another cigarette

Sanji's eyes widened in shock and fury, but he managed to keep his composure. "You're out of your mind if you think I'll join you just because of your threats."

Toshiro's smile didn't waver. "I don't make idle threats, Sanji. Think about it. I'm giving you a choice," he said, continuing to inhale the cigarette.

The room was thick with tension. The chefs and patrons of Baratie looked on in fear, some whispering prayers, others frozen in terror.

Sanji took a deep breath, clenching his fists. "And what if I say no? What then?"

Toshiro's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then you'll see how I fulfill my promises. But I believe you're smarter than that."

Sanji glared at Toshiro, his resolve unwavering. "I'm not afraid of you. Do what you want, but I will never abandon my friends or my principles."

Toshiro's expression hardened, and he moved his hand slightly, the energy in his palm growing stronger. "So be it."

..........

"Enough!"

It was Zeff, the head chef and owner of Baratie. He stepped forward, his wooden leg clunking against the floor.

"If you want Sanji, you'll have to go through me first."

Toshiro paused, his eyes shifting to Zeff. "Do I know you?"

"I'm the man who raised Sanji," Zeff replied, his voice steady. "And I won't let you harm anyone here."

"Ignorance can sometimes be a blessing or a curse," Toshiro said, finishing the cigarette and flicking it aside.

Sanji's heart swelled with gratitude and respect for Zeff, but he knew the danger they were all in. "Old man, you don't have to do this," Sanji said, stepping beside him.

"Know your place, fool," Toshiro said, lifting one of his fingers. In an instant, a sharp force cut through the air, and Zeff's leg and arm were severed.

Zeff fell to the ground, blood pouring from his wounds. Sanji's eyes filled with horror and rage. "Zeff!" he screamed, rushing to his side.

Toshiro looked down at them, his face emotionless. "This is your final chance, Sanji. Join me, or this going to be our Jujutsu Kaisen."

Sanji clenched his fists, his body trembling with anger. "I will never join you. I would rather die than abandon my friends and the people I care about."

The room was thick with tension. The chefs and patrons of Baratie looked on in fear, some whispering prayers, others frozen in terror. Sanji stood protectively over Zeff, his resolve unshakable, ready to face whatever horrors Toshiro had in store.

Toshiro looked at Sanji with a sigh, then stepped beside Zeff, attempting to place his hand on him. Sanji reacted swiftly, launching an attack under Toshiro's jaw, hoping to knock him out.

Toshiro simply leaned his head slightly, dodging the attack. With an unpleasant move for Sanji, Toshiro grabbed his leg and, with a swift, brutal punch to Sanji's knee, instantly cracked the bones. The sound of breaking bone echoed through the room as Sanji collapsed, his leg destroyed by the force of the blow.

Sanji cried out in pain, but his spirit remained unbroken. He glared up at Toshiro, still defiant despite his injury. The sight of their beloved cook in such agony sent waves of horror and anger through the onlookers.

"Relax, simp," Toshiro said dismissively. He then used a Reverse Curse Technique on Zeff, healing both his severed arm and leg, even restoring his wooden leg back to flesh.

"Look, I helped your father Zeff, healing his injuries. Is this enough to let you join me?" Toshiro said, his face twisted with annoyance at having to help someone he had no desire to aid.

Zeff, now fully healed, staggered to his feet, staring in disbelief at his restored limbs. "Sanji," he said, his voice filled with emotion, "don't do it. No matter what he does, don't give in."

Sanji, despite his pain, managed to lift his head and meet Toshiro's gaze. "You think healing Zeff will make me forget what you've done? You think it will make me join you?" His voice was strained but firm. "I owe you nothing."

Toshiro's eyes narrowed, irritation flickering across his face. "You really are stubborn, aren't you? I could have left him crippled, but I healed him. Yet you still refuse?"

Sanji struggled to stand, leaning heavily on one leg. "I'd rather die fighting than live under someone like you."

The room was silent, the tension thick. The chefs and patrons watched with bated breath, not daring to move.

"What if I kill every chef here in front of your eyes?" Toshiro's voice was cold, his threat hanging heavily in the air. "Are you going to regret your decision later?"

Sanji's eyes widened, but he remained defiant. Toshiro continued, his tone dripping with malice. "Do you not feel guilty? You are going to be the cause of the deaths of many people on this ship that you know and care about. Are their lives meaningless to you?"

Sanji's heart pounded. He glanced around at the terrified faces of his fellow chefs and the patrons of Baratie. Each of them had become a part of his extended family. He couldn't bear the thought of any of them being harmed because of him.

"Sanji, don't listen to him!" one of the chefs shouted, their voice breaking through the tense silence. "We know the risks. We stand with you!"

Toshiro's eyes flickered with annoyance. "This is so touching." He raised his hand, energy crackling at his fingertips.

Sanji's mind raced. He was caught between his pride and the safety of those he loved. Just as Toshiro was about to unleash his attack, Sanji shouted, "STOP! I will join you."

Toshiro's pause hung heavy in the air, his expression inscrutable. "Why waste my time, then?" he questioned, his voice laced with a mix of annoyance and curiosity. He cracked his hand, the energy still crackling around his fingertips, and turned his gaze towards Sanji.

"Give me another cigarette," he demanded, his tone brooking no argument.

Sanji hesitated for a moment, torn between his resolve and the grim reality of the situation. With a resigned nod, he reached for a cigarette and offered it to Toshiro, a silent acceptance of his fate and the sacrifice he was making to protect those he cared about.