clean off tables and do it properly! If I see you do it sloppy, I ain't feeding you shit!""So mean." He pouted, Sanji ignored the hand that grabbed two buns and a piece of uncut ham left on a wooden board."He didn't even wash his hands."Sanji breathed in slowly. "Mike, shut up.""His hand touched all the-""I am still leaving." Sanji growled out, going to the plate of buns. Picking it up, she slammed open the kitchen door. "Luffy! You can munch on this while cleaning!""Yay! Thank you, Sanji!"Mike scoffed, drying off his hands on a towel. "You are going to kill him before you guys reach the Grandline.""Whatever, tell those assholes that I am done." She was preparing a plate. Filling it up with certain food that Zeff likes. Arranging it carefully. Mike walked up the stairs, grumbling about not being her line chef anymore.Luffy walked in, grinning. "I am done now! Is the food done? Can we eat now?" He practically teleported to her side, hugging her tightly as he stared at the plate with betrayal. "Are you eating without me?!""No, idiot. I am preparing the first plate." She slapped his hand away. "Giving a person the first plate when eating is a sign of respect. When we have big meals like this, we serve the most respected person there first. They not only get the first plate, but the first bite."Well, not really a rule, just something she had kept from her first life. Then one of the cooks realized what she was doing, then they started doing it. More and more cooks gave her father the first plate whenever they had a big dinner together."So, it's for your father?" He asked quietly, crawling up her body to get a better look over her shoulder. His arms and legs wrapped around her, it was still weird seeing it. She wasn't disgusted, her brain was having trouble with accepting it as real. "Will your first plate belong to me in the future then?""Yeah, today..today you will have the second plate." Usually, they don't serve a second plate. It was free for all after Zeff took a bite. "So tell me, what do you want on your plate?""Meat!" He laughed happily, a wide grin."Should've known." She laughed, grabbing another plate. Listening to Luffy's chatter while picking up the food he wanted. Unknowingly, she made a small mountain on the second plate.-x-Carne hated the solemn silence as they all walked into the restaurant. His boss frowning as he sat down at a table with two ready made plates on them. Carne eyed Sanji's captain, who was telling Zeff to hurry up and eat as he nearly drooled.Rude little thing.Sanji was bringing out the dishes of food, setting them on the long table. Mike had the plates and utensils, following Sanji lazily. Carne didn't understand how nearly everyone that ended up on Baratie ends up being the most emotional stunted people he met. Was it their boss who attracted them? Must be.Carne sat down at the table with Zeff and Luffy, Patty following close behind him with a scowl and a plate of food."Hey, you two are Sanji's uncles, right?" He asked them, while stuffing his mouth. Oh, Sanji-chan is going to suffer. "Where's what's his face?""Mikey?" Carne asked amused, ignoring his partner's look of disgust at the sight of Luffy swallowing a whole bone. "He will probably sit down with Sanji later."And they eventually did end up at the table. Carne carefully avoid the fact Sanji was leaving as he talked with Luffy. The others joining in, soon an argument broke out between Baratie's youngest cooks.As the whole table got dragged into it, he was smiling and laughing.(When he saw Sanji-chan drag a suspicious human shaped sack onto their old cargo ship. He shook his head before distracting the others.)(Hopefully Sanji-chan finds the Den Den before they abandon the ship for Merry Go. He was pretty sure that the ship was named Going Merry, but Sanji said Merry Go so confidently.)-x-As Baratie got smaller and smaller behind them. Sanji finally had the guts to open up the sack. Luffy was by her side, laughing as the knocked out form of Gin got revealed.Sanji slapped Gin's face lightly, kneeling by his side. "Oi! Wake up!" His face scrunched up, his body moving a bit. She sighed, before pinching his face, pulling on it. "Come on, aren't you hungry? If you don't wake up, I am letting Luffy eat your share.""Really?! Where is it?" Luffy looked at her, vibrating. "Is it meat?!""Where-Where are we?" Gin blinked slowly, eyes squinting when sunlight poked through the clouds."Oh, we are following the others!" Luffy smiled at him, his attention went back to Sanji. "Where's the food? I want some tooo!" He leaned over, his arms wrapping around her.She rolled her eyes when his hands dug into her pockets. "Don't worry, I have a share for you too." A black hole must be somewhere inside of him. It was probably the devil fruit burning through the food whenever he uses it."Why am I with you guys? I shouldn't be here!" Luffy's words must have finally woke him up as Gin sat up."Easy now, you still owe me a favor."  Sanji smirked at him, standing up. "How are you going to repay it from jail? Plus, you nearly got me and my family killed. That makes your favor bigger, unless you want to go to jail?""No, no you guys are going to the Grandline! I can't go-" Gin scrambled back."Yeah, we are." Sanji's heel pinned down Gin's pants leg. "So, you have to pay it back before we go. Or else," she slowly grinned at him. "I am dragging you with us, kicking and screaming."Sanji wasn't actually going to do so. Probably leave him on some island. Away from Baratie. If he was smart, he would avoid her home like it was a plague.Luffy fully knowing her plan, laughed loudly as Gin grew pale. "Yeah, we will need someone to clean the ship! You can do it!"-x-After two days of full speed, they finally found the island that had Merry Go. Sanji looked through a spyglass towards the fishmen who were walking around, working or just wandering, curiously. They were a lot more diverse than humans, easier to tell apart.They were interesting, from a distance. If they were potential allies, it would have been better. From what she had learned, Fishmen were generally stronger than humans. They could also breathe under water. She thought that was amazing and was jealous of them before she had learned slavery was a very high risk as a fishman."Arlong Pirates."  Gin's face was pale-er than usual, he was a anxious man. Reminds her of her old friend, she was always worried and terrified. Sanji wonders if she is gonna have to order food for him if they stop at a restaurant. "They are just as strong, maybe even more than Don Krieg Pirates.""They aren't very creative with their names. At least, Luffy named the crew Straw hats, I don't think I would stay in a crew where the Captain named it after themselves." Sanji commented, Luffy nodded in agreement as he looked at the island thoughtfully. "Kinda self centered, you know?""I don't think it matters if they are strong enough." Gin said dryly, looking at her blankly. Ah, now he's not scared. "Why do you question the oddest things?""I wasn't questioning, I was making a comment on their naming." She defended herself, frowning at him. "Now, get back to rowing, we are already a day behind them!""I am going ahead!" Luffy told them suddenly before flinging himself off the ship and onto the island. Gin and Sanji watched him disappear silently. "...well, fuck. What's the plan now?""Amazing captain.""You have no fucking room to talk, row before I kick ya ass off this boat."
MOOOO!
