Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Act I

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The seas were rough.

Indeed, they had been for several days now; ever since the crew-of-nine officially entered the New World.

And what an entrance it had been…

Immediately upon surfacing from the Ryugu kingdom, they had been faced with unfathomable chaos. A storm of incredible magnitude was tearing across the sea: monstrous in its size, and deadly in its power.

The dark waters surrounding the Strawhats ship had churned and frothed: waves rolled and crashed while gales of wind and piercing rain tore across the surface of the malcontented seas- mighty forces of nature bellowing their own violence as both a warning and promise to any who dared enter its vast arena.

The extraordinary show of might was impressive: certainly… but it held little sway over the Strawhat pirates.

Rather than being deterred by the dreadful weather, each member of the crew had met the challenge with equal parts steely determination and giddy excitement: and why wouldn't they? It has been long- so, so long since they had tackled the seas together- and now, here they all were, two years later (two years stronger)- ready to ride the storm with greater prowess than ever before. 

And ride it they did- for from the moment the Thousand Sunny had been spat out of the depths of Fishman Island ( impossibly on the other side of the Redline) they’d found themselves in a fierce battle against the ocean itself.

And truly, it was a battle. 

Their ship had emerged in the midst of an enormous typhoon- the squall in full swing and eager to wreak havoc on whatever was unfortunate enough to be caught in its path. Great walls of water arced up to unbelievable heights- swelling, stretching and heaving before finally cresting with a white mist- only for the sea walls to then twist in; collapsing under their own weight before slamming back into the ocean below, all for the process to repeat again and again.

In a word, the storm was terrifying, but Nami and Franky had wasted no time. 

With a decisive rush of action, the duo stepped forward and lashed themselves to the helm of the ship- smoothly taking control of the situation even as another mountainous wave rose up to meet them. 

Franky was ready and had taken the wheel in both hands- fighting with all his might to keep the Sunny from being swept into the wall of water; wrenching the rudder to his will and bracing the ship with every bit of strength he had.

The sea was a deadly opponent, but the cyborg refused to back down. 

Groaning and heaving, the shipwright continued his fight: fists locked tight around the spokes of the wheel- unrelenting as he brought the brigantine to check. 

His efforts were not in vain, and while the hurricane continued to roar- to thrash and foam and rage, the Thousand Sunny suddenly lurched; barely spinning to heel as Franky finally, forcefully regained control. Still, despite his success and feat of strength, it was clear he was struggling; his hold tenuous at best.

And who could blame him? The grand line was a god in its own right… and few men could hope to hold their own against such a mighty force of nature.

Seeing her companion struggle, Nami quickly moved to provide her own brand of support, and shielding her eyes as best she could against the tearing rain- peered out into the rumbling dark. 

Quickly and with cunning insight, the navigator searched the skies and read the waves- doing her best to seek out a viable path through the deadly chaos.

To her credit, it only took a moment.

There, barely visible to those who knew where to look, was a rift between swells. If they could set the Sunny on that path, they might be able to skirt out of the valley of breakers- hopefully long enough to blast out of the immediate area using a Coup De Burst. 

It was a slim chance, but one they had to take.

Fueled by a mix of certitude and adrenaline, the red head spun back to Franky- urgently shouting instructions over the tumult- doing her best to direct him on the invisible path and avoid the worst of the storm's blows. 

The cyborg could only grit his teeth- desperate in his effort to strong-arm the wheel; putting everything he could into heeding the navigator's words. Finally, after a momentary struggle, the shipwright proved victorious and in an impressive show of strength, deftly maneuvered the brigantine through the monsoon: guided true by Nami’s cunning insight. 

There was a heave as the Sunny lurched, fighting its master's hand before once again being subdued, and as soon as the ship once more came to rights, the rest of the crew sprang into action. 

They had been momentarily stunned by the cacophony of the squall, but the shock did not last long. Within moments, Zoro, Usopp, Sanji and Luffy had raced up the rigging- working quickly to bring in the main and fore-sails: securing loose lines before efficiently moving to tighten up the boom. 

Meanwhile, down below- Brook, Chopper and Robin hurried to manage the main deck: battening down the hatches and securing the front of the ship before rushing inside to do the same for its interior- first checking the galley, then moving quickly to seal the aquarium hatch. 

All-in-all, It did not take long for the Sunny to regain her bearings, and even as another enormous wave mounted up the side of the ship- looming and swelling in strength and power- the crew found that they were ready. 

Indeed- the Strawhats rose to the occasion in a way befitting their own growth: their responding teamwork and preparedness now far-matured since the last time they sailed as a group- and even then, in the midst of the chaos, there was a sense of joyous camaraderie as they all took on the sea; together at long last.

At the helm: Franky and Nami’s efforts had not been in vain, and the path the navigator set them on was clear. With a heaving lurch, the ship began to tilt- staying true even as Franky guided her ahead: veering, now practically surfing up the side of the rising cobalt wall.

Then, they reached the peak.

In a thunderous roar the wave they were riding began to break, and for a split second there was nothing but air under the prow of the ship. In that same moment- Nami screamed and the cyborg laughed- bellowing out to everyone an iron charge of “You guys better hold on!!!”.

And then, they were airbourne.

WIth an incredible rush of speed, the Thousand Sunny was launched ahead- propelled forward and out of harms way with a thundering Coup De Burst . 

And not a moment too soon…

The great wave they’d ridden had teetered on the edge of collapse, and with a crack of lighting and a tearing gale, the behemoth finally collapsed in on itself- crushing down, ready to smite all in its path. 

But its show of force was never seen- for the Thousand Sunny had already blasted its way ahead- heedless of the fall and cutting through the sundering skies as the tempest continued to rage- soaking all those left on deck with a powerful salty mist.

It was exhilarating: thrilling beyond words…

Even if it was only partially successful.

The storm cell they were fleeing from was immense: far greater then they could have prepared for- and as the ship cut through the sky, bow lowering to skim the top of the still-rough waters, the strawhats could see that- while they had escaped the storms center, they were still not free of its grasp.

They were nearly a kilometer away from where they’d first surfaced, yet the clouds overhead were still a resolute and moody gray. The waters maintained their churning, and rain continued to pour- its constant presence seemingly imbued with some twisting malcontent. 

Regardless, at least here there were no towering waves; the surface of the sea was certainly rolling, but not peaking. They would be fine, if not miserable- and while it would take a sturdy effort, the circumstances were far from dire. 

They just needed to make do and continue pushing ahead to calmer waters.

That recognition had been met with lackluster enthusiasm (especially from Usopp and Chopper). No matter: they had to make the best of it; the Sunny could only go so far on a single charge of cola, and while the conditions were far from ideal, they were at least better off then they had been.

With nothing for it but to navigate out, the crew prepared for continued rough weather- trusting Nami to guide them through the fringes of the storm: each hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.

Of course, that little assertion had now happened two full days ago- and while confidence in their navigator was unwavering, the whims of the New World had granted no mercy to rest by. Beyond the dreary weather, the constant motion of turbulent waters allowed for little rest and less recuperation, ensuring that everyone on the crew was constantly tired, overworked, and somewhat strung-out. Even the most buoyant members of the crew were ready for respite; hoping against hope for some break in the darkened sky.

And for good reason… After all, sailing was strenuous work- made more difficult by the unpredictable nature of the Grand Line; and even when they had charted a course- picking and riding out whatever currents their navigator deemed fair- their progression was still slow yet harried. 

Adding to the misery (and much to Luffy’s dismay), Sanji had declared that: temporarily, their meals had to be taken cold. It would be foolhardy to use the stove with such poor predictability, and even if the Sunny was durable enough to withstand an errant fire, the chef refused to risk his kitchen more than necessary. More directly, the ship was bobbing and lurching so wildly that it was barely possible to prepare anything more complex than a hurried sandwich- a fact that everyone was distraught by.

No matter, the blonde still rose to the occasion- and even despite the strict limitations, he made sure that everyone's needs were met. The effort was unanimously appreciated, but even so: it was clear that everyone longed for a hot meal and undisturbed rest.

As the first day slid into the second, the harsh weather began to turn, and Nami called for caution. The winds were slowly changing in their favor, and while that news was a relief- it would do no good to let their guard down now. 

Indeed, every member of the crew needed to be on constant vigilance- a task that was doubled since the devil-fruit users among them had been relegated to the inside of the ship. 

Luffy had not been happy about that suggestion and had only yielded at the continued request of the entire crew. Even then: it had taken a sizable effort to get him situated indoors- and his mood became somewhat sullen- almost as though he felt his friends were keeping him from some great adventure instead of potentially drowning in the storm. 

Thankfully, Usopp was a professional when it came to holding their captain's attention. 

In little time, the sniper was successfully able to corral him (and Chopper) with a mix of games, stories, and helpful tasks; an assist that became shockingly valuable as they began a maintenance check on the inner workings of the ship. 

For that had been a whole other venture to be mindful of: afterall, while the Sunny herself was nigh unsinkable, the brigantine still had plenty of delicate inner mechanics that facilitated its advanced performance- some more waterproof than others. 

Ever the engineer, Usopp had received Franky's blessing to provide maintenance on some of the more accessible issues that needed tending: electrical fixes, manning the pumps and applying sealant were all that could be handled while in motion- and while none of it was overly complex work, it was enough to be an intriguing challenge to their easily bored captain. 

Still, there were other, greater issues that needed addressing- for one: the state of their water filtration system. 

Evidently, some pipes had been knocked loose in the thrashing storm, and the boiler that sat in the core of their mini-desalination plant was damaged just enough to warrant being shut down. It wasn't an ideal situation, and while they still had plenty of usable water stored, the thought of that resource dwindling was far from heartening news. Usopp had wasted no time in reporting his findings to Franky, who up until that point, had been resolutely manning the wheel.

Hearing this, the cyborg frowned, and for the first time since entering the New world, he relinquished his hold to Zoro- the next strongest crewmate who could hold the Sunny on course.

The swordsman had taken the wheel with no complaints (privately glad to do more than adjust sails and rigging) and just like that, the shipwright and sniper were off: moving quickly toward the bowels of the ship- intent on assessing the damage wrought by the storm. 

Zoro (for his part) was just glad to get arm work-out in. 

As if reading his thoughts, Nami groaned- already anticipating his errant sense of direction. She was still tethered to the helm and was clearly exhausted- displaying little patience for foolish behavior. To her credit, she had been at her post since their entry to the New World, and was certainly entitled to her irritability; especially after nearly two full days of searching the seas. 

No matter: she needed strong hands on the wheel- and Zoro was her current best option. 

Resigning herself to that fact, the redhead committed to keeping a more watchful eye than she had been with Franky. That attentiveness proved useful, and even despite her fatigue (and Zoros lack of direction) the duo continued to make good progress against the whims of the storm -naturally, bickering all the way.

Hours passed, and still the sundering seas were fraught with tumult; frenetic and heaving in continued distress. The sky remained dark, and it was difficult to tell even the time of day with the ceaseless cloud cover- and the only great change visible was the varying oscillation of rainfall.

Then finally- on the dawn of their third day in the New World, it happened.

The heavy clouds abated, the waters hushed, and for the first time since surfacing, the Strawhat pirates could see the gentle pinks of a rosy sunrise.

By this point, the entire crew had hesitantly moved to the deck- all exhausted yet hopeful as they felt the ship begin to still beneath them. Together, they looked out- examining the waves; waiting to celebrate- wanting to be sure of their victory against nature.

For a beat, there was a suspicious pause- quiet as Nami scrutinized the shift in weather; her brown eyes calculating and shrewd. 

Another moment passed, the crew holding their breath in weary anticipation- and then, finally- the navigator spoke: with a heaving sigh of relief, she looked down to the lawn where the rest of the crew was gathered and gave a tired smile. “Well, I can’t say it was easy, but we did it! we’ve made it through…”

Immediately upon hearing her assessment, the rest of the Strawhats let out a raucous cry of approval: each thankful and relieved to have made it out of the storm in one piece- some more then others…

“ Finally !” groaned an exhausted Usopp, bodily flinging himself down on the grass, “Let's agree to never do that again- I don't think my heart can handle it…”

“Hmm, I certainly feel the same,” stated a frazzled-looking Brook while clutching at his chest, “-at least, I would if I had a heart, YOHOHOHO !!!” 

Ignoring the skeleton and his routine puns, the sniper stretched out- swinging his arms behind his head, heedless of the sopping green beneath him. “Anyway,” he continued once he was comfortable, “now that that's over with, I vote we take a break… I can't remember the last time I've been this tired…”

As if in agreement, Luffy threw himself down next to Usopp, mimicking his relaxed pose even as he groaned in petulant want. “So hungry…” he complained, “Need food… Sanji, can we have a hot breakfast? Then we can all take a nap…”

From a few feet away, the cook shot him a baleful glare; unimpressed yet unsurprised with his captain's request.

The blonde was just as harried as the navigator- and for the past forty eight hours, he too had been at constant work: first assisting on deck with the sails and rigging, then moving inside to tend to the galley. He’d needed to seal everything in the pantry, and ensure no seawater threatened their store of dry-goods: a task that was as tedious as it was necessary. Regardless, his efforts had proven well-founded, as water had already leaked in through an unlatched porthole- spreading across the floor, into the lower cupboards, and even into Choppers office.

That discovery had not gone over well, and the cook had been irate when he spotted the open window- swearing up a storm as he rushed to check on the provisions. 

It was well known by everyone on board that the cook was meticulous about their food stores in good weather; in poor weather, that attentiveness only escalated. 

True to form: the storm and its howling force had clearly set him on edge, likely far more than he was willing to admit.

Still, even during the worst of the hurricane, Sanji had found a way to feed his crew, and now that the skies had cleared, he knew he couldn’t deny Luffy his request. With a resigned huff, the blonde reached into his pocket to pull out a damp pack of cigarettes- frustrated to find that most of them were too wet to light.

”Tch, is that all you can say after the beautiful Nami-swan so heroically led us out of that watery hell? Thank her, you idiot! Then you can get whatever I give you.” His tone had no real heat, but Luffy complied all the same- quickly sitting up from his sprawl to look up at the navigator still standing by the wheel.

”Thanks Nami!!!” He grinned, waving manically as though she weren’t in direct eye-sight, “You are the best in the world!!! Tell Sanji to cook!”

The intervention was unnecessary as the chef had already moved back towards the galley- mentally crafting a quick breakfast menu and its list of necessary ingredients.

From across the lawn, Franky also moved to sit- setting himself down with a weary groan of relief. “Oof, I gotta agree with Usopp on this one,” he said as he flopped to lay back on the grass, “- I feel like we gotta take a breather and reset, cuz that was a hell of a doozie… I mean: I’m gonna need more than a barrel or two of cola to recover from that one.”

Robin, who had perched on one of the nearby benches, hummed in contemplative thoughtfulness: “Yes, well- we all knew that getting into the New World would be its own challenge;” she reminded, “but it appears as though we’ve made it with no casualties. Certainly, that alone is worth celebrating with some food and rest?”

Luffy nodded and was about to voice his agreement when Chopper ran to scurry in his lap- his sweet face open and slightly concerned: “It’s great we made it, but- um, do we actually know where we are? I mean, I’m no navigator, but it feels like that storm got us all turned around- what do we do about that? And where do we go next?”

The question was genuinely curious, and all eyes flitted back to Nami who was still positioned at the helm; before she could answer however, Robin once again spoke up- voice considerate as she pondered their position. “We’re still close to the Red Line; and while I certainly have no clue as to our actual location, I do know that there are several islands that act as borders circling the port of entry to Mary Geoise- many of which have agreements with the world government to act as naval postings: including G5.”

From Luffy's lap, Chopper looked up in wonder- interest shining in his big brown eyes: “G5?” He asked, “I don’t think I’m familiar… What is it Robin?” 

The brunette smiled at the little deer, granting him a warm answer in her typical straightforward (and somewhat macabre) fashion: ”G5 is a heavily armed military post that houses countless marines; all of whom would no-doubt love an opportunity to violently take our heads…”

Her voice was lofty and weirdly entertained, still: she continued. “That being said, it might be best to find our bearings and avoid it at all cost- unless of course, we wish to add a little bloodshed to our entry?”

Usopp could only groan at the implication of violence: horrified yet unsurprised by the archeologist's bleak suggestion. “Ya know Robin, I gotta say- I missed you, but I definitely didn't miss your “creep factor”… why do you even gotta suggest that kinda thing?”

His complaint fell on deaf ears as Luffy sprang forward, jostling the doctor from his seat. 

There was clear excitement shining in his eyes at the mere notion of adventure, and quick as a whip, the rubber-man stretched out an arm to slingshot himself over the railing- landing hard on a yawning Zoro who was still minding the wheel. 

“Shishishi, it doesn’t matter!!! If anyone wants to fight, we can take em!” 

The captain's enthusiasm was infectious, and turning, he raised a fist in the air- crowing a victory for everyone to hear: “But we made it!!! We’re here in the New World!!! We’ve sailed half the grand line, so first things first: we gotta celebrate! Sanji! A breakfast feast!!! Hurry!!!!”

From somewhere in the galley, a series of muffled swears could be heard: evidently, the chef heard his call and did not appreciate being rushed.  

Unbothered, Luffy merely laughed- moving to untangle himself from the swordsman before he was forcibly removed. Zoro for his part, only rolled his eye at his captain's antics- too tired to mind his wayward limbs. “Food’ll be good,” the marimo mused, “but what’s the worry? Even if we did get turned around- we still know the position of the sun and the Red Line… Whatever the case: our goal is ahead- not back. We should push on to whatever’s next. If everything ahead of us is a mystery, we can hardly say we're lost or turned around anyway...”

That was apparently the wrong thing to say as Nami leveled the cyclops with a withering glare. 

“ You’re one to talk about getting lost,” she groused, “It'll be a cold day in hell the day I take directional advice from your sorry ass… Anyway- I still have the new log pose Sadaijin gave us. We can figure out where to go after I’ve had a break.”

With a weary sigh, the red head moved to lean heavily against the railing, feeling the weight of the past several days all at once. “I haven’t even gotten a full night's sleep since fishman island, so if you want me to start plotting a new course right away- then think again.” 

Her tone had such a level of finality to it that even Luffy knew not to argue; still- he was spared responding by Franky, who cut in with a grave “Gotta agree with lil sis on this one Luf… I’m also gonna need a break after all that; plus, there are a few more fixes I want to catalog before we really get moving. The Sunny fought like a champ, but we both need a breather and a few fresh colas to get back to super-status.” 

He lifted a giant hand and patted the lawn next to him, the gesture delicate even despite his size; “Anyway, it’d probably be good to make port somewhere with a shipyard- or at least a parts market... I mean, I have a ton of spare materials ready to go- but fixing the boiler will take more than what we currently got. Usually, I’d just figure it out, but because this is our water supply, I want to make sure it's done right. Whaddya say captain?”

Crossing his arms, Luffy gave a thoughtful nod of approval, trusting his shipwrights opinion completely: “Hm, good idea. Everyones done a lot of work in keeping us afloat- especially Sunny…” As he spoke, he rested his palm on the railing before him, smiling fondly as he considered his ship's accomplishments. “We need to rest and she should be cared for- but first: food! We can't do much on empty stomachs!”

His declaration was true to form, and the rest of the Strawhats felt themselves relax; grateful for the respit and the promised meal. Still, their captain's enthusiasm was contagious, and even despite the crew's exhaustion, there was a distinct air of muted excitement for what lay ahead.

Regardless, no one had much energy to really respond, and for the next twenty or so minutes, everyone simply planted themselves on the still-wet lawn: deciding to take what rest they could before the meal bell rang. 

Soon, they would all retire to their bunks, but for now- there was some sweet delight in watching the sunrise over a clear and brilliant sky. 

Still, the physical toll of their efforts were difficult to ignore, and it was not long before nearly everyone on deck began to fall into a contented doze. 

With quiet thoughtfulness, Zoro took it upon himself to drop the sea-anchor; intent on slowing their drift as they collected themselves and worked out next steps. Meanwhile, Robin excused herself- wanting to use the moment to bathe; fully intent on eating, then taking to bed as soon as she was able. She was hardly alone in that sentiment- indeed, several of the other Strawhats could not even wait to close their eyes.

Brook, for one- had stalked over to one of the deck chairs and flung himself face down (unwilling to risk his hair on the grass). 

As soon as his head hit the canvas, he fell fast asleep- quickly followed by a weary Franky (who was by that point, loudly snoring from his place on the lawn). Usopp soon followed into napland, and both Chopper and Nami were close behind when all of the sudden, Sanji’s voice rang out- worn yet warm, that the food was ready.

And just like that, the crew came to life. 

Everyone perked up: ready and eager for a hot cooked breakfast- unsure of what the chef had prepared, but certain that the meal would be beyond expectation. 

Sure enough, they were right.

The cook had outdone himself; and even despite his own exhaustion, had pieced together a magnificent spread of quiche, sliced fruit, roasted potatoes, sausage links, crisp bacon, and thick buttermilk bread. It was wonderful- and impressive in what time it had been accomplished. Beyond that, the food was flavorful, hot, and smelled divine; its aroma as welcome as the meal itself.

It did not take long for all of the Strawhats to rally themselves; rising from seats, eager to join the blonde in the galley and reap the benefits of his hard labor; and what benefits they were…

The breakfast feast was magnificent beyond words- far improved from the cold eggs, dried fish and hurried sandwiches that had been their primary diet through the storm. Even so, as they all sat down to feast, there was a noticeable hum of quiet anxiety that seemed to thrum from the chef- his tension palpable despite the positive feedback of his good labor.

Ever the observer, Robin picked up on it at once, and as soon as she was seated at the table, made to ask what it was. 

“Sanji?” She inquired, “you seem preoccupied- is there something on your mind?”

The blonde was still on his feet- traipsing around the kitchen, filling plates and swatting at Luffys wandering hands with expert accuracy; even so, he still found it in himself to fawn- swooning at the archaeologists attention with rapt delight.

“How kind of you to ask!” he crooned, “Robin is always so generously thoughtful!! How did I get so lucky as to have an angel like you spare even a moment for me…”

He would have continued, and was just about to take off with another round of flattery, when Zoro interrupted with an impatient: “Just answer the question cook- we can all see you’ve got something you want to say.” His demand was firm and droll, but lacked bite- evidently too tired or curious enough to not start an actual fight. 

Sanji only shot him a withering glare, snipping out a tight “Don’t interrupt, Marimo ,” before turning on his heel back to the brunette. 

“To answer your question my dear- being perfectly honest: it’s our stock. Seawater made it into some of our dry-stores, and the flour, oats and rice were affected more than I’d like… Not that it's anything to worry about too much-” he hurriedly added, trying to calm nerves even as continued to look stressed, “we still have enough to get by, and a full stock in the freezer and aquarium… it’s just- well, i get a little nervous when things go awry in the kitchen… I’ll feel a lot better when we’re able to do a full re-stock.”

The rest of the crew knew that to be the truth, and even despite his reassurances, could sense his muted urgency. 

It was no secret that Sanji was hyper vigilant when it came to their foodstock; weighing, measuring, preparing and planning each menu with careful attention- not only to supply them with the finest meals he could offer, but also to ensure their continued supply in case something went wrong while at sea. 

“We shouldn’t be too far from another island, right?” asked Usopp between bites, looking slightly nervous as he heard Sanji’s concerns. “What does the log pose say?”

From further up the table, Nami looked at her wrist, tired eyes thoughtful as she considered the three-arrowed compass. “We are definitely close to land,” she hummed, “but I’m not sure of our exact location, so it wouldn’t be fair to say.”

”Well, it’s just another thing to add to the list…” grunted Franky as he gnawed on a slab of bacon, “I’ll check the pantry seal for any water damage cook-bro, we don't want this happening again.” 

“Thanks Franky,” agreed Sanji, slightly assuaged; “And again, we should be fine for a while, I just really hope the next place we land has a good market. I’ll feel better doing a full restock; especially now that we’re in the New World.”

The rest of the crew nodded even as they ate, all sharing the same sentiment.

Wherever they ended up next was still a mystery, but for now, all they could do was catch their breath. Entry into the New World had been perilous, and from the very moment they broke the surface, they had been fighting to survive. Still, here they were; alive and well (if not a little bit worse for the wear). 

No matter, the crew was strong and now that they were together once again, there wasn't anything they couldn’t face.

For the rest of that day, fears and concerns took a back seat to rest; each member of the Strawhats taking time to tend to themselves and one another- enjoying the gentle waters that had replaced the storm. 

The future and its problems would always be there, but that moment, basking in the sweet rest of triumph over the seas, would soon pass. 

For now, all they could do was enjoy it, and look forward to a future where they would once again find themselves victorious over a dark and raging storm.

Chapter Text

It was the following day, and the morning sun was gentle as it slowly rose in the sky- warming the salty sea air with a kiss of lazy heat. 

Overhead, a sweet breeze blew; it’s playful dance breathing fresh life into the ropes and carefully secured sails- begging the canvas planes to come out and play.

The sound was lovely, and the easy wind was promising; baiting both adventure and speed for later on in the day; still, it seemed sensible enough to know that now, in the soft hours of waking morning, all it was allowed was a gentle shush. 

The lullaby was relaxing, and had a soporific effect: encouraging deeper sleep even despite the start of the day. 

Truely, the temptation to comply was alluring- but Nico Robin did not indulge.

Rather, the archaeologist found herself wide awake and lost in thought; her mind moving quickly as she considered her morning in total. 

Admittedly, she was rather consumed with the memory, and even as she sat on a deck chair near her and Usopp's shared garden- sipping on her morning coffee, her pondering shifted and she felt the need to research. The topic of her rapid curiosity: Secondary genders and male omegas.

The interest was certainly not new, but she had never seriously pursued it further than a brief anthropological study that was required by the college. She remembered enough to have a solid framework of knowledge, but her expertise was in languages and histories; not rare physiologies, (she wasn’t a medical doctor after all)...

No matter; it was a thing that must be amended. 

With that final certainty, Robin's thoughts once again moved to her earlier morning; pondering it moment by moment in vivid recollection… remembering each second of her waking day:

She had always been an early riser. 

Indeed, since childhood, she found great solace in waking with the sun and took comfort in the small quiet of the morning hours- always still and peaceful before the full break of day.

There was some kind of sanctity to it; some purity that felt as rejuvenating as it was reliable- the dawn bringing not only the light, but endless possibilities as well. It was a promise; an absolute that gave comfort, even in her darkest hours. 

That tender hopefulness- once crushed and hanging on by a thread, had only flourished since joining the Strawhats; transforming from something hollowed and delicate into a robust and absolute faith- strong and clear in her chest as she sailed under her captain's flag.

Yes: to witness the dawn was special, and her appreciation for it had only grown since reclaiming her want for life.

With that warm and pleasing thought, the brunette had indulged in a languid stretch and satisfied sigh; her internal clock urging her to wake fully… mental rhythm poised to start its daily routine. 

Smiling to herself, the archeologist sat up, preparing to gather a change of clothes before heading to the bathroom for a quick morning shower- cognizant of the fact that her bunk mate was still soundly asleep. 

As if on cue, from across the room in the neighboring bed, Nami had turned over; mumbling incoherently while tucking herself further into the blankets- sighing before falling back into a deeper rest, evidently lulled by the gentle rocking of the Sunny beneath them.

The navigator would sleep for another hour at least, and Robin had no intention of disturbing her well-deserved slumber. 

With practiced, quiet steps, the archaeologist had gathered what she needed and slipped out the room; softly closing the door behind her as she met the crisp-salty air of an early morning at sea.

Filling her lungs with a deep, refreshing breath, Robin felt herself become well and truly awake- invigorated by the pink light on the horizon and the certainty that the day would hold steady weather: And wasn’t that a relief, she thought to herself as she walked across the deck toward the bathroom, -Afterall, since their arrival in the new world, everything had seemed so unpredictable… Sure, they’d been prepared for anything, but the choppy sea they breached on had still caused some level of alarm. 

Regardless, the Sunny was as strong as her crew, and with only a brief adjustment, Nami and Franky had been able to navigate them to less risky waters.

So here they were now… freshly reunited, and on the other side of the Grand Line- each Strawhat happy to be home and thrilled to reconnect. 

If only they could find the actual time to do so….

Unable to hold back her rueful smile, the brunette reflected on the crew's reunion at Sabaody, and the ensuing chaos (and all out mess) of Fishman Island. Still- things had ended well… or, as well as could be expected now they had gained the attention of an Emperor of the Sea. 

Big Mom would be a problem; there was no doubt about that- but for now, they had made it to the New World: whole, relatively unscathed, stronger and with the friendship of the Ryugu kingdom in their pocket.

All in all- things could certainly be worse… 

With that cheerful thought, Robin finally entered the ship's bathhouse- casually noting the warm smell of coffee emitting from the kitchen; certain that the cook was up and already preparing the first meal of the day.

Of course, that was to be expected; for even two years of distance could not change the chef's iron-clad prep habits.

With that last charmed thought, Robin continued on her way- relaxing into her morning routine and enjoying the slowness of the ritual- perfectly aware that no one else would be using the bathroom for at least another hour.

True to form (nearly forty minutes later), she emerged feeling refreshed with the pleasing aroma of jasmine clinging to the end of her still-damp hair. Beyond that, she was happy to see that she was just in time to receive the newspaper: blue eyes spotting the faithful shape of a delivery gull closing in on the horizon- its visage growing larger as each moment passed.

Finally, the bird had overtaken the ship, and with practiced familiarity, it circled down to land on the railing just beside. Robin could only smile, glad the Sunny was within range of a News Coo and eager to see the word of the day. Wasting no time, she offered a berri to the bird who accepted the coin with a satisfied squawk- allowing her to place the money in his bag and simultaneously grab a paper. He then lifted his head and croaked out a thanks- hopping a few feet before launching himself up and flapping his wings: once more taking flight to continue its duties.

Robin waved him off (charmed by his stout determination), then turned her attention to the news- curious as to what she might find. 

Out of all the Strawhats, it was safe to say that she, Usopp and Nami were the most ardent about checking on the state of the world. Sanji, Zoro, Franky and Chopper were invested in highlights and headlines, and it seemed as though Brook and Luffy were (by and large) completely disinterested; often seeming to forget about the world outside the Sunny entirely- unbothered unless it mentioned something (or someone) familiar.

No matter, Robin enjoyed being the first one to peruse, and with patient excitement, she looked for an ideal place to sit; wanting to relax as she flipped through the pages. It was not long until she was settled (having found a chair under Nami’s mikan trees)- and ready to read, made a mental note to not get too invested (she still needed to procure some coffee after all). 

Deciding to scan only the headlines, she flipped open the first page and gave it a cursory glance, somewhat intrigued when the first thing was not so much a story, but rather an amendment. 

Fascinated by what was significant enough to warrant an amendment on the first page of the news, Robin read further- seeing with growing puzzlement that the correction was for a bounty poster: specifically the bounty poster of Blackleg Sanji- cook of the Strawhat pirates.

Feeling cautious, the archeologist turned the page, revealing a loose leaf copy of the new poster- folded and ready for display. With a furrowed brow, she unfolded the sheet- hesitant as to what she might find, hoping (for the cooks sake) that they finally improved his picture.

To her surprise, that was not the case.

Indeed, what she read, she did not expect in the least.

For there, stamped in the bold press of the Marines, was text she could not have guessed at: 

MALE OMEGA, 

WANTED ONLY ALIVE

BLACKLEG SANJI

of the STRAWHAT PIRATES

$$130,000,000 Beri

Idly, she noticed the bounty had increased tremendously; nearly doubling so it was just slightly more than Zoros- a fact that would no doubt vex their resident swordsman. 

Still, the monetary swell aside, the real shock lay in those two little words that now decorated the space above Sanji's award condition…

Male omega.

But that couldn’t be right. There was no way that claim was true… they would have known by now- the crew lived in such close quarters after all…

Still, doubt crept in Robin's mind, and sparing the thought, she engaged with the possibility…

Could Sanji be an omega? He certainly didn't match the common profile… afterall, It was widely accepted that omegas were docile, meek, prone to stress and hungry for affection. Granted, all of those assumptions were also stereotypes, but even so- one could argue that they carried some merit of truth.

Regardless, the archaeologist was still fixated on the likelihood of the claim in general; doing her best to recall everything she knew about secondary genders- considering only sources that had been widely authenticated and approved.

In general, she knew several things: among them, the fact that secondary genders were still somewhat uncommon. 

In truth, the world was dominated by those who fell into the category of Beta (a sizable 80% if she recalled correctly); this specific subcategory had no remarkable attributes outside the “perceived norm”, and were unanimously recognized as “the standard model” when it came to aligning male and female examples of physical sex. Indeed, she herself and the vast majority of the crew fell under this category- mostly unaffected by the intricacies of the other genders.

The next largest category was, of course: alphas- making up a significant 12% of the global populace. 

Majority male- alphas were often larger, stronger, and more instinctually driven then their beta neighbors. Of course, that was not all, and their physiology differed in far more complex ways when it came to their physical senses and sex-attributes. They were allegedly sharper in every turn, possessing clear sight, better reflexes, and an extraordinary sense of smell. Some of their traits even fell into a category one could call animalistic: including having the ability to growl, roar or chuff when moved to do so. 

Beyond that, alphas were often seen as lucky- and were considered to be bolder, more daring, confident and willful. Socially, it was not uncommon for them to be revered as natural leaders, favored children, or as people to be feared, respected and left alone.

Even those without haki carried some level of charisma, and it was not uncommon for many alphas to live and travel with a chosen pack- the desire instinctual and significant… Indeed, it was rare to see or hear of a lone-alpha, as many of them claimed the want for a pack alluring enough to make living alone difficult. 

That last thought provoked a smile as she considered her captain and his first mate. 

Both Luffy and Zoro were alphas who were thoroughly protective of their pack, and (admittedly) were somewhat stereotypical in many of the traits they displayed. Strength and will aside, the two commanded respect in ways few could, and were unconsciously territorial- regularly making it known (through barely audible growls or casual scenting) who fell under their care. Even beyond that, both were driven for their crew, and took each member's ambition as seriously as their own. They were both leaders in their own right, and had earned the respect and admiration of many- and for good merit.  

Still, as an aside: It wasn't uncommon for alphas in the same group to test each other for leadership, but the Strawhats never faced any such drama. 

The swordsman had fully yielded to Luffy as the official head, and was completely dedicated to acting as his support- making no secret of it in word or deed. To that end, while Luffy was somewhat of an anomaly (considering his smaller stature and disarming personality)- his bold leadership, fierce determination, raw charisma and devoted loyalty from his crew quickly put to bed any doubts regarding his position as captain and pack alpha. 

Entertained, Robin let out a quiet laugh- endeared at the mere thought of the captain and his oddities. Still, her contemplation was not yet done, and her thoughts soon drifted to the last and rarest of the subgenders: Omegas.

There were very few omegas: their grouping sitting at barely 8% of the known population. Beyond that, they were overwhelmingly female- so much so that the idea of male omegas was deemed mythical for some time… Still, they did exist, even if they barely occupied a percentage of their own category.  

In regards to them being rare, omegas had the misfortune of inhabiting a strange place in society; one that seemed to oscillate nearly island-to-island. Some groups revered them, and viewed them as blessings: good omens that were worthy of significance, status and honor… 

Still, more tended to see them in a negative light.

In many parts of the world, Omegas were viewed through an old-fashioned lens; one that was pitying and with simpering fascination (at best), and another that was base- with naught but dehumanizing opinions fueled by hyper-sexualisation.

And certainly, it was true that there were many places that worked to foster neutral opinions: promoting equity (or at least dignity) to omegas… but no matter- it was exceedingly difficult to overhaul public opinion and personal beliefs.

All that being said, many omegas were unfortunately granted a more complex lot in life simply for the crime of existing. A terrible notion in its entirety, and one that Robin could certainly relate to.

And what was so unique about omegas? 

Well- they were beautiful to start- and that itself was true enough. Many omegas were prized for their looks alone- emphasized by their smaller, often more delicate stature. More than that, they had the noted ability to purr, and could emit calming pheromones that would put many at ease- encouraging sleep, comfort or healing to those around them. Allegedly, they also bore the instinct to “nest”, to have a space that was sacred, meant only for themselves and those in their most trusted circle- a hideaway that was instinctually made, and delicately crafted- woven and arranged with items and scents that (to them) were most precious and comforting. 

To that end, it was said that while they were skittish, Omegas still craved affection more than most, were referred to as socially needy, and were said to be skilled in nurturing and care… For this reason, many considered them maternal figures, a notion that was reinforced by the fact that all omegas could bear young- regardless of their primary gender. 

Indeed, their capacity to bear young was significant to note- especially when discussing their various positions in society; afterall, omegas were recognized as highly fertile, and if partnered with an alpha, could easily carry multiples in a single pregnancy… 

What resulted was a mixed bag of them being seen in extreme ways: either as vague deities of prosperity, fertility and beauty, or being deemed as breeding trash, burdens on society, and objects to be used. 

It was hardly an ideal scale…

No matter: there was more to them- more about their physiology that she couldn't wholly remember- but still, the question remained: could Sanji possibly be an omega?

She was deeply curious, but found herself not wanting to pursue the thought. Afterall, if there was any level of validity to the paper's claim, then certainly the cook had his reasons for keeping it to himself? Regardless, she would rather hear his insight before making any effort to construct her own thoughts.

With a mild hum, Robin delicately folded the newspaper in half- contemplating what her next move should be. 

The situation required some level of tact- that was for certain, and while she was likely one of the best people suited to broach the subject (the other being Chopper), she was still not sure of what to expect.

The Strawhats rarely (if ever) discussed their own secondary genders- especially since such a grand majority of them were betas and didn't feel the need. 

Luffy and Zoro did not make much of the subject, and even when the topic did come up (mostly referring to ruts or instincts) they were so blase that it hardly mattered- the major difference in their behavior being a swell in Luffy's appetite (and affection), and an increased level of irritability and alertness in Zoro. 

Certainly both became a shade more protective and territorial- their scents stronger and more robust, prowling around and seeking out companionship with the crew more than they typically might- but the affected conduct was so inline with their other shenanigans (and general hesitation to bathe) that it hardly felt out of place. 

Either way, in that moment- Robin's thoughts returned to Sanji.

Asking him about this was going to be strange, but she would rather inform him of the change in his bounty sooner than later. It would be better to handle this promptly.

Ceding to her own decision, the archaeologist moved to act, and rising from her seat- immediately made her way to the galley.

It did not take long for her to arrive at the kitchen, and with a courteous knock, she opened the door and let herself in.

Immediately upon entry, she was overwhelmed with the magnificent aroma of breakfast: a tantalizing spread of congee, meat dumplings, grilled bok choy and scallion pancakes. The scents were savory and rich as they danced on air, promising nothing but satisfaction and delight, instantly making her mouth water.

True to form- in the belly of the kitchen was the chef- hard at work. He was caught up in his own action, evidently whistling a merry tune even as he prepared the morning drink bar- grinding coffee beans and measuring out various dried leaves- likely for a selection of teas meant to complement the meal.

He seemed content and in his element: totally at home as he moved about the kitchen. It was endearing to watch, and worse to interrupt- something that Robin regretted to do.

Still, before she could raise her question, the blonde looked up from his work and finally caught her eye; instantly, he brightened- and shooting the brunette a dazzling smile, he quickly swept into his typical bout of daily flattery: 

“Good morning darling Robin!” he swooned, spinning on his heel and chiming off compliments in a singsong voice: “You look stunning as usual: I hope you slept well? You certainly deserve it after the last few days we’ve had…” he turned to grab the kettle and a carafe- filling the first with water and setting it to boil before moving over to prepare a pourover for his guest.

“Give me just a moment to fix your coffee,” he assured, familiar with her morning rhythm and responding in kind. “Breakfast isn't quite ready yet, but I think you’ll like what I’ve made: i was able to salvage some of the rice from the storm, and this congee recipe was recommended to me back on Sabaody- it might be a bit denser than i’d like, but it won't be long till i’ve perfected it… and if that's too heavy for your palate, i'd be happy to make you something else!”

He was just about to launch into various alternative options when the archeologist approached his workstation, folded newspaper in hand. 

Her hesitant concern must have been apparent, for as soon as Sanji looked back from his task- he could see her relative discomfort and urgently leaned forward in concern. “Robin?” He asked, dropping all traces of flamboyance- “is everything alright? You look upset…” 

His voice was genuine, and for a brief moment, the archaeologist allowed herself a beat to study the honesty in the blonds face. 

Sanji had always been a simpering flirt, but the man was not without dignity; he was obnoxious (certainly), but ultimately (in her eyes) harmless and silly in his dalliance. He was kind to a fault, roguish on occasion (though rarely on purpose), and calculatingly sharp- intuition keen and ready; always firing off to be one step ahead of the curve. His heart was honest and tender, and his doting genuine; moreso, he truly seemed to enjoy tending to the crew- always ensuring that everyone was well fed- snacks at the ready while making sure their individual metabolic needs were met.

It was thorough work that he churned through daily.

Yet, the chef was intricate in his task- dedicated to his craft and crew with such fierceness, it was literally tangible in the very meals they ate; beyond that, his smile was contagious and his laughter was bright, and not for the first time- Robin found herself thankful- both for the cooks' very being and for the skill of his hands.

He was a sweet boy and a kind man, threaded together with secret sorrows, shared joys, and a decidedly patchwork view of chauvinism- so clearly outdated and strict, it could only have been learned from a pirate… 

With firm conviction, Robin felt a swell in her heart- certain of what she had long known: Sanji was dear to her, and she did not wish him to see him harmed.

In response to his question and with little hesitation, the archeologist raised the morning paper and offered it to the cook- indicating he take it from her hand.

”I received the news today Sanji,” she informed him, carefully watching his face- “There was an amendment to your bounty poster- I thought it best to show you first.”

Hearing that, Sanji's expression changed from concern to eager delight- a devilish smirk ghosting across his face as he tried to appear unaffected: “Could it be they raised my bounty?” He asked with false innocence, “better hope so- today could be a good day to upset the Marino; i told him he was getting too comfortable- looks like i was right-”

His voice cut off as he unfurled the poster and read its contents, the dry hint of sarcastic teasing evaporating from his voice as he stared at the words before him.

For a moment, there was silence so absolute, one could hear a pin drop.

Then: a sharp inhalation of barely suppressed horror.

With unsteady hands, Sanji gripped the poster- staring wide-eyed as he worked to understand what he was reading; evidently confused and upset with the text that lay before him.

Sensing the need to mitigate, Robin leaned forward and rested a slender hand on the chef's forearm- gently pulling him back to the conversation- hoping to ease his stress.

”I was unsure when I read it,” she murmured, voice soothing and mellow: “-but based on your reaction, I see there might be some truth there… Whatever the case- I thought it prudent you know, and aside from me- you are the first to see it.” 

That confession seemed to trigger some kind of reaction, and quickly the chef stepped away- snatching the paper in its entirety and folding the whole thing in half; hurriedly tucking it under his arm.

With a quick breath, he collected himself; bottling up the apparent dread of his initial reaction, and looking up, he flashed the brunette a tight smile- visibly forced, yet present nonetheless.

“Ah, Robin my dear?” His voice was hesitant, with a noted strain of tension- “You know I hate to ask anything of you- but if you would be so kind as to grant me some discretion regarding this matter. I’d be appreciative beyond words.”

For a moment, the archeologist was quiet, coming to terms with the inferred truth of the posters claims; then, nodding her ascent, she looked up to meet the cook in the eye. 

“Of course Sanji, I won't betray your trust-“ the assurance was elegant and straightforward, and hearing it, the blonde let out a quiet huff of relief; still Robin was not done: “-However, I would advise sharing this information with the rest of the crew… It’s terrible that your privacy was invaded- but since it’s now on your updated bounty, it may be better to address sooner than later; especially since the news is in current circulation..”

Sanji could only nod in subdued agreement- obviously uncomfortable and somewhat upset. Still, he found it in himself to look up, and painting on a brilliant smile, began to gush with grateful adoration: “That’s so kind of you to care!” He hummed, “and yes- you’re probably right… Still, I think I’ll need a bit of time to process this- figure out the right way to tell everyone… you know, on my terms at least…”

Robin only nodded- exuding naught but kind understanding. 

“Certainly, dear cook; you are more than entitled to that want. You have my word- I wont say a thing,” with that she turned to leave, wanting to grant the blonde some level of privacy. Even so, before she took even half a step, she looked back once again, placing one last thought on the air between them: “Sanji, I won't pretend to know what's going through your mind, but at risk of sounding overbearing, you must know: you are loved, dear chef; every part of you… Whatever you decide going forward, please understand: that won't change.”

The promise was absolute, and Sanji could only look at her: charged emotions mixed in his eyes. 

WIth a quick nod, he moved to turn away- but not before leaning forward to give the brunette a quick, chaste hug. “Thanks Robin…” he mumbled in her shoulder, “That means more than you know.” -then quickly, he pulled away.

Sniffing and surreptitiously clearing his throat, the cook then moved back to the counter- intent on finishing the brew he’d been preparing. “Anyway, here: your coffees ready; I'm uh, sorry for the delay-” it was quite clear that he was still gathering his thoughts. 

No matter- Robin was patient, and still he continued. 

With practiced hands, he finished the pour and moved toward the galley door- perfectly prepared mug ready in hand: “I just need a bit more time to finish breakfast- I’ll come out and call when it’s ready… shouldn't be too long now.”

It was obvious she was being dismissed, but Robin couldn't find it in herself to be upset. 

Accepting the steaming cup, the archaeologist followed the cooks lead and allowed herself to be escorted back to the deck. Still, just before her exit- she felt the brief weight of a hand on her shoulder: “-Thanks again Robin,” he whispered with a weak smile- Then, quick as a whip, he disappeared back into the bowels of the kitchen.

All of that had (of course) brought her to that current moment: contemplating the events of the morning while sipping on her perfectly-made drink. Vaguely, she realized she never got to actually read the news, and idly wondered if it would be in poor taste to ask for it back… 

Before she could entertain the thought further, Usopp came swinging down from the crows nest- half yawning and apparently glad to be finished with the second watch.

“Hey Robin-” he greeted as he walked up the stairs to the garden- attention vaguely split; “I can't be sure, but there might be a vessel approaching from the west- it's too far away to be tell, and i dont have my good goggles, but we might be seeing some traffic halfway soon…”

With that, the sniper stretched and pulled back his great mane of hair- shaking off any lingering drowsiness before walking into Nami's study- intent on retrieving both his goggles and a sextant to confirm his suspicion. 

In no time, he was back near the archaeologist, and with careful- practiced motions, he held the navigational lens up to his eye.

“Hmm, it's definitely a boat-” he mulled, “but they’re too far away to see what kind…or to make out any kind of flag.” His voice was thoughtful, even as he read the scope. 

“Whatever the case, they’re going at a good clip- around fifteen knots i’d say…” 

Then, lowering the instrument, the storyteller peered out across the horizon- dubious suspicion clear on his brow. “If they’re headed towards us and we keep sitting, we’ll have guests in just over an hour.” 

Robin could only nod, trusting Usopp's eyes more than her own.

“Well, today is certainly shaping up to be full of surprises,” she murmured (mostly to herself). Admittedly, she was intrigued at the idea of first contact in the New World- and made very little effort to hide it. 

The sniper only rolled his eyes, mildly perturbed by her cryptic musing; “Sure,” he agreed, “Whaddya think- is it worth waking the others? Or should we reposition the ship-”

Before she could reply, the sound of Brooks morning melody sang out from somewhere near the prow of the Sunny. 

The joyous music of his violin was bright and clear, officially marking the start of the Strawhats day (for indeed, ever since the skeleton joined the crew, he had taken to announcing the morning hour with a song: routine as a clock, at seven AM). 

For a beat, both the sniper and archeologist listened in appreciative silence- always glad to hear one of Soul King's compositions; and they were far from the only ones. 

From directly beneath their garden perch, they could hear the sound of the galley being flung open- Sanji apparently propping open the door to better share in the tune.

Beyond that- across the way, both could see the slow waking of the rest of the crew, starting with a bearish looking Zoro. 

It was clear that the mosshead had just barely woken up: his bulky form still sleep-soft and mellow- barely cognizant as he stumbled out of the men's quarters and into one of the toilets hidden under the formasts stairwell. He was not the only one, as Chopper appeared soon after: scrubbing his sweet eyes with the back of a hoof, followed closely by a well-rested Nami. 

The navigator for her part, looked alert and in good spirits- moving quickly as she exited the ladies quarters: a bundle of clothes tucked neatly under her arm- obviously ready to make for the bath and eager to beat the competition. 

She needn't worry however- her greatest competitors (Robin and Sanji) were both past that, and had already moved well into their day; still, it was sweet to watch the hurried routine. Soon enough, everyone would be up- eager for breakfast and ready to move… but for now, it was still quiet- the music signaling a gradual wake-up that pleasantly spread across the entire ship.

Too soon, Brooks' song ceased, and for a few ringing moments, the last note of his tune reverberated gently on the wind. 

Then, there was a beat of quiet- full of anticipation as he geared up to start a second song; instead of strings however, it was his voice that cut through the air…

In a near repeat of Usopp's earlier warning, the skeleton called out across the deck- tone intrigued yet largely unbothered: “Hey guys? There seems to be a ship on the horizon- it's pretty far off, but i thought you'd like to know…”

His voice was genial and cavalier- apparently more interested in tuning his violin than the far-off mystery ship. Still, his call spurred Usopp to raise his telescopic goggles and sight once more- hoping to glean greater information from the shaper lens.

“Yeah Brook, we know-” he acknowledged, “Thanks, bud.”

For a while, the sniper looked out- doing his best to study the distant vessel; keen eyes spotting details and information that would be lost to other members of the crew. Then, with a relieved huff, the young man dropped his scope and turned to share his findings.

By this point, Sanji had exited the galley and was leaning against the railing in front of the kitchen- smoking a quick cigarette and appearing completely unfazed (a far cry from his near-panic that morning). 

He was so well-composed that for a brief second, Robin found herself questioning if she remembered his stress correctly- the doubt only put to bed when she spotted one of his slender hands snake up to tug at his hair. 

Ah. No- 

With that action, she could confirm that the cook was still affected- quite visibly too, as his stress had an easy tell: nervous hands always reaching to pull at his fringe. 

It was an unfortunate practice, but one that was able to be redirected when caught, and with a gentle clearing of her throat, the brunette called his attention. Hearing the quiet note, the cook dropped his hand and shoved it in his pocket- spinning around to look up at the duo on the floor above- expression schooled into present curiosity with none of the dread from that morning.

“Alright Usopp,” he barked, voice betraying nothing but his typical gallant rake, “see anything worth noting?”

”It looks like a little trade vessel-” the sniper informed, wasting no time filling them in: “the boat itself is pretty small- more like a schooner, which implies a tiny crew and that we’re probably close-ish to land… They also have a merchants guild insignia blazoned on a lower flag… seems pretty generic, but well- you never know…”

His caution was true to form, but his friends gave little notice.

By that point, Brook had joined the group, violin in hand- and tapping his chin, he gave a thoughtful hum as he considered Usopp's report. 

“We are still pretty close to the Red Line; maybe we got blown close to one of the harbor-ways during the storm? It could be that we’re in a traveling path between that and a trade port…”

”That would make sense,” agreed Robin as she peered out across the sea, barely spotting the distant ship herself: “There are many sea-paths that are frequented by Merchants supplying goods to the world nobles in Paradise…Its to be expected that the same thing would occur in the New World.  Now tell me long-nose, with your keen sense of observation- do you believe the approaching vessel to be a threat?”

Her query was direct and to the point, but Usopp quickly shook his head, dismissing the notion without a second thought. 

“Nah,” he said, his reassuring confidence a testament to how much he had grown in the past two years: “Nothing about them looks threatening; but they are definitely heading straight towards us… I mean, we still have our jolly roger up so they know we’re pirates- right???”

”A strange notion indeed,” nodded Brook, then- a helpful: “Perhaps they’re fans?”

The other three strawhats could only shrug; confused and still surprised that having “fans” was even a possibility. 

Whatever the case, the mystery boat was steadily getting closer, and after another beat of curious silence, Sanji cleared his throat and made to move back toward the galley:

”Whoever they are, we should wake the rest of the crew- or at least let them know… Though if Usopp says they don't look like a threat, I'm inclined to believe him.”

Ignoring the snipers exaggerated preening at the dry compliment, the chef continued speaking even as he walked away. “Breakfast is nearly ready- so either way, everyone will be getting up soon; we can just talk it over then.”

The blond's casual certainty was easy to accept, and the remaining three strawhats nodded their approval- content with each other's judgements.

At that same moment, Zoro emerged on the lawn- looking only slightly more awake as he headed toward the kitchen: intent on claiming his usual spot at the table and set on “greeting” (harassing) the cook.

His strange ritual was by this point: completely expected, and once the swordsman entered the galley, it did not take long to hear a case of mild bickering ring out from under the door.

Robin could only smile in vague amusement, now considering the routine with new eyes. 

Certainly Zoro was unaware of the cook's secret, but still- she wondered if on some instinctual level, that maybe he could tell… Afterall, the swordsman always held a charged relationship with the chef- fraught with some kind of underlying tension… and their behavior toward each other was unique: oscillating in the strangest ways. Sometimes, the duo were best friends, teammates and competitors- attached at the hip with a mutual sense of humor and chummy as two (obnoxious) peas in a pod… but just as often, they would be at each other's throats: goading, teasing, taunting and outright fighting for the upper hand. 

Even beyond that, the two seemed to have some strange homing device on one another, with Sanji possessing the unique ability to track the swordsman down with greater ease than anyone else on the crew. The errant first mate was also (strangely) able to respond in kind, and claimed he could only find the cook thanks to his “obsessive” (read: daily) wash routine. “The smell of food, soap and cigarettes are hard to miss,” he once offered when asked about the ability, and no one had ever pressed beyond that.

Further, the blond and the moss-heads' entire relationship seemed to be built on sparring, (though whether the test was mental, verbal or physical, who could say)… Even so- they were both fully engaged: always baiting and sharpening themselves against one another as they continued the absurd routine (which by this point, seemed almost innate).

Regardless (and performative bullshit aside), there was definitely a framework of mutual respect between the swordsman and the cook… at least when it came to their roles as Luffy's wings; and even in spite of the strange dynamics in their relationship, the two always seemed to understand each other in a way that escaped the rest of the crew… a profound awareness of each other and their buttons.

Still, their constant pettiness was as annoying as it was flirtatious, and from his place above the kitchen, Usopp could only roll his eyes. 

He was exasperated yet entertained by his friend's strange behavior, and deciding to tune out- once again moved to scope the nearing ship. 

It did not take long for him to see more details- clarity coming easier as the vessel closed its course. 

