Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Four: Sanji's Internal Conflict

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So you weren't expecting that large explosion that erupted from the ship that Igaram was on.

No, okay, let you rephrase. You were expecting an explosion. Just not one that was as powerful as that one. It was huge, probably half a mile in diameter, and burned a bright crimson red that shrouded the island in a glow of light.

Was Igaram alright? Yes, yes he was. Or well, somehow.

Right now you found yourself slung over Zoro's back as he blitzed through the streets like Sanic. You guys had to get back to the ship before the enemy found you. But you don't quite understand why you had to be carried. You could run to the ship like anyone else, and you were sure that Zoro was using up more energy than necessary.

"Zoro, I can run. It's fine."

"Shut up," he growled. Sweat dribbled down his forehead as he forced himself to run faster. "You still smell like alcohol. We're going to get killed if I let you run around without anyone helping you."

You quirked a brow. "But you're going the wrong way?"

Zoro skidded to a stop as he looked around. In the distance was Nami yelling at Zoro to come back, and Luffy who was running towards the two of you at full speed. In both of his hands was Sanji and Usopp, dragging the two men like sacks across the dirty ground.

You squinted your eyes, internally wincing at how much it must have hurt to go over all those rocks. And Luffy wasn't exactly the gentlest person there was. The duo's screams and yells weren't making it any better either.

"That way Zoro!" you shouted, steering him towards the right direction like a horse. "Go go go!"

Eventually, your group made it to the docks where Merry was chilling in the canal. Zoro was immediately hoisting the anchor by himself as you rushed around the deck, wondering what stuff you could do. It was then that you realized you had no idea how to operate a ship.

Your lips formed a thin line as you internally scolded yourself. Everyone was right. You had no idea how to do things in the real world. You barely knew how to pay with money, you didn't know how to order food or purchase stuff, and you didn't even know how a ship operates. Fucking hell, you were supposed to be a pirate!

And here you were, standing in the middle of the deck as clueless as idiots come, just now realizing all you really knew was how to fight.

"I can't even swim!" you cried as you smacked your head against the mast.

"Oi oi! Y/n!" Zoro called out to you, grabbing you by the wrists, stopping your self abuse. "No time to be having an existential crisis. Help me unfurl the sails."

"Unfurl the sails...?" you echoed, before your eyes brightened like a light bulb. "Unfurl sails! I know how to do that!" Squatting down, you gathered your energy and sprung up like a spring, a hand grabbing onto the mast and quickly letting the sails down.

Jumping back down, you gave yourself a pat on the back. "Good job Y/n for doing something~!" you congratulated yourself.

With everyone on board, the ship was immediately set asail, and you felt your stomach doing flips as you awaited the dreaded sea. Running to where everyone else was, your eyes caught sight of Sanji and Usopp.

"Sanji!! Usopp!! Hi!! You guys missed a lot of stuff that happened!" You giggled as you ran up to the two giving Usopp a big hug before moving to Sanji. Spreading your arms open wide for him to jump in like his usual self, you were filled with confusion when you garnered no response.

Sanji only gave you a small smile, before turning away from you. You felt yourself break a little at the curt response, your eyes beginning to sting a little at how his actions hurt you.

What did you do to make him upset?

What did you do to make him sad?

What did you do wrong?

Lips quivering downwards, your face suddenly looked gloomy as you strutted away. Usopp's mouth hung open at Sanji's oddly cold behavior, head turning between you and him. Just what kind of drama occurred between the two of you to have Sanji practically ignore you like that?

Like, this was the Sanji that he was talking about! The same Sanji who worshipped women, and more specifically you, like a goddess! A pure angel, a deity!

"Hey Sanji," Usopp spoke softly as he watched your downcast expression. "Did something happen between you and Y/n...?"

Sanji's eyes flickered to Usopp's concerned expression, reciprocating it with a smile. "Nah, it's nothing. I'm just feeling a little tired, that's all. Damn Luffy practically dragged us through half the town; my back is all sore now, damn it."