Sanji and Gin slowly turned around. Looking at the Cow fish (??), Sanji lit a cigarette and pulled out two knives. "Ah, I found us dinner for later. Stand back.""Fuck! That's a Grandline sea monster! Don't kill it!" Gin yelled at her angrily. Tch, so much for being a gentleman. "If it's here then, it definitely belongs to Arlong! Probably his pet!""Pet? Then it definitely knows how to get us to him." She put the knives away, when it roared at her, she laughed lowly. "You are now our seacow. Be a good girl and bring us to land."It took a few minutes, but soon she was sitting down as Gin watched the boat and the Seacow swim forward, closer and closer to land."Make her hurry up, Zoro and them had a full day ahead of us." She took a sip of her lemonade, pulling down her sunglasses as the wind picked up. "Hopefully we can get this done before nightfall, hate shopping at night."Street lights are too dim here, all the others taken the good stuff and generally only men shop and work at night. It's so crappy, she can never get a good deal without some sleazy old man hitting on her. (Not even when she was a man, was she safe from it.)-x-Stepping off the boat, she looked around curious. Gin was tying the boat down to the deck. The Seacow was huffing as it laid on the sand. It was interesting, how it could breathe in air and water. "Alrighty, Clover, you stay here, if you move..." She glared at it over her sunglasses. "I will cook you for dinner, understand me?""Moooo," it answered sadly, it's eyes tearing up. Fuck, it's adorable." Good, I will make ya something after we get done." She snorted, walking to shore. The deck was shabby, wood a bit rotten and green. She doubts it could hold the ship if it came down to it. "Come on, Gin, help us win this fight and your two months get cut down to one.""Aye, aye." He caught up quickly, walking next to her. She was glad she was smart enough to wear shoes. Walking on sand in heels suck. He looked around, shoulders tense while his hands reached for weapons no longer there."Are the batons okay? I don't know where Uncle Carne hid the tonfas." She asked, they would have to be. Sanji couldn't find the tonfas when she grabbed him, batons was the most similar weapon that they had taken from the Don Kreig pirates. "They will be fine." He pulled them out, spinning them lightly. "Lighter than what I am used to, but better than going in there without anything.""GOD DAMN IT!""Oop, there's Luffy and Zoro." She snickered as she took off into the forest. "Beat you there, loser has to clean dishes!""Sanji-chan! Wait, it could be dangerous!" Gin called out, running after her. She laughed loudly, going faster into the forest path. Faintly, the voices of somewhat familiar people ahead were heard. "Sanji-chan!"-x-"Zoro! Luffy! We found you!" The blonde smiled at them brightly as she ran into the clearing. Zoro eyed the older man behind her with a frown before Sanji could explain why she had what's his face with her, Luffy hugged her. "Luffy, you idiot! You left us behind! We had to deal with a seacow by ourselves!""Seacow?!" Yosaku and Johnny screamed, eyes wide. "Isn't that a beast from the Grandlines?!""Yeah, it belongs to the Arlong Pirates." Zoro gripped his last sword tightly as Nami came into view. She was glaring at them, angrily. "What are you idiots doing here? Leave, I thought I told you, I am not a part of your crew.""You killed Usopp! We saw you!" Yosaku growled, glaring at her. Johnny nodded, folding his arms as he glared at her too. "You killed him with no mercy!""Yeah, so what? He should have left the moment I had told him to!" She snorted. Zoro was prepared to pulled his sword, he hadn't thought she would actually kill one of them. She saved him earlier, but..."You are lying, you are scared, aren't you?" Their cook stepped towards her, Luffy let go of her as she got closer. "Gin told me that Arlong thinks humans are below him. People like him, they would never truly accept someone unlike them in their ranks. Luffy has been bragging about your talents in drawing maps and navigation. Put two and two together, he's holding you hostage too, ain't he?""Don't make excuses for a witch like her! She killed him, we saw it happen with our own eyes." Johnny huffed, Yosaku nodding with a grim look on his face. "There was blood all over, there's no way she didn't kill him!""Kill me, Nami." Sanji said seriously. Zoro tightened his hold as the others started to freak out. Nami stared at her, shock. Sanji stood in front of her, arms spread. Stupid woman- "Kill me, I won't defend myself, I won't stop you if you truly don't care about us. Killing me should be easy, after all, Arlong Pirates don't think of Humans as living beings, right?""Why-?" Nami stopped whatever she was going to say, gripping onto the bo attached to her back as she glared at Sanji. "Why would I waste my time killing you? I don't even know you! If you guys want to die, then stay here!""Okay, I will stay here. A nap sounds good!" Luffy laughed lightly, walking away. "I thought I saw a good spot near the beach.""Are you hungry? I have stuff for sandwiches ready on the boat." Sanji shrugged, walking away calmly as if she hadn't just asked a woman she barely knows to kill her. Zoro glared at Nami who was walking away then at the back of the stupid blonde in front of him.He followed her closely, who knows what she will next. Idiot."Sanji-chan, what the hell was that?! What if she killed you?" What's his face looked at her with concern."If she tried, I wasn't going to let her, I ain't suicidal." She scoffed. "I am not a idiot."Zoro doesn't believe her one bit, before he could tell her so, she faced him."Wait a minute, what are you doing? Why are you walking around when you are injured?" She took off her sunglasses to glare at him, her hands on her hips."I am injured, not dead. Why won't I be walking around?""Because your injuries could get worse, you moron! Are you bleeding-they are wet! Gin, get the first aid kit from the boat-""-and the food, don't forget my food!""-and the food for lunch, hurry up!""Hey, bro, we are leaving, okay?""Yeah, we saw her kill him with our own eyes. We will see you around.""See you around."  He waved them off as the cook walked around him, looking over the bandages. Grumbling about stupid men and their careless stupidity with their manly pride. (A comment about just being like Mikey and her dad thrown in. Something, something Uncle Carne.)Whatever she used to clean his wounds stung, but it was amusing to see her flustered appearance as she tried to focus on changing his bandages. "I will probably need help again later." He grinned at her."Shut up." Her face got redder as she tied the bandages. "Try not to open them. Luckily you didn't make it even worse."-x-Stupid, stupid men.She angrily cut up the ham for the sandwiches. Luffy grabbed another sandwich, munching on it. She had another plate off to the side for the others. Giving Luffy his own was the only way to keep him from eating the sandwiches before they could even grab one.Hearing a branch snap, her hand flung the knife into the bush before she could even think. A very unmanly scream rang out. "DON'T KILL ME!""Usopp?!" Zoro and Luffy looked over with surprised and happy grins. The long nosed sniper stumbled out of the bushes, crying a bit and shaking, a thin line on his cheek bleeding. "You are alive!""Ah, sorry, do you want a sandwich?"  She offered awkwardly. "There is also chicken if you want.""I got our cook!" Luffy told him happily. "Remember that really, really mean cook? The one who forces me to clean and makes me take a shower? Their name is Sanji!""Cleaning was your job, you lazy bum!" She hit him lightly, scowling. "You need to be clean when working around food! Plus, you should be taking a shower more often anyways!"Usopp sweatdropped. "Ah, yeah, I-I remember them. You are the cook Zoro- Ouch! I almost died and you are hitting me!" He rubbed his head, glaring at Zoro who rolled his eyes. "Asshole!""What happened with you and Nami?" Zoro asked. "Yosaku and Johnny were sure you got killed by her.""Okay, I will tell you." Usopp sighed, before he could start Luffy started walking away. "Wait, don't you want to know?!""Nah, I am good.""He certainly doesn't waste time." Sanji shook her head. Blowing her bangs back in place, she got comfortable on the ground next to Zoro who starting laying back on a tree. "Alright, we are listening.""Shouldn't we go with your captain?" Gin asked, munching on a sandwich with more lettuce than meat. Could have been a salad."Doesn't anyone want to know what happened to me?!" Usopp cried out, before he looked at Gin with wide eyes, pointing at him. "Why are you here?!""I would like to listen." Gin pointedly ignored the last question. "Continue."Sanji, the saint she is, answered it instead. "I stole him from my father, he's working off his debt by being our crew's choreboy. Choreman? Our unpaid worker anyways." Free labor is always nice, kinda. Not really, actually it's kinda expensive if she thinks about it."What?!?"Zoro looked at him annoyed. "Are you going to explain or are we going to catch up with Luffy now?""Fine!"