Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sanji was going to die. 

There was no way around that dark abyss heading straight for him. The few nakama he had left were yelling, begging for him to run to dodge, but he knew it was futile. Zoro, heavily bleeding, made eye contact with Sanji. Ah, he could see it, there was no way out. Blackbeard's darkness was surrounding him, invading him and there was nothing he could do about it. His legs were stuck, trapped in the tar-like darkness. It was almost like Blackbeard knew he couldn’t fight with his hands. Luffy’s eyes were wide, horrified Blackbeard was supposed to be fighting him but instead, he hit Sanji. 

Up until then, Sanji was doing excellent health wise his enhancements while initially unwelcomed allowed him to tear through Blackbeard’s crew with ease. Maybe that was why Blackbeard chose to attack Sanji himself. He was a threat a nuance that needed to be dealt with personally.

Nami, Usopp, Chopper and Robin were gone. They’d been battling for days after Blackbeard ambushed them before Laugh Tale. Victory was again on the horizon for the Strawhat pirates until Blackbeard resorted to underhanded methods. Their opponents caught them off guard, distracted them used their love and compassion against them. Nojiko and Dr. Kureha. Their names mentioned by their enemies shocked them, distracted them only for a second but one second was enough. 

Nami and Chopper fell, and Usopp and Robin followed the death of their beloved nakama accidentally providing the Blackbeard pirates with their opening. 

So with darkness encroaching up his leg Sanji wasn’t scared for himself, he would see them soon. He was, however, afraid for Brook, Jimbei, Franky, Zoro, and Luffy. His death could lead to their own in this cutthroat battle. The minutes dwindling away, Sanji had to at least reassure them before he joined his fallen nakama. As he sunk into the dark abyss to the best of his ability Sanji smiled. Imagining all the wonderful times he shared with his crew and said the words he was always too afraid to say,

“Thank you, I love you all.”

Everything went black. 

Darkness.

He’s cold. Why is he cold? Sanji died, didn’t he? 

There’s feeling in his body wiggling his limbs confirming it. Is he in heaven or hell? Opening his eyes is a challenge the bright white light almost blinding him. After a minute or two to adjust Sanji's vision focuses and once he looks he knows. He’s in hell. 

Sanji’s lying in a hospital bed, but not the comforting one in the Sunny’s infirmary. No, it’s the hard emotionless cot he vaguely recalls waking up in after the countless correction surgeries he underwent during his childhood.

Now he’s here again. He can’t do this again. He can’t.

He could barely survive the first time. What did he do? Why is this happening? What can he do? Sanji’s breathing’s becoming strained his hands reach up to tug at his hair in an attempt to ground himself. Wait. Why are his hands so small ? They look like a child's hands even if he’s in hell he should still be 21 right? Is this just another sick joke?  

THUD

The door to the infirmary slams open, revealing Sanji’s greatest fear. His so called ‘father’. Standing with poise and superiority looking upon his son with disdain and some other unreadable emotion.

“Sanji. You're awake, good. Just in time for training. Let’s see if this procedure finally fixed you.”

As if Sanji wasn’t panicking enough before Judge's untimely entrance. All Sanji can do is stare, his mind a whirlwind of stress and anxiety. 

“Well son, get up. That’s an order.”

Robotically Sanji finds himself moving off the bed to stand on his own little legs. He’s not wearing a hospital gown so they must have changed him afterward. What he is wearing makes bile climb up his throat. A bright yellow onesie embroidered with a large black 3 in the center and a white scalloped collar. Sanji hasn’t worn this since he was four . 

This can’t be possible. Sanji is dead. Is this hell’s way of torture? But despite the lingering trauma of his past, it would be worlds worse for him to see his friends, family , hurt or dying. He can’t be in the past that's absurd. But what else could this possibly be?    

Breaking out of his thoughts Sanji finds himself dutifully following Judge through the halls of Germa’s castle and out into the courtyard.   

It’s just as he remembers. Grey stone floors surrounded by tall whimsical castle pillars. There’s a running circuit and a fighting ring designed for brutal training. Soldiers with their strict uniforms and blank expressions surround them like a fence. In the centre of the formation, four colourful children stand in a line awaiting instructions. They’re wearing the same as him in pink, red, blue and green numbered 0-4 leaving a Sanji-sized space between 2 and 4.

Sanji’s shaking, his fear overwhelming his senses. Judge gives him a strong push on his back and an impatient look to get in the line. Gathering his courage Sanji walks over and takes his place as number 3. His brother's snickering at his discomfort. There’s a moment of silence as Judge clears his throat and plainly states,

“The basics today; speed, strength, and durability. I expect nothing less than perfection my children. So line up at the track and begin when the whistle sounds.”

Sanji’s siblings voicelessly, yet confidently step up the starting line and prepare for the signal. Sanji finds himself nervously taking his usual spot as number three. His younger body doesn’t have the same endurance and speed he had before; he can’t keep up with their superhuman capabilities. The last thing he wants is to have to relive his childhood again. Could he use haki? No his body hasn’t been trained for it. Even if he could should he? If Sanji is in the past then the last thing he wants is to become Germa’s solider. What if he shows promise and Judge doesn’t let him leave when they go to the East Blue?

The whistle pierces through the air before Sanji can decide. 

All five children begin the track. Sanji still caught up in his dilemma finds himself keeping pace with his siblings. It’s fine though, regular children could keep up at first before they lose their stamina. 

So what should Sanji do?

His enhancements shouldn’t kick in unless he uses the raid suit so as Sanji is now he can still get beat up like before. Thus in durability, he’s definitely still a failure. Maybe he could train himself such that he can use at least a little haki to lessen the pain. Although, Sanji has to be a failure for Judge to allow him to leave. 

The dungeon. Sanji doesn’t believe he could go through that again. The phantom weight of the heavy iron mask still haunts him. He needs Zeff. He needs his dad. So desperately he wishes he woke up at the Baratie so he wouldn’t have to choose. If Sanji did somehow show some prowess he could still run away, especially if he could relearn skywalk. But, Judge could put out a bounty which would make it harder to stay with Zeff.  

Zeff. Wait Zeff hasn’t lost his leg! He hasn’t sacrificed his dream for Sanji yet! Zeff gave so much for him, he gave him all the food when they were stranded before he even knew him. If Sanji wasn’t there Zeff wouldn’t have lost his leg and would have had enough food before the ship came. Maybe he shouldn’t bother Zeff this time, Sanji only gave him trouble. 

Before Sanji knows it, he’s crossing the finish line. Looking up from his feet he sees Judge with an expression he’s never shown Sanji, pride. The soldiers cheering blankets the track. 

It's then Sanji realizes he never fell behind his siblings in fact they're behind him. Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji are all glaring at him while Reiju looks thrilled. It’s like ice in his veins, horror in his heart. 

What has he done ?    

"I knew you had it in you son!” Judge's joyous explanation shocks him out of his stupor.

“Sanji cheated! He must have I never lose!” Yonji proclaims, and Niji adds on,

“We always tie Yonji. But Sanji's always last.”

“Ah, I must have forgotten to tell you. Sanji was fixed this morning. He should now be exactly like you.”

Judge's tone poorly disguising his elation. 

Yonji doesn’t look pleased at Judge’s statement most likely already missing their punching bag. Reiju seems relieved she won’t have to see Sanji hurt anymore. And Niji and Ichiji appear mildly content that they're no longer relate to a failure.  

Sanji can’t think. Can barely breathe. How did he keep up let alone pass them, he assumed his body would just slow down as he lost stamina. He knows he has his emotions still, he has to. Sanji feels worried, self-hatred, and horror to name a few and none of Judge's perfect soldiers would ever feel such vulnerable emotions.

Is Sanji’s body like before he died? Does he still have the enhancements from Wano? The surgery couldn’t have worked, it never did before, so what in the hell was happening? 

“On to strength, my children. One at a time, you must each break these rocks with only you body, no weapons. First Ichiji, with Sanji last.”

With the poise and air of the heir of the Germa kingdom, Ichiji move infront of the first rock draws his fist back and punches it. The boulder shatters at the impact and the soldiers clap and praise the first prince. Niji follows, leaving the second rock just as obliterated as the first. When Yonji steps up for his turn it's with a smirk on his lips and greed in his eyes. The third boulder joins the first and second in pieces. Reiju, quickly and efficiently, smashes her rock with grace leaving only Sanji's turn left. 

The walk from their line up to his rock feels like hours. Each step harder than the last. Sanji’s hands are sticky with sweat; he doesn’t know what to do . He already showed some of the enhancement if he stops now what if he has to undergo another surgery? What if the next procedure does remove his emotions. If he does smash the boulder he won’t be able to hide anymore, but no more bullying, no more dungeon. The small part of Sanji from his childhood relishes in that prideful look in Judges eyes. He recalls all the days of wishing he hadn’t been born weak. He'll finally be able to fulfill small Sanji wish. But,

“Sanji! I’m hungry!”

“Just cook something you fool!”

“Sanji-kun, what are you going to make today?”

If Sanji uses these superhuman enhancements there’s no guarantee that he’ll be able to rejoin the Strawhats. Part of him wants to be loved by his biological family, but the larger part of Sanji longs for his real family.

So he draws back his fist and goes to hit the rock hard stopping just before the moment of impact. There's a slight wind from his punch but the rock is undamaged. Sanji inwardly grins and goes to turn to Judge with false confusion written on his face. When Judge stops him,

“Sanji. After all my years of fighting don’t you think I know what a real punch looks like? Hit it like you mean it, now.”

But Sanji can’t, so he stutters the first excuse he can unthinking of the consequences, 

“I-I don’t wanna h-hurt my h-hand.”

Once his brain catches up with his mouth Sanji freezes. Judge never hit him directly as a kid, but his punishment Sanji knows well. And worst of all he just showed fear. An emotion that should be programmed out already. Surprisingly Judge answers calmly,

“You won’t hurt your hand anymore Sanji the doctor fixed that. If and only if you hit the rock with all your strength I’ll even let you see your mom.”

Judge so thrilled that Sanji even had the modifications just attempted to bribe him with his mother. Sanji must be dreaming.

Yes, Judge was never nearly as mean to him when he was four but still he expected backlash. To think he bribed him with a trip to his mother.

Wait his mother. Sanji’s mom. She’s alive?

Everything else seems insignificant in comparison. If he breaks the rock he can see, touch, hug his mom. He can figure out how to rejoin the Stawhats later right now he wants his mom. 

The rock disintegrates as his fist makes contact. 

The cheers of Germa’s soldiers are white noise in his ears. Judge’s prideful look goes unnoticed. Sanji completes the testing in a daze of joy and excitement. Wishing nothing more than to see his mom. The training proceeds as normal only this time Sanji’s not crying. By the time the sun begins to kiss the horizon, Judge finally dismisses them. He take off on the well-known route to his mother. 

Sanji runs like theres a nakama in danger ahead of him. As fast as his small legs can take him, he darts through passages, ducks under shrubbery until he comes upon his mothers building. 

Sanji tries to open the door but to no avail, he’s just not tall enough. So he knocks politely and waits until his mothers nurse can open it. The sound of a door unlocking never sounded so good. Before she can open the door more than a crack Sanji squeezes through and runs towards his mom’s room. 

She’s even more beautiful then he remembers. Her long blond hair, the same shade as his own, her bright blue eyes that light up at his entrance, her soft kind smile that warms his heart. It’s Sanji mom, alive and breathing. He can’t stop the tears welling up in his eyes the pain yet joy in his soul. He feels like he is four again, wanting comfort from his mother. 

“Mom!”

He jump towards her, tears pouring down his face. And his mom lovingly gathers him up in her arms further fuelling his tears. Sanji buries his face in her shoulder and holds on to his mother feeling as if she’ll vanish if he lets go. Her soft hands rub his back in a motherly manor, her voice speaking words of love and reassurance. 

He never wants to leave her embrace.

Sanji never thought he could see her again, hear her voice, feel her love. It’s better than any dream he had while mourning her. 

They stay in that position for what seems like years before Sanji’s tears tapper out. The soft voice of his mother almost bringing them back full force,

“What’s wrong baby?”

Gathering his composer Sanji tries to answer her,

“I-I, Mom .”

She holds him tighter lightly running her hand through his hair, 

“Shhhh, it’s alright Mommy’s got you.” 

Eventually, Sanji whisper, 

“I-I m-missed you Mom. A-and I love you.”

“Awe, baby, I missed and love you too.” Sora responds with a light joy in her tone. 

Sanji relaxes in her hold, thinking of how thankful he is to be here with her. Then a thought crosses his mind. A question thats been plaguing him since Wano, one that he never thought he’d get an answer to. Nuzzling into his mother neck he softly asks,

“Mom, I-I have t-the enhancements. J-j-just like Ichiji, Niji, and Y-Yonji. A-am I s-still human? D-do you s-still l-love me?”

He holds his breath as she stills. 

“Oh Sweatheart, of course you're still human. The strength of your bones has nothing to do with it; its what’s in your heart and Sanji your heart’s still so full of love. As long as you're my Sanji, you're human.

And I’d love you even if you weren’t.”

Sanji can’t stop the tears this time.

Chapter Text

Waking up in his old bedroom is disorienting, to say the least. 

Sanji can’t remember falling asleep, but he must have while in his mother’s arms. His Mom. Just thinking about it makes a giddy feeling rise in his chest. The pure relief that his Mom would still love him after Wano is something he never thought he’d get.

Now alone he can finally think of what to do. This is not hell as he first assumed, this is a second chance. He can fix things, help where he can and maybe make this world better than the one he left. 

First, Mom. Sanji wishes Chopper was here, he’d know how to save her or at least make her final years less painful. Chopper was 17 at Raftel and Sanji was 21 and now he’s 4 so as of now Chopper hasn’t been born or is just an infant. 

What other talented doctor does Sanji know of that can achieve results no other doctor can?

Law. How old was Law? Older than him but by how much, is he a doctor now?

In Dressrosa, Sanji remembers Law being hung up on Doflamingo. There was history there. Something to do with the Op-Op fruit. Sanji never asked what happened or why it was all so personal, now he wishes he did. At the time Sanji wasn’t one to talk about his own past, burying it deep within the recesses of his own mind; Law was probably the same. 

The Op-Op fruit, in theory it could be used to painlessly cut out the poison his Mom ingested. Assuming Law hasn’t eaten it, maybe there's some hint of it in the underworld. Judge has connections there so Sanji could potentially use those to keep an ear out for any information on it. Who knows, maybe he can even help Law with whatever trauma he had involving the fruit. 

That’s definitely something Sanji should start now; it’s a good first step for helping his Mom. While he’s waiting for any news Sanji can even cook her something!

It’ll be nothing like it was before, this time it’ll be edible. She won’t have to lie and pretend it's palatable. Sanji will have to practice a bit first, despite having all the knowledge of a highly esteemed chef he’s still in the body of a four year old. It might take some time to get used to his childlike figure. Assuming he can get the dish to her in one piece; his brothers used to love ruining his creations. 

Another question he needs to answer is, how can Sanji help his crew?

Luffy, Nami, Chopper, and Ussop don’t have anything he can help with as of now. Luffy lost one of his brothers when he was a kid but then they reunited in Dressrosa, maybe he could somehow get them to reunite early or at least let him know his brothers alive. Either way it won't be until he can go back to the East Blue. Sanji could maybe help Nami with Arlong but it wouldn’t be for a few years. Come to think of it, the only reason Arlong even went to the East Blue was because Fish Tiger died. If Sanji could somehow save him he’d be able to help both Nami and Jimbei at once!

