when you walked in
This guy is an idiot. That was the only thought that came to Sanji’s mind as he watched this brash immature swordsman approach The Dracule Mihawk. The chef knew enough about pirating from long nights spent talking with Zeff, to chase away the memories of iron bars and a growling stomach, that he knew what a formidable opponent looked like. And stepping onto the deck of the Baratie was a man leagues above the rest.
Still, the strange green haired man seemed to preen at the opportunity. Someone could call it bravery, but insane idiocy was the only term that came to the young chef’s mind. It was clear in the little time he got to know this ragtag crew that they had barely begun their voyage, aiming for the Grand Line. It was a dream Sanji understood, wanting to reach that vast unknown and uncover what lies there. He wanted to see this group succeed, not that he’d join them, but still.
And now, the man who seemed to be the first mate was challenging the greatest swordsman alive. It was a surefire way to assure one’s death, but frankly if the man was suicidal, Sanji would have preferred he took this to another ship.
The man had already annoyed Sanji, even though he could barely remember the other’s name. He seemed crass and rude, filled to the brim with a certain self-assuredness that Sanji envied and despised equally.
As the fight began, Sanji could see now how truly outclassed the mossy haired swordsman was. Mihawk was hold a knife smaller than what the chef used in the kitchen and was still winning with ease. And yet despite it all, there was no hesitation or fear flashing across the younger man’s eyes.
Sanji couldn’t keep his eyes away from the fight. Partly was out of shock, to see someone who appeared the be around the same age willing to give his life so young for an unachievable dream. But there was something else as well.
The screamed came out of the young chef, “It’s easy! Abandon your stupid dream!” It was a foolish plea, he knew that, but Sanji couldn’t stand there and wait to watch this man die.
He was too good, Sanji decided. For all his annoyances in the time they’d known each other, this pirate hunter turned pirate seemed to possess a genuinely good heart, strong and steadfast. It was beautiful in its own way. But it was also tragic.
His words predictably fell on deaf ears and Sanji watched as the young man fell, rescued thankfully by his friends. In the immediate aftermath, Sanji found himself reeling. Not only had the idiot almost died, but he was now conscious and swearing to never lose again with the support and assurance of his comrades.
If there was one thing this crew seemed to possess in excess it was confidence. There was no world in which Sanji would find a home there.
But weeks passed, the defeat of Arlong behind them and Alabasta in sight, and Sanji had done as much. He had made a comfortable routine with the crew, learning every day more about each of them. Still, though, Roronoa Zoro remained a frustrating mystery.
No matter how much they could bicker or fight, Sanji couldn’t help but remember every time the grace, and strength with which Zoro took that first, and only, loss. It occupied Sanji’s mind more often than he would ever care to admit.
Zoro was not the dainty, busty women that Sanji usually found himself thinking of in such ways, and yet still…he had his own beauty about him.
i fell hard and you took a step back