-x-It would be nice to have a skip dialogue button in real life, she thought as the Fishman talked about being higher than humans. He's definitely high on something with that fashion choice. Maybe it's a Fishman fashion sense and Human fashion being different. Those colors clash so horrible but they could see the colors differently so it looks better in their eyes.Can..Can humans and fishman (what's the plural word?) use the others' organs? Will a human heart work in a fishman's body?"Alright, you spoke your piece." She interrupted him. "It's my turn now.""What do you mean your turn?!"Sanji ran towards him, spinning on her hands, she kicked him in the chest. Unprepared, he flew back into a tree. "Sorry, I don't like talking with strangers. You know, stranger danger and all that."Usually a human would be done and knocked out. Only, she watched the angry man stumble to his feet. "Oh, that's surprising. Maybe they were right. You are ten times stronger, so nine more kicks then." She hummed thoughtful. "I wonder, can I cut it  down to two more? I mean, Zoro killed a small crowd of y'all. I can't let a injured man be stronger than me."She ignored his angry squeaking.Something, something, praises of his boss, something.After she got done, she continued on, heading towards the sounds of fighting.Would it be cannibalism to eat them? That's a inside thought, definitely. You know what? She is going to stop this line of thought.She should have eaten more than one sandwich. Unfortunately, she got distracted by Nami's pretty sister. Then their childhood. Fuck, she should have kicked that asshole harder. Next one, next one she will knock out their teeth at least.Hopefully those villagers stayed behind like she told them to. Honestly, leaving their kids behind unprotected is asking for trouble.-x-She had thought that the others would have a easier time. Her own opponent was dealt with fairly easy, even the others heading to the village was easy. She had stayed behind when they noticed fishmen were getting sent to the village, Gin wasn't trusted enough while Usopp was a distance fighter. As far as she was aware, Luffy was always stronger than everyone. They would be okay.Looking at the fishman laughing and gloating over her captain she barely had for three days, who then threw Luffy into a pool. Sanji could only curse Anime Logic™ before running towards them. Zoro started attacking the shark Fishman."You guys left me behind!" She knocked down someone onto the ground when they ran towards her. Trying to bring attention to her, instead of poor Usopp on the wall. "What the hell?!""You said you would catch up!" Zoro yelled at her, fighting Arlong desperately. His wounds bleeding. Gin was dealing with a crowd off to the side. "You are late!""I am not!" She had to hope the swordsman can hold on as she made her way towards their captain. "I got Luffy, don't die!"She didn't hear his answer as she dove into the water. Right after, a Fishman followed her. She couldn't stop the air escaping her when a knee hit her stomach if she tried. Pulling out a knife, she stabbed their eye which they promptly pulled out.They bleed red, she noted, she hadn't noticed until now but it's hard not to when the color is all over. Fighting a Fishmam underwater is not recommended. Sanji took more hits, landed less and generally losing the fight.The fight ended with a Fishman dead and Sanji desperately going to her captain. Her captain who wasn't moving, who didn't even have air bubbles escaping him now. (She failed, she failed, she should have known she would never be enough to be Sanji.)Grabbing him, she kicked off the bottom.-x-Usopp didn't think a fight could be worse than the one on his island. There was less opponents, but they didn't go down with one hit. They shrugged off his shots like nothing or only stumbled a bit.As his legs shook, tears clouding his vision, he tried his best to help Gin. A well aimed shot to give him breathing room, a shot to stop a blow that could take him down.Of course, they noticed him. Then Usopp couldn't help anyone, more concerned about not getting caught as he ran along the walls, roof and even into a tree. He was a sniper, if he couldn't handle being high up, his job would be difficult.(Hearing a branch snap behind him , Usopp cried loudly.)Usopp nearly stumbled as one of the fishman destroyed the wall. "Gin! Help me!" He cried, pride? Sorry, he doesn't know the meaning if he's dead."Shit, give me a moment!" Gin growled out, knocking out another fishman. How many were there?He would understand if this happened in the Grandline, but Usopp knew people who don't think Fishmen existed. Maybe, Usopp thought so too. A bit. You know, before the ship he was standing on got sank by one.Sanji popped up from the water, gasping as they threw Luffy onto land. Usopp shot a fishman who was sneaking up on them as Sanji started CPR on Luffy. When Luffy sat up, coughing up water, Usopp was already running towards Gin with that stubborn Fishman on his heels.(Usopp got rid of two, two, thank you very much. Gin can handle the last one.)Gin didn't even think as he knocked the Fishman down. Usopp took this chance to help Zoro, who was more bloody than before. Sanji joined the fight too, allowing Zoro to back out.It took only one minute before Luffy flung himself into the fight.It was..amazing, Luffy was.When the fight was over, Usopp fell down on the ground next to Luffy and Zoro. Gin, Sanji and Nami stood over them worried. He could get used to this part of fighting. Definitely."We are going to have work on your endurance, Usopp." Sanji said, making him look at them with horror. "You aren't going to be a heavy hitter, so we can't have you getting tired mid battle. Nami too.""There's no need, I am fine." Usopp shook his head desperately. Sanji was a monster, who doesn't realize they are one. He didn't want to know how to train like one. "I am good-" he made a sound of pain as they lightly touched his sore legs."Sure." They looked at him unimpressed. It was unfair, truly. "We will have to get you checked out before we leave. Hopefully no tears.""It would have to be quick." Nami said, bending down to put the straw hat on Luffy who grinned at her. "Thank you...Thank you guys.""We are glad you are okay, Big sis!" Johnny yelled as him and Yosaku walked over with grins. Usopp waved at them, not moving from his spot. He knew they had tried to help, he was glad they didn't die."Nami!" Usopp didn't even bother to look as he look up at the sky. Half listening and half sleeping as the adrenaline slowly left him."Marines!" His eyes snapped open as he got up. Thankfully he didn't have to do much, Nami and him stood back as their four fighters took care of the marines."They are-eh? Nami?" He looked around confused. Oh come on, where did she go now?-x-Sanji had shot down Nami's condition to join so fast. He knew it was probably canon that she got most of the money. But Sanji's taste was expensive and he had no plans on downgrading it. She could spend her 90 million however she liked. But the treasure and money in the future was going to be split evenly.Almost, Nami got 25 percent for the next three years no mater what. They will go over it again, it would likely go down but the amount of loot would probably get bigger. She was mad, but Sanji wasn't backing down.Sanji dealt with Zeff controlling his finances because he was his father, teacher and boss. When Sanji turned sixteen, he finally got money freedom. He wasn't going back. No way in hell.12.5 percent was what the rest of them got. 25 percent went to the ship's care and supplies. Going Merry need repairs, they were minor ones currently. Sanji looked over it more, noting the damage that was already repaired. Usopp tried his best, but upkeep of a ship wasn't easy.Sanji, well he had called his dad because he had no clue where to start. There was just so much to do and it was overwhelming- "Brat, don't tell me you are calling to get picked up.""Screw you, old man!" He hung up, scoffing.........."...we don't know what the fuck we are doing. Gin is the oldest but he only knows how to fight." Sanji said quietly, embarrassed. He had called back a couple minutes later, not looking at the snail as it transformed into an smug looking version of Zeff."Easy, clean up and note everything down. Remember how I taught you when to tell if a ship needs a coating? Check for that. Don't want your ship rotting."Sanji eventually made a whining Luffy and a eager Usopp listen to Zeff. Luffy needs to understand how important ship maintenance is as the captain and Usopp loves the ship. Sanji was the cook, his job first and foremost was to make sure everyone can be fed and healthy.(Sanji could have followed in his father's footsteps and become a Cook Pirate. If he asked some of the Baratie staff, they would leave with him. It would be the younger staff, maybe Patty and Carne because Mikey would come. Sanji knew being a Captain was definitely a choice. But leadership has never been her cup of tea.)"Wonder where that seacow went... Tch."