Robin’s all alone right now. Since he’s 4 she’d be around 13, meaning it hasn’t been very long after Ohara. Too bad he’s not older than her, then maybe he could have helped her island with the buster call. Now she could be anywhere. Ideally, he’d like to talk to her, implore her to believe she deserves to live, but he can’t. At least he knows that eventually, Luffy will bring them all together and she’ll feel loved again.

Franky and Brook both have situations in which Sanji could help, but how in the world was he supposed to get to the Grand Line from the North Blue? He'll have to think more on that later.

On the other hand, Sanji knows Zoro lost a childhood friend as it was briefly mentioned. Yet, he has no clue how or when they died. Hopefully, when Sanji goes to the East Blue when he's eight it won’t be too late. 

Either way, Sanji has a plan and his first order of business is breaking into Judge’s study to get information about his underworld connections. With this new second chance, he can help people he never could before. Maybe he could stop some of the horrific events his nakama had to endure. 

There’s a pep in his step as Sanji gets out of bed and gets ready for another day in Germa. If he remembers correctly they always had breakfast and dinner together as a ‘family’. So after dawning another one of his yellow onesies, Sanji goes down for breakfast.

Exiting his bedroom he sees all his siblings are already up, so he makes his way down the hall. The walls are the same as they were, with elaborate engravings in greys and blue. The only difference is the lack of dents from his past abuse. 

Once Sanji reaches the dining room he’s greeted by Judge,

“Ah, Sanji just in time. Sit, sit today we’re finally celebrating the prowess of our spectacular technological advancements of the Germa Kingdom.” 

Judge’s smiling so wide it looks as if his cheek will burst. Sanji’s stomach churns at the thought of Judge so happy, but he pushes it down. If Judge is blinded by the idea of all his children being superhuman then fine, he’ll just use his moment of weakness to see his less than savory connections.

Sanji grins at the thought. Pretending to be thrilled at their Kingdom's success, he takes his place between Yonji and Niji.

Immediately after, the chefs enter with their meals. It’s lavish and extravagant, from cinnamon brioche french toast to Omelette de la mère Poulard. It’s like a chef’s paradise, Sanji longs to pick their brain about their recipe and techniques. Squashing down his urge, he collects the items he’s most eager to try. In doing so he doesn’t even notice when Yonji tries to get his attention until he asks,

“Oi Sanji! Me, Ichiji and Niji wanted to play around a bit wanna come?”

Baffled at the question Sanji oh so eloquently replies,

“Huh?”

Laughing Yonji says, 

“I know we’ve never asked you before but you couldn’t keep up before! So you wanna?”

Sanji looks at Niji and Ichiji, who’re both smiling. Maybe they want to get him alone before they beat him up? But they never cared about secrecy before.

“Jeez Sanji, it’s not a big deal we were just gonna test out our skills a little.” 

Niji remarks, then grins with childlike joy and adds,

“Ooo maybe since you’re like us now we can finally do a special attack with all of us!” 

“Yeah! We got an idea for an attack called black bug but we can do even more with Sanji!”

Yonji adds. Ichiji beams in response. While Judge looks down proudly at his sons.

At a loss for words, Sanji’s unsure of what to do. Never before have they asked to include him, the best he got before was being forcefully included as their punching bag. Most of Sanji wants to say no and distance himself from his brothers in self-preservation. 

What if they turn on me again? What if I show compassion or fear and the cycle starts all over again?

But deep in the depths of his mind, Sanji wants his siblings. He wants to be a family, excluding Judge. Sanji doesn’t believe he could find it in his heart to ever forgive Judge, but his brothers, maybe he could. They were just kids encouraged to be violent and programmed to feel no empathy or fear. 

If Sanji could show them, love, kindness, and compassion maybe he could change the people they would grow up to be. 

If all else fails a trip to the lab might be necessary. Hopefully, there’s a way to reverse part of their modifications. God, again he wishes Chopper was here, hell he’d take Franky. Anyone with experience in medicine and or technology. 

Breaking out of his thoughts Sanji nods in response to his brothers. Greeted with smiles, Yonji and Niji discuss possible special attacks and manoeuvres. Even Rejiu looks pleased.

Maybe it’s not so bad that this time fiasco sent him back to Germa.

Once breakfast is over his brothers drag Sanji over to the training area to brainstorm their new special move. It’s nice to see them acting their age, they’re not worrying about the damage their opponent takes nearly as much as how "awesome” they needs to look. Yonji comes up with outlandish almost impossible ideas, Niji figures out how to turn them into reality, and Ichiji brings it all together using each of their strengths to complete the manoeuvre.

Sanji finds himself laughing with them at their failed attempts. It’s fun. For the first time Sanji can remember he has a good memory of his brothers.

If only he could have had this before. 

Not long later Judge comes to collect them all for training and the day proceeds are normal. 

Sanji swallows down his disgust and follows Judges orders as best he can. 

When he spars with Niji the wooden stick breaks at the impact to his head, and vice versa. Sanji and Niji end up wrestling on the ground, and since their evenly matched in strength they keep rolling back and forth. A devious smirk graces Niji’s lips before he starts tickling Sanji mercilessly. He bursts out laughing. Niji, Rejiu, Yonji and Ichiji join in until they're all laughing. 

Judge scowls with displeasure and snaps at them to get back to training, but it doesn’t damper Sanji’s good mood. If given the opportunity hid siblings will act like normal kids. There's hope for them yet. 

Once they're all dismissed from training they all have dinner together and discuss where their “special” move needs improvement. At Sanji’s insistence they also brainstorm a new attack including Rejiu. 

It’s the best day Sanji’s ever had with his siblings.

Sanji enters his room with a warm heart and full stomach. Lying down on the bed he recalls the memories of today and revels in the feeling of euphoria. He’ll have to wait until around midnight before he sneaks into Judge’s study so after getting comfortable Sanji tries to get some sleep.

When Sanji wakes up it’s 1 in the morning. As quietly as he can he gets up and slowly opens his bedroom door. After a small walk down the halls he come to Judges personal wing. Judge’s study is right next door to his bedroom, as he passes by the door Sanji shudders at the last time he entered that room. A heavy weight covering his head. A knife in his hand. And a dream for something more, something better. 

The impulse to run gets more difficult to suppress. 

The study door is intimidating, towering over his small frame. 

Gathering his courage, Sanji reaches up and attempts to open the door. It’s locked. Great. Despite having the strength to break the lock, Sanji searches for a more discrete approach. 

Stumbling on to an air vent he smiles. Using the walls engravements for foot and hand holds Sanji scales the wall and uses the tip of his nail to undo the screws. About 10 minutes have past since Sanji started this little escapade, but the extra time was worth keeping Judge in the dark.

Propping the vent cover against the side, Sanji crawls through the air ducts towards the office. 

Faced with another vent cover, this time with the screws out of his reach, Sanji takes a more direct approach. Hoping it doesn’t dent, he places his hands in the top corners and feet at the bottom and pushes. 

BANG

Holding his breath he waits, praying Judge didn’t hear that. 

After a few minutes, Sanji deems the coast’s clear enough and jumps down into the study. 

Sanji’s never actually been inside Judge’s study. It’s more colourful than he imagined. Deep red walls a dark mahogany desk and build in shelving. Where most fathers would place pictures of his family Judge has a picture of himself towering over the kings from the north. It’s not surprising, but it still hurts that he can’t even find a picture of Sora. 

Inspecting the room, Sanji searches for anything indicating the underground at all. The desk drawers are fill with plans and designs for the North Blue after conquering. He even finds a draft for the raid suit designs, his own depicting him with black hair. Fighting the urge to shred everything he moves on. 

Eventually in one of the cupboards behind the desk, Sanji finds a false back. Trying not to get too excited Sanji pries it off and comes face to face with a steel safe. It’s the same steel his helmet would be made out of. Bile climbs up his throat, but he swallows it down. 

There’s a key pad by the handle making Sanji panic. He has no idea what code Judge would use. The year Germa was created? Too obvious. Their birthday? He’s not the sentimental type. Looking closer, Sanji laughs to himself. The bastard's so arrogant he didn’t even create a code yet! 

Inside the safe lies two files, one appears filled to burst the other practically empty. Might as well start simple, Sanji gently opens the second file and is greeted with one sheet of paper. It’s completely blank except for a transponder snail number. Most likely it his contact to the underworld. Using a pen from the desk, Sanji transfers the number to his arm for later use. 

Well that’s one mission accomplished; now he just needs a transponder snail.  

He should go back to his room now, but that obviously important files just sitting there asking to be opened. Before Sanji knows it, his curiosity's got the best of him and he’s holding and opening the file. Inside lie one of Germa’s most closely held secrets, their information on genetic modification. Filled with to the brim with data about the clones, his siblings, himself .

A warm orange glow begins to cover the study, the sun’s starting to rise, Sanji has to go now.

But. What if this folder explains how his brothers have no emotions? What if it implies how to give them back their emotions? Sanji could come back another night, yet the slight possibility of a code being on the safe next time causes him to frantically flip through the pages. 

Clones? No.

How they genetically alter baby’s in the womb? No.

How they gave them superhuman abilities? No.

How they took away their emotions? Bingo.

Skimming through page by page, Sanji wishes Franky were here. He’d understand all the scientific mumbo jumbo.

It seems to be Sanji’s luck day, as a bright yellow section indicates a warning that prolonged exposure to a specific devil fruit can undo part of the process. The children's orbitofrontal cortex was damaged purposely to remove empathy, special deposits were implanted in their amygdala to suppress the body's natural response to fear. The heal-heal fruit, if used with the intent to heal their brain, could undo any modifications Judge implanted.

Where did Sanji hear of the fruit again? He never saw the user but they helped his nakama in Dressrosa right?

A dull echo of footsteps walking down the hall shakes him out of his though process. 

As fast as Sanji can, he shoves the files back in the safe puts the false back on and closes the cupboard. Running and jumping back into the vent with the vent cover and sliding the cover back in place once he’s inside. Hopefully Judge won’t notice it’s less than perfect condition. Back at the vent’s entrance Sanji screws the vent back in place and bolts to his bedroom.

Once finally free of the danger of being caught he collapses on his bed in relief. 

It's a start.

It’s not even a minute later before he hears Ichiji banging on his door to come to breakfast with the rest of them. Smiling at the reminder of possibly curing them, Sanji gets back up to join his siblings.

Now, how does a four year old go about getting a transponder snail?

Chapter Text

Where would Judge keep a spare Den Den Mushi?

A few days have passed since Sanji’s daring stealth mission and he still can’t find a transponder snail. He needs to find a large one, one with good range in an out-of-place spot ideally it’d be white but he doubts Judge has one of those. At this point, it’s starting to drive him mad. Every minute of free time Sanji has had has been spent searching every nook and cranny of the castle with nothing to show for it. 

The kitchen has been calling Sanji, whispers of possible creations, of the joy on his mother's face after receiving it. But he needs to find this snail first. The priority is at least setting it up so he gets a notification of some sort when anything has been found relating to the Op-Op no mi. Hopefully, he can find the information on Robin and Fish Tiger once they’re more active in the Newspaper. 

Maybe he should ask someone. He'd been hoping to find one on his own so that no one else gets involved, but at this point Sanji was desperate. 

The staff might know, but there's a large possibility of them telling his ‘father’.

His mother, while she definitely wouldn’t tell anyone, most likely doesn’t know where one would be.

Reiju might know. For as long as Sanji can remember, Reiju has always seemed to know every secret Judge had. He has time, they’ve just finished training for the day and have an hour of study time before dinner. So it’s worth a shot, Reiju should still be in her room.

After finally reaching a suitable step for his plan, Sanji runs to Reiju’s room and softly knocks on her door. A few seconds go by before his sister opens the door with a perplexed expression on her face. 

“Sanji? What are you doing here? Is something wrong?”

And to think, Sanji thought he got better at hiding his anxiety over the years. Reiju always has been able to see past his mask. With an uncertain smile, Sanji replies,

“I need your help.”

Before gently pushing past his sister into her room. It’s identical to his own with only the colour shifted to pink. 

Turning around and facing Reiju he’s met with her worried stare. 

“I need to find a transponder snail and I need to do it without Judge knowing. If you know where one is please tell me.” 

Baffled Reiju says,

“Okay, first of all, ‘ Judge ’, I thought you called him dad like the rest of us. And second of all, why in the world do you need a Den Den Mushi?”

Shoot. Sanji completely forgot he should be calling that man dad. After running away from Germa Sanji swore to himself he’d never again call Judge his father. Can he now? Despite this Judge not having inflicted all that pain and trauma on him, the idea that he still could haunts Sanji. Preventing him from comfortably calling Judge his father. He could grit his teeth and force himself to, but it would feel like betraying his real father, Zeff. 

Sanji also can’t lie to his sister, so he finds himself hesitantly telling her the truth,

“Reiju, I-I don’t really see him as my dad anymore...”

Minutes seem to go by before Reiju kindly asks,

“Why don’t you see him as your dad?”

Looking at his sister, Sanji believes that if she wasn’t programmed to, she would also call him by his name. Reiju appears more tired than any seven year old has a right to be. Fuelling the depths of his hatred for Judge even further. So Sanji honestly answers,

“Because he doesn’t act like any good dad should. He only cares about our worth to Germa.”

Under his breath, Sanji whispers, 

“Not us.”

Reiju allows a sad smile to grace her face, before prompting him,

“And the Den Den Mushi?”

Beaming with glee Sanji excitedly says,

“I looked at my devil fruit book and one seems like it could save mom!” 

Losing a fair amount of enthusiasm he continues while avoiding eye contact,

“A-and I copied the number to his connections ‘cause they might know where it would be.”

A part of him thought Reiju would be upset he snooped, but to his amazement, she lit up.

“Really! It could save Mom! Start with that next time Sanji! Let go! I’ll show you where it is!”

Sanji doesn’t think he’s ever seen Reiju with such a hopeful and ecstatic look on her face. Purposely ignoring Sanji confession of where he's got the numbers from. Grinning in reply, Sanji happily says,

“Lead the way!”

After a long trek with twists and turns, Reiju finally brings Sanji to a transponder snail. In the large pantry in the back of the chef’s kitchen, a small cubby has been carved from the stone wall in order to comfortably fix a large Den Den Mushi. As thrilled as he is Sanji still can’t help but exclaim,

“It was in the KITCHEN the WHOLE time?!”

Reiju giggles lightly,

“Yup! It’s here so they can order ingredients from islands and have them ready for when we get to shore.”

Sanji pouts. It makes logical sense for a Den Den Mushi to be in an easily accessible area for chefs to order ingredients. Still, Sanji should have thought of that. Instead, Sanji had been looking everywhere but the kitchen, assuming he’d get distracted by the temptation to cook that he’d miss some important information. It’s been lying in wait in his favourite spot. The snail itself is about as large as a house cat, coloured in Germa’s blues with a sixty-six plastered on their shell. Reaching forward he uncovers the number keypad. Before Sanji can begin typing in the now memorised numbers Reiju grabs his arm. 

“Wait. I know you’re in a rush but do you have any idea of what you're going to say?”