Usopp nodded, not exactly buying the man's excuse. Well, whatever it was, hopefully he would get over it soon, because you looked pretty sad at his small rejection. And Usopp had the sneaking suspicion that Luffy wouldn't be very happy if he found out.

Down the canal, the fog was beginning to thicken, and daybreak was just around the corner. The ship was almost out of the island.

"Ah, it's good that we managed to escape the people chasing us!" a silky feminine voice spoke. You perked up, snapping your head to look at the direction of the voice.

There, chilling on the railing, was none other than Ms. Sunday, occasionally moving her foot as her eyes glanced around the ship in interest. Her eyes stopped on your form, and she gave you a small, coy smile.

Placing a small finger to her lips, she hushed for you to be quiet. Your eyes flashed a golden hue for a split second, before you nodded in response.

"That's for sure!" Nami responded, unaware that she was speaking to the enemy.

"We need to be careful not to crash the ship into the rocks," Robin spoke again in amusement, a hand on her chin as she watched you shuffle a little closer to her.

How cute.

"Just leave it to me!" Nami spoke with a confident smile, before she frowned in confusion. "Wait, did you just say that Luffy?"

The boy in question shifted his body to face Nami. "Nope."

Shakily, Nami turned around to face the owner of the voice. When she did, she got a full view of Robin chilling on the railing. Her breath hitched when her eyes shifted downwards to you, sitting a little too close for comfort towards the woman.

This was bad.

"This is a nice ship," Robin called out, her eyes shadowed by the white cowboy hat above of her long black locks. Her smile was gentle as she regarded them, but the feeling that the crew was feeling was anything but. The same question flashed through their minds-

How did she get there?!

"Y-You're-" Vivi choked in surprise. She couldn't even finish her sentence as she watched the elegant woman in horror.

Robin tilted her head innocently at their abject terror. "I ran into Mr. 8 a short while ago, Miss Wednesday." Her eyes shifted to regard you with a soft smile.

"What are you doing here... Miss All Sunday?" Vivi growled.

"Miss All Sunday?!" Nami shouted. "What number is she partnered to?!"

Vivi gulped, a thin layer of sweat beginning to form upon her skin. "She-she's the partner of Mr. 0... the boss! She was the only one who knows of the boss's identity. We found out who he is by following her!"

You stiffened when you felt Robin's knowing gaze. Her eyes seemed to be silently communicating with your own. You didn't need haki to know what she was silently saying. It was implied.

So they don't know?

She smiled. "More accurately... I allowed you to follow me." Her eyes never left your own as she spoke, tilting her head slightly to the side.

Is that how you'd like to keep it?

"I knew that!" Vivi yelled angrily, fists clenched together tightly. "You're also the one who told him we discovered his identity, right?!"

You nodded your head subtly. Yes. Please.

She closed her eyes, expression growing softer, but only by just a hair. Straightening up, she settled her hands together on her lap. From the deck, you could only marvel at how cool Robin looked.

Her movements were elegant, and she played such a good badass female antagonist that it made you fangirl slightly inside. You only saw people like this in the manga and anime that Mihawk allowed you to watch, so it was always so fun to see Robin's cunning side come out.

You knew she wouldn't do anything. She wasn't under any orders. Even so, Robin was a little softie, especially for you. And that was a fact that you knew very well.

"Correct." And she had such a pretty voice too!!

"What exactly is it that you're trying to accomplish?!"

Robin closed her eyes, sighing. "Good question. You were all so intent and serious that I found myself helping out. The idea of a princess trying her hardest to save her kingdom while making herself an enemy of Baroque Works..."

She chuckled softly, "It was just so ridiculous, you see..."

"Don't you mock me!" Vivi yelled.