“There’s some old guy at the prow-” the sniper offered to a still intrigued Robin, “looks like he’s just got a small crew… if they hurry, they could make it for breakfast…”

That last bit was stated more as a joke than anything, but it did not stop Luffy from clinging to the idea like gold.

Said captain had appeared out of nowhere: evidently materializing behind Robin as he waited for the meal bell to ring. “Some old guy is joining us for breakfast?” He asked- idly jamming a pinky in his ear while casually scratching his gut; “that's fine, so long as he doesn’t eat too much… Sanji’s worried about food.”

To his credit, Usopp did not start at the sudden appearance of his captain, and instead only fixed the rubber man with an unimpressed glare- “Yeah, I don't think some mysterious old-guy is the problem… at least when it comes to Sanji's food thing…”

Luffy only hummed- half listening and evidently still waking up. Still, it was clear he was interested in the sighted vessel; the notion growing to excitement as he considered the idea of meeting a stranger at sea. 

“Maybe they know where the next island is!” He pondered helpfully, adjusting his straw hat over messy dark locks, “If they do, we need to ask if there’s a market for parts… Franky’s still sleeping and I wanna let him rest, so we gotta remember to ask…”

The urgency to ask was as kind as it was boyish, and once again, Robin found herself charmed; utterly endeared by the straightforward care and honesty of her captain.

Still, the decision to invite the strangers as guests did carry some level of dubious intrigue- and even as the breakfast bell rang, there was a cautious tension regarding who might intercept their course. 

Ever the planner, Sanji made sure to prepare: dutifully setting a sizable portion of food aside- committed to following Luffy's intent and offering their guests a meal. Even so, there was still much to go around, and it did not take long for each member of the crew (sans a still-sleeping Franky and a bottomless Luffy) to tuck in and fill themselves to contentment.

The mysterious old man and his little boat would come soon enough, but for now: how could they worry? Afterall, the sea was calm, and the food was good; even beyond that, the crew was rested: with practically everyone ready for a new adventure.

If opportunity and intrigue came to them, who were they to deny the whims of fate? 

It was with that sentiment that the Strawhats looked on- enjoying both the meal and their own shared company; unaware yet eager as they moved steadily ahead, closer and closer to a strange and unexpected future.

Chapter Text

The morning moved swiftly, and in no time, the strawhats were seated at their meal.

It was a typically chaotic affair, with most members of the crew accustomed to constant vigilance as they batted Luffy's opportunistic hands. Indeed, the captain was as enthusiastic as ever, and seemed only vaguely put out that he could not be allowed a fourth helping of breakfast.

“You’re the one who wanted to offer a meal to whatever random stranger coasts up-” stressed an irritable Sanji- ignoring the rubber man's pouting, and maintaining a firm boundary over the extra food. “If you want to rescind your hospitality, that's on you- but now, I'm not gonna let you have extra on principle.” 

The rebuke seemed to mollify the captain, and with an exasperated sigh, he flopped forward on the table- still groaning in weary want: “But Sanjiii… how could I have known those dumplings would be so good? It's hard to share when your food is the best…” 

The mournful compliment did nothing to garner another serving, but it did seem to please the chef, and rolling his eyes, he began to clear the table. “Tell ya what Luf, if these alleged guests don't try to kill us, i’ll make you something extra nice for dinner- how about that?”

The deal was as good as done, and immediately, the younger man perked up- suddenly consumed with the memory of the approaching vessel.

“Sure!” he agreed, “but even if they do- can you make something with gravy?”

His request fell on deaf ears as Franky stuck his head in the galley- finally up and searching for his morning cola: “Hey gang!” he greeted with robust enthusiasm, “heard we’re having guests- Is that what that little boat is, comin up the way?” 

His alert was timely, as the small spotted schooner was indeed nearly upon them- it having never diverted from its straight-approaching path.

“Yeah, we spotted them earlier…” confirmed Usopp as he scooped the last bit of congee from his bowl, “they look like traders- we’re hoping they've got some word on the next island- and maybe if we’re lucky, a beat on where to dock.”

From his side, Chopper nodded while nibbling on a sliced mikan, “Brook thinks they might be fans! And Luffy wants to meet them and see what they sell- he’s betting they’re a floating food-stall.”

“They might have takoyaki… like Hatchan!” Confirmed the captain from his corner seat, batting the chair next to him in invitation to the cyborg. 

“You have to know how unlikely that is…” mused Nami as she reached for another scallion pancake (clearly dubious towards the notion of meeting anyone on unknown waters) “-It’s a bad bet…” she continued with dry certainty, “and It’s only because they look like a respectable merchant vessel that I’m even going along with this…  Though I gotta admit- If Usopp doesn't seem worried, then I hardly have reason to be…” 

“Hey!” sounded an indignant protest from the sniper, sticking out his tongue in childish retort.

Even so (and ever the opportunist) Sanji spun forward to the navigator's side, and setting himself down on bended knee (hand to his heart with romantic devotion) proclaimed: “It’s ok Nami my love!!! You have no reason to fear while I am around- I’ll give my life to protect you!!!”

Up near the head of the table, (and bulldozing past the earnest decree) Zoro let out a great satisfied belch, completely blotting out the conversation while earning an impressed applause from the other men in the room- successfully derailing the chef's poetic declaration.

The reaction was instantaneous, and standing- the blonde turned to glare at the moss head; his irate eye like a poisonous dart. 

“That’s it Marimo- you're on dish duty… you’ve cleaned your plate you filthy brute, now go and get to work.” 

Zoro only hummed in dry acceptance- large hand raised to mildly scratch at his neck. “I already told you- I bathed yesterday… And not till i’ve finished my drink-”

The cook only sniffed in disbelief, striding forward to pluck said drink from the swordsman’s hand. “As if… You can finish it when you're done, now start stacking plates; chop-chop.”

This whole song and dance was by now routine, and the rest of the crew immediately tuned out- familiar with the bickering that would (no doubt) continue. They were, of course, far more interested in the approach of the ship- which by this point had raised a little white flag: indicating friendliness or at least neutrality.

Luffy and Usopp had responded in kind- alerting the strangers they were willing to meet.

Now, the unknown vessel was close, and they would soon be able to call out; each hoping for a greeting that would push them further along.

Too excited to remain indoors, the captain stood to leave for the helm, grabbing Chopper's last dumpling on the way- fully intent on rushing to wait from his favorite spot on the figurehead; “C’mon Nami! And Zoro, come too- you can do dishes after-“ then spinning, he left the galley in a rush (taking the reindeer with him).

The swordsman only grinned as he gave Sanji a helpless shrug. 

“You heard the captain: dishes will have to wait…” and with that he followed Luffy out- his expression smug and only slightly petty.

The chef could only sputter in irritation- apparently aghast at the abysmal manners and general obvious chore avoidance.

Still, the notion of greeting another crew on the open water was intriguing, and it was not long before the rest of the strawhats stepped out to join their captain- eager to know who was bold enough to approach them.

It did not take long; maybe eight or ten minutes at most- but there, carrying on the wind as clear as a bell, was a distant call of welcome.

“Ahoy!!!” called the stranger from the helm of his vessel- hailing widely with his arm even as he closed the distance. He was clearly making no secret of his presence, and instead, seemed to call out with greater enthusiasm than one might expect- especially given his older appearance. 

No matter, his delight seemed authentic- and it was not long before he was pulling his ship aside: deft hands manning the wheel and showing some great skill as a sailor. Still, the old fellow could not have handled the vessel alone, proven by three young men working the ship at his side.

Slowing his speed and pulling in close, the old man called out once again- this time his voice strong and loud as it echoed on the bowl of the waters: “Ahoy travelers!!!” he cried. “At risk of being forward: I can tell you’re up from the bottom of the sea… Please, allow me to receive you to the New World!” 

From his spot on the prow, Luffy looked down in delight- excited to see the clever handling of such a pretty schooner and curious toward the eager little man.

”Thanks gramps!” He called with a wry smile, “-I like your boat- can you tell us where the next island is?”

“Gramps?!?” The man cried in amused indignation: “I’m just barely in my fifties ya know- that's plenty young to kick your ass…” 

Luffy only grinned, already liking the old-guys spunk. 

With a bounding step, he jumped from the figurehead and walked to the staircase- descending the prow to the lower deck to make his vantage equal with the schooner. “You might beat me in sailing, but that's probably it…” he acknowledged with blatant honesty; then, moving to hang over the rail- he joked, “I’m pretty good in a fight... Oh, also: do you sell takoyaki?”

Hearing that, the merchant gave a great bark of laughter, evidently delighted by Luffy's conduct. 

“I can't say I sell it-“ he replied once composed (his tone amused and only slightly apologetic), “but I do have some onboard- its a bento from my wife Mercedes; still, if you would adjoin with me, I’d offer it to you gladly!”

The captain only laughed in agreement- easily moved by the simple trade.

”Sure old man! And you can come on board- Sanji made dumplings and they oughta be eaten hot…”

The invitation was cavalier yet well received, and it did not take long for the little schooner to be tethered to the Sunny by a stout joining bridge.

In no time, their guests had crossed over- seemingly glad to be welcomed aboard such a magnificent boat. Certainly, their awe was well-founded, as Franky's craftsmanship was exclusively of the highest order- and in the bright morning, the Sunny gleamed in the light.

Beyond that, they were delighted to be received with such hospitality, for as soon as they boarded, they were piled with cups of tea and great bowls of food- each invited to sit on a picnic blanket that had been laid out on the sweet dewy lawn of the deck.

Luffy, of course, had already made himself comfortable- waving at Sanji to bring him food as well; “It’d be rude to not share a meal with a guest!” He decreed triumphantly, obviously pleased with his workaround.

The cook only rolled his eyes and handed over a prepared bowl- long having foreseen this interaction. No matter, the visitors were impressed with the strange courtesy, and happily partook with the hosting captain.

It did not take long to learn their names.

There were four of them total, and the weathered old man was the captain of the crew. He was a stout, well built fellow, with deep laugh lines and a great shock of salt and pepper hair- the mass of which had been bound behind a bandana. He bore physical evidence of a long life at sea, yet still was remarkably healthy and spry- possessing a bounce in his step that promised youth. Beyond that, he was dressed well- his style implying wealth and some level of taste- though still practical for a labor at sea.

“Benz!” He introduced himself as: “My name is Benz: Mateo Benz to be exact- and I’m a merchant who’s a frequent sailor in these waters… Always back and forth along this particular route- never alone of course, for these three here are my hands: Hector, Conick, and Morris.” As he spoke the introduction, he pointed to his companions, each giving a slight nod as their name was called in turn. 

“These lads help me manage the business and keep us right at sea… but see here friends, you’re sitting beside a waterway that boasts a strong current, and is in fact a path between the closest red-line port and the next great island. It’s not often we see jolly rogers so boldly displayed near this track, so it was easy to spot your unfamiliarity… That being said, when you came up from the bottom, you must have been pushed a little off-course- unless you meant to breach near Korekuta?”

”Korekuta?” Nami asked with bright interest from over Luffy's shoulder, “is that where we are?”

“Ah, so you know it!” Benz cheered, looking pleased at the familiarity.

”I mean, I’ve heard of it” she confirmed, raising a finger to her chin in thought, “It's also called “The Eastern Gate” isn't it? It’s supposed to have a similar reputation to Sabaody, too- at least if I recall correctly…”

Benz grinned and clicked his teeth- “Right you are Miss; and that’s exactly it.”

Taking up his chopsticks, he snatched a dumpling- sticking the whole thing in his mouth with an appreciative groan before continuing his tale. “There are many islands in this world that host lucrative commerce, but no two are so well traveled as the Gates of the Red Line. These gates are the first closest harbors that neighbor both sides of the continent and the passage under the water; of course- that's Sabaody on the west and Korekuta on the east.”

He took another bite, this time of crispy bok choy drenched in oyster sauce. 

“Both stations are well-off and well-traveled, though perhaps Korekuta boasts a more potent crowd, being in the New World and all... Still, you can expect to see a similar environment as Sabaody- its a playground for all types. World nobles, navy, celestial dragons, travelers, merchants, pirates, adventurers, scholars, artists and fools all can be found in Korekuta, and that’s not even considering the locals…”

His dish was lifted to his lips, spoon forgotten as he tucked into the porridge, making them wait while he ate his portion. 

Finally finished, he slammed the bowl down on the floor beside him, dropping back his head in a satisfied sigh. Then turning back to his audience, he moved to pick his teeth, finally ready to continue his thread. 

“Still, the same rules might apply to any good guest? Keep your nose outta trouble and no trouble will come to you… that's good sense. All that's to say, Korekuta is many things: it can be a magnificent wonderland to explore, or your early grave- depending on who or what you meet.” 

Another quick dumpling, then: “-Still, for visitors outside the government's good graces, I offer this: stick to Southtown and enjoy your time. It's the most open port that still accepts black flags; and as long as folks stay in line, locals turn a blind eye to what’s down by the docks… still, that means you gotta invest in the local economy, if you get my drift.”

With a cheeky wink, he rubbed his fingers together, flashing invisible beri. “In Southtown, you can expect to pay a premium, but at least you know you won't get sold out… that guarantee is hard to come by in a place that’s otherwise crawling with Navy, so I advise you to play by the rules on arrival…”

Hearing that, Nami’s face turned sour- unimpressed with the implied coercion. 

”Still,” Benz continued, now sipping on his tea, “-the islands certainly worth a visit… Like I said, it hosts all types, and the whole place has some of the best trades and markets you’ll see on the grand line. Merchants come from everywhere to post on Korekuta- and the island hosts one of the finest bazaars for rare and collectable items in the world. Truly, there's something to suit anyone's fancy, and if you have half a mind to shop- there's no telling what you might find.” 

Hearing that, Franky, Sanji, Nami and Usopp leaned forward, intrigued at the notion of such a vast emporium.

Seeing he had their attention, Benz pushed on- glad for their investment and offering more information than he typically might. “If that's of interest to you, then I’d say visit Westfold: it's the wealthiest township on the island and is considered a luxury port around the world. That’s where the nobles play though, and the whole place is filled with marines- so you best keep a low profile and take the trolly in from Southtown…”

“Hold on-” interjected Usopp who was standing near a seated Nami, brow furrowed in concerned contemplation. “You keep mentioning world nobles, marines and celestial dragons… is this place even somewhere we should consider stopping? It sounds like nothing but trouble to me…”

His hesitation was well founded, and even Luffy looked considerate of his point.

Benz only nodded in agreement, sage as he considered the sniper's input. “Only you can decide on that,” he offered, “for it certainly could be considered a risk… still, plenty of pirates do make port there, so there are some who deem it worthwhile… No matter, I offer you the same advice I grant to most I see approaching Korekuta: keep your head down and mind your business, and you should be fine. Dock in southtown and take the trolley if you plan to head into Westfold… oh, and lastly, I advise staying away from Eastgate.”

“Eastgate?” grunted an interested Zoro, leaning forward from his seat. He was flanking Luffy's other side, and had appeared largely bored through most of the conversation.

“Aye, Eastgate,” the merchant confirmed. “It's on the far side of the island, and is a less savory place. Those who dock there tend to be of a more dangerous type… more predatory , if you catch my drift… and it bodes ill for locals, pirates and travelers alike… I say keep away; though if you need to pass through, be sure to keep the fair folk on board and go with caution.”

The swordsman looked intrigued at the ominous advisory but did not press; cognizant of a wide-eyed Chopper who had scrambled in his lap.

Shrugging, the old man leaned back and continued to pick his teeth: “Of course, it’s up to you what you do- and only you can decide… But you seem like decent folk- so it just seemed fair to say…”

His strange implication was too vague to decipher, and before they could spend more time on it, Luffy pressed on with another question: “So the next island is just a big mall? That's okay I guess… Though I was kinda hoping for something cooler for our first stop…”

“Are you kidding, Luffy?” cried Nami, perplexed at his evident disappointment, “We need to fix our water and restock the pantry! We were hoping for a port town- You were a part of that conversation!”

“Yeah, I know,” confirmed the captain, “but it didn't hurt to hope…”

Cutting in before things could devolve further, Robin cleared her throat- beckoning attention.

“It's certainly kind of you to offer all this insight, but I have to ask: why are you so forthcoming? What’s the source of such generosity? Most merchants would not be willing to offer such information to strangers, let alone pirates… at least, not for free.”

It was a fair, if not slightly probing question- yet the old man laughed in response.

“Indeed- you may ask!” he cried with some level of jollity, “For it seems I’ve been called out. See, I spotted your flag a while back, and knew I wanted to meet you… It’s a matter of fact that I'm something of a fan: for even we in the New World have heard of Strawhat Luffy.”

From amongst several of the strawhats, there was a quick exchange of beri, with a whispered hiss of “- knew they were fans…” from Brook.

Benz ignored it and continued: “Aye, we first heard your name some two years back… After all: the event where you attacked a Celestial Dragon caused quite a stir, even here.”

“Oh yeah,” Luffy remembered, idly picking his chin as he recalled the event- “those guys suck. Should have punched him harder…”

Hearing that, the old man grinned in warm appreciation; “See, there are many who share a similar sentiment regarding the dragons, yet none aside you have acted on the thought… Since your attack was publicized, there was a small outcry of support- not vocally of course; that'd be considered its own crime… but still, fans you do here have.”

Luffy only smiled in entertained delight- pleased to know he had such a fantastic reputation. 

The conversation turned from there, and for the rest of the hour, Benz and his crew continued to relax- sharing stories of their travels and granting helpful insight to avoid being scammed.

“Plenty in Southtown do it!” he laughed, entertained by his homeland's quirks. “And who can blame ‘em when their town is a revolving door? Still, they are not without heart. All you have to do is mention you know a local- specifically: me... or my wife Mercedes, of course… You Mention ol’ Benz, and they’ll see to treating you right in no time...”

That promise was taken on good faith, but still, Nami warmed up- glad to hear of the offered friendship (and potential savings). Beyond that, Benz was a good humored fellow, with a sharp eye and a booming laugh. He had a magnificent talent for oration, and as he spoke, the strawhats found themselves enraptured: entertained and stoked by his generous recounting. 

The merchant was free with his stories and glad to share his experience- stating that he specialized in fine imported fabrics and rugs: procuring regional and exotic stock from many islands across the New World. 

“There's a sizable fashion industry in Korekuta,” he explained and showed off a swatch from his pocket (a small square handkerchief of delicate white lace).

“Many designers and stylists frequent my shops, as I source only the finest textiles and hard-to-find weaves… even beyond that, my network has grown sizable enough that my brand has quite the reach… and some of my best business comes from far across the grand line: Fishman island, Sabaody, why I even ship to the Kamabakka Queendom! Which is a feat I'm quite proud of as I've heard the inhabitants of that island boast impeccable taste…”

From somewhere by the stairs, Sanji started coughing-apparently having choked on his drink.  

No matter, Benz pressed on, and he continued to speak of his business for sometime- obviously proud of his endeavors and glad to share his accomplishments, and as he spoke, he began to share more and more insights of what to expect at Korekuta. 

“You’d be lucky to visit around this time!” he offered with jovial excitement; “This weekend is the start of the Grand Vendue … a magnificent event that takes over the whole island. It’s our busiest season, and the whole place comes to life with merchants and restaurants and gardens: all putting their best foot forward. The streets get decorated, and tourists come from all over to see the newest offerings from across the grand line.”

“That's pretty neat,” hummed Franky with direct interest while crossing his massive arms, “So it's like a symposium for arts and culture, only on a larger scale.”

“That's exactly it,” confirmed Benz, looking pleased at the quick pickup. “One could even consider it a island-wide fair, certainly- but the focus is on commerce and culture. Still, the Grand Vendue itself is centered around the great auction houses in Westfold… specifically, the House of Master Geom. He owns the most exclusive auction house on the island, and the establishment itself is very strict on its members only policy. Trust: you need to have a certain level of wealth or influence to even see their list of wares.… To that end, the event this weekend is the only time in the year where they open their doors to the public… as such, we always get an influx of curious visitors- making it a great week for us merchants, as business tends to boom.” 

With a happy laugh, he moved to accept another pour of tea- pleased and appreciative toward the strange crew that had welcomed him so kindly. 

The Strawhats were a strange bunch, and certainly- most were still children to his eyes, but even so… he could see their hardened edge- and knew with no uncertainty that each person here was someone remarkable . 

He was glad to have met them, and was eager to track their career.

Ignorant to the old man's musings, the pirates were conferring with eager delight. Usopp, Nami and Sanji had turned to confer with each other; excited at the notion of such a fabulous shopping event, and wondering at the scale of the markets. Franky had cheered at the prospect of finding building materials, and even Robin looked intrigued at the prospect of rare and unique wares; meanwhile, Luffy had turned to chatter at Zoro, Chopper and Brook, insisting that he wanted to find another Golden Atlas Beetle carapace for his collection- a selection he had been steadily curating with Usopp's help.

Taking another sip, a fond generosity compelled the old merchant, and leaning over, he caught the eye of the merrily laughing captain. 

“Tell ya what Strawhat,” Benz mulled, feeling warm and inviting, “I’ve decided I like you- you’ve done me a kindness by feeding me and my crew; beyond that, I can appreciate that a man with your reputation would humor me and listen to my various yarns. I wasn't sure of what to expect upon meeting you (especially having heard so much of your various exploits)… but, you seem to be a decent fellow; therefore, I’d like to offer my home for your stay in Korekuta. Because you’re arriving during the Grand Vendue , it'll be hard for you to find lodging- so please, enjoy the hospitality of my house!”

His gesture was warmly received, and immediately the Strawhats gave an appreciative cheer- Sanji moving to supply more food and drink as they hammered out the details.

Soon, it was decided: the two crews would make the remainder of the journey to Korekuta together, and once they arrived in sight of the island, they would part ways, with Benz pressing on to one of his shops locations in Westfold, while the Strawhats would turn to Southtown to stay in the merchants home.

With foresight, the old sailor pulled out a Den Den Mushi and stepped aside to inform his wife of the guests and their arrangements, and after a brief back and forth, came back to announce his success.

“Mercedes is looking forward to meeting you!” he confirmed as he slipped the transponder snail back in his pocket. “She’s been following your career just as long as me, and says that she’d be happy to host. Still, I have business in Westfold that will keep me away for another day or two, so I regret to say you’ll be arriving ahead of me. No matter, please head on: I have several in my employ who tend my house, so you won't be a burden to my wife- if anything, she’ll appreciate having such remarkable guests.”

“Thanks old man,” smiled Luffy, completely at ease with the generous offer, “but that reminds me- didn't you say your wife gave you takoyaki? I still want to try it-”

Benz could only laugh in response, and quickly called one of his hands to bring him the forgotten bento. In no time, the well packed case was heated and served- set out to share amongst both crews as they continued to converse.

Indeed, the whole event was extraordinarily pleasant, and by the end of the visit, there was a general note of appreciation, familiarity and friendship. Too soon however, Benz cast an eye toward the sun and gave a huff of acceptent finality.

“Well friends,”It’s been a gift to meet you, but we must be on our way… the shop expects us today, and we still have a few hours of sailing to go. What say we set ourselves back on the current and make for land together.”

It was an acceptable move, and as their guests made their way back to their schooner, Franky, Zoro, Brook and Usopp began to ready the Sunny- unfurling her magnificent sails so she was poised to begin the journey; and soon, they were on their way.

The morning had advanced into a lovely day, and for the next few hours, the Strawhat pirates sailed at an easy clip- following close behind Benz’s schooner; keeping a steady pace as the man led ahead with breezy confidence.

It was apparent he’d been telling the truth when he claimed familiarity with their current waters: his honesty proven by knowing eyes and deft hands- easy yet certain as they pressed on. No matter, Usopp was given the wheel of the Thousand Sunny, and he had a simple time following Benz’s lead- his steering occasionally directed by a watchful Nami (the navigator observant even as she lounged nearby).

Regardless: the weather was good and the wind was in their favor, making it easy to push ahead with minimal issue. 

Members of the crew who were not actively manning the ship slowly dispersed from the deck- each focused on their own devices as they waited to make landfall: curious, excited, and tired in equal measure. 

Franky for his part, had turned his attention back to the Sunny and used the time to conduct a thorough investigation into the ship's inner workings. 

To his great relief, he found that she was doing exceptionally well, even despite their chaotic journey through sea and storm. In fact, the body of the great brigantine had nearly no mark to show for her trials (a testament to the quality of her make). 

Still, not all was completely right: for though the greater form of the ship was unharmed, the same could not be said of the more delicate systems that made up the water and power hubs of the ship. 

It would all be an easy fix, at least once they retrieved the necessary items- and Franky felt little concern since they were so near an island. To that end, a plan of action was devised: the strawhats would dock in Southtown and take advantage of Benz’s hospitality. They needed to restock and tend to the ship, but afterwards, they hoped to explore the island. 

The strange festival of The Grand Vendue seemed too intriguing to pass up, and each member of the crew had their own curiosity they hoped to seek out. Still, it was decided that while they would freely explore Southtown, they would wait to visit Westfold, and would likely need to visit in shifts to minimize the risk of being recognized.

“We’re not here to start trouble,” emphasized Nami with a pointed glare at Luffy, “If anything, we should do our best to blend in… We got lucky arriving at such a busy time, but that also means security might be up- and us being spotted near any kind of military post would guarantee chaos. It'd be best to stay vigilant, and we should definitely get disguises…”

“Tch,” grunted an unimpressed Usopp, fixing the redhead with a deadpan look, “-sounds like you just want an excuse to run off and shop…”

He dodged a quick blow aimed at the back of his head and turned back with an apologetic grin, “Which is fine!” he added hastily, “That's totally fine if that's what you want to do!” 

The navigator only glared before continuing her thought: “Whatever the case, we should remember Benz’s advice: keep out of trouble and stick mostly to Southtown… we need to do our best to avoid running into any nobility; afterall, I think we all remember the last time that happened…”

The memory of their forced separation was still a dark and heavy thing, and for a brief moment, the crew was silent as they recalled the horror of the event and its fallout. 

Luffy was the first to shake the thought, and with a quick toss of his dark head, he laughed: the sound clear and bright and certain- pushing the grim echo out of everyone's mind.

“We’re stronger now Nami,” he reminded, his voice gentle yet chiding, “We can face anything now that we’re together again… But still, you're right!” then, turning- he whipped around to look for his first mate. “Zoro!” he called, “make sure you don't start trouble here, ok? As your captain, I really gotta say: you need to tone it down..”

The swordsman growled in indignant response: “She was talking to you , dumbass! You’re the one who punched the dragon that time!”

His complaints fell on deaf ears, for right at that moment, the melodic call of Brook rang down from near the prow: An excited cry of “Land Ho!!!”

It only took a second for the rest of the Strawhats to scramble to the front of the ship: each eager to catch sight of their first stop in the New World. 

And finally, they spotted it: Korekuta Island. Its great green body was distant on the horizon; steadily growing larger as they continued ahead.  

It was a relief to see, and even from their distance, they could tell that the landmass itself was sizable; larger than they might have expected, with a series of visible spires and buildings nestled deep in the rich vegetation. It was apparent that a variety of clustered towns and homesteads were set directly on the coast, and even from their far off vantage, they could spot a bustling harbor: tucked neatly in the gentle embrace of a wide mouthed bay.

The whole view was lovely, and for a beat, the crew simply stood by to enjoy.

Soon however, their admiration was broken by the far off call of Benz; the old man once again hailing them from his ship.

His boat had slowed and was once again floating alongside the Sunny, checked by a watchful Morris. Near the railing stood Benz, the old man leaning against the wood as he called a farewell. 

“Now my friends,” he cried with warm regret, “-this is where we part ways… though we shall certainly see each other again!” The certainty was warm, and the strawhats could only smile in response. “Still-” he continued, “remember what I said: keep your ship moored in Southtown and always give my name; you’ll be treated fairly if you do . Keep outta trouble and enjoy the island, but be wary of where you go… Be cautious in Westfold if you visit, and avoid Eastgate entirely… Otherwise, you should be fine. Oh, and lastly, give my regards to the wife! She is planning to meet you near the marina, so once you anchor, keep your eyes out and she’ll help you just fine…”

With that, he steered his boat to arc straight east, splitting off from the track he’d been sharing with the Sunny.

The Strawhats gathered to watch them go, waving off their new friends with many well wishes and expressions of gratitude.

They were appreciative for the insight, and glad for the hospitality, ready to explore more wonders that the world had to offer. 

For a while, they watched Benz’s ship sail away, steadily shrinking as it grew in distance, then- finally, they were ready to make their own way, and adjusting the wheel, they set their course south; eager for their next destination and curious as to what might await them.

Chapter Text

It was lovely weather as the Thousand Sunny made its way down the coast. 

The ship was practically flying: pushed along by a brilliant wind, and cutting through the water with ease. The air felt magnificent as it moved over the deck- salty and clean with the sweetness of earth and green nearby, and as they pressed on to Southtown the Strawhats could not be more thrilled.

They were ready for adventure: eager for land and exploration. The weariness that clung to them after battling the great storm was finally slipping away, and as the sun rose higher in the sky, so did their heart. 

True enough, the majority of the crew were beginning to feel energized- and their excitement was brewing as they sailed closer to their target destination: the joy of adventure collectively stirring amongst them. 

Luffy (never one for patience), had settled himself on the portside of the ship- practically hanging over the railing as he watched their approach with eager eyes. He was soon joined by Usopp and Chopper, and together- the three of them ogled the verdant coast; each ready and eager to finally make landfall.

Franky had taken over steerage of the ship, and was listening to his friends as they chattered through their excitement- enjoying himself as he overheard the trio postulate: wondering what treasures they might find at this strange and elaborate auction. 

“They probably have something crazy!” conspired Luffy, eyes gleaming with brilliant delight: “Like a giant robot that can fly- or a monster bear!!! Like, the biggest bear in the world!!!”

“I mean, both of those would definitely be worth a ton of money…” Agreed Usopp in a serious tone, “but it's gotta be something bigger- something better…” 

“You really think so?” asked Chopper- looking dubious while hanging on to every word.

Usopp merely crossed his arms and nodded in sage confirmation. “I don't just think… I know it's something better… In fact, I know exactly what it is!!!”

Hearing that, both Chopper and Luffy lurched forward in eager suspense; eyes wide with unabashed curiosity. 

“What?!?” They cried in raucous disbelief, “You do???”

“I do indeed!” Boasted the sniper, suddenly standing to strike a pose; “For it was I- the Great Captain Usopp, who gave it to them! Of course, being a brave warrior of the sea- I was charged with the task, and had to traverse all across the grand line to track it down… It was dangerous, and deadly! And every night, I was besieged by thieves who hoped to steal my prize… But! I never let them- In fact, let me tell you about the time that I had to fight off a whole army of ruffians- all who were after my precious treasure…”

Immediately Chopper and Luffy cheered and settled down to listen; both rapt with attention, marveling at the impossible wonder of Usopp's grandiose yarn.

Franky could only laugh, listening in as he continued to steer the ship.

The sniper was a gripping storyteller and a cunning tactician, and while it was common for him to occupy his captain's attention for the sake of distraction, it would be a crime to not recognize how genuine he was. Usopp and Luffy clearly loved each other's company and friendship, and not for the first time- Franky felt a great burst of gratitude for that fact.

Afterall, had it not been for his men’s harassment of Usopp, he would have never faced the wrath of Luffy, only to later end up on his crew.

Crazy how life works like that, the cyborg mused to himself, pulling the ship closer to land. Still, even as the sniper continued his opera, Franky found his mind wandering back; prodding the original question that had first been posed.

What treasures would be on the island? And what could they hope to see at this “Grand Vendue”?

It was a vague yet tantalizing thought, but the more he considered it, the more doubt seeped into his mind. With hesitation, he found himself circling back to the last auction house they had visited- that being the one on Sabaody… 

But that place was terrible- full of heartless monsters who called themselves nobles… people who were so depraved they thought nothing of putting a literal price on a human head.

With a quick shake of his head, the cyborg sniffed; not wanting to entertain grim memories and hesitant to dampen his own mood. 

Still, it should be considered… and not for the first time, Franky wondered about the comparison of Sabaody to this new place they were headed. Korekuta sure sounded great, but Benz’s warning stuck with him- cooling his liberal enthusiasm to something a touch more watchful.

Before he could chase the thought further, Robin walked out from the galley- provoking a grin as she came to join him at the helm.

”Hey pretty lady!” He cheered, looking over his sunglasses to shoot her a wink. The archaeologist only smiled in response, raising a hand to wack lightly at his enormous shoulder. “Behave Franky,” she chided with flirtatious warmth, even as she leaned against him.

”What? Can't I give a proper welcome to my own girl?” He teased, jutting out his hip to bump against her own. Robin rolled her eyes, secretly pleased yet unwilling to grant him the satisfaction. Still, she did not move from his side, and for a while- the duo listened to Usopp's tale, basking in each other's company while firmly guiding the ship.

Soon however, Robin caught his eye, and the cyborg could see she had something on her mind. Leaning down to be closer in her space, he lowered his voice so it was just between them and checked to see her thoughts.

”Anything you wanna share?” He asked in a rumbling tone; inviting- yet offering no pressure. 

For a beat, the archaeologist was silent; apparently deep in some private contemplation- then finally, she looked up to meet his gaze.

“Franky, how do you feel about this next island?” the question was direct, and immediately the cyborg realized that she must share some of his doubts…

“Well- a little on the fence, if i’m honest;” he responded, forthright. “And it's not so much that i’m worried about the crew-” he amended, “Luffy’s right after all- everyone has gotten stronger. It's just, I'm not sure what to expect when we arrive…”

With a mild sniff, he adjusted his grip on the wheel, and pulling himself so he was fully upright, continued his thought: “I mean, Sabaody was great till it wasnt… I just don't want a repeat of that situation.”

Robin nodded in contemplative agreement- appearing to share the sentiment and thankful for the honesty.

“I have similar thoughts” she confirmed while looking across the deck toward that galley. “And while I hate to dampen our companions' excitement, I feel some urge to keep our guard up…”

“Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, right?” Franky offered with a knowing smile.

“Indeed,” confirmed the brunette- “To that end my love, please be prudent with the repairs- I think the less reason we have to stay, the better.”

At that, Franky flashed a cheeky grin, confidence oozing off him in waves, “You bet babe; I’ll get this ship ship-shape in no time- I guarantee it.”

His promise was a dead certainty, and he would have already fixed the boiler and desalinator if he had the parts; still, being a pirate meant facing the perils of the sea, and even for the Strawhats, it was impossible to manifest something out of nothing. They would have to wait to make repairs until they made landfall.

Hearing his declaration, Robin smiled (with a clear hint of relief in her expression) and together, the couple quieted: basking in each other's company as they turned back to Usopp's story.

The story was now boasting some grandiose fight- apparently involving a demon lord and his eight hundred magical tigers; and as the stakes were raised, so did the audience's enthusiasm. 

Both Luffy and Chopper were incredible listeners- gasping and cheering at exactly the right moments: calling for the success of the Great Captain Usopp as the character faced certain doom- only to be saved at the last moment by the legendary Sogeking himself (Hero of Sniper Island). Naturally, the story ended with the two victors making their way to Korekuta, presenting the king with their hard-won treasure, and receiving the respect and adulation of all in the land.

“That was amazing!” exclaimed Chopper, throwing himself into the story-teller's lap for a hug; “I was sure you wouldn't make it- but Sogeking is SO cool!!! I hope he visits again in real life!!!”

Luffy himself was shouting his own praise- clapping his friend on the back with far more force than was necessary.

“HaHA! I knew you could do it! Those demon tigers didn't stand a chance- especially when Sniper-Guy showed up!!! He’s so great!!!”

The cheering went on for a minute or two (with Luffy continuing to slap a mildly-bruised Usopp's back), until finally- Chopper raised a thoughtful hoof to his chin. 

“Really though, I wonder what we’ll see here…” he hummed, sitting back on the sharp-shooters knee. “I'm excited, but I have to admit: since it’s our first real island in the New World, I feel a little nervous...”

Luffy only sat back and smiled, criss-crossing his legs while adjusting his hat. “Whatever we see here, it's still only the beginning of the New World,” he stated, oddly sage despite his earlier zeal. “No matter what we encounter, soon we’ll look back and laugh.”

His offering did not invalidate Chopper's nerves, but it did give him heart, and hearing his captain's easy certainty, the young doctor nodded- a look of firm determination shining in his eyes. It was a sweet exchange, and from their vantage point, Robin and Franky cooed.

It was such a strange little family they had- but such a dear one… And as they watched the trio continue to talk, a mutual sense of fondness overcame them. 

They would be proud to stand guard for their friends- to be sharp eyes and ears as they stepped in the unknown… And certainly, it was likely that there was nothing to fear; but even so, Franky and Robin were committed to watchfulness.

Their unspoken consensus was firm, and no matter what they faced, the two older members of the crew were committed to staying alert; both protective of their wonderful and strange little family.

_____

Sanji was doing his best to stay calm.

Unfortunately, it was a much greater task than he was willing to admit.

Focusing, the chef fought to clear his mind; devoting his energy and attention to work. He was preparing to launch a thorough inventory of the Sunnys food stores- unwilling to consider how shaken he really was.

His decision to take stock of the pantry was an easy distraction: one that was rooted in good cause… Afterall, they were soon to arrive at what was supposedly a mercantile paradise; they would be fools not to take full advantage and restock... 

Still, the unsettled part of the cook's brain could not be silenced, and as he worked- counting and measuring supplies, he found himself getting lost in deep and troubled thought.

His mind felt trapped- hooked on the memory of his morning conversation with Robin: still struggling to process the shock of the encounter, and with regret, he felt himself recounting the event; still reeling from the fallout of what it could mean.

The archeologist had been so kind; utterly lovely as she informed him of the grim news- delicate and courteous even as she revealed the horror of his bounty. She couldn't have known how badly it would affect him; of course not… but he still felt some level of muted shame for how quickly he’d ushered her out the door- completely committed to panicking alone.

And panic he did- for the second the brunette had left the galley, Sanji felt himself begin to spiral. Grasping at his hair near the base of his scalp, the blonde closed his eyes and grit his teeth- putting concentrated effort into breathing normally, and doing his best to not make a sound.

Enough members of the crew were awake that it was possible he might be walked in on- and cognizant of that, he worked to reel in his angst.

Still, there were questions; so, so many questions that he could not even begin to answer…

How did the Marines find out that he was an omega? Who told them and why??? Did his blood-family have something to do with it? For what purpose did they post his condition on his bounty?? Why was he wanted only alive??? Why was this happening now???

Each of those thoughts bore an infinite number of possibilities, followed by further questions and fears, and ultimately- the chef knew that none of it mattered. 

His secret was out- stolen from him by some unknown force and literally posted on the front page of the global news… It was strange and invasive and horrible all at once- making him feel small, indignant and powerless; each notion overwhelming him in suffocating waves.

He needed to regroup; needed to make a plan… needed to find some level of clarity that could help guide and ground him in his panic…

Distantly, he smelled the beginnings of a char, and with horror, realized he’d left the bok choy on the stove- the thick green vegetables beginning to burn as they were left unattended. In a rush, he flew back to the food- quickly intervening before the dish took too much damage, and with a quick toss, saved what he could. 

It was a bit crispier then he would go for- but not so affected as to be spoiled.

With dutiful focus, he honed back on the task of breakfast; startled to find that the familiar action had pulled him from his manic headspace. Glad for some clarity, an abrupt devotion filled him- and quickly, he threw himself back into his labor- fully embracing the routine and blatantly using it as a distraction against his hurried mind.

That had worked for a while, and it was not long before he heard the sweet morning song of Brooks violin. 

He was thankful to have heard it- not only for the beauty of the tune, but also for the fact that it alerted him to the time. It would not be long before his friends started arriving for their morning meal, and while nearly all of his preparations were done, he himself still felt unsettled and off-balance. No matter; he needed to pull himself together in anticipation of the rest of the crew.

Deciding to control the situation as best he could- Sanji arrived at two major decisions. 

First: for now, he would do his best to imply nothing was wrong.

Robin had already agreed to keep his secret, and he trusted her with his life; beyond that, as long as he held onto the newspaper- the other Strawhats would remain in the dark. They only received the News Coo once every few days- so he had at least a little bit of time before he made his next move. He needed to strategize- to figure out how to break the news without imploding from anxiety and guilt...

That brought him to his next decision: He had to be honest with his crew. 

That revelation was as obvious as it was gut wrenching- and not for the first time, the chef found his insides twisting with unmitigated dread. 

The concept of being open and honest about his status was so counterintuitive- so reprehensible, that he felt physically ill. He was awash in the dichotomy of lifelong fear and burgeoning trust- wanting nothing more than to be direct with his newfound family, but finding himself imprisoned by internalized diffidence and shame. 

All his life, ever since he was a child, he had been told to never speak of his Omega status…  to hide it or subdue it or even deny it completely. His time in Germa had taught him that he was a mistake- an unnatural abomination that was unworthy of love or even dignity. Worse, his secondary gender was a target; one that invited ridicule, abuse and outright disgust. 

According to Judge, he was without value to the Germa cause: an utter waste of time, space and air- unless to be sold, bred or used for further research. It was hateful and horrid, and Sanji learned that if he wanted to survive, he had to cauterize that part of himself completely and simply accept neglect as a best case scenario.

Of course- that was impossible.

He was a young child who had no concept of what was “wrong” with him, and had no idea how to minimize his most basic needs more than he already was. Through violence, he learned there was nothing he could do to earn the king's forgiveness- for his crime of being born an Omega was too great, and had simply doomed him from birth. There was no fairness, justice, understanding, or love, and for a long time- Sanji’s life was a literal bitter hell.

And then… he escaped…

After everything, Zeff had done his best.

The old geezer was admittedly clumsy and artless in his raising of Sanji- but it had been genuine: fueled both by good intentions and decisive devotion. Indeed, the merciful generosity was unlike anything the boy had ever experienced, and even as he thought about it, the young chef felt a tightness lock in the back of his throat- full of raw, undiluted emotion.

Yes, Sanji loved Zeff, and felt nothing but gratitude when he thought of the old pirate; but even so- the man was still an alpha… old fashioned, world-worn, and completely unprepared to raise a growing child, much less a starved, distrustful and abused omega boy.

What resulted was a patchwork of lessons (and mixed messages)- some more helpful than others. 

Of course, Zeff encouraged Sanji's masculinity and offered teachings on potent chauvinism: always certain to emphasize the value, worth and beauty of the fairer sex- instilling the idea that it was the man's duty to serve, protect and cherish women as best he possibly could… Beyond that, he would bolster the boy's confidence: teaching him to work hard, to fight, to cook, to be decisive, independent, generous and strong. He was Sanji's greatest supporter, and did what he could to prepare the boy for a strange and violent world.

In the same breath however, he would speak of the delicate nature of Omegas, and would insist on their treasured significance- stating that they were fair and sweet and meant to be protected- seeming to forget that his charge was part of that “sacred” category.

The notion wasnt unkind, but it was obtuse, and at complete odds with how Zeff was raising Sanji to be. It made the young cook insecure and uncertain- prompting a rigid disconnect and minimization of his own innate nature, inviting more confusion, doubt and self-loathing. 

Worse yet, as the Baratie and her reputation continued to grow, so did the restaurant's clientele- opening the door for unchecked strangers with unsavory intentions. To combat this, Zeff became more protective, and was insistent that Sanji keep his designation to himself- unknowingly reigniting the old fears that had first been lit by Judge… echoing frightening notions regarding the treatment of omegas by quietly implying that most of the world would derride him… or worse.

All that to say: Zeff as a teacher was far better then anyone in Germa, but some of the lessons were unfortunately much the same. No matter… he harbored no ounce of resentment toward the old chef, but was still acutely aware of just how damaged he was.

Releasing a heavy sigh, Sanji had done his best to put his mind at ease- knowing that in-spite of his own fears and misgivings, he still needed to be honest with his crew, and was certain that from them: he had nothing to fear.

Now if only he could align his head and his heart…

With that thought, the blonde propped open the galley door, inviting Brooks song as he wrapped the meal preparations- then (seeing he had nothing more to do and was still wound up) he decided to have a quick smoke and watch the waking of the rest of the crew.

The rest of the morning had sped by in welcome distraction, starting with the spotting of the strange little schooner. Luffy deciding to share a meal with them allowed for more busyness as the chef immediately took flight to the kitchen- aiming to increase the spread to accommodate for extra mouths.

He was glad to have something to do, and was thankful for an event to blame his stress on; still, not all could be so straightforward, and just as he disappeared back into the galley, he was followed by a still-yawning Zoro.

The moss head had only recently woken up, and was still soft and sleepy and loose, even as he stomped his way to his unofficial spot at the table. Sanji could only roll his eyes: too used to the swordsman's behavior to protest his bearish routine… and routine it was: for ever since Water 7, the first mate had taken up this now-unfailing practice.

While it was not unusual for the crew to stop by the kitchen upon waking (usually to pick up a morning beverage or ask about the menu), his earliest visitors would rarely stay: usually opting to let the chef work his magic in peace before returning to break fast with the rest of the crew. 

The swordsman was the only person who did not follow that regime, and when he made his way to the kitchen, would plant himself like a barnacle- opting to either tend his swords, take a nap, idly chat with or actively harass the cook.

Admittedly, his presence was as welcome as it was annoying- and Sanji soon found himself expecting and even looking forward to the now familiar routine of mornings with the marimo; enjoying the banter, fights and silence in equal measure.

This particular morning however, the cook felt little except anxious irritation, and as soon as Zoro sat down, Sanji was ready to start a fight.

“Can you at least put on a clean shirt-” he groused with more edge than necessary, looking with disdain at the grayish-stained shirt that adorned his visitors chest. “-You're stinking up my kitchen… at this rate you're gonna poison the food.”

The swordsman merely blinked, coming up to speed with the chef's current mood, and (only vaguely taking the bait) let out a massive yawn while stretching his arms high over his head- intentionally letting his pits breathe in the “clean galley air”.

“Tch, this ones only a day old… Showered yesterday, remember?”

“Oh wow, how blessed am I…” Sanji snipped back, feeling slightly petty and mean: “The beast bathed just yesterday… What a novel concept.”

Sitting up, Zoro leaned back in his chair, watching his friend and rival continue to bluster around the kitchen, feeling like he was missing something important as the chef started on one of his familiar tirades.

“Guess I should consider myself lucky- after all, it's not every day I get a barely-washed marimo… usually you’re just rancid!”

That last bit was admittedly funny, but was somehow delivered with a bit more vitriol than usual, and peering over at the cook, the swordsman frowned.

“Alright, what crawled up your ass and died?” he asked, dubious and unimpressed- “Last I remember, I haven't done anything to tick you off yet- unless you just didn't get enough beauty sleep last night, mister prince…”

That last bit was meant in jest, but Sanji spun around as though stricken, and immediately, Zoro could see there was something else going on. 

He’d been ready to gear up and enjoy a verbal spar- looking forward to their typical bickering… but if something really was upsetting the blonde, then… he lost interest. 

A fight wasn't worth it if it wasn't at least fun or productive, and the first mate was big enough to admit: he was more concerned with what was bothering his crewmate than baiting him for his own entertainment. Deciding to soothe his own antagonistic nature, Zoro took a deep breath and released it out his nose- switching gears to something more patient.

“Your general prissiness aside,” he continued, reeling back his tone to be a touch more even, “you seem a little upset… Anything I should know about, curly?”

This was still new to them- this thing that was open and frank and aware.

Indeed, ever since Thriller Bark- the swordsman and the chef had mutually arrived at some strange understanding: one that they themselves did not fully comprehend. Still, an earnest thread of care had somehow been stitched into the fabric of their relationship- oddly genuine, yet still difficult to navigate and sometimes accept.

Hearing the authenticity, Sanji relaxed- backing down from whatever emotional cliff he’d been against, and taking a pause, he swallowed before boldly meeting the marimos eye. 

For a second, there was silence- charged and testing as they stared each other down; then finally, the blonde sighed.

“No…” he answered, a vague note of hesitation coloring his tone, “not yet, mosshead.”

That last bit was certainly more subdued than expected, and for a split second- there was a tang of awkward uncertainty in the air. Breaking the tension, Sanji turned to step into his workspace- only to quickly reappear with a steaming mug of black coffee; rich and dark and exactly to the swordsman's taste.

Setting it down as a vague peace offering, the blonde moved back to start gathering plates, all while mumbling some quiet opinion on when one should forcibly retire “old and ugly” clothes.

Things had continued from there, with the rest of the crew soon barging in to eat- followed by the strange yet welcome meeting of Benz: the sailing merchant.

Admittedly, Sanji was grateful for the distraction the old man provided- glad that the visitor had so captured the crew's attention; his presence making it easier for the cook to retreat into his own mind and figure out what to do next. 

For a while, he was lost in thought- barely paying attention to the conversation around him; adrift and distracted thanks to the anxiety once again building in his gut. He had refocused at the exact moment the merchant brought up Momoiro Island, causing him to stop short and sputter- wondering what he’d missed, panicked that it was hitting a little too close to home.

Thankfully, the mention of the Kamabakka Queendom was brief, and the topic soon moved to safer territory, allowing the cook to slightly relax; his caustic fear losing its edge as he listened to the sailors' yarns. 

The decision to visit Korekuta Island was an easy one- made simple by sheer necessity. 

Indeed, the entire crew had a general air of enthusiastic curiosity; all wondering and eager to discover what lay ahead on their first real stop in the New World.

Sanji had of course, immediately used the decision to his advantage; and as soon as Benz and his crew departed for their own vessel, the chef had peeled back to the kitchen: glad for the solitude and claiming the need to catalog a thorough inventory.

That was of course, only partially true. In reality, he was eager for a reason to be alone- still struggling with the morning news and wanting space to process in peace. 

He was hoping to stay hidden for a while- at least till they made landfall… By then, he was sure he’d have a plan for how to proceed. Not only with the uneasy task of being honest with the crew about his Omega status, but in regards to the whole mess in general…

With a heavy sigh, he put down a great jar of chili paste and hung his head- leaning forward till he was resting against the door of the panty, feeling moody and strangely despondent.

Truthfully, he wasn't sure what to do, and he had spent so much of his life denying his own truth, that he was admittedly scared and completely at a loss.

His questions from earlier once again flooded his mind (why was this happening? Who had told the navy? Why was he only wanted alive?? What did this mean???), and gritting his teeth, he raised his fists to tangle in the length of his hair- yanking sharply as he fought to ground himself once more. 

Suddenly, he was pulled from his spiral by a delicate clearing of a throat, followed by a gentle set of hands reaching up to stop his tug.

Blinking in surprise, Sanji looked up just in time to see the tell-tale petals of Robin's power disappear in a quiet flutter. At that moment, the pantry door opened, and the archaeologist herself stepped through.

Casting a quick look around, her blue eyes soon spotted him, and- expression softening into open empathy, she quickly moved to his side.

“I came to check on you, dear cook.” The brunette offered as he quickly scrubbed his face. “I thought you might appreciate some company after our eventful morning. Is there anything I can do to help?”

It was obvious that she was not referring to taking inventory; her voice somber and soothing as she reached over to unthread his fingers from his bangs.

“I suspected you might be lost in thought,” she hummed, now holding his hands in front of him- “but I can see now you’ve been busy… would you mind taking a break to talk?”

Unable to deny her anything, Sanji gave a jerky nod- still somewhat abashed at having been discovered mid-breakdown.

Together, the two left the confines of the pantry and returned to the main belly of the kitchen; with Robin guiding Sanji to sit on the galley sofa. As soon as he was settled, she left to grab him a glass of water, and quickly returned to join him on the couch. 

For a moment, there was silence between them- though Robin remained unhurried and gracious as she sat by his side.

Finally, after a minute or two had passed, the brunette cleared her throat and quietly called his attention. 

“Like I said: I wanted to check in…” she murmured- voice low and soothing, “This morning's news seemed to shake you, though I must admit: you did an impressive job keeping your feelings to yourself. Still- while I recognize that this is your information- I’d be remiss not to be sensitive; especially now that I’m aware.”

Turning to more fully face the blonde, the older woman smiled- small and kind and understanding. “I don't intend to rush you- or dictate how you should feel; but I do want to offer support… or even just a listening ear, if you’ll have it.” 

Then reaching over to once again rest her hand on the chefs, she continued her thought: “Like I said earlier- I will honor your request and keep this to myself- but that doesn't mean you should navigate this alone. However much help you might want or need, I wish to offer it to you.”

Her quiet proclamation was as generous as it was genuine, and not for the first time, Sanji found himself falling in love with the crewmate before him.

Blinking quickly to spite the mist building in his eyes, the chef took a deep breath and found himself at something of a loss for words. How was he so lucky to be surrounded by such kindness? What had he ever done to deserve it?

Shaking his head and clearing his throat, Sanji looked up to meet his friend's eyes. 

“I uh, really appreciate that Robin, my dove… but, um- to be honest- i’m still kinda figuring this out… I'm not even sure how I actually feel right now… I just know that this whole thing has kinda caught me off guard… I don't know if you could tell- but this is kind of a loaded topic for me…” 

His admission was certainly true enough, and the archaeologist could only smile in agreement.

“Certainly dear cook- and I don’t want to press. However, I will offer this: you are under no obligation to go it alone- and (taking the liberty to speak on behalf of the entire crew): you needn't be fearful as you figure it out.”

Hearing that, the blonde sighed- knowing the brunette was speaking the truth but still unwilling to fully believe it and unsure of how to even respond.

“I know you’re probably right…” he admitted delicately, “but, it's just…  a little more complicated than that… I mean, that’s its own issue… just being honest with everyone… and it’s not like I don't want to be- it’s just: I’m not sure I know how. Call it a mix of a rough upbringing and deeply-instilled bad-beliefs, but the idea of having this out is not something I planned on addressing anytime soon… And even when I have considered the idea- it was always something meant for the crew- for my family… not the rest of the goddamn world…”

Suddenly he stood and began to pace, working through his mounting frustration as he began to externally process: “Cuz that part of it too… regardless how I feel about being an Omega, the rest of the world won't give a shit… there is nothing I could say or do to keep this from altering the way people view me… for better or worse, this is a brand- and I now have to carry the burden of unwanted opinions for the rest of my life… I didn't ask for it! This is a part of myself that I wanted control over- so why has that just been taken away???”

His question was fair and no answer could be justified.

From her spot on the couch, Robin watched with patient contemplation- heart aching for the cooks plight. Still, he continued:

“And sure, that shouldn't matter; I know a “better man” wouldn't be so thrown by this… but I wanted some control over this part of my life- is that so wrong to ask for? Apparently it is- cuz now I'm here trying to navigate my way out, and all I can come up with is how mad and sad and confused I am that I'm in this position in the first place!”  

The brunette nodded her understanding- opting to remain quiet as the chef continued his rant.

“I just want some time to figure it all out- to get my head straight before I deal with it publicly… but now I have to run through whatever contingencies I had set up, and if i’m honest! I don’t even want to do that… i just want to- tch, I don't know… pretend that none of this is happening.”