Every minute that Sanji wasn’t able to look for the snail has been planning on what to say when his call was answered. He can only plan so much without knowing how they’ll respond, but he’s hoping they assume he’s Judge based on the number he inputs. Sanji also has past experience fooling someone over the phone while put on the spot, thank you Mr.Zero, so he should be okay with thinking on the fly. 

There’s only one issue. 

He’s four. And he sounds four. 

Sanji had been hoping that lowering his voice as much as he could, would trick them into thinking there was just a problem with the reception. Thinking about it now it sounds like a horrible plan that’s doomed to fail. While avoiding making eye contact Sanji gently tells Reiju his plan. Once again Reiju responds nothing like how he'd predicted. Sighing Reiju links their hands together and gives him a soft fond smile, 

“Well, I guess your big sister’ll just have to help then!”

A warm fuzzy feeling envelops his heart at her declaration. He still can’t help but ask,

“How?”

Her grin brightens and she lifts her finger to her lips and says,

“It’s a secret~. Put in the code and trust me Sanji.”

Looking at his sister’s face, Sanji can’t help but compile with her request.

pelu pelu pelu pelu pelu

pelu pelu pelu pelu pelu

pelu pelu pelu pelu pelu

pelu pelu pelu- Kacha.

“Judge! I knew you’d come around! So many people are interested in an alliance with the one and only Germa double six! And as per usual many kingdoms would greatly appreciate your great military power and would compensate you for your troubles~. Oh, but I assume you called for some issue or another so, what’ll it be Judge an alliance, job, or something else?”

Before Sanji can even think of answering, Reiju takes the receiver and taps periodically. Since when did Reiju know Morse code?! Actually thinking about it, Sanji’s not surprised his sister always seemed to have all the answers. The deep baritone man on the other line also seemed to know as he quickly replies,

“Ahh do we really have to do morse code Judge, I thought we were friends.” 

Without waiting for an answer he continues,

“So what can I do for you King of Germa double six?”

Reiju confidently taps out that they're looking for information on a devil fruit, before flicking a switch on the snail, and verbally , kindly but impatiently asking Sanji,

“Which fruit?”

“The Op-Op.”

Just as Sanji finishes speaking, the question of why she asked verbally on the tip of his tongue, 

the man joyously remarks,

“But of course! We have a wide array of information networks, say the word and the info on any fruit is yours! As always know that this information is by no means exclusive to you, anyone who has our contact also has access is wanted. Now. Which fruit are you wondering about Judge?”

The switch is flicked off and another response is carefully tapped out by Reiju. 

“The Op-Op no mi! A splendid choice! Any information we find is yours as long as you hold up your end of our deal~. I’ll call this line if anything comes up.” 

Before he can end the call Reiju quickly knocks on the snail with more code.

“Okay Judge, we can do that but only if you think about that alliance in the meantime.” Chuckling, he continues “Until next time~.”

Kachank

Thrilled, Sanji jumps to hug Reiju who eagerly hugs him back. 

“Thank you Reiju, I don’t think I could’ve done this without you.” His face scrunches up in annoyance and a pout finds his lips, “Why didn’t you just tell me you were gonna use morse code?”

Reiju tightens their embrace and giggles lightly. 

“It was more fun that way! Can’t I tease my baby brother a bit?” Reiju pulls away so Sanji can see her face and shyly smiles, 

“I never thought there’d even be the possibility of helping Mom Sanji. So thank you for involving me. Also, we should probably go back to our rooms. The chefs will be coming back to make dinner soon.”

Sanji grins broadly in response. 

“Okay, Reiju.” 

On their walk back Reiju patiently answers all of Sanji's questions about her plan. A switch on the snail was added to mute the snail at specific times. She even told the guy to only call this line on Tuesdays at 1 am every week with an update. It was a perfect, reasonable plan with excellent execution. 

Sanji’s never been more delighted that Reiju’s his sister.

The next day Sanji wakes up bright and early, elation in his heart. Quickly dressing he leaves his room and quietly sneaks into the kitchen. 

It’s incredible. Large, spacious, and clean with stainless steel as far as the eye can see. Top of the line equipment and utensils, and ingredients fit for a king. Giddy with anticipation, Sanji starts simple. Quiche with creme fresh, crepes with homemade caramel and chocolate sauce. Eggs every which way, and fruit expertly cut excluding the first ones for his plate. French toast, pancakes and waffles. After being deprived of his home for so long Sanji lets his chef side run free. Since he’s had a few days to get used to his new proportions, Sanji finds it being only a small learning curve to regain his skill. It’s just like before in the Sunny’s kitchen, only a small stool has to be continuously dragged around in order to reach the counter.        

When Sanji’s done, the island is covered in a lavish and elaborate breakfast ensemble. Every item persevered properly for distribution. The rest of the kitchen, sterilised. Looking at the time it seems he only has a minute or two until the chefs burst in. Sanji feels fulfilled and relieved. It was such a relief to finally be able to cook to his heart's content. With the hope that the chefs won’t mind him cooking in their space. In an attempt to save his creations, he leaves a small note explaining that he, Sanji, cooked the meal and would like for the chefs to keep their silence on the matter. 

Sanji goes back to his room with a grin plastered on his face. 

It’s only around 20 minutes later he’s called to breakfast.

The incredible ensemble Sanji’s created on front display. Sitting down he avoids eating initially to savour the looks on his siblings' faces. 

Ichiji takes a tentative bite of the quiche and his eyes slightly widen before he dives back in for more. 

Niji grabs one of his cinnamon scones, taking a healthy bit before nodding it’s acceptable. To most Niji would seem indifferent to taste but the small smile tugging at his lips says otherwise.  

Yonji drenches his crepes in an obscene amount of caramel and chocolate, taking a large bite, and softly moaning at the deliciousness of the taste. 

Reiju also has some crepes but instead chose to cover them in fruit. When she finally takes a bite her eyes widen and she smiles softly. 

Seeing their reactions to his cooking, the subtle surprise and delight on their faces, makes this whole time travel fiasco seem worth it. Never had he had the chance to cook for them, Sanji never thought he, willing, would. But they're not the people they were in Whole Cake Island, and if Sanji has anything to say about it they never will be. 

Judge’s surprise at the flavour and confusion at the sudden increase in the quality and craftsmanship of the dish goes unnoticed. 

Chapter Text

The days seem to blur together; making masterpieces in the kitchen, having fun with his siblings, and talking with his mother. And training, of course, like Judge would ever let them just be kids.

There's still no news on the Op-Op fruit, and Sanji still can’t decide what to make his mom. Last time, he just experimented with ingredients and ended up creating an abomination. This time he wants everything to be perfect. 

Since the first time Sanji made breakfast for his siblings he’s been trying to cook for them at least once a week. Usually, he ends up making an extravagant breakfast after the check in with the underground broker. It’s just too tempting; he’s even talked to the chefs about it and has them all sworn to secrecy with the promise of telling them his recipes. There’s also the lingering threat of Judge finding out, for different reasons concerning both parties involved.

Everything going great. 

Except Sanji has no clue what to create for his Mom.

It’s driving him mad. Even Yonji started looking at him with subtle concern written all over his face. 

Deep down, Sanji knows his mother would love anything he made for her, but he can’t help but want it to be absolutely perfect. Of course, he also wants her to know he made it so Sanji can’t create anything too technically difficult. 

The ideas are running rampant in his head, leaving him unfocused in training. He’s behind in the running, his fists dent but do not break the rock, and worst of all in Judge’s mind, Sanji asks a soldier if he’s okay after sparing. It takes a minute for Sanji to realise they’ve stopped. Everyone’s looking at him. Judge’s glaring with disappointment dripping from his expression in a way he hasn’t done since the enhancements were awakened.

“Sanji. What’s happened? I thought you were better than this now.” Judge drawls in a sickeningly sweet voice. 

“S-sorry.” Stamers Sanji. 

With a heavy sigh, Judge walks closer and kneels down in front of him. Roughly grasping Sanji’s small head between his two large hands, and quietly says,

“Sanji. Remember a few weeks ago? Do you want to be a failure?”  

Suddenly he’s four again and his dad hates him. Looks at him with disgust in his eyes. He only wants to be loved, is that too much to ask? 

How can he be strong? Why was he born weak? What does he have to do to get his father to love him? 

Sanji shakes his head in reply.

“Good. Dismissed.”

Sanji retains eye contact with the ground and listens as the soldiers file out. He does not see his sibling's worry, confusion, or care . 

Once alone, Sanji gathers up his courage. Thinking of Luffy, his captain, with his bright contagious optimism and joy makes it easier to stand tall and look up. God, he misses his family. 

The walk over to the kitchen is short. Sanji realises his slight misjudgement as he sees a couple of chefs still milling about before dinner preparation. One of the chefs he talked with before steps forward confusion written all over his face, 

“Prince Sanji, do you need something from us?”

“O-oh no, I was just wondering if I could make something. I’ll clean up and everything.” 

Slight shock replaces confusion,

“Why would-” Shaking his head the chef continues, “Alright, Prince Sanji. Help yourself.”

While the idea of someone calling him a prince and treating him like one causes a rock to sink in his stomach, Sanji ignores it and begins gathering his ingredients and his now required stool. 

After that little chat with Judge, Sanji knows what he wants to make his Mom. The craving for home, the warmth of a familiar fond smile, a hand on his head. 

“Not bad brat.”

Ignoring the other chef’s wandering eyes, Sanji pulls out a pan and starts his signature seafood fried rice. Jasmine rice, water, oil, green onion, seafood medley, and a little salt. It’s a familiar routine. In almost no time he’s left with a dish other chefs would kill to be able to make. The smell that fills the room is tantalising. Quickly and efficiently Sanji cleans his station. He can feel their stares as he carefully transfers the meal into a bento box. With a happy skip in his step, Sanji exits the kitchen thanking the chefs as he goes. Flabbergasted the chefs watch him go, questions fighting for dominance in their minds. 

As carefully as he can, Sanji makes his way over to his Mom. No dog, no tripping, and no rain this time but he’s still incredibly cautious. 

Once he finally reaches her door, Sanji grins and pats himself on the back for the safe delivery. After knocking the maid comes by and lets him in. Unlike last time when he shows her the meal he prepared she's impressed to the point she almost doesn’t believe that he made it. Which while completely fair, hurts his ego a bit. It takes him a second to remember he’s only four, and what kind of four year old can cook on the stove? Granted, what kind of four year old has iron skin? 

Standing at his Mom’s doorway, a blinding smile lights up his face. He runs into his Mom’s arms and babbles on about the special meal he made her. Sora softly strokes his hair and smiles at his excitement. The maid presents Sanji’s meal on a tray in front of her, and while looking unhappy at how Sanji’s snuggled up to his mother doesn’t say anything. She opens the lid, and the delicious aroma fills the room. Her eyes widen and her smile grows, 

“Sanji did you make this all by yourself?” She questions with a smile.

“Course, I practiced and everything I wanted it to be perfect!” 

“Well, it smells incredible sweetie.” 

Picking up a fork, she picks up a bit of everything before finally taking a bite. Sanji holds his breath and watches for her reaction. Her eyes widen, her smile widens, his Mom looks more beautiful than ever. She turns to him with joy and bliss written all over her face and says,

“It’s so good! This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten Sanji! My little boy’s so talented!”

While squeezing him tight. Tears well up in his eyes, and he attempts to blink them away. It’s almost the same thing she said last time. Her face radiates the same happiness, her expression the same sincerity, the only difference in this time he chooses to hug her sooner.

Sora continues to eat, praising him and the meal at every bite. It’s not long before she’s finished and wraps him up in a large hug, exclaiming her gratitude that he took the time to make something for her. Burying his face in her neck, he realises that his Mom did like the food last time despite how atrocious the meal was. She loved it and ate it with delight all because he made it. 

The tears can’t be stifled this time.

Months go by. It’s routine, once a week when their underground contact calls he answers listens and then taps out the simple response Reiju taught him. While he’s there Sanji makes the most of it. Breakfasts, baked goods, or lunch and dinner preparations are made that day. That day his siblings begin to look forward to. They talk about their favourites and their cravings and Sanji tries his best to make them. He puts aside various dishes and brings them to his Mom in the morning. Training is simple, easy and uneventful. With a good influence, his siblings are even starting to show kindness, even if they cannot feel it and don’t understand why it’s necessary. It’s a slow process but since Sanji’s like them they listen, they value his opinion, and they see him as one of them. 

Overall, everything’s going well. Sanji’s content being included by his siblings, meeting his Mom, and ignoring Judge’s existence. 

It all comes to a head a week before their fifth birthday. 

Their training with the soldiers, each child against three clones. Ichiji, Niji, Yonji, Reiju, and Sanji have all beaten their opponents with minimal mercy. It’s a normal drill, a normal day, but one of Sanji’s victims is not getting back up. There’s blood on their face and a pained clench in their jaw. No one’s helping him. It’s not in their programming to care. 

While Sanji knows he shouldn’t, especially with Judge watching, he steps forward and goes to help them. With gentleness a super soldier shouldn’t have, Sanji holds their head in his tiny hands and asks if they're okay, can they hear him, what’s the last thing they remember.

And to make things worse, in front of Judge, Yonji steps forward and kneels down to help Sanji. While usually, Sanji would be thrilled at his more easily influenced siblings showing the kindness he’s beginning to teach them this has an audience. Ichiji, Niji, and Reiju, while generally after a bit of encouragement begin to help themselves, are frozen at Judge’s radiating rage.

The training ground is silent except for Sanji’s questioning. It’s a comical sight, two small four year old children helping a grown man with his injuries, showing a kindness atypical of Germa. 

Guilt gnaws in Sanji’s stomach, he did this. It’s training yes, but was the soldier ever given a chance to say no? 

“Everyone but Sanji is dismissed.” Judge’s cold hard anger echo’s through the grounds. 

The soldier Sanji was helping, shaky stands and joins his comrades. Sanji tears his eyes away and looks to Judge. His breath is stolen at the fury in those eyes, it’s familiar and terrifying. Sanji’s shaking, he’s unable to break eye contact. Yonji slowly joins his sibling, if there’s a worry simmering in his chest for his brother no one has to know. The three Germa brothers are all somewhat confused after all Judge never told them not to help. In actuality, Judge thought it would never be an issue as they shouldn’t have those feelings. Reiju’s the only one that knows , that’s terrified for her baby brother, but still, she cannot disobey a direct order. 

Everyone else files out of the area. 

It’s just the two of them now. A tiny four year old boy standing on trembling legs in front of a tall imposing man with fury in their gaze. At a glance, no one would believe them to be father and son.

The silence is deafening. 

“I should have known better to believe you were anything but a failure.” Their hatred and decisiveness in Judge’s statement. He continues, hands trembling with rage,

“I had cameras installed in the kitchen. I knew it was odd for the quality to improve one day a week.” Fear grips Sanji’s heart, “Imagine my surprise when my supposed son is cooking . Since you were excelling at training and only cooked for other royalty out of sight I thought I’d ignore it. Let you get the itch out of your skin. Then you do this, and I realise you were cooking not out of boredom but out of kindness. ”

A heavy sigh falls from Judge’s lips. 

“The doctor has confirmed there’s no surefire way to remove your emotions without possibly damaging cognitive ability, which is necessary for a solider. So I myself am at a loss. The worst part is your siblings are becoming influenced by your behaviour.”  

