Chapter 35

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East Blue – Baratie 

Sanji begins telling the story of how he met Zeff when Zeff attacked the ship where Sanji was working as a cook's apprentice. A fierce storm struck, killing everyone on board, except for Sanji and Zeff, who were left stranded on a deserted island with no way to escape on their own. 

They survived for eighty-five days, with food running out on the twenty-fifth day. 

"When I confronted him, trying to get a share of his food, I found out that his sack was full of treasure. The old man had given me all the food, and he ate his own leg so I'd have a better chance to survive. When I asked him why he did that for a stranger, he said it was because we shared the same dream, and he was already old, just passing the torch to the younger generation", Sanji recounts his story. 

"After we were rescued, I helped the old man realize his dream of building a sea restaurant, and that's pretty much it. That incident made me understand the value of food and what real hunger is. Honestly, I wouldn't wish that on anyone", Sanji says as he turns off the stove, his dish ready. 

As everyone eats what Sanji had prepared, Luffy, his mouth full, asks, "All Blue, right? You share the same dream, so why are you still here? Why haven't you gone after All Blue?" 

"You don't understand. The old man sacrificed everything for me. I owe him, and I need to repay that debt", Sanji replies, lighting a cigarette. 

"Actually, I do understand. But I don't agree, and I'm sure the old man doesn't either. Hmph, repay? Staying here, stuck, doesn't repay anything", Luffy says, pausing his chewing. 

"Well, I guess I should go help the old man clean up the restaurant", Sanji says, not wanting to continue the conversation. 

"We're leaving tomorrow morning, in case you want to join us", Luffy says, extending the invitation once again. 

=Scene Break= 

"Wait, let me get this straight, you were going to rob my restaurant, but now you want a job?", Zeff asks, looking at the group of pirates led by Gin. 

"After Don died, I realized I had nowhere to go or belong. This place was the only place where I was treated with respect and dignity. Besides, I want to make up for what Don tried to do to your restaurant. And as for these guys, they don't want to be arrested, and I think the food is a good motivator for them to work here", Gin says, pointing to his crewmates. 

"Do you even know how to cook?", Zeff asks, raising an eyebrow. 

"Any job is a job, sir. It doesn't matter if you put us as waiters, cleaners, or kitchen assistants. We'll take it, and I swear I'll keep these guys in line", Gin says respectfully. 

"Hmm, Baratie's been doing well, and I have more demand than I can handle right now. I've been thinking of expanding for a while. Alright, you're hired. Patty, come here", Zeff says, gesturing for Patty to come over. 

When Patty arrives, Zeff points to the crowd in front of him. "I've hired these men. Run some tests to see where they fit best. And when the Marines get here, tell them the pirates escaped, that they were too late. From now on, we're expanding the business, my friend." 

"Are you sure, Chef Zeff? These are the same pirates who were going to attack us", Patty asks, unsure if this was a good idea. 

"Sanji's friend here promised to keep them in line. Besides, from what I can see, these guys respect him a lot", Zeff says, pointing to Gin. 

"Alright then, come on, guys, follow me", Patty says before leading the new recruits to another part of the restaurant. 

Left alone, Zeff looks around the restaurant, still a mess from Don Krieg's attack and the earlier storm. Mentally exhausted, he picks up a fallen chair and sits in it, staring at the chaotic scene for a while until Sanji appears with a broom in hand and starts sweeping up the debris. 

"What are you doing?", Zeff asks, watching Sanji. 

"Tomorrow we'll have a full house, so it's better to clean this up now", Sanji says without looking at Zeff. 

"...Sigh... I don't need you for that", Zeff replies after letting out a sigh. 

"Well, I don't see anyone else volunteering", Sanji says, continuing to gather the dishes left on the tables after sweeping the debris into a pile. 

"Enough, I don't want to hear it anymore", Zeff says, looking at Sanji. 

Sanji then looks at Zeff, sitting there, and asks, "What's your problem, old man?" 

"Me? I don't have a problem. You're the one with problems", Zeff says, standing up. 

"I'm just trying to help", Sanji replies, continuing to gather the dishes. 

"Yeah, but I didn't ask you to do that, did I? So get out of my restaurant", Zeff says, pointing to the door. 

"I can't just leave", Sanji says, closing his eyes. 

"And why not?", Zeff asks, stepping closer. 

"Because you couldn't handle the place without me", Sanji says, leaning on the table in front of him and looking directly into Zeff's eyes. 

"Oh, for God's sake, Eggplant, your cooking is shit. I didn't save you so you could stay stuck in this restaurant thinking you owe me something", Zeff says, raising his voice and rolling his eyes. 

"Oh yeah? At least I don't drown the food in a pound of oregano", Sanji replies, getting angry. 

"Ah, fuck you! You don't even know how to season properly, and at least I'm not the one spending every single day talking about All Blue", Zeff retorts, also getting angry. 

"You want me to give up, is that it?", Sanji asks, holding a stack of plates. 

"For crying out loud, you didn't understand a single thing I said? Giving up is staying here. It's one thing to have a dream, another to chase it", Zeff says, frustrated with Sanji's stubbornness. 

"You know what? You want me gone, right? The straw hat invited me to his crew. Maybe I'll accept", Sanji says, slamming the plates he was holding onto a table. 

"If you're looking for my permission, you already have it", Zeff says, gesturing for Sanji to leave. 

"Great, then", Sanji says, kicking a piece of table as he walks away. 

"Great", Zeff replies, annoyed. 

"Fine! I'm leaving tomorrow", Sanji shouts, slamming the door behind him. 

Zeff then sits down again, letting out a sigh before looking up at the ceiling and closing his eyes with a sad expression crossing his face. 

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(AN: 1,111 Words)

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