Chapter 9 Let 's get Sanji!

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'Aren 't you the Pirate Hunter Zoro? ' another shopkeeper asked.

Zoro twitched and growled, 'Not anymore. I 'm a pirate. '

The shopkeeper looked doubtful and edged away from him. She was a middle-aged woman selling leather goods. Luffy needed new sandals and Usopp wanted to get a few pairs of boots in a larger size than he currently wore. Nami was admiring belts.

'You should be careful with that one Usopp. He 's a bounty hunter. He 's turned in dozens of pirates. Are you sure you want to sail with that man? ' the whisper was not as quiet as she clearly imagined.

'Rayna-sama, it 's fine! He 's a Strawhat and a good guy. ' Usopp assured quickly.

Zoro dropped the shoes he was looking at and walked out with a huff. It seemed like half the town recognized him from the papers. Unlike in Cocoyashi, these people were determined to believe the worst of his character. He 'd been accused several times of trying to lure Usopp in or turn them over to the Marines. Pointing out that none of them had bounties did nothing. He was the oldest of the group and a famous swordsman. That seemed to be reason enough to suspect him of devious motives. He leaned against the side of the building, stroking his swords to find his calm.

'Aren 't you that famous pirate hunter? '

'Let 's go Zoro! ' Luffy was holding his arm and walking away from the shop.

He grit his teeth and let his captain take the lead. He was not going to draw his sword here. He was not. Zoro let himself be pulled into the next shop. A shop that appeared to be selling dyes and perfumes.

'Luffy? ' he questioned.

'Ne, Zoro, do you think we could dye Usopp 's hair green? That would be so cool! ' Luffy bounced a little looking around.

'Our dyes are not intended for use on hair and skin! ' the shop owner protested.

'Ugh. How boring. ' Luffy stuck his tongue out at the man and pulled Zoro back out onto the street and into the next shop.

'Captain, what are you doing? ' Zoro asked bemused.

'Shopping! ' the small brunet declared.

'Is this really how you shop? ' Zoro asked looking around the women 's clothing shop he 'd been dragged into. 'Just going into every store? '

'Only when there 's no marketplace. ' Luffy nodded. 'How do you find all the things you need if you don 't look? '

If Zoro didn 't know his captain was completely serious he would think it was a prank. He suddenly understood why Luffy was so happy to let everyone else do the shopping.

'Usually shops sell one kind of thing. You look for shops that have what you want displayed in windows or on their signs. '

'Really?! ' he bounced a little as they wandered out of the shop. 'That 's so smart! I usually just shop for food and you can sniff that out easy. '

'Let 's catch back up with Nami and Usopp, yeah? They can show you how it 's done. ' He gave his captain a fond smile and wondered again about how and where he was raised.

Having met two of his brothers and a grandfather, Zoro still had no clear picture of Luffy 's past. It didn 't matter though. His captain was the kind of man he 'd follow anywhere. Including, apparently, women 's clothing shops.

XXXxxx

Setting out from Syrup was a very different experience. It seemed like the entire village turned out to see Usopp off. His heroics had captured the good will of the villagers, but even more came by with sendoff gifts and stories of Usopp 's childhood. The Merry was well provisioned and Nami spent the evening before talking deals and discounts that Luffy didn 't care about.

The villagers cheered and played music while the Strawhats sailed out. Usopp had already taken the time to paint their flags. He had the paints ready to do the sail later if the weather permitted. Luffy sat in his special spot and listened to the sendoff as Nami called orders and took the helm.

'Let 's go! We 're off to see Sanji! '

His crew scrambled for a few minutes until the sails were set and Nami was slipping the ties on the helm. Luffy hopped down and gathered the crew around their large den den mushi. Someone had decorated over Arlong 's mark with a stylized sheep head and given the snail a little hat. Luffy adored it.

So cool!

'Nami, let 's do it. Give Sanji a call! '

'A call? ' Usopp questioned. 'He has a snail? '

'He 's in the Restaurant! ' Nami yelled at him.