Sanji wants to leave, he wants his mom, even before Judge never looked this menacing, this dangerous. His voice is caught in his throat, his body’s telling him to run . 

“While disappointing, four emotionless super soldiers are better than five with feelings. Since you were born with blond hair I think I always knew you were defective. Luckily, I came up with a plan.”

A cruel smile graces Judge’s lips. And Sanji feels a phantom weight on his head. 

Judge walks forward and grabs Sanji like a bag of potatoes. He should fight, flee, anything but let it happen, but the fear, the trauma it’s clawing at his heart. He can’t move. He can’t breathe . It’s as if he left his body and is watching this happen to someone else. 

Sanji’s taken to the dungeon. 

The cold walls, the scent of depression, the feeling of wrong . This shouldn’t be happening. His Mom’s still alive, why now? The answer floats into his brain unasked. He never influenced his siblings positively before, he wasn’t worth the trouble before. Last time it was used so he was never seen as a disappointment, this time it’s so he isn’t a threat . 

Frozen. He’s Frozen. He’s sitting on the ground of his old cell and he can’t move. He thinks Judge leaves for a minute but he can’t remember, mentally Sanji’s no longer there. He’s Frozen. His bones are stuck. His hope is gone. 

Then he sees the helmet. 

His body thrashes and fights, hitting Judge at every opportunity. Sanji’s blind panic isn’t enough for a four year old child even with enhancement to fight off a fully grown man wearing their latest raid suit attempt. When he hears the lock on the helmet on his head he blacks out.

Sanji wakes up to the same heavy helmet he remembers sitting on his head. He’s dreaming, it’s just a nightmare. He’ll wake up on the Sunny with Luffy begging for meat and Zoro calling him an idiot. He imagines his crew, his family, and after what seems like years he’s able to calm down enough to survey his surroundings. 

Opening his eyes, Sanji’s met with the view of the grey stone ceiling of the cell. The blueish metal of the helmet in his peripheral. Wait blueish? It should be dark grey, instead, it looks like sea stone. Oh, Judge is smarter than he thought. He can’t break sea stone with only his enhancements, especially near his face. 

Lifting his hands, he feels something somewhat familiar. Bomb shackles, removing any chance he had for leaving this prison. Sanji finds himself laughing hysterically at the irony. He’s been here in the past for around 6 months now and somehow he’s already made things worse than the first time. His laughter eventually turns to tears, and he falls asleep wondering if this time he’ll ever be free.          

Chapter Text

Reiju wakes up with an intense sense of foreboding. 

Something’s wrong. 

But what?

Going about her regular routine everything seems normal, so what is it? It’s only when she enters the dining room she notices. Sanji’s missing. All her other brothers are here, and her father is here with a fake sadness painted on his face. But Sanji’s not here. 

Reiju’s mind’s blinded with panic, worry, and anger. The last she saw her brother he was with her father, deep down she knew she shouldn’t leave him, but she still couldn’t disobey a direct order. Her face betrayed nothing, but her hands tremble a minuscule amount. 

She takes her usual seat in a daze. Fog encroaching her vision. 

It’s then her father clears his throat and says the last thing she would have ever guessed,

“Sanji is dead.”

Silence echoes after his statement. Reiju herself is unconvinced. How all of a sudden could Sanji possibly die? Was he killed? But by who? How would they even enter Germa without them knowing? None of this makes sense. She doesn’t want to live in a world without her kindest brother. And Mom, oh god Mom. She won’t be able to take it, she loves her children with all her heart and for one of them to die-.

Reiju can’t go there. Mother will not die from her grief, Mother will not die. Reiju will keep answering the Den Den for information on the fruit in lieu of Sanji, and she will find out precisely what happened to her baby brother. 

Yonji doesn’t know what to think. He doesn’t know what to feel. But the image of Sanji smiling at him, of holding his hand when they walk, of him calmly explaining something he doesn’t understand, causes his chest to ache. Sometimes he wonders why Sanji was different from them, how he can grin, laugh or cry without trying. Yonji wishes he could feel like Sanji. If only so Sanji would give him another proud smile, another hug. 

Now even if Yonji could regain his emotions there’s no Sanji to see it. Part of him wants to forget the whole feelings thing altogether, it’s difficult and hard and looks painful and-

“No!” Sanji runs toward the small bird that collided with the window. With gentle hands, he cradles the tiny creature and attempts to wake it up. 

Yonji remembers Sanji telling him about empathy, this superpower some people have that allows them to understand and share feelings.

He thinks of the pain of when they tested that new weapon in training, he thought it would break like the others so he didn’t dodge but it ending up deforming his head. It was easily hammered out by the doctor, but initially, it hurt. 

Is that what the bird feels, that pain?

Yonji finds himself kneeling down next to Sanji and petting the bird with a gentleness generally unseen from a Vinsmoke. 

Eventually, the bird wakes up, frantic, and is calmed by Yonji’s kind gesture. The little bird tilts its head and nuzzles into Yonji’s hand, and Yonji is overcome by a sense of awe at the trust this tiny creature has in him. 

After a few seconds, the bird takes flight and Yonji watches it go. Then it’s just him and Sanji, looking over Yonji’s met with a blinding smile before he is tackled by his brother. It dawns on him then that he’s being hugged, Sanji’s hair tickles his nose and his arms are boney but Yonji’s never felt more comfortable. 

“Yonji! I knew you could do it! I knew you could be kind! I knew it! I knew it! I love you!”

Yonji never wants to moment to end.

It did end though. Now Sanji’s gone, but Yonji will be damned if he stops making his big brother proud. Even if it’s the last thing he does Yonji’s going to feel . 

Niji’s confused. Sanji was like him, he wasn’t normal, they were superhuman. How did he die? Was Niji going to die too? He doesn’t get it, so he asks,

“Father, how did he die?”

His father’s face takes on a solemn appearance. 

“Sanji’s body just couldn’t handle his new enhancements. I suppose even the successful surgery couldn’t fix the failure in his blood.”

That sounds harsh. Surely Sanji can’t be too different from himself, he could always keep up with him after the procedure. So they must all be dying. That’s inconvenient. Niji remembers Sanji prattling on about emotions like fear and sadness, but never for the life of him could he understand what they were. Yes, when he gets praise he’s happy. Yes, when the teacher corrects him he gets angry. But he’s never felt anything else. Sanji told him it wasn’t normal but based on how he described those feeling they sound horrible. Why would he want to feel that? Yonji indulged Sanji with that stuff but he and Ichiji knew, they're the lucky ones. 

But still, dying is annoying and Niji might as well ask,

“Will I die too?” 

Father’s voice is confident and sure when he replies,

“No, Sanji was just born weaker. His enhancements never took properly, he’s lucky he lived as long as he did.”

Anger stirs in Niji. Apart of him wonders why.

Ichiji doesn’t care about emotions, about anything really. He never has. Father tells him to do something, he does it, that’s all. Sanji told them all about these strange feelings they don’t have. Yonji was curious, Niji thought it was stupid, and Ichiji was indifferent. Thinking about it, the most Ichiji’s ever felt is a faint sense of satisfaction. Never angry, sad, or happy. Just empty. 

When he was bored he told Sanji about his numbness to everything. His brother looked heartbroken and tears filled his eyes. Then Sanji hugged him, whispered apologies and promises of helping him, of loving him. Ichiji still felt nothing.

So throughout the entire ordeal, Ichiji is silent. He feels nothing, wants nothing, misses nothing. He’s bored. His brother is dead, and that's new but still boring. Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing. 

It’s Époni, her nurse, that tells her. Sora’s baby is dead. Sanji, her kind, sweet Sanji, had died in his sleep. Because of his enhancements. Her world has been shattered. All she ever wanted was for her children to be happy and healthy, and Judge, her supposed husband, ruined that possibility. Sanji would have lived if Judge wasn’t so set on conquering the North Blue by force. But there’s nothing Sora can do to change that now. Her baby is dead because of Judge because she couldn’t protect him. 

When she drank the poison she knew it would weaken and eventually kill her. Sora didn’t care if it gave her boys the chance to live freely. But it didn’t work correctly. Only Sanji was initially spared from Judge’s experiments. And instead of saving him, it doomed him to Judges further procedures; she caused her baby more pain. Part of her felt that all her babies were dead now. She mourned who they could have been if only they had the chance to decide for themselves. 

Sora spends the entire day crying.

A funeral is held the next day. 

The soldiers of Germa gather in the courtyard, all distraught at one of the princes dying. 

The staff quietly mourn the kind prince and the man he could have become. 

Judge stands on the stage, coldly relaying the death of his child. A large picture of a small boy with blond hair, swirly eyebrows and a bright smile positioned beside him. 

None of the siblings shed a tear, though two wish they could. 

Unbeknownst to them that same child their grieving sits below them. Deep in the cells of Germa the boy softly cries singing a song in an attempt at comforting himself. 

Going to deliver Binks' Sake!

Following the sea breeze! Riding on the waves!

Far across the salty depths! The merry evening sun!

The birds sing as they draw circles in the sky!

Farewell to the harbour, To my old hometown

Let's all sing out with a Don! As the ship sets sail

Waves of gold and silver dissolve to salty spray

As we all set sail to the ends of the sea

Going to deliver Binks' Sake!

We are pirates sailing through the Sea!

The waves are our pillows, The ship our roost

Flying the proud skull on our flags and our sails

Now comes a storm through the far-off sky

Now the waves are dancing, Beat upon the drums

If you lose your nerve this breath could be your last

But if you just hold on, The morning sun will rise

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Yo-hohoho, Yo-hohoho

Sora was unable to attend her baby’s funeral. Apparently, her being bedridden means she can’t even say goodbye properly. She has long since run out of tears, but the urge to cry persists. The door slowly creaks open snapping her out of her grief. A small pink haired head peaks through and Sora smiles despite herself. Reiju looks the same as always, put together with no real emotions showing, but all Sora sees is her little girl who loved to laugh. 

Before Sora was pregnant with her boys, Reiju, in all but strength, was a normal three year old. Laughing at jokes, playing games with her Mom, and crying when she fell. She was perfect. The awe in her eyes when she first showed Reiju a butterfly will always be one of Sora's favourite moments as a mother. 

Only for Judge to remove Reiju’s ability to feel. To program their daughter like a toy to follow any order. That was the first time Sora lost her baby. Yes, Reiju was still alive, but Sora was left to mourn the kind, sweet child she once knew. This new Reiju never laughed, never smiled, never asked to play with her Mommy. She was nothing like the little girl Sora loved, only an empty shadow of her. With all her heart Sora still loved Reiju, still loved the shadow, but Sora was still left to grieve her daughter alone.

Now even though she’s not the same girl, Sora’s relieved to see her. 

“Reiju, how are you sweety?”

Taking this as her cue, Reiju runs in and hugs her mother. Maybe that little girl's more in there than Sora initially thought. Smoothing her hands through pink strands, and hugging her daughter close. Their visits are few and far between but Sora loves them dearly. It’s then she hears more little feet by her door. When Sora looks up she’s surprised to see her youngest standing nervously in the doorway. 

Sora’s once bleak day brightens considerably at the sight. It’s been years since she’s seen any of her boys other than Sanji. Hoping not to seem too eager and scare him off she smiles and beckons him forward. 

“Hey baby, I’m so glad you came to see me.”

In response Yonji inches closer. Gently picking up Reiju and setting her on the opposite side of the bed, Sora hugs her daughter close in one arm and pats next to her in invitation for Yonji. At this Yonji visibly brightens and cautiously climbs up to sit. As soon as he’s close enough Sora wraps him in a warm hug, and kisses his and Reiju’s foreheads. 

“How luck I am to have two of my children here with me.”

Reiju’s still quiet, content to stay in her mothers embrace, soaking up all the comfort she can. While she can feel Yonji smile against her. Maybe they both just wanted some love after they heard what happened to Sanji, or maybe they were just bored. Either way Sora’s so glad they came. 

Holding two of her babies and knowing she can never hold all five causes pain to flair deeply in her heart. 

Despite Judge’s attempts, and despite their abnormalities, Sora still have four beautiful children. Looking down at the two precious bundles in her arms she makes a decision. 

Sanji’s death was the last straw. Even if she has no strength. Even if she’s dying. Sora will protect her children from the monster she once called her husband. 

His days proceed as follows; he wakes up to pounding on the bars and his mask is unhinged enough to eat breakfast only for them to lock it shut again. Lunch and dinner are the same, bland tasteless food brought by a soldier sworn to secrecy. Sanji asks for cooking supplies and books, like last time, but this time is denied. Those small comforts banned by Judge.

In between his panic and tears, he dreams of straw hats and pirates. 

It’s now day three. Sanji’s mask is heavy and uncomfortable with dried tears, he’s become numb to his panic, resigned. This outcome was the worst case scenario. How can Sanji possibly change things if he’s already made things worse?

Last time it was months before his siblings found him, and they only did because with the hope of beating him up. This time there’s no guarantee that they will find him. There’s no guarantee Reiju frees him. What if he never gets out?

No, he will. Sanji must, he needs to find his crew, help his family. It’s not a want it’s a need. 

So sitting on the cold stone floor caged in bars, Sanji promises himself he will break out. He’s learned Haki before, how hard can it be to relearn it? Luffy had the ability to remove bomb collars and cuffs with a specific type of Haki. Ryou was it? It might just be a Luffy thing, but it’s worth a shot. Sanji will not end up rotting below Germa. While he’s got the time Sanji can relearn skywalk as well. He'll train. So if, no, when Sanji gets out he’ll be as strong as possible in able to help the people he needs to help. 

Just you wait Judge.

Chapter Text

She may have underestimated how difficult it would be to deprive Judge of power. 

In strength Sora can’t even come close, she can barely stand for ten minutes, of which she’s in incredible pain. Challenging her ‘husbands’ power and right as king is out of the question; too many variables to account for and the chance of success is low. 

In terms of intellect, Sora far exceeds Judge, but again the tiny chance he remains in power and she shows her cards is too great a risk. 

Sora lacks connections. Most people would go to the Marines for help, but Sora knows better. As of right now, Germa is a member of the world government. For any concerns or dirt, she can find they can easily ignore it or cover it up. Sora knows better than most what Germa has been able to get away with. There’s no chance the Marines would help her.

In theory, she could hire a pirate or assassin to permanently remove Judge from power. Germa is well off enough to pay, but then she’s putting her trust in pirates. What if there’s collateral? In no plan is Sora willing to risk her children. And with hiring an assassin, there are few that could even hurt Judge with all the security measures he has. If the payment they required was some of their technology, well, Sora would rather die than be the cause of others suffering from Judge’s wicked experiments.   

There’s no one in Germa she trusts enough. The idea that they tell Judge or worse cause her children to be caught in the crossfire is more than Sora is willing to risk. 

So that just leave her.

When she married Judge she hoped for a family. She wished for a husband that would love and protect her. Instead, she married a monster who experimented on their children. Sora lost any hope she had for loving him then. Maybe that’s why she finds it so easy to make the decision to kill him. 

The plan Sora comes up with is, in her mind, poetic justice. 

It takes longer than she had hoped to fully prepare. Only because Sora is unwilling to trust this task to anyone else. Thus she has had to gather the supplies herself. Which while dying, is quite excruciating. She uses a whole bottle of painkillers and still struggles to reach her destination. The next day she’s in agony, but it’s worth it. Anything for her babies. 