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Sanji enjoyed slow days, especially with the fact he barely had any when growing up. Between training, learning and chores, Sanji's childhood was seemingly busy all the time. Sure, he had slow days in the restaurant, he hated them by the way. But not the very rare days in the kitchen and on the ship. Yes, there was a difference. The restaurant was a job, a horrible dreadful job that was barely tolerable with the various ladies and their various fashion styles.He had time to make friends, the Baratie Staff didn't count. They were family, uncles and cousins who were assholes. So yes, Sanji was finally making his first friends at nineteen. Nami was his first choice.He had went from a life surrounded by women to a life surrounded by men in his second life. He had taken any chance of interaction with women he could get. Now, now there was a younger woman on the same ship and it's a permanent deal. Sanji tried his best not to freak her out with how excited he was.But well, it's been two days of nothing. All he could focus on was that he had a potential girl friend, right there. Like, Nami could become a little sister to him.Sanji was cool. He was totally cool and chill."Nami-san, do you want to try this marmalade?" Sanji held up the jar with a smile. He had bought tangerines from Nami's sister before they left. Not because she was related to Nami, but they were actually very great tangerines. He definitely won't waste their food budget on feelings. He would have wasted his own money if they were, thank you. (This was before he knew Nami got her trees. He wasn't going to ask for a refund.)He had made jam too, unfortunately while he had gotten too lost in the process, sealed all of it. Opening a jar now seemed wasteful. He was going to wait a couple days before then, by that time it wouldn't bother him that he wasted material for sealing.Nami looked at him, looking unsure for a brief moment before she smiled charmingly at him. "For me? Thank you, Sanji-kun, you shouldn't have." Her eyes looking up at him cutely.Sanji immediately pushed the abort mission button in his mind . Nope. No, he didn't like this situation. He wasn't sure what reaction he wanted, but the subtle flirting was not it, baby. "..No problem."Different plan needed, Sanji went in a wrong direction somewhere. Maybe trying in a dress? But Sanji didn't feel like a dress day. Suit and tie was really amazing lately, he had even grown out his beard a bit for the past couple of days.It was rare when Sanji felt comfortable with growing a beard.-x-Usopp had a weakness. Fried fish and an faint interest in poison. His ammo gave away the poison and Sanji had noticed the fish part when they was celebrating the defeat of Arlong. Usopp had thirds of the fish, so Sanji assumed he would like fries too. A perfect lunch option. Very easy to do.When they gathered for lunch, Sanji sat down between him and Zoro. As they were eating, Sanji, very nonchalantly, asked a question. "So, do you use any poisonous plants in your ammo?""Ah, well yeah, not like deadly or anything." Usopp rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Most of the ammo I make is to inconvenience someone.""If you want more powerful ammo without killing, I know certain combination of plants that can temporarily paralyzed people." Sanji smiled at him, telling himself to stay calm. "In fact, I have some on hand if you want. I also have more deadly poison too, I have been working with poison since I was fairly young, so I can help you if you needed.""Poison? You work with poison?" He looked at him with shock.Sanji beamed, this is when their bonding starts, right? "Yes! I was unable to use it when fighting with the fishmen, fishmans? Well, I didn't get the opportunity, I either defeated them with little trouble or I was in the water. I couldn't use it on Arlong because I didn't get the right moment. Actually, that's how I defeated Don Krieg! A minor poison was put in his soup.""Really?" Usopp looked at him interested. "I didn't think someone like you would use poison.""Eh? Why not?" Sanji set down his fish. "Do you think I am 'honorable' or something? My father was a retired pirate, yeah he had his honor code about women. But still, a pirate. Honor codes is like different for everyone. Mine are a bit patchy.""Yeah, I guess so." Usopp nodded thoughtful. "Do you only focus on paralyzing?""No, it's just my least deadly poison. I have a poison that speeds up bleeding!" Sanji started talking about it and the process of making it. Not seeing the way the others are slowly losing interest in their food. Not Luffy, he was happily taking the food that the others are pushing away.(Usopp was terrified but his curiosity was too strong and ignored certain details for his own mental health.)Bonding with Usopp, successful. He pat himself on the back after Usopp accepted the two bottles with the liquid and powder form of his poison. The antidote too.-x-Second try.Sanji made some fruit tarts, some with tangerines, others with berries. He hummed lightly, walking around the ship. He passed them out, a small pile for Luffy. A couple for Usopp who was messing around with their captain. He also gave them a jug of juice and water.Passing Zoro, he gave him a plate and champagne that pairs well with the dessert. If he wanted ale or sake, he could grab it himself. Sanji wasn't serving any with tarts. Okay, he just didn't feel like grabbing ale. He had spent ten minutes, thinking about which champagne would go with the tarts. They had a limited range, somehow that was worse than the large one back home.Sanji didn't like sake or beer or ale, he was more of a mixed drink or wine guy. A fruity type of alcohol was his first choice. Champagne was meh.He will grab Zoro a different type of alcohol later. Patty isn't here to judge him. (He was very odd about the type of drinks with his desserts.)Getting to Nami, he was a bit tense. "Hey, Nami, I have fruit tarts for a snack today. Dinner is going to be a little late today." He was cooking braised short ribs. About another two hours for it to get done."Thank you," she smiled at him, looking up from the map. No flirting. Good, good."How are we doing on time?" He asked, looking at the map. Not that he understood it."We should be fine, right on track." Nami pointed at a spot on the map. "We are around here, there's a small island coming up where we can more clean water.""Okay, we can also hunt for fresh meat then." Sanji was also going to look for herbs to help with deworming. He knew Luffy and Zoro ate wild animals before, which means parasites could be a problem. "Luffy's meat addiction is more stronger than I thought."She snorted, "you mean you have trouble saying no to him.""Meh, same thing." He shrugged, he didn't hide the fact he gave into Luffy's begging often. But, Sanji made Luffy fish daily, meat was meat in his eyes. He was just happy to eat more food and Sanji was willing to cook for him often if he didn't break into the food."At least it's not taking up more of the ship's food budget." She mumbled. Making him laugh softly. She glared at him, "I am serious. I am not only getting paid for being the navigator but also the treasurer. If you are going to give him extra food, make him pay for it! Don't let him walk all over you!""Okay, okay, I will bring him with me when we shop for food. Or get a list from him and a new budget." Sanji smiled at her brightly.Bonding successful!-x-It was day five and they docked at a small island. The village was small. They were a one bar, one inn and, a few store with stalls for a market small.Sanji got their water tanks refilled after checking the well water. Zoro and Luffy had gone off into the forest to hunt for food. Usopp was..actually, Usopp didn't say what he was doing. Gin had the task on going to the local medicine hall, getting a few ready medicine and dried herbs.Nami was looking around.After the tanks were filled, he went to look at the food stalls. He was thrilled to find the abundance of potatoes, cheap potatoes too. He carefully picked out a seller with the best potatoes. He spent a while making a deal, before they agreed to send a few hundred pounds to their ship.Potatoes were a filler food, it may seem like a lot. But Luffy. They were also in a ton crap of recipes he knows.Pleased with his purchase, he continued to shop and eventually learned from a older woman where their local herbalist lived. He made a quick stop over there, got the needed herbs for deworming and a few others that a harmless herbalist shouldn't have. Before he finally went to the ship to sort his shopping.-x-Maybe he should have told them about the deworming.Sanji didn't get the chance as Luffy swallowed up the dose he had prepared from him. Luffy changed from happy to disgust so quickly that he couldn't help laughing. "I was going to tell you, it's not a smoothie. It's for deworming.""Deworming? What's that?" He asked, nose scrunched up."To get rid of worms you may have gotten, haven't you taken medicine for worms before?" Sanji looked at him, he knew worms existed here. He remembered the first time Zeff gave him the medicine for it, remembered the disappointment of learning parasites were still a problem in a anime world.