In that one moment, all weapons were drawn and pointed towards Robin. Aimed at her head was Sanji's revolver and Usopp's slingshot. From the main deck, Nami clutched her wooden pole threateningly as Zoro slowly unsheathed his katanas.

You let your eyes flutter shut as you breathed in and out deeply. You could feel their murderous intent and unease.

"Oi Sanji!" Usopp spoke, a bead of sweat beginning to form on his skin. "You do realize what you're doing, right?!"

"No," he answered truthfully. "Not really. I just sensed that my beloved Miss Wednesday is in danger..."

Usopp, Nami, and Zoro raised their eyebrows at Sanji's odd behavior. It was weird. He didn't mention your name like he usually would. Was something wrong with him? For Usopp, it only solidified that there was some beef currently between you and Sanji.

Whatever it was though, it seemed like you didn't know what it was either.

Robin let out a small bubble of laughter, silky smooth and melodious; simply divine to listen to. In a split second, Sanji and Usopp were sent flying off the second deck. Nami let out a gasp when something smacked her pole onto the floor. The situation was the same with Zoro. Wado Ichimonji fell to the floor with a clatter by a mysterious force.

Mysterious or just a Devil Fruit?

"Ah, that's right." Luffy gasped slightly when the hat on his head was suddenly tossed over to Robin. She caught it with her hand, twirling it around a bit. "So you're the straw hat captain I've heard so much about... Monkey D. Luffy."

Luffy's expression turned feral. "OI! GIMME MY HAT BACK! ARE YOU TRYING TO START A FIGHT?!"

Robin shook her head softly. "You know you've given a lot of people trouble. People you haven't even met before." She briefly glanced in your direction. "It's funny how fate works this way."

"OI! DON'T IGNORE ME!"

Robin gently setted the straw hat over her own hat. "How unlucky of a fate you must have. Not only have you picked up a princess Baroque Works is out to kill... But you also have someone the World Government would absolutely slaughter for."

She lifted her leg over the other, letting her hands rest on her knees. "Even more unluckier is the course your Log Pose indicates, though I'm sure you'll be able to get around that, isn't that right, Y/n-chan?"

All eyes were on you now.

"You're a kind soul with a large backpack. I'm sure you'll find a way to cause him trouble." With a smile, she jumped off the railing to stand before you. "Like you always do."

You jumped a little when something soft pressed against your forehead, and you realized that it was Robin's lips. She slowly pulled back, giving you a wink. Touching your forehead in awe, you could only watch as Robin began to walk away.

"Good luck with Little Garden. Until we meet again soon."

Your jaw hung open as your hands were still on your forehead. She kissed your forehead. She kissed your forehead. Holy shit she kissed your forehead.

It was like one of those things straight out of a shoujo manga where the heroine and the main love interest get all chummy together and they place a kiss on their forehead. And then that was where the feelings blossom and everything goes to shit and all the drama ensues because that's what keeps the story engaging and stuff.

Man, you read too many romances. And you were pretty sure Robin knew that too.

"OI Y/N! WHY DID SHE DO THAT TO YOU?!" Luffy yelled, pulling you in close as he aggressively tried to wipe your forehead clean. "I don't like her one bit! Look what she did to Y/n!"

Nami bit her lip a little, feeling slightly irritated at the way she blatantly "harassed" you.. "Y/n-chan, why... Why did she...? Are you okay?!"

You were still in shock that Robin actually kissed your forehead. The usual Robin was never that forward with you. You can't say that you didn't like it. It made something in you stirr and your heart skip a beat. Woah.

Just what exactly were you feeling?

"I... I don't know." You didn't know.

"Y/n-chan... I've been meaning to ask," Nami spoke. "Do you... Do you happen to know her personally?"

You felt your muscles tighten as your lungs began to breathe short and rapid breaths. You could hear your heart pounding furiously in your ear as Sanji spoke up next.

"Can we trust you?"

