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Chapter 6: Things Are Shaping Up to be Pretty Odd
Word Count: 2,959
Sanji looked up at the Baratie while Brooke tied the Mini Merry up to the dock alongside the floating restaurant reserved for that purpose. Alongside their boat were about fifty others of varying shapes and sizes. The additional parking wasn’t the only change made to his old home. The ship, while still retaining its fish-like shape, now consisted of about ten stories. In addition to this, the ship seemed to be about quadruple the length that Sanji remembered it to be. Brooke had explained that the ship was given an artificial magnetic field so the Eternal Pose had something to lock on to, but it was more common to buy a Temporary Pose at another island that only worked for one trip to the seafaring restaurant.
Just then a thought hit Sanji. “Brooke, you don’t happen to have any money on you, do you?”
“Hm?” the skeleton opened his skull to deposit the Eternal Pose in as well as bring out a pair of gloves and a bandage. “Why would I need that?”
“Like hell we are going to dine and dash here!”
“Relax, Sanji-san.” He put the gloves on and smacked the bandage on his friend’s forehead. “It’s not stealing if they don’t ask for money. I know the owner, so I can eat for free.”
“Is that really necessary?” the chef grumbled.
“You’ll see soon enough.” He opened the door for Sanji who walked right in.
The main dining area was at least doubled in size, possibly even bigger. The whole atmosphere seemed a bit more upscale than the blonde was used to associating with the restaurant, but the biggest change he found was the addition of about thirty or so servers on the floor. Puny looking servers that looked like they wouldn’t last more than three seconds in a fight with…well, anyone.
“Hello Sir.” A voice said, pulling him out of his train of thought. The owner of said voice was a cute girl who looked to be around 16 or 17. She had her amber-colored hair in a braid and her bangs curled so that they slightly covered her brown eyes. Black dress pants sheltered her long legs while a white dress shirt and black vest covered her ample bosom. When Sanji finally met her eyes, he was shocked to discover that she was checking him out too.
“Welcome to the Baratie Restaurant and Hotel.” She flashed him a smile. “Will you be staying the night?” she said in a voice that suggested some naughty things.
Sanji was about to melt into nothing but a pile of Mellorines when something in the back of his mind said Don’t. This stunned him long enough for Brooke to follow him into the restaurant.
“Cali-san!” He said, walking up to the hostesses stand.
“Brooke!” She came out from behind the counter and gave him a fierce hug. “You haven’t stopped by in forever!”
“Very sorry, but I’ve been rather…preoccupied as of late.” They parted and Brooke nodded towards Sanji. “I see you’ve met my friend, Mr. Prince.” Sanji lit a cigarette as Cali grinned. “I hope he hasn’t given you any trouble; he’s quite the pervert.”
“You’re a bigger pervert then me, shithead.”
“He’s a friend of yours, then, Brooke?” Cali asked innocently.
“Yes, he’s an old and very dear friend of mine, so hands off please.” She looked disappointed at that. Brooke turned to Sanji. “This lovely gem is Cali, the current owner and head chef of the Baratie.”
“Technical owner,” Cali corrected. “My father would be the actual owner, but he’s currently missing, so…”
Sanji blinked at the news that this little girl was now in charge of Zeff’s dream. He quickly shrugged it off, after all he was only 10 when he was made sous-chef, and grabbed her hand.
“Enchanté, mademoiselle.” He shook her hand before letting it go.
“Shall I show you two to your table? And you’re staying the night, right Brooke?”
“If it wouldn’t inconvenience you in any way.”
“We’ve got plenty of rooms.” She responded as she walked them over to a small table in the back. “I’ll be back in a bit to take your orders.”
“Shouldn’t you let a server do that?” Sanji asked.
Cali giggled. “Like I’d trust a server with you guys.” She winked and turned to make her way to the kitchen. As she turned, her bangs blew up enough for Sanji to make out a curl to her eyebrow.
“Well, that explains a bit.” He said, touching the bandage over his own eyebrow.
“You’ve figured it out already? What gave it away?” The musician asked.
“She’s pretty cute, but I’m not in the least bit attracted to her. That and we have the same eyebrow.”
“That’s what gave it away? Not the fact that she owns Baratie or that your wanted poster is hanging over there?” He asked, pointing towards the far wall.
Sanji looked over to see a wall with some bounty posters on it. Unlike most establishments that hung bounty posters though, there were only a few in some kind of order as opposed to the sometimes hundreds that were scattered across the walls, and Sanji recognized two of them. The first one was of Zeff, clearly a Zeff from before he lost his leg for Sanji and quit being a pirate, but still recognizably the blonde’s mentor. As for the second one…
“They could have used one with a better picture.” He sighed, “Unless…” he looked fearfully at his friend, “They never got a better bounty picture? Please tell me the marines were competent enough take a picture of one of the most wanted pirates sailing the sea!”
“Not really,” a new voice said, “the drawing improved to something that eye-witnesses say was a closer resemblance to Blackleg Sanji, but they could never get an actual picture of the man.”
