One Piece Fan Fiction ❯ Broken, Only to Heal Again ❯ The newest Straw Hat ( Chapter 9 )

Chapter 9

 

After gaining the small amount of information they could from Takuya, the Cook and the Doctor decided it would be in their best interest to allow the old man to proceed to the base and begin preparations. A note was left for the man's grandson, telling him to meet up with a merchant downtown for some menial tasks to be done. Takuya stated that this was the normal punishment given when the boy broke a rule. Nothing would seem off to the normal observer. They proceeded to the market and left another message with Tom, the local potter. It was there that they decided to part ways.

 

“Jii-san, do you think you can pull this off? Our entire plan depends on you getting the guards away from the holding cell. We can handle locked doors and such, I just don't want any unnecessary problems. The faster we get out of here the better.” Sanji looked down on the old man.

 

“Hai, hai. I know that I can do this. It would be easier to just get you the keys, but I know of a few people there that will help me to keep the men busy. You just hurry and get your friends out of there.” Takuya was hesitant to continue. He needed to ask them, but what if they said no? Wasn't this the whole reason for him helping them in the first place? After what they found out this morning there was no way they could possibly refuse.

 

Sanji noted the emotions passing over his face. Doubt, worry, hope and finally conviction. “Was there something else?”

 

“If we can find Muteki before you have to set sail, I want him to go with you. He is in danger here… and… he belongs with his father. I know in my heart that Roronoa is the man to whom my grandson belongs, even if he does not know it himself. I made a very wrong decision 6 years ago. All I can do now is risk my life to make it right. Muteki needs him, more than he could ever need me. Please take him with you. Tell his father how sorry I am, and give them this.” Takuya handed over the knapsack he had been carrying. Tears ran down his face. “Tell my grandson I love him.”

 

Watching the old man walk away, Sanji was torn between feeling sadness and pity. Pity because he knew that what the old man had done was of his own doing, yet sadness because he knew somehow that he would never see him again. He gripped the bag tightly. “I promise, Takuya-sama. We will protect him as one of our own, if…. No, not if, when, we find him.” Sanji whispered his promise more to himself than anyone. Images of his own past filled his mind. Though Zeff wasn't the best father figure, he was the only thing Sanji had to look up to growing up. He vowed to at least give the boy that, if not more. The rest depended on a certain green-haired swordsman. Now if only they could find him, and Luffy of course.

 

Chopper's polite cough brought him back to reality. It was then that Sanji noticed a pair of beautiful young Marines leading a small cart. On closer inspection, said Marines turned out to be his very own lovely lady crewmembers.

 

“Robin-chwan! Nami-swan! My lovely doves. Allow me to help you with your burden. No one with such grace and beauty should stoop so low as to haul their own purchases. I would be honored if you would grant me the privilege of assisting you.” Sanji danced around the two, now very red Marines, with hearts in his eyes and a great big goofy smile to top it off.

 

Robin quickly took charge of the situation. “Why thank you, Sir. We greatly appreciate your offer, but we are just delivering this to the docks for transport. I'm sure we can handle this ourselves.” She hoped that Sanji would catch the wording and play along. The twinkle in his eye said he did indeed notice, but it also said that he would not be `playing' as she intended.

 

“Forgive me, but as a gentleman I cannot allow that to be. I will assist you to your destination and see that you arrive comfortably.” Sanji made an extravagant bow and wiggled his eyebrows, well one could assume he did both, to show his amusement.

 

Nami placed a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. As much as Sanji annoyed her with the constant pampering and fawning, he could always brighten her spirits with his silly antics. “Thank you, kind sir. We would greatly appreciate your help. This package is a bit more than we expected.” She gave the bundle a few sharp pats.

 

Sanji had to control the shock on his face when he heard the small protest from the large, and oddly human shaped, bundle in the cart. `Who do they have in there? I wonder just what they have been up to.'

 

Chopper stood nearby, playing the beast of burden once more. It had been fun picking Takuya up off the floor after watching the small animal transform. He noticed the subtle looks passed between the others and immediately knew to keep quiet and play along.

 

“Chopper, these lovely ladies were headed to the docks with this heavy delivery. Since we were on our way down there as well, I just had to offer to lend them a hand.” He noticed the spark of humor in the reindeer's eyes. Sanji took Robin and Nami by the arm and led them away from the cart. “Ladies, give me a moment here to hook up my friend to your cart and we will be on our way.” Sanji gave them a brilliant smile and attached the cart's handles to a harness on Chopper's back.