Sanji... he didn't trust you? What did you do to make him distrust you? You felt your heart sink as he gave you the stink eye. Clearly you must have said something to upset him this much. But what? Why didn't he tell you?

You cleared your throat. "O-Of course you can trust me! I have a great influence! I'm your friend- you're my friends. I wouldn't do anything that would betray your trust!"

Nothing at the current moment at least.

Your hands crinkled up the pristine white letter behind your back slightly.

---

There are many ways to describe the way Robin is currently feeling right now.

Conflicted could be one of them, and so could concern.

Yes, Robin was worried about you. The two of you have known each other for about two years now, and it was safe to say that the two of you were practically besties. She knew of your past and you knew about her own.

Robin wasn't blind to the way Crocodile or the others looked at you, filled with love, admiration, and perhaps most of all, down right possessive. No matter how hard Crocodile will deny it, he will always be the simp he truly is inside. But that wasn't what she was worried about.

No, Robin knew you in a way that most people didn't.

You were definitely not as innocent as you seem, and the shounen and shoujo manga you read is proof of that. There was a time where Mihawk had prohibited romance novels within his castle, but that ban had long been lifted as you had found a loophole.

Instead of reading in his castle, you read at the other shichibukai's places. So in defeat, he had no choice but to remove the ban and let you read all the manga you wanted.

Ah, but that wasn't the point.

No, the point was that everyone may be naive to your "obliviousness'' (though some of it is truly genuine), but the truth was you were nothing but. You were aware, quite too aware, but you just weren't able to reciprocate anything because you didn't know how. Which in this case was quite hilarious because you always defaulted to pretending to not know what other people were talking about.

It's kind of sad to see too, though most usually you actually don't know what they're talking about. Mihawk may have taught you to fight, but he sure as hell didn't teach you about social norms or how to function in a society.

So it had been up to Robin to do a little of that for a time.

Through shopping trips (she had helped you pay for those, sadly, as you were way to nervous when it came down to it) and outings, those were the things that made up the basis of your relationship and deepened it. And somewhere along the line she realized she loved you not in what friends do, but as lovers.

She loved the way you smiled at the sight of small things and actions. She liked the way you were always so happy to talk about your passions and goals in life, which was to make the world a better and safer place. She loved the way you never judge before truly knowing a person. She loved the way you loved food and would always happily accept it whenever it was given to you, and the way you loved to snuggle up by her side as she read you a story.

You were a humble person, and though you were sometimes brash, you were very kind and thoughtful of others. In summary, you were selfless. If it didn't come to food that is. But you were also sensitive to harsh and neglective treatment, even if you didn't like to outwardly show it.

It lowered your self esteem, and it caused your mood to always dim. Robin didn't exactly know why it had come to this, but she had a feeling it had something to do with the way you were raised. Which was why you always shined your brightest at positive words, praise, and actions. It especially showed whenever you reciprocated those emotions. Not to mention you were careless around the people you were comfortable with. You could be so loose lipped sometimes.

Though despite this fact, you were also rather manipulative, and Robin found a charm in that.

Yes, you were a goody two-shoes, but it was interesting to see another side within you. She was sure many other people thought so as well. You were intelligent, cunning, and observant, and those were some qualities that she respected.

You were well versed in literature, and were well aware of where you stood in terms of powers and abilities. You may have been a little shaky with your abnormal powers and physical strengths, but haki and intelligence made up for what you were lacking. And because you knew yourself quite well, you were able to quickly see that you could manipulate Crocodile to get what you wanted.

Which was a VIP card to the biggest aquarium and best restaurants in Alabasta.

Robin couldn't help but sigh as she leisurely sat on her turtle. Honestly though, you could have gotten anything you wanted, but you had decided that you needed access to the aquarium.

Typical you. Especially typical that you had lost it.

Oh well, that was why she had given you another one secretly before she left. Robin was quite sure that you would put it to good use.

