Luffy gazed down at Zoro, sprawled asleep, while sitting cross-legged beside him. No sign of waking. Usually a heavy sleeper, Zoro now seemed lifeless, not even snoring, his eyes shut tight. It was hard not to worry, but his steady breathing reassured Luffy. He trusted Zoro would wake, unshaken by doubt.
Luffy glanced at Yosaku nearby, whose face betrayed deep concern. "Zoro's gonna be fine, right?"
"Probably… but the wounds are bad. He needs a proper doctor. Still, with his grit, he won't die," Yosaku said.
"Yup, he's fine. Zoro won't go down here," Luffy said.
"Aniki…" Yosaku murmured.
"He made a promise. A nap, and he'll be back to normal," Luffy grinned.
Yosaku's eyes welled up at Luffy's unwavering smile. Clenching his teeth, he wiped his tears, swallowing his fears. Zoro would rise. Yosaku forced a shaky grin, settling in to watch over him.
Luffy, bandaged but not gravely injured, bore no trace of pain. His smile held steady, certain Zoro wouldn't die. As he sat, Patty and Carne approached, grinning at the pirate who'd helped save Baratie. The battle had clearly earned their respect.
"Hey, Straw Hat, thanks for earlier. Honestly, we could've handled it ourselves," Patty said.
"No choice, so the special roast beef's on us. Next time, you pay, got it?" Carne added.
"What happened to those guys?" Luffy asked.
"Oh, we tied 'em to their boat and sent it adrift. They won't be back," Patty said.
"If someone picks 'em up, they might live. Let 'em suffer for now," Carne chuckled.
Krieg's crew was gone, the threat over. No more fighting. Luffy nodded slightly. "Got it. So, the restaurant's back in business?"
"Not today. Guests won't return after this mess. Might be quiet for a bit," Patty said.
"Been busy lately, so it's fine. Should've gone wilder," Carne laughed.
"Where's Sanji?" Luffy asked.
"Huh? Upstairs, probably. Not around here," Patty said.
"Got business with him?" Carne asked.
"Yeah, wanna talk," Luffy said.
Standing, Luffy glanced at Yosaku. "Yosaku, watch Zoro."
"Sure thing. Recruiting again, aniki?" Yosaku asked.
"Dunno, gonna ask. Can't drag him along if he says no," Luffy said.
Slipping past the puzzled Patty and Carne, Luffy stepped outside. Stairs were the obvious route to the second floor, but as an outsider—and self-aware of his poor sense of direction—he chose the quickest method. Stretching his arms, he grabbed the second-floor railing and launched himself up.
Sanji was there, startled by Luffy's sudden arrival. Landing crouched on the railing, Luffy looked at him. Sanji's face already showed exasperation. "Yo."
"What're you doing, chore boy? This isn't your playground," Sanji said.
"Shishishi, this was faster," Luffy grinned.
"Weird guy, you ability users…" Sanji muttered, leaning on the railing, cigarette in mouth, his usual vigor drained. Luffy sat on the railing, back to the sea, watching him.
"What're you doing up here?" Luffy asked.
"Can't you tell? Slacking. Guests are gone anyway," Sanji said.
"Running a sea restaurant's tough, huh? Getting attacked by pirates?" Luffy asked.
"Not really. We handle most who come. Never been big shots, and we've got gear for it. Plus, the guys here are basically pirates themselves. They're useful enough, so it's never been a hassle," Sanji said.
"Huh, the cooks here were pirates?" Luffy asked.
"Nah, mostly small-time thugs who couldn't cut it as pirates. The head chef's the only ex-pirate," Sanji said.
"That old guy with the tall hat, right? Way too tall," Luffy said.
"You met him?" Sanji asked.
"Before the pirates showed up. Seemed to know about the Grand Line," Luffy said.
Sanji gave a wry smile, nodding. Fresh from battle, Luffy seemed unfazed, his mind already elsewhere. He was used to this chaos, his pirate life no lie. The air felt different now—Luffy's presence, usually intense, carried a strange calm. His friendly chatter wasn't grating.