(Then horror of finding out he did have parasites.)In fact, the recipe for deworming was Zeff's."There's worms..inside of me?" Luffy started to panic, holding onto his stomach. "Ahh! Why are there worms?!""Woah, it's okay, its okay, it's just a possibility." He tried to calm him down. Patting his head awkwardly as he smiled at him. "Worms can come from many things, dirt, wild animals like fishes and deer when they aren't cooked properly, domestic animals and even other humans. It's just something that happens, so that's why we take medicine for it.""I don't want worms!"Sanji spent the next few minutes calming him down.Thankfully the rest of the crew took the medicine with little problems. No doubt hearing Luffy and Sanji earlier.(Sanji had to change the diet when it was revealed Zoro, Luffy and Gin had worms. Not that he told anyone he had to change his meal plans to help them with it. He had talked with Zeff to make a plan, even Sanji had to follow through it.)-x-The Den Den was adorable.He didn't think a small cat sized snail could be, but it was. He had decided to name his snail, only it denied any name he suggested." Alexander?"Slow head shake."Ryuu?"Head shake again."Sora?"Nope."Cho?"Hard no."Maxwell?"Judgement, which first of all, rude. Maxwell is a good name."Rex?"Still no."Shun?"Pause. Thoughtful. Slowly nod.Just to be hilarious, he decided to write his name as '駿'. Traditional writing (Japanese) was rare, the whole world was filled with more Modern writing (English), so it was unlikely to come up but it was funny to him. He didn't understand how the language system worked or how it ended up like this. Then again, the spoken language here is a weird mixture of Japanese and English.Once again, don't ask him how that worked, it's so weird.Shun was adorable and likes to be dressed up in a suit and tie too with a mean temper when he was hungry. They were meant to be, written in the stars. Destined even through universes.-x-After nine days of being on Merry, Sanji hunted Luffy down to take a shower. He was stuck in a room with him and the other boys. Usopp and Gin took showers every couple of days, understandable amount of showers. Luffy and Zoro? Not once since they got on Going Merry (Merry Go is a totally better name), did either of them took a shower or bath.Luffy tried to hide but got lured out with a plate of ribs."Heh, got you!" Sanji held onto his arm as he walked towards the bathroom. Luffy tried to hang onto the ship's mast, so Sanji spun around a bit, making his arm wrap around him. "If you don't come, I am only going to cook vegetables for dinner!""Nooo! You said you were making the boar meat I hunted!" Luffy whined, his hold loosen a bit."I was, but I guess I will just have to save it." Sanji sighed sadly. "It's too bad, I was planning on barbequing it too.""Nooooo!" Luffy let go, Sanji braced himself as he flew towards him, hitting him on the back. Luffy pouted as he grabbed the ribs from the plate Sanji was still holding onto."It's so goood, I want more just like this." He told him as he cleaned the meat from the bone with ease."Okay, no problem."  Sanji started walking with a Luffy shaped backpack on. Zoro snickered, not knowing that he was next. When Luffy was set free, smelling like a clean smoky forest, Sanji walked out in his fluffy robe.Zoro was in the same spot, laying down. Sanji looked at him with a small smile. "How do you want to do this, handsome?"Zoro tensed up, peeking up at him confused. "What are you talking about?""Shower, bath, whatever you take to get clean." Sanji put his hands on his hips, bending over a bit. "Unless you can do it yourself? I know you are still injured, but you have to clean yourself up.""So, you are going to help me?" Zoro smirked. "Okay, sure.""No, Gin is." Sanji smiled at him amused. Bathing Luffy was one thing, but Zoro? Yeah, no, Sanji didn't trust himself. Zoro's smirk dropped so fast, he couldn't help laughing as he stood up straight. "Did you really think I was going to help you bathe? Sorry, handsome, that's not happening any time soon.""I don't need anyone's help, I can do it myself."  He huffed, Gin who didn't know he was going to play Nurse sighed in relief loudly. Zoro who heard it, got angry instantly. Sanji watched the two, amused as Gin tried not to piss off Zoro more while Zoro yelled at him, getting more mad.Eventually he left, it was too windy out to be in boxers and a robe.-x-About a day from the next island, Nami found Sanji, who woke up feeling icky that morning and had to spent an hour shaving her face and legs."Sanji, can we talk?" She looked nervous, awkward as she stood in the middle of the kitchen. Sanji paused as she was cutting potatoes. Nami breathed in before she walked closer. "Are you a okama?""Okama?" Sanji blinked, she heard of the word, of course she had. One time from one of the cooks, a few from guests and passing pirates. It was an insult, meant to be insulting. But Zeff found an 'okama', Sanji had talked with them and thought they were amazing. But Sanji never thought of being one, she never put a label on herself because she was fine with being Sanji. "Ah, I always thought of myself as just Sanji.""So, you aren't a..woman?" Nami look so awkward, uncomfortable.Sanji laughed quietly, "currently, yes. Yesterday? No, I was a man. It all depends on how I feel. Some days, I feel like neither, or both. It's confusing for me too. So, I just think of myself as just Sanji.""So you are a woman today?" She asked slowly. Sanji nodded. Nami looked at her thoughtful. "Alright, you sleep with me tonight! I am doing your hair and you are telling me how you keep your long hair so soft!""Ah, you don't have-" Sanji's mouth got blocked by Nami's staff."Shut it! I am not letting a woman sleep in a room with four men by herself!" She stomped away, leaving Sanji at a lost.....Bonding...successful??-x-Sanji's heels was probably Zoro's favorite shoewear now. He watched them walk around, giving out the plates of food. Luffy being the first as always.Zoro scowled when Nami glared at him as she took her smoothie from Sanji. Damn, navigator.He could still feel the hit from her when she caught him accidentally getting a view of Sanji's lace underwear earlier this morning. It was an accident, Zoro couldn't control the wind. Hell, Sanji didn't care that it happened.Not to mention the fact Nami had moved Sanji's things from the men's room to hers last night. To their room now. Apparently, they should stick together when they are surrounded by meatheads.Zoro looked away when he noticed something flying towards them. It was the newspaper. Nami got up to grab it, Zoro scoffed when she started arguing with the damn bird.Sanji walked over, their hair was in a bun with pearls decorating it. Zoro thought their usual ponytail was better. "How was last night?" They asked as they handed him his plate with a bottle of booze."Boring." He grumbled, it was. Gin and him switch every night, there hasn't been one attack. Not even an sea king. They tried adding the other crew into the rotation but Usopp and Luffy fell asleep before the first hour. Nami barely made it.Sanji wasn't an option, being the cook, they barely get six hours of sleep. The crew had found out the first try that Sanji needs their six hours of sleep or they would burn food the whole day. And, they don't take naps.They can't take naps, actually or it turns into hours of sleep. Six hours, every time. Zoro and Gin talked about it one night because Gin didn't feel like sleeping. Sanji could sleep at seven and wake up at one. Sleep at ten and up at four.Without fail.They could take a shift until midnight but then they wake up at six and it takes them a hour to be ready for the day and another to cook a simple breakfast for everyone. Unfortunately Luffy had started waking up early, used to getting breakfast at seven. Zoro didn't think his captain could get up before ten until the Baratie and Sanji happened.(Luffy was a little shit when he didn't get food on time.)"30 million belly!" Nami gripped a bounty poster, shock. Zoro looked at her. "Luffy got a bounty of 30 million!"That's pretty high. He whistled, impressed. Especially for this sea and for a first bounty?"Really!?" Luffy grabbed it excited, Usopp also looked at it with him. "My first bounty! Sanji, it's time for a celebration!""Aye, aye, captain."  They nodded, giving Gin his plate and then Usopp's. Before heading to the kitchen. "I will start cooking now.""Wait, we can't do that yet, we are a hour away from the next island! We have to wait-" Nami paused, before she shook her head. "What am I saying?! Don't you know what a bounty means for us now?!""Food?" Luffy blinked at her."Our first true step as a crew?" Usopp suggested, before showing Sanji the poster. "Look I am in it too.""No you idiots!" Nami glared at them. "Danger, marines will start paying attention to us more. With this amount, we can't stay here much longer. You probably have one of the highest bounty in this sea. Not only marines, but other pirates and bounty hunters will be chasing us.""What's the next island anyways?"  Gin asked curiously, walking over to look at the poster, nodding at Luffy in approval. Zoro grabbed it when he handed it out to him. It wasn't a bad photo, he even noticed Usopp's head too."Loguetown!" Nami announced. "Our last stop before the Grandline. The town of the beginning and end of Gol D. Roger!"As the youngest three talked about the town excitedly, Zoro was looking at Gin who grew pale, hands shaking. A bit worried, he nudged him with his foot. Gin looked at him, before he tried waving Zoro off.Zoro scowled at him.