She let out a sigh, touching her lips gently. It would be nice to give you a proper kiss too, but she was sure that it was an invasion of privacy. Well, you'll come around to her charms soon enough.

And hopefully those crewmates of yours won't hurt you when they find out the truth.

---

The skies were blue overhead as the ship slowly sailed towards Little Garden. So far, the trip has been nothing but peaceful. But for you, it was boredom and walking on eggshells.

For one thing, most of the crew had interrogated you somewhat after you had attempted a conversation with them. Luffy was still Luffy of course, but the people who were most weary about you seemed to be Vivi and Sanji, surprisingly. Zoro had been indifferent, and Nami slightly weary, but it was Vivi and Sanji who's unease was the most visible.

You knew why with Vivi, but Sanji's behavior was still a mystery.

As for Usopp, well, you hadn't gotten the chance to talk to him yet.

"Heyy Usopp!" you called out, leaning over his shoulder to watch him fashion a long metal pole. "Oooo whatcha working on?"

Usopp stiffened at the sound of your voice, turning his head to see your smiling face focused on his small project he was working on for Nami. He would have to admit, though he liked you very much, it was a little suspicious with the way how intimate Miss All Sunday was with you earlier.

He assumed that the two of you must know each other to some degree (or maybe the woman had a thing for you), especially when you knew a lot of influential people. It's not like you would willingly put people- innocent civilians -at risk. That's just not who you were.

It's not like you have a reason to lie either.

"Hey Y/n! I'm just working on a little something for Nami." He watched you as you nodded your head in understanding, staring hard at the blue pole in his hands.

"I don't think Nami wanted party tricks. She needs a weapon." His breath hitched, before he immediately relaxed. Right, you had the ability to see into the future. He got nervous for no reason for a second there.

Usopp laughed, scratching the back of his neck. "Ahaha... I guess you're right. I guess it's a little weird for her to ask for a party stick."

"I could help you if you want," you inputted. "I might not look like it, but I'm well versed in science! I read as much as I could get my hands on because I need to be intelligent enough to give everyone information. Nami is a navigator, so something like a weather stick would suit her best."

Usopp looks to you with widened eyes. "Hey-Hey you're right! Actually, I'd love for you to help me!" His face grows red at his exclamation. "I-I mean, you'd be a great help!" You nod your head eagerly, watching him continue to do his thing.

A small silence settled between the two of you, and Usopp couldn't help but soon find himself asking to satiate his curiosity.

"Hey Y/n?"

"Hm?" you answer, looking up at him in curiosity.

"Did you... Did you do something to upset Sanji?" Your reaction was miniscule, a small twitch on your face as you gave him a grin.

"Ah, probably," you replied, rubbing the side of your arm. "I just don't know what exactly I did wrong though... Sanji's been avoiding me a bit too, so I haven't really gotten the chance to ask. It's kind of weird though."

The sniper nodded in agreement. "Definitely odd..." He trailed off when he caught sight of the said male exiting the kitchen.

"Oh hey, there he is now."

Your eyes immediately darted to the side where Sanji could be seen exiting the kitchen. His head turned a little absentmindedly in your direction, accidentally meeting your eyes. His reaction was immediate; he quickly whipped his head around, his hands shaking slightly before rolling up into fists. You stiffened, sensing his emotions.

He felt... frustrated? Sad? Betrayal? Was he frustrated with you?

Your lip quivered a little when Sanji quickly backtracked into the kitchen, slamming the door right behind him. You could hear Usopp sigh from beside you, patting you on the back as if to reassure you.

It didn't.

"I'm sure it can't be anything that bad," he muttered. "Though Sanji doesn't act that way towards women, so it actually might be pretty bad."

You bite your lip hard enough to draw blood.

"Oi oi! Y-Y/n! You're bleeding!" You blinked, releasing your lip when you tasted the familiar coppery taste of blood. Like a hound, Luffy was immediately by your side.