That last bit was said with more defeat then intended, and once again, Robin rose from her spot to join him and offer what aid she could.

“I sorry you’re in this position Sanji,” she stated with true empathy, “And your resentment toward the situation is more than justified… Still, you know as much as I do that pretending nothing has happened will not be fruitful in the long run. I’m not saying anything has to be immediate, but constructing a plan might help put your mind at ease- or at least offer some level of stability as you continue to work through this…”

The advice was sound, and humbly, the chef shook his head in agreement- mutely recognizing the truth of that insight.

“Sure,” he acknowledged, feeling some tension eek from his body as he accepted her words. “You're right… I guess that's the best I can do for now…”

Then, looking up with some weary determination in his eyes, he turned to face the archaeologist.

“Ok, then for now- I think I’ll tell everyone soon- either tonight or tomorrow… Probably at dinner- after the excitement from making landfall has kinda ebbed… depending on everyone's reactions, I’ll figure out how to go from there.”

His tone had shifted to something more certain, and Robin found herself unwilling to challenge his decision. Still, there was a lot she wanted to say- not to deter him from his chosen course, but certainly to invite more awareness: afterall, she herself was also considering possible paths, and the notion of arriving on Korekuta so soon brought its own complexities. Even if they did stay in the places that welcomed pirates, it was still land operated by the World Government. There would be marines and bounty hunters and (most significantly) current and up-to-date posters on who and what was wanted. 

That being said, if the chef wanted to wait to discuss his secret till they made landfall, the control he sought might once again slip through his grasp. 

Knowing this, Robin moved to speak her thoughts, but as soon as she looked at the cook, felt herself falter.

Sanji looked so tired, and so, so stressed out; he was obviously doing his best to cling to some level of performative control, and was blinking at her with a watery grin- eager to get her approval.

It was at that moment that Robin decided that she could shoulder some of these worries herself, and immediately chose to support and protect the chef's proposed plan. She would just have to keep a sharp eye out for any new bounty posters- if she spotted them, they would be easy enough to tear down- at least until there was that conversation of transparency within the crew. His secret was already out: that was a given… but she would do her best to preserve what privacy he had left.

Nodding in understanding, the brunette granted her wordless approval.

As soon as he saw it- a brilliant smile, true and genuine, spread across the cooks face- evidently relieved at the unspoken affirmation. 

And that had been it, really. 

Not long after Sanji arrived at his conclusion, he decided he wanted to return to his task of inventory, and Robin used the moment to excuse herself- wanting to think and confer with Franky. 

Of course, she had no intention of sharing Sanji's plight- but it would be good to ally with another who might share some of her concerns. Her partner Cyborg was, fortunately- the perfect man for the job; and as she exited the galley, she spotted him at the helm- apparently listening to Usopp's newest yarn while flitting in and out of his own thoughts. 

The sight made her breathe a sigh of relief- both for the sweet ease of the image and for the goodness of the shipwright.

She never expected to have any kind of lasting romance in her life- the nature of her hunted existence was too much a deterrent to even allow for such thought… But somehow, against all odds- her life became entangled with the Strawhats. Beyond finding security, family, a revitalized will to live and a new appreciation for life, she had been granted one more great gift: a relationship with a wonderful man. 

Franky was loud, brash, preposterous and emotional; he was also intuitive, understanding, kind, protective, honest, and justly good- always doing his best to promote others welfare, stability and confidence. Past that, he was a mechanical genius and a brilliant strategist- always aware, thoughtful and prepared. 

If nothing else, he would listen to her general concerns and grant her support in warryness. 

Back in the kitchen, Sanji continued his work- feeling marginally better after his one-sided discussion with Robin. Indeed, for the next several hours, he found he was able to work- and without distraction: finished conducting a thorough investigation of all of their stores- food, general supplies, and (boys) clothing combined.

It was good to be busy- to be lost in the routine of work- and as he finished, the cook let himself pretend that it was just another normal day. 

Nothing had changed and he was back: sailing on the high seas with his friends… Stronger and ready to help Luffy achieve his goal… 

But if only… unfortunately he couldn't bask in escapism for much longer. Once they made port, they would be at risk for seeing his new poster, and he had a private mission that only made things even worse: he needed to buy more suppressants.

Usually, he would have a sizable stock on hand, but after the chaos of Sabaody and Fishman island, he hadn't found a moment to purchase more… Even beyond his initial need, his last pack had been damaged in the storm- dissolving to a wet mush from being crushed in his pocket. 

It was unfortunate timing, made worse by the looming doom of telling the crew; and while he wanted to believe the best, he still wasn't quite ready to reveal himself without the barrier of suppressants.

At that moment, a call sounded out from the upper deck: Nami's strong voice commanding attention as she called for more hands on deck- beckoning as they prepared to enter port.

Rushing out the galley, the cook could see the Sunny come to life: each member of the crew moving to tend the ship- quickly bringing in sails and adjusting her speed. With awe, he looked out over the deck, eyes wide as he took in the view: pleased to spot a merry town nestled in rich tropical green, sparkling on the nearing shoreline.

So they finally made it… he mused, chewing on a cigarette, -This was the little harbor city called Southtown. 

It sure was beautiful; he’d give it that… but he’d still withhold judgment till they were back at sea.

Before he could consider the matter further, a deep bark sounded from high above in the rigging: “Any day now cook! C’mon!! Get your ass in gear!”

Looking up, Sanji was unsurprised to see Zoro, preparing to pull in a sail: “Chop-chop,” he urged, beckoning him to tackle the other side, “Unless of course, you’re too tired…”

The bait was taken immediately, and with a snarl, the chef launched himself upwards- skywalking to land in the rigging opposite the swordsman. From then, it did not take long to finish bringing in the ship, and soon- they were rearing up to a long landing, ready to meet the portsman at the head of the dock.

Around them, the harbor was thriving, with many small and colorful boats dancing along the top of the water; and even despite their black flag, they were greeted as they entered the marina- passing by a tower-guard who simply waved them through.

Still, as they worked, the duo continued to fight- bickering back and forth about speed and ropes and skill and sailing…

It was too much for Nami to handle, and with a raging hiss, she turned to snap them out of their petty fight.

“Zoro! Sanji! You two idiots better cut it out… We’re about to make port and don’t have time for your petty bullshit…” 

Her voice was impossible to ignore- edged with a dangerous heat: positively daring them to ignore her call.

“Now go help Franky and Usopp prep the ship, or neither one of you will get to make landfall!”

Immediately, Sanji pulled away from the swordsman, eyes going wide with crooning excitement- voice pitching up as a dopey lovestruck grin bloomed on his face: “Of course Nami-Swannnn!!” he mooned.

“Anything for you my darling! I’ll go help right away!” -and with that, the blonde turned on his heel to stalk away.

Still, always trying to get the last word, he cast a quick glare over his shoulder, and huffed a daring “We’ll finish this later, stupid Marimo…” before stalking over to go help Usopp.

The swordsman could only growl at the cooks retreating back- knowing better than to push the matter (else face the wrath of an already irritable navigator).

Instead he turned his attention back to the task at hand, and found himself entertained and excited at the notion of new land: breathing in the fresh island air- and savoring the thrilling scents of an unknown place.

Whatever this place had in store for them, that would wait to be seen… but for now, Zoro could only feel some sense of accomplishment as they laid anchor: finally having arrived at their first stop in the new world- bold in the wake of infinite possibility.

Chapter Text

Docking was a fairly simple affair, for as soon as they called to the harbor-master, his eyes shone with recognition.

“Ahoy!” he shouted from his booth, sitting high at the head of the pier. “-I know your flag! Welcome to Southtown, oh Strawhats! Benz sends his regards- he called to alert us to your arrival after you parted ways!”

Hearing that, Luffy leaned forward and laughed, waving his arm in happy greeting. “Hey thanks!” he called, “He told us to tell you we’re friends! Do you know if his lady is here? We need a place to anchor the Sunny…”

“Aye, aye-” hummed the toll-taker, nodding in understanding, “Miss Mercedes said as much- and yes indeed; we’ve got a spot for you just up the next inlet. Those that fly under the black flag must stay in Stutters Cove; part of our “see no evil” policy. If that’s agreeable to you, go on and head up a way. Turn into the moss curtain just past the golden guard and talk to the mate manning the dock there! And remember, be sure to use Benz’s name!”

The strawhats conceded and followed his directions exactly: having no issue reaching the hidden port once they spotted the “golden guard” (a dried up old skeleton propped up and wearing a faded yellow cloak).

There, they met the dock-hand that managed the cove: a stout, swarthy fellow who introduced himself as Nob.

“Miss Mercedes settled your fee-” he offered as he pointed at a numbered dock for them to use. “She and ol’ Benz already arranged it; and we house the boats when friends of theirs visit… for they know folks from all over and strive to be good hosts.” 

“Whatever the case, She bade me to tell you welcome, and wants you to know this: she plans to meet you here at six this evening. She has errands to attend with the upcoming festivals, but will greet you here and take you up to the house then… In the meantime, I invite you to settle your boat and head to the lower market. It's a good place to restock and manage your ship's affairs… and remember, always give Benz’s name: then they'll treat you fair.”

His offer was sound, and in no time- the Thousand Sunny was set to rest: tied and ready to be tended. 

Nob's encouragement to restock and explore was well received, and soon- the Strawhats had gathered on deck: eager to set off and discover the town around them.

Ever prudent: Nami and Usopp had taken to directing the flow of action- both to ensure someone could wrangle their Captain, and to remind everyone of the time constraints- wanting to be conscientious as they planned to meet their host.

“Ok, so we have at least five or so hours before we meet up with Benz’s wife;” stated a punctual Nami, wapping the back of Luffy's head as she urged him to pay attention. 

“Let's split up and use the time to stock- Franky, Usopp and Luffy: you guys focus on finding the parts for the Sunny; Sanji and Chopper, you guys handle food and medical supplies… Brook, Robin and myself are gonna scope out the rest of town and look for a bookshop or library- we’re hoping we can find some charts of local waters- or any information on routes in the New World really…”

“Hey wait,” interjected Zoro- sounding vaguely disgruntled. “What about me?”

Without missing a beat, Nami turned to give him a stink-eye. “ You get to watch the ship- at least till we’re done shopping.” 

“And why’s that?” the swordsman countered, crossing his arms in front of his broad chest. “I wanna see the town too…” 

“Well, considering the last time you were left to your own devices: you nearly started a coup- that is not going to happen…” Responded the red-head, effectively cutting off his complaint. “Once we get back- you can take off then, assuming there’s still time before we meet our host.”

That seemed to settle it, and groupings decided, the strawhats split off to manage their assigned affairs. 

Sanji, for his part, was thrilled he’d been paired off with Chopper. 

Even beyond enjoying the little reindeers company, it provided an ideal opportunity: afterall, no one would bat an eye if he stepped into a pharmacy with the doctor… and if he intended to make a private purchase while his companions back was turned, no one would be none-the-wiser. 

Indeed, it was the perfect time to buy suppressants; he’d be a fool not to take it.

Chopper himself was pleased as well, and had danced around to stand by the chef, clinging to his pant leg as they discussed their plan of attack. 

It was decided that they would take the cart- and that Chopper would pull it along while in walk-point as to allow for maximized shopping. Sanji would be his hands while wandering the stalls, and together, they constructed a list of necessities based off of Sanji's inventory list. 

After a brief collaboration, Sanji went to change: switching to something lighter and less restrictive than his suits: an old, red and white short-sleeve button down, and a pair of dark blue shorts. After slipping into some comfortable loafers, he was ready; and soon the duo trotted their way into town, waved off by the rest of the crew.

Their entry into the Lower Market was largely uneventful, though still fantastic in its own way- after all, the entire harbor was wonderful to look at: beautiful, idyllic and neat. Indeed, the port town was clearly teeming with enthusiastic crowds, and everywhere they looked, there were signs of vibrant life.

It was easy to see how the island was known for trade- especially if such a small corner of it already boasted such generous wares. True enough, they soon learned that the lower market was primarily used for sailors- stopping to make a quick resupply. Greater stalls awaited them further in the town. 

Even so, they found that hard to believe as there was no end to a variety of incredible shops they passed along the way- each stall boasting some strange specific thing from across different regions of the world. 

Colorful stands lined the streets, full and bustling with lively crowds- an ample mix of locals, tourists, sailors, and pirates… Indeed, it was surprising at how intermixed everyone was, and deciding to embrace it, they made little move to hide their own identities.

Sure enough, they found no issue as they completed their rounds of shopping- and everyone they met seemed welcoming and honest (oft genuine after the mention of Benz).

Yes, their venture was pleasant: made better by the kindness of the locals. 

True, it was easy to lose time, and nearly an hour passed of them just gathering the basics (rice, flour, sugar, salt, soy sauce, oats, potatoes, cheese and spices); still, they had no complaints as they meandered and explored the corners of the town. They were enjoying themselves, and in an effort to prolong their time, both decided to take a quick break. 

Chopper was eager to get out of the cart's harness- wanting to stop and find a snack before returning to his heavy load; Sanji, of course, was weak to deny him. 

Together, they entered the town square- a beautifully welcoming spot that was arranged in an inviting circle. A tall broad tree stood right at the center of the arena, proud and immense- its great pink crown threaded with banners, wind chimes and lights alike, offering shade and music to the entire pavilion. 

Between the tree's roots stood a plaza stage, where a merry band played on: responding joyfully to cheery onlookers as they filled the courtyard with a happy piping tune. Further, lining the outside of the circle and stationed against the curve of the road were another series of food stalls: all boasting magnificent treats and enticing shoppers to try them. 

It was a lovely palace, made better by the excellent fare (and surprising discounts they received in Benz’s name).

Finally, after having tried a series of snacks (always shared as to not damage their appetites), the doctor and the chef continued on their way, with Chopper once again switching to walk-point to better pull the cart.

Just as they were exiting the wonderful buzz of the town's center, the reindeer let out a remorseful cry, disappointed as he remembered some overlooked task: “Ah! I shouldn't have been so quick to get back in the harness!” he exclaimed while looking at one of the shops up the road. 

“There’s a pharmacy right there at the edge of the circle- I still need to get extra gauze and burn salve for the mini-merry’s kit…” then, looking over his shoulder and kicking a hind leg, he hummed a petulant grumble. “Tch- and this is such a bother to put back on…”

Seizing his opportunity, Sanji stepped forward as he set a comforting hand on the reindeer's head- “Don’t worry about it doc-” he soothed, while beckoning his companion to wait, “I know which ones you prefer- I’ll go pick ‘em up and you wait here.” 

“Oh!” replied Chopper, surprised and relieved at the obvious answer, “Sure thing Sanji! Thank you!”

And with that, the chef turned to walk up the pharmacy’s clean wooden steps.

In just a moment, he had stepped over the threshold of the shop- entering the organized yet slightly worn apothecary.

As soon as the door shut behind him, Sanji was struck by how quiet it was inside- especially in contrast to the happy bustle in the town center. 

There was a sterile tang in the air, the scent vaguely medicinal and sharp to his nose; still, the place was clean, and clearly well ordered- its fully-stocked shelves lined with all variety of herbs and medical supplies- some pre-packed while others held raw ingredients. 

On one side of the shop stood a long row of great glass jars- each full with strange substances and herbs that the chef could only guess the purpose of, while up along the back wall was a tall counter with an old oversized till. Behind that was a door- evidently leading to a storage room and office; unremarkable yet practical in its layout. 

Overall, the place was small and uninspiring- a far cry from some of the magnificent stands they had seen along the way. Still, mindful of his task (and private mission), Sanji stepped forward; looking amongst the shelves for any one of his pursuits: the gauze and burn salve for Chopper, and omega suppressants for himself.

It did not take long for him to discover his first two items, but try as he might, he could not find any sign of suppressants. Admittedly, that was as strange as it was concerning- for all government-allied islands were required to carry a stock: the medical resource meant to facilitate citizens welfare.

Still- no sight of the pills could be found, and growing impatient (while feeling frustrated and slightly anxious) Sanji made his way to the back counter; ringing the bell to call for aid.

In no time, the sound of feet could be heard moving down the hall, and the back door swung open to reveal a young, doe eyed little boy. He was a small thing with dark hair and a light spatter of freckles powdering the end of his nose, and even despite his suspicious scowl, it was clear he’d have a brilliant smile if not for his sullen face.

With a quick glance at the chef, the boy's expression shifted from sulky, to shocked, to forced disinterest- and with a great roll of his eyes, he moved to manage the till (barely visible from behind the tall counter thanks to his small stature).

”Hey kid,” Sanji greeted, unsure as to why this apparent child was running the shop; “I uh, wanted to make a purchase?”

“Sure,” huffed the boy, now soundly mildly irritated. “Was it just the bandages and salve?”

”Uh, no- not quite,” countered the chef, wishing he could talk to an adult. “I’m actually wondering if you guys carry suppressants: i wasn't able to find any on your shelves…”

Hearing that, the kid stopped short, and snapped his head up to look at the customer. 

For a beat, there was silence as the boy stared, then in a dubious tone, he asked: “For what? Omega or Alpha?”

“Uh, Omega- if you got em…” the blonde confirmed, confused by the boy’s strange attitude.

Almost immediately , the kid shook his head and stepped away from the till, moving around the counter to come in front and put himself between the guest and the back of the shop. “No sorry,” he rushed as he urged Sanji out, “-we ran out and won't be getting a new stock anytime soon… you’re better off going to the pharmacy in CenterPoint and-“

” BREEM !” A new voice barked, and whipping around, the chef could see a new figure: an older, tired-looking man in a clean, worn doctor's coat.

With firm yet hurried steps, the shopkeeper exited the back office, eyes stern and disappointed as he eyed his charge. “ Breem , what did I tell you about trying to run the shop on your own… if a customer comes, you’re supposed to call me- not give our business to those cheats in CenterPoint!”

The kid stopped short, frozen at the stern scolding.

Still, the man did not seem cruel, and with a heavy, disappointed sigh, the pharmacist looked to eye Sanji. “Sorry about that- he’s supposed to get me when we have a visitor; is there anything I can help you with?”

Relieved to be dealing with an actual adult, the chef moved back to the counter where the rest of his items still sat. “Uh, yeah- and it’s no problem… I’d like to get these,” he said gesturing to the selection in front of him, “-also, your, uh assistant? Said you are out of suppressants, but if you could check your stock, I'd be really grateful…”

“Oh certainly,” agreed the man easily enough, “I just got an order in; you should be fine if that's what you need. What kind were you looking for?”

“Omega,-” responded the chef, ready to move this along, “and if you wouldn't mind, I’m kind of in a hurry… I have a friend waiting for me outside.”

The proprietor merely nodded his assent, and disappeared into the back office to locate the goods. Meanwhile, the small boy (Breem, apparently) continued to hover by the front of the shop- obviously nervous and scowling once again.

Sanji did his best to ignore him- uncertain as to why this child was in such a poor mood, and together, they remained in strained silence- disturbed only by the sound of shoes scuffing against the worn wood floor. 

Finally, after another moment had passed, the kid let out a heavy sigh and turned to look at the customer- evidently sizing him up as he continued to frown. 

Uncomfortable with being so obviously watched, Sanji prepared to tell the boy off- wanting to be left in peace. However, before he could get out the words- the boy spoke: his young voice taught with a strange undercurrent of anger and frustration.

“If you’re an omega- you should leave this island. It’s not a place for you . You’re no good here.”

His tone was stern, with a hot edge of anger coloring it- and immediately, Sanji was taken aback: shocked at the blatant aggression in the kid's posture. 

He was about to respond in his own defense, when the voice of the pharmacist called from the back- cutting off his own reply. 

“Breem! Go sweep outside. I won’t have you harass my customers.” Then, exiting the rear room- parcel in hand, the shopkeeper moved back to the till. “Go on boy, get!” he urged with clear warning. “You’ve got plenty to do outside… Instead of moping around- now go see to your chores; quick now!”

The kid only huffed in petulant anger, and with one last glare over his shoulder, exited the store to sweep the front. 

Sanji watched him go- still in mild shock from the youths hostile behavior. 

Doing his best to brush it off, the old man shook his head and called for his customers' attention: “Alright sir- I’m sorry about that… we’re uh, still learning ‘im his manners… Anyway, I have your purchase, if you wouldn't mind finishing your transaction…”

“Sure,” agreed the chef, still feeling vaguely thrown: “how much was it again?”

“Your total comes out to forty-two beri; would you like me to wrap these for you?”

Blinking in surprise at the high price, Sanji merely nodded, ready to exit the pharmacy and never return. He had been warned, of course- and should have expected some level of cost inflation; but that amount was still surprising- and handing over the money, he could not help but feel slightly foolish and taken advantage of. 

He should have mentioned Benz’s name… but now it seemed too late, especially since he had already paid. Even so, he didn't necessarily want to use the merchant's name for such a personal purchase: and was indeed hesitant toward the idea of strangers knowing more than they ought, especially regarding his omega status.

Huffing in resignation, he accepted the neat parcel of supplies, and decided to consider the high-price a “toll for privacy”. 

If that’s all it was, it was a fee he’d gladly pay. After all, he knew he wouldn't be able to enjoy that privacy for much longer…

Thanking the merchant with some level of stiffness, the blonde turned to leave, exiting the door and passing the still sullen kid who was now moodily sweeping the deck.

Still, he could feel the boy's eyes on him: dark and angry, scowling at his back even as he walked to meet with Chopper.

It was strangely bizarre, and put a rotten taste in the cooks mouth.

After all, If he was already experiencing some strange levels of aggression from a child who only presumed his status- how much worse treatment could he expect once his secret was widely known? 

It was a harrowing thought, and the cook could admit he was affected- still fragile and anxious from his morning revelation.

Chopper seemed to pick up on his mood right away, and as soon as he neared, nudged Sanji with his little blue nose: “Everything ok?” he questioned, concern clear in his voice.

“Huh? Oh, yeah-” the cook replied, hurriedly covering the stress he felt, “Nothing to worry about Chop… I just forgot to use the old man's name, and got a little bit scammed. It’s not a big deal though- especially with how much we’ve saved on everything else.”

Satisfied at the answer (but still hugely compassionate), the doctor sighed in understanding: “I’m sorry to hear that, but still: you’re right! It’s not a big deal- and last I checked, we haven't even spent half the money Nami gave us… As long as we dont mention this to her, I’m sure it won't matter at all.”

Sanji just grinned, feeling better thanks to his friends' sincere positivity. “You’re a smart man Chopper,” he affirmed as he placed the parcel in the wagon (subtly pocketing his suppressants while the reindeers back was turned).

After that, the rest of their shopping was uneventful, and finally, they reached a point where no more could fit in the cart. Deciding they should use the rest of their time to organize and put away purchases, the two headed back to where the Sunny was docked in Stutters Cove. 

It did not take long for them to reach their destination and they soon were greeted by a disgruntled Zoro- the swordsman having just barely woken from a nap.

“C’mon Marimo!” laughed Sanji upon seeing his bleary face, “Be of good use! Help us move the groceries to the kitchen!”

The rest of the afternoon passed in fond camaraderie, with Sanji and Chopper taking turns to regale the swordsman with their experience of the town; sharing sights he might find intriguing while offering saved bits of their leftover snacks. They made quick work of putting away the fresh supplies, and soon had gathered round the table with cold drinks in hand. 

Sanji had been eager to try one of his new teas- a tangy hibiscus and pomegranate mix that tasted wonderful in the tropical weather, and as they talked, Zoro listened with interest: quiet and contemplative as he chewed on a dried meat stick, asking questions and nodding in turn. All in all, it was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon- and it was not long before the trio heard the rest of their crewmates approaching- their laughs and happy chatter ringing up the gangplank ahead of them.

Soon, all of the strawhats were assembled, each having returned from their various pursuits- giddy, sated, and only slightly sunburnt… And not a moment too soon, for just after Usopp, Luffy and Franky arrived (the last group to appear from the market, thankfully with all the supplies needed to re-configure the Sunny), a feminine voice called out from the dock- pulling attention but offering no harm.

“Hello! Is this the ship of Strawhat Luffy? My husband invited us to meet!” 

As soon as they heard it, the crew gathered to the side of the ship, curious as to who they might find. It did not take long to spot their quarry, for there- directly by the plank, was the source of the call: An elegant older woman clearly waiting to be seen. 

She was tall with generous hips; possessing warm brown skin and a long curtain of thick dark hair that was graying stylishly at the temples. 

Her brown eyes were youthful and full of mirth, and she was well dressed in a colorful linen kurta; accented by a collection of bangles that decorated both her arms. All in all, she seemed to match the active yet tasteful aesthetic of Mateo Benz: friendly merchant at sea.

Immediately, the Strawhats moved to greet her- anxious to see if this was their awaited host.

“Hello Madame!” cried a gallant Brook, “Are we right to surmise that you are the fair Mercedes Benz?”

“Indeed you are!” laughed the woman, genuine and sweet. “I’m glad to see you here in one piece, Strawhats- for the storm you sailed through was quite a beast! But here, let’s not chat on this boardwalk… I invite you: please- join me in my home!”

The confirmation of hospitality was well received, and in no time, the entire crew had disembarked- willing to trust their guide as she assured them that no harm would come to the Sunny.

“Of course, no one would dare touch your ship,” she promised, mild and certain “-not while you are docked at Stutters Cove… you see, that’s actually private property; my private property to be exact.”

“What?” gasped an impressed Nami- already a fan of the older woman, “You own the entire cove? That’s amazing!”

“Oh, I own a lot more than that, love;” answered the lady, with a cheeky wink. “But we’re getting ahead of ourselves- let’s save the conversation for after dinner. Here, follow me up the road, the entrance to my villa is only about a five minute walk… then you can enjoy my private bath house to wash off your journey. I’ve set dinner for eight tonight, so please- relax until then!”

Her invitation was not boastful, but the Strawhats were still astounded by the apparent grandiosity of their host; shocked to hear of such rich accommodations but thankful nonetheless.

Happily, they fell in step behind the woman, following her lead as she, Robin and Nami conversed along the way.

Just as promised, only five or so minutes had passed before they stopped- evidently already at their destination: its entry marked by a great red gate.

For a moment, they took it in: surprised at the rich splendor- only pulled from their awe when Mercedes once again called their attention. “This way my friends- it wont do to stay out on the street!” and just like that, they were back in line.

Entry through the gated garden was its own visual treat, and as they walked up the carefully tended pathway, they could see how vast the wealth of their host extended.

“Wow!!!” exclaimed Luffy, bouncing up and down as he took in the view of the coast: a sight that was as perfect as it was vast. “This place is so fancy! It's like a super nice hotel!!!!” 

“It's a luxury!” cried Brook, thrilled to once again taste the high-life, “what exquisite taste you have!!! Your home is magnificent!!!”

The older woman only brushed away the compliment, looking gratified yet abashed. “I’ll thank you for those words- for a lot of hard work went into building this place, and Benz and I laid many of the stones ourselves!”

That earned an impressed sound of awe from Franky and Usopp, and the two looked back to the workmanship with new eyes. Still, the woman was intent on seeing them to their rest and guided them to a long side of the house that looked out over a stunning viewpoint of tropical foliage and shoreline. There were steps leading up from the garden and into the house, and removing her shoes, Mercedes beckoned them in- pointing out where to find slippers.

After passing through a short hallway, the area opened up to a great open space- artfully furnished with low sofas and tables, and decorated with a vast array of high quality rugs.

“This is the guest suite,” Mercedes informed, gesturing to the space around her. “Please, feel free to use all that has been prepared for you… out the door to your right are the baths and behind you are the bedrooms- there are only four, so i set two to a room, with three in the last… I hope you don't mind.”

“Not at all!” countered Sanji, stepping forward and bowing low- graciously accepting the kindness, “The generosity of your home has already overwhelmed us my lady; this is already far more than we thought to expect…”

Mercedes only smiled, admiring and pleased as she brushed away his charmed words.

“You're a sweet one, aren’t you… better be careful;” she warned with a wink. “That will get you into trouble around here- especially with looks like yours…“ Then, moving on, she continued her walk-through. 

Sanji only swooned (easily moved by the older woman's compliment) while the rest of his friends rolled their eyes in exasperation- unsurprised by his flirtatious display.

It was long not before the tour of the guest suite was completed, and all of the Strawhats enthusiasm had only grown. The splendor of the Benz household was magnificent, and their hostess had truly ensured their every comfort. 

After confirming that they would join her for dinner in the main house at eight, Mercedes departed to let them settle in, and the crew had immediately moved to explore the rest of the space on their own; peeking curiously into each closet and room as they checked out their temporary abode. 

As far as room arrangements, Robin and Franky quickly opted to stay together: taking advantage of the fantastic accommodations and deciding to use the time like some extended date.

Nami wasted no time in selecting Chopper as her bunkmate, citing that everyone else was too uncouth and didn't know how to properly relax or bathe. 

That left Zoro, Brook, Usopp, Luffy, and Sanji to figure it out amongst themselves, and the resulting squabble was only resolved with a deciding (and overly complex) round of rock, paper, scissors. After all was said and done, Luffy, Brook and Usopp (the routine losers) were made to room together, while Zoro and Sanji shared the last room (much to their performative chagrin).

Even despite their grousing, the situation was not wholly unwelcome, for both men could admit that it was easier to rest near one they trusted so implicitly.

The next two hours passed in a refreshing scroll, with all members of the crew finding time to bathe, nap and redress in some of the finery provided for them. The Benz’s market empire was spearheaded by textiles and fine fashion, and as such- a library of clothes and stylish fabrics awaited them as they prepared for dinner.

It was not long before the meal was ready, and a quiet attendant soon came to knock at their quarters- bidding the guests follow them to the main house to eat.

Upon arrival, the Strawhats were smitten with the extraordinary spread: an incredible series of dishes were laid out- each more fantastic than the last. Rich dishes of butter chicken, paneer curry, biryani, mutton kulambu, lentils, samosas, dosas, and an impressive vat of Aloo Masala waited for them- all interspersed with tall stacks of garlic naan, and an entire selection of various chutneys and dips. 

All in all, it was an incredible feast- and as they sat down to eat, there was nothing but mirth in their enjoyment.

The conversation was rich and flowing, and their host was incredible as she led the discussion: showing genuine interest in her guests' ventures while providing her own story to sate their curiosity.

“Of course, Mateo and I have always had great stake in Korekuta,” she offered as she sipped on a post-dinner cup of tea. “We both have lived here for so long, it was clear to us that we should invest in the community- especially after our business took off so well; afterall, we are the primary supplier of fabrics and textiles to the noble houses, and have made a bulk of our fortune doing business with designers in Mary Geoise…”

“Yuck,” interjected an unimpressed Luffy, as he swallowed down another helping of paneer. “You work with those guys? They’re the worst…”

Mercedes only laughed, entertained at the captain's honesty.

“I certainly agree with you Strawhat, but- for the sake of our community, we have elected to maintain the business relationship… even if it leaves a foul taste in our mouths. You see, we are no fans of the world nobles, but because of that partnership- we have enjoyed a sizable influx of wealth, which we then return to those around us… Certainly, as you were walking around the market today, you saw the elegance of the town? Or may have noticed how ordered and well-kept the harbor is? Even beyond that, this is one of the rare ports that hosts an entire school system, a hospital and an emporium for the arts… Those endeavors are funded by me and my husband, along with several other successful merchants who have made Southtown their home. We are in the circle of Makers : affluent business heads who support the town, and in turn- the town supports us: and those we call friends. We’re beneficiaries of sorts, and everyone who lives in this area knows they can come to us for help.”

The explanation was not boastful, but it was certain- and the young pirate crew found themselves impressed at the straightforward philanthropy.

“Of course, this town is not without its own issues-” the lady continued, “-and there are plenty around who still face difficult circumstances, regardless of the support we offer. In general, there is an air of distrust amongst locals regarding outsiders; and many will take any opportunity to get a leg up to better their own situations. That’s why I urge you to use our name as you stay here… If you are recognized as guests of our house, no one will bother you or try to take advantage. You might just find the opposite- for it’s not uncommon for locals to tend our guests and receive gratuity in the aftermath… assuming there’s no risk of course.”

Hearing that, Zoro raised an eyebrow in curiosity; “Risk?” he asked, prodding for more- “risk from what? Sounds to me like that's the easiest way to make a quick return: treat some visitors nice, then get a payout from the town boss… it’s not too bad a setup.”

“Oh sure, when you put it like that,” agreed the hostess, “but if it was just about being nice, we wouldn't have much of an issue… No. Greater problems stem from things beyond our control- after all, this is still Korekuta, and as separated as Southtown is from the rest of the island's culture, we still have the same problems as any city or harbor town. Uncouth pirates, loan sharks, profiteers, government-affiliated slavers and criminals all call Korekuta home- even if most of them stick to the fringes or Eastgate… Still, it’s not unheard of for a local to fall into bad business, then scam visitors to make up for the error.”

Usopp's brow creased as he listened to the explanation, feeling slightly guarded as he considered the likelihood of trouble: “So, does that mean the rest of the island is dangerous?” he asked, hesitant and watchful.

Mercedes only smiled and brushed off his fears, “Certainly not- at least: not if you keep an eye out. Like my husband always says: Keep your nose out of trouble, and no trouble will come to you… just avoid Eastgate, and keep your fair ones under a watchful eye… Use our name whenever you can, and you should be just fine!”

“Hmm,” sighed a remorseful Brook, obviously joking as he combed a bony hand through his magnificent hair, “-and I was so looking forward to wandering off on my own!” He was immediately met with dual punches from both Usopp and Nami, both insisting that the skeleton had nothing to worry about. 

Still, the rest of the Strawhats could not help but laugh- and even Mercedes joined in (though she was clearly missing some part of the joke and was mildly unsure of how to respond, seeming to look to Sanji for some level of clarity).

No matter: the rest of the meal passed in warm chatter, and just as it was getting late, their host rose to lead them back to their rooms.

“Sleep here tonight my friends, and tomorrow, I will take you to Westfold. We’ll take the trolly in, and you can explore what's considered the crown jewel of this island. It’s the perfect time for it since the Grand Vendue will be happening this weekend… After, you can tend your ship and be off whenever you wish, though please know: you are welcome to be my guests for however long you decide to stay- but allow me to treat you for tomorrow!”

The offer was happily accepted, and one by one, the Strawhats moved to settle down for the evening: slowly disappearing into their luxurious rooms, fully sated and ready for a good night's rest. 

Mercedes waved them off kindly in turn, maintaining a mild conversation with Franky, Robin and Sanji- the three still invested in their continued exchange. Finally however, both Franky and Robin began to make their exit, and seeing them prepare to leave for bed, Sanji decided to do the same. 

Their hostess was attentive, and made to exit the suite, but not before pausing and throwing a quick look back over her shoulder at the now yawning blonde.

“Actually, Mr. Blackleg, I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time- I wanted to ask you something in private…”

Surprised and slightly confused, the cook merely nodded, wondering what the older woman could possibly want to say. It only took him a moment to follow her out to the hall, and as soon as they were out of earshot of the others, the woman rounded on him with fierce concern in her eyes.

“Forgive me if this is too bold,” she began in a hurried tone, “but I just wanted to say: you are very brave for coming out in public, considering your condition and all…”

That opener was certainly not what Sanji expected to hear, and stunned, his mouth dropped open- unable to find a response. 

Mercedes continued, even despite his apparent shock: “Still- however I admire your bravery, I want to advise you: be cautious while we are in Westfold. Usually, I'd insist someone like you stay behind- for your own safety of course… but I know your crew is strong, and will do their best to protect you… Even so, as your host- a warning must be said. I encourage you to hide your features while out tomorrow, and remember that your new bounty has put quite a target on your back…”

It was the first time that anyone aside from Robin had mentioned his updated bounty poster, and suddenly, Sanji felt his stomach drop- a pit opening inside him that was simultaneously hollow and full of fear. Mutely, he nodded in acknowledgement, barely listening as he heard Mercedes promise to look out for him, and keep him under her care.

He wanted to interject- to tell her that he was beyond that- that there was no need for pity or coddling or protection or babying, or anything outside of his own strength… but the creeping embarrassment was too much, and he couldn't find it in himself to correct or confront the older woman.

Finally, after she assured him that he would be alright as long as he stayed well with the group, Mercedes moved to leave- offering only kind reassurances and generous care- doing her best to sooth his agitation, unaware that it was growing stronger as each moment passed.

Just as she turned to head down the hall, the chef looked up, and had the presence of mind to call after her- doing his best to keep the horror and upset out of his voice as he put on a thankful display.

“You really are a wonderful host Mercedes,” he offered with a weak smile, “and while I’m so thankful to receive your kind concern, I have to ask: would you mind keeping this conversation between us? I don't want to worry the rest of the crew…”

To his great relief, the woman merely smiled and nodded her assent- easily agreeing with his request; obviously seeing his discomfort as some sweet shyness and not the existential dread it was building up to be.

Relieved, Sanji waved her off, then returned to his shared room with Zoro, doing his best to mitigate the panic growing in his mind. So she had seen it, he thought in a distant whirlwind… She saw his updated poster… And if Mercedes knew about his status, how many more were also aware? 

Feeling nervous and jumpy, the blonde quickly moved to his pile of discarded clothes and reached into the shorts pocket, pulling out his packet of recently-purchased suppressants. 

With a dubious look at a now-sleeping Zoro, the chef downed one of the pills- desperate to feel some level of control over his own life, and (with some distant melancholy) wanting to subdue even the slightest hint of omega within him.

His effort did little to smooth his own mind, and with a heavy sigh, he laid down to rest- hoping to find sleep even despite the turmoil churning in his gut. 

It was a long time before his effort was rewarded, and for hours he lay awake in an anxious haze… 

Eventually however, exhaustion won out, and he finally was able to fall into a restless and broken slumber.

____

From somewhere far across the island, a broad figure sat alone in a dark room.

He was casually smoking a pipe- the soft glow of the embers only just illuminating his face with its yellowed light; thin trails of smoke dancing and undulating around him as they moved through the stagnant air. 

In front of the form was a wide cluttered table- littered with papers and various news clippings- messy and haphazardly piled into vague stacks. Still: there in the center, a space had been cleared, and within that set area were two items: the first being a transponder snail (that had just recently gone to sleep), and the second: a carefully straightened out bounty poster.

With a predatory grin, the man took a great puff of his pipe- feeling pleased and self satisfied as he ran a finger across the blocky printed words of the bounty. 

MALE OMEGA, 

WANTED ONLY ALIVE

BLACKLEG SANJI

of the STRAWHAT PIRATES

$$130,000,000 Beri

It was a grand reward- that was for sure… that kind of beri could change someone's life… several times over in fact. Ultimately however, the monetary note was insignificant compared to the rest of the information on the page. 

Male Omega…

For those words alone, he knew he could double the listed amount; assuming he had the right connections of course (which he knew he did). 

It was a good thing he’d gotten ol’ Ketzle under his thumb… That foolish old man was a pain in the ass, but he was easy enough to control… Further, the old man's position made finding targets so much easier…

Still, now he had to do his part; still had to wait, watch, then finally act.

It would be tricky, especially considering the reputation of the Strawhat pirates, but he’d never failed a recruitment before, and he’d be damned if he missed out on a prize this big.

No; the game was already set.

He had already won.

It was just a matter of time before his victim realized it as well- but that would happen soon enough.

With a hungry grin and a low rumbling laugh, the figure sat back in his chair, eager to begin the chase; ready for the thrill of the hunt.

Soon , blondie... he thought to himself with wry amusement.

It would be over before it even began.

Soon .

Chapter Text

The next morning dawned brilliant and fair. A perfect breeze stirred the air, and the weather promised clear and sunny skies.

The lush green tropics of Southtown were refreshed, and everything seemed to shine with a glossy luster, making all the world look rich and luxurious.

It should have been a glorious thing to wake up to…

But Sanji’s experience was anything but.

Instead of opening his eyes to the pastel sunrise, he was met with the too-close flat stare of a one-eyed marimo: gazing down at him with a vague frown.

Zoro was evidently already up and ready to start his day: towel in one hand, tooth brush in the other. Still his expression as he looked at Sanji was vaguely dubious, and (realizing the cook was awake), he made no move to step back, instead simply greeting him with a mild: “Hey.”

The chef immediately snapped upright in surprise, promptly slamming his forehead against the swordsmans, both reeling back in pain and shock.

“TCH, What the HELL Moss?!?” the blonde shouted as both hands flew forward to grab at his nose. “What’s your problem???”

“What’s YOUR problem!?!?” countered Zoro from the floor, one hand clasped over his scarred eye- “I just said Hey ?! Why’d ya gotta start something? I was just trying to wake you up!”

“What?? Why!?! What is your issue???” The two were now properly fighting- both still grasping at their aching heads as they started tearing into one another- voices raising with each exaggerated insult.

“I was trying to HELP, you IDIOT… ” 

“Help me WHAT, you MORON - what could possibly make you think that LOOMING over me like SOME WEIRDO was a GOOD IDEA???” 

“THAT'S what I was trying to tell you, you STUPID dart-bow!!! Everyones already up- you're gonna make us late!”

“When has being on time ever mattered to you, you directionless dimwit??? And what do you mean everyones already up- I wake up first on this goddamn ship!!!”

Then, with sudden realization, Sanji blinked and looked around, finally noticing that he was not onboard the Sunny at all… 

Indeed, he and Zoro were in their shared corner room; obviously still in Southtown harbor on this new Korekuta island…

With a scowl, the cook turned to glare at the now smug marimo.

“Like I said,” baited Zoro, finally standing from his sprawl while still rubbing at his forehead “You're gonna make us late… Now go get ready before you give a bad impression to our host.”

”Oh as IF I would be the one that gives anyone a bad impression, you one eyed gorilla ,” snapped Sanji as he hauled himself out of the covers, looking around for an indication of the time. 

Sure enough, he soon spotted a clock- the hands reading a harrowing 8:22…

Seeing that, the blonde kicked into gear, springing from the end of his mattress and turning to glare at his roommate: “Damn it Zoro! Why’d you wait so long to wake me up? Aren't we supposed to leave soon?”

The swordsman only shrugged, crossing his arms and looking off to the side- refusing to meet the cooks accusing glare.

“It’s hardly my fault if you're shit at keeping the time…” he huffed irritably, “-should be thankful i’m even bothering to wake you up in the first place- especially with your lame attitude.”

“Oh please,” bitched Sanji, cutting off the petulance- “we’re rooming together- that means Nami-swan is gonna hold us responsible for each other ; you knew you had to wake me up to save your sorry ass from a lecture!” 

“I’m not afraid of Nami!” snapped Zoro, now looking annoyed.

“Then why bother even waking me up in the first place?” countered the blonde, as he picked his way through potential outfits: “or were you just being a dick by making me rush to get ready…” 

That last bit Sanji thought the most likely, as it was something he himself might do if he were being particularly vindictive…. And feeling like he won the upper hand, he turned to glare at his rival; impatient and wanting an explanation.

To his mild surprise and confusion, the Moss Head just clicked his tongue in irritation and looked away- huffing as he formulated his response.

”You looked like you needed the extra sleep…” Zoro finally admitted gruffly, “-you were tossing and turning all night- kept waking me up too with all your noise… a total pain in the ass…” 

That was more truth (and unexpected kindness) then Sanji was prepared to deal with in that moment, and (deciding to ignore it) he continued blustering about; picking up items of clothes in preparation for a quick shower.

“Well, sorry to disturb your much needed beauty rest… ” snarked the cook, turning to hide the strange flush he felt at the subdued act of compassion. “Just, next time… give me some space to get ready before we go.”

“Whatever,” groused the mosshead, grabbing his towel and toothbrush (both of which had been dropped after his unexpected collision); “I thought you were coming down with something… You smell kinda off…”

They were now actually talking: the heat from their petty fight ebbing as they actually listened and gave each other the time of day.

“How I smell is none of your business, Marimo-” snipped the blonde, though there was no bite to his words, “and I’d hardly trust your opinion on the matter anyway- stinking the way you always do…”

They had finally re-entered the familiar territory of casual banter; earlier aggression cooled to friendlier terms. “But c’mon you lug… lets see if we can fix that. I take it you still need to get ready too?” 

Zoro just scowled in agreement, “Nami said it’d be rude to wear the clothes Mercedes gave us if I haven't showered yet…”

“She’s as smart as she is beautiful,” hummed the cook, nodding sagely in agreement. “Well, come on then… let's move this along. I refuse to be the reason for us being late…”

The two men then gathered up their necessities, now fully in their routine of grousing camaraderie, and made for the door- ready to speed through a quick morning routine and (hopefully) make it time for breakfast. 

Just before they left the privacy of their room however, Sanji leaned forward and gently cuffed the swordsman on the shoulder: pulling his attention to offer one final thought. 

“For the record, Marimo- I do feel fine; just, a little tired from a rough night's sleep.”

Then, feeling some strange pull of gratitude, he looked up to meet the eye of the cyclops, who was watching with some vague expression of surprise: “-I guess though: I uh, appreciate you looking out… just don't be so weird about it next time…” 

That earned a snort out of Zoro, and he quickly rolled his eye and looked away.

“Sure thing Curly… whatever you say.”

That seemed to be the end of it, and soon, the duo were off: rushing through quick showers to get dressed and ready as quickly as possible.

To their credit, it took them less than twenty minutes and soon, they were prepared to join the rest of the crew- all of whom were out sitting in the magnificent garden area: enjoying a delightful spread of pastries and coffee while they chatted with their hostess.

Mercedes was as pleasant as ever, and only smiled bemusedly when she spotted the last two Strawhats walk up; waving them over with a gracious “Good morning!”

Upon approaching, they were regaled with the plan for the day: starting with them catching the 9:15 trolley into Westfold.

“Of course, it leaves every fifteen minutes,” assured the older woman, soothing Sanji as he anxiously apologized for their tardiness. “So please, don't fret! And no matter, It's only a half-hour ride to the main plaza stop; the trolley cuts clean across the island- so it’s not difficult to get there, and we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the city. Also, if you are amenable to it: while there, I’d like to meet up with my husband for lunch. He’s been so busy getting ready for the Grand Vendue , but he called and wanted to offer you a tour of our warehouse- assuming you are interested of course.” 

Hearing that, the Strawhats cheered- looking forward to seeing the old merchant again, and wanting to show appreciation for their hosts' continued generosity.

It was not long after that they were on their way (but not before Luffy had lined his pockets with all the leftover pastries from breakfast). 

With Mercedes at the lead, they soon took the short walk to the neat little trolley station: the depot itself situated right in the town center- just on the other side of the great tree that marked the center of the plaza. 

The walk over was pleasant and unremarkable- with each of the crew chit-chatting amicably amongst themselves: all positing things they might find while exploring this strange new city. It was just as they entered the platform to the station, that some strange awareness tickled the back of Sanji's mind, and looking up from his conversation with Usopp, he was surprised to see a familiar figure watching him from under the great tree.

It was the boy from the pharmacy.

Indeed, the same kid who had angrily told him to leave the island was now watching him from afar; a look of strange upset clear on his face.

For a second, the cook was unsettled; his memory of the poor interaction putting a bad taste in his mouth once again. Immediately, Usopp noticed the pause in conversation and turned to follow his line of sight- easily spotting the source of his friends' disquiet.

“Who’s that Sanji?” he asked as the cook continued to stare.

His question seemed to knock the blonde out of his reverie, and with a jolt- he turned back to the sniper, shaking his head in mild confusion.

“I don't know-” he responded, “just some kid I ran into the other day… he was working at the pharmacy in town. Was pretty rude though… acted like an asshole. I don't know why he’s watching us now.”

“Or was watching,” Usopp amended as he saw the kid turn away and walk back to the outer shops- “guess he’s moved past it… but still…. weird….”

Sanji looked back to confirm the sharp-shooters assessment, and caught the young boy disappearing into (what he presumed was) the pharmacy entrance. Even so, the strange feeling of being watched was still on him- and with a quick look around, he could see that there was someone else in the plaza: a man- unmoving amidst the general bustle of the lower market; apparently standing still and watching the crew with great interest.

Indeed, as soon as Sanji spotted him, the stranger and he made eye contact, and immediately, a cold chill of unease crawled up the cook's spine. 

Whoever the stranger was- he did not feel very friendly…

It was hard to make out too many details from where he stood, but the cook could see that their observer was a man. His form was draped in a boxy coat, stocky yet strong, and even though his clothes were swarthy and unremarkable, he wore a wolfish grin that stood out sharp and clear, even from a great distance away.

Furrowing his brow, the chef gave his head a quick shake, then looked around to see if any of his crewmates had noticed the stranger.

No one gave any indication they had, and turning back- Sanji saw that the man had disappeared back into the moving crowd. 

How odd…

Deciding to think nothing of it, the chef returned to his conversation with Usopp: pushing both the boy and the stranger to the corner of his mind. Afterall, if none of the crew had picked up on the odd exchange, why should he concern himself?

Not long after that, the trolley arrived in the station: a neat little thing with several cars that was well maintained and shone a polished green. All too soon, the entire group had boarded, and then: they were on their way. 

The trip to Westfold was nothing but pleasant- the boxes of the little tram well ordered, breezy and comfortable. Together, the Strawhats and their hostess took over one of the cars: arranging themselves to fit so that they might continue their conversations- while Chopper (who was too short to properly scramble into one of the bench seats) raised his arms to be picked up and situated on a chair.

Sanji wasted no time and scooped the little doctor up, quickly setting him on his lap as the trolly began to move out of the depot.

The reindeer was only too happy to be attended, and turning, he moved to thank the chef with a wide and grateful smile. 

It was just as the doctor wheeled around however, that a look of pleasant surprise crossed his face, and unexpectedly, he pushed forward: pressing his nose into Sanji’s space to take several curious sniffs right at the blonde's collar.

“Wow Sanji!” he exclaimed as he pulled away, looking up to meet the cooks eyes: “you smell really, really good right now… did you do something different?”

Chuckling, the blonde only ran a hand through his hair- tousling it as winked at the doctor with some faux level of suavity- “Why thank you for noticing Chopper; I just took advantage of our hosts amenities… some of the soaps and lotions in the bathroom were really nice.”

That answer seemed to satisfy the reindeer, but from a row over, Sanji could see Zoro look over from his own conversation with Franky, and briefly, their eyes met.

Immediately, the chef's mind flew back to the swordsman's words from earlier that morning: something about how he smelled “off” ? The thought of that exchange provoked a sudden spike of concern, and subtly, the blonde tilted his head down to sniff at his own collar- wanting to see if Zoro or Choppers words had any merit.

To his private relief, the only thing he could smell was the light cologne he’d spritzed on his neck, and disregarding the swordsman's nosey comment, he decided not to worry about it. 

Afterall (mild paranoia regarding his omega status aside), he did indeed feel fine… plus, he had already taken his suppressants- glad that he’d had the opportunity to buy them in the first place. Thanks to the meds, he knew he could continue to pass as a beta; the pills effectively eliminating his own scent while halting and subduing any omega instincts or qualities he possessed. 

True enough, he’d been on suppressants for so long, that he hardly had any idea what his own senses would be like without them… and the closest he had gotten (as an adult) to experiencing life unaffected was his recent time in the Kamabaka Queendom.

Iva had condemned his constant use of the meds, and had encouraged him to experience life as his “authentic self”. That had been tempting, and while he had minimized his dosage for the duration of his stay (thanks to the help of Iva and the queens), his own fears and insecurities kept him from abandoning them completely.

Still, his time on Momoiro had been growing and challenging in more ways than expected, and by the end of his two years: he’d finally come around to the idea of being honest with the crew about the truth of his own designation. 

Still, being outed against his will had never crossed his mind, and while he was now resolved to tell his friends, he was not ready to abandon the illusion of being a beta quite yet. He still relied on the suppressants, and was unused to even his own omega senses; that part of himself nearly foreign for how long he had hidden it.

Ultimately, thanks to the meds he had just recently purchased, he knew he should be fine; Zoro was probably just being weird, and Chopper was likely just smelling his cologne… He had no reason to think anything was amiss regarding his own scent, and was likely just paranoid thanks to his updated bounty.

Putting any notion of concern to a far corner of his mind, the cook committed to relaxing and was determined to enjoy his day: certain that it would be one of the last times he’d spend with the crew free from the shadow of his own truth.

He’d tell the crew about his poster soon enough… but till then- all he could do was hope to relax.

The rest of the journey was uneventful, with the little trolley speeding through the jungle at a merry clip, and It was not long before the sights and sounds of a larger city began to peek through the vibrant foliage: teasing what was sure to be a magnificent sight.

All too soon, they arrived, with the tram slowing down and pulling into a large and well-designed station. The place itself was obviously much grander than the one in Southtown, and as soon as the Strawhats disembarked and exited to the street, they found themselves looking around in complete awe.

Westfold was incredible. 

There was simply no other word for it.

Everywhere, there were signs of opulent wealth- evident in the make, style and quality of the elegant buildings around them. Further, wherever they looked, they could see people dressed in fine garments and tasteful fashions- with styles that were as envious as they were avant-garde. 

A festive energy seemed to thrum in the city streets, and it was clear that there was extra polish on the storefronts- inviting guests to come and peek inside. Indeed, everywhere they looked, there were rich draperies, garlands and signage, all bearing messages of welcome and stating the title event of The Grand Vendue soon approaching.

It was thrilling, and as they continued up the street- gawking and amazed at the beauty around them, they soon turned a corner which opened up to a magnificent and splendidly decorated market plaza. Wherever they looked, grand sights and smells awaited them- a city center bustling with vibrant life, exquisite food, tantalizing fashion, towering tables of spices and luxurious alcoves of specialty goods. 

It was a shoppers paradise; that was certainly true, and with every further step, they spotted something new and magnificent to tempt their eye.

The rest of the morning till afternoon was proven to be a fantastic time, and the Strawhats were quick to take up Mercedes' offer to treat them for the day. 

Regardless of where they went, there was something of interest, and it was not long before Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, Brook and Franky were laden with a plethora of shopping bags- consigned to service by the ladies of the crew.

Luffy and Chopper of course, seemed to evade the labor, and the duo were running around from stand to stand- eagerly calling back to their friends whenever they spotted something worthy of their attention.

It did not take long for every Strawhat to find something specific to their interest and pursuits, and eventually- a sort of game was formed: with members of the crew looking more for the benefit of each other rather than for themselves. 

Franky was quick to spot a specialty store that focused on entomological displays and specimens- and from there Luffy was thrilled to find not one, but two extremely rare Atlas Beetle carapaces. 

Usopp for his part, was an eagle-eye when it came to spotting various book shops and stationary stores, and (thanks to his constant vigilance), Robin and Nami were able to locate high quality reams of paper for both mapmaking and journaling.

Chopper pointed out an ancient music store where Brook was able to fawn and peruse: the skeleton finding a selection of strings for his beloved guitar, as well as a fresh block of rosin to tend his bow.  