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Sanji wasn't surprised when Nami dragged her away after finding out that she had a shopping list. Gin could only sigh as he held the crumpled list, going towards the food market. Sanji protested, loudly,  because Gin wasn't a chef, wasn't even a good cook."We can't trust him to pick the right ingredients!"  Sanji stumbled after Nami, who had her arm in a death grip. (Oww.) "Does he even know how to pick vegetables? He burnt eggs, Nami-chan!""Sanji-chan, listen to me! He's the choreboy, you said so. His job is to do the boring and simple tasks no one wants." She huffed, crossing her arms while she stood in front of her. "Getting groceries is one of those things-no, don't talk! Your closet is empty, we are going to fix that!" Her voice was filled with determination and promise as she pointed at her.Sanji thought about it, moving into the women's room, she did get a lot more closet space. Not as much as back home but her clothes weren't squished between all the boys clothes. "New skirts sounds nice.""That's the spirit!" Nami started pulling her again.-x-Gin lost Zoro.One moment, Zoro was by his side as Gin was talking with the butcher, then poof! Gin holding sixty pounds of various meat, stood in the middle of the road while realizing he gave Zoro the list.The shopping list.Zoro was out there, no doubt lost and with the shopping list....He only got the first item."Zorooo!!" He yelled, uncaring of who was around while he started running through the streets.-x-Usopp looked around, rubbing his ear. He swore he heard someone call Zoro's name. Luffy was munching on the second lunch Sanji packed for him as they walked around. Usopp shook his head, not his problem, Gin is on Zoro duty. "Luffy, do you remember to ask Nami for some belly?""Hmm? I thought you were going to ask?" Luffy looked at him confused, Usopp stared back at him. They stood there, silent."You forgot to ask?! Me?!" They yelled together in sync, pointing at each other. " It was your job!!! Nu-uh! It was yours!""Idiot!""I don't want to hear that from you, Luffy!"-x-"Look at that beautiful lady." Sanji pointed at the lady in a cowboy hat. Nami looked over, a thoughtful look on her face, her eyes narrowing. "Do you think she's a pirate? She's kinda dressed like one.""I don't know, but she looks familiar."  Nami told her, before waving it off. "Let's not focus on that, I saw a store with a cute dress in its window."They continued on, Nami talking about finally finishing one of the maps. Sanji brought up the compass that the old man talked about. "Logue Pose? Maybe it was Log, I got distracted. But he said we need a different type of compass for the Grandline.""I guess we should look into that before we leave."-x-Zoro hummed, looking at the swords with interest. A sack of grocery next to him. He had spent most of his money to get it. Unfortunately...he was now broke.All he could afford was- now, that was interesting.-x-"Zoro!" Gin looked into every store that had weapons in the window. Getting more desperate. Sanji-chan was going to beat his ass. Or worse, he might found out what it was like to be poisoned by food so good he wouldn't care."You..You are Gin, a Don Krieg pirate."Gin turned around slowly, ah..a Marine..."I'm putting you-don't run away!"Hopefully, the others are also getting chased. Or this is..quite embarrassing for me. He thought to himself as more and more joined the first Marine. He ran through the streets and alleys, trying to lose them.-x-Nami nods to herself as Sanji-chan spun around. Getting a woman's suit was definitely a good choice.  "Don't you see what the difference is? Narrow sleeves, a bit shorter and a bit more room on the top." Suits aren't very traditional feminine, but Nami can firmly say Sanji makes it work. It's hard to look at Sanji's long eyelashes, beautiful hair, that pretty pink lipstick  and then say something about her not being feminine.Sanji is very great at carrying herself in any gender she wants. Or what gender she was. Nami thought so, had thought the older woman was unnecessarily handsome for a woman when they met on Baratie. Then she saw her in a dress and maybe felt a moment of envy. She was..extremely pretty. (With a terrible taste in men.)Then Sanji was not a woman..Sanji was a man and it was obvious. Nami couldn't tell you why. But when Sanji was a man, he was a man. (That sounds so stupid, not even a month and she's getting infected.)"Nami, do you think a solid tie would be better or a striped one?" She asked her, holding two ties up to her chest. Nami looked at them,  before shaking her head. "Different color?""No, try this one." Nami grabbed a blue tie with faint designs of roses, holding it in place. "See?""Ooh, yeah, that's a good choice."  Sanji set the other ties down before putting on the tie with ease. It took a couple minutes before she was looking into a mirror, checking herself out. "You won't think such little changes would make a difference.""Hmph, I told you so." Nami smiled, smug."Well, my lady, shall we get going?" Sanji held out her arm, which Nami grabbed with a bright smile. "Let's go pay for this, we probably don't have much time before-"The two looked out the store's window as Gin ran past it, cursing loudly as Marines chased after him."Before one of our idiots get in trouble."  Sanji finished her sentence.Nami waved her off lightly. "It's fine, Gin can handle himself.""The Marines are executing that new Pirate, Monkey D. Luffy!""...I still wanted to get another pair of shoes." Nami grumbled. Sanji laughed softly, paying the cashier by throwing a stack of money. The two ran towards the town's executionOh, how painfully it is to know your friend pays little attention to prices. Nami ran back inside, taking the change back, glaring at the worker.-x-Luffy laughed loudly, oh man, Loguetown was so fun. Not to mention the look on Usopp's face.When his crew ran over, looking at him with various expression. He grinned at them. "Oh, hey guys! I am about to die!""What happened?!""Ah, Luffy wanted to see what it was like to be on the stand. I couldn't stop him then some chick started talking and then a clown came!" Usopp explained in a panic, his hands waving away. "Then some guy Kabaji trapped him! Then you guys came!""Stop ignoring us! We are still here!" Buggy yelled, Luffy snickered before trying to get out. Only to realize he cannot squeeze out like he had thought."I can't scratch my nose." He tried wiggling it, but nope."It doesn't matter, you should be honored to die in the same spot as the King of Pirates." Buggy yelled, his face getting red as his nose.Luffy ignored him to look at his crew. "Hey, guys!""We are not itching it!" They yelled at him, even Sanji. He pouted.-x-Gin panted as he looked over the fishes, the group of Marines were leaning against each other as they drank water behind him. Looking at the fish seller, he pointed at the giant fish. "What-What type?""Elephant Tuna, they are usually from the southern seas. But I caught it myself!"  The seller told him proudly.Gin nodded, pulling out his wallet. "I will take the whole thing, it looks funky enough. The chef on the ship is always up to try new things.""Do you want me to cut it up for you?"Gin turned towards the marines. "Do you mind waiting?""Ah, nonono, it's fine." One of them told him, wiping off sweat. "Take your time.""Thank you," he nodded at them before giving the go ahead. When he got the fish on his shoulder, the meat beneath his other arm. "Okay, I am ready.""Okay." They give him a thumbs up. Gin booked it, apologizing when he bumped into a man. "Sorry!""Get back here you scum!"-x-"Why are we leaving them behind?" Usopp asked, carrying the sack of food that Zoro shoved to him. "Shouldn't we help them?""No, a storm is coming here." Nami told him, "we need to make sure the ship doesn't get washed away while they are fighting.""I will go ahead then." He started running. Nami yelled after him, before cursing as she started to chase after him. "Hurry up!""This bag is too heavy!" -x-Gin nodded, paying the old woman. "Thank you, ma'am.""You're welcome, stay safe. The Grandline is very dangerous," she told him concerned, patting his hand. "Remember to gather extra warm clothing, I heard the weather can be very extreme.""I will try my best." He bowed lightly, before leaving the store.  He walked away, the Marines trailing after him. The moment they left the sight of the store, they started running again.-x-"He's going to say something stupid." Zoro told her, looking up at their captain and the clown named Buggy."...Yeah, he probably is." Sanji closed his eyes in pain as Luffy yelled out his goal. The crowd around them, got quiet before it explode into surprised whispers. The clown got pissed off, glaring down at Luffy."Zoro! Sanji! Get me out of here!"It was a pity that there was so many random people here. Sanji couldn't  use any of his poison, he knocked out someone with a gun. Kicking a gun upwards, the bullet hit the building behind her. Grabbing it, she kicked the bastard away."At least, what he said wasn't stupid. It was just the wrong time." She said to Zoro when she ended up next to him, who snorted unimpressed. "A very wrong time."They stayed together, trying to clear a path. Sanji cursed, why does everyone have so many crewmates? Luffy has five and a half, he's doing fine. (Gin is the half, there was a chance that Gin will be staying here. Shun was the fifth, he deserves it. Maybe it should be six and a half? Merry Go is very important.) No, they had to have a crap ton of goons. Does this Buggy even know their names?It's actually a bit concerning how many people turn to piracy.Sanji snapped back to focus when she realized that Buggy was actually going to kill Luffy. Jumping up on someone's shoulders, she started to running on top of the crowd, barely dodging random stray bullets and weapons. "Luffy!!"