So it takes her a whole month to gather everything she needs. Each week the most she can do is gather the supplies from one location. It’s a tedious and difficult task but at least she sleeps well knowing that Judge is completely oblivious to her plan. 

It’s a Sunday when she executes it. At five in the morning, Sora wakes up and collects the bottles secretly stowed away in the closet. Back on her bed using the tray, she lines up her ingredients. All but two are regular drink components, pineapple and orange juice, champagne, grenadine, and burnt cherries. In a glass, she pours a specific amount of each before taking one of the cherries and squeezing the juice into a separate glass. 

You see, Sora has always loved cherries as a girl. They were sweet and pretty and had the best flavour. She used to always gravitate towards them, every drink, candy, or dessert just had to have some. 

That all changed the second she drank that poison. Burnt cherries. It tasted like burnt cherries. 

She will never regret drinking it, that small chance that her babies wouldn’t be emotionless was worth it. That doesn’t mean Sora has willingly eaten or drank anything cherry flavoured since. But now sitting on her bed, the very bed she’s been confined to since drinking it, she takes the small glass of burnt cherry juice and sips it. It tastes the exactly the same. If she didn’t juice the cherries herself Sora would think this was poison. It’s perfect. A giddy feeling rises in her chest and she mixes the two drinks before testing her creation. It’s a lovely breakfast cocktail, despite it giving her the urge to vomit.

Sora didn’t drink that poison without first researching the severity of her actions. Approximately one sip, or 20 millilitres, would be enough to possibly stop the enhancements regarding her children's emotions and would eventually be fatal. In around five to ten years after excruciating pain, she will succumb to the poison, depending on her body’s resilience. So 50 millilitres while also leading to a slow painful death had a much faster fatality rate. The victim would die in around a week as their poison destroys their body from the inside out. 

Like most poisons, there is an antidote, which while rare and uncommon would stop the poisons in its path if used correctly and fast enough. To Sora’s dismay, Judge had a bottle, which now stands on her tray half empty. It’s not a fix-all of course, otherwise, Sora wouldn’t be dying now. The most the antidote can do is stop further damage; it doesn’t remove the poison just sort of freezes it. Looking back, Sanji was probably the closest in the womb to the poison which is why he was the only one spared. 

Sora dumps the antidote down the sink.

Takes the poison and pours it into an inconspicuous bottle and dresses in a server's uniform. She’s slow and it’s painful, but soon she stands in front of the mirror and fixes her hair to be covered by a cloth. Using what minimal makeup she has, Sora attempt to make her face unrecognisable as the Queen of Germa. 

Once done Sora, at a glance, looks like a regular server of the Germa kingdom. Collecting the bottle of poison and hiding the extra ingredients in her room, she downs a few heavy duty painkillers and heads to the kitchen.

It’s utter mayhem. Chefs are running wild around the kitchen rushing to finish the final touches on the wide array of dishes. Spotting a chef struggling with the drinks she walks over to him.

“Hello, I was told the King specially requested his breakfast cocktail to be cherry this Sunday.”

Knowing Judge’s indulgences with drinking certainly helped Sora come up with such a plan. 

The chef is young and looks downright terrified at her words.

“I-I was told it was s-strawberry! I don’t know any cherry cocktails!” 

A soft kind smile graces her face,

“Luckily for you, I’m an expert. Take a break I can do it for you.”

At this the tension releases from the boy’s shoulders. 

“T-thank you! I appreciate it miss!” With a relieved expression, the boy takes his leave. 

Alone at the drink station, Sora gathers the same ingredients as before and prepares the cocktail. Once the recipe calls for cherries instead of using the burnt cherries as she did before, Sora adds the poison. She makes sure to slip the bottle into the cupboard and make a show of taking it back out, just in case someone’s watching. 

Once done, she’s left with a beautiful cocktail which smells incredible. Placing it on a tray, she makes her way to the main hall. Pausing quickly to catch her breath; the constant movement taking a large toll on her fragile body.

All the servers enter together and place the magnificent creations in front of their rulers. Confidently, Sora places the glass by Judge’s plate and waits at the exit with the other servers. She’s not worried about being recognized by Judge, she doesn’t think he’s ever looked at the staff’s faces. Sora knows, however, that Reiju sees her. Her brilliant daughter has always been observant. Yonji sees her as well and while slightly confused, he does the same as his sister and ignores it. 

Watching Judge drink her cocktail is oddly satisfying. Sora only drank the poison because of his actions. It seems right for him to do the same. Finishing the glass quickly, he begins to call her over for another before hunching over in pain. 

The glass falls from his hand and shatters on the floor. Judge’s face is pained and a sickly whine escapes his throat. His eyes roll back in his head and he seizes violently. Sora schools her expression and watches the staff frantically run around. In this distraction, Sora sneaks out pretending to get the doctor.

She makes her way back to her room as fast as he body allows. Changing back into her gown and wiping her face off the makeup. Once any evidence of her involvement is gone from her appearance, Sora swiftly collapses into bed. 

The plan was a complete success. Now no one can say this dying mother didn’t do everything she could to protect her children.  

Reiju’s having a weird morning. 

It started with an inkling of unease, but that was easy enough to ignore. 

Then she saw Mom wearing the server's attire at breakfast. While this in itself should have been an indication that something would change, Reiju trusted her mother with whatever actions she was going to take.

Then father collapsed. Foam leaked from his mouth. Someone was screaming. The servers were scrambling. In no time the doctor appeared, the same one that haunts her dreams. The one who took a part of her at her father's orders. The one that did those vile experiments on her mother and her unborn brothers. 

Apparently, her father had been poisoned. Huh, Reiju wonders if Mom was involved. 

None of her brothers seem to care; terror is an inconceivable emotion for them. Instead, all the siblings blankly stare as the nurses and doctor cart Judge away to the infirmary.

What a weird morning. 

These past few weeks Reiju has been scavenging for anything regarding Sanji. So far, she has found nothing in his health reports showing any signs of declining health or anything regarding or resembling his death report. Honestly, Reiju has no idea what could have possibly happened. At this point in her investigation, she’s at a standstill. Then her father got poisoned. 

What in the world is happening in Germa?

A kind nurse later gathers Reiju and her brothers and tells them the King, their father, might not last the week. Apparently, his body is killing him from the inside out and the pain is so excruciating that some believe they should put him out of his misery. 

Everyone in the kingdom has been asked to look for the antidote that seemed to coincidentally disappear. Without it, Judge will most certainly die. But since it’s been hours the poison has already done so much damage that even if they had the antidote their father would at best be given a few extra years. 

In one of his last moments of lucidity, Judge tells them to make the pain stop. 

He speaks to Ichiji first and tells him about the mission in the North Blue and Ichiji’s responsibility to conquer it for their ancestors, for him. Judge tells Niji, Yonji and Reiju to follow their brother's lead and rule the North Blue with an iron fist. He doesn’t tell them he loves them, he doesn’t hug or kiss them or show any form of affection. He only enforced them to accomplish his own dream. 

They don’t have emotions, but if they did Reiju thinks that would hurt more than his death ever could. 

The King of Germa, Judge, is buried the next day. 

Sora as Queen will take over his duties to the best of her ability until Ichiji is old enough. 

The whole kingdom is in disarray, first a prince than their king. 

They keep the news to themselves, no need to let the world know they’re vulnerable. Reiju’s just happy to know the calls to the broker will still proceed as scheduled. 

Sora’s takeover as head of Germa is smooth and kind. While it takes their citizen by surprise that their leader cares so much they all take it in stride. Despite Sora’s bedridden status, things subtly change in Germa. The head doctor is fired and dropped off at the nearest island. The military force and her children still train, but the soldiers are each told to value their lives instead of sacrificing themselves and the children are encouraged to have fun and play games during the newly allowed free time. Sora makes sure to spend time with all her children and takes every citizen request personally.

The kingdom is actually peaceful for once.  

However, there is one solider who was programmed to follow orders of a man now dead. He was sworn to secrecy, and now he’s physically unable to tell anyone anything due to those commands. Due to those orders he also cannot free the young prince himself. Really the lone solider has quite a dilemma. After all, how can you free someone when you’ve been programmed specifically to take every possible precaution to make sure they’re never freed. 

The guilt gnaws at his bones. When he try's to even think of tell anyone anything regarding prince Sanji his throat closes up and his legs lock in place. Even the idea of acting suspicious so someone would follow him causes him to freeze until he abandons the thought. While attempting to at least inform prince Sanji of his fathers death his lips glue together. In those moments he wonders what he is. Why can’t he disobey? Why doesn’t he remember his childhood? Why does he know things he can’t recall being taught?

None of it makes sense. It’s all he can do to continue feeding the prisoner at regular intervals. 

Queen Sora has made great improvements, and has somehow made Germa, a kingdom of war and fear, seem safe. A speech she made despite being bedridden sticks in his mind. She told the soldiers that there was value to their lives, that they should have a life outside of the military, that they're allowed to have a family. He can vividly recall how her face fell at the mention of family and deep down he knew it was because she was grieving not her husband but her son. Who he still feeds. Who is still alive. Who he can’t help.  

It’s driving him mental, but his outward appearance showcases nothing. All he can do is hope that someone, anyone, follows him and helps that poor little boy. 

The weeks are long and hard. 

Each day Sanji fights off several panic attacks before even eating breakfast. The helmet being a steady weight upon his head. The only thing that makes him stand, get up, are the thoughts of his crew, his family, he can’t let them down, not again. Hell, he even misses the Marimo.

Those days pass slowly, but he improves his strength. It doesn’t take long until he’s able to reawaken his observation haki. It’s not even close to as strong as before, but it’s something. Armament haki is a bit more tricky, but once his body get’s used to it he’s able to use it almost as fast as before. Since haki’s dependent on willpower, his will and want to be powerful enough to help most likely streamlines the relearning process. 

Skywalk on the other hand is much more difficult. Sanji possesses strength in his body some adults can’t compete with from his enhancements, but relearning the technique in the body of a child is much harder than he imagined. After a week of trying and undergoing the same training for his legs that he did in ‘hell’ also known as the Kamabakka kingdom, Sanji’s finally able to walk in the sky. It’s exhausting but it’s worth it. When he reaches the ceiling a few days later he almost forgets about the pressing weight upon his head. 

A month in captivity something strange happens. Sanji’s observation haki has developed enough for him to recognize peoples actions and feelings above him and right now the world up above is in chaos. He can sense someone dying, there’s a poison in their blood killing them, rapidly damaging their internal organs. They must be someone important too because everyone else is frantically trying to help. 

A pit forms in his stomach. I-it can’t be Mom. Right? 

Yes, she was poisoned by why is it effecting her differently now? Why is she in the main dinning hall? Why is she sitting in Judge's seat? Because it can’t possibly be Judge. As far as he’s aware Judge was still alive before Sanji died and came to the past. So why is it that someone on Judge’s chair is dying from poison? Sanji’s caught between tentative hope and guilt that someone actually killed his greatest tormentor and pure unbridled fear that his mother is dying above him. 

Who ever they are, they're swiftly taken to the infirmary which is out of his haki’s range. So Sanji has no idea as to whether or not they survived. He feels helpless, whatever happened he’s incapable of stopping or even knowing. 

Sanji forgoes his training that day. 

Instead, he attempts to pull at his hair in frustration and is harshly reminded of his own dire predicament. His breath becomes short and strained. The wall begin to encroach on his vision. He wants to go home. He wants the Sunny. He wants Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Ussop, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook and Jimbe. He just wants this feeling to stop. 

And it does. Eventually, that is Sanji wakes up curled in the corner with angry red scratches coating his arms. His stomach’s in knots and his face's sticky and crusty from tears. There’s a solider at the bars who looks almost concerned at the state Sanji’s in. At the sudden eye contact, the solider opens his mouth before quickly closing it again. Right. Judge’s orders. Sanji’s to get no human interaction and no information of the world up above. He’s fated to rot in Germa’s dungeon for the crime of caring. He curses his own lack of tact when teaching his sibling empathy once again. The solider leaves in a hurry. 

Then he's alone again, the cuffs heavy, his helmet suffocating.

Sanji doesn’t think he can take this much longer. 

Ichiji’s bored. Nothing’s happening, so what father died, it’s not like he cares. Not like he can. Trainings different, less harsh, less intense, more boring. Everything’s empty, everything's boring. Now that they have free time, to play of all things, he’s so bored and empty it’s almost painful. Not that Ichiji knows pain. 

Yonji’s smiling and playing some game with Reiju, Niji’s fighting soldiers as per usual and Ichiji’s finding places to explore. It’s not fun, it’s not anything, but it’s less empty. Their castle is huge, and why shouldn’t it be they’re royalty. They're special, their blood is more valuable. At least that’s what father used to say. Ichiji himself has not comments on the matter, no thoughts on anything really, he just is. 

So a few months after his fathers death, Ichiji’s explored every inch of the castle save for the dungeons. He was hoping he would have found something to fill that void of emptiness inside himself, but he’s had no luck. The dungeon was a last resort, because while he doesn't particularly care about his father, his orders strike some cord in him. He never feels nor wants anything, but when his father gave him an order he wanted to fulfill it. It was weird, but he never cared enough to question it. Now though, father’s dead. No more orders, no more anything. Going to the dungeon is really his last ditch attempt to fill that nothingness. 

It’s dark and dreary. The sound of bugs crawling on the stone echo’s ominously. It’s disgusting. Maybe they have an infestation of some kind, or more likely this was one of fathers many ways to torture. While he’s here, target practice can’t hurt.

It almost verges on fun, taking out every bug and rodent in his near vicinity. It’s like a mission. The ache Ichiji has to fill that nothingness lessens a tiny amount.

Then Ichiji notices something. There a cell that's closed. Who knew they had a prisoner? Maybe that's why father ordered them not to enter. Something resembling curiosity creeps in his mind. He walks over to investigate, and finds a small mass hidden in the corner of the cell. Weird. With his inhuman strength he easily bends the bars open and steps inside. 

“W-who’s there?” A timid terrified Sanji whispers into the darkness. 

Huh that was not what Ichiji was expecting. Gazing upon his brother’s broken and tired form something builds in his chest. 

Rage.    

Chapter Text

Red’s encroaching his vision. 

Fury radiates in his bones. 

Why in the hell is Sanji in the dungeons?

Ichiji’s not stupid, he knows exactly who put Sanji here. It’s only common logic. Father told them not to come here. Father told everyone of Sanji’s death. Father, father father. What Ichiji can’t understand is why, Sanji was strong he was like them, superior. Why was Sanji noted as the failure? As a failure? Would father had deemed him a failure as well? Would his perpetual boredom and nothingness eventually spell himself a cell next to his brother?

He doesn’t care.  

But the anger in his heart feels good. It’s something and he wants to grasp that feeling and never let it go. The rage directed at father. Feelings are not Ichiji’s forte so for the life of him he doesn’t know why in his heart is he so infuriated at his father. He doesn’t care enough about it to question it. The point is, he needs Sanji to leave the cell.

Empathy and kindness are still a foreign concept, so Ichiji’s voice is cold and fierce when he orders, 

“Get out.”

What little Ichiji can see of Sanji’s face flicker in fear and his body collapses in on himself further. The rage towards father heightens. His fingers itch to destroy, to inflict pain. Sanji’s timid voice stops him, 

“I-I can’t. T-the c-cuffs are b-bombs.”