Even Zoro kept a sharp eye, and soon- he directed Sanji’s attention to a specialty cobbler, where the chef was able to select a tasteful pair of slightly-heeled shoes: the set equipped with a practical (and deadly) steel toe.

All in all- their shopping day was an utter delight, and as the afternoon ticked on, they were pleased to remember their meeting with Benz. 

True to her word, Mercedes ushered them further across town to an area that was clearly dedicated to fine fashion and high-end design, and (with a show of obvious pride) she led them through to one of the finest shops on the block.

Inside, they were quick to spot Benz- the older man looking slightly eclectic and out of place in his own pristine store. He wasted no time in rushing over to embrace his wife, then turned to greet the Strawhats once more.

”It’s good to see you, friends!” he cheered, “I hope you’re enjoying your stay in my home… If I’m lucky, I’ll be sailing down the coast tomorrow to finally join you- assuming all goes well in preparation for the weekend of course… Alls that to say: I don't know how long you plan to stay on Korekuta, but it would be good to be present at least one night that you’re in town.”

”That’d be great,” agreed Luffy as he looked around the store, “we probably won't stay too long after Franky fixes the ship, but we’d like to see you one more time if we’re able!” 

“Certainly!” Agreed the merchant, pleased as punch, “In the meantime- let's share a meal: Allow me to take you to lunch at one of my favorite spots in town.”

No more invitation was needed as the group moved off together: pleasantly conversing as they walked a block up the street and into an airy sushi restaurant- the space artful and lofty with plenty of lush green plants hanging from the ceiling.

Several rounds of many dishes were ordered, and it was not long before a bountiful feast was spread across the table: encouraging the sharing of food and word alike.

Benz was once again proving to be a magnificent orator, and as everyone ate, he shared some of his work in preparation for The Grand Vendue.

“We’re sourcing some premium laces and silks for a very high end client: Master Geom himself! Of course, he is the one who owns the finest auction house on the island, and (like previously mentioned) it is the most exclusive… While I don't know what the materials are for- I’m certain it has to do with the event this weekend- which is quite a wonderful thing… we want business to boom after all!!!”

He laughed and his guests laughed with him- glad for his success and happier to be recipients of it.

Still, as the conversation moved on, one person at the table was beginning to feel distinctly off- barely enough for any strange thing to be noticeable- but shifting all the same.

Indeed, since they entered the restaurant and sat down, a strange cloudiness had begun to fall over the blonde cook of the Strawhat pirates, and admittedly- even Sanji himself had a hard time discerning what it was…

He felt… warm? Happy and affectionate- and was relishing the feeling of being surrounded by his crew (probably more than he might typically admit). Even beyond that, he felt almost vaguely buzzed, like he had the slightest hint of alcohol in his system, making him loose, relaxed and chatty. Overall, he was in high spirits, and the fond feeling of warmth only seemed to grow.

The rest of the crew were in a grand mood themselves, so the chef merely wrote off the high feeling in his chest as gratitude and abject happiness: a tangible relief that he was once again enjoying a life of adventure and discovery with all of his friends.

It wasn't until they had finished their lunch and were discussing options for the rest of their day that anything strange came from his private, happy basking; for it was soon decided that many in the group were keen on the idea of splitting off- eager to continue shopping or find someplace specific for their own pursuits. 

Even Mercedes supported the idea, insisting everyone should enjoy the various sights and sounds that Westfold had to offer, determined that they enjoy the local fare: “Just be sensible about it!” she added as an afterthought, then (turning to wink at the easily love-struck cook) she hummed out a coy warning of “and be sure to keep an eye out for each other- especially with your sweet little cook; wouldn't want him to get snatched up.” 

The suggestion felt light and flirtatious, with a playful tease that received a bellowing laugh from her husband- the old man seeing no harm in his wifes coquettishness.

Sanji merely blushed and fawned, admittedly enjoying the attention. Past that, he was also excited to do some solo wandering as well, and was considering all of the shops he'd like to explore when suddenly, Luffy's voice cut through his vague internal planning.

“That's great!” The captain agreed as Brook and Nami formulated the next half of their day- “Yeah- everyone should have fun; but ‘Sadies is right. I don't want anyone to go off alone. Pick a partner… just to be safe.”

That assertion of caution was undoubtedly strange coming from their usually carefree and adventurous leader, but without missing a beat, the captain turned to fix his eyes straight on the chef- dealing yet another odd command: “Sanji, you go with Usopp- you guys will have fun together.”

The suggestion felt out of pocket, but the blonde couldn't find it in himself to be too surprised: he was after all- completely used to oddship from Luffy, so his demand hardly seemed that out of character…

Indeed, it was only what happened after they left the restaurant that caused all members of the crew to pause in general surprise: for as soon as they exited- ready to split off and meander the rest of the city- Luffy approached each member of the crew in turn and took an obvious moment to deliberately scent each one.

This was strange; for while it was known that Luffy was the pack Alpha, he rarely (if ever) made such a gratuitous show of protectiveness- usually choosing to only casually scent his pack when the moment struck him- typically with a hug and a brief rub of his cheek.

This time however- he could not have been more direct, and (ushering his crew into a secluded alley on the side of the restaurant) he marked each of them in turn- pressing first with his jaw then pulling down to rub his cheek against theirs: starting with Zoro, and ending with a mildly surprised Sanji.

Whatever his reason for it, the cook was shocked to find a warm flower of elation bloom in his chest as soon as the Alpha neared- and with some distant puzzlement, he realized he was excited and glad for the overt show of protective belonging. A rushing satisfaction pulled in his chest, and for the first time- he was directly and clearly attuned to his captain's scent.

Most days, (thanks to the blondes suppressants and muted senses) Luffy smelled like a bright combination of salt, food, warmth and sea… but this time- there was something distinct… something sharper, heavier, and overall more dramatic then what he was typically prepared for.

The Rubber man smelled like a storm: electric, heady and dangerous all in one. A powerful undercurrent of ozone pulsed around him, promising might beneath the top layer of dazzling sun. It was an incredible scent, and blinking in shock, the omega looked down to stare at his young captain- unsure of what he was experiencing.

Luffy just pulled back with a smile, grinning up at his chef while offering only one explanation: “This is just in case.”

Then, stepping back, Luffy turned and addressed the rest of his crew, stating: “Don't be late for dinner tonight- Benz says the place he wants to show us is really good!” 

Without waiting for a response, he grabbed Franky's arm and pulled him up the street- evidently selecting the cyborg as his buddy for the remainder of the afternoon.

For a moment, the rest of the crew watched them go- still minutely surprised by the captain's blatant territorialism. 

Nami was the first to shake out of it- muttering under her breath about the weirdness of alphas before turning to Robin to suggest they should head off together. The archaeologist was only too happy to oblige, but as she turned to follow her younger friend, made quick eye contact with the (still-happy and surprised) chef. 

“Look out for yourself dear cook-” she whispered under her breath as she walked to join the red-head. 

Sanji only nodded in understanding- cognizant that she was encouraging him to be mindful even as they split up. Regardless, the merry buzz was still filling the corners of his mind- now blatantly pleased that he had been so proudly marked by his pack Alpha.

That notion should have alarmed him to some degree… after-all, he was usually fairly distant when it came to anything regarding “pack marking” and often declined his captain's playful motions to scent- but for some strange reason: in that moment, he found he craved and appreciated the familiarity, and secretly: wanted more.

Tucking the strange thought to the corner of his mind, he turned to gather Usopp- intending to follow through on Luffy's direction to pair up with the sniper. With a winning smile (and the still-warm bloom of pleased appreciation filling his chest) he grabbed the sharpshooter's elbow and together the two set off back to the main plaza- completely missing the look of perplexed disbelief coming from the resident swordsman.

Zoro was admittedly baffled- confused at what had just occurred and trying to figure out what the hell was going on… even as he was left standing in front of the restaurant with Chopper, Brook, and the Strawhats many (many) shopping bags.

Gritting his teeth, the cyclops frowned in disbelief and mild irritation, already in a strange mood from the start of his day.

Of course- it had all started with the damn cook; the asshole waking him up in the middle of the night with all his tossing and turning…

Admittedly, that usually wasn’t enough to bother the swordsman- after all, they all had their fair share of rough nights; and Zoro wasn't so obtuse as to be upset about something as mild and understandable as that. No- he had no issue with the blond disrupting his sleep… 

What he was concerned by however, was the strange change that had occurred in the cooks scent; a shift that occurred sometime in the early hours of dawn.

It was hardly noticeable- and he likely wouldn't even have caught it had he not been sharing close quarters with the waiter… Even beyond that- the subtle shift was barely noticeable- so much so, that Zoro had been sure he’d been wrong: certain that it was another aroma being blown in their window on the cool night air…

Then, daylight had come proper- and the scent never left… In fact, it had become more noticeable- though still vague and only on the periphery of his senses.

Still, it was there , and the longer the swordsman had laid in his bed, conscious of the gradual crawl of morning, the more he became certain of it: the smell was definitely coming from curly.

Zoro was unsure of what he was smelling in the first place, for the chef's typical fragrance was nothing but reliable: cigarettes, soap, a mild cologne, and the vague tint of whatever food he’d been preparing were the most common notes one could detect off the blonde- with little in ways of specific overtures. 

All in all, the cooks personal aroma was resolutely that of a betas- possessing just enough personality to grant character, but holding none of the depth or pull that came with being an alpha or omega. 

Past that, the swordsman was familiar enough with the crew that he knew what to expect from their individual smells, and could usually tell when someone was sick or under the weather… 

This new tang that was tinting the chefs own redolence was nothing like that, and completely out of the ordinary.

He smelled… good. Really really good, if he was honest… 

Whatever the aroma was, it was not so strong to say anything specific, but there was a strange undercurrent of familiarity… an unknown truth threaded in the scent. Zoro was unsure of what it was, but admittedly found himself rather taken with the vague perfume- and committed to ask the cook about it upon waking.

Of course, that plan had been derailed almost immediately, thanks to their morning clash: Sanji had brushed off any concern, and after (once showered and readied for the day), the smell had dissipated completely- washed off thanks to the cooks impeccable hygiene.

At that point, Zoro had resolved to let the matter go- certain it was just some strange fluke; but then, on the train, Chopper had brought it up to the cook directly: claiming that he also smelled something different about the blonde- and while the little reindeer was content to accept the cooks reasoning (something about fancy soaps and lotions), the swordsman was not so sure.

He’d decided to keep a distant eye on his rival- just to be safe of course… 

Afterall, it was his duty as first mate to look out for the wellbeing of the crew- and the annoying waiter fell under that umbrella (whether he liked it or not). His concern had nothing to do with the blonde beyond ascertaining his general welfare, thank you very much .

At least- that's what he told himself.

In truth, Zoro was more invested than he’d like to admit. 

The change in the cooks scent aside, the swordsman would be a liar if he said he wasn't concerned or even curious about what was happening with the blonde; and as much as it pained him to admit- he did care…

Deeply.

Sanji, for all his (many) flaws was (unfortunately) the closest thing Zoro ever had to a best friend in his adult life. Granted, Luffy also fell into that category, but the rubber man was also his captain- which registered in him a conscientious note of deference. 

The other members of the crew were his family. That was a firm unchangeable fact, and he loved each of them dearly, even if he wasn't always sure how to express it. Certainly, he had to admit a particular fondness for Nami, Usopp and Chopper… but the cook? 

The cook was his rival : his equal, his opposite, his favorite person to harass and hear out- largely for the sheer dissonance in their own style of reasoning. 

The idiot waiter was stupid, and an insufferable flirt; he was also overly emotional and utterly impractical… dancing around with his prissy attitude and rigorous standards of cleanliness… it was exhausting…

But… at the same time: the blonde was the only one (aside from Luffy) whom the swordsman trusted to his very core. He was an asshole, but he was honest, generous, admittedly funny, and probably had the kindest heart out of anyone Zoro ever met. 

He was genuine, thoughtful, attentive, and deadly strong: powerful enough to keep the swordsman on his toes in their regular sparring sessions- inciting an authentic thrill and effort when pressed for the victory. 

They fit each other. They matched in an oppositional way- softened and melded together by friendship, experience, and a mutual support of Luffy and love for the crew.

Beyond that, their relationship was as charged as it was a relief: full of provoking challenges that were not (solely) arbitrary, but were more grounded in collaborative refinement (and mutual enjoyment). 

They brought out the best in each other, they brought out the worst; they pushed every button and soothed every feather. They knew how to speak each other's language and how to willfully defy it; they were strong individually but unstoppable as a pair, and as long as they sailed together, they would only continue to grow and fill each other's blindspots.

The whole relational mess was kind of magnificent that way, and with some vague despondence, the swordsman had to recognize the significance he placed on the cook.

He cared for him- far more than he cared to admit.

Indeed, he might even say he loved him… if the asshole cook would allow it…

Shaking off the thought, the first mate returned to the moment- watching said blond traipse off with their sniper; the duo looking happy and eager as they wandered to another shop- gently lit in the dappled sunlight of the plaza.

He had already been mulling over the oddities of the cooks scent for the majority of the day: compelled to watchful suspicion in light of Chopper’s comment on the tram- but now? After Luffy's direct and absolute display of protective territorialism: he had no idea what to think...

As a general fact, alphas could read each other like billboards- direct and clear messages were woven into deliberate scents and postures: terms and intentions made clear even from great distances away. 

Any alpha worth their pack could spell out information with naught but pheromones: indicating such clear emotions as “welcome”, “mine”, “stay away”, “be alert”, “approach”, ”danger”, “hurt”, “sorrow” and “rage”. The more nuanced a scent, the more information could be found inside it- and when Luffy moved to Scent Sanji, Zoro was overwhelmed by an aggressive and overwhelming message that was as clear as it was threatening:

“ WARNING. DO NOT TOUCH. MINE” .

The command was absolute and potent, and even Chopper moved to stare; the little deer being one of the few on the crew who could accurately read scents. 

The others were beta: they literally did not have the facilities to understand the language of smell, but the doctor was still an animal, and together, he and Zoro watched with wide eyes as their pack alpha blanketed their cook in his own powerful redolence- completely overwhelming the cooks personal fragrance.

No one else had received that treatment, and though Luffy had indeed scented everyone, their general message only read an empowering: “Back off, you’ve been warned”.

That type of messaging was normal for a head to grant- expected even… but this “Warning, do not touch- Mine” business? That was usually only reserved for two types within the alphas pack: their mate, and the most vulnerable.

Something about that thought caused Zoro to pause and swallow; surprised to find himself angry and confused at the idea… 

Because, well: Luffy and Sanji were not mates… He was certain of it… 

At least, he hoped they weren't… and unless something drastic had happened in their relationship that he had somehow completely missed- he was sure there was nothing like that between them.

But no- he would know. Luffy and Sanji were definitely not mates….

So that meant, the next answer had to be the correct one: For some reason, Luffy saw the cook as vulnerable… but that also made no sense- because the cook was one of the strongest fighters on the crew… 

Since when did the captain see him as weak? Why was Curly the only one who received this scent from Luffy? Did it have anything to do with his strange smell from that morning??? 

Zoro was unsure and was starting to get annoyed because of it. 

He wanted answers and felt like he was being intentionally kept in the dark… It wasn't a nice sensation, and swallowing down his irritation, the swordsman moved to pick up the abandoned shopping bags- ushering Brook and Chopper to do the same.

In no time, the trio had gathered their spoils and resolved to find a bench in the shade: eager to rest off their meal before beginning their second leg of exploration. 

Zoro claimed he wanted to nap, but was really just hoping for some solitude to piece together his thoughts on the day as a whole. 

He was confused and admittedly stumped as to what was going on- wanting answers but also not wanting to let himself be consumed by the thought-  frustrated that the stupid cook could so easily take over his mind. Pushing his discontent to the side, he began looking for a place to sit and think.

It did not take long for the trio to find a decent alcove off the beaten path; the perfect stop appearing as a bench-lined gazebo, situated deep in luscious tropical foliage. Chopper and Brook were helpful in their own way- their antics lightening his mood while forcing him to be watchful (a keen note of parental responsibility always attuned to the little doctor); and together, the three remaining Strawhats set down their burdens and enjoyed each others company- content to be still in the midst of the busy city.

It wasn't too long however, until both Brook and Chopper became restless- soon eager to return to discovery, while Zoro was content to stay and nap.

A solution was easily found- with the doctor and musician pairing up and the swordsman opting to remain behind and watch their goods. He’d get his solitude while the others could go and play (provided he did not move from his spot until someone came to collect him); and with that agreement, the last duo took off- pleased to continue their exploration of Westfold while the swordsman watched them go.

The quiet was nice, and soon the cyclops found himself falling into a meditative silence- though his ears and nose were still sharply attuned to the world around him. 

He could smell the vibrant wonders of Westfold as clearly as he could see them- woven into a tapestry of luxurious story and action: food, perfumes, spices, people- alphas and betas alike… all threaded together to share a rich and fluctuating narrative of everyday life. 

Once in a while, he would catch the distant scent of Luffy and the others dancing on the gentle breeze- their far off trail reassuring and informative all at once; and soon- lulled by peaceful quiet (and a full and happy belly) he disengaged from concern: trusting that he would receive answers soon enough.

It was with that last certain thought, that he allowed himself rest, and finally, soothed by his own conviction- he let himself slip into a light and contemplative sleep.

Chapter Text

Zoro awoke to the distinct sensation of someone jabbing a finger into the meat of his face- just under his scarred eye…

Snapping awake (incredulous as to who would dare and wondering who could possibly approach him without alerting his observation haki) his vision quickly landed on the smiling face of an obviously entertained cook; the blonde looming close even as he urged the swordsman awake.

“C’mon marimo!” laughed his assailant, not making any move to get away even as he continued to harass, “It’s dinner time you lout… You slept away the whole afternoon!”

With a frown, the swordsman moved to lurch upright- the action in clear mimicry of their earlier collision from that morning. This time however, there was no contact as Sanji pulled back just in the nick of time: sticking out his tongue in a childish tease.

”Try harder, moss-” he hummed loftily, clearly pleased with his own reflexes; “too slow… and anyway: you need to stop laying around… It’s time to meet for dinner- so hurry up before I lose my generous goodwill and leave you here to fend for yourself.”

That threat did cause Zoro to pause- for admittedly, he had no idea where they were supposed to meet in the first place… 

He’d originally planned on following his nose, and had hoped to sniff out the rest of the crew that way (a task that would be easier than normal since everyone currently smelled so much of Luffy)... but, following the cook would certainly be faster.

Still- not one to be outdone in pettiness by his rival, the cyclops moved to stretch and opened his jaw in a wide yawn- making sure to breathe a generous waft of his ginger-breath-from-lunch directly into the face of the expectant and smug blonde.

His boarish display was rewarded with an intolerant wack to the side of his head, followed by a string of curses detailing his abhorrent lack of manners. 

Zoro merely opened his good eye to glare at the cook- petulant as he rubbed the site of impact: ”Who says I need your help?” He challenged as he finally stood up, “I can get there just fine on my own, damn love-cook … but since you’re here, you might as well be useful… help me with the bags.” 

His request was certainly fair, as he was still surrounded by the vast sea of goods the rest of the crew had dumped on him- and craning his head to look around the chef, the swordsman could see Usopp: already picking his way through the many waiting parcels.

Together, the three of them made short work in gathering up the mess, and soon- the trio were off: abandoning the secluded alcove to find the rest of the crew.

Usopp and Sanji had apparently enjoyed a fantastic afternoon together, and the sniper was quick to regale the swordsman with their ventures- detailing their successes in both shopping and exploration as he cheerfully carried on about some rare variety of plant seeds he’d purchased (useful for medicine, cooking, and his various bomb exploits).

Beyond that, the cook also seemed to be in a brilliant mood, and was happy to contribute to the narrative whenever his expertise was called on: waxing poetic about the vast library of spices, honeys, and local fruits and veg they had found.

The two had apparently gone cheese sampling for a portion of their time, and were mutually conferring about their favorites when Zoro caught it again: the strange scent from that morning.

It was barely there- almost undetectable under the great cloud of “Luffy” that had been so generously set on the cook, but Zoro was sure he could catch it.

A faint, pleasing timbre- distant yet somehow distinct under the captain's Alpha mark: reminding him of some spiced tea with a gentle suggestion of vanilla and tobacco.

Whatever the smell was, now that Zoro had caught it, he found himself drawn to it once again, and without meaning to, he quickened his pace to move closer to the still-talking chef, tilting his head to follow the scent to its source.

He was closing in, and was half a step from being fully in the blondes space, when abruptly- the source of his pursuit stopped short- forcing the swordsman to do the same lest he crash into his quarry.

“Don’t be so eager Marimo,” Sanji chided when he saw how close his rival was, “-if you move ahead of us, you’ll get lost- and anyway: we're nearly there… You’ll get your meal soon enough.”

Zoro pulled back- suddenly aware of how near he’d been pressing, and (rolling his eye) he quickly looked away, hoping to show aloof disinterest in spite of his secret curiosity.

From a step ahead, Usopp raised his eyebrow, unsure of what he was missing, but certain something was going on…

The sharpshooter possessed an eye that was as keen as it was astute- and that was not just regarding targets on the battlefield. Indeed, he was well aware of his friend's strange orbiting of one another, and while he was used to it- something seemed to have changed. 

Indeed, ever since their reunion at Sabaody, he had noticed a distinct evolution in the cook and first mates dealings. Sure enough: their interactions were as charged as ever, but now: they held a distinct flavor of playful teasing and mutual respect… a far cry from the vitriolic challenge that first plagued their relationship.

The two laughed more around each other- prodded each other more too… and both routinely conferred with each other on strategies and ways to support Luffy. Their sparring had turned into something more routine and structured rather than the random fights or tests of strength they used to initiate, and even beyond that, they seemed to seek each other out far more than ever before; just to enjoy and share the company… 

It was true that many of those changes had occurred a while ago (specifically after returning from Skypiea, then far more intentionally after Thriller Bark) but it was still good to see that the growth they’d both invested in before their two year absence still yielded great results.

More than that, their evolved friendship was a huge relief…

Usopp loved his friends dearly, and was not afraid to speak his mind or interject his own opinion when necessary (in fact, he and Nami were only too happy to do so- when invited or otherwise)... But, it was tiring when Zoro and Sanji were constantly at each other's throats… and he had long been getting weary of telling them off. 

Even ignoring them was difficult when they were at their worst… but now… 

Well- whatever flirting they were doing: it was great for him and his personal peace of mind.

Beyond that- their adjusted behavior had greatly improved crew morale, and everyone onboard felt some level of appreciation for their developing companionship (disregarding the fact that it was now the subject of the next betting pool completely).

Jokes aside, the sniper was in great favor of his two friends becoming closer- and if their fledgling flirtations evolved into anything further… Well, he certainly wouldn't be surprised. To that end, Usopp had to admit: even from his view on the sidelines, the cook and the swordsman worked together, and made a lot of sense in a way they were too stubborn to see. 

They were outwardly opposites, but shared much of the same conviction and drive. 

More: they had the same substance and strength of character. They were both passionate, strong willed and dedicated to ambition- protecting each other’s while striving for their own. They knew how to listen and lead, when to wait or act, and how to provide care and comfort; indeed, they fit each other's negative spaces with some certain ease, mirroring each other like opposite sides of the same coin. 

They trusted each other, relied on each other, talked shit on each other and defended each other: their mutual strength forming a wall behind Luffy and in front of their friends.

Essentially, they were some of the strongest, bravest and stupidest people Usopp had ever had the pleasure of calling family.

Still: he was rooting for them… and really hoped they could figure their shit out sooner than later; especially since Luffy decided to stir the pot…

With a quick shake of his head, Usopp's mind traveled back to earlier that afternoon- wondering what was going through his captain's head when he decided to scent everyone. 

At first, he hadn't thought much of it: afterall, the rubber man did what he wanted (reason be damned). Anyway the sniper himself didn't mind getting scented by the alphas… it was a nice reminder that he belonged- that he was wanted, protected and loved… All that to say: he hadn't considered it odd till Luffy reached the end of the line, then proceeded to absolutely saturate the strawhats cook with an overpowering brand of sensory caution.

Admittedly, that was strange… not just because the cook had been singled out, but for the sheer volume of alpha scent Luffy had applied.

Of course, Usopp had caught it, and while he was a beta, his nose was still good for more than just looks. Maybe it was because his mother was an omega, but he’d always had a sharp sense of smell; and while he couldn't decipher the nuance of pheromones laid out by those with secondary genders, he could get the gist well enough. 

In that instance, there was no doubt: the captain had saturated the blonde with an overwhelming blanket of protective warning.

The sniper had stolen a look at Zoro and Chopper, wondering what their reactions might be; curious if he’d missed something or if his nose was wrong. To his surprise, Chopper looked as confused as he was, and Zoro just looked shocked: a strange mixture of hurt and bewilderment flashing quickly across his face.

The strangest thing however, was how unbothered Sanji seemed to be about the whole thing. 

Typically, the cook hardly seemed to tolerate being so directly scented- usually only accepting the gesture when it was snuck in with a wrassle (regardless of the alpha). At that moment, his strange acceptance (that was already out of character) was made stranger by the bashfully excited look that swept across his face once Luffy drew close: obviously happy about being granted the attention.

Even after the captain had pulled away, the cook continued to look pleased and almost dreamy; only snapping out of it when the rubber man finally took off with Franky in tow…

Admittedly: that had been weird… or at least, strange enough to grab Usopp's attention. 

Indeed, he’d resolved to ask the blonde about it himself- wanting to sate his own curiosity and dually check in on his friend. The opportunity had come quickly enough, as he and the cook paired off to explore the rest of Westfold together, and while they had a fantastic time, the cook had given him very little in terms of answers…

For one thing: he did not seem to recognize the strangeness in his own behavior, and had only seemed interested in the subject of Luffy's scent mark- seemingly unaware of the fact that he’d received something different from the rest of the crew.

“But wait,” the chef interjected when the topic finally came up, “are you saying that Luffy always smells that intense??? Or was that a one time thing… Either way, how come I haven’t realized it before? Is that an alpha thing?? Does Zoro have a secret smell???” 

His last question had a certain level of excitement to it that Usopp made sure to remember- eager to share the juicy details of his reconnaissance with Nami (his perpetual partner in crime and arguably the most sane person on the ship).

Still, Sanji’s response seemed to be genuine: implying that he didn't know why he received a special mark, nor was he even sensitive enough to smell the distinct message difference on his own.

That wasn't completely surprising: afterall, Usopps knew Sanji was a beta, the same as him…  There was no reason for him to understand the nuance of scent, and even if he did, the cook had made it pretty apparent that he thought very little of alphas and their “innate need to stink the place up”. And that was certainly warranted as an opinion; afterall, while most betas could not detect the depth of alpha and omega scents, they could always grasp their base scent and recognize it as distinct.

Alphas always smelled ruddier- closer to nature, or like some raw power; omegas on the other hand, were supposed to smell sweet: lighter, and more fragrant than other subtypes… 

Of course, a lot of that was hearsay, especially since omegas were rare enough that it was hard to validate that claim as a fact…

No matter, Usopp knew it to be true: afterall, his mother was the sweetest smelling person he had ever known- her entire self emanating the gentle aroma of warm sweet bread and cardamom.

It was a good memory, and even now, the smell of fresh bread made him think of his mom.

Putting the fond thought to the side, Usopp returned to the matter at hand- that was: watching his two dumb friends be dumb around each other…

Admittedly, it was fun, even though he hadn’t found any answers. 

He had not figured out what was going on with Sanji, he didn't know why Luffy decided to single out the cook, he couldn’t say why the blonde was so happy with the attention, and had no idea as to why Zoro also seemed out of the loop… 

All in all, his recon had been a bit of a bust.

Still, he’d certainly enjoyed himself, and had relished the one-on-one time with the cook- always glad to spend time with his friend; even beyond that, he’d been able to score some great treasures from the market, and (after a lot of walking) was finally feeling the effort of the day- looking forward to a meal and getting off his feet.

It was right at that moment that they rounded the bend, and entered into a neat little restaurant courtyard that was lush with a variety of plants and flowers. 

At the door stood an expectant host: dressed elegantly in black as she greeted new arrivals and guests. Quick as a whip, Sanji stepped forward to give Benz’s name, and nodding in recognition- she bade them follow her to a back patio: cheerily commenting on how the old merchant was one of their favorite regulars.

It only took a moment for them to step through the restaurant to join the rest of their friends (everyone having arrived just minutes before them), and immediately upon being spotted: they were welcomed with a raucous cheer. The reunion was a jolly thing, for it was not only the Strawhats and the Benz couple, but the friendly ship-hands (Hector, Conick and Morris) had come along as well. 

To ensure everyone’s comfort, Benz had secured the entire rear garden for their private use and enjoyment, and it was not long before great trays of food began coming through- filling the wide table with a bountiful feast.

The Strawhats were only too thrilled, and soon- everyone was eating to their heart's content: calling regularly for more food as Luffy mowed his way through dish after dish- relieved that the kitchen could keep up with their collective appetites. 

Alongside the various plates flowed bountiful drink and rich conversation; the crew quickly talking amongst themselves and their new friends- curious about each other's discoveries in the city and sharing the sights and sounds of the day's experience. 

All in all, it was a fantastic time, made better by the good food and excellent company- their volume and laughter increasing as the drinks continued to pour.

Eventually, everyone was loose and happy- content from the bountiful meal and beginning to settle into a post-dinner haze. Chopper was already asleep on Nami’s lap, and Robin took the liberty to flag down a server: calling for a steaming carafe of post-dinner coffee for the table. The hot drink was welcome as they nibbled on dessert- and soon the collective chatter evened out to something slightly more mellow and serene.

Usopp himself was sated and utterly content; happy to listen to the conversation as he sipped on the last of his drink- feeling only slightly buzzed and in a capital mood.

He was seated by Sanji; the two of them never having separated since walking into the restaurant together (obviously with Zoro close behind). 

Initially, his attention had been everywhere- split on the food, the company and the various stories being told… but as the night progressed, the sniper found himself turning back to focus on the chef; his puzzlement growing more and more as each moment passed.

And for good reason too: for ever since dessert had been served, the blonde had moved his chair so that it was directly next to the snipers. 

That in and of itself was not odd; rather, it was the fact that the chef had decided to take partial residence in the sharpshooters' space: leaning heavily against him and occasionally butting his head against Usopp's broad shoulder.

Now, that was strange… or at least: it was certainly out of character…

Afterall, the cook was notorious for his rules of affection: always insisting on swooning service for the girls, and swarthy challenge for the boys. Indeed, it was rare for him to show such direct softness, and the sniper found himself flattered and curious: wondering exactly how much Sanji had to drink. Still, the blonde seemed cheery and only vaguely drunk- and Usopp was happy to be the lucky recipient of the chef's odd affection.

As if on cue, Sanji laughed at some joke told by Morris from up the table, then proceeded to once again lean heavily on the sharpshooter- rubbing his cheek on his shoulder in some mimicry of a scent.

This time, Usopp did turn to actively watch as the chef moved close- not wanting to pull him off or tease, but curious to his behavior: wondering what had gotten into him. 

It was apparent he was not the only one who noticed the cooks strange cuddliness either…

From opposite sides of the table, Zoro and Robin were watching intently- the first with a look of open confusion and disbelief, the second with serene knowing and vague disquiet. It was the archaeologist's expression that tugged some thread of apprehension in the sniper, for if she was showing concern, then there must be a valid reason for it…

Following her line of sight back to Sanji (who had returned to rubbing his cheek on the sniper's shoulder), the storyteller decided to hazard a risk- and subtly leaned forward to take a quick sniff of the blonde- unsure what was compelling him to do so.

To his mild surprise, he found something new and unfamiliar: a sweet scent that was just barely there- well hidden under the thick layer of Luffy’s mark and the mixed aromas of food and drink. It was too faint for him to wholly understand what it was, but his nose was still sensitive enough for him to be sure: Sanji smelled different… and (if even he, a beta could tell) then it was no wonder that Luffy and Zoro could as well. 

That revelation answered one question and hosted a whole slew of others.

Sanji's scent was changing- Luffy evidently knew and acted to mask it- Zoro seemed to be out of the loop but catching on, and Robin seemed to have more insight hidden in her silent watchfulness… 

It was admittedly strange…

Feeling suddenly alert and cautious, Usopp resolved to ask the others about it later, certain that there was something going on just past his periphery. Still, Sanji himself seemed either uncaring or unaware; he was obviously slightly tipsy and content to cuddle against the sharpshooter, and (not wanting to spook him off) Usopp decided to temporarily shelve the topic in his mind.

He’d get his answers soon enough- but for now, he was happy to let the chef rest on him.

From across the table, Zoro's eye widened further in disbelief- shocked to see the cooks affectionate display and vaguely indignant toward what he was seeing. All evening, he had been harboring mounting suspicions that there was something going on with the blonde- something that even Luffy seemed to know about… 

Why else would the alpha give such an aggressive scent mark?

Even past that, the faint sweet aroma was back; still minimal yet undeniably present. He was certain that (based on the betas expression) Usopp could smell it too- meaning that whatever was going on with the cook was getting stronger and more noticeable.

It was weird and the whole situation was beginning to irritate him, and admittedly- he found that all his attention was focused back on the blonde.

He wanted to know what was going on. He wanted to be sure the cook was alright. He wanted to ask why the dumb bastard was rubbing himself all over the sniper. He wanted to know why that last bit was pissing him off so much.

Before he could think too much on it, he felt someone's eyes land on him and looking up- he met the sharp gaze of Robin. 

It was clear that she could sense his mind, and (judging by her expression) she had some questions and answers of her own; If he could just find a moment to ask her- Zoro hoped he could finally find some clarity.

No matter, Robin and Usopp were not the only ones who had picked up on the cooks display, and even Mercedes was cooing at the clinginess- humming some plaudit on “sweet behaviors and precious affection”. Upon hearing that, Zoro frowned- uncomfortable with how his rival was being perceived…

Usually, he wouldn't care in the least. He might even egg it on and bring his own brand of teasing and petty jokes… But, that was when they were with the crew- secure in the view of their family; at that moment, surrounded by people who they had only recently met, he felt no desire to draw attention. It didn't feel right: and the cook looked too honest, too vulnerable, and so genuinely happy to be at a table surrounded by friends, that any notion of undermining that joy seemed suddenly and utterly distasteful.

Rather, Zoro found a growing impulse to protect.

That wasn't wholly strange… after all, his jokes aside, he would see no harm come to the crew; but this pull to act as a shield even for the cooks emotions was still a relatively new thing, and ushering his own private feelings away, he resolutely decided he must have lost track of how many drinks he had- looking for things to explain his strange sensitivity regarding the chef.

Stiil, regardless of the amount of alcohol he’d consumed, he had to admit that his fixation on the blonde and his oddities was only growing- and resolving himself to act, he decided to corner Robin on their way back to Southtown: hoping to glean some of her evident insight.

His decision proved only slightly fruitful; for it was over an hour later, when the Strawhats were completely filled and tired from the day's adventures that they finally made ready to set back for the trolley- eager to once again enjoy the Benz’s hospitality and get a good night's rest. 

Mercedes had dutifully taken lead of the party, and was at the head of the group with Nami and Brook- chatting idly as they walked the elegant streets back to the station. Mateo himself had already parted ways, and (after kissing his wife) bade the Stawhats a fond farewell- insisting that: should they still be in his home when he arrived, he’d be happy to continue reveling with them.

Luffy had been too happy to agree, and as they left the restaurant, the captain showed his gratitude first with a bow, then with a great rubbery embrace.

“Thanks for everything old man!” he’d laughed once the merchant insisted that he’d handle the (sizable) bill. “You and your lady are really nice, I’m glad we’re friends now!”

His appreciation was only echoed by the crew, and every Strawhat had been sure to mirror their captain's thanks. Now, as they walked back through the darkening streets of Westfold (still alive and thrumming with a vibrant nightlife), they all mutually looked forward to rest- especially under the weight of their (many) shopping bags. 

Zoro himself had drifted to the rear of the group- tailing the crew as he watched from behind- feeling fond and satiated even in spite of his lingering curiosity. From up ahead, Luffy, Sanji and Usopp were tromping ahead together, arms linked as they laughed at some stupid joke the sniper made- all three jovial and clearly drunk.

The swordsman was admittedly entertained and was having fun simply watching, when unexpectedly Robin approached him: beating him to the punch as she easily fell in step at his side.

For a beat there was quiet between them as they continued on the way- both aware of each other yet smiling fondly as they watched their friends shenanigans. 

Finally, after another moment, the archeologist stepped closer- serenely meeting his eye out of the corner of her own and with a low voice, finally made to address him. 

“I couldn’t help but notice that at dinner, you seemed somewhat distracted-” she began (her tone knowing yet betraying little), “Is there something on your mind Zoro?”

The swordsman only sniffed in mild disinterest; rolling his shoulders back before responding with forced loftiness, “Not really,- Just noticed the cook seemed off today... Kinda clingy… or at least, more feelsy than usual… Know anything about it?”

Rather than outright confirm, the archaeologist hummed thoughtfully as she pulled her wrap close around her shoulders, “Ah, so you did see that little display; I wasn't wholly sure.”

Zoro only grit his teeth in vague annoyance- not directed at Robin of course- rather: at the situation at large. 

“He's been off all night, and he’s only getting weirder..” He mulled, the muted note of frustration growing clearer even as the swordsman continued with his observation: “I mean, do you see how he’s behaving right now? S’all touchy-feely…. Hanging onto Usopp at dinner was already weird enough, and now running around all happy-go-lucky: arm in arm with Luffy… It’s just… i don't know… weird . He’s hardly ever like that, and I know he didn't drink that much at dinner… at least, not enough to get him acting like this…” 

The archaeologist smiled at that- already watching the sweet and dopey display of Luffy and Sanji. The duo were strutting side by side, arms hung around each other's shoulders, looking silly and giggly and utterly uninhibited. Usopp was laughing from further up ahead, delighted by his friend's antics even as he struggled with the variety of shopping bags attached to his person.

The cyclops could only raise his eyebrow as he gestured ahead- “I mean, are you seeing this?” he asked, a note of incredulity coloring his voice.

“I am,” Robin confirmed, utterly unmoved. ”It is charming, isn't it?

From up ahead, Luffy linked his and the chefs arms together, and spun them in a loose circle- the two laughing and shushing each other drunkenly while the sniper giggled on- now dropping more parcels then he could pick up on his own.

“Whether it's charming or not is beside the point;” huffed Zoro, doing his best to mask his own amusement. “He also smells different… or I don't know- more intense and sweet? I could barely catch it this morning, but It’s getting stronger and is becoming a distraction. Betas don't smell like that… I think he’s sick; and Luffy must know something cuz when he scented him earlier, he covered him up really good… way more than anyone else.”

Hearing that, Robin frowned- her expression shifting to something notably more serious.

Internally, she was concerned- for up until that point; she had been under the impression that the cook was just tipsy and having fun as a way to alleviate stress. She had admittedly been keeping an eye on him from afar, and even when she was out shopping with Nami, had made a point to keep the chef in her periphery; not wanting to crowd or mother him, but out of concern from her newfound knowledge.

She had kept a sharp eye out for any bounty posters, but to her mild surprise, had seen very few in the greater markets of Westfold.

Indeed, it seemed as though the extravagant city was rather preoccupied with its own visage- and had gone to certain lengths to “clean up the view”, especially in light of the quickly-approaching festival. As a result, there were far more decorations and ads enticing customers to shop than updates to pirate and criminal bounties. They’d been lucky there- for it was a sure thing that the Grand Vendue was occupying the entire island's attention, making it easier for them to explore unnoticed.

Still, she knew that luck was a fickle thing, and had been sure to keep a distant watch on the cook- just in case. Admittedly, Robin hadn’t noticed anything amiss… at least, not until Luffy's demand to scent his pack. 

While that itself wasn’t wholly strange or out of character for the captain, she was certain that his motive had been more than random. The alpha was as silly as he was unassuming- but he was keen in his own way- and his intuition was never wrong. The action felt calculated, especially when he had Sanji go last.

Admittedly, she had not noticed any major difference in the scent of either Luffy or Sanji- but that was to be expected: she was beta after all… But she had seen the cook. His blissed out expression when the captain marked him was already slightly odd, and while she wasn't sure how to interpret it, she knew Zoro, Chopper, and even Usopp seemed to sense something unique in the display.

Hearing now from Zoro that the cooks scent was changing did bring some level of alarm. After all, now that she knew the blonde was omega, she could only think the two were related. Still, (remembering their kitchen confessional from the other day) Sanji had been insistent he was on suppressants- explaining how he kept his designation so well under wraps. 

That made sense, certainly: for the crew never had any reason to suspect the cook was anything but Beta. To her knowledge, he had never smelled or behaved in an overtly omega fashion; at least, nothing outside his usual penchant for doting…

All that to say: If the cook was indeed on suppressants as he so claimed, there should be no reason for his scent to be different; if anything, she expected the cook to be even more vigilant with his pills than ever before… So what was going on?

No matter, Robin knew to trust Zoro's assessment: if the swordsman said the cook was off, she would take him at his word. 

Reading the archaeologist's momentary silence as some kind of confirmation, the moss-head stepped closer and lowered his voice; calling out an unaccusing truth. 

“You know something’s up.”

The brunette answered with an elegant nod; not even bothering to lie. 

“Perhaps,” she agreed, “but that is between me and the cook.” 

Then, sparing him a soft look out of the corner of her eye, she concluded with a final: “Apologies Zoro, but I’m not at liberty to share; though your concern is noted and appreciated.”

Nodding, the swordsman grunted his assent. He appreciated the fact that Robin was unwilling to break confidence, but found himself disappointed all the same.

“Sure…” he agreed, only slightly petulant. “-but if somethings going on that's gonna affect the crew, I should know about it…”

 “That’s understood,” cut in the archaeologist, disallowing for continued thought- “But for now, your involvement is not warranted. Let's leave it at that, shall we?”

The assertion was not unkind, rather: Robin looked slightly pleading- fully meeting his gaze as they walked in-step. 

Momentarily, Zoro found himself surprised by her earnestness; pausing before nodding in understanding; assuring that for now- he would let it go (whatever “it” was)... 

The brunette only gave him a grateful smile before continuing on the way; watching with open endearment as their captain chattered on- stretching his arms wide as Usopp and Sanji stacked loads of dropped parcels into his rubbery grasp, claiming that it was his turn to share the load. The captain, of course, had no issue with arm space, and easily took on the shopping bags of Sanji and Usopp alike, whining that it was unfair even as he stretched to accommodate more of their burdens.

The whole performance was entertaining enough, and even Zoro found himself distracted; laughing as Luffy did his best to juggle his (now towering) stack of shopping. Indeed, their mood was so mellow and they were so caught up in each other's antics that they were surprised when anything notable happened at all.

They had just arrived at Westfold station, and were waiting in a small group on the tidy platform.

The small green trolley had only recently arrived, and right as the gate opened and the Strawhats prepared to board, a stout bear of a man tripped his way off the train: uncoordinated and clearly very drunk. 

In a soggy heap, he missed the car step and barreled forward, landing hard on an unsuspecting Sanji and instantaneously toppeling him to the ground.

For a split second, there was silence as the blonde lay in shock. Stunned that he was now horizontal on the floor with a stranger on top of him; the man however, only took a beat to realize his direction, and once he did- moved to hazily scramble his way up and off the cook, slurring out curses of “Oh, bells- bells , damn it all, bells!” as he did so.

Finally (after righting himself from the messy heap) he dusted off his own pants while dipping into an uncoordinated bow.

“Many ‘pologies sirss-” he bumbled with a drunken lisp, “-damn trains muss be missing stepss; always throwin me balance… but chu seem like a lively bunch; can ye point me to a decent bar? I'm hunting for summit with generous pours n’ more generous women…”

As he spoke, he bent over to haul up Sanji, and without missing a beat: began patting off the dust from his fall- attempting to correct his infraction.

“-but ’scuse me sirs, di’nae mean t’ be rude… I’ll buy ye drink ta atone for me crimes…”

Suddenly, from off to the side: a low growl could be heard, and nearly everyone's head swiveled to look at Zoro- the alpha seemingly unaware of the fact that he himself was the source of the warning. The swordsman evidently did not like the stranger running his hands over the cook- even if it was just out of courtesy, and was making it known with a quiet rumbling threat.

The noise did seem to provoke a response from Sanji, and quickly he stepped away, seeming to sober up a bit as he pushed the man off (all while shooting a chiding look at the displeased marimo). “Uh, that's not necessary-” he ground out as he whacked the hands off his person, “Just watch where you're going, and- if you keep walking up the block, you'll find plenty of bars that way…”

That instruction seemed good enough for the drunk, and with a great bow and a tip of his hat, he turned to wobble up the street, calling out a warm-bellied cry of “Much obliged blondie! Much obliged!”

The rest of the crew watched the man take off, admittedly caught off guard by the odd event (though somewhat amused by it). 

Still, Sanji himself was slightly thrown. 

Even beyond being run into by a stranger (and having the mosshead behave badly), he could not shake the feeling that the strange drunk was somehow familiar- though from where, he couldn't say. No matter, it only took a beat for the man to totter out of sight before a quick cry from Mercedes reminded them to board the trolley. 

Wasting no time, the crew hustled on, forgetting the encounter as quickly as it happened; lining up quick for the Express tram back.

The rest of the night was enjoyed with a contented quiet, and the ride back to their hosts was pleasant.

It wasn't until they arrived at Southtown station and departed the trolley that the cook finally registered where he’d seen the drunk before: “That's it!” he cried as the memory clicked, still tipsy and excited at his recollection, “I saw that guy earlier today! He was watching us when we left for the city! Right before we boarded for Westfold…”

His remembrance was clear, but few seemed to see any significance in the encounter; mostly having moved on from the drunken clash.

Still, Zoro let out a huff: apparently tuned in to the chef's excitement. 

“Whoever he was, he should watch where he’s going next time. Damn drunks- making messes all over the city and sticking their hands where they shouldn’t… ”

The cook could only laugh in incredulous disbelief, “ Oh as if you are one to talk;” he teased. “Mr. Marimo, all holier than thou when it comes to holding his liquor…”

“Cause I do know how to hold my liquor…” countered the swordsman, tossing the blonde a confident glare, “-unlike someone I know…” 

“Tchhh, I do just fine,” snipped the cook, brushing off the bait as they entered the gates to the Benz estate: “I’m not sloppy…”

That did earn an entertained laugh from the cyclops, especially as the blonde nearly tripped while toeing off his shoes.

It wasn't until they had said their goodnights to their hostess and returned to the guest suite that Zoro could finally grapple with exactly how “drunk” the blonde seemed to be.

Certainly he had sobered up slightly after the encounter with the stranger on the trolley, but now, in the safety of the Strawhats quarters, he seemed even more tipsy than before. 

Indeed, the cook was always flirtatious and needy when inebriated, but his actions still felt exaggerated to some degree- and he was proving to be far touchier than usual. 

As if to solidify that observation, Sanji had once again started his strange behavior of cuddling up against various members of the crew- first giving the ladies a goodnight peck before latching onto Luffy and butting his head repeatedly into the rubber man's shoulder. 

Upon seeing it, Zoro once again felt the strange tug of confusion and vague incredulity. 

What was going on with the damn cook anyway?? What was his deal???

Frustrated (and irritated with himself for being annoyed), the swordsman decided to excuse himself: wanting to retreat to his bed rather than watch the affectionate display. As soon as he stood however (and much to his own surprise) Sanji pushed himself off of Luffy and immediately trotted after the cyclops- suddenly chattering on about needing to start his bedtime routine and wanting to get a good night's sleep.

The swordsman was admittedly surprised that the blonde would so readily follow him back to their room, but was accepting nonetheless- only pausing when he made eye contact with Luffy.

The rubber man, for his part, was watching the cook with a shrewd eye- clearly calculating and thoughtful. As soon as he caught the gaze of his first mate, a strange look of discomfort clouded his face- as though he were mulling over some distasteful decision in real time.

With a curious tilt of his chin, Zoro tried to catch what his captain was thinking, and gave him a look of questioning: wordlessly asking if everything was ok. Luffy only frowned and waved him away, looking every bit like he had something he wanted to say but doing his best to not say it...

That was strange… After all, Luffy was an extraordinarily bad secret keeper, and an even worse liar. It was practically impossible for him to hold onto sensitive information, and while he was cunning and shrewd in his own way- he was also painfully transparent and honest to a fault. 

All in all: the captain's conflicted expression was testament to something greater going on, and Zoro was determined to figure out what it was. 

Before he could open his mouth to even address it however, Luffy fixed him with a stern look and a quick shake of his head. 

The message was clear: not now .

Frustrated but still trusting, the swordsman gave a curt nod of understanding before turning to walk back down the hall- moving to join the cook in their shared quarters.

As soon as he crossed the threshold to their room, the most unexpected thing happened.

Sanji lunged at him.

Not in the way that instigated a fight- rather the blonde seemed to have been waiting to pounce- a bright and playful expression sparkling in his visible eye. Quick as a whip, he darted forward and pushed the cyclops against the doorframe before stepping in close: tilting his head forward to take a mighty sniff at the swordsman's neck.

For a second, Zoro was in shock- unsure of what was going on or what to do about it.

Before he could arrive at any sort of decision, the chef pulled back and blinked in surprise- apparently amazed at whatever he had discovered; then, just as sudden as before-  he pushed forward once again to take another whiff of his rival's neck.

Finally, he pulled back- this time with a triumphant grin clear on his face.

“I knew it!” he exclaimed as though he had won some secret bet, “I knew you’d have a secret smell… how come I never caught it before!? But yours is different from Luffys… his is like a storm on the sea, or the sun on the water, or a huge bonfire in the sand… something big like that. Yours is… hmmm, I don't know… really deep, and cool and earthy. Kind of sweet- like a clean river or morning dew! There’s a lot of green and planty-type smells… like a marimo!”

He laughed at that, utterly pleased with his discovery: “Who could have guessed! The Marimo smells like a marimo !”

By that point, Zoro was utterly perplexed and unsure of what was going on- and (with probably more urgency then was warranted) he pushed the blonde off and straightened up from where he’d been pressed against the door frame.

“Jeez curls-” he snorted with some level of disbelief, “what’s gotten into you today? How much did you drink?”

Sanji only laughed as though that question were utterly irrelevant, and instead of immediately answering: simply turned to start getting ready for bed, looking for his oversized sleep shirt from the night before. 

“Well that’s a dumb question Moss-” he finally snipped, though it was clear he was still strangely playful. “Nothings gotten into me- s’not my fault if your little green head can’t handle me loosening up for a nice night with the crew… Plus, it would be rude to not accept our host's hospitality… that was high quality liquor at dinner tonight… I'm surprised you didn’t drink more…”

“I had plenty,” countered Zoro, curious to the cooks mood and eager to get some answers, “-but, i didn't think you had that much… you sure you’re feeling ok? You seem a little… uninhibited…”

The chef snorted at that, turning to give a disbelieving look at his roommate. “Wow!” he teased, “What a big word for a little brain! M’ proud of you Marimo- we’ll learn you to be civilized yet.”

“Tch,” huffed the swordsman, feeling like he was getting nowhere, “well- whatever… Its not my problem if you embarrass yourself; just know that it's on you if you get too honest…”

He was referring, of course, to the cook's penchant to speak his mind whenever drunk- usually slipping into some bout of devotion for the ladies of the crew (or whatever else might have caught his fancy). It was usually a messy and simpering affair, and Zoro had been witness to it plenty of times… What he didnt expect however, was to suddenly become the target of one such call of affection.

“I don't get too honest!” cried Sanji- still tipsy but now indignant, “I get the right amount of honest- and sometimes it’s good to say what I mean without having to think.” 

He said this with a tiny stomp, and Zoro found himself endeared, now certain that the cook was sloshed. “Alright, that's fine curls… it’s the “ right ” amount of honest; now what say we keep getting ready for bed- you seem to have said plenty for the night…” 

He was trying to be gentle- and wasn't in the mood to start any kind of drunken tussle with the blonde- more concerned about his strange behavior than wanting to fight. Still, the chef wasn't done, and rather than follow Zoro's lead to get ready for bed, he stomped forward and grabbed the swordsman so he was facing him: his actions impatient and demanding.

“Wait Marimo- wait I didn’t get to yet!” 

There was some level of urgency in his voice, and the swordsman blinked to actually meet the cooks eye. 

“Didn’t get to what ?” he asked, cautious and caught off guard- surprised that he had been so quickly spun around. The two were now close- standing chest to chest in the middle of the room, well within each other's space; Sanji having never stepped back from pulling the swordsman to face him.

Seeming to focus on the swordsman's eye, the chef blinked: flushed and determined all the same. “I didn’t get to say what I mean… you know: without thinking… I still have something I wanna say.”

The first mate was frozen, unsure of what was happening but not wanting to step away from the chef- cognizant of some growing tension between them. Looking down his nose, he studied the blonde in front of him: searching for clarity and unsure of what he hoped to find. 

Silence hung between them as they shared the same air- the sound of their breaths the the beat of their hearts suddenly growing loud to his ears. Zoro swallowed, not wanting to break the moment, but unable to let it continue.

“Well go on…” he pressed, “-what is it you wanted to say?”

He could smell the sweet aroma again. It was slowly yet surely filling the air, dancing off the cook in undulating waves that grew as every moment passed. If he had doubted it before, he could be certain now… 

The cook's scent was absolutely different. He was something other than Beta….

That made no sense. It was an impossibility. For as long as he knew the cook- he’d been beta through and through- never once having given any other possible sign or clue as to be anything but beta.  

But here he was- and the sensory change was becoming impossible to deny: growing as each moment passed…

Before he could think too hard on it- the chef reached under his chin and tilted his head to meet his- visible eye warm and hazy with fond drunkenness. 

“I just wanted to say this…” He leaned forward just a touch, oblivious to his rivals' wondering; more- his voice was low and vaguely earnest; as though he were getting to share some happy secret he’d held onto for far too long.

“Marimo, you’re one of my favorite people in the world… and even though you’re big and dumb and a horrible smelly brute with no manners, you were the person I was most excited to see when we regrouped at Sabaody.”

The confession felt too honest yet not honest enough- as though there were more words and feelings that were on the periphery of the loaded admission. Still, the blonde seemed serious, and there was no mockery or dishonesty in his bearing; expression open and genuine with a hazy smile.

Zoro found himself somewhat shocked and in disbelief; unsure of what was happening or why the air felt so charged. Hesitant of what to say, he took half a step forward and pressed slightly forward- meeting the chef's eye with his own. 

“What about Nami?” he asked, desperate for something to hold onto in this strange conversation.

“Nami is the swan of my life…” the blonde confirmed almost dreamily, “but you’re my big green mosshead… There’s a difference.”