Sanji turned to find that the owner of this new voice was a new girl with dark blue hair and blue eyes, wearing a travel worn cloak over brown cargo shorts and a dark purple shirt.
“T-tania-san!” Brooke exclaimed, “What are you doing here?”
“Looking for you actually.” She pulled up a chair and sat down at their table. “You’re a hard man to find, Dead Bones Brooke.”
“I’m a wanted pirate.”
“True. Who’s your friend?”
“You may call me Mr. Prince, my lady.” He pulled a rose out of nowhere and handed it to her.
“I’m 15. I’m also carrying several weapons and am trained in numerous styles of martial arts.”
“That’s…nice…”
“Yohohoho!” Brooke laughed. One and a half pairs of eyes immediately turned to him. “He treats all girls like that, Tania-san. He’s not trying to get into your pants.”
“Oh good. I was lying about that last part.” She sighed in relief. “It’s funny Brooke; I’ve never heard you laugh before.” She tilted her head towards Sanji. “Who’s your friend?”
“He already said his name…” Brooke answered.
“I’m not asking for his name, I’m asking who he is.”
“I, my dear, am probably the best chef you will find in any of the Blues.” She raised an eyebrow at his statement. “May I enquire as to who you are?”
She extended her hand. “Cutty Tania, carpenter, historian, and criminal extraordinaire.”
Sanji shook her hand while taking in her occupations and family name and internally cursed Franky for stealing his beloved Robin-chan. “So, Tania-chan, come here often?”
“I wish.” She sighed regretfully. “This ship is really super, and it has quite a history! The artificial magnetic field was actually developed for this ship, by my great-great grandfather or something no less.”
“Huh? Is that so?” the blonde man let his eyes wander around the restaurant again while Brooke put his face in his hands.
“Yeah, he allegedly had help from the owner’s wife though. She was supposed to be a brilliant navigator…”
“Tania-san, didn’t you want to see me about something?” Brooke tossed in quickly, but it was a bit too late.
“N-nami-san…and me…MELLORINE!!” the chef fell off of his chair into a pile of hearts.
Brooke smacked his forehead as Tania raised an eyebrow and asked, “Brooke, is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Several things, actually, but I promise it’s for your own good.”
“I’ve been wanted by the government since birth because of speculations about something I had no control over. How can what you tell me make it any worse?”
“Believe me, it can always get worse.” Sanji said as he recovered from his little fit and got back to his chair. “And why would any government want to hunt a pretty little thing like you?”
“It was speculated that several of my previous family members were accused of piracy. As such, I have been hunted since birth. Since I was on the run anyway, I decided to give them a real excuse to chase me, so I started building ships and stuff that they didn’t authorize and studying the history that they forbid.” At this point Cali returned to their table carrying tea for Brooke, some mixed drink for Sanji, and water for Tania.
“I didn’t know you were here, Tania.” She said with a forced smile on her face. “Otherwise I would have prepared you something…”
“Don’t worry, Cal, I don’t really have time to constantly flirt with men, being wanted and all that. Besides, I thought Brooke’s friends were off limits after what happened last time.”
“I…they…you…he…” the owner stuttered before sighing in defeat. “Whatever. The usually for you two I presume?” Brooke and Tania nodded, “and what about you, Mr. Prince?”
“Spicy seafood pasta, if you don’t mind.”
“For you? Of course. Call me if you need anything else.” She turned and went back to the kitchen.
“Cali-chan’s family is made up of pirates too, isn’t it?” Sanji asked.
“Yes. And before you ask,” Tania pointed at the wall with the bounty posters on it, “they all received pardons so they could continue to run this restaurant. Anyway, Brooke,” she turned to face the skeleton, “I hear you know where She is currently located.”
The way Tania emphasized the pronoun made Sanji know exactly who she was referring to. “And what if I do?” Brooke asked.
“I want you to take me with you.” She said bluntly. “Or at least tell me so I can go by myself, if you won’t.”
He took a sip of his tea. “Tania-san, we’ve been over this. You’re like family to me and I’m not going to let you go and get yourself killed.”
“No, you’d just keep important information from me and let the government chase my ass across the world.” She leaned forward. “Don’t think I don’t know exactly who you are…Pirate King’s Muse.”
Brooke choked on his tea. Sanji just raised a curly eyebrow. “Wh-what are you talking about, Tania-san?”
The girl in question smirked. “I’m not as stupid as this government seems to be; I can add two and two. It’s curious that they seem to still be hunting the Pirate King’s Muse down despite the fact that everyone else in his main crew died about a hundred years ago, and it is equally curious that you are still the only pirate alive from that era. They seemed to be stuck on the fact that your first bounty was issued before even the First Pirate King, let alone figuring out that how you managed to sail with the Second one.”
“I should have known you’d figure it all out eventually,” Brooke started, “but I’m still not letting you find her.”
“Why not? You’re probably going to take him along!” She pointed accusingly at Sanji.
“He damn well better! She took something quite dear to me and I need it back.”