A wave of fury envelops Ichiji’s body. Normal bombs would just hurt their iron skin, but since father put them on as a repellent they’d most likely blow Sanji’s hands right off. All Ichiji sees is red. His foot steps thunder as he leaves the dungeon. He needs Sanji out, he can’t get Sanji out without the keys.    

It’s not long before Ichiji finds himself standing in fathers room. Father expensive bed and furniture, his important papers, his favourite pictures of himself. The blood in his veins turns to fire. He black out. 

When he comes back too, he’s bored again. Ichiji’s fury was spent absolutely destroying every item in his fathers quarters. The bed’s in pieces scattered around the room. The walls dented and scratched, one chair is half embedded in the ceiling. Father’s favourite picture of himself standing over the past king’s of the north is in shreds, it’s unsalvageable. 

Oh well. On the plus side a wall safe is now fully visible, and that’s most likely where his father kept the keys anyways. Might as well help himself; the key pad useless against his strength. In the steel wall safe one lone key lies. Once Ichiji has his prize he makes his way back to the dungeons. 

Oddly enough in his rage the stone floor is littered with cracks. It’s no wonder didn’t run into anyone, they probably made themselves scarce at the sight of his mood. Simpler for him, he might of blindly attacked them and mother wouldn’t have been happy. Oh right, mother, she might want to know about Sanji. Ichiji should probably tell her. Or anyone. But first Sanji, as much as he enjoyed that lapse in nothingness it was quite tiresome. 

Luckily for Ichiji, his past rage left all the hallways unoccupied. So it’s a easy trip back to Sanji’s cell. Seeing Sanji in that state again, his rage begins to simmers once more but Ichiji ignores it. The dungeon is quiet excluding his footsteps and the dripping of some leak. As he gets closer Sanji pushes himself further into the wall. Undeterred, Ichiji walks over and none too gently takes hold of his brothers hands. The finch is unexpected, but Ichiji just chalked it up to be another emotions thing.  

Sanji’s hands are so pale, covered with dirt and grim and trembling from either fear or the cold chill passing through the dungeon. Looking into his Sanji’s clear blue eye Ichiji sees fear and tentative hope. He doesn’t know what to do with that, so he continues his mission. Turning Sanji’s wrists and locating the keyhole before jamming it in and unlocking the first cuff. The process is not kind, but methodical and harsh. Sanji doesn’t appear to care, after both cuffs are left forgotten on the floor, he takes this act as incentive to throw his arms around his brother. The metal helmet digs into Ichiji shoulder, small arms wrap around his waist. It’s uncomfortable, but the chill in the room lessens. His arms twitch to reciprocate of their own accord and Ichiji doesn’t have any reason not too. So he allows his arms to embrace Sanji back. It feels nice. A warm feeling envelops him and the nothingness recedes slightly. Before long, Ichiji finds himself gripping hard to his little brother, tucking his face between the cold metal of the helmet and Sanji’s shoulder. 

For a while they just sit there. Holding each other for dear life. 

Once Ichiji gathers his bearings, he pulls away. Taking the helmet into his own tiny hands, he searches for the keyhole. Sanji seems calmer after they hugged, more composed. No words are spoken, but Ichiji’s intent seems to come across. Normal Ichiji doesn’t talk, there’s no point, he feels no want or need for human interaction. Luckily, Sanji doesn’t mind, content with just his brothers company. Finally, Ichiji finds the small inconspicuous keyhole on the side of the cruel contraption. Key in, then turned left and the helmet loosen it’s hold on it’s victim. Tentative hands push the helmet off of Sanji’s head, a wave of relief apparent in his body language. 

“T-thank you.”

Ichiji doesn’t believe that warrants a response. Taking his little brothers tiny hand in his own, he stands and drags him along. Ichiji walks at his normal pace leaving Sanji struggling to keep up behind him. Once they finally exit the dungeons, Ichiji abruptly lets go of Sanji’s hand. His mission is now complete. Emptiness encompasses his form once more. Bored. Nothing. Empty. It’s horrible after he had that small taste of something. Without even looking at his brother Ichiji stalks off to the training arena. Maybe he can ignite that anger again to drown out his nothingness. 

Sanji’s at a loss. 

Nothing’s making sense. 

He was curled up in the corner of his cell trying to recall Luffy’s laugh and Nami’s smile when they came to save him before. When Ichiji found him. At first Sanji thought it was Rejiu, but then he saw the bright red hair a beacon in the dark foreboding dungeon. He was probably the source of the pounding Sanji heard earlier as well. The instinctive reaction to hide to flee bubbled up to the surface. Why was Ichiji here? To beat him up like last time? 

When Ichiji told him to leave he knew something was definitely wrong. His eye’s were full of fury, but for the first time in either of his lives Sanji didn’t feel like it was all directed at him. But Sanji’s fear still persisted. Telling Ichiji that he couldn’t leave due to the bombs on his wrist once seemed to ignite that rage. Then he was alone again. Confused Sanji waited. And waited. Until, to Sanji’s surprise Ichiji came back with his usual apathetic expression holding a key. 

With all the gentleness of an emotionless solider Ichiji unlocked his cuffs. Ichiji freed him. Ichiji. Joy, happiness, relief. So thrilled at his freedom Sanji unconsciously jumped to embrace his saviour. Despite still wearing the helmet, it was incredible to finally touch another person. As if Sanji’s day couldn’t get any weirder, Ichiji hugged him back. Tightly. He held onto Sanji like the five year old he was desperate for love. Tears welled up in his eyes but he pushed them down.  

After the hug, Ichiji unlocked his helmet and dragged him out of the dungeon. Immediately after Ichiji left. Leaving Sanji alone. 

He’s still confused to be honest. Out of all his siblings coming to his rescue, Ichiji was the last one he would have guessed. But he’s free now. Free from his prison that is. Judge may still be wandering around the castle. Thinking on it, how in the world did Ichiji take the keys from Judge’s room without the king knowing? One thing’s for sure, Sanji can’t afford to get caught again. 

Where can he go? What can he do? The only difference between now and then is Mom. Mom. Oh god, Mom. Is she okay? Does she think he’s dead? He’s got to find his Mom. 

As sneakily as he can, Sanji makes his was over to his mothers quarters. After all the practice he’s had at hiding from marines it’s quite easy to hide from all the staff. What’s weird is that the people in the castle seem happy. They’re never happy Judge makes sure of that. What in the hell is going on today?

At long last he makes it to his mother’s room. Despite his best efforts to stay positive Sanji was incredibly worried that by the time he got free his Mom would be gone. 

As quietly as he can he opens the door a crack. Seeing his Mom as healthy as before causes relief to swell in his chest. She’s okay. She seems better than okay, she appears to be working. Which is strange mother never had any work before so why now? Right now though all he wants is a hug from his Mom. But, what if she thinks he a ghost? What if she doesn’t care? What if she knew he was down there all along?

Trapped in his worry, Sanji doesn’t notice when she climbs out of bed. Doesn’t notice when she walks towards the door. Doesn’t notice when she goes to open the door. He only snaps out of his self deprecating thoughts and worries when he sees her kneeling in front of him.

“ Sanji. ” Her voice is so full of love he can’t help but cry. 

Before he knows it he’s wrapped in her warm embrace bawling his eyes out. So many emotions are running through his mind but all he can do is cry like the five year old he now is. She pets his hair, rubs his back and kisses his forehead. Sanji can feel her tears as she kisses him, which only makes him cry more. 

He falls asleep like that, curled up in his mothers arms, tears still running down his face, his fists clenched in her gown. He’s never felt safer. 

Sora was having a now normal day as the Queen of Germa. Paperwork, paperwork, and some more paperwork. The only improvement being the absence of Judge and the shared meals she enjoyed with her babies. 

She was happy. There will always be an ache in her chest, a pain in her heart, but all in all things are good. Finishing up with the final reformed legislation she gathers up her work and heads to her new secretary to get them implemented. 

Making her way to her wheelchair, which is much preferred for her diminishing health, she notices the door open a sliver. It’s probably Yonji, her youngest is always so shy with her it’s incredibly sweet. So she walks over and opens the door to meet him. Instead of the expected green she’s met with yellow, Sanji. So many questions are circulating her mind, but they’re no matter at the moment, he’s alive. His hair is greasy and dirty, her baby looks hurt, malnourished and pale. Oh baby what happened to you? Her mouth opens of its own accord a strangled, Sanji, leaves her lips before her arms are full with a crying child. 

Sora’s baby is alive. He’s not okay, she can tell by looking, but he’s alive. Her tears flow freely down her face. Her hands move on auto-pilot comforting him as best she can. Feeling her baby, hearing her baby, seeing her baby is a gift she never thought she’s get. Before she knows it his crying tappers off into small sniffles. With her baby secured in her arms she leaves her paperwork forgotten on the floor and makes her way over to her wheelchair. 

Making sure her little Sanji is comfortable in her arms, she’s able to see his little face. Tears still escape his eyes which are red and swollen. He’s laking the baby fat he should have on his cheeks and his tiny lips are pouting. It’s cornering health wise but still adorable. Her little ball of kindness. Kissing his tiny nose, she smiles as it scrunches up in response. 

Using the controls Sora maneuvers the them over to the main hall. She has to make an announcement, she has to tell her other babies, she has to find out who’s responsible. 

She knows who’s responsible. She knows he was a monster but the idea that anyone could do this to their own child to any child seems preposterous to her. If he is responsible since he’s dead all she’d be able to do is destroy everything he’s ever loved. He’d still get off easy. 

Entering the main hall all her babies are already waiting. It is dinner time after all. Making her way over to her spot, which today is between Reiju and Yonji. Once there she observes her babies reactions to seeing their ‘dead’ brother before speaking. Niji seems indifferent the slight raising of his brow the extent of his reaction. Ichiji has no reaction whatsoever. Yonji looks thrilled, his smile threatening to take up his entire face. And Reiju looks shocked with watery eyes. Making sure her voice is loud enough to be heard yet quiet enough such that Sanji won’t wake, Sora says,

“Hello my darlings, as you can see Sanji is not dead as we were told. I assume you all are as surprised as me to see him alive and breathing, but I want you to treat him the same. Poor Sanji seems to have gone through a great ordeal and will need help recovering.” 

With a firm gaze she continues, 

“Someone faked his death, and do not fear if they are still around they will be punished. I know we all have many questions, but all I know on the matter was that he showed up at my door just but a hour ago. For now just know I’m so glad you all are all healthy and okay. I love you my babies, eat up!”

At that they all begin eaten, only taking periodic glances at Sanji to make sure they didn’t imagine it. 

“I found him in the dungeons.” Ichiji states coldly and uncaring. 

Sora drops her fork. 

“W-what?” 

“I found him. Told him to leave but there were bomb cuff on him. So I got the key unlocked his cuffs and helmet and dragged him out.”

“B-Baby, why didn’t you tell anyone?”

A shrug is all she receives in reply. Her heart breaks once more. On closer inspection on Sanji wrist she sees fresh and old bruises painting his skin. She angry, livid, someone did this, someone hurt her baby. Looking at Ichiji, and his apathetic face, she once again feels disheartened that the poison didn't help all her boys. It’s not little Ichiji’s fault, him freeing his brother without incentive is in itself a miracle. Sora smiles and says,

“Thank you for saving him Ichiji. You did a good job.”

Another shrug, but is that her imagination or are his cheeks a little pink. She chuckles at his sweetness. 

Once everyone’s finished eatting, Niji and Ichiji wander off to their rooms like clockwork, but Yonji and Reiju stay. Both children seem concerned for their brother. Her babies as so cute, so she asks,

“Would either of you like to accompany me to my room? I’d like to clean Sanji a bit before hoping into bed, maybe we could all sleep in my big bed together?”

“Yes, please!” Reiju responds, whereas Yonji just nods with a small smile. 

“Great!”

With three of her babies, they all make their way to Sora’s new quarters. After dethroning her husband, she requested another bedroom with a large bed closer to her children. Sora had never liked sleeping so far from her children; who were they to go to for help if she wasn’t there? She had been thrilled to be shown a lovely guest room in the kids wing that she could make her own, the private bathroom a welcomed bonus. Now she just uses her old room near the infirmary as an office. With her health it’s never bad to have a nurse nearby. 

The room is still barren when they arrive, grey empty walls, a cream bed, and a Germa 66 rug. It’s Sora’s space though and one day soon when she has free time she’ll turn it into a cozy space. 

“Yonji, Reiju I’m just going to clean Sanji up a bit, he’s quite dirty from-” Shaking that thought from her head she can’t cry now,

“Why don’t you both go get ready for bed. By the time you're done we can all cozy up in bed!”

It’s hard to smile, but she must reassure her children. Receiving two nods she makes her way over to the bathroom. 

It’s quite the process cleaning her baby without waking him, but Sanji’s all tuckered out from his tears. Each discovery of a bruise on his skin or tangle in his hair causes tears to run down her face. By the time Sanji’s all clean and in pyjamas, Reiju and Yonji are curled up in bed. Smiling Sora gently places Sanji in between his siblings before climbing in herself. 

Yonji quickly snuggles up by his brother, intertwining their hands. Reiju softly kisses Sanji’s forehead before getting comfortable herself. Sora just looks over her babies and is overcome by love wrapping her arm around them all. 

It’s the best sleep she’s had in years.

Sanji wakes up warm. 

Wait warm? The dungeon’s not warm, his helmet’s not warm. Peeking open one eye he’s met with green hair. Yonji?

Why is Yonji here? Wait was yesterday not a dream? Did Ichiji really free him?

Fulling taking in his surroundings he realizes he’s in a fluffy bed with Yonji cuddling his arm and Reiju snuggled into his back, his Mom’s arm covering them all. He’s really out. He’s not alone anymore. The tears are unwelcome, and Sanji does his best to stifle his sniffing. He knows when they wake up he’ll have to explain everything. He knows Mom will protect him from Judge. So while he can Sanji enjoys being in their embrace. 

It’s around an hour before his Mom’s eyes flutter open. The same soft kind smile he remembers graces her face.

“Good morning sweetheart. I have many questions but don’t feel the need to answer any if it make you uncomfortable okay? We’ll take this at your pace love.”

Sanji knew this, but hearing it still relaxes him greatly. But he has to know. Is Judge aware he’s out?

“M-mom?” at this her smile brightens.

“Yes sweetie?”

Fiddling with the sheets, Sanji gathers his courage.

“D-does Judge know I’m out?”

For the first time ever he sees a dark look pass over his mother’s face. 

“No baby. Judge died a little while ago.”

Her hand comes up and strokes his hair, 

“He can’t hurt you anymore.”

What? 

Judge is dead? How? Why? He’s not sad. If anything Sanji’s relieved. Still he should be alive until at least Whole Cake Island. None of this makes any sense. But he can’t hurt him anymore. Sanji is truly free. Before he felt obligated to save his family despite how cruel they were, but if they had died of their own accord he doesn’t think he’d be heartbroken about it. Now even though he knows he should care, should be upset his father died, all he can feel is relief. 

Sanji can help who he needs to, can save his siblings, without Judge stopping him at every turn. He put curing his siblings on the back burner due to his inability to help. Now however, if he told his Mom he knows she’d drop everything to do it, maybe they could have feelings in a few months. The Excitement overwhelms him, Sanji’s free and he can save everyone. 