He spoke like it was clear, but the swordsman was still lost- and unsure, continued to press:

“Wh-what about Luffy?”

The cook only laughed, seeming to be delighted at the cyclops pressing.

“Why? Would you be jealous?” he teased, now leaning forward himself, “-but fine; I can say I missed Luffy more… He is afterall, my captain, and he’s gonna be the King of the Pirates…” 

That last bit was said in a sing-song voice as the two pressed even closer, air pulled taught and electric around them.

Zoro was starting to feel decidedly warm- blood rushing in his ears as he stood nearly nose to nose with the cook- inching forward and disbelieving what was currently happening. 

He had often imagined this with the cook- a moment of close solitude that was charged by something other than performative antagonism. The competitive nature between them was natural, and would never go away, but for it to be rooted in yearning rather than aggression was something that Zoro had only allowed himself to imagine. He knew he and the cook had some kind of chemistry, but he had told himself that it would never leave the safe harbor of crewmates and friends…

Whatever was happening now was unexpected, shocking, thrilling and confusing all in one.

Zoro didn't know what to do: he wanted to press, wanted to get clarity on what the cook meant- wanted to know if he was teasing or drunk or serious; wanted to know if this was an actual confession or if it was just an uninhibited tirade; wanted to know why the cook was leaning so close into his space- head tilted up like he could lean in for a kiss- looking at him with eyes filled with clear amusement, honest intrigue, and a strange visible sadness…

Was this a bit or a joke? 

Zoro didn't think so but he needed to be sure; and making a decision, he pressed forward to close the few remaining inches between them, resting his forehead against the blondes like they had done in combat a million times before- only this time, there was no baiting or name-calling; just skin to skin contact as they shared the same breath- both watchful and curious as they took each other in from such close space; breathing the same air as they reckoned with whatever was happening between them.

Sanji was flushed, and his eye was half-lidded; the deep blue of his pupil reflecting the warm light of the corner lamp, and the melancholy in his eye seemed to grow. 

Zoro watched and waited: taking a long inhale as he worked to control his heart- finally (unintentionally) able to catch the smell coming off him without interference.

Then: something clicked.

Like a hot knife, the realization cut through his senses- unmistakable through literal instinct.

It was so clear.

The truth was written in scent...

The cook was omega.

But…

What? 

Since WHEN???

Before he could think or do or say anything, Sanji let out a heavy sigh and took half a step back; cutting the physical contact as he pulled away. For a split second, there was silence as the blonde held his gaze, then- seeming to consider some distant cost, he looked off to the side and murmured clearly under his breath- “I just don't want anything to change”. 

The warm balloon of elated hopefulness and longing that had been rising in the swordsman chest suddenly stopped its ascent: turning to icy stone then plummeting hard into his gut.

What did that mean? What was the cook implying??? What was even going on???

Before he could ask, the door to the room slammed open with a loud BANG - the abrupt shock cutting through the heavy tension like a gunshot. 

Immediately, Zoro and Sanji sprung apart, alert and poised to fight as they turned to look for the intruder- wondering who would interrupt their private moment, and frustrated at the poor timing.

To their mutual surprise, the only person standing in the doorway was none other than the captain himself. 

Instantly alert, Zoro's attention honed in on the rubber man's face: feeling strangely urgent with Luffy's unexpected arrival. 

For his part, the captain seemed hesitant, and it was clear that his expression held some strange, calculating disquiet. With a vague frown, the rubber man took half a step forward and gave a quick, certain sniff- testing the air before nodding decidedly to himself and turning to look at his first mate.

“Zoro, let's trade places. Go sleep with Usopp- i’ll stay with Sanji tonight. I wanna hang out with him; just us.”

The cyclops started, surprised by the odd demand and feeling strangely defensive about it.

With a mild shock, he found himself holding back an irritated growl- unhappy at being told to leave the cook. 

He didn't want to go, he realized with a spike of clarity- he wanted to return to that moment from before- the one that felt electric and loaded with some dangerous hope… But now Luffy was here and telling him to leave? Was it one of his games? If so, he didn't have the patience for it- at least not right now…

With quiet frustration, he let out his questioning growl, testing and wanting a good reason to depart. 

Luffy only smiled and stepped fully in the room, right between Sanji and the swordsman.

“It’s ok, Zoro,” the captain chided, patting him soothingly on the chest as he took a look around, once again sniffing the air with a vague crease in his brow. 

Sanji himself had also stepped back: hasty and embarrassed like a child caught in some mischief; even beyond that, there was a clear smugness- like he was pleased he was being fought over. Schooling his expression into something less smarmy, he cleared his throat: moving to sort through his clothing as he offered a last dry goad.  

“You heard the captain, Marimo: me and him are gonna hang out… plus, I just told you: I missed Luffy more anyway… so get lost…” 

With that, he stuck out his tongue in a drunken tease, then picked up his pajamas and marched off to the bathroom, seemingly unaffected by the variable bomb of revelation and charged feeling that was left in his wake- only pausing on his way out to snip that Luffy could stay so long as he stuck to his own bed (the captain was well known for being something of an octopus and attaching himself to various members of the crew- especially in the middle of the night).

Luffy only smiled and promised he’d behave, waving the cook off as he finally left to walk up the hall- ready to make use of the bathroom and determined to have his nightly routine even despite his tipsiness.. 

As soon as he disappeared (and without missing a beat), Luffy turned back to face Zoro: his expression strangely urgent and stern. 

Lowering his voice and stepping slightly forward, the wide eyed captain met the swordsman's gaze- earnest as he offered some vague explanation. 

“Sanji hasn't been feeling good lately,” he said directly “-and I wanna keep an eye on him… you can finish your talk in the morning.”

The words were gentle, but Zoro could hear the authority in them- clear and absolute. 

Luffy was not playing. 

He would not be challenged.

With a nod (but still frustrated and at a loss), Zoro acquiesced, stepping back to leave but not before casting another look at his captain- wondering what was going on. Luffy only smiled and waved him out, his face open and genuine- offering reassurance with an easy knowing laugh.

Deciding to trust whatever the rubber man was doing, Zoro frowned and moved to leave, feeling like his questions had doubled. Before he could get far, Luffy's voice called him to wait, and pausing- the swordsman looked back over his shoulder. 

Quick as a whip, the captain's hand stretched forward, grabbing at the black bandana tied to the moss head's bicep. 

“Gonna borrow this,” he said without asking, “-you’ll get it back soon, ok?”

The swordsman could only nod helplessly; unsure of what the hell was going on but trusting his captain all the same. 

It was certain he would get answers, he just had to wait his turn… it was maddening and felt impossible, but he had already waited this long… How hard would it be to wait much longer?

With one last breath, he tasted the strange sweet aroma in the air- filling the space where the cook had just recently stood. He’d be a liar if he said it wasn't good- but he couldn't think about that now. No… it would just drive him mad with questions.

Reaching over, he grabbed his swords and walked past Luffy: finally leaving the room to the dark hall. As he exited, his eyes automatically moved toward the bathroom, tracking the illuminated space with thoughtful hesitation. 

For a second, Zoro stared: tempted to follow the chef and actually get some answers…

But no; he knew Luffy was right. Some things were better left till morning.

With a resigned huff, Zoro turned and opened the door to the neighboring room (hoping it was Usopp and Brooks) and stepped inside, ready to bed down in light of the strangeness of the day.

His mind was still full and whirring from the charged moment shared with the cook- and once again, he found himself reeling from the shock that the cook definitely smelled like an omega. Even beyond that (and perhaps moreso), he was still consumed with the pleased warmth that came as he remembered the cook's “honest” words.

That Zoro was one of his favorite people… 

It was a wild notion, one that cyclops found hard to believe… Still, he knew better than to dwell on drunken words, and deciding to clear his mind, he moved to sit in quiet meditation.

It only took a moment to set himself on a far-unoccupied futon in the corner of the room, and crossing his legs- he closed his eye and worked to clear his thoughts. Just as he tilted his head down, he was surprised to find some last thread of Sanji’s scent; the warm aroma clinging to his shirt, right where the chef had been close to his chest.

Without thought, he pulled the fabric of his shirt closer to his nose and took a deep breath, freely tasting the scent and wondering how good it was when it was still so faint; vaguely pushing away a strange guilt as he savored the intoxicating flavor. 

He had hardly ever smelled omega before- but every alpha could recognize the scent immediately. 

Indeed, it was well known that scents carried by the “fairer sub-sex” were unmistakable and nearly always tantalizing- particularly to unmated alphas. All alphas were naturally drawn to the scent of an omega, could be distracted by them, and even yearned for them… with some even claiming a near addictive pull when encountering a scent that was particularly to their taste...

Zoro had even heard that some alphas and omegas had specific scents and notes that called and beckoned to specific people- almost like the aroma could be tailored to entice a specific partner… or vise-versa.

The swordsman had no idea if that claim was true, but he did have to admit that every omega he ever met smelled really nice (even if he wasn't particularly interested). Still, he could get it… how some alphas could be consumed by the scent. 

Fortunately, he was either very picky, or very obtuse- for no omega scent had ever sized his attention in such a specific and notable way.

At least, not until now.

He had to admit (with a mix of concern, confusion, guilt and interested excitement) that this aroma that was dancing off the cook had certainly caught his interest. More than that- it didn't just smell good. No… a well made meal smelled “good”; the salty sea air at dawn smelled “good”, warm earth after a long stint at sea smelled “good”… 

The chef smelled better than any of that. 

He smelled like home and family and the Sunny and like some deeper level of warmth; it was admittedly enticing enough to give him pause- even if the scent was still faint. Admittedly, that response was jarring in its own right; for typically, he was firmly in command of his own alpha instincts. In fact, he had never been so caught off guard, or felt so intrigued by a specific scent… his senses still seeking the brief note of Sanji currently fading from his chest.

Dropping his shirt from where he had lifted it to his nose, Zoro let out a heavy sigh- rife with conflicted and confused intrigue… After all, if the cook really was an omega, then what did that mean in detail? 

He wished he had more of an idea, afterall- he’d hardly be the first one Zoro had met. 

Kuina had been omega; that had been part of her grief. Further, Vivi was an Omega, and she was the first Zoro ever smelled up close since the death of his first friend. 

Admittedly, the princesses' scent was nice. It was strong yet delicate all in one- like a fragrant perfume of jasmine and black tea; but her smell had done more for Nami than him- and the navigator was beta…. So maybe there was some merit to tailored scents….

Whatever the case- he was still dubious and uncertain to the clues he had found- questioning and shocked at the implication of the cooks status.

What did that mean, if Sanji was an omega?

A million thoughts raced through his mind- some of concern, others of frustration, and one (very secretly and blooming in his heart) of quiet excitement and hopefulness. 

The whole situation was strange if true, and Zoro knew that he would need to sit and untangle what that might mean in depth. He still had so many questions, and was hungry for real- solid answers; doing his best to internally coach patience even as his mind went wild- grappling with run away thoughts.

Because what did the cook mean by that last line? When he said “I just don't want anything to change”? 

Those words still echoed hollow in his gut, and frustrated, the swordsman renewed his effort to clear his mind and (taking a deep, cleansing breath) he set his posture: determined against all to find focus and peace in spite of his still-racing heart. 

Closing his eye, he set himself back in a meditative pose; certain that it would do no good to dwell on the unknown for now. Regardless, the blonde was the primary thing on his mind, and he knew that (if he wanted to find any rest at all that night) he’d have to make peace with knowing little; at least for now.

Ultimately, he trusted Luffy, and he trusted the cook.

He’d get his answers. 

He’d get his clarity.

He just needed to wait.

Just a little bit longer.

Chapter Text

Monkey D. Luffy knew that he wasn't a genius… 

That was fine; in fact- it was more than fine!

Truthfully, he didn't need to be that smart: he had his crew for that. 

Sure enough, every one of his companions were brilliant in their own way; each bringing something fantastic and exciting and new and wonderful and needed to his ragtag crew. More importantly (and regardless of their talents), the strawhats were his friends ; they were his pack- his family…  

Their strengths were his, and his was theirs. 

So sure, Luffy had no problem recognizing that he wasn’t the brightest: it didn't matter in the long run because he was still smart enough to recruit the best crew on the Grand Line. That feat was absolute, and it was (without question) one of the proudest achievements of his life.

Still- because his crew was so different, it had taken a beat to understand how they ticked, and even though his intuition was never wrong- he still didn't get nuance… (at least, that's what Nami said…)

True enough, he was admittedly kinda dumb when it came to “unspoken rules and complex situations”. Life was fairly straightforward for him; why complicate the view with needless drama and stupid conflicts? It didn't really make sense to him why anyone would choose to be anything but direct. 

Still… he knew people didn't act in certain ways for no reason…  

Most reactions were learned responses (at least, that’s what Robin told him).

True enough, every one of his friends had some deep hurt they carried- and while Luffy couldn't necessarily always understand the intricacies of what they felt and why they acted the way they did- he didn't think he needed to… He just needed to be there for them- needed to love them, protect them, help them and remind them that they were not alone. 

He knew he could do that- and was more than happy to provide love and affection and friendship wherever and whenever he saw fit- sometimes feeling more aware of his friends emotions and needs than they were themselves.

Granted, that wasn't always the case- but Luffy was certain he was getting better at it- and ever since Ace’s death, he’d found himself able to recognize sorrow and heartache in a way that helped him understand another level of depth in his crew. Admittedly, that was as sad as it was clarifying- and while the young captain did not like to wallow in grief, he could still recognize the value in the perspective…

Still, even beyond sadness, Luffy did his best to connect with his crew..  

Some things he understood easily, and made great sense to him: bright, bold, and absolute things- like Zoro’s ambition to be the greatest swordsman, or like Brook and Robin’s want for family and belonging. Sure enough, he could relate and appreciate those kinds of feelings easily and with great enthusiasm.

Some emotions however, continued to evade him- even despite his effort to understand. 

One such example was clear in his cook.

Because Sanji was always so secretly sad.

He had been that way since Luffy first met him- and the alpha had immediately been attuned to it: a tense undercurrent of quiet apprehension that always seemed to thrum through the blonde. It was like a kind of watchful spring sat on the edges of the chef's demeanor- always keeping him slightly on edge and ready to react. 

Try as he might, Luffy could never wholly understand the source of his friend's anxiety… and while he himself had long ago decided to live with no regrets, Sanji seemed to know many. It was confusing and sad, and for a long while, his cook's vague melancholy remained a sort of puzzle in the back of the captain's head.

Granted, he knew it probably had something to do with Sanji being an omega- but admittedly, he had a hard time understanding why or how the two things were related…and it wasn't like he could just ask his chef about it either…

Well, he could… but he had promised Sanji’s dad that he wouldn't bring it up… not until the blonde did first.

With a small frown and a quiet huff, Luffy tucked himself further around Sanji’s relaxed form- anxious to cover the cooks scent even as he slept; his mind busy as it shot back to the first moment he’d been told the truth of the blondes designation.

It had been unexpected- but he was glad the old cook had clued him in. 

Because of course Zeff had told him about Sanji being an omega… then (almost immediately after) he made Luffy give his word (as an alpha) not to talk about it (at least, not until Sanji did first).

At the time, Luffy hadn't thought much about what that promise would mean- after all, he had only been onboard the floating restaurant “Baratie” for a couple of days; working off his accumulated debt as a dish-boy at Zeff’s demand. 

Still, from the moment he had laid eyes on the blonde, Luffy knew he wanted Sanji on his crew- a decision he’d been extremely vocal about. 

True enough, there was never any secret regarding the young captain's intentions- wanting to spirit away the cook to a life of adventure on the high seas: not just for his skill as a cook or his fighting ability- but for the sheer kindness and generosity that oozed off Sanji’s very being. 

And yeah, the chef was an ass who could be mean and stingy when he wanted to be- but Luffy had seen how much of a facade all that was from the very beginning. 

The Sanji he saw had a heart, and was a deeply good person. His Sanji was a hopeful explorer who was quick to defend any who might need him. His Sanji was a caretaker who was as honest as he was kind. Even before knowing all that, Luffy had not had a single doubt. He needed this particular cook on his crew; especially if he was going to become the King of the Pirates.

It was on the eve of their last day on the Baratie (after their decisive win against Don Krieg) that Sanji’s dad had cornered him. 

His weathered face was hard and calculating as he told Luffy to join him on the restaurant balcony for a “captain-to-captain” conversation, and (glad that his title was recognized) the rubber man had readily agreed. 

As soon as he stepped outside, Zeff had fully rounded on him- asking question after question about his intentions, his ambitions, his philosophy on being a captain, and his commitment to his crew. Luffy had admittedly enjoyed the barrage: feeling secure and easy as he stated his beliefs as easy as anything.

He intended to find the best crew possible and sail into the Grand Line.

His goal was to find the One Piece and become the King of the Pirates.

He knew that a captain was only as good as his crew- and that loyalty and friendship should be at the core of any worthy pack.

A crew should protect one another, and help each other chase their dreams, regardless of how impossible they seemed.

Zeff had stood back and listened as he talked; smoking a cigarette and watching the sea. 

Finally, after a few moments of silence, he finished his smoke then turned to face the young man- a look of acceptance and firm resolution clear on his wrinkled brow.

“My boy intends to sail with you.” he ground out after a heavy moment, “-I know it in my heart- even if he’s still putting on a show. True: It’ll be hard to see him go; he’s just an eggplant after all… But I can recognize its time- even if it's hard to accept.” 

Here he took a deep breath and rubbed at the crease in his brow- his expression somber yet resigned. “Fact is: I've been trying to get him out the door for a while now. He’s ready to face the world outside of this little rig; he needs to chase his own dream and make his own way… More: he ought to be surrounded by a pack closer to his own age…”

He took another sigh then turned back to face the sea. 

“Your crew will be a good fit for him, and you seem to have the makings of a decent captain… You’re Insane and foolish- but decent nonetheless… Anyway, you have to be a fool to enter the grand line, so at least you make no mistake about it... Still, he’s my boy, even if he chafes my hide- and part of seeing him off means I do my due diligence. I’ll make sure he’s not sent off to the vastness without a tether…”

Then, crossing his arms across his broad chest, the old man turned to face Luffy- expression scrutinizing and dubious.

“I know you’re an alpha- and though you’re still a pup in my eyes, I can sense a strength in you… Whether you're favored or not remains to be proven, but you’ve got a strong scent: one that commands attention, though you’ll still have to earn respect… So now I ask you this- from one alpha to another, how do you tend your pack?” 

This question was different from the others. 

The previous queries had been probing and clarifying, yet ultimately affirming and expected… Zeff had been fairly certain of the answers he’d get and was seeking consistency and honesty over anything else… 

This question however, was directly charged with some kind of testing challenge- and even if he didn't understand the nuance of it- Luffy knew it was a test: one that he needed to pass if he seriously wanted Sanji on his crew.

Without hesitation, Luffy turned to face him, proudly adjusting his hat before crossing his own arms to match the chef's stance. “Pack is everything, old man. I’ll do whatever I need to protect mine. If Sanji joins my crew- he’ll be part of that; either till i release him or we agree to part ways…”

His declaration was fierce and absolute, and eyeing him- Zeff pushed with one more question:

“And what are your feelings on omegas?”

Luffy remembered being confused by that question- unsure as to what that had to do with anything but answering easy enough.

“Hmm, I don't have any feelings on them-” he responded honestly, “I’ve heard that they’re special- that they’re softer and nice and should be protected- but I haven’t met that many- so I don't know how true it is. But, they’re just regular people aren't they? Though maybe they smell better than everyone else… Anyway, I don't think it matters too much what someone is; just who they are. No matter what, if someone is a part of my crew, they are a part of my pack- and I protect my pack. That's all there is to it.”

His answer was succinct, and Zeff turned back to the sea- thoughtful and still tense.

Finally, the old chef nodded to himself, and taking a deep breath- he met Luffy's eye. 

“The eggplant: Sanji… he is one. He’s an omega…” 

The admission was admittedly surprising- especially since Luffy had not suspected a thing: nor did he have reason to… Indeed, the blonde carried no trace of omega whatsoever; only smelling like any typical beta- with just enough personality to be notable... 

Before he could ask any kind of question, the old man pushed on- his demeanor grave enough to demand full attention:

“The boy keeps it to himself- and is on suppressants so no one can tell… But i can’t take the idea of letting ‘im go without at least someone knowing. He’ll probably hate me for it- but if you’re gonna be his new captain- if you’re gonna be his pack alpha , then it’s my duty as his current one to make sure he’s looked after. Now, he can handle himself well enough… You’ve seen that he’s a hell of a fighter and has the attitude to match... but I can’t let him go off knowing he’ll be alone with this. God knows he’d keep it to himself for eternity- but this type of information shouldn’t be a secret; at least not between pack.”

Here he sighed and pulled out another cigarette, lighting the end and drawing a few quick puffs before continuing his thought.

“I always tried to do my best by him; though god knows it wasn't enough. Still, I did what I could, and I love the lad like he’s my own pup. He’s got a certain sensitivity that no one his age should have… and has probably been through more than anyone ought… so, Straw Hat- I have a couple of things I need to ask of you- especially if I'll be releasing my boy into a new Alphas care.”

Luffy straightened and nodded.

Admittedly, he wasn't sure what all the seriousness was for- but he could at least recognize that this conversation was really important to the old man; and (still thinking it was pretty weird and old-fashioned) he decided he’d do his best to appease the chef- certain it was the least he could do for stealing away his son. 

Zeff had noted the gravity in Luffy's posture and gave an approving nod- continuing his request with a pointed flick of his smoke. 

“First off- don't tell him you know he’s a meg. He’s always kept it close to the chest- something I regret encouraging him to do… Still, let him tell you and the others in his own time. He’s protective of the information, and there’s some ugly kinda baggage attached to the whole thing…”

He took a deep drag, then continued: 

“Second: as his captain and new pack alpha, you need to look out for him. Granted, he’s strong; tough as nails, a damn good fighter and one of the best cooks in the blues… but he’s still omega. They have it rough across all the seas- life will be hard for him if that comes out and you’re not ready. So; im telling you now. Watch out for the eggplant. Watch his back and keep his secret… at least till he’s open about it. I just need to know there’s another pair of eyes on him- set by someone in-the-know.”

His voice had turned stern and Luffy found himself entertained; pleased that his new cook had such a nice dad. 

“Don't worry old man,” he’d promised, “When Sanji joins my crew, I’ll watch his back. I dont get why this is a secret, but sure; I won't tell him I know, and if it’s that important, then yeah: I'll help him keep it quiet… though I don’t really get it…”

That promise had seemed to appease Zeff, though the old man still insisted on shaking hands over it. Luffy had agreed and that seemed to be the end of it.

Not long after the conversation, the two captains returned indoors and life continued on its busy way: sure enough, Sanji joined up with the Strawhats and soon they were at Arlong Park- fighting for Nami’s freedom and the fate of Cocoyashi Village.

Admittedly, so much happened that Luffy very nearly forgot about the conversation there and then. It was only years later- across danger and adventure and on the far side of the Red Line, that the captain even remembered the exchange; his promise to Zeff slamming back into his recollection as soon as he caught the faint hint of sweetness coming off of Sanji.

Because how could he have forgotten?

The scent was barely there- and he probably wouldn't have noticed it if he wasn't already so attuned to his pack's individual smells… but he had a sharp nose, and sure enough- as soon as they sat down for lunch with Benz in Westfold, he had caught the change. 

It had been unmistakable. The alluring sweetness of omega was hovering just slightly around his cook; present with the depth that implied Sanji was the actual source.

That had been jarring, for up until then he had no recollection of Sanji’s secret status, and he had to stop himself from asking why the cook smelled the way he did- wanting to blurt out the question without further thought. 

Thankfully, in that same moment, he remembered the promise he made Zeff nearly three years ago: the faint scent triggering the memory in vivid detail.

That's right . 

Sanji was an omega, and he didn't want anyone to know. 

Luffy had swore to Zeff he’d look out for him, that he would help him keep it quiet- at least until Sanji was ready to talk about it… 

They had shaken hands and everything !

At that moment, while sitting around and eating lunch in Westfold, Luffy had to take pause: surprised as he recalled the weight of that promise.

When he’d made that oath to Zeff, his words were as easy as they were obvious- because of course he would look after the cook.  

Still, things had changed since then. Over three years ago, that promise was just about protecting a new packmate- a good notion that was well intended and honorable.

Now however (after sailing together as a crew), the weight of that pledge felt different. 

After all, Sanji had been in his pack for so long and was now one of his closest friends, that the drive behind the promise was bigger. He had to keep it, not just because he meant to keep his word, but because it was about protecting Sanji : his cook, his comforter, his advisor, his family, his fighter and trusted companion.

His Sanji, who was silly and crass and funny and mean… who was good, generous, and kind and loving.

His Sanji who was HIS pack and HIS omega.

HIS responsibility.

At that thought, Luffy had felt a spike of possessive determination shoot through his core. 

That’s right.

He was the pack alpha, and as the pack alpha, he had a responsibility… Not just to Sanji and his crew, but also to Zeff. 

He’d made a promise after all…  and a captain was only as good as his word.

He would keep Sanji's secret, and do his best to pretend he didn’t know.

That seemed an easy enough arrangement, though admittedly: he wasn't completely sure of what to do…

Secret wise (regarding the crew), he really only needed to worry about Zoro. The swordsman was the only other alpha on the crew- so he would probably also smell the cook soon… which meant Luffy should act fast. So: If he could just mark Sanji, then make sure he only hung around the betas of the crew all day- they should be good… 

At least, that move might buy him enough time to figure out what to do next… 

Satisfied with that plan, Luffy had quickly put it into action, and as soon as an opportunity presented itself, he’d scented his entire pack- not wanting to rouse suspicion as he focused on the omega: dousing him with the heavy dose of warning pheromones. 

Still, the cook didn't seem to register that his scent had changed at all, and the captain wasn't sure what to do about it. 

Should he tell his cook? Or keep his word and let Sanji mention it first? Ultimately it didn't matter; just as long as he made sure other alphas knew to stay away. 

His plan seemed to work, and for the rest of their time in Westfold- he’d been pleased to know he’s successfully (overwhelmingly) masked the cooks scent. 

All that aside, (now that he could actually find the note of omega on his chef) he realized how difficult a continued task that might be- and even now, later at the end of the day, he found himself pondering it. 

Because Sanji smelled really, really good- and while his new scent was faint, it was still one of the best fragrances Luffy had ever sensed. 

Sure enough, the air around the blonde had started to bloom with familiarity and safety. A warm and tailored mixture that was reminiscent of both the Sunny and all of the Strawhats was slowly becoming more and more pronounced; along with something unique that was wholly familiar and exclusive to the core of the cook. 

It was like food and comfort and happiness and home all together in a single enticing aroma. 

He smelled like love.

He smelled like the heart of his pack. 

It was then and there (with sharp clarity), that Luffy understood the measure of Zeffs concern.

Omegas were special… 

Sanji was special.

And yes: that conviction had always existed for every single one of his crew mates. As a fact, they were unique and wonderful and necessary and loved… 

But this kind of specialness coming off Sanji was new and different from before; this was instinctual, and as surprising as it was obvious. His omega nature was shining through: the growing pheromones coming off him weaving a sensory reflection of his own mood and state.… tasting of love and warmth and safety and curiosity.

The cook smelled like home: his scent literally represented it. 

It was wonderful…

Immediately upon that realization, an inherent fierceness stirred to life in Luffy's chest; a protective current that was guarded and watchful. 

He wanted to defend that picture of home- he wanted to ensure it never ever went sour.

It was an important thing to guard, and could be seen as a tangible measure of his success as the pack's alpha.

That thought was weird, but it also felt right, and (as Luffy curled himself tighter around the sleeping form of his cook) he felt himself return to that primal feeling: basking in the fact that he had the privilege of being Sanji’s pack alpha, and wondering where to go from here.

Admittedly, he wasn't really sure… and was kind of at a loss for how to proceed.

He felt like he’d already messed up, and that Sanji's secret was already at risk 

With a small frown, he couldn't help but mentally chide himself, because he probably should have been paying closer attention … 

He shouldn't have let Sanji and Zoro enter the same room together, and should have intervened sooner when they did.

Whatever the case, he hadn't expected Sanji’s scent to change so quickly, and was sure that Zoro suspected something now too… 

Cuz how could he not? Especially with how much the room smelled of omega. And sure, Zoro was kinda dumb… but he wasn't that dumb. 

If anything, Luffy knew to trust the swordsman's senses as much as his own (except maybe his sense of direction).

That certainty caused a brief flash of pride to warm the captain's heart, pleased at the aptitude of his first mate. 

Still, just beyond that pride was a small twinge of guilt; afterall, Luffy had seen (and smelled) the confusion, frustration and longing coming off the cyclops. True enough, Zoro’s miasma of Alpha pheromones had also gotten stronger, his own scent seeming to grow in response to the cooks...

It was admittedly, a little funny; only because he knew how much his swordsman really liked the cook and vice versa. Of course Zoro’s alpha instincts would freak out if he thought something was happening with Sanji- he did love him after all- even if he was stupid about it.

At that thought, Luffy snuggled closer to his cook- mostly hoping to sooth his own nerves and internal thoughts.

Because he really did feel bad about keeping Zoro in the dark.

He wasn't used to keeping secrets from his first mate, and didn’t like the idea of keeping things from the rest of the crew…

But this wasn't about what Luffy wanted.

Zeff said this thing was really important to Sanji- so that meant Luffy had to take it seriously too.

Still, he felt a tick of uncertainty as he mulled over that last thought…

Cuz come to think of it: he had never actually asked Sanji about omegas; and past taking Zeff at his word, had never bothered to check his chefs feelings on the matter.

That was an interesting thought, and briefly, Luffy wondered how he could ask Sanji without giving away the fact that he knew his secret…

Whatever the case, there wasn't much he could do about it now- at least not while the cook was fast asleep.

As if on cue, Sanji shifted beside him.

With a languid heave, he turned his lanky form so that he could better press into Luffy’s side; inching upward until his face was pressed directly into the crook of his captain's neck. For a moment, he continued to fuss- restless as he nestled in. Then, finally: he found his mark- and took a deep, sleepy snuff. 

The alphas' scent seemed to appease him, and only a moment later, the blonde had settled down; his breath evening as he fell back into a deep and restful slumber.

It took every ounce of power for the captain to not cuddle the living daylights out of his blonde then and there- his heart squeezing with fierce affection as he smelled a wave of contented omega bloom off the chef.

A warm blanket of affection and warmth- feeling translated to scent- gently rose in the air; sweetening it like a familiar memory of taste. A sensory litany of satisfaction seemed to thrum around him- and clearly, Luffy could understand Sanji’s state.

Safe

Happy

Sleepy

Content

Luffy 

Alpha 

Luffy

Blinking, the captain looked down in wonder, finding himself in awe of the notes he could read; amazed at the near tangible emotion he was suddenly attuned to. 

Was this part of what made omegas special? 

Cuz sure: alphas could speak with pheromones, and he figured omegas must do the same- but he didn't expect such specific signaling in their scents, especially while they were asleep! More than that- Sanji’s scent seemed to be getting even stronger- unmistakable now and unable to be written off. At the rate it was growing, Luffy knew he wouldn't be able to mask it under his own mark, which was not good for secret keeping...

Further, there was something new… some faint hint of heat- just at the edge of his periphery- something sweet and spicy and interesting to his own core alpha.

Admittedly, that was kind of an alarming thought… because he had never considered Sanji smelling good like that - and while he himself was uninterested (though he was pretty sure Zoro might appreciate it), he was sure his cook would freak out and want to hide it as soon as he woke up. 

Furrowing his brow, the young captain tried to think: doing his best to remember what he knew about omegas in general… wanting to recall anything that could help him figure out what to do.

Unfortunately- Luffy knew very little, and the rubber man had hardly ever given secondary sexes much thought- let alone for a subtype as rare as a male omega.

And why should he? He barely remembered his own designation, and he was an alpha - a category that was known for being boastful and smug about the lucky fate they were dealt…  

Still, at that moment, Luffy wished he had all of Chopper's knowledge on the matter. 

Or Robin’s… she was super smart too. 

No matter what, he needed to figure out what his next move would be, and he needed to do it soon.

With that firm thought, Luffy tightened his embrace, prompting another satisfied huff from the cook in his arms. A bloom of omega happiness perfumed the air, and even despite himself, the captain felt his eyes grow heavy- soothed by the warm blanket of omega peace filling his senses.

If omegas could do this, then they really were special…

Regardless, Sanji was special no matter what- but deep in his core, Luffy knew that his own alpha instinct would forever be attuned to this part of his cook. He was committed to protecting this mirror of love, and would do his best to look after him (even if the chef could take care of himself).

With that firm conviction, the young captain drifted off- lulled by the easy breathing and calming aroma of the blonde in his arms. 

He’d figure it out… that was a certainty- but for now, all he could do was sleep.

With that last, certain thought, Luffy slipped off, succumbing to the sweet comfort of his Sanji, and finally falling into a deep and undisturbed rest.

__

Sanji awoke clear headed to the unsurprising sensation of being wrapped in Luffy's arms.

Because of course the rubber man would not be able to keep to his own bed… 

He knew his veritable octopus of a captain would noodle his way over in the middle of the night.

Still, it wasn't so bad- and Sanji had to admit that his grousing about personal space was largely performative… because, well…

Sometimes it was nice to be held! To feel wanted and loved and safe and protected.

And sure, he would typically vye for affection from the female members of the crew, but he’d be a liar if he said he didn't enjoy being swaddled in his captain's embrace.

Still, now that he was awake, he felt a gradual alertness seep into his still-waking mind, slowly becoming cognizant of exactly how tangled he was in Luffy's arms.

And he was indeed tangled… quite a bit, in fact.

Sure enough, the rubber man's arms were looped around him several times over; but rather than feel claustrophobic or irritated at the close contact, the cook found himself happy at being so gently cocooned. 

Vaguely, the chef realized that his nose was tucked into the crook of Luffy's shoulder, and (certain that the alpha was still asleep), he could not help but take a cautious stiff- curious if the incredible secret scent from yesterday was as good as he remembered.

Sure enough- the resounding undercurrent of storms and bonfires and the might of the sea seemed to hover around the captain's neck; clear in a way that was still shockingly foreign to him. 

Breathing it in, he was amazed that he had ever missed the deep and wonderful smell- feeling something in his chest curl in satisfied appreciation as he enjoyed a moment of happy basking. Distantly, he realized he felt clearer- the scent seeming to cut through the strange fog that had clouded him the other day, and the longer he rested near Luffy, the more he felt like his sober self.  

That recognition floated across his mind, taking a beat to make its significance known. And then, it clicked. 

Wait a minute… This wasn’t normal.

Immediately, his eyes flashed open in horrific realization- suddenly completely cognizant of how absurdly he’d been acting; remembering his drunken behavior and the hazy cloud of warm pleasantness that had blanketed him much of the previous day.

What was going on? 

What was up with him lately? 

He could recognize the patterns of his own behavior, and was concerned with his own certainty. 

This was how it felt when he was off his suppressants… 

But, the last time he’d been off his suppressants was well over five years ago; back when he was a whiny teen living on Baratie… 

Prior to that point, he had only taken suppressants during his heats (which started when he turned thirteen). Zeff was a strong and protective alpha, and he never had to worry about unwanted attention while under his watch; at least, that’s what he’d thought.

Then- the incident in the freezer occurred.

It was a jarring wake up call for them both.

Sanji had been on suppressants ever since (more or less).

Still, he could remember how it felt to be in pre-heat; the physical memory slamming into his senses as he made the connection. 

Because this was exactly what that felt like; the same sort of dreamy cloudiness that rolled in and only seemed to clear when he was surrounded by Zeff’s scent... his pack's scent. Even beyond that, he could recognize the oft subdued base of his omega brain leaning forward- eager for physical closeness and affection. 

And that was another clue, for the geezer used to tease him constantly: saying that Sanji turned into an octopus when his heat came around- and that if Zeff “didn't know better, he’d mistake him for an ingredient for the seafood pasta.”

Sanji couldn't help it; and found he didn't mind- excusing his uninhibited neediness as a result of hormones; because what else could it be? 

However much he wanted to deny it- he could feel it in his being; he was in pre-heat for the first time in five and a half years. 

But that shouldn't be right. 

He shouldn't be feeling any sort of physical difference at all.

He was on suppressants! He had just bought them… The same type he’d purchased on every other island… So, were they not working???

If not… why ???

And even if he had skipped a dose of supresants- there was no reason for him to be in pre heat??? Iva had told him that if he ever fully got off his meds, it would take a while for his body and hormones to stabilize; She had insisted that Sanji should take it slow- stating that it could be difficult readjusting to all of his omega senses at once. She’d told him that in an ideal scenario (once he stopped taking the pills), he would have weeks if not months to readjust before his body attempted a heat.

So what was happening now? 

Was he sick?? Was Iva wrong?

That seemed unlikely- especially since the queen was literally a hormone expert…

No matter: the way his body felt was too familiar to ignore. He was undoubtedly in the early stages of preheat.

Horror flooded him and he froze; remembering with abject clarity the last time he went in heat.

But no…

It wasn't too late… 

If he could just take another pill- he might be able to mask it well enough (though he would probably not feel great when the double dose worked its way out of his system). Still, he would rather suffer a migraine and aches later than a full blown heat for the next few days. He was hardly prepared to do that under the best circumstances! Let alone when he had yet to tell the crew of his designation…

That thought shot a spark of clarity through his turbulent mind. 

He still hadn't told the crew his truth. 

He hadn't told them about his new bounty. 

Adding confusion and insult to an already unsavory task, the cook knew he had to address the poster soon; especially if he was showing signs of preheat for the first time in years… 

If he did end up falling into heat, he would be more vulnerable then he cared to admit.

He needed to tell his crew.

He needed to mitigate the effect of the heat now . He needed another suppressant.

It was as good a plan as any, and feeling clear headed and himself, the blonde moved to untangle himself from Luffy's hold.

As he started to stir, he moved to sit up, and looked to see that Luffy himself was already awake. Indeed; his captain had been silently holding and watching him for some time, and as he caught the rubber man’s wide, genuine eyes, Sanji suddenly found he had the strength for honesty.

Clearing his throat, the blonde set himself back down; pulling away slightly so he could hold Luffy's gaze as they continued to share the same space.

For just a moment there was quiet- still and vaguely tense as the cook found his words; then steeling himself, he took a deep breath and opened his mouth to speak. 

“Morning captain,” he began, voice sleep-rough and quiet.

“Hi Sanji,” Luffy responded, hair mussy and cowlicked to one side. Even despite his rumpled and still-sleepy appearance, he seemed attuned to the fact that whatever the blonde was about to say was significant, and quieting- he waited for the cook to continue.

Noting the attentiveness, Sanji’s resolve grew, and hesitantly, he pressed on with his declaration. 

“I’m sorry I haven't told you yet, but: I’m an omega.”

The confession fell heavy from his lips, landing on the air with no cataclysm: only a dull thud.

For a second, it was quiet, and the chef averted his gaze- feeling his insides squirm with discomfort. He trusted his captain, certainly; but he was still unsure of what to hope for. 

S uddenly, he became aware of Luffy's embrace tightening around him once again; slowly shifting and pulling him up so there were eye to eye.

There was stillness as the rubber man encouraged the cook to look up and meet his stare; a frank expression of relieved knowing shining clear on his tanned face.

“I know, Sanji,” Luffy smiled; his easy acceptance the most natural thing in the world. “I’ve been waiting for you to say.”

That simple admission was as honest as anything, and suddenly, the chef felt a rush of confused, indignant, abject love and admiration strum through his chest like a tangible chord .

Of course Luffy would know.

The stupid, glorious, obnoxious, impossible rubber man captain he was….

Still, he wanted to know how, and tilting his eyes up- he met Luffy's in hopeful questioning. 

“How’d you know?” his voice felt smaller than he wanted it to be- but he hoped the answer was Zeff.  

He wasn’t sure why, but he preferred that to Luffy finding out on his own: plus, he always wondered if the geezer was old-fashioned enough to “pass the alpha baton”- a custom he had spoken of in the past.

Luffy only smiled; glad to be straightforward. 

“Your dad told me. Back on your fish-restaurant. He asked me to keep your secret.”

That answer was a relief.

Still, a part of him was annoyed; another- touched.

Feeling flustered yet happy, the blonde rolled his eyes in a dramatic pout.

“Tch, of course the old codger would stick his nose in my business…” he groused, feeling a touch of blushing gratitude color his cheeks. “The tasteless bastard never did know when to keep information to himself… though i can’t understand why you’d wanna keep a lousy secret like that either.”

Luffy only laughed in response, pulling Sanji closer to his chest- pretending to ignore it as the omega once again tucked his nose into the crook of his neck: stealing another quick breath of the alphas pheromones. 

“Nah, it’s not a lousy secret.” Luffy corrected, smiling as he felt the chef flinch at his words. “And the old man just cared about you… Zeff said it was important to Sanji, and Sanji is important to me… it’s an easy thing to do.”

The blatant honesty was so earnest and so genuine that Sanji felt his throat tighten with some strained emotion. He was unused to navigating the terse topic of him being an omega, and was unsure of what to do with the churning mix of apprehension and relief rolling in his gut. Vaguely, he realized his face was heating, and a pressure began to grow behind his eyes, threatening building tears.

Luffy had to have noticed, but did not bring it up. Instead, he simply lifted a hand to card it through the side of Sanji’s hair- tousling in a kind and rueful way.

The gentleness of the action seemed to break some dam in the cook, and without thought, he tucked his face back into the crook of the alphas neck- freely breathing his scent as he worked through wobbly tears: Just like he used to do with Zeff when he was young.

For a while, the two lay together, Sanji breathing through his muffled cries- feeling a whole myriad of emotion (elation, relief, sorrow, regret, shame and hope) as he was held securely by his captain.

Luffy for his part was just glad that this whole exchange was going as well as it was. 

He didn't quite know what to say, and it seemed best to just let his cook get his feelings out. 

Usually, it was hard when his crew cried, and he found himself wanting to find and fix the issue that was causing tears… but sometimes, crying could be a good thing- relieving and healing in its own way… He knew better than to rush Sanji through his feelings, and was content to just lay there with him: moving his hand back to the blonde fringe as he continued to soothe his friend.

Finally, after a few long minutes had passed, the chef's breaths seemed to dry up and even out; and it was not long before he had once again pulled himself away- working to collect himself as he figured out what to do next.

Tilting his head back, his determined gaze met the eyes of his captains.

“I should have told you sooner Luf; I’m sorry for taking so long. But I didn't want to admit it- and then when I could, I didn't know how to say it… And, of course nothing can ever be easy, cuz apparently the cat’s already out of the bag… Here, take a look …”

Finally moving to sit up, he reached over and grabbed a folded piece of parchment he’d been hiding in his toiletry bag- just on the bedside table. 

Reluctantly, the cook held the item- starting at it with a look of muted distaste before finally releasing it to a puzzled Luffy. The rubber man wasted no time, and quickly unfolded the parchment; furrowing his brow at what he saw.

It was a wanted poster for Sanji… A new one.

Studying it, the captain first focused on the new image that decorated its front- deeming that as the source of his friend's anxiety.

“Well, don’t worry. The picture isn’t that bad…”

The dry comment was enough to break some of Sanji’s tension, and feeling snippy, he moved to wack at the rubber man's head.

“It’s not the picture that’s important, you moron ,” he barked, flushing as he looked at the new image posted- because indeed, Luffy dry observation wasn’t without merit.

The picture wasn’t that bad- but that hardly meant it was good. 

While his previous bounties had been objects of visual horror in their own way (the poorly rendered illustration his personal bane), he had to admit that- though an actual photograph had been secured for this now poster run- it hardly felt like a step up.

True enough, the new still must have been caught in the middle of him fawning- for he looked all parts coy and flirtatious and teasing. If anything, he looked flamboyant and ditzy.

That in conjunction with the new text made his mouth taste bitter.

That was hardly how he wanted to be represented.

Still, the thing that remained most damaging was not the picture, but the words on the poster, and pointing them out, Sanji returned Luffy's attention to the issue at hand.

“Look at what it says- you illiterate dumbass!”

This time, the rubber man did actually take a moment to study the sheet before him, and counting off zero’s he turned back to his cook- an impressed look shining clear in his eyes. 

“Wow! No way! Your bounty went way up! That's great Sanji- you should be proud! Though Zoro might be mad”

This time, the cook had to groan in disbelief, amazed at how stupid his captain could be.

“That's not the point,” he finally ground out, “-though Mosshead can get over it regardless.”

Then (finally tired of waiting for Luffy to catch it on his own), he reached over to tap at the two new words that hung over his own name: Male Omega.

“This is the issue!” he clarified, rapping his finger over the text. “ This is gonna be a problem; not just for me, but for the whole crew!”

This time, Luffy did look at the bounty- finally with actual thoughtfulness weighing his expression. He was considering Zeff's words from long ago- remembering his ominous statement regarding Sanji's Omega status. 

The old alpha had said it back then as a warning, but the words still floated in the recess of Luffy's mind: “ Omegas have it rough across all the seas- life will be hard for him if that comes out and you’re not ready.”

That entire conversation was now painfully relevant, and looking up- the rubber man met the stressed gaze of his cook.

Even beyond the pointed concern that was visible in the blondes eye, a notable twist of anxiety began to spike the air- his preheat pheromones dialing up in response to his agitation. Whispers of stress were quickly becoming more evident- tinging the space around them with a tangible strain of upset.

Again, the omegas' emotions almost seemed to be projected through scent- clear in a way that was more conversational than an alphas single commanding notes.

Embarrassment

Stress

Irritation

Uncertainty

Shame

Fear

Help 

Luffy 

Help

Whether he realized it or not, Luffy could read the notes clearly- immediately feeling the alpha in him stir with a decided growl of protective defense.

His omega shouldn’t be afraid.

Grabbing the poster fully from the cook- Luffy frowned as he finally took the whole thing in; displeased at the source of his friends distress.

He still didn't quite understand why this is as big a deal as it was… Granted- he knew so little about secondary sexes, and never thought he would be moved to care much about them… But he could see how much it was impacting his cook- and even more, he could feel his own instincts responding in unmistakable ways that brought clarity to himself even on what it meant to be an alpha.

He was a defender to his pack. His job was to take care of them, make sure they were safe and supported and happy; If alphas were defenders, teeth, and fists, then Omegas were surely beacons of feeling: their hearts literally on display for the world to sense.

“An alpha was only as good as the most vulnerable member of his pack” - that’s what Grandpa had once told him…

Back then, he thought it just meant that an alpha should only find a strong pack that could keep up with them; but now, he understood differently. 

An alpha was only as good as the most vulnerable member of his pack. 

That did not necessarily mean weak.

It could just mean “honest”, “sensitive” or “sincere” .

So: how were members of his pack being cared for? Were they happy? Were they well? Were they satisfied? His responsibility as an alpha did not end with physical prowess and feats of strength... It included feelings and security and emotions as well. 

If the most vulnerable members of the pack (in all forms) were happy- that was a measure of an alphas success.

That’s what Garp had meant…

And that made perfect sense, even now; because Sanji wasn't weak… far from it. Him being an omega didn't change his value or his strength in any way, but it did add a new dynamic to their pack. It did show vulnerability- and not in a bad way at all. 

Rather- that genuine feeling that was showcased in scent could be a direct insight to the state of his friend- It wasnt so much vulnerability as it was an indicator for action and a guide for response.

If his cook felt afraid, Luffy would comfort him.

That was as clear a directive as he could hope for.

Putting down the poster (unimpressed with how it made his friend feel), Luffy once again leaned forward, arms stretching out as he wrangled the blonde back into his hold.

“It’s not a problem.” He assured, a note of promising certainty threading his tone. “ Nothing about you is a problem- and it won't be bad for the crew… we’re already pirates- trouble is a part of that. We’ll figure it out, just like we always have.”

There was a steely certainty in his voice, and Sanji's eyes widened, feeling an extrasensory push of alpha determination pulse in the air. Flustered (yet vaguely flattered), he felt his own omega sense preen in response- glad to be so directly tended.

“That’s not exactly reassuring, considering our track record…” he griped, even as he let himself be pulled closer to Luffy, “-I wish it wasn’t a problem at all…” 

“It’s not a problem.” Luffy insisted once again. “We’re crew, we’re family, we’re pack. However you feel about this, we’ll face it together, but don’t think it's yours to carry alone. Not anymore. Do you understand Sanji?”

Meekly, the blonde looked down- hearing his captain's words and feeling (with his waking omega senses) the truth and abject belief in the words. 

Regardless of however he felt- he knew Luffy was telling the truth. 

He knew he could rely on him. 

Now it was time to put that same trust in the rest of the crew.

Finally, he nodded in response- once again feeling a tightness grow in the back of his throat, indicative of more tears. This time however- they stemmed less from embarrassment and a lack of control, and were more a rushing gratitude and touched disbelief. 

How was he so lucky? He didn't deserve this kind understanding…

He didn't deserve this kind of love.

Sensing his inner thoughts and smelling the weighted emotion, the rubber man wasted no time. Quick as a whip, he lunged forward and wrapped his cook in his arms- ignoring the weak protests as he took the liberty of nuzzling in close; intentionally scenting the cook with his own soothing promise.

“Don’t worry,” he huffed with a little laugh. “It’s ok to be upset- but you don’t have to worry about it alone; we can figure it all out together.”

His words were factual, and Sanji let himself be buoyed by them- clinging to his captain's certainty and choosing to rely on it rather than wallow in doubt and anxiety.

He knew he couldn't always do that, but for now- Luffy's words felt like a safety net: absolute, secure, and able to take his weight.

It was as reassuring as it was a relief, and relaxing- the cook allowed himself to be held; enjoying the sensation of being cared for and willing to trust that his truth was just that: A truth.

Not trouble, not a curse, not a mistake or a shame or a joke or a failure. 

His state was just a truth.

That's all there was to it…

In that moment- sitting there with Luffy- feeling safe and thankful and emotionally exhausted, he found he could almost believe it.

Almost .

Chapter Text

Luffy and Sanji remained tangled for another few minutes: the blonde collecting his thoughts while his captain continued to hold him- both quiet as they considered what to do next. 

The morning was beginning to grow late, and (though they’d only been talking for half an hour or so) the early light had already warmed to something brighter- still fresh with a crisp dew. Past that, the sweetness of a coastal breeze was stirring the air- trailing through the wide windows and inviting those still indoors to come outside and enjoy the start of a new day.

It was tempting, certainly; but Sanji was hesitant to leave the safety of the room.

He knew that once he did- he couldn’t lie to his crew anymore. He had to tell them the truth of what he was- regardless of his own reluctance.

It was well past time for honesty. 

Even beyond that (and with some dawning clarity) he realized that he’d told Robin he would share his news within a day or two. Since that initial conversation first took place (by now two full days ago), he was dismayed to recognize that they were at the outer limits of the expressed time frame.

If he was to be a man of his word- he needed to follow through with his assertion.

Anyway, he would never dream of letting down his beloved Robin!

He couldn’t disappoint her: and refused to lie, even by omission.

It would have to be today. The sooner the better; probably when they were seated at breakfast. He’d tell them all quickly; to “rip off the bandaid” as best he could… 

And even though he was certain that his friends would accept him, he found he could not silence the quiet hum of anxiety that still plagued the back of his mind.

Because the whole thing felt so unnatural! After all (aside from Zeff), there were very few people whom he had willingly shared his designation with. True enough, he’d been conditioned to the idea of secrecy: keeping his omega quiet and to himself thanks to an ugly mixture of shame, fear, insecurity and embarrassment. 

Still, he knew he could trust his crew… and It wasn’t like he could hide behind suppressants forever! In fact, it seemed he could hardly do that now- what with the way his meds seemed to be failing…

And that was another, upsetting thought: Why were his suppressants failing him?

The last pill he took must have been defective- that had to be it! 

Or maybe… he'd simply forgotten and skipped a dose? Why else would his preheat be so near? 

Regardless, he refused to let his biology win. 

He’d subdue it; forcefully, if he had to. 

To that end: even if he felt ready to be truthful with his friends- he was still unwilling to air his status so freely. He did not want to stop passing as a beta, and had no intention of abandoning his suppressants. He might reduce them…sure. But not for a long while...

He had grown accustomed to the sensory anonymity of presenting beta- and was unsure of what his senses would even be like without the meds. Further- he had only experienced heats as a young teen- back when they were still easy, with none of the intensity that “allegedly” came with being an adult omega. 

And that was another ominous thought: For even at their mellowest state, he could remember his cycles being a miasma of discomfort. His heats were a weary mix of aches, exhaustion, high emotion, and a decisive internal yearning to be coddled and loved… 

The whole ordeal had been mortifying enough when he was young- and with a wince he clearly remembered how he would cry to have Zeff close: always wanting the chef to be in his periphery or be covered by his scent. 

He could get away with that when he was a pup- but he had no desire to experience that (tenfold) in front of his crew.

He was not ready for that level of vulnerability; not yet…

Still: recognizing that he was in fact in preheat- he was compelled to act; and in a rush, he knew he needed to mitigate his cycle now - lest it advance to a full blown heat. 

The thought was distasteful. Afterall: he was already suffering through some kind of potent humiliation by even addressing this part of himself… no need to exacerbate the situation by turning into a weepy omega mess thanks to an unfortunately timed heat cycle. 

The mere notion was horrendous in and of itself, and he didn’t think he could bear the idea of the ladies (or Zoro) seeing him in that state.

No.

He needed to control his system; quickly, before the situation devolved further.

As if sensing his thoughts, Luffy leaned over and pulled at the chef's attention: a concerned expression creasing his genial face.

“Hey Sanji?” he began- hesitation sitting on the edge of his tone- gentle as he cut into the cooks thoughts: “I know it’s your secret, but you really really smell like an omega now… way more than ever before.”

There was quiet regret in his voice- even as he delivered his observation. Regardless, he pressed on, closing with a single confession:

“I don't think I can cover your scent all the way anymore- not with how strong it’s getting.” 

His admission was unsurprising, but still unwelcome.

Truthfully, Sanji himself could not deny the sweet tendrils now emitting from his form- unquestionable in the air around him. Luffy let out a huff and turned seriously toward his chef, fixing the blonde with a solemn look- unwavering yet open all the same.

“You may need to tell the crew.”

The suggestion was not a demand; far from it, and if anything, Sanji felt his heart clench in grateful heartache as he appreciated the goodness of his silly weird friend. 

Because Luffy wasn’t making him do or say anything: he was still giving him the option. The silent support was unspoken but guaranteed: whatever Sanji wanted to do- Luffy would abide by his decision.

Sitting all the way up, the blonde fixed his captain with a look of firm resolve, certitude now thrumming in his gut. 

He really was lucky to have Luffy as both a captain and friend.