"What what?! Y/n, you're hurt?!" The boy made frantic gestures, staring at t he blood oozing out of your lip. "AHHH Y/N'S BLEEDING!" he screamed at the top of his lungs.

The door to the kitchen immediately slammed open.

You immediately turned your head to stare up at who you thought was Sanji, only to deflate a little when it was only Nami. There was a concerned look in her eye as she rushed down the stairs to get by your side.

"Y/n-chan, you're bleeding?" she asked worriedly. "How did this happen? Did you bite your lip too hard?"

You shook your head dismissively with a laugh. "Ahaha, I'm fine! Yeah, I just bit my lip a little too hard."

"We need a doctor." Usopp and Nami snapped their gazes onto Luffy, their eyes wide at his interjection. There was a serious look on his face as he gazed intently at your small wound.

"Luffy, that has to be the smartest thing you've said," Usopp remarked, amazed. Nami nodded in agreement, though she sighed.

"It makes sense though," she spoke. "This is Y/n we're talking about. Of course he's going to want to get a doctor for her." Nami paused when she noticed the slight distraught look on your face. "Eh? Y/n-chan? Is something wrong?"

Usopp's eyes immediately locked onto your own. You gave her a laugh.

"What? No, nothing's wrong! Actually, things are going pretty great!" You pointed up at the sky. "The temperature is perfect, the sea is calm, and there are no clouds in the sky! Isn't that nice?"

She gave you a skeptical look.

"Y/n's a bad liar," Luffy spoke up as he picked his nose. "You've been gloomy for a few hours. I can feel it. It's because we haven't set foot on an island yet, isn't it?"

"Yep, that's totally it!" you almost shouted, glad that you had a perfect lie that you didn't even need to come up with. "It's kind of scary being on a ship. There's so many things that could hurt you that it makes my skin want to crawl. And I can't swim, so if I accidentally fall in, it's game over."

Game over?

"Oh yeah, speaking of games, I have to collect my daily stuff." Standing up abruptly, you rushed to the center of the deck to grab your bag. Pulling out your phone, you hummed as you turned it on.

Usopp turned to Nami with raised brows.

"Do you have any idea what she's saying?"

"Nope."

"So... ah, Y/n-chan was it?" You looked up from playing Heed Me, only to stare up at the Princess of Alabasta. You nodded your head in confirmation, continuing to collect hearts for the dance battle. "What are you ah, doing?"

"I'm playing a video game!" You turned the device over to show the woman what you were playing. "You know what a video game is, right?"

Vivi felt a little confused. "Wha... What? I'm sorry, I don't think I understand...?"

Your lips formed into a small disappointed 'o'. "Oh, I guess you wouldn't really know." You hummed thoughtfully to yourself. "Well there's this advanced island somewhere in the New World called Lux where it's filled with advanced technology. One of the cool things from there is this box!"

You lifted the phone up. "This is a phone! I can play cool video games on it! My friend Kata-chan and Cracker bought it for me on a trip there."

Vivi still didn't get it, but nodded along anyway. "R-Right.."

If she were being honest, she was a little wary of you, especially with that small interaction with Miss All Sunday and your terrifying drunk self. But now, just seeing you innocently talk about whatever this "video game" was made her heart slightly warm.

You were kind and innocent, and passionate about the things you enjoyed. She thought it was a little cute.

"-and my favorite part was when Diavolo started to talk about the perfect date and it made me laugh because he's so cute about it-"

The girl could only smile and nod as you rambled on and on about your game, having still no idea what it was about. All she could catch onto were "cute" and "my favorite characters". Well at least her worries had faded away. You seemed harmless and a bit ditzy. Less on the harmless, now that she thought about it.

Well, if someone like Luffy was worth 30 million, then it wasn't impossible for it to be the same for you.

"Oh, sorry! I'm rambling, haha." She watched as you sheepishly scratched your cheek, your eyes averted from her own in embarrassment. "What about you? Tell me about yourself!"

