Chapter Text
For Judge it was just another village added to the Germa territory, despite being a place that raised swordsmen, of course no one could put up a decent enough fight, their strongest had fallen and their weaker could only beg for mercy, as he walked by an old Dojo, he didn't even spared a glance at the Master begging to his soldiers to spare his students who cowardly hid behind the doors.
-''They're just children!''.
Weak, useless children, everything would soon be devoured by flames.
He had seen enough, retreating to his carriage to be taken back to his castle and let his little toy soldiers carry out his orders for him.
His foot was raised on the air, hovering above the step to get into his vehicle when he heard a guttural scream and the too familiar sound of a body falling to the floor and his soldiers scrambling around. Annoyed, he turned around to see the conmotion and the sight made him froze in place.
A boy, the smallest and younguest of the dojo about to get destroyed, stood before the body of one of his soldiers, bloodied Katana on hand, a glare that could set the seas ablaze, growling like a feral beast, the true image of courage and bravery, he stood in front of his master and his classmates- ugh, protecting them, like the useless weaklings they were, Judge would have been impressed, thing that hasn't happened in years, if it werent for the boy's stripped tail ridiculously puffed out like a startled kitten, 'viciously' growling and hissing to the soldiers that dared get close, if it weren't for the blood splattered, it would been a hilarious sight.
Judge marched back and reached the top of the Dojo's steps and glared at the boy, his towering figure covering with his shadow, he faltered for just a moment before he recklessly attacked him with a roar.
He merely swung his leg back and kicked the boy through the paper walls and into a tree, sword flying out of his hands and through the air, landing on the wooded floor with a metalic sound.
Sanji just couldn't process exactly what had just happened as he hugged one of his books to his chest. His father barged into his room, babling left and right about 'A burning warrior’s pride' and that maybe with this he will finally shape him into a worthy son deserving of the Vinsmoke name. Then raised his arm, he was holding a boy with green hair, an equally green long tail and car ears, forcefully clutching him by the scruff of his neck as the boy trashed and clawed and hissed like a feral beast, but his father didn't even faltered when he managed to scratch him once, he just scoffed and unceremoniously threw him on a far corner, landing on the pile of books that Sanji studied that day and slammed the door shut, the distinctive sound of a key clickling at the other side and the barking of orders down the hall until there was silence. Just the sound of paper flying around and a groan of pain.
-''Y-you okay?''.-Sanji approached the boy in green cautiously and extended his hand to help him get back on his feet. The glare and growl he got instead made him freeze in terror.
Sanji was glad for a company that didn't make his existence miserable every second of the day, but he also felt bad for that certain companion.
Roronoa Zoro, Sanji liked the sound of his name, a boy that stood up to his father enough to save his village but sacrifice himself to be Sanji's... Guardian? Bodyguard...? Whatever it was, Sanji felt something tug at his chest, happy for having a friend, and selfish because of the circumstances that brought them together.
-''You're slow!''.-The tiger boy grinned at him from where he was sitting on a large branch.
-''Shut up! You have claws and I'm normal it's not fair!''.-The young prince replied as he struggled to reach him, but something made him want to keep up with Zoro, childish stubborness or pride, something to achieve for himself instead to please someone else.
Finally, he lifted himself up and sat next to the green haired boy. Just in time to see the guards training with swords under the sun while Sanji took bread out of his pocket and fed the baby birds just above his head. (He was also glad Zoro didn't had a taste for birds, despite his obvious feline traits) while he on the other hand never found anything of interest regarding soldiers and weapons, but Zoro did, and Sanji liked to discover more things about his new friend and seeing him focused on their movements and techniques was endearing in itself.
One of the (Equally stupid) reasons their brothers beat them within an inch of their lives daily was that Yonji hated not being the only green kid around, more than once he menaced to cut Zoro's tail or have him skinned alive and sew into a rug for his room (The sole idea gave Sanji nightmares).
Sanji always tought that his brother's haircuts and colors were stupid, metalic, fake, like cotton candy dye, unnatural abominations as they were, Yonji's hair was slicked back as if a giant dog licked his head. He hated very specific shades of green until he met Zoro.
Zoro's hair and fur was green with black stripes running down his skin, much like tall grass flickering under the sun. Like the leaves of the trees, it was natural and wild and so soft! he sometimes counted them when he was bored and found out Zoro did too as one day he looked at his back on the mirror and revealed that he had grown another one with a sharp grin.