'Oh yeah, they take reservations by transponder snail, don 't they? ' Usopp looked thoughtful.

'Idiots! ' Nami snapped.

'Just call already! ' he urged.

'I 'm calling! '

Purupuru purupuru

'You 've reached the damn restaurant you filthy bastards, want a reservation? '

'Oooh! Yes, meat! ' Luffy was already drooling.

'Actually, we wanted to talk to Sanji first, please. ' Nami cut in quickly.

'Is that Miss Nami! - Oy Boss, it 's Miss Nami. Shut up you bastards, I 'm talkin ' here. - It is so good to hear from you Miss Nami! ' the chef shouted most of this directly into the receiver.

'Right. ' Nami sweat dropped.

'Now tell me- hey! '

'Hello, Nami-kun? ' a different voice picked up the phone.

'Who is this? ' Nami asked frazzled. 'I 'm looking for Sanji. '

'This is his boss, Zeff. ' The man took over the call. 'I presume you are calling because you are finally free to visit our fine establishment? '

'Y-yes, sir. I was hoping to speak to Sanji ' '

'Sanji can come to the phone in a minute. I hear you 're a navigator? '

'That 's right. ' She looked at Luffy for advice. He grinned and gave her a thumbs up.

'I 'm going to put my navigator on the phone to give you our coordinates and heading. I expect to see you very soon. ' The man spoke with an edge of threat.

'We 'll be there. ' She answered firmly.

The receiver traded hands again and a third man was on the line rattling off a string of nonsense numbers. Luffy glared at the snail. Nami was gaping and making a strange noise. Luffy glared harder. The snail began sweating even as it rattled off more gibberish.

'Are you sure that 's accurate? ' she asked in a strangled tone.

'Teach your grandmother to boil eggs. ' The man snapped.

'Did you get all that, girly? ' Zeff returned to the call.

'I believe we can meet you tomorrow, for dinner. Possibly breakfast the next day if the weather turns in the East Current. '

'You think so? ' the chef sounded noncommittal.

'I know so. ' Nami snapped back. 'If your navigator gave me accurate coordinates I 'd bet on dinner. You have any availability? '

'You show up and you 'll get a table. '

'You can expect four of us. ' Nami declared.

'Aye. We 'll be waiting. '

'Can we speak to Sanji now? ' Luffy interrupted impatiently.

There was a strange laughter, and the receiver was passed again.

'Please hold you shitty customer. '

'If I don 't hear Sanji 's voice soon ' ' Nami threatened.

'Sweet Nami-swannn! You 're so wonderful when you are threatening people! '

'Sanji-kun! ' Nami returned with a smile.

'Sanji! ' Luffy called. 'I 'm coming to get you! '

'I 'll be waiting, Luffy. ' Sanji promised.

'Sanji! '

'Usopp! It 's great to hear from you! How were things back home? '

'Messy, to be honest. I have so many stories for you! Let me tell you about the time ' '

'Not now. ' Zoro interrupted. 'Watch your back you shitty cook. I hope you 're packed and ready. We 'll be getting there sooner than we thought. '

'Mind your own business moss for brains. You can damn well wait if you need to. '

Luffy laughed.

XXXxxx

Zoro was on night watch, keeping an eye on the horizon for unfriendly ships or uncertain weather. Being in the East Blue was strange. He was expecting frequent checks with the log pose and random bursts of hale or candy tornadoes. Instead Nami had all but guaranteed the weather and temperature. He was just circling the deck to check the aft view when Luffy came up from the boys ' dorm with a big blanket. The teen gave him a nod and wandered to the bow of the ship. Zoro made a quick check of the aft view, listening carefully for a splash if the captain fell in. He circled back around absently checking the lines and lifeboats. Everything seemed to be in order. He made his way to the front of the ship and found Luffy tucked against the hull instead of out on his usual seat.

'Evening Captain. '

'Zoro. How 's watch? '

'All clear. '

'That 's good. ' Luffy sounded tired.