"M-me? Oh. Well I enjoy spending time with my pet, Karoo. Karoo!" Immediately the giant duck rushed to her side, holding a wing out as if saluting to her.

Your jaw dropped in awe. "Karoo!! Hello! My name is Y/n!" He nodded to your words, quacking a few phrases. "Mhm. I see. You've done a great job at protecting Vivi-chan!"

"You can understand him?!" Vivi exclaimed in surprise. "How is that even possible?!"

You shrugged your shoulders with a grin. "Just an ability. By the way, Karoo says his duty is to protect you. He's pretty cute!"

Vivi was in clear abject awe with you. You were so skillful! With the ability to be able to commune with animals, it must be very helpful! Who knows what helpful information those creatures would have that would be valuable to them! She also had a small feeling that you and Karoo would get along extremely well.

Karoo looked away abashedly, swatting the air a little in embarrassment. "Caaw!"

You cupped your hands over your mouth in surprise. "Aww! You're so sweet! No, but your feathers are so soft!"

Karoo strutted his feathers proudly, displaying them for you as you ran your hands through it. Vivi felt herself laugh at the two of your fanatics. Somehow she felt like she was going to get along with you very well.

"Eh, Y/n-chan, look!" You looked over to Vivi who was pointing up at the sails. Moving your train of sight to the sails, you realized that she was pointing at a Newsco. Except beside the Newsco was Phoenix, who seemed to be bothering the other bird.

You could see that they were squawking at each other, and it seemed to be a more or less one sided fight, with Phoenix the one who was initiating it. The firebird snapped his beak at the other bird, looking slightly angry. The Newsco on the other hand... well, it looked like he was going to shit himself.

"Phoenix!" you called out. "Stop bothering him!"

He obviously didn't listen as he began to attack the other bird aggressively. Oh dear.

"Azar." He flinched a little at your harsher tone, shifting his head down towards you. He snapped a few words at you, causing you to huff. "If his flirting is bothering you that much then come down here! All he's saying is that you're beautiful!"

Vivi could only stare at your interactions in absolute absurdity.

"Caw caw!" Karoo squawked, adding his own words to the conversation.

You may be pretty but your personality is just ugly.

"Oh, that's a good burn. But wait, that's not very nice- WAIT DON'T-"

Vivi watched in horror as Phoenix (or was it Azar?) swooped down in a ball of flames hot enough to cook Karoo alive. In a swift motion, one that she couldn't even see, you grabbed the angry firebird by the neck, your hand shrouded in a dark metal like substance.

"Azar! We talked about this! Just because you have a superiority complex, doesn't mean you have to take it out on others!" He bit your fingers, only to retaliate at how hard your armament haki was.

Looking up, you gave the Newsco an apologetic smile. "Sorry!" The bird turned around, leaving with a squawk, dropping the newspaper on your head. Your mouth formed a thin line as you sighed.

"Nami! The newspaper is here!"

---

Sanji had been feeling conflicting emotions.

For one, he really really did care for you. Like, a lot. But two, he also did not want to associate with someone who knew about his family. Someone who was tied to his past. It wasn't anything to do with you, it was the things that his so called 'family' would do to you if they discover your relation to him.

When you had spoken those two words that night, he had felt his heart practically stop. Did those words come out of you intentionally? Had his identity been compromised? He didn't know. At first, he had believed it to be an accident. You must have been familiar with the Sora comics since you've travelled to so many places. It wouldn't be impossible for you to have traveled to the North Blue.

At that thought, he felt pale. If that were the case, then it wouldn't be impossible for you to have known his family. After all, you were supposedly the "blackmail material"- the informant.

Besides, what were the odds that the villain to leave your mouth was the one that corresponded his number, Stealth Black?