 

“Hi, Nami-san, Robin-san.” The shy reindeer whispered as he walked by. He was rewarded with a gentle pat on the back by Nami and a small smile from Robin.

 

They made idle chit-chat and progressed toward the dock. The mast of the Merry seemed so odd without its trademark Jolly Roger flying. It, along with the main sail, had been taken down to help avoid detection. Usopp could be seen standing on the deck, scratching his head in confusion.

 

“Oi, Usopp. Something wrong?” Sanji called out to the marksman when they were within range.

 

“Oi, Sanji! Any luck? You find anything? Hey, what's up with the cart? I thought I had gotten all the supplies.”

 

“Ahoy, Captain. We bring a shipment for you.” Robin called out to the figure standing on the Merry-Go's deck.

 

Usopp was confused at the two uniformed soldiers standing along side Sanji. Robin winked at his startled expression. He took a second to realize who it was. When Nami met his gaze, she had to keep herself from laughing out loud. It was if the metaphorical light bulb turned on over his head.

 

“Hai, hai, one moment officer. I, Captain Usopp will be right with you.” He hurried down the ladder to help carry the `delivery' into the main cabin of the ship.

 

When they were all aboard, Nami finally spoke.

 

“Usopp, has anyone been here to the ship besides us?” She was trying to figure out how to tell him he was in danger without him freaking out.

 

“No, just the delivery guys from the merchants. Why, have you found out something?” Usopp began to panic. He could feel the tension thick in the air. Suddenly the bundle on the floor moved. “AAAHHHH! It's alive! Help! We're under attack! Sound the alarms!” He began running around in circles. A dark cloud rose over Nami and she knocked him in the head to quiet him down.

 

“I believe this man can give us some answers to the location of our Captain and First Mate. From what information I gathered, he saw at least Swordsman-san late last night.”

 

Nami walked over and gave a swift kick to the bound figure. Swiftly she cut the bag away and revealed a tightly restrained, and very smelly, marine. The man looked horrible. He had a busted mouth, swollen eye, and many bruises. It seemed that someone had beaten the man severely. His hands and feet were tied hog style. A gag had been placed in his mouth and secured.

 

“Hey I know this scumbag. He's one of the guys that messed with Zoro last night. How'd you get him?” Sanji was pleased. He didn't really care how they got him, but more so how they got him. They didn't even know what the men looked like that attacked Zoro. How did they find this one?

 

“You will cooperate or you will die. Plain and simple. You have information we want. If we do not get it, we will attempt to force it from you. If you still refuse, you will probably die from repeated attempts. Do you understand your situation?” This man had information on Luffy and Nami had every intention of getting each and every word of it.

 

He nodded his head affirmative. Carefully, Nami removed the gag. She was afraid to touch the man for fear of smelling like him.

 

“F'kin bitch! Ya might as well kill me. I ain't gonna answer nothin.”

 

“Oh really, Sergeant Tajimaru?” Robin raised her brow in question. “I was told that you had a meeting last night with Roronoa Zoro. I'd like you to tell us what went on, and what his current condition is.”

 

Tajimaru looked at her with doubt. He knew something was off, but he couldn't quite place it yet. It would be better to bide his time and gather as much information for himself as well.

 

“Wait, this is the guy that was supposed to dish out Marimo's punishment? You gotta be kiddin' me. I was there at the bar; I saw how fast this guy went down. There's no way that this guy could even begin to do any harm to that muscle-head.” Sanji's voice rose with each word. He was pissed.

 

Oh, yah. That's right. This was the piece of shit that helped Roronoa out of the bar last night. `Probably his lover or something' he thought. `Might as well have some fun with it.'

 

“Oh you bedder b'lieve it, perdy boy. I left y'r friend bloody `n torn, hangin unconscious in the yard las' night.” Tajimaru laughed at the expression that crossed Sanji's face. That was, he laughed until a powerful foot collided with his chest in a sickening crunch. Bones broke as his body was hurled thru the air, across the room and into the wall.

 

Nami and Robin's faces paled in horror at the sight before them. They had never seen their cook at this level. Chopper hid behind Usopp, shivering at the demon that appeared before them.