Letting out a deep sigh of acceptance, the blonde ran a hand through his bangs- pushing them back as stated his intention: finally ready to face the world beyond the door.

“Don’t worry Luf,” he assured, finding himself bolstered thanks to the easy support. “I was already planning on telling everyone today… I ought to stop keeping this secret, and I think you guys have more than earned that trust…”

The rubber man only stared at him for a moment- then: seeing that his conviction was genuine (and not out of an obligatory fear), the captain smiled with bright satisfaction.

“If that's what Sanji wants!” he agreed, obviously happy to hear the cook's decision. “But you’re right! You trust them, they trust you. If you feel good about telling everyone- I think it's a good idea.”

His confirmation was expected, but appreciated nonetheless, and moving to sit up, the blonde found his anxiety had diminished in light of Luffy's positivity.

Still- now that the decision had been made- he needed to consider the follow through. But first, before anything else: he had to mitigate his potential heat. 

Because that was an issue that had to be dealt with immediately .

Even if he did decide to be fully honest with everyone, there was still no way he could go through a full heat right now.

Not when he hadn’t had one in over five years…

True enough: he was absolutely positive that he was currently in preheat: a sensation that was proven by several once-familiar factors: 

First- his personal omega smell was growing stronger and more tangible, so much so that he himself could not deny it. Past that, he felt an increased hunger and want for physical comfort and affection- longing to be surrounded and scented by those in his pack. More- he knew that the strange dreamy brain-fog from the other day was not so much him being buzzed or drunk- rather, that was a clear symptom of preheat: the hazy effect growing when he felt safe, and  evaporating when feeling threatened or insecure. 

The whole revelation was not ideal, and It had been so long since he’d experienced a preheat, that for a minute- he was unsure of what to do. Still- if he remembered correctly (and assuming his body did not decide to “wig-out” on him) his preheat cycles only lasted two days… 

As long as he took another suppressant while still in that window of time, he should be good.

Thinking back, he vaguely remembered the fog of his cycle beginning specifically when they were at lunch in Westfold, and looking at the hanging clock, he caught the time: reading a harrowing eight forty two in the morning.  

Alarmed to see that it was so late, (he was not used to sleeping past five) the cook still managed to will himself towards calm. 

It was ok. He was still well-within the first 24 hour window. He’d be fine… He’d be able to dodge this heat no problem .

No matter what- he decided not to risk it, and resolved to double up his meds. 

Finally pulling himself out of bed, the blond quickly moved to his toiletry bag- rummaging for where he had stashed his recently purchased suppressants. It only took a moment for him to find his quarry, and without fanfare, he pulled out the small paper box and immediately selected two little pills from the familiar packet.

Luffy had by then moved to sit cross-legged on the bed, and was watching with open curiosity as his cook managed his affairs; intrigued to see what the blond did to suppress his natural state. 

Ignoring his audience, Sanji raised the meds to his mouth, but just before taking them: he paused and gave a moment to look suspiciously down at the little box, wondering for a moment how or if he actually got a faulty pill?

And sure… it had certainly happened in the past (after all, the regulations concerning omega suppressants were hardly consistent across the blues), but still: he’d never had a suppressant fail him quite so fast, only to then lead directly into a preheat…

It felt… off , and distantly, he wondered if he should even bother going back to the pharmacy to demand a replacement pack… 

Probably not… he concluded to himself, It was likely they'd only scam him again. Plus, he had no desire to be harassed by that weird kid. For now, he was better off doubling his dose… 

As soon as he could, he’d try getting a new packet in the other part of town- away from the cheating pharmacist and his angry ward.

Anyway, it was unfortunate: for anytime he’d had to double a dose of suppressants in the past, he’d been left feeling horrid and achy- with a terrible migraine to match. 

That was fine though.

But he would rather have that than a full blown heat. 

That was a certainty .

Even so, he resented the need to sacrifice his well-being later for now, and was irritated that it was such a regular part of being an omega.

No matter what, all he could do was live with it, and he resolved then and there to swallow his pride. Moving forward, he’d be sure to use Benz’s name to get the local treatment- regardless of his own feelings on the matter…

Settling on that course of action, the blonde took the two little pills and kicked them down dry, then finally returned to sit by Luffy's side. 

“Those should help with the smell at least,” he mused, giving Luffy a vague smile as he replaced the box of pills. 

Hearing that, Luffy's curious look shifted to one of concerned confusion.

“Wait Sanji,” asked the rubber man (a poorly hidden note of urgency coloring his tone), “Does that mean your scent will go away again? Or that you won't want to cuddle anymore?”

It was clear he was slightly disappointed, and rolling his eyes, the chef turned to fix him with a stern glare: “Well, yeah. Obviously…” he confirmed, one eyebrow raised. “Like I said- not quite ready to live with all the “bells and whistles” that come with being ‘meg… It’s not anything I want to flaunt either… and at least this way I wont be a hindrance or a distraction.”

“Your scent isn't either of those things” cut in a defensive Luffy, “-It’s really nice; don’t think it's a bad thing.” 

The reproach was clear in his voice, and the cook found himself both touched and exasperated.

“Well- regardless,” he huffed, somewhat flustered as he regained his bearings, “I'm not used to projecting what I am to the whole goddamn world… There are still some things I’d rather keep to myself. Anyway; I know it doesn’t bother you , but what about the others? It might be distracting, or I don't know… too much? Plus, I highly doubt everyone would appreciate me stinking up the place- can you imagine what Zoro would say? The idiot would never let me live it down… not after all the grief I’ve given him…”

Hearing that, Luffy laughed; the bright sound seeming to lift some of the cook's still-present anxiety.

“Silly Sanji-” he smiled, indulgent and knowing, “I don't think Zoro would mind your smell at all...” 

There was a strange note of humor in his voice- only just audible before he switched his demeanor completely. Pulling himself upright with decisive action, the young captain crossed his arms and stated (with a certain theatrical flair): “But If you wanna keep hiding it, then I guess that's fine … Just don't feel like you need to.”

The distinction felt significant and the chef nodded in understanding, grateful and vaguely meek regarding the clarification. “Sure Luf,” he confirmed, not meeting his eyes, “I'll keep that in mind.”

The captain's sternness melted back to an easy smile- pleased and reassuring as he leaned forward to cuff the blonde on the shoulder: “It’s whatever you want Sanji. As long as you feel ok about it. That's what we’ll do.” 

There was some finality in that statement, and it felt like a natural dismissal of the topic. Still, while the whole confessional went as smooth as he could have hoped, Sanji could not help but feel somewhat disgruntled at the notion of letting the subject go… 

There was more he wanted to say; more he wanted to parse out… After all, this was the first time he had ever told anyone in his own age bracket the truth of what he was, let alone an alpha, (let alone a friend!). He was curious to more of his captain's response; not just for the sake of insight, but because speaking so openly about the topic was strangely cathartic in its own way… 

Whatever the case: he had to admit- as far as the morning was going, he was already feeling much better and far more secure: especially after having taken more suppressants (and being swathed in his captain's alpha scent). 

Indeed, he was bolstered by Luffy, and reassured by the rubber man's easy certainty. 

No matter what, stepping forward, he could bask in the knowledge that (between Luffy and Robin) he was no longer alone with his heavy truth. That was more than he ever could have hoped for, and for that, he should be grateful.

Still, concern plagued the back of his mind- it’s potency obvious enough that even his friend could pick up on it. 

“Hmm, You seem upset,” the captain noted (direct as ever); then, without waiting for confirmation, he snapped up from his slouched criss-cross position: deliberate and attentive as he aimed to understand his friend's feelings: “What's going on in that head?”

“Tch, It's not that I’m upset,” huffed the cook- touched yet vaguely annoyed; “It’s just- this is uncharted territory for me. And as glad as I am that I can tell you, I still need to get used to the idea of telling anyone!”

“Hmm, hmm,” nodded Luffy in understanding. “And have you told anyone else?”

“Well- yes… I mean- kind of?” blustered the cook- wracking his brain as he crafted a short-list of those who knew about his status. Admittedly, since Baratie, there were very few names that came to mind. 

“To be honest, I haven't really shared the information with that many… Even during our time apart I was choosy about it… Iva knows, as do some of the girls back on Kamabakka… but since regrouping, Robin is the only member of the crew I've actually told.”

Hearing that, the rubber man seemed to perk up in relief: “Oh! That's good then,” he offered, as though it were the simplest thing on earth. “Robin’s pretty much the smartest person ever. If she knows, maybe she can help with telling everyone else? She knows how to talk good, ya know?”

Ignoring the poor grammar, Sanji had to admit: Luffy had a solid point. 

Instead of agonizing over the fact that Robin knew of his status, he really should be relieved: the archeologist was smart, rational, pragmatic, empathetic and kind; if anything, she was the best person to have in his corner for something as sensitive as this. 

Deciding to accept that, the blonde huffed a great sigh; resigned, relieved, yet still irritated over the circumstances at large. “Hm, you’re right about that; Robin is pretty much perfect in every way… It might be good to get her insight: especially for telling Zoro.”

That last bit of musing was mostly to himself, but hearing it, Luffy's head tilted in perplexed confusion; “Is there something extra hard about telling Zoro?” he asked, unsure of the issue.

Sanji only turned to level the rubber man with an unflinching stink-eye. “Seriously Luffy? It’s Zoro… You know- the idiot moss-brained sword-obsessed dimwit who has been plaguing me since we first met…. The only person on the crew who makes me lose my mind daily thanks to his routine goal to harass me? That Zoro?”

The young captain could only laugh, entertained at his crew’s dynamic. “You like it just as much as he does-” he reminded jovially. “And what does that matter? Zoro knows when to be serious. He knows how to listen- plus he’s a giant softy… If something is really bothering you- he knows not to make a big deal out of it.”

The rubber man's words were true, but the cook found he could not quell the anxiety building in his chest. Now that he was actually thinking about it, it was the first time he faced down the notion of actually telling the swordsman about his truth. 

The thought was different from telling the rest of the crew, and briefly, Sanji felt a stab of cold fear shoot into his gut. In response, he could feel his own internal omega flinch; the still-dulled instinct coming to life in response to his charged emotions.

Worse: his recently-taken suppressants had yet to kick-in, and as such, a wave of nervous fear pulsed off his form; the scent and mood nearly tangible to Luffy's alpha nose. 

Immediately, the rubber man leaned forward, caught off guard by the blonde's dip in feeling (and unused to catching so many of his extra-sensory omega notes) he blinked in mild alarm.

Huh, so Sanji really was upset at the idea of telling Zoro… 

Confused, the captain pulled back- unsure of what he needed to do: wanting to soothe his friend and simultaneously defend Zoro's integrity. 

Because Sanji had no reason to fear- couldn't he understand that?

Before he could even open his mouth, the chef pushed on- explaining more of his upset even as he worked to understand it himself.

“It’s just- the relationship that Zoro and I have is weird; the stupid bastard drives me insane- but as much as i hate to admit it- I care about what the idiot might think. Even beyond the possibility of him teasing me for this, I’m a little worried about what all this will mean for- I don't know… I guess, us in general??”

With a heaving sigh, Sanji reached up to scrub a hand through his bangs- fingers tangling in his hair as he pulled at the ends- the tugging picking up in urgency as he continued to express himself- oblivious to his own actions. 

“Like- since we met, we’ve been going at it- back and forth; egging each other on with all the fights and name calling… but that's always been us . We’ve always been dicks to each other. It was always fine: Fun, even! Because everything was mutual… the harassment, the challenging, the jokes and the teasing…I mean, we’re always pushing each other… More than a normal friendship i guess- Cause, well… we’re rivals- equals! But this feels like too much to ignore… What if this is the thing that ruins it all. What if telling him I’m an omega changes the way he sees me? What if this ends what we have?” 

His upset was spiking, and without hesitation, Luffy reached forward to unthread the cooks hand from his fringe- lacing his own fingers between the blondes.

“Sanji, don’t think so little of Zoro.” 

There was clear reproach in Luffy's tone (gentle but chiding none-the-less); even so- a hint of amusement seemed to sparkle in his eye- private and entertained as he commented on his chefs woes. 

“I mean: yeah, he’s stupid, but he’s not dumb. Zoro knows not to focus on things like that; plus, we’re crew- and you are his rival. He knows how important that is… for both of you. He took you seriously when he thought you were Beta: why would it change if you’re an Omega?”

Admittedly, that was a fair point, and Sanji had to blink at the rare wisdom he was receiving from his captain. Luffy however was not done, and with a slightly dismissive yawn, he moved to stretch- closing out his thoughts with a helpful: “Anyway, it’s ok: I know you’re pretty stupid when it comes to Zoro too. But, if you’re so worried, you should talk to him about it- just you two together. That will probably make it easier for him too.”

Trailing off, a sudden flash of memory lit up in his eyes, and quickly, his hands flew to slap at his pockets. In no time, he found his quarry, and with a flourish, pulled the item out from where it had been hidden. 

“Here!” he cried victorious, thrusting his find before the cooks eyes “This is Zoro’s bandana. You should give it back to him and let him know what's going on. That way you can talk, and you don't have to figure it out in front of everyone else… easy, right?”

Sanji only raised an eyebrow, dubious towards his friend's simple solution; still- he did reach out to take the offered item, immediately recognizing the slip of dingy fabric with more familiarity than he cared to admit. 

“How did you even get this?” he asked, curious as he examined the frayed ends; surprised that the swordsman would ever leave the thing behind.

“That doesn't matter,” waved Luffy, cavalier and uncaring (clearly steering the conversation toward lighter topics). “But you have a reason to talk to him now- just you two. That's what's important.”

The cook was doubtful; yet even as he held the fabric loosely in his hand, he had to admit- he felt better. Having a direct course of action helped soothe his mind, and using the handkerchief as a reason to corner the swordsman seemed as good a plan as any… (certainly, it had nothing to do with the fact that he was suddenly very aware of the scent that clung to the fabric; nothing at all)...

Still- regardless of how much (or little) he wanted to recognize it- Sanji found himself shocked at the ease in which he could tune into Zoro’s smell, especially now that his oft-used bandana was aired to the wind.

Distantly, he felt certitude shift into place: he must be in preheat- because if nothing else, that level of sensory awareness was a dead giveaway. 

Under normal (suppressed) circumstances, he never would have noticed the Alphas scent- but now, it was nearly impossible to ignore; doubly so with Luffy in the room. 

No matter, he knew being an omega gave him an incredible sense of smell (when not using his meds), but he never expected to be so interested in any alpha scent- let alone that of one Roronoa Zoro (or Luffys for that matter!). 

It would be a hilariously karmic revolution if it wasn't so humiliating… Still, now that he was holding something so drenched in the swordsman's note, he found himself just barely resisting the urge to raise the fabric to his nose and take a great curious sniff of it.

His expression must have been telling, for off to the side, Luffy laughed, clearly entertained by the chef's hesitation. “”It’s ok Sanji,” he smiled ruefully, “I’m an Alpha and I like Zoro's scent too… he smells nice! Like a waterfall or something…”

The blonde only glared at that- annoyed at being so clearly called out. 

Still, wanting to keep whatever sheds of his dignity he had intact, the chef moved to wad up the handkerchief- dramatic and uncaring as he stuffed the strip deep into his pajama pocket- making a clear show of his performative disinterest.

The captain only threw his head back and guffawed: bright, mirthful, and obviously glad to see some of his friends' snarkiness return.

“Just be sure to give it back to him!” Luffy teased, moving to stand and stretch as he finally removed himself from the bed. “Also we should hurry now- ‘Sadies said breakfast will be good this morning- I don't want to miss out, so c’mon; let’s go!” And just like that, the rubber man was back on his one-track mind. 

The notion of food seemed to chase off any remaining insight the captain could have offered, and in something of a rush- he whipped around the room, gathering his hat and discarded yukata (which he had pilfered from the Benz’s offered closet) before hurrying out the door. 

Sanji only watched him go- unsurprised and somewhat relieved at how normal Luffy's behavior was. Sure enough and despite his own upset, It was good to see how much his captain had actively matured, and the chef had to admit he was impressed. Of course, he had always been proud to sail under the Strawhats flag, but watching the rubber man grow into his role only reignited his gratification.

Damn. How was he so lucky?

It was a question he did not have an answer to; still, recognizing the truth in Luffy's words (that they should not keep their hostess waiting), he also moved to ready himself for the day. 

It only took a moment to gather his things, and soon he was off- fully intending to take a quick shower and rinse off the accumulated omega stink that was now clinging to his oversized sleep shirt. Indeed, the sweet aroma was nearly unmistakable now; and soon, anyone (even a beta) would be able to recognize what he was. 

That of course, was unacceptable, and as Sanji hurried to the bathroom, he made sure to avoid his crewmates- just in case. 

Or at least til I’m presentable and smell halfway normal again , he thought to himself (idly throwing a towel over his head to contain what scent he could).

Luckily, his wish was granted and his venture successful, and to the cooks great relief, he encountered no one on his way. 

Immediately, he threw himself into his morning routine- being extra sure to wash away any lingering aromas (omega or otherwise). It was only when he was fully satisfied that he was free from the smell that the blonde moved on from under the water- taking full advantage of the various lotions and colognes that were set about the room- doing everything in his power to cloak his personal fragrance. 

The double dose of supresents should be more than enough to block his scent, but no matter: he wanted to maintain firm control over the situation.

Finally, after rifling through the (extensive) toiletries and amenities in the guest-suite bathroom (and after locating a stick of scent-blocking deodorant) he felt fresh and ready for the day- confident in his decision to tell the crew and bolstered by Luffy's support.

Just as he was preparing to exit the dressing room, he caught sight of his discarded pajamas; with a quick shake of his head, he moved to retrieve them- intending to toss them in the laundry bin when all of the sudden, he remembered Zoro's bandana- stashed deep in his pocket.

Tch- that was pretty meddlesome, even for Luffy- the cook thought to himself; somewhat surprised at his captains orchestrations. Still, he had to admit: it was a welcome feat- and reaching, he made to recover the wadded lump of dingy fabric.

As soon as he pulled the bandana free, he froze- once again completely surprised by the heavy spoor of Alpha that seemed to cling to the fraying threads- now filling the air as it was brought out from its hiding place.

Shocked, Sanji could only blink- curious, confused and weirdly elated at the pervading scent.

Almost immediately, a whole slew of questions flew through his mind: some more urgent than others- growing in noise as he continued to stare at the wadded cloth in his hand: Why did the stupid bandana smell so strong? Since when did it smell so good? Was Zoro's alpha scent really always like this? How could he have missed it? Why would he want to?!? 

Now that was an absurd thought, and shaking his head, the chef worked to clear his mind.

Right- this wasn't really normal- after all, the other night, when they were together, he had caught the end notes of the swordsman's core-scent, but then , it hadn’t come across half as strong as it was now!!! So what was going on? If anything, his suppressants should have kicked in, so why was he able to smell anything at all? 

Before he could think more on the matter, a rattling of the door handle spooked him, and (feeling strangely caught) the cook rushed to jam the bandana into his back trouser pocket- calling out a hurried “Hang on! Nearly done!” as he finished cleaning up his mess. 

It only took him a second to gather his things, and in just a beat, he was unlocking the dressing room door- making way for a mildly frazzled Usopp.

“Oh, hey Sanji!” The sniper greeted, bemused and relieved despite the hurried look in his eye, “I was looking for you: me and Nami were gonna head over to the Sunny real quick. Gonna drop off some of the shopping from yesterday- wanna come with?”

The move was not unexpected, afterall- Nami was often concerned and aware of how the crew's valuables were stowed (even more so after an enormous haul). Indeed, it was habitual for her to store things in the safest place she knew: the impenetrable treasure room of the Thousand Sunny.

It only made sense that after such an elaborate shopping event, the cat burglar would want to secure their newfound prizes.

Sanji of course could only smile at the consistency of his beloved Nami-swan, and without much further thought, he looked Usopp dead on and affirmed his hand: “You know I'd do anything for Nami- it’s an honor to be at her call.”

The storyteller rolled his eyes in clear bemusement, unsurprised at his friend's forthright devotion. “Sure man, just go let her know- she’s itching to get a move on before breakfast… Also, you might wanna hurry- if you act fast, you can save a man’s life.”

The cook raised an eyebrow at that, unsure of what the longnose was implying; before he could get the question out- Usopp slipped around him and moved into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him with a “Sorry, but I have don't-get-involved-when-Nami-is-pissed-disease … good luck!” With that, he closed the door with a firm click- leaving the chef to go figure out the puzzle himself. 

It only took a moment for all the pieces to fall into place, for as soon as he walked back down the hall- the blonde could spot the source of the sniper's fear. 

Entering the large central space of the guest suite, a strange yet entertaining picture could be seen. 

There: standing assertively in the center of the room, was a clearly irate navigator- obviously in the middle of some potent tirade as she lorded over whichever poor soul fell victim to her wrath.

It only took a moment for the casualty to be recognized, for seated on the floor- cross legged (looking every bit like he wished he could disappear) was Zoro. 

Whatever he’d done to incur the wrath of Nami must have been significant, as even he had the good sense to look mildly abashed and (seeing that,) the chef could not help but internally wince- certain that the swordsman's infraction was costing him an earful. 

Suddenly, Usopp's vague warning (and quick escape) made sense. 

Right… so this is what he meant by saving a man's life…

With a prim sniff toward the sniper's cowardice (self preservation), the chef moved fully into the room- deciding to seize the opportunity and kill two birds with one stone. He’d offer his assistance to his beloved navigator while simultaneously stepping in on the swordsman's behalf. He could easily demand a word with Zoro in private, and then: share his truth and give back the stupid handkerchief. Easy. straightforward- to the point. 

Just like ripping off a band-aid.

Deciding on his course of action, Sanji approached his fellow crewmates- idly noting a wide-eyed Chopper seated on a stack of cushions, a letter tucked under his elbow and a cup of milk clutched between his cloven hooves as he watched the exchange with pensive interest.

As he stepped up, the cook tuned into the red-heads rant, finally understanding what had landed the swordsman so firmly in the dog house: 

“You idiot!” Nami barked, one hand on her hip as she pointed an accusing finger at the shamed mosshead. “It’s a one-door difference! How do you get lost switching rooms? At this point I’m convinced there’s something wrong with your brain- there’s no other way to explain it!”

Hearing that, the cause of the upset was immediately clear, and it was evident that the navigator was utterly unimpressed with the marimo’s sense of direction (an understandable plight).

Zoro for his part, was grudgingly accepting towards the rebuke- and while it was obvious he was fed up with being scolded, he seemed to understand his error. Still, he appeared utterly petulant- cross-legged on a cushion on the floor as the navigator half his size stood over him in righteous fury. 

“Do you understand how much of a heart attack you gave me this morning!?! Just sitting in the corner like some weirdo watching us sleep??”

“I wasn’t watching you sleep-” grumbled a defensive swordsman, “I just nodded off while meditating… s’not my fault you have such a weak constitution and freak out so easily…”

“Oh, I’ll show you a weak constitution-”” huffed the redhead, gearing up for another bout of verbal offence- clearly fuming and ready to lambast further. 

Before she could really get into gear however, the cook made himself known: clearing his throat and calling attention to himself as he watched the charging exchange.

“At the risk of interrupting the exquisite poetry you are no-doubt working on in regards to this unruly cyclops, I heard you were looking for me?” 

His interjection worked, and immediately, all three occupants of the room turned to look at him- each with a vague measure of relief visible in their eyes.

“ There you are Sanji!” huffed an exasperated Nami, glad to see Usopp had succeeded in his task. “I was wondering where you were- it’s not like you sleep in twice in a row. I was getting ready to have Chopper hunt you down and make sure you were ok.” 

Her concerned comment was as kind as it was layered in pragmatic curiosity. It was clear she suspected the cook of having a hangover, and while that wasn’t out of the ordinary, the chef was glad he’d avoided having the doctor come give him a once-over. 

True enough: if the reindeer had found him before he showered, he’d immediately recognize the Omega for what he was… 

Thankful that he’d managed to avoid that, the blonde only smiled- charmed by the navigator's concern: “How kind to worry!” he hammed as he strode into the circle, “but I’m fine my dear- just enjoying our hosts amenities before breakfast- it’s not often I get to enjoy a lazy morning, let alone two in a row.” 

That statement was certainly factual enough- especially since the cook was routinely the first person awake; always working early to ensure breakfast was prepared for the rest of the crew upon waking.

Hearing his explanation, Nami nodded in understanding, easily accepting his word as true: “That’s good- I mean, you’ve definitely earned the rest. Still: we gotta stay on target-”  

There was a firm note of decisive action in the redheads tone; a cue that was audible any time she took the lead on planning for an eventual escape: 

“Robin and I were talking last night and we both agreed: we should leave this island before the Grand Vendue starts. We got lucky with our timing on arrival, but based off the conversation at dinner last night, a lot more people will be coming into town for this big festival thing- and according to our hosts, that includes more marines, navy and bounty hunters…We should make sure we’re gone before that happens.” 

From his cushion on the floor, Chopper nodded in agreement- wordlessly backing Nami’s point as he continued to sip on his milk. Seeing him, the navigator looked pleased; obviously gratified and endeared by his support before finally pushing on with her plan: 

“That’s to say: Franky’s gonna fix the Sunny today while the rest of us do one last sweep in the market. We’ll make sure we have everything we need for setting out, and I’lll ask Mercedes on routes to the next closest islands… No matter what, we should leave early tomorrow to make sure we’re clear of Southtown; that’ll give nearly two full days of distance between us and Korekuta by the start of the event on Friday.”

Her planning seemed solid even in passing, and Sanji hummed in understanding- always impressed by the cat burglar's prudence and preparedness. 

She was right of course, as she always was- and even though he was genuinely captivated by the wonders Korekuta had to offer, the cook also was relieved to know they would soon be on their way once again. 

Indeed, as much as he was enjoying being a guest in the Benz’s remarkable home, he was still occupied by his own private issues, and found it hard to enjoy himself when he was so consumed with being outed as an Omega. If anything, the notion of being back at sea with only his crew to worry about, was a welcome thought. 

Still, Nami wasn’t done, and turning to the cook she addressed him specifically: 

“Since we need to make sure we’re ready once Franjy is finished, we should ensure everything we’ve bought so far is stowed back on the Sunny. Once he’s out of the bathroom, Usopp and I are gonna do a run back to the ship: do you think you can lend a hand with all the bags?”

Her explanation was as fair as her request (even without batting her eyes in an effort to persuade), and easily, Sanji nodded his assent. “Of course,” he affirmed in his typically gallant flair, but not before shooting a stink-eye at the still sullen swordsman seated on the floor- “-but how come this lout isn’t volunteering his time? What's all that muscle good for if you’re not gonna help Nami-Swan, eh?”

That last bit was aimed directly at the “lout” in question- and from his spot, the mosshead looked up with a droll glare- clearly expecting to be called out.

“If you hadn't taken your sweet time waking up, you’d know that Chopper and I are heading to the post office together. We decided to go earlier this morning-”

“Of course!” interjected the redhead, “Right after scaring us awake!” 

It was clear that she was still unimpressed with his actions. Even so, (despite her simmering frustration) the navigator did not push back on the swordsman's statement, making it clear that she had no intention of upsetting the duo’s plans.

“That's right!” cut in Chopper, finally having finished his milk and brandishing his letter- “I want to let Doctorine know I’m back with the crew, and Mercedes said that this island's mail service is really reliable! I thought it’d be good to take advantage and let everyone back home and in Torino to know I'm ok- plus Zoro said he had a letter he wanted to send too!”

Hearing that, Nami only smiled indulgently- apparently too charmed to throw a wrench in his earnest plan. “Doctor Kureha be happy to hear from you, I'm sure of it-” she encouraged; still, there was a sharpness to her tone as she shot a vague look of warning to the chaperoning swordsman: 

“And that's fine that Zoro’s going with you… Just don't wander off! and be sure to hurry back for breakfast. Mercedes said the food will be ready in half an hour, so be quick- got it?”

“Tch, it’s barely a stone's throw from the estate-” yawned the swordsman in question, “ maybe a five minute walk- if that… s’hardly like we’ll get lost.” 

“ You’re one to talk!” snapped all three members of the audience- each with the same level of heat. 

Not to be distracted, Sanji raised a hand to ease his creased brow- soothing his ire as he kept his temper in check- willing himself to follow through on his own plan before they separated for their individual pursuits.

“Actually, really quick- before we all split: Zoro, can I have a word?”

The appeal was unexpected, and immediately, the marimo’s head snapped toward the waiting cook- caught off guard by the simple request. 

Admittedly, his eye had been on Sanji since the blonde entered the room, and while he made no real secret of his staring, he was still surprised to be addressed so directly. Further, a series of questions flew through his mind in rapid succession, each with more curiosity than the last: What did the cook want to talk to him about? Did he remember their conversation from the previous night? Was he planning on talking about it? Did he still smell like an omega? Could he really be one??? 

Regardless of the urgency of his questions, his external shock lasted only a moment before shaking it off and responding with a mute nod- unsure what this could mean, but hungry for answers nonetheless.

The chef's expression was mostly shuttered, but upon seeing his rival acquiesce, he tilted his chin in gratitude before turning toward garden terrace- “This’ll only take a minute Nami my love,” he assured over his shoulder as he motioned for Zoro to follow him out. “We’ll head to the Sunny as soon as Usopp is out.” Then, without waiting for confirmation, he exited out the door.

The first-mate wasted no time and immediately rose from his seat- smoothly pulling himself upright to follow after the cook. 

The whole exchange was strangely bereft of conflict, and Nami and Chopper could not help but share a look of mutual dubiousness; confused and intrigued as to what was going on- respecting their friend's space, but clearly curious toward the private conversation.

Heedless to their crewmates wondering, Zoro and Sanji continued on their way: exiting to the garden terrace before following the path to a large bench seat that looked out over the lower grounds and out to the sea. 

It was a lovely little spot, and feeling emboldened, Sanji decided this was as good a place as any to air his truth.

With a resigned huff, he moved to sit- leaving plenty of space for his rival to join him as he worked out how to begin- fingers itching for a smoke as considered what he wanted to say.

Silently, the swordsman joined him on the bench. 

Zoro could sense the others pondering, and was cognizant of the fact that something was brewing deep in the chef's mind- leaving the cyclops unsure of what to say or do. It only took a beat for him to settle on the safest option- that was: waiting quietly until Curly clued him in. 

His decision was soon rewarded as only another beat passed before the chef cleared his throat- fingers twitching as one hand raised to pull at his fringe- nervously tugging as he finally divulged what was on his mind:

“So… about last night… Do you remember any of the, uh, conversation we were having?”

His voice was hesitant, and it was clear that Zoro's answer mattered significantly.

Deciding to go for something more joking to ease the way, the swordsman sniffed in easy bemusement, unsure but hoping to alleviate some of the blonde's anxiety with familiar banter: “Of course I do, cook. You know I have no problem holding my liquor- unlike some damn waiter I know.”

His tone was gruff yet playful- testing the waters and Sanji’s mood. The effort seemed to work, and at his side, the cook only clicked his tongue in vague annoyance- recognizing the tease yet not dismissing it entirely.

“Tch, shut up you idiot.” Sniffed the blonde, “I hold my liquor just fine I'll have you know- and anyway, don't be a dick. Not right now at least... I have something I need to say.”

His words seemed to get heavier as he finished his rebuke, and hearing that- Zoro quieted, hesitant in the face of the unknown; afterall- he wanted answers more than anything… 

He wanted to know if Sanji meant what he said the other night during his drunken confession; wanted to know if the cook actually considered him so important. He wanted to know what might have happened if Luffy never barged in their room, and was wondering how things might have been different in that small close moment when they'd been sharing the same air… 

He wanted to smell the cook again; wanted to know if what he sensed last night had been true, or some absurd mistake… He wanted to know if the chef really was omega, and if so- needed to know what that meant in full… 

He wanted to know what was going on, and why he was being kept in the dark; and wanted to harass his rival as much as he wanted to soothe his friends' nerves. 

No matter what, the stupid cook was his pack and crewmate. He was family - so regardless of what he was gonna say, Zoro knew he had to be patient and willing to listen, temporarily shelving his own feelings.

It was a reminder for restraint, and instead of releasing that torrent of questions, he held his tongue- taking a long, low breath before finally nodding in acceptance, indicating the cook should speak his mind.

Sanji noted the seriousness and gave a mild sniff (whether out of appreciation or irritation, who could say). Still, he found the swordsman's gravitas acceptable and looking away- his eyes shifted to the stunning ocean view: unseeing as he finally said his piece.

“Anyway, uh, last night I said a couple of things to you when we were back in our room; I just wanted to let you know… I meant what I said… You’re a moron, but apparently you’re someone important to me… and well, because of that- I feel like you’re owed this information, or that you should hear it first… at least before I come clean to the others…”

Here he paused, long and tense, and suddenly, Zoro was acutely aware of an anxious scent filling the air around them- acrid and bitter and overly sweet with clear litany coded in its thread:

DREAD

UNCERTAINTY

SHAME

EMBARRASSMENT

HUMILIATION

RUN AWAY

ZORO

ALPHA

ITS OK ITS OK ITS OK

COMMIT

The swordsman blinked, shocked at the distinct notes he was being barraged with; the clarity of the messages far surpassing anything he had sensed from the cook the previous night. Indeed, the communication layered through the redolence was strong and dynamic- similar to what an alpha could do but with more tangible emotion bolstering the implicit purport directly; confirming beyond doubt that the man before him was absolutely not a beta.

Shaking his head to break out of the scent, Zoro focused on the chef, wondering if he was aware of how much he was broadcasting and amazed he had never picked up on it before. 

He must always be suppressing himself… the cyclops realized, feeling strangely indignant, confused and sharply concerned. There was no way… Curly couldn't be that reckless? But if he was, why was he choosing now to be true? What changed? Was everything ok???

His internal questions continued to pile up, till suddenly he realized that the chef had yet to finish his statement.

Doing his best to school his expression into something unaffected, the swordsman turned to fully meet the blondes eyes- wanting to show he was serious as he pushed his rival to continue:

“Well- go on, cook. Say what you want to say.”

His ushering was strangely gentle, and Sanji clicked his tongue in annoyance, obviously hesitant yet still responsive to the urge- “Just shut it would you? This already feels like a big deal, I don't need to be rushed along…”

Even despite his grousing, there was a notable pulse in the blondes scent- altering slightly to include a hint of flustered readiness and drive:

IRRITATION

ITS OK JUST SAY IT ITS OK

HESITATION

ITS FINE

CAUTION

ZORO

ALPHA

SAFE

ITS OK ITS OK ITS OK

JUST COMMIT

That last note seemed to be the deciding charge, and with a snap, the cook looked up- firm resolve glinting in his visible eye.

“The thing I wanted to tell you was that I’m an Omega , ok?”

The confession was abrupt, and it was clear the words were pushed out of his mouth; still he continued- using the momentum to spit out a defensive warning as he waited for the swordsman's response. 

“-Now whatever that information means to you, just remember that I am more than capable of kicking your sorry ass into next week, so don’t test me…”

His insistence was met with silence, and for a second, the two men simply stared at one another- sizing each other up in testing observance while allowing the statement to absorb between them.

Zoro was still, yet continued to hold the chefs gaze- unflinching as he took in his rivals words- making no move to harass, show contempt, upset, or even joke. Instead, he maintained his quiet and nodded his understanding- allowing just the slightest curl of his own alpha pheromones to color the air: a subtle yet affirming note of “ CALM, YOU’RE OK, THERE’S NOTHING TO FEAR FROM ME”...

The cook twitched as soon as he caught it- obviously surprised to be reading the alphas intent; still, the pulse of reassurance worked, and the sharp sting of anxiety that had spiked through the air diminished to a more hesitant curiosity- quickly soothing into a meek kind of understanding. 

Finally, Sanji could not take the prolonged quiet any longer, and with a heavy sigh, he looked away, the ends of his mouth twisting in grim understanding, though it was clear there was some unaddressed relief as well: 

“So…You don't seem surprised. Why?”

That was an easy enough question to answer, and deciding to be direct, the swordsman responded with no hesitation or tease.

“I smelled it on you. Just last night, when we were… talking.”

“Right…” nodded the blonde, accepting his words as true. “That makes sense. That's why Luffy interfered so abruptly…” 

“What?” Zoro cut in, finally surprised: “So he’s known? Gotta admit I’m impressed he never let it slip… Never figured Luffy was any kinda secret keeper.”

“Tch, I’m as surprised as you are…” huffed Sanji in response, “-he told me he’s known since Baratie; though I only found out this morning… Apparently Zeff gave him the rundown without cluing me in; lousy bastard...”

It was clear there was fondness in his words that even cursing couldn’t mask.

“Anyway, I wanted to let you know first… at least, before I tell the others. Like I said, Luffy already knows, and so does Robin, but I figured it was time to be completely honest… with everyone. I plan on telling the others at breakfast, but somehow: it felt wrong not telling you first.”

That admission seemed significant and hearing it, the swordsman felt something sanguine bloom in his core: a quiet rekindling of hope from the other night.

Another moment of silence passed; this time more thoughtful than tense, until finally, the cyclops broke the air with his own curiosity.

“Cook… how come you never said?”

The question was sincere, and for a second it lingered between them; the words accompanied by birdsong and the distant call of the sea.

Eventually, Sanji answered- his voice layered with emotion that seemed to range from frustration and heartache, to defensive ire: 

“Why would I want to?” he asked in rebuttal. “C’mon moss, even you have to know how it is for most Omegas… why would I ever want anyone to know?”

Hearing that, Zoro grit his teeth, suddenly abashed with how little he actually did know about the experiences Omegas had. 

Certainly, he had an idea ( nearly everyone did)… After all, you’d have to have to be willfully ignorant to not know at least some of the stories regarding the treatment Omegas were dealt. And sure , some places were allegedly much better than others- but it would be obtuse to say they had it easy across any of the blues; even he (an Alpha swordsman pirate who had a reputation and bounty to match) knew that... 

More than his secondhand knowledge, he clearly remembered Kuinas grief, and had remembered her fierce denial once her designation was confirmed… So yes, the cook's retort was beyond fair: why would he ever want anyone to know?

Suddenly feeling lost and deeply confused, the swordsman furrowed his brow- doing his best to understand his rivals motives: “Ok- sure, I get that… keeping it to yourself… passing as a beta…But why now? Why bother saying anything at this point?” 

HIs inquiry was met with an immediate answer as Sanji was at the ready: his updated poster already in hand and thrust forward into the swordsman's space. 

Without waiting, the cyclops took the offered sheet- briefly studying the words on the page before his good eye widened in surprise- unsure of the implications on what he was reading.

“It's on your poster ?” he questioned as he stared at the updated bounty- “How? Who told the marines? I mean, I doubt the old chef would sell you out…”

“Tch, yeah, that's definitely not the case-” commented Sanji, slumping forward in his seat with a huff “-If anything, Zeff’s probably surprised as I am about this whole clusterfuck…”

Zoro only hummed in acknowledgment, frown deepening as he glared at the page- closing with a helpful: “Well- that's not good.”

“Ya think ?” Snapped the cook, though it was tinged with a performative outrage. It was clear he had more on his mind, and after another brief pause- he pushed on: working to articulate his thoughts and feelings as best he could:

“To be honest- this whole thing has me kinda freaked… I talked it out with Luffy this morning, and that went well… so that’s reassuring; but I’m still at a loss as to how this even happened- let alone how to handle it moving forward.”

He breathed another heavy sigh, fingers twitching in a nervous drum on his knee before pushing on: “There’s a lot that this changes for me… for us , as a crew I guess; but If i'm honest, up until this morning, the thing that had me most freaked out was telling the others…”

“Well that's stupid-” interjected Zoro with a disbelieving sniff.

“Excuse me???” growled the cook snapping his head to glare at the offending swordsman, his scent quickly souring to irate once again.

“Tch- calm down,” waved the marimo, unconsciously responding with his own wave of soothing timbre: 

“I just figured you'd know by now-” he continued to clarify as his rival stared him down, “-the details don't matter. Everyone on the crew has something they’re at odds with; doesn't make them second guess their spot among us- let alone whether or not they’ll be ostracized for it… I mean, Robin thought it might and we literally declared war on the World Government for her… which just affirms my point.”

His point was indeed proven, but Zoro felt the need to continue. He could still smell the sharp notes of anxious hesitation pealing off the blonde, and was determined to counter it as best he could. 

Feeling the need to be honest, the cyclops let out a thoughtful sigh- wanting to choose his words carefully in light of his companions' distrust. 

“What I mean is: Luffy chose each of us for his crew. We’re pack: so you shouldn't have to worry about whether or not information like that matters when you’re already a part of who we are.”

His assessment was not without merit, and feeling sure, Zoro cautioned a look at the chef's face. To his mild surprise, Sanji was already looking at him- sharp eyes meeting his in a steady (in not scrutinizing) study.

“What about you ?” The cook asked after a beat- prodding, hesitant and distantly challenging.  “Does it bother you ?” 

Once again, the swordsman found himself confused: certain the blonde was trying to instigate a fight if it wasn't for the questioning fear and tentative hope that now laced the cooks changing scent. 

“ What ???” he asked, unsure if Sanji was serious in his query.

“Does it bother you that I'm an Omega?” the chef clarified, hackles rising once more.

“Hah???” responded Zoro, now vaguely indignant- annoyed that the question even had to be asked. “No??? Why would it? People are people. Their substance and character are what I look at… Has nothing to do with what they are- just who they are is what matters to me.”

His response was ardent and seemed to appease the cook (his spoor easing to hold a distinct note of relief), and sensing an opportunity for clarity- the cyclops continued his statement, doing his best to match his friends honesty in full:

“Listen Curly… I know we go at it- and i never thought we’d talk about it… but- being fair: you’re important to me too… I get that this probably isn't easy for you- but I need you to know- this won’t change us. This won’t change how we are with each other… at least, it doesn't have to.”

He heaved a sigh as he finished his thought, feeling certain in his own words. 

“You're an idiot, but you're also my friend. Someone that Luffy, myself, and the others rely on… which makes you pretty significant in my book (even if I hate to admit it). As much as you drive me crazy- it’d take a lot more than this for me not to accept you… So no. It doesn't bother me that you’re an Omega… though to be honest, I’m also not sure of all that it entails…”

His admission was sincere, and as his side, Sanji relaxed- feeling his own stress dissipate as he absorbed the swordsman's speech.

“Well, you’re not the only one…” He finally commented- his tone accepting and with vague humor. “I’ve been on suppressants for so long that I barely have an idea of what being Omega means- let alone how to live like one…”

“What?” asked Zoro in disbelief- shocked that his assumption was correct. 

So the chef had been on suppressants to pass… That made sense, though that hardly seemed like a good thing. Even with his limited knowledge and alpha privilege, he knew that suppressants were meant to be used sparingly; to hear the chef had been on them for the entire time they’d known each other set off significant alarms in the back of his head. 

There was no way that was good for the idiot love-cook….  

“Why are you changing it up now?” the swordsman asked, confused and somewhat concerned, “I mean, congrats on stopping i guess, but what made you decide to give up suppressants?” His question was genuine as he could actively smell the growing perfume of omega around the cook- yet, much to his surprise, Sanji met his gaze with sharp confusion in his visible eye.

“I didn’t .” He clarified, suddenly smelling nervous… “I missed a dose the other day, I think… or took a bad pill I guess. Either way: I just re-upped this morning, and it’s taking some time for my system to even out…”

His words sounded uncertain, and Zoro raised an eyebrow in dubious appraisal- unsure if he should mention that the cook's scent seemed to be growing rather than diminishing… 

True enough, it was at the same level of potency as it had been the previous night; the savor becoming more tangible, informative and absolute as each moment passed. Even beyond its unquestionable presence, there was something else that was becoming unmistakable in the perfume: an undercurrent that was alluring, warm and profoundly interesting to Zoro’s alpha core…

It smelled like a distant heat: still muted, but growing steadily in distinctive charm; its lure something that the swordsman could easily recognize as captivating and worth pursuing- a revelation that was less shocking, and more affirming than anything else.

Afterall, he knew he’d been attracted to the cook long before any of this conversation took place (it was a fact he’d acknowledged some time ago- just after Skypia), but he’d never considered his interest to be worth the chase. The chef was clear in his preference, and even in the moments where Zoro was sure they’d recognized mutual chemistry, Sanji always seemed to find some reason to avoid, evade, deny or change topics if the moment was even remotely addressed. 

And sure, Zoro had always received the message loud and clear: that looking for anything beyond friendship with the idiot dart-brow was off the table - but being here: in this moment and after hearing the cook's confession from the other night, he felt something between them shift… A long hidden path had just been made clear- and the swordsman was curious to see where it may lead.

To that end: he also recognized the cook's transparency wasn't an invitation so much as it was a baring of the heart: an explanation for all of the cagy, distant, antagonistic and avoidant bullshit the cook always placed between them. Still, now that he had answers, Zoro could not help but wonder how much of the blonde's behavior was an act of defensive distraction as opposed to genuine dismissal.

Reeling himself back, It was clear that Sanji was living a life where every movement and interaction was calculated and weighed- both to maintain the illusion of being beta, and to snuff out any possibility of him being perceived as anything else- a task that becoming increasingly difficult as the undercurrent of oncoming heat continued to grow.

And that was quickly becoming a whole other thing to be cognizant of: for smelling the faint yet growing trail of Omega heat was admittedly distracting, and added a sizable layer of complexity to the whole situation for the very significant fact that Zoro was hooked .

Indeed, the alluring wisps were becoming impossible to ignore, and if the cook smelled this good when still on suppressants, the cyclops could only imagine how incredible the chef might smell wholly without. 

But that didn't matter right now (as much as he wished it did); certainly, he was curious to know more- but he had to keep his head straight. He needed to stay focused on the blondes' words: on his predicament, transparency, and needs… 

True enough: It was significant that Sanji would even want to single him out and share all of this with him… He’d be stupid to ruin it with his own curiosity and wants….

Still, there were certain things that seemed worth mentioning- and if the dart-brow thought his scent was diminishing, Zoro felt obligated to tell him the truth:

“I don't know, cook-” he offered with slight hesitation, “ I can still smell you… those pills must take a while to kick in- cuz you’re actually broadcasting kind of a lot; can you not smell yourself?”

The swordsman's insight was neither baiting nor wrong, and Sanji could tell that the cyclops was being authentic in his wondering- his displayed concern setting off warning bells in the back of the chef's mind.

“What?” he asked, cautious and aware, “How? What do you mean?” 

Zoro shrugged, unsure of how to clarify: “Just that I’m getting a lot of information off you- it’s like how alphas communicate; but you’re doing it more with more… I don't know- emotions layered in?? It’s like you are saying what you are thinking and feeling by scent…”

His description was apparently unsatisfactory as the blonde continued to stare- obviously expecting a more robust explanation. When none came he continued to push- the vague twist of apprehensive fear wafting forward once again.

“Hah???” he questioned, “Since when? I’m not trying to broadcast anything ??” 

“I don't know?” responded the marimo helplessly, “Since we came out here to talk? Can you really not tell that you're doing it?”

“Ah, no?” bit the blonde, “Maybe? I don't know? It's been a while since I've been able to smell anything really- even myself… it's probably just a hiccup while my body readjusts to the meds.”

Zoro held his tongue and only grunted in vague acceptance- unconvinced but not wanting to spook his rival or incite more fear.

“Whatever the case-” Sanji stated, reclaiming control over the conversation: “it shouldn’t matter. I already doubled my dose of suppressants, so whatever you’re talking about should go away soon- and you’re hardly one to talk about smelling the place up… I can barely catch anything, but even so- your Alpha stink is insanely intense! I can hardly imagine what you and Luffy are like unfiltered.”

It was clear that the cook was trying to steer them back to safer waters, and was doing so by shifting the topic back to Zoro: his baiting a mix of teasing curiosity and silent pleading. 

His goading worked and It was all too easy for Zoro to respond to the prod: suddenly wanting to defend his title as an Alpha above all else. “Psh… I’ll have you know, I’ve been told my scent is pretty great… S’not my fault your faculties are underdeveloped and weak… If your senses were any good- you’d know that my Alpha smell is the best .“ 

“Weak?!?!” snipped the chef in disbelief, ignoring the swordsman's brag: “Underdeveloped?!? I guarantee that is not the case, you absolute idiot; I’d even bet on it! In fact, I will bet on it! Without suppressants, my senses would completely match yours toe-to-toe, if not best yours entirely! Plus, I bet I smell way better than you, stinky Marimo.” 

His claim placed them firmly back in the safety of familiar banter, and Zoro could not help but lean forward; a challenging grin fixed firmly on his face. 

“Oh yeah?”  he countered, not to be outdone, “Those are big words for someone who never had the guts to try and live without suppressants; you know what I call that??? Weenie behavior.”

“OH, I’ll show you weenie behavior, you complete boor-” seethed the cook, a thrilling glint shining clear in his eye, “-you utter dumbass; you moronic one-eyed simpleton!” 

The chef's curses were growing in creativity, as was the smell now coming off him in waves (a lively mix of entertained relief and thrilling challenge). 

It was clear Sanji was happy to be revving up- eager to pick a fight and ready to defend his honor and (barely known) omega abilities. Just before he could really throw the gauntlet however, the distant voice of Nami broke through the air around them- calling down from the patio just outside the house.

Somewhat startled at the interruption, both Zoro and Sanji snapped their heads up to seek the navigator- seeing for the first time that she, Usopp and Chopper had all gathered outside and were clearly waiting for the duo to wrap up their conversation.

With a quiet gasp, the cook realized that he had left his beloved swan waiting for him, and in a snap, he was up and ready to walk back up the path- intending to meet her and the sniper. 

He’d barely made it two steps before he stopped short and spun back around on his heel- once again facing the (mildly surprised) swordsman. “Ah shit,” he swore under his breath, pausing his rush as he ran his hands over his pockets- obviously seeking out some forgotten trinket. 

Zoro simply stayed quiet as he raised an eyebrow- dubious and teasing: sure he could further fluster the cook with little effort. Sanji ignored him and simply continued his hunt- offering only a short explanation as he searched: “Hang on, I actually did have something for you before I go-”

Barely a moment passed before his venture was successful, and in a flair- he pulled out the wadded up bandana from his back trouser pocket, thrusting it hurriedly towards the Cyclops.

“ Here . Luffy told me to make sure you got this back- though it beats me why you’d leave it lying around in the first place…”

Seeing the familiar strip of fabric, Zoro smiled: suddenly understanding Luffy's hurried play from the other night. 

With a barking laugh, he shook his head in denial: “Keep it!” he smiled, waving his hand away; then, lowering his voice, he continued: 

“Hold on to it till your pills kick in; you’ll know they're working once you stop smelling it. But: don't think this conversation is done, cook; you made a man's bet, which means we’ll be discussing terms later… After you tell the crew. We’ll even get the witch to oversee.”

His tone was bossy and absolute, but as he spoke, Zoro willed a pulse of mellow alpha timbre to color the air- wanting the move to be recognized for what it was: not a barb, but rather- a gesture of support, stating: “ YOU’RE NOT ALONE, THE CONVERSATION ISN’T DONE; WE’LL TALK SOON; IT’S OK”

He was half-expecting Sanji to miss the chord; after all, the cook had never picked up on the threads he and Luffy wove before. Rather: he always behaved in true beta fashion and ignored the language of scent completely. This time however, the cook stopped short and blinked as he registered the silent message of abetment- obviously shocked as he tuned in to a long oppressed skill: sensing with ease, the truth of Zoro’s intent.

Whether he realized it or not, the chefs omega perfume peaked in response- exclaiming his state in unfettered hurry- a jumbled rush of flustered feelings:

FLATTERED?!?

TOUCHED

HOPEFUL

EXCITED

EMBOLDENED

CURIOUS

CONFUSED

LONGING

CHALLENGED

READY

Each emotion colored the air around the cook with vibrant warmth- his aroma blooming further to increase its strength: swelling lazily with the distant spiciness of early-heat. 

Catching that, Zoro paused- wondering if he should mention it to the dart-brow before immediately deciding to wait. He’d tell the chef once he returned from his errand- otherwise Nami was sure to skin them both …

As if being summoned by mere thought, the navigator's voice once again called from up the path: this time with a sharp reminder of the time.

“Hurry up you two!!! You said you’d be quick! Let’s move it!”

Her brisk urging was rewarded with immediate action from Sanji- the chef whipping around to rush to her side- quickly placing the bandana in the front pocket of his striped, short-sleeve button down. 

Just as he turned to walk up the path, the blonde shot one last glare back over his shoulder; slightly flushed and giddy as he shouted one last charge at the still-thoughtful marimo- laughing as he moved to leave:

“Count on it Marimo - we’ll finish this later. Then I'll correct you on all your false misconceptions you have about Omegas; you stupid Alpha.”

Zoro only laughed, feeling triumphant and strangely gratified that the Omega would so easily accept something saturated in his scent.

“Whatever you say- idiot Omega…” He hummed under his breath, not wanting to risk the others hearing his words. “Whatever you say...” 

It hardly mattered as the blonde was already gone- approaching Nami and Usopp with a hurried apology; waving goodbye to Chopper before moving to gather a portion of their still-packed shopping from the previous day. 

It only took a second for the trio to organize, and soon they were off- each laden with a variety of bags and heading for the moored Sunny in Stutters Cove. 

The swordsman only watched them go- cognizant of Chopper who was now running to meet him. It was high time they set off to the post office- but in that moment- Zoro was consumed with the lingering scent of Omega still dancing on the wind. 

He was admittedly charmed and hopeful thanks to the revelatory conversation he’d just had with the cook… 

He still had questions: of course he did … but he was no longer blind to the truth, and that alone made all the difference. Even beyond clarity however, a bright ball of warmth seemed to radiate in his core- proud and confident and interested. He felt light, glowy and smug as he considered his talk with the cook, and was strangely certain that his heart-to-heart with Curly went far better than he ever could have hoped. 

If nothing else- they were due to meet later… to outline their bet: just them, and pick up where they left off… talking about their natures and settling stupid debts. 

It was a strangely thrilling thought, and distantly the Cyclops considered thanking Luffy- suddenly glad for his captain's meddling.

The rubber bastard was always playing games- making shrewd plays with equal parts determination, cunning, and pure dumb luck . Still- his bold moves always seemed to pay off, and Zoro knew by this point to trust his captain's lead, regardless of his own trepidation. 

Amused at the situation at large (and feeling weirdly buoyant thanks to his conversation with the chef), Zoro moved to join Chopper- swooping down to pick up the doctor in a gentle scoop- lifting him high before setting him directly on his shoulder; smiling as the reindeer laughed in delight. 

He felt good, and his Alpha core was preening: robust and proud in his chest. 

The Omega liked spending time with him… he knew . He could tell in Sanji’s broadcast…

The thought was pleasing and warm, and (as he and Chopper passed the gate and headed to the town center), Zoro couldn’t help but smile, feeling sure beyond doubt that: at least for that morning- nothing could bring him down. 