No, all this was just speculation. Sora, Warrior of the Sea is a popular comic strip. All this must have been a misunderstanding. An accident. Even so, he couldn't help to corner your drunken self and ask.

He should have kept to himself.

He shouldn't have asked.

.

.

.

"Hime-chan?" Sanji called out, prodding your face.

You sluggishly opened your eyes, giving him a curious stare before giving him such a sweet smile. It was like just seeing him made you happy. Immediately, he felt his cheeks heat up at the sight of your smile.

"Sangoru! Heyy~"

Your hand reached out to grab his shirt loosely, pulling him into a hug. It was warm, Sanji noted as he blushed in complete bliss, wrapping his arms around you gingerly. It felt like a dream to be holding you so tightly, to have you so close to him, so much so that he almost forgot what he wanted in the first place.

He chuckled a bit at the nickname you gave him, albeit a little odd.

"Hime-chan, I have a question for you." The two of you were in a small corner in the room, everyone else too preoccupied to know what was going on. It was the perfect place to have a conversation.

You nodded your head eagerly. "I... I have answer! Maybe.. Hehe..."

He cooed internally. You were always so cute, his little goddess.

"Do you..." Sanji felt his throat lump up. God, this was difficult. "Do you know what Germa 66 is?" Sanji felt hope when you stopped for a moment, furrowing your brows in concentration. A few minutes had passed and you still didn't answer.

Sanji felt relieved by each minute as you didn't answer, finding it in himself that he didn't want to know. You were probably took drunk to give him a proper answer anyway, but what mattered most was that you didn't know. It was a mistake. It had been a mistake-

"You mean like, Ichi and Yon?"

He felt his heart shatter into a million pieces.

"It's kind of funneh that... that their names *hic* have uh lumbers in them haha." He could only watch you in despair as your glazed over eyes widened a little. "Your name is ike at too! Hey, are you guys elated?"

No, he was far from elated.

"Y/n-chan..." he whispered softly, a sad smile on his face. "Why don't you go sleep with Luffy?"

You nodded slowly as the words registered in your brain.

"Oke! Love ya. Haha... Les hang owt latter..." He watched as you stumbled across the room and onto the couch that Luffy was on.

He felt sad. Empty even.

He should have known to never be so curious, to use your drunken state to his advantage to get the answers he wanted. But now... he wasn't so sure he wanted them anymore. Especially since he didn't think he'd be able to look you in the eyes anymore or give you the proper smiles. How could he, when he had so easily taken advantage of a beautiful woman?

When he had taken advantage of you? Where was his dignity? He should be ashamed of himself. This wasn't right, what he did wasn't right. Zeff would have been so disappointed in himself.

He was disapointed in himself.

But you were drunk, too far gone to remember what would happen tonight.

And he'd like for it to stay that way. He didn't want you putting two and two together and realize that he was a part of the bastard's family in the first place. Either that, or maybe accidentally leak information about him to them, and knowing your personality, it wasn't impossible. He didn't want to hurt you. He didn't want you to be angry at him for using you like this. He couldn't face you now that he'd done something so horrible.

So far now...

He swallowed dryly as his cheeks felt a little damp.

He decided that he would distance himself from you for a little bit. It was probably for the best, for both of you. If they discover that you were connected to him, then the crew, him, and yourself would be endangered.

Sanji involuntary shuddered at the thought of what would become of you, the trauma in the confines of his mind lingering and haunting him. No matter how fast he would run, he could never seem to escape them. No matter how much he put the past behind him, it somehow will always come back to haunt him.

His hands clench. He hated them so much. He hated how those bastards still had a leash around his neck even now. And if he somehow managed to rope you into his own mess, if something happens to you, he would never be able to forgive himself.

So this was for the best.

It was for your safety.

"I love you too," he said, whispering words that you wouldn't hear as you slowly fell into a peaceful dreamland, unaware of the things that will soon transpire in the matter of time.

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this chapter was so bad and cringey lololol someone kill me