Booom
!
Sanji screamed in shock, falling back onto someone as the blast threw them back. Elbowing the person in the face, she scrambled up. "Luffy!!"(Oh god, was this supposed to happen?)"Luffy!" She beamed with joy when she saw Luffy standing over the rubble. "You are okay!""Shishishi, guess I am not dying today!""Let's go!" Sanji reached out, Luffy's hand scratched out to grab hers. "Did you have fun?""Yeah, let's catch up with Nami and Usopp!" Sanji laughed with him as they took off. "I am getting hungry already!""Okay, I will start cooking when we get back."Zoro caught up with them, smirking. "How did you even get caught, idiot?""I wanted to know the feeling, the full experience!"  Luffy grinned at him, "do you think someone took a photo?""If they did, it would be bad for the Marines' public image." Sanji informed him, if modern day media was so heavily controlled. No doubt this place was much worse. "It would only reach the public if they catch you!""That sucks!""Stop!" A pretty lady stood in front of them with a sword at her side, pointing at Zoro. A marine? "You! You were just messing with me?!"Sanji looked over at Zoro who looked smug. "You guys go ahead, I got this one.""Kick her ass!" Sanji cheered him on, he can handle it. She definitely wants to know why the lady said that. Ex-lover? Ooh, lovers to enemies to lovers? Forbidden-wait..wait a fucking- Oh, oh wow, that is one hot man."I don't know, he looks cold to me." Luffy said as they skid to a stop. Sanji looked over confused. "How is he more wet than us?""Oh, I see, I wasn't talking about his temperature, I was saying he was an attractive man." Sanji corrected him. "He looks very good in his uniform, the confidence, the pose."The unknown marine coughed, looking awkward." Straw hat Luffy, my name is Smoker, a Captain of the Marine Headquarters. I won't allow you to set sail from here!""Polite too, my father would approve."  Sanji laughed, grabbing a capsule from the pouch Usopp gave her earlier."I don't know about that, he seems too old for you, look at his old people hair." Luffy said seriously. Sanji nodded in agreement,  disappointed. "He has to be twice your age, maybe even older than your father.""I am only 34!" He yelled angrily, Luffy and Sanji exchanged looks, which made him more pissed off. "I don't need to explain myself to runts like you!"Sanji watched as he turned parts of his body into smoke. Attacking smoke would be stupid, if only she had a jar or fan. Jumping to the side, she throw the capsule at his face, only for him to knock it to the ground with the smoke. Which means, Anime Logic™ is screwing her over again because smoke should not be able to move things or stop things. Fucking Anime Logic™.Luffy attacked him from the other side, his hand getting stuck in the smoke. Sanji went low to kick at his legs, only to hit nothing. A powerful hit to the chest sent her flying into a wall. She coughed, struggling to not panic from the lack of air."Sanji!" Luffy kicked Smoker in the face, actually landing a hit. Which pissed off the marine more. Sanji pulled herself out of the dent, brushing off the small rumble on her brand new suit. If it stains, the moment she get a power up, she's coming back for this asshole.(Oh, she better get power ups when this dude can stop things with smoke.)She stumbled, quickly covering up that embarrassing moment, she grabbed the bottle she hid in her sock. It was a small thing, barely a ounce of liquid in one of those sample spray bottle. Sanji ran up, aiming for his stomach, when he blocked that. Sanji sprayed it onto his face, prepared this time, she saved herself and someone's wall when he threw her like a rag doll.He's so gorgeous, hot, dangerously so. Are they going to keep meeting a bunch of hot people? Why didn't they tell her how many people were hot? All they talked about was some Jack dude. Joker? Something with cards. Sue her, it's been over twenty years.(Sanji didn't feel like they were over twenty, felt so childish and naive compared to Zeff or Carne. Just another teenager trying to deal with the fact they are an adult now. Luckily, no bills or debt in this life.)Luffy quickly wrapped his arms around him, gripping onto his face. When Smoker looked shock, Sanji twirled, more movement, more force, her foot hit his face with a satisfying crunch.Before she could feel pride at landing a hit. She was flying through the air, going through a wall.Good night me was her last thought as she passed out.
She's so pathetic.
-x-Luffy was mad.He just got Sanji, barely a month of his own chef. Now, now this Smoker dude just hit them away like a annoying fly."Gum Gum Pistol!""White Blow!"When he got knocked down, the moment he felt that dude's hand on his head, Luffy reached behind him, twisting and twisting up his arm like a vine until it wrapped around his throat. Luffy pulled down, yanking the dude down onto the ground next to him.A move he had learned when Sanji started attacking him from the back. Luffy wasn't as mean, he didn't grip Sanji's throat, didn't shove them to the ground. Sanji was his nakama.Smoker was not.Luffy glared at the Marine."I see, maybe your 30 million bounty wasn't overkilled." Smoker grinned. Luffy wasn't surprised when he disappeared from his hold. Luffy knew it was only a matter of time before the poison or whatever kicked in. He just had to keep fighting. "But, still I am going to stop you, I won't let you grow into something worse!"Luffy moved, dodging the smoke. He couldn't punch him, couldn't kick him or anything like that. He had to wait, wait for Smoker's punches and kicks. Then he twists and twists.Smoker eventually started becoming more solid, more grab-able and holdable. More punchable.He tried to get a net on Luffy, but Sanji does the same thing for bath night whenever Luffy really didn't feel like a bath night, the net was a rope one though. It was easy to kick it away, even if touching made him feel sick and gross. He shook his leg, trying to stop the feeling.Luffy realized whatever it was, must be poisonous too because that leg didn't stretch right, slow and shorter than he meant it to be. That's why he has gloves on!Dodging a hit, mind racing. Sanji and Usopp uses gloves when they have their poison cooking set out! Touching is bad!"You have poison gloves on!" Luffy said excited. He doesn't have gloves but he could use his vest like Sanji did when they couldn't find their glove!Smoker stumbled, swaying. Two poisons are bad! Super bad! Luffy shrugged off his vest, picking up the net, he threw it at Smoker. Instantly, he stopped being all cloudy and smoky, dropping down to the ground.Luffy grabbed his vest, running towards Sanji. "Sanji!" He picked them up, throwing them on his back."Are they still alive?" Zoro asked, surprising Luffy, almost dropping their chef. "Are you okay?""Let's go!" Luffy didn't answer, they couldn't stay here. That dude was already struggling to stand up.-x-Gin barely made it onto the ship, tripping on his face as Usopp and Zoro delayed the Marines behind him. He set the large fish and meat to the side, not even bothering to look up."You good?" Zoro asked after they got away, poking him on the cheek."You asshole, you were supposed to stay with me." He muttered, flipping him off weakly. His forehead was pressed against the cold and wet deck beneath them."Not my fault you got lost."Gin did look up this time, glaring at Zoro's smug face. "Wait until I can move.""Zoro! Stop bothering Gin and help with the sails!" Nami growled, glaring at him. Gin looked around, Usopp was bringing in the food. Luffy was by Sanji- he pushed himself up."Sanji-chan?""They're okay, got knocked around by some Marine Captain." Zoro told him. "Just a few bruises and bumps."Sanji looked over, seeing Gin, her face turned shock before a panic look took over her face. "What are you doing on the ship?! We are going to the Grandline!"Luffy looked at him, "oh yeah! We were supposed to leave you behind! I guess you are stuck with us now!" He laughed, grinning widely. "That means you are apart of my crew now!"....Fuck."Stop talking! The storm is getting worse, get to work!" Nami paused, looking at him. "You still don't get part of the treasure until your debt is filled!"Fuck. He laid back down, he's too tired. "I got a Log Pose, by the way. Somewhere in the meat bag." He waved in the general area.