"Why do you work here, Sanji?" Luffy asked.
"Huh? What's that out of nowhere?" Sanji said.
"We didn't talk about it. Back then, we were just yapping about being pirates," Luffy said.
"Not a fun story," Sanji said.
"Don't care about fun. I wanna hear your story," Luffy insisted.
Exhaling a long plume of smoke, Sanji gazed at the sea, speaking softly. "Nothing to hide. Boring tale. I was dying, that old man saved me, and we started this place. Just the two of us at first."
"Whoa," Luffy said.
"It was rough. No guests, him with one leg, me a half-pint kid. The cooks we hired were all thugs. Even when guests came, their rep scared 'em off," Sanji said.
"But it was fun, right?" Luffy said.
"Hm?" Sanji asked.
"You've got that look," Luffy said.
Their eyes met briefly. Luffy's guileless grin broke Sanji's guard, drawing a wry smile. He hadn't meant to say it, but he couldn't deny it. He nodded inwardly, eyes returning to the sea. Luffy seemed satisfied.
"Not just fun or not. It's more complicated. That old man raised me, drilled everything into me—cooking, kicking. I owe him more than I can repay," Sanji said.
"Got it," Luffy said.
"So I've gotta pay him back. He risked his life for me, so I've gotta do the same. Joining you sounds interesting, but I can't go. Sorry," Sanji said.
"Hmm… if you say so," Luffy said.
Luffy crossed his arms, frowning, clearly unconvinced. He tilted his head, mulling something over, then spoke. "Just my thought, but—"
"Yeah?" Sanji said.
"Dying's not repaying him. That's not why he saved you," Luffy said.
"What?" Sanji asked.
"I got saved by a pirate once. Shanks—know him?" Luffy said.
Sanji froze, eyes fixed on Luffy. He hadn't sought details, but Shanks' name was known—a famous pirate. Luffy began his own story, recalling his childhood dream of piracy, now reality. His smile softened with nostalgia, and Sanji watched, captivated.
"You save someone to protect them, not so they'll die. You want them to live. That's what I'd do," Luffy said.
"Sure, but—" Sanji started.
"Shanks didn't save me for repayment. Neither did the tall-hat guy. They didn't risk their lives for that," Luffy said.
Holding his straw hat, Luffy gazed at it. Every memory was tied to it—meeting Shanks, parting, setting sail. His gentle smile carried deep warmth. "Shanks entrusted this hat to me. Said to return it someday. That means don't die. I can't break that promise."
"What's that got to do with me?" Sanji asked.
"Shanks never asked for anything. Teased me plenty, but never said die or repay me. Your old man's the same. He probably doesn't care about that stuff," Luffy said.
"Doesn't care, huh?" Sanji murmured.
"What do you want, Sanji? Besides working here?" Luffy asked.
"…I've got something," Sanji said softly, staring at the sea, avoiding Luffy's gaze.
"I'm gonna hit the Grand Line someday. Not yet, but I'll find All Blue," Sanji said.
"All Blue?" Luffy asked.
"You don't know?" Sanji said, turning with a grin—childlike, unguarded, a first for Luffy to see. It sparked his curiosity, his demeanor shifting.
"All Blue's a sea, but not just any. It's special. Home to every fish from the East, West, South, and North Blues. A legendary sea, not easy to find," Sanji said.
"Whoa, all the fish? A feast!" Luffy said.
"It's a cook's paradise. But don't you think about the view? A legendary sea's gotta be beautiful," Sanji said.
"View?" Luffy asked.
"A legendary sea's gotta be stunning—" Sanji began, his voice vibrant.
Sanji spoke passionately, Luffy listening eagerly. The tale of All Blue captivated him, questions flowing naturally, their conversation lively and unforced. They lost track of time, imagining All Blue's wonders, their excitement shared.