'You good? '

'It 's too quiet. Too many people missing. I keep listening but I can 't hear them breathing so I look to check and it 's empty hammocks. ' Luffy shivered and tugged at the brim of his hat.

'Yeah. ' Zoro knew there was nothing else to say.

He moved forward a few more steps so he could sit on the rail with his legs against his friend. Before he could do more Usopp was peeking out of the dorm. The full moon lit the deck like daylight and the sniper easily spotted them. After a moment he disappeared back inside. Luffy gave a heavy sigh but before he could speak Usopp was coming back out with his own blanket and two pillows. Zoro smiled and waved him over.

'It seemed like a good night for stargazing. ' Usopp began, unable to approach quietly. 'I see you had the same idea. You know I once sailed the entire length of the East Blue using only the stars to guide me? '

'Really? ' Luffy was instantly enthralled.

Zoro scoffed but grabbed both pillows, arranging them at his feet. Luffy shifted to lay down and Usopp took the other, feet going the opposite direction. Usopp wove an increasingly ridiculous tale that involved sea kings, fishmen and a princess. Luffy encouraged the story at every pause and dramatic turn. The two were laughing when Nami stuck her head out of the cabin. She took one look at the boys and turned around.

He wasn 't entirely surprised to find that she was gathering her own bedding. Nami joined them without comment tucking herself on the other side of Luffy with Usopp 's head between them. When Usopp 's tale faltered she began naming constellations and sharing stories about them. As her voice grew tired Zoro took up a tale about a famous swordsman who traveled with a shadow dog whose coat was made of stars. When all three were sleeping lightly, Zoro gave the ship another check. He watched them stir uncomfortable as he returned.

Without a thought he took up reciting a list of sword techniques commenting on application and practicality. The three settled quickly. Zoro returned his gaze to the horizon and talked. His crew were safe and sound while he stood watch.

XXXxxx

It was a good day. Nami woke up snuggled warmly between the boys on deck. The weather was clear and the wind driving from behind them. They would reach Sanji tonight. Possibly for the early dinner seating.

Luffy and Usopp were running around the ship trying to make it into their home again. Settling little touches around the ship like the nails for their coat hangers and a mat in the bathroom. The sail with their mark was full and proud. She had a new climatact baton, which was a serious downgrade from the one with dials or weatheria technology and she missed having her loyal cloud Zeus to supplement her attacks, but it was far more capable than she thought possible without those. Usopp surpassed himself once again. She was thrilled to practice with it after they collected Sanji.

She closed her eyes listening to the waves against the ships and the wind rustling her tangerine trees. The warmth of the sun against her skin was the perfect temperature. A loud snore made her laugh and look around. Sure enough, their swordsman was sleeping against the mast. Luffy had tucked all three blankets around and under Zoro after breakfast.

'Because you couldn 't join the cuddle puddle doesn 't mean you can 't be surrounded by the family! '

Zoro had gone pink and Usopp had protested the term 'cuddle puddle ' but as with most of the captain 's whims, Luffy got his way. Seeing Zoro sleeping soundly Nami approved. She 'd slept better last night than in the last three weeks. She hummed softly and wondered if it was the ship or the company. Either way she wanted another deck pile soon.

Usopp dashed out on deck running up the stairs and shouting about something. Luffy chased after him laughing. Zoro peeked one eye open before slouching further and apparently going back to sleep. Nami checked their heading and gave a smile.

This is going to be great!

XXXxxx

There was no sudden appearance of marine ships or cannon fire to interrupt their arrival. Luffy fidgeted impatiently as Nami docked them neatly with the floating restaurant. Zoro hopped down to tie them off and Luffy pulled Usopp and Nami into his arms to disembark with a jump.

'Wait, Luffy! ' Nami protested even as she grabbed on and lifted her feet obligingly.

They smiled up at the fish shaped Restaurant. The Baratie was mostly empty with only two other boats docked. Luffy couldn 't contain his excitement anymore. 'He set his crew down on the deck and made a dash for the front door. The door slammed open.