There would be no mistake about that.

Chapter Text

Nami liked to think of herself as a very perceptive person.

True enough: she was cunning, watchful and calculating- and had honed those skills through years of servitude to Arlong and his gang. Even beyond possessing shrewdness and guile, she was emotionally intelligent and (admittedly) devious- using her knowledge to navigate through any type of situation: always sure to position herself in a way that either exonerated her of wrongdoing, or provided her with a clear escape route (just in case).

For many long years, the cat burglar relied on her sharp perception as a dire means for survival- using it to her advantage as she cheated scummy pirates in her effort to save Cocoyashi Village and live another day. It could be exhausting, disheartening, and outright dangerous if she made a wrong play, and for a long time- she had no option but to cope with the stress and isolation her situation brought.

Then, however- she met Luffy, and the beginnings of the Strawhat crew.

Abruptly- her world of high-stakes burglary and scamming imploded, and suddenly she found herself free from the crushing weight of terror that Arlong had imposed over her life. Thanks to that encounter, her existence seemed to change in an instant, and from the second she re-boarded the Going Merry (this time intending to stay and take on the role of Navigator), she found herself blown away by the magnificence of adventure that life could offer. 

There was still stress ( of course there was- how could there not be when sailing with Luffy?) but instead of dread, her motivation was now rooted in wonderous possibility and firm determination… She would continue to make maps- she’d continue to study the weather and seas- she’d become the finest, most revered navigator to conquer the Grand Line: It could happen- because she and her village were finally free!

It was an indescribable feeling: to have all of her ambitions abruptly shift from an impossible dream to tangible reality… it was a joy she didn't know she was even allowed to experience- let alone live.

Still, even with the recalibration of her own goals, a new drive filled her- one that was as unexpected as her long-sought freedom, but certain as anything: she would see Luffy ascend his throne. However long it took- her captain would be King of the Pirates. 

That recognition was absolute and in it: her resolve was firm.

Even beyond the changes in her life and circumstance, she was pleased to learn how valuable (read: necessary ) she was to her strange new crew. Factually: the odd-ball group that made up the Strawhats had a decent variety of useful skills, but few of them actually knew anything about sailing or navigation (a grim stop-short for a hopeful group of pirates). Even worse than that, the earliest version of the crew had no practical skills when it came to calculated cunning- making them an easy target to any who might push an advantage. 

While that notion did not seem to phase Luffy or Zoro in the slightest, Nami found herself slipping into a familiar role: one that was sharp and watchful, utilizing her well-forged discernment and guile for the benefit of her newfound friends.

As time went on and the Strawhats continued to grow, her cautious vigilance was bolstered and recognized as prudence: never dismissed and always taken into accord by the rest of her peers. Indeed, once she cast a serious judgement, her words were certain to be weighed by Zoro and Luffy, echoed by Usopp and Chopper, then either validated or put at ease by Sanji and Robin (though the archeologist's bleak sense of humor did little for the navigator's nerves). 

Suffice it to say, the redhead was glad to be taken seriously, and was relieved to know that her perception was seen as something so valuable by her crew.

Of course… that was not all her shrewdness was good for… 

Not at all.

Indeed, outside the grandiosity of adventure and cunning on the sea, Nami was sure to use her eagle eye whenever and wherever she could; gleaning truths and secrets from her friends with wiley cheek and blatant manipulations- not out of malice, but more for the sake of entertainment and delight. True enough, Zoro was easily her most frequent victim, and the swordsman routinely fell to her brazen maneuvering and outright grifts (a pattern that was as funny as it was improbable). 

Regardless, (and largely self-satisfied with her own coy prodding) Nami was sure to keep a weather eye on the horizon: not only for the benefit of her crew, but for her own enrichment as well. 

To that end, ever since the Strawhats reconvened at Sabaody after two long years apart, the navigator found herself almost overwhelmed with how much “enrichment” she was getting. It didn't help that Usopp (her forever-partner-in-crime) only escalated her want for intrigue and gossip- and since reuniting, the two friends always found time to rap about whatever new intel they had (regardless of the topic). 

It was incredibly fun and dearly missed, and Nami was only too happy to be back home- romping about and sniffing out scandals with her twin-spirit of an instigator and friend.

Of course, Usopp had been similarly thrilled, and the duo made quick work of catching up: filling each other in on the details of their lives that letters couldn't hold- reveling in each other's company and delighting in the fond familiarity their relationship held.

It was because of those titillating exchanges that Nami found herself on her current venture- traipsing down to the Thousand Sunny with both Usopp and Sanji in tow; cognizant and baiting for more juicy insight- informed and encouraged of course, by her long-nosed friend.

She and the sniper had already conferred about the cooks flirtations from the previous night- and shared a brief moment of gossip while on the train heading back from Westfold. Together, they mutually agreed to glean what details they could directly from the source, and had surreptitiously crafted a plan that would help them corner Sanji without raising suspicion.

It was all in good fun of course, and both Nami and Usopp had no intention of harassing their friend more than they ought- simply wanting to tease and bait a reaction (admittedly with the quiet hope of progressing their current betting pool). Past that: the need to move the shopping back to the ship was true, and Nami was genuine in her want for preparedness. Still, she had not been as urgent in that pursuit until recently: the inclination transforming to an informed direction thanks to an earlier conversation with Robin.

Certainly, the two women had talked the other night during dinner- both formulating a loose structure that would streamline the waiting work- for even beyond the needed planning, Robin had expressed pragmatic caution, and voiced a desire to cast off sooner than later- citing the Grand Vendue as reason for concern. Indeed, while she recognized that their captain had no fear of marines or danger, it was still in their best interest to be wary… 

They had already made a ruckus when reuniting at Sabaody- alerting the world government to the fact that the Strawhat crew was back and better than ever. It would be foolish to draw more military attention, especially while they were on an island that hosted both World Nobles and the Navy.

With a small frown, the navigator adjusted her grip on the bag she was holding- and silently thought back to her discussion with the archeologist, still considering her friend's concerns.

The two had touched base that morning, just after Nami was startled awake by the rumbling snores of a rogue swordsman (who had somehow meandered into her and Chopper's shared room). 

After shouting said intruder awake, the red head made quick work of starting her routine- cognizant of the hustle it would take to get the rest of the crew ready, and certain it would fall to her to get the stragglers out the door. It was a role she had long accepted, and (admittedly) found some secret delight in- glad to know that her ushering was still heeded (regardless of the lollygaggers complaints). 

No matter- someone had to be the voice of reason, and they really did need to start getting ready for the day- for even beyond the practicality of tending to the ship, Mercedes had generously offered to prepare breakfast for the Strawhats herself . The kind hospitality could not be ignored, and the navigator was determined to see everyone up and ready to enjoy their hosts' efforts (regardless of their desire to sleep in).

With decisive action, she quickly showered, selected an outfit from the Benz’s vast closet, then stepped outside to check the weather, only to be met with the stunning vista of a luscious coastline and an equally stunning Robin. 

The brunette had evidently been up for some time and was enjoying a hot cup of coffee on the veranda, ready and waiting with a second mug in hand. Immediately upon seeing the navigator, she silently offered the drink, which Nami gratefully accepted. 

“Thanks Robin,” she sighed in distinct relief, lifting the vessel to smell the dulcet aroma; “this is exactly what I needed; especially after the wake-up call I had…”

The historian only laughed, having already heard the fiasco from outside. “Hm, it is unfortunate that our dear swordsman is so directionally challenged-” she hummed, her tone understanding yet clearly entertained. “I can only wonder what event forced him from his own room to yours…”

“Tch- Apparently Luffy kicked him out-” clarified the redhead as she sipped on her drink. “Though Zoro didn't say why… Whatever the case, I'm getting fed up with his shenanigans. It's one thing to lose him in a town- but getting mixed up in a suite??? That's pretty absurd, even for him… all those knocks to the head must finally be getting to him.”

Her dry summation was met with an amused smile, and together, the two girls laughed at the absurdity of the situation. 

Once settled, the duo began to craft a structure for the afternoon- chatting idly as they sipped on coffee and watched the morning dew melt away. It took little effort to develop a plan: starting with moving their purchases back to the Sunny. They would be back in time to enjoy breakfast with their host, then after: Franky and Usopp would focus on repairing the ship. While they worked, the rest of the crew would take a final sweep through the town- mostly to ensure they had everything they wanted before casting off. If they were prudent, the Strawhats could be on their way by next dawn- giving them ample room to avoid any visiting nobility or marines.

Strategy decided, the duo moved back to easier topics: giggling over Franky’s routinely-interrupted romantic gestures (courtesy of Luffy) and gossiping about Zoro’s evident crime that exiled him from his own room. It was fun and light and effortless, and Nami was once again struck by how thankful she was to have Robin as part of the crew, as both a sister and a friend. 

Eventually however, their cups ran dry, and the two women separated to start on their self-assigned tasks. 

Soon, Robin was heading toward the main house- intent on helping their host cook; glad to join Brook who was already up and flirting with the woman as she worked. 

Nami meanwhile, turned back to the guest suite- ready to relay the plan to the others. 

Her effort had gone well, and (after lambasting Zoro a second time around) she felt energized and in high spirits: ready to be productive and mindful of the time. Even better: Luffy had already woken, and was on his way to join Robin, Brook and Mercedes in the kitchen- excited for food and strangely chuffed as he exited the guest suite.

Nami thought little of it- unconcerned with her captain's oddities as she established roles for the remaining Strawhats- a task that was done easily enough when she saw who remained. Franky was still asleep and would likely continue to rest till the breakfast call was sounded; beyond that, Chopper had expressed interest in going to the post office, and Zoro was keen to join him; that left Usopp and Sanji as viable hands to work. 

That was fine by her, and Nami knew she would have no trouble wrangling them to her cause. 

Sure enough, Usopp easily agreed and it took less effort to convince Sanji. Even better than their mutual help, the navigator was sure she could use the opportunity to her advantage, and was already cooking up ways to press the blonde for more intel- certain she and the sniper could glean more answers regarding the cooks recent weird behavior (and absurd cuddliness).

All of that had led them to that current moment: galavanting down to Stutters Cove, lively and mirthful as they walked back to the ship- carefully balancing sizable stacks of shopping on each of their arms.

It was true that it took them longer than she would have liked to get moving, but Nami was not upset at the turn of events. Rather, she admittedly felt bad for rushing them so ardently out the door- only for the fact that she interrupted what looked like a fairly urgent conversation between Zoro and Sanji.

True enough, the moment seemed significant, and from their vantage point up by the house, she, Usopp and Chopper could only hypothesize on the nature of their talk. Finally however- mindfulness dictated action, and the cat-burglar knew they had to get going. With a brisk call, she interrupted their conversation: beckoning their attention and urging speed (“Hurry up you two!!! You said you’d be quick! Let’s move it!”).

Instantly, her call kicked the others into gear, and in no time, the group had parted ways- each meaning to hurry back for breakfast with their host.

That was how time found them: with Nami, Usopp and Sanji chattering, laughing, and enjoying the dappled sunlight- entertained as they made their way to the Thousand Sunny; just down the hill in Stutters Cove. 

It was only when they were far from the Benz villa (well out of earshot from Zoro or Chopper) that both Nami and Usopp rounded on Sanji- the duo wearing predatory grins as they circled on their friend.

“Soo Sanji” blinked the navigator, coy as she sidled up to her companion. “You seem to be in a good mood lately- anything you wanna share?”

The blonde in question seemed to start- pulled out of his own thoughts by the beckoning of a pretty lady. “Huh? Oh! Sorry Nami, come again?” 

From his other side, Usopp guffawed- warm and disbelieving as he watched the exchange: “Well that's a first…” he turned to Nami with a raised eyebrow, “-I don't think Sanji’s ever tuned out you before; something really must be going on.” 

“How dare you question my attentiveness,” snipped the cook- huffy as he tossed a lofty glare over his shoulder. “Nami knows I would never deny her attention- I was just momentarily distracted… that's all.”

“Ooh, distracted by what?” Nami pushed, maneuvering her advantage while batting her eyes; “I mean, You’ve been a little off since arriving on this island- is everything alright?” 

There was a clear sound of genuine intrigue in her voice, and hearing it, the cook couldn't help but swoon. “You know I could never lie to you Nami-swan,” he gushed, spinning around to face her- bags swaying in his grasp. “You’re as perceptive as you are beautiful! What an incredible combination!” Then, seeming to catch himself, he slowed his reaction and his enthusiasm stalled. 

For a brief moment, it seemed as though he were wrestling some inner conflict, then- arriving at a decision, he stood a little straighter and turned to meet his friend's eye.

“But, uh- you’re not wrong.” he finally confessed, “I actually do have something I want to talk about. But, I’ve made the decision to tell everyone at the same time- later at breakfast… So, I apologize, my love- but would you mind waiting till then?” 

His admission was meek yet tangibly hopeful- and it only took a second for Nami to recognize the earnestness in his voice. Mildly surprised (yet distantly proud of him for asserting a boundary with her), she nodded her understanding and agreed to be patient (though now, more intrigued than ever).

Because what could Sanji want to share with the crew? It must be significant if he was planning on telling everyone… Admittedly, her interest continued to pique and it took conscientious effort to slow her desire for intel; dryly, she had to remind herself to rein in her curiosity (at least for another half hour or so)… 

From Sanji’s other side, Usopp leaned forward in interest, baiting yet cautious as he made his own attempt at recon: “OooOo,” he hammed, testing the waters with a playful tease- “You’re kinda making this sound like a big deal; is that what you were talking to Zoro about?”

“Tch- as if i’d tell you-” dismissed the cook, though it was clear Usopp had nailed it. “And anyway- don't stick your long nose in other people's business; I was talking to Nami… You’re just lucky to be included.” His chiding was familiar, if not huffier than usual; his persnickety display undermined as he readjusted his grip on a towering stack of parcels.

The sniper could only roll his eyes in playful relen- unsurprised at the exaggerated annoyance but still unwilling to push his luck. “Fine fine,” he backed off, “-but if you don't actually follow through and tell everyone this mysterious secret, I'm gonna start making stuff up and spreading it as truth…”

Emphasizing his threat, the storyteller turned to Nami and shot her a conniving smile and a wink- clearly crafting some tall tales for future use.

The chef ignored him and continued on his way- doing his best to remain aloof in light of his friends teasing. Before any more thought could go into the conversation however, the trio arrived at their destination. 

They had made it to the marina in good time, and the way to Stutters Cove was easy to find thanks to an ornately marked sign posted at its gate. Just past the entry stood a proud little boathouse that was orderly and painted a vibrant shade of teal, and was clearly well-stocked with all manner of lumber, tools, tar and rope. 

The spot itself was managed by Nob, the friendly deckhand who (at that moment) seemed incredibly invested in some sporting event being broadcast by a nearby transponder snail; he was chomping on a bag of crispy snacks, and was gesticulating in enthusiastic delight- clearly pleased with the status of his team. As soon as he spotted the visitors though, he threw up a welcoming hand and pointed them toward the docked Sunny, calling out a brief welcome before returning to the still-shouting snail on his workbench.  

With little thought, the trio thanked him and continued on their way, glad for the ease of their arrival. In no time, they were standing before their magnificent ship, preparing to ascend the gangplank and ready to drop off all of the goodies they’d procured during their time in Westfold. 

Nami was the first to board, and quickly, she made her way to the main mast- pulling a lever that opened the hatch doors to below. 

Without waiting for the others (trusting that they were close behind) she walked down the stairs into the belly of the ship- heading for the grand treasure room where they kept most of their spoils (when they had them at least).

With a flourish, she pulled out her key and opened the thick door- slipping inside the safe-room before delicately setting her bags down in the center of the space. A shuffling sounded behind her, and soon, Usopp appeared, carrying significantly more than he had been just before.

“Sanji’s putting the perishables in the kitchen,” he said by way of explanation. “Told us to shout for him when we’re ready to head back.”

Hearing that, the navigator nodded her approval- glad to know they would finish quickly by choosing to divide and conquer. 

The next ten minutes were a flurry of action, with Nami and Usopp moving back and forth from the main hold to the treasure room: grabbing bags and organizing parcels according to whom they belonged to. Typically, everything on the Sunny was common use- but on the occasions where they intentionally went to treat themselves, they always made a point to separate the goods according to the purchaser. The work was as easy as it was entertaining, and together, the two made a game of it: matching items to various Strawhats and making guesses on all that remained.

Finally, they were practically finished, with only one last load of bags remaining. The final few were still up on the grassy lawn, and based off of all they had unpacked, Nami was sure the only things unaccounted for were some beetle displays selected by Luffy, and a few new outfits for Chopper. 

By the time they gathered those, Sanji should be done with his work in the kitchen; they could then return together in good time!

Satisfied at their efforts, Nami exited the hold of the ship- taking the last stairs up with a skip in her step. Behind her strode Usopp, keeping easy pace and idly wondering if he should pick up more ping pong balls while in town. The cat burglar was just barely paying attention: too used to the familiar quandary to care (ping-pong tournaments were afterall, a very serious thing on the Thousand Sunny). She had just stepped out onto the lawn and was looking around for the last few bags, when all of the sudden- Usopp's voice halted behind her. 

Turning to see what had stopped the sniper mid-thought, the redhead was shocked to see an expression of wide eyed disquiet apparent on his face. Quick as a whip, he surged forward and grabbed the navigator's hand- pulling her alongside him as he rushed up the stairs to the kitchen.

”Wha! What are you doing!?!” Shrieked a bewildered Nami, completely startled by her friend's behavior- unsure why she was being dragged along.

”I think something’s wrong-“ hurried Usopp, brow furrowed in tense confusion: “As soon as we got up here; I just have a bad feeling… we need to check on Sanji!”

That was all the sniper got out before they landed on the second level balcony and flew into the waiting dining room. Nami was still lost as to what was going on, but Usopp seemed genuinely worried and alert- nervous yet clearly focused. Deciding to trust whatever instinct he had, the navigator quickly rallied behind him as he tore through the kitchen- both crewmates calling out the cooks name as they entered the still-open pantry… Voices picking up in urgency when the blonde failed to appear or even respond.

It did not take long to realize that Sanji was not in the kitchen, and had probably not been there since first setting down his load of shopping. Indeed, the counter still sported a vast stack of unsorted goods- and it looked as though hardly any of it had even been pulled from its packaging. 

Concern growing, Nami turned to look helplessly at Usopp. 

She was still confused, and admittedly a little flustered. Because, sure: Sanji wasn't in the kitchen- but he could very well be somewhere else on the ship! The Sunny was huge, and they’d been below deck for a while- the cook could very likely be anywhere on board. 

Still, it was unlike him to not finish a task… especially if it had anything to do with maintaining his kitchen.. . 

Even beyond that, Usopp's obvious alarm was worthy of note… 

By now, she suspected that his ”feeling” was probably the still-infantile observation haki he’d been training. Granted, while she herself did not have the ability, she’d be a fool not to heed the snipers judgment (at least when it came to watchfulness). To that end- if he really was sensing danger, it was in her best interest to listen, and take him at his word- after all, she knew this as a fact: Usopp didn’t play when it came to his friends.

That recognition compelled her to act seriously, and after scouring the upper deck, the increasingly worried duo moved back to the ship's grassy lawn- both confused and wondering where their cook had gone: unsure if they should feel panicked or irritated at his absence.

After all, Sanji knew how to take care of himself, and was undoubtedly one of the strongest fighters on the crew. He was as dangerous as he was dramatic, and it hardly felt right to immediately assume he was in danger.

And sure, maybe that was kind of a callous thought, but Nami trusted the cook's strength and danger sense (as much as she reasonably could). Still, Usopp had gotten a strong negative feeling for a reason, and while his observation haki was far from consistent- it hadn't been wrong yet. Thus, the course remained clear: they needed to stay on high alert and they needed to find Sanji.

Suddenly certain, Nami stepped forward to confer with Usopp, ready to ask for more details regarding whatever “strange feeling” he just experienced: wanting to be sure it was indeed a flash of haki, and not something stupid like indigestion. Before she could say anything however, a flash of movement pulled her attention; unmistakable in the corner of her eye.

Immediately, all of her attention snapped to the source of the disturbance: the last stack of shopping that was left waiting on the lawn. 

The parcels had clearly been rifled through, and one of the bags had been upended.

Seeing that: cold, acute fear entered Namis gut, and with a gasp, she took half a step back- finally certain that they were not actually alone on the ship.

Usopp tracked her eyes, and with no ounce of hesitation, he pulled a slingshot from his pocket- loaded and ready to be flung. With a quick twist, he turned to face the potential threat, standing alongside Nami- eyes locked on the main mast and the ruined stack of shopping beside it.

Together, the two held their breath; eyes wide as they peered forward, hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever was hiding behind the pillar- both nervous and dangerously on edge.

Finally, something moved: a figure behind the mast was slowly appearing- cautious and meek and unexpectedly small.

It only took a moment to see that the trespasser was a young boy: one that Usopp recognized as familiar- sighted in the townsquare just the other day. Certainly, it was the same kid Sanji had pointed out; the one he’d said had been rude and watchful… 

Sure enough, the child's features were the same- showing pale skin, a slight form, and a great tangle of thick curly hair. He had a vast spattering of light freckles on his nose, and his eyes were dark and enormously soulful, not unlike some newborn fawn.

Still, regardless of  his timid appearance, the boy was still an intruder and evidently: a thief- the assertion made clear thanks to the stolen loot clutched in his hands. Indeed, he had obviously gone through the Strawhats shopping, and had selected a handful of goods for his own want, including one of the rare golden beetle carapaces that Luffy had been so excited to find. 

Seeing that, Nami blinked- confused by the random child that was obviously trying to rob them. 

She was about to ask for clarity- not intending to scare the child but wanting answers nonetheless, when all of the sudden, the boy seemed to tense. His eyes went wide, and with some hesitation, he moved to sniff the air.

Whatever he caught must have upset him, for as soon as he tasted the wind, the kid seemed to shirk- eyes roving widely before landing on the nearby gangplank leading off the ship.

Instantly, Usopp could see that the child was preparing to bolt, and slowly, he raised his hands in a gesture indicating peace:

“Hey, hang on kid,” he offered, voice as non threatening as he could muster, “You’re ok- you’re from the pharmacy, right? My buddy said he met you the other day… listen: we’re not mad about you being on the ship… In fact, we can talk about you keeping those things you found, but before that, can you help us out?”

The kid was unsure- obviously tense but still intrigued by the pirates proposition; beyond that, he seemed surprised to be recognized, and his confusion translated to hesitation. Still, even despite his pause, he was clearly dubious: frowning as he looked towards the gangplank, then back to Usopp- obviously weighing his odds while keeping his distance.

Deciding to show his hand, the sniper pushed ahead- his voice easy and warm as he asked his question: “Have you seen where our friend went? He was in your shop the other day i think- was the tall guy with blonde hair and a funny eyebrow… Kinda like a spiral! He was on this ship, and was with us when we arrived… Did you see if he left?”

The storyteller's tone was light and playful, and he had no intention of frightening off the obviously scared little boy: still, his intention did not seem to matter, as the kid continued to look terrified and desperate to run. It was clearly a sorry sight, and the longer she looked at him, the more Nami felt bad for the child. 

Without thought, she lifted her hand, tentatively reaching out to soothe the skittish child. Before she could move further, the youth sprang back- clutching his stolen items to his chest while shaking his head in a desperate picture of fear and panic. 

Clearly, he was terrified to be touched.

Immediately, the navigator retracted her hand in regret- certain that another unexpected movement would trigger the boy to start running. 

It was a tense moment, and the strange beat gripped them, with all three parties unsure how to proceed. 

Then, finally, the boy made the first move. 

Taking a hesitant step forward, he pulled himself upright and looked at the pirates before him. His brows furrowed and he swallowed- obviously jumpy as he worked out what he wanted to say: earnest and heated all at once.

“I’m sorry,” he finally broke, light voice youthful and angry; “-but he’s not here any more. You shouldn't have let him come.”

The words were strangely accusational and distinctly condescending, and before they could be unpacked, the young thief dashed off the side of the ship- making a quick beeline up the dock and out the gate of Stutters Cove.

Nami and Usopp watched him go- both somewhat flabbergasted and taken aback. The whole exchange was weird and unsettling, made even worse by the ominous message from by the strange little boy. 

What did he mean? Was he actually talking about Sanji? Had he seen where the cook went? Why was the child so angry? Why did he run, and why did he look so afraid?

Those questions were at the forefront of the duo's mind as they once again focused their attention back to the ship- unsure of what to do but certain that they should continue to look for their missing chef. 

Abruptly, their playful morning had taken a turn, and with some distant unease, the sniper and the navigator returned to combing the Sunny- searching room by room for their friend -going so far as to recruit a mildly confused Nob: asking if he had seen anything strange since their recent arrival.

It was no luck, and the deckhand had little to offer in terms of help. He hadn't even seen the boy flee up the hill- too engrossed with his broadcast on the transponder snail to notice.

Finally, after one last search, the result could not be ignored, and with growing dread, Nami and Usopp were forced to recognize the truth of the matter. 

Somehow, in the space of a few minutes, while in the safety of their own ship and home, something mysterious had happened to one of their crewmates.

Indeed, they could no longer deny the truth:

Sanji was gone.

End of Act 1

Chapter Text

Act II

___

It was all too easy.

Of course, he knew it would be; he was a professional, after all.

Still, the absurd simplicity of his pickup was hard to believe, and he couldn’t help but revel in his success- admittedly surprised at how straightforward it was. 

Because truthfully, he’d prepared for more resistance: he‘d heard the Strawhats were to be taken seriously; had been warned the rookies were rising stars for a reason. Allegedly, they were dangerous, daring and unpredictable; inciting rebellion and routinely leaving a trail of chaos in their wake- always with some great feat of strength that was as unexpected as it was improbable.  

Even past that, they were either stupid or brave enough to openly declare war on the World Government- never mind whatever heresy their captain was doing at Marineford... Suffice it to say: the Strawhats had made themselves a pirate crew worthy of watching- for better or worse. 

Then however, some two years ago- they disappeared off the map: all traces of their presence vanishing from the center stage of the Grand Line. It had been an intriguing turn of events, and many assumed the group had disbanded: finally registering the folly of entering the New World and unwilling to face the trials it presented… 

Apparently, that assertion had been dead wrong, as only recently, the same crew exploded back on the scene- once again causing a riot upon their escape from Sabaody. 

It became clear among all who followed the story: the rookie pirates had not disbanded, but had been off somewhere- training, regrouping, strategizing… whatever you wanted to call it- and were now seemingly ready to take on the second half of the world's mightiest ocean- its reputation be damned. 

Their reappearance was admittedly interesting, and sparked many conversations across the seas- especially amongst various sea-men (including other pirates, marines, bounty hunters, and traders). Certainly, it did not take long for the subject to evolve into something of a hot topic, and in many public houses across the blues, a whole series of bets, statistics, and theories flourished. 

True enough, the subject of “Crazy Strawhat and his insane crew” was everywhere, and general interest continued to grow- hypothesizing over the group's skills, goals, and luck- all while power scaling against other figures currently ruling the seas.

Indeed, within that conversation, a certain thread ran that was as intriguing as it was vaguely salacious: one that was interwoven to the general question of “value”, and teased the intrigue of  gossipers and betting men alike- for certainly, there was a vested interest on the subject of the Strawhats status: more specifically- the focus was on their secondary genders and persuasions. 

Everyone wanted to know what they were, and plenty had devised their own theories on the matter- feeding into the conversation at large. True enough, it was generally agreed that the Swordsman (Roronoa Zoro) was undoubtedly Alpha. Everything about him exuded that as fact- from his imposing demeanor to his unquestionable might on the battlefield; still, while that tidbit was accepted as truth, it did not provide any clarity on the other members of Strawhats crew- let alone Strawhat himself !

And that certainly was a common point of contention (at least whenever the subject came up)- for opinions were largely divided. 

Some were absolutely certain that the rubber man was Beta, citing his short stature, absurd behavior, lack of bloodlust, and the smallness of his crew as major evidence. Others vehemently disagreed, and insisted on the captain's title as Alpha- pointing out his charisma, pedigree, success rate, and devil-may-care attitude as truths to their cause.

Even then, a smaller selection of onlookers were not even convinced he was male- and had clung to the idea of female Alpha: citing the obvious investment of the Snake Princess of Amazon Lily as direct confirmation.

Whatever the case, the topic was always fresh, and the interest never waned. What was more: aside from the captain and swordsman, there were plenty of other subjects to scrutinize; each with their own theories and hypotheses. Fans and onlookers would wax poetic on their favorite member- emphasizing their accolades while hungrily seeking more stories to build the legend of the still-young pirate crew… Thanks to that investment, rumors seemed to grow- taking on a life of their own as gossip and legends spilled from the hearths of many a dock-side pub. 

For the most part, public consensus was aligned: The majority of the Strawhats were probably Beta- and it was unlikely that there would be more than two or three Alphas on such a small crew. No one knew if Soul King Brook had any faculties when it came to secondary gender (him being a skeleton), and even less were certain if Chopper (the crew's strange Tanuki-like pet thing) was qualified to have one at all. 

There was some level of certainty that Cyborg Franky was Beta (few Alphas would choose to so drastically modify themselves), and it accepted that Nico Robin (the Devil Child of Ohara) was also Beta (seeing as there was no mention of her being anything different in all of the years of her being wanted and on the run).

That left the Cat Burglar, the Sniper, and the Cook as frequent targets for gossip. 

Indeed, there were plenty of theories surrounding the trio- with a particular focus on the red-headed navigator. She had garnered her own fanbase quickly and easily thanks to her stunning appearance and spitfire attitude, and many onlookers bemoaned the fact that she seemed far too spirited to be Omega; acknowledging that her cheekiness and bullheaded behavior did not match the widely accepted view of a “meek and needy ‘Meg”. Some considered the idea of female Alpha was plausible, but by that point, the conversation would usually shift: with various admirers waxing poetic on how ultimately, it didn't matter (so long as long as they could still vye for her attention).

Other followers would point to the remaining two Strawhats; pondering their pedigrees while seeking answers in their behavior- looking at the news and gleaning what fragmented truths they could from whatever source seemed reliable. 

Thanks to those efforts, several things were made clear: among them, the realization that the sniper was too deferential to be Alpha. Obviously, Sogeking was a fabricated character with plenty of charisma, but he seemed to play support more than lead; plus, most Alphas refused long-range weapons, and preferred to stay near the center of a fight. Those deductions moved many to view him as Beta- which suited his behavior and role in the crew. 

That of course, left the cook.

Little was known about the blonde prior to the Summit War, and it was hard to move past the unfortunate drawing that made up his bounty poster. Because of that, his following maintained low numbers (though they were admittedly a dedicated bunch); still, after their reappearance at Sabaody, the public's attention had been piqued, and more than ever before- people wanted to know: who was Strawhats cook?

Most often, the blonde was viewed as an accomplished Beta; one who could match the fight and flow style of the Alpha swordsman Zoro perfectly; who could be trusted as a hand of the Captain, and was rumored to be a swooning romantic. A handful of onlookers might argue him to be Alpha, but few could be bothered to push the topic- usually deterred (once again) by the unfortunate illustration lauded on his bounty.

That was usually when the conversation would shift to other more pressing issues, but not before another round of drinks. Suffice to say, the Strawhats had fans and followers; more than that, they had a growing audience of enthusiasts and enemies alike- all aware of the fact that the rookie crew were on the move once more.

That news had certainly been intriguing upon its release, and it did not take long for many in the Southtown Community to join in the buzz- encouraged by the rumor that the Strawhats were heading for the New World and wondering if their reemergence would affect their already noteworthy bounties. 

Sure enough, soon after the crew's recent escape from Sabaody, the World Government reissued copies of all the Strawhats posters- reminding the public that they were wanted criminals- not icons or entertainment or any such thing . 

Indeed, every individual mate was granted a bounty reprint… with the notable exception of one person: The Cook .

Strange as it was, no one in the hunting community thought much of it- certain it was just an oversight; after all, the “ World Government Bounty Issuing departmen t” was notoriously busy, and it wasn’t like the Berri amount had changed on any of the posters… at least not yet.  

Within the week of the re-issued bounties, the flub was addressed, and with its correction- the topic imploded .

Anyone anywhere who had some modicum of interest in current events and piracy across the seas was suddenly greeted by the most unexpected, improbable, and delicious piece of information they ever could have hoped for- for with the cook's poster update, there came a wealth of revelations.

The first thing that caught people's attention was the photo: true enough, the horrid illustration that kept so many onlookers at bay had finally been replaced with an actual photograph- one that depicted an entirely different creature from before. Certainly, this new image was strangely coy and distinctly flirtatious- showing the blonde as he twisted around to fawn at something just over his shoulder- expression teasing, open and inviting. 

Beyond that (now that his features were actually clear), it was apparent that the cook possessed good looks- with brilliant blue eyes, a bright smile, unique eyebrows, and well-defined bone structure. As if that wasn't enough, the image did not hold a candle to the veritable shock housed in the new text underneath:

MALE OMEGA, 

WANTED ONLY ALIVE

BLACKLEG SANJI

of the STRAWHAT PIRATES

$$ 130,000,000 Beri

Now that was as interesting as it was unexpected .

The cook was a Male Omega??? The rarest sub-sex in all the blues?!?

The truth was shocking, invigorating, fascinating and delectable all at once- its intrigue made more tantalizing by the bold condition blazoned underneath: Wanted Only Alive.

Any bounty hunter worth their salt knew that meant something big- and recognized the implication that the Beri reward could potentially be much higher; Afterall, who would post an “only alive” order, and not be willing to see it through? 

Plus, that award amount was outrageous for a non-captain rookie… high enough to make any onlooker pause- even a seasoned hunting veteran. True enough, the reward alone meant the government was serious about finding this guy- though for what reason, who could say?

The thought encouraged more speculation- and it did not take long for a whole series of opinions to rise up- all offering different theories on the significance of the wanted cook: wondering, wanting and waiting for answers that simply weren’t there. Of course, ultimately, every suggestion boiled down to the same thing: the now- impossible -to- miss Omega status report.

Indeed, that detail was as subtle as a raging sea-king, and it was unavoidable in terms of thrill- for Omegas were already rare and sought after, but a male omega ?! Well, they were about as common as a unicorn. Past that, this particular male omega was an up-and-coming rookie who was sailing under the flag of one of the greatest new challengers on the seas! 

Further, he was wanted enough for the bounty commission to outright post his sub-sex for all the world to know: an invasive declaration that was extraordinarily uncommon unless strictly necessary (usually reserved for marking public notice of a particularly dangerous Alpha).

All of that was not even recognizing the very obvious fact that the Omega (who for so long had been hidden under the shroud of an ugly illustration) was actually a remarkably beautiful thing: a prize in his own right! That was more than enough to get tongues wagging again- especially on Korekuta.

Yes , thanks to the island's proximity to the Great Continent and Marijoa (G5, Dressrosa and the Fishman Island passage), Korekuta was a significant and preeminently active market hub; truly earning its title as the East Gate of the Red Line in traffic alone. And certainly, there was a good reason for that: for while Korekuta was known by and large as a shining beacon of trade and commerce, it carried another, less-heralded reputation too- one that was obvious for any who knew where to look. 

That of course, was a reputation for human trafficking... 

Factually, the island's wealth and booming market industry was built on the hunger of the World Nobles- a hunger that extended to anything a person could imagine- morality be damned. 

Whatever they wanted: the Dragons would get- whether by delivery or collection. Beyond food and finery, cloth and wine, their tastes extended far and wide- to places most might call depraved- with many harboring an indulgence and want for the flesh… in whatever way they saw fit.

Naturally, beyond entertainment, the Nobles also had strict requirements when it came to staffing their cities and workforces- only wanting the strongest, prettiest, rarest, and most valuable of finds; frequenting both Sabaody and Korekuta in their perpetual hunt for human livestock. 

Indisputably, it wasn't just the world nobles making use of the islands “live markets”... rather, any who could afford it (or shared the proclivity) could engage- just so long as they were above (or hidden from) the scrutiny of the World Government watchdogs. 

That itself was a whole convoluted concept, for while slavery was not necessarily endorsed by the Government, it was never halted or officially abolished. Rather- a blind eye was turned toward the industry of human slaves- though it was regulated and distantly controlled by the same judicial branch that ascribed (and posted) bounties. 

Obviously , that connection was as suspicious as it was undeniable- but few chose to raise the point- else face the consequence of their own curiosity. 

Still, the grey territory regarding the legality (ethics, purpose, function, cost and value) of the slave trade aside: it was widely recognized (by all in the know) as an incredibly lucrative business- and no island boasted better, more robust selections then Korekuta- beating out its sister stores in Sabaody thrice over. 

And that was not an exaggeration: for the island's human markets really were known for their extensive variety: no matter a seekers taste, type or need… The recognition was good for purchasers and even better for suppliers- supporting the general belief that “It didn't matter what your stock was”, there’d still be a buyer somewhere... 

Aye, whether you were bringing in some criminal with an active bounty, or an unsuspecting toy (likely plucked from the street while on their way home), there was a market for any and all inventory… especially in Eastgate. Certainly, Its various offerings enticed crowds of morally bankrupt nobility and whole slews of wealthy degenerates- their twisted hungers feeding into the cavalier and capitalistic sentiment that made up the port towns identifying culture.

Because of that fact, Korekuta and Eastgate were widely recognized as the Capitol of Government Slave Trade ; “A haven for any and all who dealt in human sales and labor”; beckoning masses that were as immoral as they were uncaring. 

Indeed, while Westfold was a polished face to the known world, the less-lauded eastern port was just as busy, and just as profitable- its township hosting the vast majority of auction houses (store rooms, showrooms, and re-education centers) within its walls. 

There were a small number of locals who lived in the town, but most inhabitants of Eastgate were transplants: masters who kept the markets flush and running, along with a wide variety of bounty hunters, slavers, auctioneers and appraisers alike- all who had taken permanent residence in the city of slaves.

Suffice it to say: the port had a reputation- one that was as grim as it was tantalizing, for it was understood that Korekuta was the King . The markets were rich, the money was flush- there were any number of easy targets ripe for the picking- whether it be bounty for the navy- or bounty for Eastgate and the auction blocks. 

All that to say, it was an ideal place for a professional hunter to reside- especially if they were dastardly enough to be unaffected by the moral quandary of human prey… And without putting too fine a point on it, that’s exactly what he was: 

True enough, he was Mim Darvey, and he was a real son of a bitch.

Any who knew him would state that to his face: and he accepted it with pride- taking immense pleasure in the fact that he held such a potent reputation. True as fact: he was known as an exploitative reprobate who was cunning, devious, and alarmingly successful in his pursuits- good enough to earn his own legend across the island and its waters. 

And certainly, that was for good reason: for Darvey was a force when it came to “recruitment and selection”; always hauling the finest wares that would guarantee the highest payout. He had an eye for value and beauty, and was a charismatic salesperson who enjoyed a vast and valuable network across many sides of the industry- including connections to the navy, appraisers, headhunters, and auction houses alike. Factually, he was a favorite among many private collectors, and was selective in his targets- using his discerning eyes to seek out only the most exquisite type of prey: Omegas.

How he did it was something of a mystery to many unfamiliar with his game- but in truth, his success rate was so high thanks to one (vaguely obvious) secret: 

His devil fruit ability.

As a matter of fact, he had eaten the Hunt Hunt Fruit, and its influence was the cause for his perfect scores. Thanks to its ability, the Hunt Hunt Fruit made it possible for him to pick up and follow any particular scent within a five mile radius of wherever he stood, so long as he already had a sample of that specific smell already archived. 

Beyond that, once he tracked his prey, all he had to do was touch them to ensure they’d fall to his manipulations- for after physical contact (and while in proximity), he could invoke several commands to keep them under his thumb- those orders being: fight, flight, face, fold, freeze or fawn. 

As soon as an unsuspecting person heard those words (presuming they had already been touched) they were forced to comply- aware of what was happening but unable to resist the hunters commands; trapped in some terrifying fugue state as they suddenly became victim to a cruel and inhumane plot.

The whole thing was terribly easy and always entertaining, and Mim had to admit there was a unique kind of pleasure that came with the endeavor. 

To so casually rip away someone's freedom was an addictive feeling; one that was decidedly invigorating and gave him a profound sense of extraordinary power (never mind the delicious jealousy that leeched off his competitors when they saw him enter the port with yet another top-quality slave). 

The fact that he only went after high-value Omegas added to that sentiment, as they were without a doubt, the rarest and most valuable category on the human market (with consumer interest matching the frenzied infatuation around mermaids and “exotic” minks). 

If he was completely honest, Darvey didn't really get it… but perhaps that was because he was a beta (whose tastes favored meatier, mouthier women). And obviously: He could fully admit that every omega he had ever come across was indeed pretty or beautiful or delicate or alluring or whatever the hell you wanted to call it… And sure: they were smaller and slighter, weaker and meeker… but the distinction wasn't enough to occupy his wants- not like Omegas did to Alphas.  

True enough, he wasn't wholly attuned to the alleged bouquets that many omegas produced, and therefore: wasn't moved by them. Sure, he could smell them all right, (his devil fruit ability did elevate all of his olfactory senses) but he was not driven or compelled by them- not like a true Alpha might be.  

This, of course, was an ideal situation; to recognize quality without being tempted by it was a feat too difficult for any alpha hunter, and it was a near-impossible task even for a well-trained beta. For him however, it was as easy as anything, and even as a beta, he was able to identify top value through the richness of his victims scent- noting that factually: Omegas had the most expressive smells and pheromones of all types- adding to their allure for the discerning Alpha buyer.

Granted, it wasn't just Alphas who bought omegas, not at all … but they were the overwhelming majority (closely followed by wealthy collectors, or any type of sadistic fetishist- usually looking for some new treat to take home). Whatever the case, it wasn't Miim’s job to question his buyer's interests: all he needed to do was supply the goods…

And supply them he did.

Still, while Darvey enjoyed many reliable hunts and top-quality pickings thanks to his Devil Fruit ability, that was not the entire secret of his success… Indeed, there was more.

Much more.

The fact was: Mim Darvey was an incredibly lazy man. He disliked working more than he ought and was constantly searching for any way to further streamline his endeavors: hoping to maximize profits while eliminating the majority of his physical hunting efforts. 

The problem was: in order to track prey, he needed to already have that specific smell archived… and all Fair Ones smelled slightly different! Because of that, It was impossible to use an already familiar Omega scent to track a new one… and since he was beta, it was already hard to differentiate nuance from a distance. 

What he needed was a lure- or better yet: a tracker: one that was bathed in a scent he already had archived- that could be as unquestionable as a beacon.

More importantly, he needed to ensure that only his ideal targets were marked. 

Because really, he just wanted to hunt Omegas. They were the most financially rewarding (by a sizable margin), and it was important that he maintained that niche in the competitive markets of Eastgate. Past that, Megs tended to be much smaller than him- allowing Mim to manhandle them, and keep them in line if they somehow broke free from his power and commands (not that it had ever happened, but one could never be too sure). 

All that to say: when Darvy initially started his career, he was desperate for some way to cheat the system- for some way to further elevate his devil fruit ability and continue raking in berri hand-over-foot, all while maintaining Omegas as his primary targets for market.

That was something of a tall order; even he could admit that.

Surprisingly enough, the solution to all his problems appeared only a short time later- revolutionizing his reputation and success rate in ways too significant to dismiss.

It happened around six years ago, when he was already four years into a decent bounty hunting career. For the longest time, Mim had focused on hunting criminal bounties for Marine payouts- enjoying reasonable success and establishing himself as a reliable hunter in the community. At that time, he had yet to experience the good fortune of tracking an Omega- and only unexpectedly stumbled into his first real win: the whole thing happening more as a lucky break than an organized strike. 

The initial conquest that changed his trajectory occurred when he was in Westfold- scouting the tourist traps and populated shopping arenas- scoping out any potential bounties or runaway youth who might fetch a fair price on the market. The weather had been clear and the crowds were bustling, and for a long while- Darvey had posted up on the patio of a charming cafe; watching the ebb and flow of people on the street. Then, in the midst of the colorful throng, he saw her: a stunning young woman with a distinctly sugary scent- strong enough to even catch the attention of his less-sensitive beta nose. 

She was walking unaccompanied down the cobblestone streets- obviously curious and amazed at the show of wealth around her; eyes wide and excited as she took in all the wonders the city had to offer.

It was clear she was new to Korekuta and was unaware of its quiet reputation; for while Westfold was generally recognized as a safe, wealthy and welcoming destination to the majority of its visitors- any who were familiar knew that it came with a warning: ”Keep your Fair Folk under a watchful eye”. 

That charge existed for good reason, for locals (or any who could see behind the curtain of commercial finery) knew the island was dangerous in its own right; indeed, many were aware of the “Eastgate unpleasantness” and the target “Fair Ones” bore on their backs… because factually: that directive was specifically for and about Omegas.

Indeed, east of the Red Line, rates of slavery and human trafficking rocketed in frequency; and no target was sought after (or valued quite as much) as that of an unclaimed or unbonded omega. Even mated, they still carried incredible value- though many slavers were hesitant to run the risk of pissing off a protective, territorial and possessive alpha mate. 

Still, in the event that happened, there were plenty of protocols in place- usually with said “vengeful alpha” suddenly earning their own bounty (only to be rounded up and hauled off to their own block on the slave markets- never to be heard from again).

It was a tidy- if not brutal, system… 

Regardless, most locals in Korekuta were aware of the unspoken rules, and acted accordingly to protect themselves and their own; often opting to leave the island if any in their family did present as Omega (sometimes- without even waiting to find out). Suffice it to say: the vast majority of long-term island residents were beta or alpha, and It was widely recognized that Omegas did not live on Korekuta independently- the exception being if they were already in a well-known and widely-respected alphas pack (or already registered as property). 

To that end: unless they were tourists or travelers, free and unfettered Fair Folk were an exquisite rarity on Korekuta - which made it incredibly obvious when they did appear on the island. 

Sometimes, it’d be clear that the visiting Omega was with a group- and a larger party or pack would naturally surround the meg- intuitively sheltering them from wandering eyes; protective even if they weren’t aware of the island's reputation.

Those targets were typically left alone: too difficult to trap or isolate without causing a scene. Sometimes however, a random Omega would appear on the island: trusting, naive, self assured and oblivious to their looming reality. They would come for any silly reason: usually on a pleasure cruise, or to witness Korekuta’s legendary markets themselves- grossly unaware of the predatory hunger that honed in on them the second they made landfall and ignorant to the fact that they were the real market treasures. 

If they were unaccompanied (or party to less vigilant companions) it would only be a matter of time before the sweet things were swept into the underbelly of Korekutas eastern markets- losing both freedom and dignity in one fell swoop.

It was tricky and forceful work- completely bereft of morality and driven by greed, pleasure, power and berri. All that to say- it was exactly Mim Darvey’s style, and he relished every second of it; wanting nothing more than to corner the market and make a name for himself as a high profile Omega hunter- claiming bounty, booty and berri as regular as a morning piss . 

That was the dream, certainly- he just needed to figure out a way to make it happen…

It was that day, several years ago- as he watched the pretty young woman walk through the vibrant stalls of Westfold, he began to concoct a plan: some scheme that could get him exactly what he wanted with the least amount of effort possible. Indeed, the idea came to him in a rush as he tailed the ‘meg; following her through the city at a distance- biding his time to strike while ensuring no other hunter caught onto his prey. 

Oblivious to her stalker, the Omega continued on her way: enjoying her adventure and savoring what would ultimately be her last day of freedom. She listed through a few galleries and bookshops, had wandered into a candle shop and a confectionery, then tootled about in several fashion boutiques- trying on various pieces with obvious enthusiasm and undeniable charm. True to her nature, she seemed delighted by the variety of fabrics to choose from, and was eagerly touching and weighing whatever caught her fancy- attentive to the various textures, patterns and hefts the material might have.

She was probably looking for nest fill , Mim mused- distantly curious as he watched from across the street. He’d heard fair ones were persnickety about their “secret little spaces”; were choosy and high-strung over what went where… Apparently it had something to do with things needing to “feel right”... whatever cockamamie bullshit that meant… 

Still, he figured he must be correct when he saw her finally make a selection: a long, lightweight silk wrap. The color was a gentle blush pink, decorated with billowing patterns of cherry blossoms- oscillating in hue from soft white to dusky rose. It was a pretty enough thing (if one was into that sort of thing), and the girl seemed thrilled at her find- dazzling the shop owner with a honest smile as she made her purchase- slight hand reaching out to stroke the delicate material before it was packaged up. 

It was a sweet gesture, and some part of Darvey’s mind mused it was sad she’d never be able to use the damn thing- not if he was able to secure her as cargo. Dismissing the vague sentiment, he continued stalking the girl- revelation striking as soon as she halted in front of one specific storefront. It was the Westfold High-Market Apothecary, and it was one of the largest hubs for all medicinal and beauty goods in the upper levels of the city.

Decisively, she stepped inside, and intrigued: Mim followed. He was certain he could keep his distance and was wondering what trinket she might be after- using the opportunity to further “observe his prey in the wild”.

To his mild surprise, she did not treat the emporium like all the other stores she’d explored; and instead of flitting about and browsing the shelves, she marched straight to the manned counter, obviously intending to speak to a pharmacist. 

From the other side of a shelf, well-hidden yet in clear ear-shot, Darvey heard her request an item from the attendant- the one item that would revolutionize his entire methodology for hunting: Omega Suppressants .

As soon as she uttered the words- a brilliant idea struck him: Because of course! It was all so simple… nearly all unmated omegas took heat suppressants! !! That was a clear way to track his ideal targets- he just had to follow the pills! 

Ah bells, It was so obvious… Why hadn't he thought of it before??? Of course, he would need to sort out the logistics… would need to source mass amounts of omega suppressants without raising suspicion- and would have to figure out a way to tamper with them just enough so that they would carry a scent he already had catalogued.

Beyond that, he’d need a means of distribution, and would have to be completely covert- because omegas were already paranoid and distrustful… especially around their heats (which was naturally when they would bother to take a suppressant in the first place). As if to make things more difficult, unmated omegas were still typically under a pack Alphas care, and that was yet another hurdle he would have to consider- for he had no intention of invoking the rage of some aggravatingly possessive alpha... 

Yes. It would take some thought, that was certainly true- but, if he could find a way to get traceable suppressants in any fair folks hand, then (thanks to his devil fruit ability) he could be the greatest Omega hunter on the Grand Line!

The thought was too good to pass up- and immediately, Mim began working on a plan- brainstorming even as he continued to stalk his prey- guaranteeing his success by casually bumping into the still-shopping ‘meg; making physical contact to ensure she would fall victim to his ability once the moment was right.

Soon enough, that time came.

Less than an hour later, he succeeded in his venture- finally tiring of his game and ready to make his move. With cunning ingenuity, he surreptitiously rounded the pretty thing into a familiar and isolated alley; invoking his ability as soon as they were away from the prying eyes of the street. 

Because he had touched her earlier that day, it was impossible for her to resist- fully succumbing to the powers of his devil fruit once he uttered the word: Freeze . 

And that was that . No struggle, no cries, no pleading- just a blank expression and a rigid body; another poor hapless victim ready to be spirited off to the Eastgate appraisers. 

Easy as anything, Mim picked up her shopping (no sense in letting good loot go forgotten) then took her by the hand and led her between hidden alleys and passages; using the less-known paths through the city to evade any who might seek a missing friend. In no time, he’d ended up at his desired location: the Westfold Tram station. 

The trolley to Southtown had just departed, but that didn't bother him- he wasn’t planning on taking that train anyway- not with his newfound cargo. Instead, Darvey waited for another line that shared the same station: The Eastgate Express. It was this train that cut clean across the island: connecting the west and east ports easily- mirroring the simplicity of the Southtown Trolly. Still, this trolley was unique in both appearance and use; and while the Southtown tram was tidy, vibrant and charming, the Eastgate express offered a much different impression.

Rather: it was dark, sleek and high end- seemingly elite with a closed steel body and narrow draped windows. Indeed, it looked imposing in its own right- especially compared to the lovely green cruiser that was its track neighbor. Most notable however, were the trams' last three cars. 

While the first few train cars looked tasteful and wealthy, the last few were mostly nondescript- notable only in contrast thanks to the utter lack of windows and clearly-boltable outside doors. 

They looked like livestock cars; and that's essentially what they were. 

Indeed, the Eastgate Express was most often used for transporting merchandise from one side of the island to another: its front luxurious cars suitable for the even the ritziest visitor, while the back end was reserved for valuable goods and human stock- oft bound for the finer auction houses on the west. Suffice it to say: Few locals used it, and only those who had business across the island tended to take that particular tram. 

No matter: Darvey was plenty familiar.

He was a regular on this line, and often used it to bring in a catch- opting to enjoy the convenience of the train instead of sailing round the island's coast. What was better, his own “office” was near Eastgate station, alongside one of his best and most reliable connections who was positioned just minutes up the road; it was there he was headed- to the savvy and well informed Krillick and Co.: Appraisals and Brokerage. 

Certainly, Krillick was a valuable friend to have, as his office held contracts with many of the major auction houses in Westfold- never mind all the individual clientele they represented (private and pirate alike). True enough, if Darvey had anything of value- Krillick would verify it and connect him to a potential buyer- a system that was much more lucrative than simply heading toward the auction block himself. 

Suffice it to say: Krillicks office had been thrilled with his unveiling of the kidnapped Omega, and as soon as Mim mentioned his Suppressant-tampering scheme, the appraiser was quick to support him.

“Tell ye what Darvey,” he grunted as he poured them both a finger of rum- eager towards the notion of consistent Omega stock, “If you get that plan of yours to work, an’ yer able to start hunting all these ‘Megs, then dammit man, cut me in! You give me a modest percentage, and I’ll get ye set with the best buyers in the blues- plus whatever resources you need. I have the connections, and you have the ability, thanks to that damned fruit you ate…” 

Here he sighed as he lifted his glass, almost wistful as he considered the potential of Mims plan. 

“It’s a good idea, and if you play your cards right, you’ll have more berri than you can imagine… Stick with me as your broker, and I’ll have us both living like the Dragons themselves- cuz you can't even fathom what some of these bastards are willing to pay! But I know how to talk with them- get their attention… so just be sure- whenever you catch a ‘Meg, bring them here first. I’ll see to it that yer the envy of Eastgate… That, no one will deny.”

His offer was enticing and the hunter easily agreed, well aware of the profitable deals Krillicks office was known for. True to his word (and kickstarting what would soon become an ideal partnership), Krillick took initiative and that very week, connected him to someone who could help push the venture along: a newcomer named Ketzle.