Unnoticed on the third floor, Zeff watched, a fond yet pensive look on his face. He left quietly, letting them talk.
By dinnertime, Luffy's crew was in the staff canteen. The battle over, peace restored, they lingered, hesitating to leave. Patty's loud voice rang out as Luffy raised his arm. "Food's ready, you blockheads! Get over here!"
"Fooood!" Luffy cheered.
"Why're you so hyped?!" Patty snapped, headbutting Luffy. His rubber body took no damage. Foreheads pressed, Patty growled, "You're a pirate, not a guest. Think you're eating free?"
"What?! No food for us?!" Luffy gasped.
"Of course not! This is for Baratie's cooks! Guests eat downstairs, and you're just an intruder!" Patty said.
"I'm this place's chore boy!" Luffy protested.
"That's your fantasy! Get out, pirate!" Patty roared.
As they argued, cooks filed in, ignoring the spat, seating themselves to eat. Sanji arrived, heading to his usual spot, glancing at the bickering pair. "What, hungry again?"
"Yup. Guy's got some nerve, expecting free food," Patty said.
"No money, but I can work!" Luffy said.
"Your work costs us! You flipped a plate and broke it earlier!" Patty snapped.
"Let him eat. He'll quiet down," Sanji said coolly, almost siding with Luffy.
Patty glared, incredulous. Free food was unthinkable—his face said it all. Sanji, ignoring him, started eating. "Even staff meals aren't free. We cook with the restaurant's funds. Feed a non-employee who breaks plates? No way. Pay or work for it!"
"Cooks feed the hungry, don't they? Stop overthinking," Sanji said.
"Overthinking? That's labor! This pirate doesn't get it," Patty said.
"Small-minded, huh? No wonder your skills suck," Sanji shot back.
"What?!" Patty growled.
The argument heated, nearly turning physical, when Zeff appeared. Often present at meals, his timing today was impeccable. "Enough, idiots. Don't yell at the table."
"Tch, saved your skin," Patty muttered.
"Who's saved?" Sanji said.
"Patty, feed them. The sleeping guy and his caretaker too," Zeff said, heading to his seat.
Patty, stunned, protested, "Owner, but this guy—!"
"They drove off those pirates. That's enough, right?" Zeff said.
"Still, that's too soft!" Patty said.
"I say feed 'em, no payment or work needed. Don't you know what hunger feels like?" Zeff said softly.
His heavy words shifted the room's mood. Sanji looked down, silent. The cooks' playful demeanor vanished. No one could argue. Patty, reluctant but nodding, turned to Luffy. "…I'll get it ready. Just today."
"Yay! Thanks, old man!" Luffy cheered.
As Patty prepared portions, Carne entered, calling out, "Yo, chore boy, you've got a call on the Den Den Mushi. They want you."
"Me?" Luffy asked.
"Your crew. Uh, Uso… something," Carne said.
"Usopp?!" Luffy gasped, startling the cooks, including Sanji and Patty.
Carne grinned. "Yeah, him. Said you might be here."
"Where's the Den Den Mushi?! Take me there!" Luffy urged.
"Calm down. This way," Carne said, leading Luffy out.
Luffy hurried after, barely containing his excitement. In another room, he found the Den Den Mushi, receiver off. Rushing to it, he grabbed it, speaking eagerly. "Hello, it's Luffy, the man who'll be Pirate King."
"Luffy! It's Usopp! You okay?!" the voice crackled.
"Usopp! You're safe! I was shocked when you weren't at the port," Luffy said.
"Yeah, a lot happened…" Usopp said.
Relieved by Usopp's lively voice, Luffy's grin widened, his tone softening. "Good, you're okay. What happened?"
"You see that huge panda? Threw a warship at us. We couldn't do anything. You guys okay?" Usopp asked.
"Yeah, nothing happened when we set sail," Luffy said.
"What about your ship? Merry wasn't there, right?" Usopp asked.