'Sanji! Meat! '

The restaurant seemed to freeze. All eyes turned to him. One of the waiters fumbled a tray. Luffy didn 't care about any of them. His eyes stayed on the kitchen as he approached in a slow walk. He barely noticed Zoro pulling Usopp and Nami to a table, sprawling casually. His eyes were locked on those doors. A blond burst from them, plates in hand.

'Captain! ' joy and wonder on the young-looking chef before he covered it with a stern look. 'You 're late. '

'I 'm never late for dinner! ' he protested immediately.

Luffy moved in to grab Sanji in a spinning hug, careless of the plates in hand. When one of them wobbled he caught it easily, dumping the pasta into his mouth in a single go without releasing his chef.

'Sanji! ' he stepped away smiling. 'It 's good to see you. '

'Good to see you too, shitty captain. '

'Oy cook, let 's go. '

'Food Sanji! ' Luffy pulled him to the table to pass out the other plates.

The restaurant burst into motion again as the few occupants began gossiping and a waiter followed Sanji over to take their order. Chefs at the window seemed split between sharpening their knives and cooing over 'Sanji 's little Friends '.

'Back to work you lazy bastards. ' Zeff snapped.

'Yes Boss! ' they chimed.

Sanji swept back into the kitchen placing a dozen order tickets before the cooks and sweeping heaping portions of soup and rice into bowls.

'You can 't actually expect them to eat all this! ' Carne protested.

'They absolutely will. ' Sanji affirmed even as he swept back out the doors with full trays.

~

Zeff watched the group of youngsters interact. If he had any doubts about Sanji 's tale this scene would have dashed them. They moved with familiarity. Sanji dodged long arm grabs as he delivered each meal. He exchanged barbs with the green haired swordsman. There were casual touches and invasions of personal space as they passed the food around the table. The curly haired boy actually tossed the empty breadbasket from the opposite end of the table and Sanji caught it with the ease of practice

The group was loud and irreverent but Sanji fit right in. The red headed girl offered Sanji a bite of fruit just before he left the table for the kitchen. His little eggplant took the bite and hummed softly as he made his way back to gather another round of meals.

The chefs worked quickly, chopping, sauteing and filleting. The order amount was obscene, but he knew his boy wouldn 't dream of overordering. There wouldn 't be leftovers at

that

table. Zeff hopped on the line moving from one station to the next as he insured a seamless flow of food. Sanji had chosen well with the list of dishes. Most of it could be cooked quickly and in bulk batches and a majority was matched to what was already partially prepared that evening. Fast and fresh was the key and his cooks whipped up a feast in short order.

'Who are these people? '

'That little one is a demon! Did you see him eat that entire salmon? It wasn 't deboned! '

'Sanji called that one captain. '

'Captain? What the hell? He doesn 't call Zeff Captain. Who is this kid? '

'I 've never seen him before. '

'I would definitely remember feeding him. '

'Did they meet at the market? '

'Even if they did, how quickly did they get to know each other? We go to a different market each month! '

'That curly haired boy just dumped extra hot sauce in his ramen without even tasting it and Sanji didn 't blink about it! '

'What? He 's always flipping out on customers about not appreciating the flavor before applying condiments. '

'Seriously who are these guys? '

'The red head is Sanji 's Nami. '

'Did we ever figure out how he knows

her?

'

'It 's still a mystery. I know she never came here though. I 'd have noticed a red head Sanji 's age. '

'Is it just me or does that guy look like Pirate Hunter Zoro? '

'What?! No way! They came in a pirate ship, didn 't they? '

'He does have three swords. '

'Don 't give me that shit. Anyone can carry three swords. There 's no way Sanji is associating with a bounty hunter. '

'Damn right. '

'Are they still eating? '

'Only the kid with the straw hat. He just keeps going. '

'It 's a good thing that we didn 't have a lot of customers tonight. '

'Is Sanji seriously waiting that table? He 's practically fawning over them. '

'This has to be a weird joke, right? '

'How did he meet these guys? '

'Why don 't you ask Sanji!? Clearly nobody here knows shit about where he met these guys! '

'Shut your damn mouth it was just a bloody question! '

'Don 't you think there are more important questions? Like, why is there a crew of child pirates pulling Sanji out of our restaurant? '

'What?! ' the chefs ran to look out of doors and windows at the scene.