“That a wide range of emotions baby.”

Sanji’s inner turmoil must have shown on his face.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be baby, I’m only teasing. Now whats got you so excited?”

This is his chance, with one trip to Dressrosa, four favours from Princess Mansherry, and his siblings will finally be themselves.

“I want to go to Dressrosa.”

Chapter Text

A few moments of silence pass, before Sanji gathers up the courage to speak again.

“M-mom?”

Blinking out of her stupor, Sora focuses on her son. She looks confused, flabbergasted, which is fare given Sanji sort of blurted out his want to go to Dressrosa. Before she can ask why, Sanji quietly says, 

“I-I found some of Judges notes on our enhancements.”

Despite knowing his mother loves him and would never hurt him, Sanji still can’t bring himself to look up from his hands. 

“I-It said that… There’s a possibility of a devil fruit… That could… Give them back their emotions.”

He can hear his mother’s slight gasp, then the sheets moving as she moves closer. Sora rests her hands on his head and gently tilts his face to meet his eyes. 

“Sanji… If there’s even the slightest possibility to give my babies back their emotions I’d take it in a heartbeat.”

Hope flares brightly in his chest.   

“But.”

It darkens just as fast. His disappointment must show on his face as Sora smiles softly and continues,

“We can’t put the whole kingdom in danger. We’re vulnerable and the New World is dangerous and cutthroat. Even if we did travel there, we would have to take one snail ship and only a small group of soldiers. Even then there’s a large risk. How do you know the fruit is even there baby?”

It all makes sense but still hurts. 

What now? Sanji only knows it’s there because in the future the wielder of said fruit would help dethrone Doflamingo. He doesn’t even know when they ate it, only that they were the princess of the little people or something along those lines. Should he tell his mom the truth? She might think he’s crazy, might stop believing him, might even stop loving him. He can’t tell her now, Sanji has far too much to lose. He could lie, but that gives him a sickening feeling in his gut. Either which way it’s a gamble and a risky one at that. 

Looking into his kind mother’s eyes, seeing her concern at his worry, the love she has for him seems to radiate. Sanji can’t help but cry. He can’t lose this, but he can’t bring himself to lie to her. Too many worries are running though his head, and each scenario seems worse than the last.  

“Oh baby,”

She gathers him up in her arms as if Sanji were made of glass, gently detangling him from Reiju and Yonji’s embrace. The tears just keep coming, he attempts to stifle a sob with no success. Sora softly hums a comforting tune and moves herself and him bundled in her arms into the wheelchair. In his panic, Sanji doesn’t notice them leaving her room and entering his own. With the tender loving touch of a mother, she patiently rubs his back and calms him down, until eventually Sanji comes back to himself. 

As the tears slowly taper off he realises that they’re alone now. Clumsily wiping his eyes, he looks at his mother and sees only her trust and love. The story just spills out.

He died. 

He lived this life before and died. 

Sanji tells her of a lonely childhood of pain and self hatred, of his sister who finally set him free. 

Of a kind pirate who saved his life and sacrificed so much for a brat he didn’t know. 

Of a floating restaurant with fights and arguments with an underlying sense of family.

Of a captain with a scar under his eye and a dream as big as his heart, who saved him and loved him when he believed no one else would.

Of a swordsman who’s an idiot and a directionally challenged mosshead with undying loyalty.

Of a navigator with her unrivalled beauty and her ability to keep them all in line.

Of a sniper with a long nose who’s brave when it matters and a liar at heart. 

Of a reindeer doctor who would heal even his greatest foe and has a love for sweets.

Of an archaeologist with her beautiful laugh, dark humour and incredible intellect. 

Of a shipwright who’s a strong cyborg that’s quick to cry with a love for cola. 

Of a musician who while appearing as a skeleton for having died already is still able to laugh and joke with a smile on his face. 

Of a helmsman with his strong demeanour and joy for being included in their chaos. 

Sanji talks of the East Blue, the Grand Line and the New World. 

Of saving kingdoms, and liberating countries. 

Of the adventures of the Strawhat pirates.

Of his found family.

By the time he’s done, he’s crying once again, but this time he’s not alone. 

He’s hugged tightly by his mother, gathered up in her embrace once again before she finally says something. 

“Sanji,”

“I’m so sorry, but so very happy at the same time. I’m sorry you had to go through that with Judge, I’m sorry I wasn’t there, I’m sorry you had to go through that again. 

But baby, I’m so happy you found your people, I’m so happy you found a real father, and I’m so proud of the man you became.”

Of all the reactions he expected, this was never one of them. Shocked beyond belief, Sanji stutters out,

“Y-you believe me?”

His mother’s face softens once again. 

“Of course baby. Ever since your last procedure, you’ve been different, more mature. Your eyes sometimes look as if they’ve seen too much. I’ve wanted to ask but hoped you would tell me of your own accord. So thank you for trusting me with this sweetheart.”

Filled with love and relief at her trust, at her belief in him, Sanji jolts at the door slamming open.

“SANJI!”

In a matter of seconds, he’s subject to another crushing embrace this time from his brother. Sanji knew Yonji tried his best to feel despite his modifications, but this was still unexpected. 

“Yonji?”

Met with the blinding grin of his younger brother, Sanji’s never felt more disappointed that he never experienced this love before. 

“I missed you! I tried my best to feel and have empathy but it was so hard without you!”

Sanji hugs Yonji back with a newfound strength in response. Gentle arms encircle them both, and despite the crushing fear and pain at his second stay in the dungeons, Sanji finds himself glad that he gets this second chance. 

Sora giggles at their interaction, before saying, 

“Let’s all go eat; we have a trip to plan.”

Pure relief floods Sanji’s heart and he beams in response.

Things change quickly after that. With the knowledge of a cure for the modifications one snail of Germa is dispatched to the New World. Sora, a firm believer in trust within the kingdom, explains her reasoning and need for this trip is for her children's well being and since respect for their ruler was at an all time high, the citizens and soldiers accept this vague reasoning. 

A hand picked advisor is put in charge for the time being, as Sora and all her children must embark on this journey. Every citizen and soldier, aware of the consequences of the World Government or other kingdoms knowing their vulnerability, plans to lay low and trust in their Queen. 

Since Germa is so technologically advanced, all ships are equipped with seastone bottoms so they can traverse the Calm belt with ease. Although apart of Sanji wishes they could go the long way through the Grandline, warn people of the events that will occur, he knows it’s safer and faster to head through the Calm belt. This way it should only take a month or two.    

Sanji didn’t anticipate things working out this well. He’s very glad to have been wrong.

Since the snail departed from the kingdom, Yonji, Rejiu and his mother had been keeping him company. It’s a drastic change from the dungeon, but Sanji thinks he’s handling it well enough. Nightmares of bugs crawling and a phantom weight on his head linger, but his Mom’s always there to comfort him afterwards. She seems to have a sixth sense for when he’s regressing, always there to wipe his tears and hug the fear away. 

Things are largely uneventful. 

Sanji recovers much faster than last time, soaking up all the love and affection he can. 

Yonji spends his time talking with Sanji and playing when he’s not burning his excess energy.

Niji fights and trains most of the day, but does sometimes indulge himself and tinker a bit with the equipment. 

Reiju helps her mother wherever she can and seems to enjoy her time with her siblings. 

And Ichiji joins Niji for the most part, but sometimes he just stares at the horizon. 

Overall things are good, better than good, great. 

The journey through the Calm belt is uneventful and despite the New World's turbulent weather they make it to Dressrosa in good time. It’s once they make land things become complicated. 

It’s absolutely nothing like Sanji remembers. He recalls a colourful city filled with toys and pretty people seemingly hiding a dark underground. What he sees now is a regular town with browns and greys, stone and wood, not a living toy in sight. Where he remembers forced fake smiles on people with money to spare are replaced with dull clothing and rags covering their happy welcoming demeanour. It’s worlds different; Sanji doesn’t think he could find anything similar if he tried. That darkness that was lingering before is nowhere to be found. Sanji would like to keep it that way. 

Sanji doesn’t know too much about what happened in Dressrosa with the others, only bits and pieces. One thing Sanji vividly remembers is Usopp retelling his heroic rescue of the toys and little people. Luckily for Sanji, Usopp described these events and allies in great detail. Apparently only the royal family are able to see and communicate with them, making their destination quite simple. 

With his Mom and siblings in tow, Sanji makes his way to the castle. The townsfolk seem confused and slightly fearful at their brightly coloured hair and clothing, but let them pass by all the same. With only Viola’s vague pained look towards the castle echoing in his memory, it takes longer than Sanji would like to admit to find the castle entrance. He can almost hear Zoro mocking him for getting lost in his head. Instead of anger or frustration as before, Sanji’s hit by an intense wave of longing for his other family. A hand snakes its way into his own, and he looks up to see Reiju smiling and squeezing his hand in comfort. Her smile appears slightly forced, and he remembers how much she needs this to work; he’s comforting Reiju as much as she’s comforting him. 

The guards positioned at the entrance tower over the childrens small frames. Sora, slower in her wheelchair, draws their attention away from the brightly coloured kids. 

“Hello, my name is Sora, Queen of Germa. I am here to request an audience with the King as soon as he is able.”

Despite sitting in a wheelchair, Sora is still able to exude the grace and poise of a Queen. The guards in response send someone off to inquire the King’s opinion on the meeting. 

The last of Germa’s royal family all wait patiently with the guards. Reiju’s hand is still warm in Sanji’s own. Yonji looks slightly curious at their display of comfort and without missing a beat Sanji reaches over and takes Yonji’s hand in his own free one. 

It’s not long before they're taken to have an audience with the King, the kindness he has was definitely not exaggerated by his crew. The castle itself is beautiful, but Sanji can’t seem to focus on it. Now that they’re finally here, all he can think of is the what-ifs. What if they won’t help his siblings? What if they can’t? Or worse, what if it doesn’t work? This is the only plan Sanji has to help his siblings, if this doesn’t work he has no clue what will. A squeeze of his hand from his sister snaps Sanji out of his worries. 

They’re here now, in front of the King of Dressrosa, the one who will have first-hand experience with the cruelty of Doflamingo. Usopp told him in detail, the kindness the King showed them all after their victory, but standing here Sanji can’t help but feel terrified. Maybe Sanji being in a five year olds body has more influence on his emotions than he thought.  

“Whatever have I done to earn a visit from Germa’s Queen. And children?”

Confusion paints King Riku Doldo’s face as he surveys their appearance. With a smile that has yet to not make Sanji feel warm and safe, Sora explains,

“Sorry for any confusion King Riku, but me and my children are here to see if you would be able to help us with a personal matter. We will compensate you for your help as best we can.”

A small slightly dangerous grin dawns on the King’s face,

“And whatever could the warmongers need of a poorer Kingdom in the New World. I am sure that there are plenty of others who would jump at the chance to gain your favour.”

“You are correct. Germa is known as a cruel cutthroat Kingdom and I will not deny that that is what it was. I can explain the reasoning for our journey here, and why we need your help specifically, but I can only do that in a more secure area.”

Slightly aghast, King Riku states,

“This castle is secure and anything you need to say, you can say here and know no one else shall know. I’m sure you can understand why the guards must stay.”

This was something Sanji did not anticipate. In hindsight, he should have, Germa was as horrible as the rumours suggest. There’s no argument that can be made for them to civilly talk to the King in private. Sanji just hopes that every guard in the room is as trustworthy as the King believes them to be. There’s no way his Mother won’t do anything to help her children. As if on cue Sora says,

“That’s fine. A few months ago, the King of Germa died of natural causes.” When the King begins to open his mouth to question this she continues, “He was as heartless as people said and his family weren’t exempt from his cruelty.”

She jolts slightly when Yonji grasps one of her hands into his free one. Her voice more confident she explains,

“He wanted his children to be emotionless soldiers, I did not. When I was pregnant he forced me to undergo the procedure despite my protests. I-I drank a poison to try to prevent my babies from losing their emotions. It was only successful with one.” 

King Riku appears horrified, gathering his composure he replies,

“I-I’m so sorry that happened. If that happened to either of my daughters-” His stomach almost rebels at the thought.

“There might be a way to bring their emotions back.” The King’s head snaps up in response. 

“One of the doctors who… Who did this, mentioned the Chiyu Chiyu no Mi had the potential to undo that portion of their modifications.” At this, a fearful look crosses the King's face.

“We know for reasons we cannot disclose the wielder here in Dressrosa. No one but we six know this. We are not demanding their help, we would just like to ask for their aid. We will compensate for their help as best we can.”

They know about the dwarves? They know about Princess Mansherry?

Conflicted, King Riku hesitates. He can see the Queen’s sincerity, her love for her children. He can’t in good conscience send them away. Her eyes are pleading with him to save her babies. Tearing his eyes away he resigns himself, and says,

“I will ask said wielder if they would be willing to meet with you, wait here until then.”

After signalling his guards to watch them, King Riku makes his way over to dwarves. Hopefully they won’t mind his quick visit to the princess. Apart of him feels guilty at his distrust towards the Queen, but his duty first and foremost is to look out for his people. He cannot afford to take any chances with warmongers. Praying that this will all end peacefully, he finally arrives at the Tontatta Kingdom below Green Bit. 

They are as warm and welcoming as always, graciously inviting him inside. It’s not long before he’s explaining the situation to Gancho, their own King. As if she can sense her name being mentioned Princess Mansherry interrupts Gancho’s quick dismissal. 

“If I’m able to help anyone I’ll do it!”

The Dwarvan King, worried for his daughter safety from the potentially dangerous humans firmly forbids her from going.

“B-but father! King Riku said the Queen only wants to save her children! I must help them!”

Before Gancho can rebuttal further, King Riku says, 

“I do not want to dissuade you further, but even with our security we could not hope to survive an attack from Germa. My fear is that if we do not help they attack; our best option for a peaceful solution is aiding them in their time of need.”

Still not convinced Gancho state, 

“I shall not allow the Princess to be in danger or my kingdom. Do you really believe they would attack due to our in action?”

“It depends on whether or not the Queen was speaking the truth.”

All they can do is hope Germa will decide against violence. Based on Germa’s history, their Kingdom is doomed if they chose not to help. There’s still not a guarantee they do not attack after being healed. The Kings, both assessing this fragile situation, snap out of their thoughts when Princess Mansherry states,

“I will heal those children!” With a sweet smile, she continues “that way, even if they do attack we can rest easy knowing we did the right thing.”

It all seems so simple when said like that. 

Maybe it is that simple. 

The princess eager to help, runs towards the King of Dressrosa. But before she can reach him she's stopped by a dwarf with a white beard and moustache. 

“Princess! As your aid I cannot allow you to go alone! I can protect you!”

With a kind, gentle smile the princess replies, “Thank you Maujii.”

With Gancho’s reluctant permission and her aid at her side, Princess Mansherry and King Riku makes their way back to the castle. 

Standing once again, in front of Germa’s royal family the King dismisses the guards saves for Kyros. Due to the dangerous circumstance, despite Kyros no longer being his guard, but instead his son in law, was called in to protect himself and Princess Mansherry. This being a personal request of King Gancho as no other guards should be allowed to see the Princess. 

The Queen appears confident and strong at first glance, but looking closer King Riku can see her worry and fear. All the children, save one, seem indifferent. The blond haired boy looks terrified, as if Dressrosa’s refusal would cause him to burst into tears. Princess Mansherry was right; he never would have been able to send them away without help. 