 

“Sanji, please stop. We need him alive. We still have questions for him.” Nami cried. “He knows where they are. He can help us get them out. You need to calm down.” Nami cautiously stepped toward Sanji and placed her hand gently on his arm. “I want revenge as bad as you do, but we need to get them back first. After that…” Nami trailed off as their eyes met. She saw for the first time all the pain and loneliness Sanji kept bottled up inside. Tears flowed down her face as she threw her arms around him and cried for the both of them. “Just want him back safe.” He closed his eyes and held her tight against his body. The term `him' and not `them' went unnoticed. Any other time in his life he would be dancing for joy, with hearts in his eyes. Right now, they just comforted each other, neither knowing the real reason for the other's anguish.

 

Usopp hung his head and clutched his fists at his sides. He felt guilty for being asleep the entire time his nakama were in trouble. “What do we do now?” Someone had to ask. It might as well be him.

 

Robin decided to take charge. Several hands appeared around the sergeant and lifted him up the wall to eye level. He was alive and conscious, though he was struggling to breathe. He looked at the woman uneasily. “Whad'll ya do wi' me?”

 

“That all depends on how much you cooperate and help return what you took.” Robin brought a chair before the man and sat down. “Now tell us the condition of each of our nakama and where they are being held. That should start us off for now.”

 

“Each? Dunno nuttin' `bout more den tha' fuckin pirate hunter. He's the one brought ta me last night. Ya say dey got another? Good fer `em.” Tajimaru tried to smirk around the bloody lip and swollen face he still sported from the fight with said pirate. He cried out in surprise when the arms holding him disappeared and he fell to the floor again.

 

He groaned in pain. At this rate, he would pass out before he could find out anything of use to help him back into good graces with the captain. He needed to do something quick. There was no way they could do anything to save their friends anyway, so what could telling them the truth hurt. “I dunno wher dey're bein' held. Roronoa's bein' given over ta some Marine. Didn' get his name. Your precious Straw Hat's gonna be executed t'morrow by Captain Kuro.”

 

“What!” Usopp screamed and backed against the wall. He began to frantically run around the room. “He's here? What will we do? We have to get out of here. We need to leave immediately. We...” Nami threw her fist into his head as hard as she could manage.

 

“I am not leaving without Luffy. He wouldn't leave without one of us.” She was angry. “I know you are a coward, and a liar, but I refuse to believe that you are that cold-hearted. Can you really say that you would leave them here? Especially now that we know what is going to happen to them… and by whom.” Her voice drifted off. She leaned back into the arms that still circled her. Nami's shoulders shook in silent weeping.

 

“O-of course not. I-I…” Usopp hung his head. “I didn't mean it like that. I know I'm a coward, but you should know by now that I owe everything to Luffy, Zoro, and even to you too. You saved Kaya and my village once from Kuro and his pirates. Now it's my turn to help save them. I may want to run, but even I have pride. I will not leave without everyone. I just want to leave quickly.” He was hurt by Nami's accusation. He didn't realize she thought so little of him. Sure he lied a lot, but it kept the atmosphere on the Merry a little lighter with his stories. He never realized just how damaging it was to his character.

 

“Well it seems that if you can't tell us more than we already know, you're of no use to us. Chopper, Usopp please take our guest to the storeroom and secure him.” Robin got up from her chair and walked over to the couple still embraced. “Cook-san, I'm sorry we couldn't find out any more than we have.”

 

Chopper jumped up and advanced on the fallen marine. Tajimaru snickered, thinking how easy it would be to overpower these two wimps and escape. He might be in pain, but there was no way he would loose to a dumb pet. Usopp shook himself out of his despair and took one of the filthy arms and hefted him up over his shoulder. The smell about killed him. Chopper had put a clothespin on his nose, but his eyes were still watering. All thoughts Tajimaru had about trying to escape flew out the door when Chopper transformed to his human form.

 

Sanji led Nami to the table and helped her sit. He then proceeded to put on a pot of coffee and make lunch. It didn't take long for the prisoner to be secured, but the two smelly crewmembers decided to wash quickly before joining the others at the table. Chopper told them about Takuya, though leaving out the information about his grandson for the moment, and filled them in on what they knew about the location of the holding cell and the guards. He had no idea how to explain that one of their nakama might just be a father.

 

Sanji had just placed the last plate of food on the table when they heard the noise.

 

“MMMMEEEEEAAAATTTTT!”

 

Nami jumped up and ran to the door. “Luffy?! Luffy?! Oh thank Kami. Luffy!” She ran out on deck to greet the missing captain. Arms shot thru the crowd and attached to the main rail of the Merry. Soon following came a black head of hair, a red shirt, blue shorts and another small grey, black and white bundle. Nami screamed as Luffy shot over the rail and collided with her. His arms wrapped around her protectively as they rolled across the deck.