It scared Sanji sometimes how easily he could lose him among the green when they walked through trees and bushes (Also taking into account his terrible sense of direction) as if one day Zoro would turn into an actual tiger and leave him behind. Until he ran into said tiger boy who argued with him for getting lost. As if!
But Zoro's green was far better and prettier than Yonji's.
Zoro was messy, had terrible manners and he was in constant need of a shower, but he was also disciplined and determined, Sanji would think him a feral beast that loved to tease him until he grabbed the white and gold katana and trained under the heat of the sun until exhaustion. There was something about the ease, the familiarity on which he held a blade as if his body was made purely for the art of swordmanship, his boyish, sharp fanged smirk and equally sharp eyes washed over with a solemn gaze, the respect on which he held the blade, as if something precious, something revered, it was as if those sharp golden eyes held onto something heavy, not a physical weight, something that couldn't be named. Something Sanji wanted to understand yet he didn't had the words to ask for it seemed something that belonged only to Zoro, felt as if intruding in an intimate, quiet conversation with a ghost. (He was scared of ghosts too).
So he just watched as the tiger boy honed his strength and performed a dangerous and lonely dance with steel under the orange sun.
When Zoro found out that Sanji was taught how to wield a blade, he tried at every chance to get him to spar with him. Each and every time, just like when he was defeated by her, was met with a firm and angry No.
It took a good while for him to give up. And as he watched those hands learn how to properly cut vegetables with a knife, did he realized.
Those hands were too soft for the callouses of a sword hilt, far too delicate to hurt, far too gentle for the violence of a blade.
Those hands that wanted so badly to create, were too clean and pure to be stained by blood.
Zoro regrets every and all the decisions he has made in his life that lead to this moment every. Single. Time. And Sanji felt pity for him when he wasn't laughing his ass off.
Some servants, specially the ladies, were certainly more than obsessed with Zoro's cat-like traits, and tried a bit too hard to dress him up in ridiculous pink ribbons (Which, along with his green hair, hilariously reminded Sanji of mochi), cooed at him as if he was an actual cat and not a child, tried to constantly pet him against his will-
And oh, gods. Bath time...
-''LET GO OF ME I CAN DO IT BY MYSELF!!!''.
-''Please, little one, stay still! We'll be done in no time!''.
-''I HAVE A NAME!''.
-''Aww, aren't you the cutest little kitty?''.
-''I TOLD YOU ALREADY I'M A TIGER NOT A CAT!!! A TIGER!!!''.
-''Sure you are!''.
Almost without fail, the servants ended up scratched and bitten, badly, while Sanji played with his rubber ducky and laughed at a very angry, wet and growling tiger burrito.
Sanji stared at Zoro's ears as he thoroughly replaced the cloth wrapped to the hilt of his katana, which was also interesting as he skillfully maintaned his weapon, but also the way how his ears would tilt and turn in tune with his emotions and expressions was... Cute. He quickly gave in to temptation and his hand moved on it's own as he inched closer, stopping for a startling second as Zoro scoffed at himself and started all over again, too concentrated on his task to notice Sanji's intentions as he was kneeling on the floor.
Until he froze when a hand landed flat on his head and started petting him.
Sanji screamed as he barely dodged the claws aimed at his arm and landed flat on his back.
-''What are you doing!?''.-Zoro shrinked away as if Sanji was holding a dead bug, gripping the naked hilt of his sword nervously while Sanji lifted himself on his elbows.
-''I-I just wanted to pet you!''.-He quickly tried to explain himself.-''I thought-!''
-''I'm not your pet!''.-Zoro replied as his fur stood on edge and bared his fangs at him. No way, was he going to end up worse than the servants!?!?
-''I didn't meant it like that! I just... I think your ears are cute, I like how they move... I couldn't help it, sorry. I didn't mean to treat you like one...''.-Sanji fumbled with his fingers waiting for Zoro to either attack him or... Wait. Was he blushing????
The tiger boy rested his hands on his lap, his stripped tail wrapped around himself as he looked away embarrassed.
-''Only Kuina used to pet me, I'm not used to anyone else doing it, and those creepy old witches treat me like an animal, it drives me crazy''.
They stayed on silence for what Sanji felt like an eternity before Zoro took his katana and resumed what he was doing. So it was a big No, then. Sanji hugged his knees and stared at the rug that covered the whole floor of his room.