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Zoro sat down, watching Sanji moving around. Gin was on the look out and Zoro, well sometime during Loguetown, he had irritated his still healing wounds. Training made it worse.With little to do, he ended up in the kitchen. The blonde was humming, cooking the tuna that Gin got earlier. He wasn't too sure what he was doing with it, still he watched."Are you getting hungry?" Sanji asked suddenly, looking over their shoulder. "I made a few snacks for Luffy earlier, there's trail mix, a fruit salad and jerky. I made cupcakes too.""Trail mix?""You know, peanuts, dried fruit, almonds and other types of nuts." Sanji washed their hands, drying them after. They grabbed a jar and a bowl from a cabinet, walking over, they set it in front of him. "You can pretty much put anything in a trail mix. I knew someone who liked bits of jerky with peanuts, raisins and chocolate."Zoro picked up the jar, there was sunflower seeds. "What are the yellow chunks?""Dried pineapples." Sanji told him, "there's bananas, sunflower seeds, almonds, bits of chocolate, mango, raisins, peanuts. And I can't remember if I put the peaches. I knew I cut them and dried them." They looked at the jar, before frowning. "I don't think I did, got distracted by Luffy trying to eat the jerky.""Sounds like a lot of work for just this." He turned the jar, it wasn't more than five pounds."Oh, that's not all of it." Sanji smiled, "I have the rest locked away. I only got done with everything for it today. I plan on taking out a jar everyday, do you want some?""Luffy already ate some?" He asked, he hadn't heard Luffy praise Sanji or seen him stuff his face with it yet. Sanji looked at him confused, Zoro waved the jar. "Luffy, did he eat any? He usually gets the first of everything.""Oh, you noticed that?"  They seemed taken back. Zoro scowled, of course he did, Luffy guards his first serving even more than his other food. Nearly bit the hand off of Usopp when he wanted to try the fancy little cakes first. "The other chefs back home didn't notice for a while. But yes, I give him the first serving as a sign of respect. I did the same thing for my father, well now, Luffy is my captain."Zoro nods, culture thing, got it. "So, did he already try it?""Yeah, but he liked the jerky more." Sanji pushed the bowl towards him. "He will probably come back soon. It's been a hour since he stole the bag."Opening it, he poured the mix into the bowl. Tasting the first orange chunk, he looked for another piece before eating it. Sanji grabbed the jar, putting it back before they started looking through the cabinets."I didn't put any peaches, you want some?" They held up another jar filled with chunks of orange. When he said no, Sanji pulled out a bottle of whiskey. "You want this?""I don't understand your sorting, why did you have peaches and alcohol in the same place?"  Zoro looked through the cabinets one night after Sanji took over it. It was chaos. Nami's sorting made far more sense. All the spices in one, flour and rice in another, everything easy to find. The only thing sorted now was stuff like pots and dishes."Well, I don't use much in this cabinet, kind of a junk cabinet." They looked at it, looking confused too. "I keep my favorite spices in that one. My its-needed spices are over here with flour...I actually don't really have a sorting system. It's just a chaos I know and like. Don't tell Zeff, he likes his kitchen sorted properly.""I thought you would be organized." Sanji smiled sheepishly, "I would like to be, but everything gets mixed up gradually." After washing their hands again, they started chopping up onions. "I will sort everything properly in a couple days, mostly to say I tried. Then in a couple weeks, it will be all messed up."Zoro laughed, "how often do you sort the kitchen then?""Every couple weeks." They grinned at him. "Eventually I will keep it organized, one day."-x-Shun didn't remember a life outside of being in a human's care. He does remember his very first home, it was in a small house with various other Den den Mushi. He was one of the smaller ones with limited ability to safe guard his own food.It was a battle to live.Eventually, he got taken to another location with glass cages and less Den den Mushi. It had various humans coming in, looking at them, some of them would leave with a Denden, while others would keep coming back before they finally choose one. None of them seemed interested in him, always a brief look before moving on. Shun didn't care, he was more than happy to live in the glass cage until he died.Then one day, a man with sunglasses came in, he was dressed in all white with a weird hat. Shun knew instantly he didn't want to live with the man. Bonding with a human meant you took up with their fashion sense. He saw no appeal in the man's human shell. Shun liked his green shell, it was shiny and a great color, thank you very much."Seafoam green." The man stopped in front of his cage, at this time, Shun didn't know he was a gift, he wasn't even named at that time. Generally, Denden Mushi don't get names as far as he was concerned. All he knew was he didn't want this man to take him away.He give the man his most unimpressed look, before turning away. The man laughed loudly, "god, just like that kid. Hey, shopkeeper, I want this one."Shun turned to look at the man, a look of disgust. No, he was going to stay here, thank you very much. Unfortunately (fortunately), the man left with him in a box, whistling happily. The others were happy for him, send him congratulations as they walked out.He was kept in that box for weeks. No matter how often he tried to escape, the man found him. After countless mental battles, the man finally give up and gave him away."Alright, little guy, Sanji-chan is going to need you, they are leaving home now and you are going to be the thing to keep her from running back home." He told him, leaving him in the smallest cage he has been in yet. "Remember to make some noise or you will get left behind."What? He looked at the most irresponsible human he has ever meet. What did he mean left behind? Doesn't the new human have a brain? How could they forget a living being? He was going to starve, wasn't he?The moment the man left, he went to sleep. It wasn't his fault, Denden Mushi need a ton of sleep. It was dark, cold and quiet. A perfect time to sleep. When he woke up, it was to the sight of light blinding him as a human opened the box. He blinked, a bit confused as a human with long yellow hair picked him up."Well, hello there, little guy." They rubbed his shell, smiling. Faint feelings of joy, missing home and nervous happiness came from the human. He immediately wanted to leave, too much emotions. "I am Sanji, I guess you are coming with us.""What's that? Food?" Another human asked loudly, tumbling into the room excited. Food? Him? A fate worse than starving! He tried to escape only for the yellow haired human to hold him close to their chest as they laughed. The vibration felt like purring, making his body relax unwillingly. Amusement and fondness leaked out of them, infecting him with it. This human, they are too dangerous!"No, I was talking to the Denden Mushi that Carne gave me." They stood up, making him feel dizzy. He needed his box, what if they dropped him? His shell could break!Over the next few days, the yellow haired human always kept an eye out for him. Food was always prepared for him, more than he usually gets. Maybe he overate.Eventually, he realized that his shell started changing color. From the green he was pride of to a blue. A blue he was familiar with. The human's eyes. He didn't want that. He definitely didn't like the human who forced little hats and outfits on him.He didn't.The human hadn't noticed, despite how much they praised him for being the most handsome snail in the world. (The nerve-)One day as they were feeding him. They looked at him. He had looked back, bored. "You know I never gave you a name."Snails are rarely given names, he answered mentally. Stupid cook."Alexander?"
No.
"Ryuu?"No."Sora?"Are they making fun of his new color?"Cho?"He can't fly."Maxwell?"A dog's name? Really? Why are they offended?"Rex?"Still not a dog, honestly, how is his human still alive?"Shun?"He paused, Shun, Shun. Shun, that—that was a name. He nodded, Shun, he had a name. A good-no, a great name.That day, Shun stood proudly, dressed in a new familiar outfit as his human showed him off."I present to you, the most handsome–"Shun made himself bigger."–the greatest Den Den Mushi to ever live! Shun!""Sanji, did you make him another suit? He looks cute.""Shun, for a snail?""I like it.""When did you name him?""Shishishi, another crewmate.""I don't-""Yup, Shun will be the best snail this crew can ask for!"Of course, he was after all, the greatest snail this world will ever see. He soaked up the praise smugly. His human's captain was going to be a king, he knows that means being a leader. Who plans on having the best, so Shun will be the best.