 

Sanji kicked the laughing boy in the head. “You baka! You could have seriously hurt Nami-swan. Be careful you oaf.”

 

“Gomen, gomen, Sanji. I was just so happy to see you guys that I got a little excited” Luffy sat up and scratched the back of his head sheepishly. Nami sat up beside him and blushed brightly. Giggling from behind Luffy caught everyone's attention.

 

“Luffy ni-san, that was great! Can we do that again? It was almost like flying! Please, one more time!” A child's voice drifted up from the mass moving, and still laughing, behind the widely grinning captain.

 

“Hey guys look what I found! Now we have two Zoro's. One big and one little,” the captain stated this as if he were showing off a new hat.

 

Gasps were heard from Nami and Robin as green hair emerged from under a large grey cap. Teki sat up and looked to see where he had landed. He had been clinging onto Luffy's neck the entire time and had no idea where they were. The ride had been fun, but it was over and now he had several people looking at him with very shocked expressions. These were the people that knew his father… well he hoped it was his father. He never really did answer that. Maybe these people could answer some questions for him.

 

“Teki-chan. What are you doing back here? And why do you have green hair?” Usopp asked. He recognized the boy from earlier this morning, but the hat he wore had covered any trace of green hair.

 

“Muteki!” A voice boomed from the galley doorway. Sanji stood in shock. It was one thing to see pictures, but to see the child in person was overwhelming. Suddenly he was angry. The look on Takuya's face when he found his grandson missing came to mind. “Young man, just where have your been. I… I mean your jii-san has been worried sick about you.” The cook advanced on the small boy. He knelt down to look Muteki in the eyes and placed his hands on the small shoulders. He needed to learn not to worry people like that. “You locked your door, which I had to break down, and left thru the window to Kami knows where, now you show up on a pirate ship? Your jii-san would skin you alive if he knew what you were doing. He'll probably give you a good lashing for…” He stopped his lecture at just one word.

 

“No.” Luffy stood up, his features dark and troubled. “There will be no more lashes given to my crew. I refuse to let it happen.” Silence fell over the ship. There was so much behind that statement.

 

“Luffy, where's Zoro?” Sanji forced out. He had to know. His hands fell from Muteki's shoulders. The last statement had worried him. Was Zoro alright? Just how bad was he injured? Had he been whipped? Is that why Luffy was so upset by the comment? “Where is he?”

 

“We have to go back for him. He couldn't get out the way we did. He went through the base to the front gate. I told him I would bring Teki-kun here,” Luffy looked down at the shaken boy and smiled, “then I would find you guys and go back. He said he might need a distraction.”

 

“A distraction? Just what is he planning on doing?” Usopp asked.

 

“He's gonna visit an old friend. Or at least that's what he said. He said `I can't leave without saying goodbye to an old friend.' Or something like that.” Teki stood up and faced everyone. The woman with black hair gave him a small smile and he blushed. The one with orange hair looked at him like he was a ghost. The tall blond with the black suit placed a hand on his head and gave him a look he couldn't quite place. He couldn't meet his eyes, slightly ashamed that he had made his grandfather and this man worry so much. Could this be the cook that Usopp had told him about? Usopp stared off in the distance, a hand on his chin and looked deep in thought. It was then that Muteki noticed Chopper.

 

“Kawai!!! Can I play with him? What's his name? He's so cool.” Chopper screamed and ran as Muteki charged at him.

 

“Get away from me! Help! I'm not a toy! Somebody stop him! Help!”

 

Teki laughed as he chased the poor reindeer around the deck. Soon the other joined in with small giggles. Chopper, having enough of this, turned and grew. “I SAID STOP!”

 

Teki did indeed stop, and looked at the now very large and upset beast before him. “Sugoi!!” If possible his smile grew even more. “You're the coolest! Who are you?”

 

“Huh?” Chopper was clearly confused. Normally when he towered over someone like this they grew frightened and ran away. This child only grew more interested in him with every passing moment. He sighed and gave in to fate. Assuming his normal form, Chopper stuck out his hand. “I'm Tony Tony Chopper. Who are you?”

 

“I'm Muteki. Pleased to meet you.” Muteki shook the small hoofed hand. “Will you play with me? I know lots of games.” Chopper nodded and the two ran off `hand' in hand

 

“Who is he?” Nami whispered to Luffy. “Where did you find him?”