"Used Yosaku's boat. Didn't know where to find you, so we wandered, and these guys helped us. Oh, I'm trying to recruit one as our cook," Luffy said.
"Crew?" Usopp asked.
"Our cook," Luffy said.
"Don't know what happened, but glad you're safe," Usopp sighed.
Something had happened while they were apart. Curious about Usopp's actions during their ordeal, Luffy noted his voice sounded off, his expression shifting. "Hey, Usopp, who're you with? Yosaku said Nami was with Merry, but what about the others?"
"Nah, Silk was with Nami, so not here. I'm with Kiri and Johnny," Usopp said.
"They're safe too, huh?" Luffy said.
"Well…" Usopp hesitated, pausing. Luffy tilted his head. Sensing Usopp's unease, he waited as Usopp spoke cautiously. "Kiri's hurt. Hasn't woken up since we got separated."
"Kiri?" Luffy asked, his smile fading.
Carne watched Luffy's expression darken, his body slumping, an odd aura settling over him. The news wasn't good. "Why Kiri?" Luffy asked.
"He fought some vice-captain guy from your grandpa's crew, protecting us," Usopp said.
"Got it," Luffy said.
"But he's not in danger. We found a doctor on an island, got free treatment. He's past the worst, just… not awake," Usopp said.
Luffy fell silent, his face serious, unlike his usual self. Carne saw a stranger in him. Usopp, breaking the tense quiet, brightened his tone. "Don't worry. Kiri's not dying that easy. Doctor says he's fine, just sleeping. Johnny and I are watching him. He's good."
"Yeah, got it. Take care of him, Usopp," Luffy said.
"Also, we reached Silk. He's with Nami, and Merry's fine. They're together," Usopp said.
"Really? Where'd they go?" Luffy asked.
"Back to Nami's hometown right after we split. Some trouble there," Usopp said.
"Where?" Luffy asked.
"Cocoyasi Village. Sounds complicated—enemies around. They're hiding at Nami's place, want us to come quick. Not sure about Nami yet," Usopp said.
"Old man, know it?" Luffy asked Carne.
"Yeah, Cocoyasi's not far. Straight shot, less than a day," Carne said.
"Usopp, we're close. We'll head there. What about you?" Luffy asked.
"We'd move now, but Kiri's condition… Wanna get him checked again before sailing. Don't wanna risk it," Usopp said.
"Got it. That's fine," Luffy said, nodding, deciding in an instant. "We're going to Cocoyasi. Can't stay split up. Crew's gotta stick together."
"We'll move soon too. With Kiri, we won't get lost," Usopp said.
"Oh, right. We might not make it alone. Yosaku's here, but me and Zoro are hopeless with directions. Oh, and Usopp, stuff happened here too. Zoro's injured and down," Luffy said.
"What? Zoro too? Who could hurt him?" Usopp asked.
"I'll tell you when we meet. Guess it's up to Yosaku," Luffy said.
"Yeah, don't trust yourself with navigation," Usopp teased.
Regaining his humor, Luffy's smile returned, his voice lively. "I've got Zoro covered. You handle Kiri."
"Got it! I'm your crew too," Usopp said.
"Meet at Cocoyasi. Everyone's gotta make it alive," Luffy said.
"Deal!" Usopp replied.
Hanging up, Luffy turned, his face set with resolve. Carne stood nearby, but Sanji was at the door, arms crossed, staring intently. Their eyes locked for seconds, silent, unmoving. Luffy held his gaze, its meaning shared only between them. Sanji sighed, breaking eye contact.
"Sounds like you're in a rush, but wait 'til morning. Cocoyasi's close, but night sailing's no joke. Stay here tonight," Sanji said.
"For real?" Luffy asked.
"No charge. We're a restaurant, not an inn," Sanji said, turning to leave, speaking quietly. "Food's getting cold. Hurry back."
"Right, warm food's tastier," Luffy said.
Luffy followed, and they left the room. Carne tilted his head, puzzled. Something about Sanji felt off, different from usual.
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