Zeff checked from his vantage point. The green haired boy and the little captain were still at the table eating and drinking. The other two were pulling on Sanji who did not seem to be resisting in any way.

'Back to work idiots, they 're not kidnapping him and if you burn those tartlets, I will flay you Patty. You lot have work to do. ' He gave the slower chefs punishing kicks.

'Yes, Boss! '

'These guys are going to be docking with us for the night. They are Sanji 's friends, so I expect you to do them the courtesy of

not

starting any fights. '

'Do you know these guys?! ' Patty asked.

Zeff raised an eyebrow and stroked his mustache until the pastry chef looked away with a blush. The others got the hint and began to look busy cooking or cleaning. Zeff nodded in satisfaction and walked out to the main restaurant. The kitchen doors barely closed before he could hear the voices start up again in a low murmur.

Clucking hens the lot of them.

He visited the two tables lingering over desert for polite curtesy before stomping heavily over to the last table, still eating like it was the last food they 'd ever see. These were the Strawhats. The captain and first mate of a crew Sanji claimed for his own. They looked like children. Sanji still was a child ' for all he claimed to be 23. The captain looked up, and suddenly Zeff could see it. Those eyes were sharp and dangerous. For all his pose was relaxed, Zeff could see that one wrong move could be his last. The kid blinked, smiled, and the threat was gone like it never existed.

He didn 't survive on the Grand Line for being a fool. That kid was making a deliberate show of power. It was a flash of fang and nothing more. He could respect that. The kid wasn 't throwing his weight around. Just stating the facts.

'I 'd like to know your intentions with my boy. ' Zeff demanded.

The captain set down the piece of meat he was eating and looked up to give him his full attention. The green haired swordsman '

yes that is Pirate Hunter Zoro, although more pirate than hunter now

' sat up straight and waited.

'I intend to have Sanji be my chef and sail away with me on my crew. ' Bold as brass the kid showed no doubt or hesitation.

'You think you can make him go with you? ' Zeff doubted there would be any stopping his little eggplant.

The swordsman snorted but the captain frowned.

'I won 't force anyone to join my crew. Sanji will come with me because he wants to. Because we need him. He needs us. Sanji will come with us because I need the best chef to become Pirate King and I won 't accept anyone less. He will come with me to chase the All Blue and find it. I won 't be making anyone do anything. He is free and he always will be. ' He made a little sound. 'Of course, once you 're on the crew you don 't just leave. '

Zoro snickered at the complete contradiction. Strawhat picked up his meat. Both looked at him for a response.

'Well then. I suppose I should know the crew my boy thinks is so great. I am Zeff, known by some as Red-Leg Zeff, now Head Chef and Owner of this fine restaurant. '

'I 'm Monkey D. Luffy. I am going to be King of the Pirates. Your food is delicious. I can see where Sanji learned it. He made the soup tonight, right? '

'He did. ' Zeff was a little stunned the boy could tell, or maybe it was a lucky guess.

'It tastes like Sanji. '

'I don 't see how you could taste anything the way you 're shoveling it down. ' The swordsman needled. 'I am Roronoa Zoro, Strawhat pirate and someday they will call me the World 's Greatest Swordsman. '

'You will stay the night. ' Zeff said firmly. 'Your ship is welcome to stay docked with us for as long as you wish. '

'We can stay the night. ' Luffy agreed absently. 'Sanji deserves a proper sendoff. After that though we have other people to see and other places to be. We can 't just stick around here, even if the meat is delicious. '

'That 's fair. ' Zeff agreed.