 

“He found us. Zoro and I were locked up and he rescued us.”

 

“He what! That little guy?” Sanji was impressed. `So Zoro had met him already, and sent him with Luffy to the ship. That's good. Now we don't have to go looking for him. I wonder how Usopp knows him.'

 

Apparently Luffy was thinking the same thing. “Hey Usopp, how come you know Teki-kun?”

 

“Oh, well, you see. It was really kinda funny. I was walking back from ordering supplies…”

 

Nami tuned him out. She stood just slightly apart from the group. She had promised to tell him how she felt, but now that he was here, she didn't know how to do it. At least he was ok. The way the sun fell on his face seemed to enhance his features. The high cheekbones, wide innocent eyes, full mouth, dark hair… Wait, dark hair?

 

“Luffy!” Everyone jumped at the sound of her urgent cry. A blush covered her face. “Um, gomen. I didn't mean to startle you. Luffy I have something for you. I think you'll be wanting this back.” From under her borrowed Marine uniform jacket she produced a slightly crumpled…

 

“Hat! You have my hat! Oh thank you! Thank you, Nami. I thought it had gotten lost in the fight at the inn.” Luffy grabbed his hat and placed it firmly on his head before catching his navigator up in a big hug. He pulled away just enough to look at her now very red face before placing his lips firmly on her own. Though the kiss was brief and chaste, it took his breath away. “Gomen, I should have asked first.”

 

“No, you shouldn't.” Nami placed her hands on the back of his head and pulled him down to meet her for the second time. Encouraged by her initiative, he began to move his lips against her much fuller ones.

 

Usopp's jaw hit the deck. Robin smiled her secretive smile and turned away. Chopper and Teki were too busy playing to realize what happened. And Sanji… he felt his heart break into a million pieces. He had known for over a year that there was no hope of Nami returning his feelings. He knew he had zero chance with her. He knew that she and the captain would make a perfect match. He knew that someone else would be better suited to him. Yet knowing all this didn't stop it from hurting.

 

He was about to reach for a cigarette when a small hand found its way into his own. Bright blue eyes looked up at him. He wondered if Zoro ever looked this innocent as a child. The thought made him smile and earned him a smile in return from the newest member of the Straw Hat Pirates.

 

“You hungry?” Teki nodded. Indeed he was. He hadn't eaten since the previous day. “Let's see if we can go save what I put on the table before you guys got here.” He turned to the rest of the crew. “We leave in 10 minutes to get Marimo. I suggest you eat what you can before Luffy realizes there's food on the table.”

 

At this Luffy broke away from Nami. “Food!” He ran for the galley only to get interrupted by Sanji's foot to his midsection.

 

“Ladies first, you vulture. Just because you're on Nami's good side, doesn't mean you'll get special treatment from me. Same as always, ladies get their food first, the rest of you fight for what's left.” With this Sanji turned to the still flustered navigator. “My beautiful flower, please allow me to escort you to the table.” Nami laughed good heartedly and allowed herself to be led inside.

 

“Meanie.” Luffy stuck his tongue out at the cooks retreating back. Teki giggled and went to help the captain up.

 

As promised, when the allotted time was up, Sanji, Luffy and Chopper made ready to leave.

 

Luffy smiled at Nami and placed a quick kiss on her cheek.

 

“Sorry, Muteki. We need Chopper to come with us, now. Zoro is still out there. He said he needed a distraction. That means Chopper, me and Sanji have to go back. You guys can play later. For right now, help Nami get the ship ready to leave quickly. Ok?”

 

“Hai, captain. You can count on me!” Teki stood tall and saluted. Luffy patted him on the head and jumped down to join the others already there.

 

“I want to know all about you when we get back, Ok?” Chopper waved to the boy.

 

“Hai, me too” came the reply.

 

Sanji had taken only a step when he heard a small voice call out.

 

“Sanji-san?”

 

He turned to look up.

 

“You're his best friend, and you always watch out for each other, right? So make sure you bring him back, please. He never answered my question. And…and I have something that belongs to him. He said I had to give it back when he got out of there. Please, promise me he'll be safe and bring him here.” Teki put his heart into every word. He knew somehow that if this man made a promise, he would keep it.

 

“I promise.” What else could he say? Besides, he had his own reasons for wanting his swordsman as well.

 

Wait. …wanting... his… Damn.