True enough, the man was a ships-doctor, and had been employed for many long years on a navy vessel. Just recently he’d parted ways from service and was looking to establish a clinic on the wealthy side of the island- intending to work for a few more years before retiring in hopeful comfort and safety. It was through good fortune and word of mouth that landed him on Krillicks radar- for the broker was always seeking profitable connections; indeed, he’d heard of the doctor prior to him arriving on Korekuta, and had considered reaching out even before hearing Darvey’s plan. 

And certainly, there was a good reason for that: afterall, having an actual physician confirm the quality of a catch only increased said product's value, plus- it was good to have someone on hand who could stabilize willful slaves (from whatever means of punishment they might need to experience). 

Ketzle (for his part) was something of a perfect fit- having long dealt with surly marines and used to even the most headstrong of patients. Beyond that, he was medicinally adept and held the title of pharmacist as well- owning plenty experience in crafting both medicine and suppressants- having regularly attended to many injuries and alphas when active in the Marines. 

As luck would have it, the old doctor was new to town and was seeking a job- hoping to find work and good housing on land as quickly as possible; wanting to position himself well so that his daughter and grandson might eventually join him. It was a common enough want, as externally, Korekuta was viewed as an ideal place to retire- and it was not unusual for many ex-navy to make their home on the less-touristy parts of the island. 

As soon as Krillick got wind of such a valuable asset looking to settle, he was poised to act; ready to entice the man to work for him- eager to make use of his significant knowledge and library of useful skills. 

The desire to recruit Katzle only increased with the unveiling of Darveys plan- baiting success in more ways than one: afterall, no one would think twice about the authenticity of pills made by a kindly old navy-doctor.

In little time (and at no small cost), Krillick was able to secure the doctors contract- offering him a magnificent deal including exceptional pay, comfortable housing, and his own store-front in Westfold- all provided so long as he worked unquestionably with Darvey on his “secret” venture; guaranteeing that he would ask no questions and fulfill whatever task was required of him. That stipulation seemed easy enough to accept (especially considering the undeniable perks the job promised) and quickly, Ketzel agreed, blissfully unaware of how much anguish the decision would eventually cause. 

Poor Fool- doomed to live with the consequences of his own actions…

Of course, at the time, the old doctor spared no thought for future regret, and insisted he was fine with the presented conditions- too focused on promised rewards to consider unexpected contrition, and thinking back, Mim couldn't help but laugh: amused by Ketzles eventual change of heart.

Whatever the case: meeting the doctor had proven to be one of the most significant moments of Darvey's career, and years later (even after several unexpected twists and turns) the encounter continued to yield great results. 

True to his word (and hesitant to break contract) Ketzle easily fell in line; glad for his posh stay in Westfold and eager to maintain the comfort of his situation. Thanks to that attitude, it did not take long for Mim’s elaborate plan to come to fruition- developed and tweaked thanks to both the doctor and the broker's insight. 

Indeed, the concept was refined in several ways- with careful focus placed on maintaining covert secrecy and ensuring a high success rate.

To that end: Ketzle had no difficulty manufacturing omega suppressants, and added a trace for Darveys benefit- easily disguised as the routine scent of chalk. Upon testing, Mim was pleased to find that his plan worked, and it was laughably simple for him to track the tampered pills- just so long as he remained within a five mile radius of the target. 

Further pushing the idea along (and sensing a killing if it worked), Krillick proposed altering the suppressants entirely- insisting that omegas in heat tended to sell for much more exorbitant amounts then their “composed” counterparts (stating the fact that the unmistakable scent made purchasing alphas go crazy)…. 

If they successfully crafted an accelerant- something to trigger a rapid-onset heat, and then sold them to oblivious Omegas - there’d be a guarantee that, by the time Darvey had tracked them down and brought them back to Eastgate, they would already be in the throes of an intense and unnatural heat-spell; enticing alphas and bloating their own market value for the duration of their cycle. 

It was a dastardly plan: to have a trusting omega buy suppressants from a navy doctor, only to unknowingly trigger a heat and simultaneously alert a bounty hunter to their exact location? The whole scheme was far from humane… Still, that did not matter to Davey or Krillick, and together they gloated at the mere idea; mutually tickled by the underhanded plot and thrilled at their potential gains.

Ketzel however, was harder to convince. 

By that point in time (nearly a year into their joint venture) the old man had been enjoying the fruits of his good deal- living the high life in Westfold with a successful pharmacy and exceptional pay- relishing the comfort his new position allowed him. He’d been reliable when fulfilling his part of the bargain, and once a month, would prepare a hearty stock of tampered suppressants for his benefactors- sure to never ask questions or pry too far. For the most part, once he’d fulfilled his duty of setting the trace, he would turn away- evidently feeling better knowing less . 

For a long while, that system worked for all parties involved, and no one sought to rock the boat; then out of the blue, Ketzle had a change of heart.

At the time, neither Krilick or Mim knew what triggered the old man's conniption- just that he wanted to back out of their contracted arrangement. Apparently (according to his freshly-grown conscience), lacing the pills with a scent was fine- but actually altering the medicine itself? Well… that was a step too far. 

He refused to do it outright.

It was an unfortunate turn of events… mostly for Ketzle. 

Not long after his refusal to work, the old doctor was forced to learn a difficult lesson- all about the “repercussions of breaking a contract”. It was then he was introduced to Rocco and Pastel- two goons Krillick kept around to “assist” with any unforeseen hiccups. 

After only a few hours in the duo's company (and three fingernails lighter), Ketzle yielded- finally (fearfully) agreeing to make accelerants. By that point, the old man seemed to understand his position: and was realizing how trapped he’d blindly become. Regardless, his situation at that moment was still comfortable, at least compared to what would come later.

With that thought, Mim smiled- entertained by the doctor's unfortunate situation…

No matter- that was now several years ago, and while Ketzle’s predicament continued to sour (growing more dire each year), Darvey and Krillick had flourished and thrived. Indeed, what was proven to be a good idea had exploded into a successful business strategy, and with it, the duo’s partnership grew- scaling up in enterprise, notoriety and envy (at least among the other “businessmen” in Eastgate).

Within a few short years, Mims own reputation (and income) had swollen immensely, and his name was familiar to all hunters and dealers on the coast- known aptly as a Devil of a Man , and One of the greatest Omega hunters Korekuta had ever seen . That was not hearsay either, for thanks to his fruit ability (and uncouth suppressant scam), his success rate was nigh unbelievable, and he was regularly bringing in only the most alluring of selections- all on the cusp of dropping into a major heat. 

It was as lucky as it was uncanny, and among other hunters- he was the envy of all.

At that thought, Darvy couldn’t help but laugh, delighted by his peers' undeniable jealousy and thrilled at his own good fortune. 

Because just wait until they saw what he was bringing into town now… 

With a manic grin, the hunter looked back at his most recent prize- feeling giddy and triumphant all at once- enthralled by his own success.

Because he’d actually done it… He’d caught a male omega! The rarest, most valuable- near-mythical sub-sex in all the blues… And if that wasn't enough- this catch was not just a male omega, but The Male Omega … The one that was now making waves all across the Grand Line thanks to his bounty poster alone… Blackleg Sanji of the Strawhat pirates . 

Ah bells… Truly, if there were any gods out there- they must deem him worthy… Especially considering how easy it was to bring the fucker down.

With a toothy chuckle, Mim tightened his grip on Blacklegs wrist- pulling the omegas obedient form closer as they made their way down a stony path; the hunter leading his captive as easily as a lamb to slaughter.

At his side, the blonde cook stared blankly: face impassive as he strode shakily beside his captor- seemingly unaffected by his own quick enslavement. The whole thing could be funny if Darvey wasn't so concerned with speed: eager to move out of the area as fast as he possibly could and avoid any form of conflict from pirates or poachers. Certainly, he knew he wasn’t out of the woods yet, and was sharply aware of all the things he still needed to do to ensure his own success. 

He still needed to get the ‘Meg to Ketzle; still needed to cuff and collar him to ensure he didn't escape; still needed to steer clear of the Strawhats and other hunters who might try and steal his prize…

Yes, there was still plenty to do- better not to celebrate prematurely.

Committing to patience, Mim continued down the path- never once loosening his grip on the Omega behind him. They had escaped from the Strawhats ship in good time, and it had only taken a moment for the hunter to effectively hobble the cook- invoking the commands of Freeze and Fold in quick order, ensuring the blond would yield to his direction.

That alone had been laughably easy, for just the other night, he’d managed to ensnare the omega in his powers by falling into him at Westfold Station… The ol’ Drunk and Dust charade- (a favorite bit when needing to get close to his victims); still, now that he had his target in his grasp- it was imperative that he keep his advantage. With that thought, he increased his speed and jerked his pretty little follower along- wordlessly insisting he keep pace. 

They were currently hurrying down a steep path- one that led away from the private Stutters cove to a stony, well-hidden dock; tucked neatly under a limestone overhang and far away from prying eyes. Moored at its post was a modest sailboat- well maintained yet intentionally drab so as to not catch unwanted attention- plain yet unusual thanks to its suspicious location. 

As soon as he saw it, Darvey released an enormous huff of relief- sure of his success now that he was so near his escape…

And typically, he wouldn't have to worry so much- for usually, he would just walk his prize to the Eastgate express and take them across the island via tram... But the Strawhats were in Southtown, not Westfold… That meant he’d need to use other means to safely make his exit. Thankfully, the foolish pirates had provided him an ideal window to strike, steal his prize, and secure a viable route- all thanks to their own silly little venture. 

He wasn't sure why they felt the need to visit their moored ship, and frankly, he didn't care: he just knew a good opportunity when he saw one… 

His moment came easily once the three young crewmates boarded their brigantine, and it was then that he seized his chance. 

Admittedly, he’d been stalking the crew for several days now- ever since Ketzel alerted him to the Omegas presence on the island, and he’d been looking for a way to isolate the blonde from the others for some time. Once the trio had parted ways (with the navigator and the sniper disappearing into the belly of the ship)- the cook moved upstairs, obviously intending to organize and tend to some of their recently bought wares.

It was exactly the opening he needed.

With speed belaying his size, Darvy had crept onto the ship and hurried up the first flight of stairs- sneaking up to the first swinging door that marked entry to the kitchen. Upon spying his target (who was steadily unbagging several tins of tea leaves) his patience snapped, and with little fanfare- the hunter pushed into the room. 

As soon as the door swung open, the omega had spun around in surprised confusion- obviously expecting to see one of his friends, not some grizzled stranger at his hearth. His look of confusion was priceless, quickly replaced by a challenging glare and barking demand: wanting to know who dared enter his previous little galley.

Before he could even get the words out, Darvy had won- wasting no time and uttering a single, damning command: Freeze .

Instantly, the omega compiled- his unintentional obedience shocking even him as he found himself unable to move or speak- frozen in space like some life-sized doll.

Mim could only laugh- pompous and entertained by his victims' plight; afterall, It didn't matter how many times he’d done this whole song and dance- the feeling never really got old… and he knew he could be happy with just this part of the job- never mind the opulent pay and magnificent notoriety he was rewarded. 

Of course, he still wanted those other things ( who wouldn't? ), but nothing could ever compare to that single moment of addictive power when he eliminated a person's freedom. 

It was bliss- simple as that.

Reveling in that delight, the omega hunter made it down the last few steps to the waiting dock- once again pulling at his freshly procured livestock. The poor sheep stumbled after him, still blank and unable to fight back; trapped in his own mind as he watched himself walk onto a stranger's vessel- each step taking him further from home and safety and freedom.

Darvey of course, paid no heed to his captives' silent horror and continued in his task- finally sitting the omega down inside of his little boat before cuffing his limp hands to an iron hoop bolted to the side of the wall. He was sure his captive was still under his thrall and wouldn't be able to run or break away, but it never hurt to have some assurance… and considering how valuable this particular catch was? 

Well- Mim Darvey needed all the assurance he could get .

Once satisfied with the security of his prisoners' bindings, the hunter moved to tend the ship, unmooring her with deft hands as he finally- finally escaped from the proximity of the other Strawhat pirates. 

It would take several hours to round the horn of the island by boat, but once he made it to Eastgate- once he made it to that great port… well- then he was essentially scott-free. Afterall, no pirate in their right mind would ever consider heading to Eastgate- not if they themselves had bounties or targets from the Marines. He was confident there was no single chance that Strawhat or his gang would risk their own freedom for that of a single male omega… no chance at all. Especially if the meg wasn't mated to anyone on the crew…

Pleased beyond words at the success of his venture (and ready to claim his victory), the hunter finally allowed himself a great bellowing laugh- utterly enthralled by his own daring and eager to gloat- gleeful at the prospect of being envied for his good fortune. 

What a magnificent day! Ah bells, what glorious luck! He’d stop at his own place first before heading to Krillicks- might as well pick up the other “goods” before meeting with the appraiser… plus he needed to fit the new meg with a slave collar… needed to ensure it wouldn't act out, just in case… 

Unfurling the sail, Mim reveled in his success- feeling certain, proud and cunning as he made his escape . 

Because whoever said the Strawhats were dangerous? Surely, there was no way this was the same crew he’d heard so much about … Whatever the case, he would not complain about their behavior- glad as he was to have so easily profited off their mistake. 

With that final thought, Darvey steered his boat to sea- pleased confidence thrumming in his chest: certain that (thanks to the successful capture of this particular omega), his life would never be the same, ever again.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 12  Panic

Nami and Usopp wasted no time.

As soon as they were sure Sanji was no longer on board the Sunny- they rushed back to the Benz estate, fully intending to tell the others about the strange event.

Improbable as it seemed, something happened to the cook while onboard their own ship: something dangerous enough to trigger Usopp's still-adolescent observation haki and provoke a sharp urging of caution. 

Nami knew not to question the sniper's gut- and she would easily admit trusting his fear sense as much as her own; regardless, she was still unsure of how worried they ought to be…  After all, Sanji was one of the strongest fighters among them, and would have little trouble defending himself against the usual riff-raff that haunted most docks… beyond that, he was fairly independent, and it wasn't that unusual for him to take off on his own- especially when they were visiting a friendly port. 

Still… This seemed different, and it was wholly out of character for him to just vanish without a word- especially when reporting to Nami. 

It was that conviction that set the navigator's teeth on edge- confused concern twisting in her gut even as she and Usopp crossed the threshold of their hosts gate- barely winded from their brief run from the marina.

With driven urgency, the duo strode across the grounds, briefly calling the cook's name out loud- wanting to ensure he hadn't returned and they’d just somehow “missed it”... 

There was no response to their calls. 

Indeed, the only voices they could hear was the distant chatter of the crew- all having gathered in the main house's kitchen, ready and waiting to enjoy a meal with their host. 

Sharing a look, Nami and Usopp shrugged before following the sound: hoping their wayward friend was just up ahead, yet uncertain all the same.

It only took a moment for them to make their way over, and it was clear the others had gathered and were waiting for the stragglers to arrive. 

True enough: Franky had risen and seemed to be tuning the Benz’s elaborate espresso maker, bellowing a great laugh as he guaranteed the machine would work better than ever before. Across the kitchen, Mercedes was crooning a litany of thanks- obviously enjoying herself (and her guests) as she worked behind the counter; gracefully directing Robin and Brook who were assisting with preparation and cleanup. 

Nearby, Luffy was perched on a barstool; cross-legged and eagerly plucking at a large bowl of grapes that sat nearby- sating his appetite as he waited for the main course. 

Even Chopper and Zoro had returned from the post office (evidently having made good on the promise to “be quick and not get lost”); certainly, the two were already at the kitchen table, sipping on drinks while occasionally chiming in on the conversation around them- their presence making it obvious that Nami’s group was the last to arrive.

Seeing that Sanji was not among the rest of her friends, the navigator's heart fell- certain now that concern was justly warranted. 

So he hadn’t come back on his own afterall…

It was a grim revelation, one that required an urgent type of reaction… for experience told her that: anytime a member of the crew disappeared, some kind of chaos was sure to follow. It was a stressful notion, and Nami could only wince as she considered what this might mean for the rest of their stay on Korekuta.

Before following that train of thought however, she and Usopp were spotted by their captain. He had evidently seen them walking up from inside the house, and with a smile and a great wave of his arm, he beckoned them to come and join them:

“Nami! Usopp! There you are- ‘Saidies won’t serve breakfast till everyones here, and the foods gonna get cold! Hurry and bring Sanji so we can eat!” 

His earnest distress was routine (at least when it came to food) as It was clear there was no real threat to the meals temperature. 

Indeed, Mercedes, Robin and Brook were still diligently preparing various sides to pair with the main dish: a delightful spread of borani, sliced fruits, cheeses, whipped butter and honeys, all complimenting the feature of fresh-made khachapuri (a dish of bready little boats: topped with eggs, cheese and chives- steaming hot and fresh from the oven). 

The smell was incredible, and it was easy to understand Luffy’s urgency.

Still, as soon as she heard her captain's request, the navigator knew she had to be direct- the crew needed to know something was up- and it wouldn't do to put off the inevitable any more than they already had. 

Without waiting further (and ignoring her captain's eager pleading), Nami stepped inside- calling the group's attention as she and Usopp entered to join their friends. 

“Hey, listen up you guys!” 

Her tone was commanding, leaving little room for argument, and immediately the chatter from the others died down, though the atmosphere was still jovial and unconcerned. 

Cutting straight to the heart of it, the redhead spoke, her next words shifting the mood completely:

“We think something happened to Sanji-”

Before she could speak further, three heads snapped up in obvious alarm.

Robin, Luffy and Zoro had zeroed-in and were wholly focused on her and Usopp; each wearing similar looks of alarmed concern- their expressions in stark difference from mere moments ago.

“What do you mean, Nami? Questioned Robin, her typically melodic tone now pressing and pointed “-Where is he?”

Here, Usopp stepped forward- taking the lead as he filled everyone in on the strange chain of events from earlier; his voice exasperated yet level as he stuck to facts. 

“It‘s like this: Nami and I were stowing things below deck- and Sanji went to handle the kitchen; we were below for maybe ten minutes, if that… then all of the sudden, I got this really bad feeling… It was super urgent, and I knew it was my haki. I’m uh, pretty sure I sensed someone on the ship… someone who didn't belong there.” 

At his side, the navigator nodded along: wordlessly affirming his story before elaborating further from her own perspective. 

“Right- so we ran upstairs to check, and well… Sanji was gone. The kitchen was left in a mess and he wasn't anywhere on the ship- I’m sure of it! We looked everywhere, and even asked Nob (you know- the port-hand) to help… but the only person we found was some boy hiding on board…”

“Yeah,” Usopp confirmed, “This kid snuck onto the Sunny and was going through some of our stuff before we found him… said some cryptic shit about how he was sorry… then literally told us that Sanji wasn’t there anymore and that we shouldn’t have let him come???” 

The sniper's voice was concerned, disbelieving, and audibly tinged with alarm. It was evident that he was baffled by the whole thing, yet still he continued his story. 

"The whole thing was really bizarre- then, before we could ask him anything else, he got spooked and ran…“ With a wince he added, “He took off with one of the beetle displays you got… sorry about that Luf.” 

That last admission was apparently unheard; instead, Luffy’s usually jovial expression had darkened, and it was obvious that he was contemplating the news of his missing friend. That alone was an odd response, as usually, the captain would easily declare: “There was no need to worry- his crew was strong! Sanji was probably just finishing some shopping or had been distracted by a pretty lady-”  

Instead, he looked serious in his appraisal of the news- considering it with a gravitas that still felt new.

“How long has it been since you last saw him?” asked Robin, voice now notably urgent. “And did you notice anything particular about the boy? He may know more than he let on…”

As she spoke, Zoro stood from the table and moved to pick up his swords- silently securing them on his hip before stepping to the door. It was clear he intended to leave for the ship and only paused at the threshold, waiting to ensure Luffy's approval. 

He did not have to wait long.

Immediately, the captain sat up, arms crossed and serious as he nodded his assent, some alpha whisper coloring the air like wheat.

“Zoro. Tell me what you find- hurry.” 

The swordsman nodded his understanding and took off for the marina, evidently following the last scent path as a clear map to guide the way. The others watched him go- waiting to make their own move without more information- sure that the two alphas were relying on their extra-senses to seek out clues.

As soon as he left, the remaining Strawhats turned back to Nami and Usopp, waiting for answers to Robin's questions.

Sensing the focus back on her, the navigator cleared her throat and continued explaining the situation.“It's been maybe thirty minutes since we last saw him,” she said thoughtfully. “-I know it’s not that long, so it doesn't really seem like anything worth getting worked up over… but, with Usopp's Haki and that ominous kid… we thought it better to err on the side of caution.”

“Yeah,” agreed Usopp with a serious expression, “-the whole thing felt off… After the kid ran away, we spent some time searching the ship before running back here… We were kinda hoping Sanji had just come back on his own- that maybe he’d forgotten something and came to get it- but now I'm regretting leaving the ship so soon…”

There was a note of anxiety in his tone, apparent as he began to fret if they’d made the right call.

“No Usopp,” cut in Luffy- stern in a strange new way. “It's good you came back; Zoro and I can still smell it out. If you waited longer, it’d be hard.”

His assessment seemed to alleviate the sniper's nerves, and even Nami looked relieved.

Taking lead of the conversation, the redhead turned to Robin, answering her second question with clear remembrance. 

“As for the kid, I didn’t recognize him,” she clarified, “but Usopp did, didn’t you? You knew where he worked, and said he’d recognize Sanji… or something like that, right?”

All attention turned back to Usopp as he answered her in turn: “Yeah,” he confirmed as he thought back, “the other day, when we were headed to the trolley- Sanji pointed out this kid in the crowd… said he worked at a pharmacy and was kind of a dick; it’s the only reason I remembered him.”

Hearing that, Chopper leaned forward with his hoof raised- calling the others attention: “I know who he’s talking about!” exclaimed the doctor, surprised that he could add to the story. “When Sanji and I went to restock, we went to a pharmacy near the lower market… right by the station in the center of town! I was in Walk-point and pulling the cart, so Sanji went into the shop by himself. He was only in there for a few minutes, but when he came out he looked kind of upset. Said he forgot to use the Benz’s name and was scammed- so he had to pay the tourists price.”

The little deers voice was colored with regret, and it was clear he felt bad breaking the cook's confidence; still, the moment felt significant somehow, and the doctor was driven to tell the truth.

To everyone's great surprise, a horrified gasp sounded out from the kitchen- the source: a wide-eyed Mercedes. Certainly, their hostess was shocked as some clarity dawned, and with a shaky breath, she stumbled back.

“Mercedes! What is it?” asked a startled Brook; his thin arm shooting forward to offer some support- steadying her before guiding her gracefully toward a vacant chair at the end of the kitchen table.

“Oh… oh no, I-I’m sorry,” the older woman explained, face pale as she put two and two together; “I don't mean to alarm you, I really don't… but I suspect I might know what happened to your cook.”

She paused, biting her lip- obviously troubled and hesitant to speak her suspicion aloud. 

Around her, the Strawhats waited- simultaneously concerned for their hostess and wondering could possibly upset her to such a degree. 

There was another moment of strained quiet- and it seemed as though the older woman was struggling to voice her suspicion… Finally, she closed her eyes and gave a resigned huff- her next words regretful, and as shocking as they were upsetting: 

“I’m sorry dear Strawhat, but I fear your sweet omega may have been taken by a slaver…”

There was a stunned silence. 

For a moment, everyone was still- absorbing the information and unsure of how to respond to such an absurdly layered sentence. An attitude of confusion, horror, and disbelief was gathering in the room like a rolling storm, and each of the Strawhats were working to reconcile with their hostess words.

Another beat of charged quiet held the space like a vice, then- finally, someone dared to break the tension. 

Luffy's voice was hesitant- his typically earnest demeanor now openly confused as he furrowed his brow in genuine puzzlement. “Hang on… Sadies, how did you know Sani was Omega? I thought only Robin was supposed to know?”

His wondering was met with more surprised silence as his crew parsed out their captain's implication; then, almost instantly, there was an explosion of frenzied chatter.

A torrent of raised voices began to call out- each seeking clarification while grappling with a possibility they’d never truly considered before. What did Mercedes mean? What did Luffy Mean? Was Sanji in trouble? Could he really have been taken by a slaver?? Was he actually an Omega???

Nearly everyone was talking over each other- with Brook, Nami, Usopp, Franky and Mercedes questions overwhelming the space.

From behind the counter, Robin surveyed the fallout- one elegant hand raised to cover her mouth as she helplessly watched Sanji’s secret break containment; quietly horrified and wondering what to do. 

This wasn't how it was supposed to be…

This wasn't how the cook wanted to share his news…

Somewhat frozen, she watched as Luffy realized his grave mistake- the captain seeming to grasp his error in real time as his eyes flew wide and his jaw clicked shut- lips sealing to disallow for further information.

But it didn't matter: the cat was out of the bag. 

However unintentional, he had all but confirmed Sanji's status as an omega.

Feeling a need to speak up, the archeologist cleared her throat- deciding to preserve the remains of the cook's secret and take control of the situation as best she could.

The others in the room were still frenzied- startled and in disbelief over this strange new information. Still, Franky at least was quick to spot Robin's expression, and recognizing her want to speak, he raised his booming voice to bring the others down.

“Ok, hang on guys-” he called, effortlessly projecting over the noise. “Let’s all calm down… It seems like we need to get a couple things cleared up, so how about we all just settle and figure this out from the top.”

His suggestion was just, and everyone stilled -reigning in their own curiosity for the sake of gaining the truth. 

From her seat at the head of the table, Mercedes looked around, bewildered with concern clear on her face: “It seems I’ve made a mistake… or, perhaps- I'm misunderstanding… Did you not know that your cook was an omega?” 

There was honest sincerity and worry in her voice; a chord of growing alarm that demanded to be taken seriously. “But you have to know???” she hurried, desperate to be proven wrong, “He implied you did… said he didn't want to worry you! Please, tell me we did not blindly take your omega into the city?!?”

Her question was fair, though it was met with disquiet; no matter: Robin took the lead.

“This is something of a delicate matter Mercedes,” she responded (though not unkindly); “but it seems like now is the time to be transparent- at least for the sake of keeping everyone informed. If we could all sit, perhaps we’ll discern what’s going on. Also, Zoro might return and provide some clarity on where Sanji is… until then, I’d ask- what is it that makes you suspect such a dire situation for our cook?”

It was a fairly cagey query, but the older woman just nodded her ascent- recognizing they were in uncharted territory. “Ah, certainly,” she agreed with graceful patience. “To be blunt- this island is called Korekuta for good reason- you see, collectors come here looking for all types of exquisite rarities… and unfortunately, that does include slaves.”

“That's right,” recalled Usopp, wearing a deep frown. “Our first night here, you said slavers and criminals called this place home… But, didn't you also say they mostly stuck to the other side of the island? What was the port called…”

“Eastgate.” Confirmed Mercedes, glad her words were remembered. “And yes, typically they do. Southtown is usually considered safe from poachers… but, well- there’s never a guarantee! And it's doubly dangerous for Omegas- in fact, it’s never recommended they come here- especially uncollarard or unmated… It’s terrible to say, but here, on this whole island: they’re targeted, they’re hunted like animals and stolen away quick… That’s why we always say: keep your Fair ones under a watchful eye.” 

Her explanation was painting a broader picture of the island's culture, and from off to the side, Nami hummed in understanding: “So, just to be clear: everytime you’ve said “fair ones”, you’ve meant Omegas, right?”

“Of course” responded their hostess, “that’s what they’re most often called in these waters; many islands in the New World use the same type of phrasing…”

“So we were being warned the whole time to watch out for Sanji?” asked Chopper, his little face scrunched and stern as he considered the matter.

“Linguical variance aside…” agreed Robin, “but no matter, Sanji’s truth was still unknown to most- so it hardly makes a difference.”

That fact was poignant, and not for the first time, the present Strawhats wondered at the validity of the claim. Finally, Brook ventured ahead, and looking to Robin- asked for clarification: “So, is it true then? Is Sanji really an omega?”

Before the historian could respond, Luffy spoke up- arms crossed and expression firm. “I shouldn't have said it-” he broke in, “but I take responsibility. Still, the truth is Sanji’s to tell.”

“Be that as it may, if this “secret” is actually connected to his disappearance, we ought to be informed… at least to some degree” hummed a contemplative Brook, bony finger tapping his chin.

“But it also sounds like Sanji was really protective of this information, whatever it is… Especially if Luffy and Robin were the only ones to know about it,” voiced a fretful Chopper. “Shouldn’t we let him fill in the blanks for us? Even if we have to wait?”

“I can appreciate the sentiment- but Sanji’s the one missing,” reminded Franky in a gentle voice, “We might need a little more clarity if we're gonna get to the bottom of things; plus, if whatever situation he’s in does have anything to do with him being Omega, then things might not be so great for our cook bro right now. It’d be better to act fast.”

“Right,” agreed Nami, before taking a deep breath; “Franky’s right- we do need clarity… and that starts with the truth… we need to know what’s going on so we can act appropriately…” 

Then, (with something of a regretful expression) she moved to face Robin and Luffy. “I’m guessing you two do know more than you’re letting on, and unfortunately- depending on what Zoro finds, you may have to spill the rest of the beans…”

“Spill the beans on what?” asked a new, suspicious voice.

Turning back to the door- everyone could see that the Swordsman himself had already made it back. Indeed, he must have run both ways, as evidenced by his rapid return and the small beads of sweat that now pearled on his brow. 

“Zoro,” welcomed Luffy, (though his voice lacked its usual mirth). “What did you find?”

It was apparent the captain was more concerned with his first-mates reconnaissance than he was with responding to Nami, and his attention had wholly shifted to focus on the cyclops report.

The swordsman, for his part- was vaguely suspicious- wondering what conversation he’d just missed, but not letting it distract him from his duty.

“I followed your trail,” he said, gesturing to Nami and Usopp- “took me straight to the Sunny… There was definitely a strange scent there… unfamiliar, faint. It was beta though- that's for sure.”

Hearing that, Luffy's concerned frown returned. 

Unfamiliar Betas were way harder to track thanks to their lack of pheromones- especially compared to Alphas and Omegas. And sure , if one was already attuned to the scent, it’d be easier to follow- but no matter: those with extra senses were still not hound dogs. The ability to follow a random beta’s faint spoor was not a natural skill most people had… Certainly, It could be done- but those trackers were usually people who had honed that specific sense or were already gifted in the arena.

Still, within packs- it was a different story. 

Alphas and Omegas were deeply attuned to smell, and even betas within a family unit would be recognizable with little effort: their muted scent acting as both an insulator and a ground for the extrasenside members of the pack. 

Both Luffy and Zoro knew that well- having long ago grown intimately familiar with the personal aroma of everyone on the crew. 

Ignoring his captain's displeased expression, the swordsman continued with his findings. “I could tell the cook was followed into the kitchen, and judging by the smell- they weren't in there for long… Curly’s trail pretty obviously moved off the Sunny- and I could follow it down the gangplank and up to the dock.”

“But that’s great!” chimed Chopper, stamping a small hoof on the table in excitement, “If you could still track Sanji by scent, then he should still be closeby! And since I'm a reindeer, my nose ought to be better than yours and Luffy’s- if we hurry back to the Sunny, I should be able to follow his trail no problem!”

His reasoning was solid and his enthusiasm palpable, yet even as he spoke, Chopper could feel Zoro’s mood dampen.

“I hope you have better luck than me,” the cyclops explained, faint despondence hovering on the edge of his tone. “But after walking around the Marina, I couldn’t pick up where he went- it’s like someone put a damn scent blocker on the cook- even the weird beta scent cut out.”

From the head of the table, Mercedes went pale- her dark eyes widened as some unwanted suspicion shifted into certitude. 

“That’s probably because they did,” she murmured, quietly pulling everyone's attention. “I've heard that's how they make their escape…” 

The admittance was regretful and horrified, but also suggested at least some answers.

Unsure, Zoro looked to their hostess- wanting clarification in light of the ominous statement. “Did what ?” he asked, blunt and hungry for answers, “ Who makes what escape?” 

Suffice it to say, the swordsman was feeling distinctly baffled by the abrupt turn of (what had started as) a very good day: And sure- he’d been yelled at by Nami that morning, but he’d also gotten answers from the cook; they’d had a real conversation… They had been connecting . 

The stupid waiter (and infuriating object of his hopeful affection) had approached HIM . Had wanted to tell HIM about being Omega, and now- not even an hour after what felt like a revolutionary conversation, the damn curly-brow had up and disappeared?!?

It was the worst kind of timing and he was justly annoyed.

Still, his own gripes aside, Zoro knew he had to take the cook's disappearance seriously- especially now that he was aware of the omegas truth- a truth he was certain was still a secret to everyone but Luffy and Robin .

Unfortunately, that certainty was extinguished by the next words out of Mercedes' mouth: “Omega slavers and traffickers,” she clarified, voice still regretful and upset. “I’ve heard that after they claim a mark- they use scent blockers to make a clean getaway- it’s supposed to stop any vengeful Alphas from tracking them and-“

” Who said the cook was Omega ?” Interrupted the swordsman, obviously suspicious. To everyone's surprise, there was barely audible growl in the question- emphasizing his displeasure as he sought to defend the cooks secret.

He clearly remembered Twirls saying “ he wanted to tell everyone his news when they were together at breakfast“- so, how come their hostess had already jumped to the “omega” conclusion? How could she already know? 

Ultimately, He understood there were two major possibilities: either she had seen his updated bounty poster on her own, or one of the informed crewmates had “spilled the beans”.

With that thought, the swordsman tossed an accusatory glare at his captain, certain that Robin would never let a secret slip.

Sensing his first mate's shrewd eye, Luffy moved to face him- another sharp twang of alpha smell coloring the air with silent meaning. ”I did, Zoro,” the rubber man admitted, stern yet somehow meek. “I said it and I’m sorry, but if Sanji’s in trouble, Sadies might know how to help.”

“Right;” interjected their hostess, urgent yet somehow firm: “I might- so, please: let me explain where my suspicion is coming from. If I’m right, I know where your friend may end up.”

The rest of the Strawhats quieted- their interest piqued as they waited to hear her reasoning.

Glad for their attention, Mercedes took a deep breath before beginning her story from the top: 

“You may have heard: both here and Sabaody in Paradise are called The Gates of the Red Line, and both islands are powerhouses that facilitate trade across all the Blues. Korekuta as a whole is known as one of the finest ports in the New World, and most things coming from over or under the Red Line pass through here. Suffice it to say: this place is seen as a shining beacon of trade and commerce for all merchants- regardless of their wares.”

Her guests were silent as she spoke, soaking in every word she offered.

“One of the main reasons for the Gates' success is their proximity to Mary Geoise, and many world nobles and Celestial Dragons are frequent visitors. Their hunger is what keeps the markets flowing, and their demands are always to be met- I’m sure I don't have to tell you that their tastes extend beyond that of food and drink, and this island's greatest shame is how it yields to those wants.”

Here, she looked up and met Luffy's eye- unflinching. “The truth is: Korekuta hosts the largest human market in all the blues; its stalls supply most of the Dragons slaves, and any that are not sold to noble houses are usually bought by other powers on the seas. I know for a fact that slavers as far as Wano and Tequila Wolf come here- and the Navy’s presence on the island only solidifies the industry's legitimacy.”

Another heavy pause, then: “Because of that blind-eye, slavers and poachers congregate here, looking for unique stock to steal to the auction block. It used to be that any remarkable visitor was at risk- for beauty, strength, talent or might… If a poacher found you interesting, your freedom was threatened- whether you realized it or not.”

From off to the side, Usopp's eyes widened- feeling both horrified and vindicated for his initial concerts regarding the island's safety. “But hang on! The other day you said the island is mostly safe! Now it sounds like the whole place is a hunting ground… So, how could anywhere here be safe?”

“Oh, please don't misunderstand-” corrected the older woman, “This island is safe and generally well governed. You see: the commerce that happens here is significant and vital. Korekuta’s welcoming reputation must be preserved to ensure that vitality. All that to say, kidnappings outside of Eastgate are actually incredibly rare, and generally: only omegas or those with a bounty are at risk with a poacher.” Here she paused and looked apologetically at Luffy. 

“You see, Omegas are considered very rare and extremely valuable, and they’re a favorite among the wealthier clientele of the auction houses. It's not recommended the fair ones come here, and I would typically urge them to stay locked safe on their ship… I had even suggested it directly to your cook- had recommended he stay behind… but he seemed flustered and said he didn't want to worry you…”

Here she once again paused, expression full of regret. “I should have mentioned it to you- should have emphasised the risk for omegas… Thanks to his new bounty, he was in danger the second he arrived here.. Ah, I'm a fool to have not been urgent! I am so so sorry!!!”

Immediately, Brook leaned forward and rested a comforting hand on the woman's shoulder. “Please, my lady. Your concern shows your quality. You shouldn’t shoulder such needless burdens- you carry no blame here.”

“Yes, of course, I agree with Brook,” hurried Nami, “but what do you mean about his New Bounty? Are you saying Sanji’s poster was updated?”

From across the table, Mercedes blinked in surprise.

“Why, yes-” she confirmed, “In Sunday's paper. The amendment was posted that morning, and since then- it’s all that anyone can talk about… Here, I-I can show you if you’d like:”

Without waiting, she stood from her seat and disappeared down the hall into what could only be some sort of study; after a moment, she reappeared with a great binder in hand- its contents full of what looked like wanted posters.

Smoothly, she set the folio down before gingerly opening it to reveal a stack of various bounties- each with a different name and face emblazoned on the sheet.

It was clear that each of the Strawhats posters were in the stack, and the woman made no show of hiding that fact as she sorted through the pile- setting great sheaves aside as she looked for her specific mark. 

“Ah, here- this is what was distributed in the paper: you see, there’s no mistake about it.”

With a flourish, she pulled the sheet out and passed it to Nami, who had moved close to watch the proceedings.

Reaching for the offered slip, the navigator could not help but gasp as she read the bold words presented: 

MALE OMEGA, 

WANTED ONLY ALIVE

BLACKLEG SANJI

of the STRAWHAT PIRATES

$$130,000,000 Beri

“How did we miss this?” she asked, somewhat in shock and obviously confused. “How is this the first time I'm seeing this?”

“I’m afraid I can answer that for you…” interjected Robin, still positioned behind the counter, though her expression was a mix of regret and conviction. “I had a hand in keeping this quiet.” 

Hearing that, all the rest of the Strawhats turned to focus on her: wondering what the archaeologist meant and ready to hear her reasoning. 

Feeling the weight of their stares, the brunette pulled herself upright, and let out a quiet breath as she prepared to explain.

“I received the paper on Monday morning… I can only presume its delay was thanks to the storm we faced upon surfacing… Anyway, after seeing the amendment, I immediately showed it to Sanji. He requested I keep the information private, and insisted he wanted to tell you this news in his own time. I agreed and after that we ran into your husband at sea.” 

She was now speaking directly to Mercedes: “To his credit: He also warned us about the island, but not without offering hospitality, which obviously, we gladly accepted.”

“And I'm glad you did-” hummed their host, “because Mateo called me beforehand and let me know of your arrival. I’m not sure if you noticed, but there are very few of your bounties posted here in Southtown: That’s because I sent my own workers to go and clear the bulletins before your arrival. If you had simply turned up at the island- its likely you would not have received so easy a welcome- ”

“That's pretty quick thinking-” commented Franky, duly impressed. “And very appreciated; but how does that work? Just because you take a poster down- it doesn't negate the fact that bounty hunters would still size an opportunity to take in a big fish… Plus, our crew isn’t exactly subtle. ”

“Oh, you’re not wrong,” agreed Mercedes with some dry humor; “but I remind you- Southtowns culture is different from the rest of Korekuta. Remember the circle of “Makers” I mentioned the other day? The town leaders who support the island? Well- we have an agreement of sorts… Anyone claimed as a friend is guaranteed protection and can reasonably assume they won't be targeted by any desperate locals: Our harbor still allows black flags, but a pirates welcome is contingent on whether they are recognized as “guests of the makers”... That’s why I urged you to use our name freely while about town…”

“So, saying your name wasn't just about getting good deals at the market…” hummed Chopper in understanding, “It was a warning to leave us alone.”

“Indeed.” confirmed Mercedes. “Though perhaps warning is too strong a word… again, we promise reward and gratuity for those who treat our guests well… and not just our guests… you see, this entire stack of bounty posters represent those who are considered “off limits” by the local circle. At least on this part of the coast.”

As she spoke, she rifled through the open folio on the table before her, and the Strawhats could see a series of other names and faces: some they recognized, some they did not.

“Torao was here?” asked Luffy as his rubber arm shot forward: grabbing a sheet from within the pile. 

“You mean Doctor Law?” clarified the older woman as she saw what had caught the captain's attention. “He and his crew have certainly visited here in the past- they’re a welcome bunch and are very well regarded. See, the good doctor occasionally barters his medical expertise for supplies with the locals, and many in Southtown are indebted to his kindness.”

Hearing that, Luffy smiled- pleased to hear such a glowing review for his own savior.

“Shishishi- yeah, he’s pretty great,” he agreed as he looked at the poster in hand. “We’re gonna meet up again; I know it… I still need to tell ‘im thanks…”

“A generous notion,” smiled Robin from behind the counter, not missing the glint of affection in the rubber man's eye, “but perhaps: before we consider future endeavors, we should locate our missing cook…”

“Right,” agreed Usopp, staring suspiciously at his own wanted poster which had flitted from the stack, “but now I’m really confused… If your town has a policy to leave sanctioned guests alone- how come Sanji was apparently targeted but not the rest of us… Was it a mistake??? If whoever took him realized their error, would they just let him go?”

His wondering was understandable, and once again, the crew looked to Mercedes for clarity.

Here, the older woman sighed, apparently expecting this line of questioning. “Unfortunately, that's not likely to be the case…”

Gathering herself, she continued: “The fact that he’s omega already puts him at extraordinary risk… the New World is not kind to fair ones, and it grieves me to say that Korekuta is a major hub for their trade. I can almost certainly guarantee you that he was taken for his sub-sex, not for his pirate bounty or notoriety or any other such thing. To put it bluntly, he’s essentially a rare diamond on an island of desperate thieves- all of whom already have a buyer lined up to pay exorbitant prices for their haul…” 

There was clear apology in her tone, and still she continued her grim recognition: “That your cook forgot to use my name while out shopping is a significant cause for concern; he may have unwittingly alluded that he was fair game. I said before that it’s not unheard of for a local to fall into bad business, then scam visitors to make up for the error… I regret to say that your friend has more than likely been swept into a similar plot- especially knowing that he visited the pharmacy in town…”

“What are you saying?” Demanded Zoro, his own demeanor having long changed to something prickly and impatient. “Who runs the pharmacy?”

“Ah, please. It’s a complex situation… I’ll share what I know, but I must also ask you to be patient. You see- it’s difficult business…”

“What’s difficult about it?” grunted the swordsman, frustrated and ready for action. “If this asshole in town sold out the cook- we outta go confront him about it… Find out where they took him and get ‘im back.”

“Please,” interjected their hostess. “I can assure you: I already know where your cook is likely to be headed; he’s probably in transit there as we speak.”

“Headed where?” Asked Zoro- brazen and direct.

“Eastgate…” cut in a voice, but it wasn't Mercedes; rather, it was Robin who looked on in sudden understanding.

“Yes, Eastgate.” Confirmed the older woman, glad to know her warning had been heeded.

“It’s the one place on the island we urge everyone to avoid; it’s a nest of slavers, bounty hunters and corrupt navy who profit off human trade…” Her voice was somber and tinged with regret, yet she soldiered on: her explanation mounting. “All the slavers' auction houses are there, and it plays host to any who deal in “living wares”, making it extraordinarily dangerous to visit if you are not either a noble, a guest or a purchaser…”

That information was unquestionably bleak- and every Strawhat in the room felt a weight of disgust and apprehension drop into their gut.

“It’s the second largest port on Korekuta,” Mercedes continued, offering whatever information she could, “and it's vastly different from Westfold or Southtown. The whole place is like a prison, and the amount of human cargo that moves through it is incredible.”

Her words hung heavy on the air- ominous and dreadful to their core.

For a moment, her audience was silent- absorbing the heinous news while remembering their last dismal venture into a slave market some two years ago.

Finally, Nami spoke up- her voice wary yet decisive all the same. “Can you tell us more?”

“Yes,” agreed Mercedes; “but I’m sure you won't like it… before I do however- would it be prudent to go back to the ship with Doctor Chopper? Just to ensure your cook's trail is not simply hidden?”

The suggestion was sound, and from his spot at the table, Chopper looked determined, glad to have an opportunity to help.

To that end- it was agreed; the group as a whole would head back to the Sunny- allowing for their resident reindeer to see if he had better luck that Zoro. 

“If there really is no trail, then it’s reasonable to assume the use of scent-blockers;” informed their hostess as they all headed out the gate. “Then I'd suggest forming a plan for visiting Eastgate… It’s not difficult to reach, but getting out will be the trial- assuming you are spotted… remember, the Grand Vendue starts on Friday, so it's likely that security is up for all the anticipated visiting nobility.”

“Yeah, and like Franky reminded us- our crew isn’t exactly subtle-” mused Usopp from just up ahead.

“That hardly matters-” sighed a wearily expectant Nami from his side. “Cause I’m betting this is all gonna blow up one way or another… our track record proves it.” 

With that grim assessment, the group once more arrived at Stutters Cove: the Benz’s private docks where the Sunny was currently moored. 

From inside the boathouse, Nob gave them a wave- evidently unsurprised that the Strawhats would be back so soon. Seeing the dock-hand, Nami, Usopp, Franky, Brook and Mercedes went to meet him, splitting off as Luffy, Chopper, Zoro and Robin continued on to the ship- the reindeer in walk-point and wholly focused on following his nose. 

“Nob!” Mercedes called in greeting as they approached, “I expect you know why we’re here… I just want to be sure: did you see anything strange? Anything at all?”

To no one's surprise, his answer was negative. 

Still eager to help, the stout little man began to tell his own account of what happened earlier- his story seamlessly aligning with Nami and Usopps (though it was much more focused on whatever sporting event he’d been listening to that morning). 

The whole bit was decidedly unhelpful…

He had just finished explaining how he was asked to help search the ship, when his employer interrupted him- cutting though his story for some specific detail he might have missed.

“The boy, Nob- the boy… are you sure you didn't see him? Or anyone hanging around by the gate?”

“Sorry Miss Mercedes,” offered the worker, “I didn't see anyone; well, not today at least…” 

The caveat was enough to grab his audience's attention, and everyone leaned in as he shared what he saw: “Yesterday though- I saw Ketzles’ boy poking around the docks… But that's not unusual for ‘im… Kid’s always coming around; hoping to see the black-flag ships I believe. But he makes no secret of it, and always asks before he even enters the gate. I wouldn't suspect him of being a thief- especially not to one o’ your guests.”

“Breem was here?” breathed the older woman, expression pinched. “Then I suppose we’ll need to stop in the lower market…”

Hearing that, the nearby Strawhats exchanged looks, with Franky pressing for more: “Who’s this Breem guy?” he asked, “anyone we oughta know about?”

“As a matter of fact, that's the Pharmacists boy,” explained Mercedes, looking like she had tasted something bitter. “I suspect we’ll get a more robust picture if we go there next…”

The directive was sound and together they turned to the ship- surprised to see the scouting group already returning down the plank.

Chopper was leading the pack, nose still glued to the floor- clearly frowning as he walked up the dock, pausing momentarily as he discerned what he could. Behind him stood Zoro and Robin, both of whom were watching his progress while scanning for clues on their own.

Luffy, for his part, had climbed on board the Sunny and was sitting on criss-cross on the side of the ship- watching his crew discuss their findings while determining what to do next.

He trusted them to have good ideas, and was glad ‘Sadies knew so much… Still, now he was here, he could actually smell that there had been  a stranger on his ship… That usually wouldn't be so bad, but along with this smell was something gross- something that felt like fear. 

The Sunny shouldn't feel like that and Luffy didn't like it.

Down below, Chopper was still on the move and following his nose. So far, he could verify what they now knew as the truth: some unknown beta had been on the ship, and Sanji had been taken away. That last part was made apparent by the notable smell of shock and anger that tinged the remnants of the cook's scent- and what was more: he could confirm the unmistakable smell of what could only be early heat. 

That was alarming, especially because something about it was wrong… There was a cloying; artificial thread hidden in the note, and it's unnatural twinge made the doctors medical sensibilities jolt. 

Whatever it was he’d picked up- Chopper didn’t like it… 

Further, he could tell exactly where Sanji (and the mystery person's) scents cut out- both becoming nearly invisible thanks to what could only be scent dampeners... That action would have eliminated the trail for most extrasenside people.

Still, Doctor Tony Tony Chopper was not just a person; he was a reindeer, and because of that good fortune, he was not at a loss. After a moment of tasting the air, he honed in on the thread, and found himself moving into the deep jungle that marked the border of the private cove.

Behind him, Robin and Zoro followed, both silent as they watched the deer pick his way through the underbrush.

The other Strawhats also looked on, now quiet themselves as they waited to hear the good doctor's assessment. They did not have to wait long; only a moment passed before Chopper lifted his head from the ground- ears forward and alert under his hat.

“They went this way!” he called, certainty clear in his youthful tone. Then, without waiting to see if the others were following, he took off after the scent- momentarily leaving his crew behind as he chased the trail.

In a wild rush, the crew took off after their friend, spearheaded by Zoro and Robin while Luffy bounded up from the rear- evidently having slung-shot himself off the side of the Sunny.

Quick as a whip, the deer sprang forward- easily tracking what the others could not, and it did not take long before the rough hewn scramble through dense underbrush cleared into what could only be called a hidden path: stony and littered with thorns. 

Steadfast, Chopper pushed on- unfazed by the prickly terrain and trusting the others to keep pace. 

The path continued on for a brief while- narrow and obviously leading to the ocean; skirting the edges of the visible road before turning deep into the jungle. Without a thought, the crew continued on, only pausing when they burst through a great wall of tangled green; surprised to find they had stumbled on an unexpectedly magnificent view.

Indeed, before them was a short cliffside decorated with lush foliage: its verdant richness framing the expansive view of the sea ahead. Below them, the ground dropped off at a steep incline- setting them some twenty feet above what looked to be a very small and very well-hidden cove. True enough, there was a path that continued down the way; its climb quickly turning into what was unmistakably a flight of rough-hewn stairs, evidently made of old lumber and stone. Further, down, at the end of the trail, was a lone dock, accompanied by a shanty-like hut and a rickety stool. 

Seeing it, the Strawhats grew quiet- wondering who’s landing they’d found.

Luffy was the first to move, his face openly curious as he walked down the steps, closely followed by both Zoro and Chopper; the first stern with a ready hand on his sword, the latter meek and nervous.

“They came down here,” offered the reindeer, finally shifting to his usual form and taking shelter behind the first mate's leg. “Both Sanji and the stranger- though this is where the trail ends.”

From up ahead, Luffy didn't respond- only pausing when he reached the wooden landing before taking a deep, gulping breath of the air around him. It was hard to tell much- mostly because they’d used scent blockers- but even so, the captain was sure he could catch the faintest hint of Sanji’s omegas smell on the wind… What was more- the sweet, spicy, interesting hint was there too- the one that made even the back of his brain lean forward in interest.

Frowning at that, he moved to enter the shack- fully confident that there was no one inside yet curious nonetheless. His assumption was spot on, and the only thing that lined the walls of the ramshackle building were a smattering of ships-tools and sailing gear; there was nothing to indicate ownership, and the entire place was bereft of helpful information.

Exiting the hut, Luffy could see that the majority of the crew were still hovering along the cliff-wall, and only Zoro, Chopper, and Usopp had climbed all the way down- the latter two poking around for anything thing they might miss while the swordsman simply waited with his arms crossed.

Up on the descending stairs, Franky, Robin, Nami and Brook were looking down from about halfway- clearly seeing that the small landing wouldn’t be enough space for them to fit and not wanting to glut the path. Still, not wanting to be left in the dark, Brook called out from his spot in the rear: “Find anything guys?!?”

From below, Chopper turned to respond- intending to share his findings (or lack thereof) with the others; before he answered however, he froze- eyes going wide as he sensed something new and distantly familiar. Grabbing at the end of Zoro's yukata, he jerked the fabric, drawing the cyclops' attention as he pointed out his new finding: “Hang on- there’s another smell nearby… I can barely catch it- but it’s sorta familiar… It might be the other person who was on the Sunny!”

“What- you mean the kid?” asked Zoro, now looking at the cliff wall to see if he could spot anything unusual.

“I think so?” whispered the little deer, now sniffing more intently into the coastal breeze. A brief moment passed, and then Chopper zeroed in on what he was sensing: “Yes- there! At the top of the cliff- I’m sure of it now… look!”

His announcement was unmistakable and everyone turned to see where he was pointing- all curious to what he’d found. Sure enough, there- atop the cliffside they’d just climbed down, was a single observer hiding in the green: a young, wide-eyed boy.

As soon as they spotted him, both Usopp and Nami gave a shout- surprised to see the familiar face, while down below, Luffy let out a great whooping call: 

“HEY!!” he yelled, jovial and friendly as he waved his arm back and forth rubbery greeting. “Have you seen our friend? His name is Sanji!”

Instead of answering, the boy balked- apparently terrified that he’d been caught.

Quick (and with a distinct lack of coordination) he reared back in a panic- fully exposing his hiding place before turning to run away. Instead of making a clean escape however, he stumbled and took a few lop-sided hops before losing his balance completely. In an effort to correct, his arms shot out- pinwheeling in a desperate attempt to beat gravity; then, with a hard crash-  he tripped directly into one of the thorny palms that lined the edge of the jungle. 

There was a moment of silence, and then: a poorly muffled cry of pain.

Without wasting time, Luffy jumped into action- spurred on by the sound from above. Immediately, one arm shot out to wrap around Chopper while the other stretched to grab a branch at the top of the cliff- and in a moment, the two were airborne- zipping toward the child with incredible speed.

The kid, for his part, had only just pulled himself up from the ground when he heard the sound of a rubbery whip cutting through the air. Confused, he looked over his shoulder- certain the strangers were still below him on the cliff wall… 

Instead, what he saw shocked him:

There, sailing through the air- heading directly toward him, was the strawhat pirate; and he wasn't alone… The tanuki-like dog thing was wrapped in the rubber mans coiled arm, joining him on the rapid track up the cliff (though the creature was apparently still surprised to be airborne, and screaming at the top of his lungs). 

The sight was alarming, and with a horrified scream, the kid tore off through the jungle- bolting in one singular direction, disregarding the treacherous path.

Without thought, Luffy took chase- springing after the boy with unnatural ease: Chopper still bundled in his grasp. 

He wanted to make sure the kid was ok, and wanted to know if he’d seen Sanji… No matter, he was sure his doctor could help, at least with helping the klutz’s injuries- but first, he had to get the kid to stop!