-''You can do it''.
...
-''Eh? What?''.
-''If it's you... I don't mind. You surprised me, that's all.''.
-''Wait, really?''.
Zoro nodded trying to look everywhere but at him, ears twitching backwards. Sanji almost beamed as he carefully sat near him and slowly, gently lowered his hand over his head, Zoro froze for a moment but then visibly relaxed, cheeks red like tomatoes, but allowed him to continue as he thoroughly enjoyed petting him, his hair was so soft!
-''So, can I pet you whenever I want?''.
-''Only when we're alone, don't do it in front of anyone or I'll bite your fingers off, you heard me!?''.
-''Okay!''.
-''The servants cook for you, Why do you want to cook by yourself so bad?''.-Zoro asked as he looked down at the water of the lake they sneaked out to fish.
-''I just like it, cooking food is awesome! I want to be a professional chef when I grow up! But my Father doesn't like it. Nor my brothers. They make fun of me for it and destroy what I make before they even taste it''.-Sanji replied while waiting for a fish to bite on his improvised fishing rod.
Zoro didn't push the subject further (Either had the heart to tell him that the catch had been washed away) and just leaped into the water. Sanji watched in confusion the bubbles popping on the surface as seconds later the tiger boy emerged with a decent sized fish on his mouth, soaking Sanji in the process.
Sanji had made sure Zoro was asleep before sneaking out of his, now their, shared room. With the fish Zoro had caught he could complete the bento meant for her. With his yellow raincoat and an umbrella, he safely guarded the bento inside a basket and wrapped it with cloth so it wouldn't get wet as he bravely walked under the rain.
-''Young Prince! Where are you going by yourself?''.-One of the guards noticed him and immediately followed him thou didn't dare to touch him.
-''To see my mother''.-He replied coldly as he kept his pace, not making eye contact.
-''The medical ward is at the far end and the weather is-!''.
-''I can make it!''.
-''But-!''.
-''Stop following me! And don't tell my father!''.-He sped up his pace and the guard watched him go.
Until he tripped and fell face first into a puddle of water, the umbrella falling out of his hands. Great, now he was wet under his clothes too. He got up again and kept walking.
Everyone around ran into the safety of their homes while he tried to shield himself with his umbrella. He could barely see ahead of him. Until he heard a nasty growl. He looked up and saw a big, scary dog growling at him. He looked at the basket on his back and then at the dog.
-''What? This is not your food!''.
He defiantly stared at it as the dog's growl got louder, no way was he giving up the food he prepared for her!
But he still screamed as the dog chased him, he tripped again and was face to face with a mouth full of sharp teeth.
-''Oi! Over here, you ugly!''.
The dog yelped as a rock was thrown against his head, then ran away after the next two. Sanji looked around him to find Zoro, all wet under the rain but he barely paid any mind as he effortlesly lifted him up.
-''The hell's wrong with you!? What are you doing out here under this weather, you idiot!''.
-''I'm on my way to visit someone important! I have to keep going!''.-Sanji replied as he grabbed his umbrella and tried to get past him.
-''Wait-!''.-But Zoro grabbed his arm and pulled at him while Sanji tried to pull back.
-''Don't try to stop me!''.
They both froze when right behind them the damned dog got reinforcements. Another 2 equally big and angry dogs.
Sanji grabbed Zoro's hand and they both ran down the streets for their lives.
-''Sanji-Sama! How did you got here with all this rain!?''.-A maid opened the door of a massive building with a red cross on it that Zoro recognized as a hospital while they tried to regain their breath.
She ushered them inside and threw a towel at Zoro's head since he just ran after Sanji with his normal clothes. While he got the excess water out of his hair (resisting the urge to just shake himself and throw water at her too) his nose caught a nasty smell.
Sanji had taken out of his backback the most stinking and ugliest bento he had ever seen in his life. At least the maid had the nerve to act with tact.
-''I appreciate what you did but we can't have Queen-Sama have stomach trouble-!''.
But Sanji kept pushing the bento onto her.
-''Ah, maybe it tastes good?''.-Not for Zoro's nose though, he watched in horror as the maid dipped a finger in the bento and tasted it.
Her scream of horror was epic.
Zoro stared at the lavish room the maid guided them to, the storm still raging outside but at least he had the towel wrapped around his shoulders.