“The difference between Mr. Prince and you is-”
“Is it because I’m a girl? Cause if it is…”
“No, although that is a difference. The reason though, is that he can fight Her and you, well,”
“I can fight! I may not be a martial arts master, but I know a thing or two about weapon tech!”
“Tania-san,”
“Let her come, Brooke.”
Both the girl and the skeleton started at him. “S-Mr. Prince, what are you talking about?” Brooke asked.
“If she wants to come, then let her come. We could always use the extra help anyway.”
“But…”
“You’ve been protecting them the whole time, haven’t you?” Sanji stared kindly at his friend. “Cali-chan…Tania-chan…I’m sure there are others. You had to sit back and watch us die, one after the other, unable to stop it, so you’ve been protecting our descendants.”
Brooke opted not to answer and sipped his tea instead. “If She’s going to be as hard to take down as you’re assuming, then we could use the help, especially if she’s as smart as Robin-chan and as resourceful as Franky, which she seems to be.”
“You should listen to him Brooke.” Tania added.
“I should, shouldn’t I?” He sighed in a way that reminded Sanji of just how old his friend actually was. “Very well, Tania-san, you can accompany us, however,” Tania started cheering, but stopped at Brooke’s words, “we don’t know where She is at this point.” Both he and Sanji calmly sipped their drinks.
“What…but…I thought you…”
“We did know,” Sanji supplied, “but we didn’t get to her base in time and she moved on.”
“I guess that would be why you’re back here, huh?” She laughed, but it was interrupted by a commotion at another table.
“C’mon, girlie. I’ve heard about how you’d jump into bed with anyone, why’re you fight’n it?” A rather large and drunk customer had grabbed Cali’s arm while his friends sat around with lecherous grins on their faces. The customers kept eating as if this was a normal occurrence.
“Let go of me, you stupid shithead!” Cali shouted.
“Don’t cha go talk’n back to me, girlie!” He raised his arm to smack her across the face. Cali closed her eyes in expectation of the oncoming blow, but it never reached her face.
She opened her eyes to instead find her assailant keeled over in pain, his friend’s looks a tad more murderous, and a cute blonde standing in front of him smoking a cigarette.
“That is no way to treat a lady, fucking shithead.”
The restaurant went silent. Brooke, who was standing with his sword partly drawn, sheathed it and sat back down, watching the show instead.
“Watch ya tongue there, kid.” The man stood up to his full height, which toward several heads above Sanji’s, and glared down at him. “Ya realize that I’m a marine, right? I can’t be ‘sponsible for what happens to ya if ya keep runnin’ your li’l mouth off like that.”
“Marine? I don’t care if you’re the goddamn Pirate King, you will not treat a lady like that.”
“Who’re ya callin’ lady there, bub? This girlie ain’t nothing but a li’l pirate whore-”
The rest of his sentence was cut short by a rather vicious knee to the marine’s groin. He keeled over in pain while his buddies drew their respective weapons and surrounded the stranger.
“You realize what you just did right?” The one standing directly behind Sanji asked. “Attacking any agent of the World Government trying to keep the peace is a one way ticket to Impel Down.”
“Please, I could break out of Impel Down with my hands tied behind my back.” He took a final drag from his cigarette before dropping it on top of the fallen marine’s head. “And since when is attempt rape considered keeping the peace?”
“Shut your trap!” One standing on Sanji’s right shouted. “What do you know? At this rate, you’re going to be no better than a bloody pirate!”
“Better a pirate than whatever you shitheads are.” The marines had enough of this and simultaneously attacked their seemingly defenseless prey. Whispers of “That’s a bit excessive of them,” and “Really, he should have known better,” echoed throughout the restaurant.
“Is he going to be okay?” Tania asked, gripping her chair tightly. “They’re ganging up on him, that’s not super. Shouldn’t you help him or something?”
“Yohoho,” he chuckled, “He’ll be fine. After all, Sanji-san was always stronger than me.”
She raised an eyebrow at her friend in disbelief before what he said fully sunk in. When it did, she whipped her head around to watch the Pirate King’s Right Foot in action.
It was rather short. As soon as the circle of marines made their move, Sanji dropped into a handstand and finished them all off with a few good kicks. They were unconscious before they hit the ground.
He kicked them unceremoniously through the open front door before turning to the still conscious marine that started it all.
“You…who’re ya? Headquarters’ll hear ‘bout this, mark my words!”
Sanji wasted no time in grabbing his collar and chucking him outside with his friends. “Go ahead. Tell them Monkey D. Luffy sent me and I’ll be after them next!” He shut the door and turned to face the thunderous applause of the restaurant goers and Cali, who ran over and gave him a hug as soon as he was done.
“Good show, old bean!”
“Wanted to do that for ages…never had the guts though.”
“Finally, some real justice in this day and age.”
“So,” Tania said, “does Cali know who he is yet?” She nodded at her friend who was currently all over her great-great or something grandfather.
“No,” he replied, finishing off his tea. “I don’t believe I’ve informed her of that yet.”
“When you do feel the need to inform her, make sure I’m around.” She laughed before finishing her water in one gulp. “Waiter!” She called to the nearest one, “bring me some cola!”