-''Sanji! Did you came to see me in this rain? Your father will be mad if he finds out about it!''.
The most beautiful woman Zoro has ever met in his short life rested on a way to big bed, her eyes equally as blue as his and hair equally as golden.
He realized this was Sanji's mom. And she was overjoyed to see him.
The maid brought a nice and pretty bento and placed it on a table across the bed for her.
-''Your majesty, this is from Sanji-Sama!''.
She smiled warmly and looked at him.-''Did you made this for me?''.
Sanji hesitantly nodded as he fumbled with his fingers. Obviously she wasn't fooled by the bento the maid gave her.
-''Epony!''.
-''Y-yes, your Highness?''.
-''Don't be presumptuous! Bring what Sanji really made for me!''.
-''Well, yes but... But it was damaged on his way here, so I threw it into a trash can...''.-Epony replied nervously.
-''Bring it to me!''.
-''Of course!''.
Zoro couldn't help but to cover his sensitive nose as the abominable dish entered the room. Sanji stared in embarrassment at his mom as she grabbed a spoon.
-''Wow, how nice! Omelet rolls and fish and a banana?''.
-''Sorry, mom, I messed it up''.-Sanji grabbed at his hood and shrinked into himself as if he wanted to dissappear. And Zoro couldn't blame him.-''I tripped over and dropped it on my way here... It's been crushed and it got wet in the rain...''.
-''Well, let's try it!''.
Both kids and the maid watched in horror as she took a spoonful and eagerly placed it in her mouth, tasting it like she was at a high end restaurant.
-''Mmm! It's good!''.
What.
But Sanji's face lit up in the widest, brightest smile he had ever seen on him.
-''Really!?''.-''Yes!''.-''Mom!''.
Sanji jumped into her arms and she embraced him warmly. After all this time together, Zoro was a bit relieved there was at least someone that cared about him this much.
-''Sanji, will you cook for me again?''.
-''Yes!!!''.
Zoro felt as if he was intruding in a very private moment, but before he could turn to walk down the hall, he stepped on the a bit too large towel wrapped around his shoulders, stumbling into the room and barely grabbing onto the doorknob to stop his fall.
-''Uh, who is this boy?''.
Crap.
-''Mom, he's Zoro, he's my friend!''.
-''Really? I didn't knew you had made one! Come here, I want to see you!''.
Zoro knew he looked ridiculous trying to wrestle his way out of the towel but held into the little dignity he had left and stiffedly bravely walked towards the bed.
-''You're... Highness?''.-Zoro made an attempt at a bow and the woman smiled at him, he couldn't help but blush. She really was pretty up close. Like an angel.
-''So, you're Sanji's friend?''.-He nodded.-''How nice of you to come here with him, thank you!''.
C-can people glow like the sun??? Because he was sure his eyes were deceiving him.
-''Epony, go get Sanji changed into dry clothes, will you?''.
-''Yes, your Highness!''.
Sanji jumped down the bed like a happy deer and followed after the maid. When they were alone, she looked at him and gave him a warm smile, but Zoro wasn't easily fooled by it, her eyes were sad.
-''Thank you for being my son's friend. I know he's been quite lonely and I'm afraid I can't be at his side as much as I'd like but I'm glad to know he's made a friend. He's a good kid and I want him to be happy''.
-''Please, take good care of him...''.
Zoro was a bit taken back by her words but he quickly straightened himself and nodded firmly.
-''I will.''
A lonely grave sat atop an empty hill, colorful flowers grew from and around it as a small boy cried his heart out to the name carved into the cold stone.
Sora Vinsmoke
Zoro just stood there, wishing he could will away all and every pain of the blue eyed, lonely prince. Yet he knew very well he couldn't.
Thank you for being my son's friend.
Please, take good care of him...
'After I'm gone' Zoro finished the phrase unsaid between those words. Sanji cried himself to sleep and Zoro carried him in his arms back to the massive, lonely castle as the night aproached.
Another person that left way too soon and left only silence, ripping a heart out in her way out.
A new grave he didn't look back to as he stared right in front of him. Another promise made he would fullfil. To himself and to her. He would protect the boy with golden hair and eyes bluer than the ocean itself with his life, stay at his side for as long as he breathed. For as many years as black stripes he had on his body.
He would be the strongest swordsman in the world to honor his sister, and to guard a sm ile that shone brighter than the sun.