With a smile, King Riku begins, 

“Thank you for waiting, the wielder of said fruit will heal each of your children one by one. Before this I must ask that you all close your eyes as they wish to protect their identity.”

The Queen’s shoulders drop in relief, she seems unsurprised at their request, and calmly tells her children to all close their eyes. Without missing a beat, all the children, other than the blond boy, go ramrod straight and forcefully seal their eyes shut. A look of pain crosses Queen Sora’s face before she masks it with a smile. The blond boy, on the other hand, has lit up at his words and giddily shut his eyes. The difference in the children's behaviour is jarring. 

Once all their eyes are closed, Princess Mansherry leaves her hiding spot behind his coat and is quickly followed by her aid. Now in King Riku’s hand, after he walks over to the red haired prince and raises her such that she’s just above the boy, she cries. The second the princess’s tear touches the small prince the change is immediate. 

Ichiji doesn’t really have any opinions about this spontaneous trip to Dressrosa. Honestly, he doesn’t have opinions on anything really. It’s just him and the emptiness. Sometimes he’ll get lucky and some anger will trickle in, or a dull sense of accomplishment when he follows Father's orders. But usually, it’s just the heavy nothingness that clouds his mind. Ichiji knows he’s missing something. Apart of him is fundamentally wrong, it must be or there’d be some way to fill that void. He doesn’t know what it is, or why he’s missing it, he doesn’t even know if he wants it. After all he can’t seem to want anything. 

Although, the change of scenery is a welcomed change. It gives him something else to focus on, other than the lingering void inside him. Mother seems to believe this trip could help him and his siblings. She told him she’d find a way to help him feel.  

He doesn’t care.

They make it to the castle and they talk about boring things, in a boring room, with a boring king. There’s nothing to keep his attention here, so all he can focus on is the nothingness. It’s empty, it’s nothing, how can he feel like it needs to be filled yet feel absolutely nothing at all? 

Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing-

An order. Good, finally something. Eyes shut firmly, back straight, the slight fulfilment of obeying an order from Germa. The nothingness recedes. Then he feels, physically, a drop of liquid touch his hair. 

It’s full. The nothingness is filled. He’s happy, he’s sad, he’s angry, he’s scared. Every emotion he’s never had floods into his head. 

It’s too much. 

It’s too much. 

It’s too much.  

How do people deal with it, why do they deal with it, who took this from him?

Sanji in the dungeon alone, he’s scared, ichiji’s angry. 

Father doesn’t love him, why does it hurt?

Mother does love him, how did he never feel her love before?

It’s too much. 

It’s too much. 

It’s too much.  

Ichiji blacks out.

Well, at least King Riku can see the Princess’s tears did something. That being said, the sight of a five year old hyperventilating and passing out doesn’t scream healed. It was probably too much for the prince to handle, all those emotions never felt before then felt all at once. It’s really no wonder as to why the boy lost consciousness. Luckily, he was able catch him before he fell. He’s torn between asking the Queen to help and quickly finishing healing all the children so that the Princess can leave unseen. The Princess makes the decision for him.

“AHH! I’m so sorry! It-it’s meant to help! I meant to help! This has never happened before!”

At this two pairs of eye fly open, the blond boy and the Queen.

“Ichiji!” the boy yells before running to his brother. The Queen looks shocked and scared at the turn of events. None of the other children move a muscle. The blond prince cradles the red haired boy no, Ichiji’s head. Frozen in place at the turn of events, the King finds his eyes being met with watery ocean blue. 

“K-King Riku what happened to my brother?”

They both look so young and innocent it’s hard to imagine they come from a family of warmongers. 

Finding his voice the King of Dressrosa answers as best he can.

“The second he was healed it worked, it looked as if he was so overwhelmed by emotion he passed out cold.”

His concern for the boy must seem genuine to the blond, as a hopeful look crosses his face.

“I-it worked?”

The prince looks as if his heart has been broken and healed all at once. Averting his eyes, the king moves the Princess to the blue hair boy. The process repeats for the boy in blue. The difference being is that this time there’s no drastic change. Instead his brow furrows slightly before smoothing out. 

The green haired boy on the other hand, looks confused at first, then it’s as if the sun’s lit up on his face. Tears well in his eyes, his hands tremble and he grasps his mothers hand with a newfound strength before diving into here arms. 

“Mom!” At the call, Queen Sora bursts into tears with her son. Hugging him as if he’ll disappear at any given moment.   

Last, but not least the pink haired girl. The second the change occurs it’s like she’s overcome with relief. Her limbs fail her and she bonelessly sinks to the ground, a look of awe dawning her face. 

All children are cured. 

It doesn’t appear that way. With Ichiji’s out cold and the blue boy looking almost scared despite his eye’s being firmly shut. The girl and the green haired boy seem to be taking to the change like a fish to water, both enjoying their newfound emotions with glee. 

King Riku did all that he can. The tearful scene almost makes him forget that he’s terrified for his Kingdom. That these people were warmongers. Then the blond boy speaks. 

“Thank you King Riku,” looking down, with a serious tone he continues, “In around 6 years a man named Donquixote Doflamingo will come to Dressrosa. With the power of the string string fruit he will make you kill your own people and take over your Kingdom. All of you will live except Scarlet.” Looking at their confused, shocked faces, Sanji finished with, “You should probably keep more canned food in a safe spot.”

Chaos ensues.

Chapter Text

That was more than Sanji wanted to say.

The blade aimed at his throat tells him that. 

Kyros looks infuriated. A chill travels down Sanji’s spine. He messed up. Of course, he messed up. He spoke without thinking it through. It’s just that everything was going so well and he thought maybe helping them could be just as simple. Sanji was wrong, Kyros isn't looking at him like he’s a kid anymore, he’s looking at him like an enemy. Luckily for Sanji, it appears as if he’s waiting for the King to tell him what to do before he attacks. Maybe he can talk his way out of this. 

Sanji opens his mouth to give every excuse and apology he can but is cut off by the King speaking first. 

“Scarlet is already dead.” 

Now Sanji’s the one confused. 

“Or at least that is what the world thinks.”

Oh no. His nakama never told him this portion of the story. Sanji shouldn't know she’s alive now; he just revealed he knows classified information. King Riku continues,

“You mentioned Donquixote Doflamingo as well. A fearsome pirate that was once a Celestial Dragon.” With a knowing glint, King Riku looks Sanji in the eye and explains,

“Each family of the Celestial Dragon once ruled a Kingdom, and I think you can guess which one the Donquixote family ruled over.”

It just keeps getting worse. Sanji shouldn’t know this information, he didn’t just give them a warning he told them there would be a threat like it was a fact. Initially, he thought worst-case scenario they wouldn’t believe him. Now he knows the worst-case scenario is that they realise he knows about future events. What if they tell someone else? What if an enemy finds out? What if they kill him and be done with it?  

King Riku continues as if Sanji wasn’t freaking out internally. 

“It wouldn’t surprise me if they did want to take over our Kingdom. The question is how do you know about it?”

The King's eyes say it all. He’s in no mood for games or excuses. Sanji’s stuck. He’s trapped. He can’t breathe. There’s a helmet on his head that’s never coming off-

“King Riku.” His mother's harsh tone snaps him out of his spiralling. 

“I would ask that your guard move his sword so we can discuss this.” She sounds enraged in a cold fury. 

“My son has been through enough torture by his father. If you take one more step against my baby I will not hesitate to bring war to your door.”

Sanji’s never seen this side of his mother. She looks as if she’s urging for a fight, to protect him with all she has. Sanji messed up, but his mother still wanted to protect him. And looking at her Sanji knows she’ll win. 

The King looks conflicted at her statement. He obviously wishes to question Sanji further and pry any further insight he can from the boy, but Queen Sora’s threat is just too dangerous. King Riku prides himself on his peaceful approach, Dressrosa has never been in a war. He would like to keep it that way.

“Kyros stand down.” 

Kyros hesitates before pulling his sword away. 

“Good. We will leave your Kingdom now.”

Her voice steel, Sora gently places Yonji’s feet on the ground before wheeling over to Sanji and Ichiji. Sanji can’t look at her. He doesn't want to see the disappointment, but the last thing he wants is to stay here any longer. Rising to his feet, Sanji gently lifts Ichiji into his arms before helping Sora adjust him in her lap. With Ichiji taken care of, Sanji walks over to Niji to grab his hand. Based on what Niji has shown he isn’t handling the change well. Ideally, he could help him here, but because of his own stupidity, he has to guide him back to the ship instead. He wants to reassure Niji and tell him it’s okay, just one more walk to the ship then he can help, but Sanji can’t bring himself to speak. The words get lodged in his throat and the phantom weight on his head increases. 

Luckily, Reiju always seems to know when he needs help the most. She quickly takes Niji’s free hand and tells Niji what he wishes he could. A second hand takes Sanji’s own free one, looking up he’s met with Yonji’s soft smile. Tears well in his eyes, and Sanji squeezes his hand in gratitude. Once all the children have exited save Ichiji on Sora’s lap, she turns and addresses the King of Dressrosa for the last time. 

“I will leave your payment on shore when we leave. Thank you for healing my children, I will never forget that kindness. But I also won’t forget you turned your sword on my son after he only tried to help you with his words. The timing of his statement may not have been ideal and definitely worthy of some reaction, but that does not excuse threatening a child.”

With that Germa’s royal family leaves Dressrosa.

One billion berries are left on shore. 

The second the door closes behind Germa’s royal family, King Riku collapses in his chair. Of all the things they were expecting to happen after healing the children, this was not one of them. That boy knew things that should be impossible to know. He knew of Scarlet, he spoke of the Donquixote family, and worse he foretold their defeat. So many questions swirl in his head. The most prominent being, how this small child possesses this knowledge. 

What if Germa is working with Donquixote? What if this is all some elaborate ruse to distract them from their real plan? But the boy looked afraid the moment the words left his mouth. Like it was a mistake; like he said too much. Even if Germa is working with Donquixote the boy’s expression made it seem like he’d be punished greatly for his warning. Indicating that his words could be true and that could be Doflamingo’s plan for Dressrosa. 

Or maybe it’s all a hoax. Maybe the boy just had an excessive imagination. But the minuscule possibility that the boy’s words were true is far too great a threat to ignore. King Riku wished to question the boy, kindly of course he’s only a child. But alas, Kyros got ahead of himself. Holding a sword against the prince of a Kingdom is a declaration of war, their only saving grace is that the Queen chose to ignore this slight due to their earlier aid. 

Riku’s not mad. He can understand Kyros seeing red after hearing of his pregnant wife's death. The way the boy spoke was factual like this would happen. Kyros saw this as a threat. Luckily he was able to stop himself before he did anything irreversible. 

Even without further questioning, they would be stupid to not take precautions. They are a Kingdom of peace, so war is not an option. Could they even reason with Donquixote? There’s a good chance they want them to suffer, their reputation suggests as such. 

No matter what the future events will be, it’s certainly not a bad idea to increase security. 

And maybe store up some non-perishable foods at Scarlet’s cabin. 

Germa left them with a sizeable compensation, much more than he was expecting. After calming down Kyros and informing the dwarves of the situation they come up with a makeshift plan. 

Their only wish is that they kept their temper in check so they could peacefully integrate the boy. A timeline or estimated timeframe would have been extremely helpful.  

Niji’s scared. No scratch that, Niji’s terrified. 

He feels things now. 

Why?

Why? 

Why?

Things were good before, he felt all he needed to feel. Anger and contentment. Now he feels scared to open his eyes. How are you even supposed to deal with terror? Niji’s never had to before. 

He’s been thrust into a new perspective with sadness, fear, and empathy. He actually feels guilty when he recalls breaking a soldier's bone and laughing. Father encouraged that behaviour, praised it. Before, looking back on that memory he felt pride, now he feels unsettled. Niji remembers tears forming behind their goggles, he remembers pointing and laughing at their whimpering, and he feels sick. If he was laughed at, ridiculed for being weak, tears begin to form in his eyes at the thought. 

What the hell is happening to him?

He’s being guided by Reiju back to the ship. She’s whispering reassurances. Niji can’t see her with his eyes still firmly shut, but hearing her does ease his nerves somewhat. Someone else is holding his other hand, probably Sanji, he was always the most empathetic. 

Niji doesn’t want to care that they’re comforting him. He doesn’t want reassurance or affection. He was fine before, stronger before. He knew he was the lucky one before, he never felt sad or scared. Father always said he was the perfect soldier.

So why does it feel so nice? Why is there a warmth in his chest? Why does he feel loved?

And why does it feel so good to be loved?

Niji’s mind is a whirlwind of confusion and anxiety.

This is the worst day ever. 

The best day ever.

Niji doesn’t know what to do, what to say, or what to feel. 

He’s absolutely terrified. 

When they make it back to the ship, Reiju takes him over to Mother. Apparently, Ichiji passes out from the so-called ‘cure’ to their emotionless state. Ichiji’s lucky he could just pass out, he doesn’t have to feel these things yet, deal with these feelings yet. He wishes he passed out. 

So why is he worried?

This is all stupid. 

His Mother gently picks him up, and the urge to fight, to attack is overtaken by shock at the action. Sitting in her lap, facing her kind smile, evokes an emotion in Niji. What did Sanji call it again?

Safe. Niji’s never really felt scared before now, so he has no clue how to deal with it. But gazing into her eyes he feels his fear dissipate. Sanji called it feeling safe. 

Why does Mother make him feel safe?

Her soft hands cup his face, like something fragile and precious. Other than Sanji, he has no recollection of anyone ever treating him with such care. It’s all too much, each emotion is fighting for dominance. Safe, confused, sad, angry, happy-

“Baby, I know this is a lot for you. I’m so sorry it had to be like this, you were never supposed to not have emotions. Now having so many it must be terribly confusing, but I promise you, soon you will be so very glad we got them back.”

Her voice rings like wind chimes in his ears. Echoing her words, over and over again. Got them back. Got his emotions back. He was fine before. He never wanted to feel sad or terrified like Sanji did. Niji was the lucky one without emotions, not Sanji. They did this to him. Caused this pain and confusion. He never wanted this. 

His anger wins. 

He pushes, hits and scratches in an attempt to get out of her hold. He screams, hoping his emotions will leave with every breath. She holds him tighter and traps him against her chest. Niji should be stronger he can punch rocks, deflect bullets and snap necks, so why can’t he break her hold? Did they take his strength too? Is he normal now? Useless now?

Unbidden tears well up, and flow down his face. Niji’s screams quickly turn to sobs and his fighting to clinging. He buries his face in her chest and sobs out everything he’s feeling. 

Every emotion.

Every fear.

Everything.

Until he has nothing left to cry. His sobs turn to whimpers, and at his lack of volume, he can hear her. His mother is rocking him slowly, rubbing a comforting hand down his back, humming a soothing tune in his ear. Safe. He’s safe. He’s loved.

Sleep tugs at Niji’s consciousness. Instead of fighting it, he focuses on her voice and cuddles just a little closer. 

Maybe. Just maybe this won’t be so bad after all.   

When Ichiji opens his eyes he’s met with the stone of Germa. Somehow he’s back on the ship. Was that all just a crazy dream? Fear at the notion swells in his stomach; definitely not a dream. The empty hole is filled, the nothingness has completely receded. What the hell happened?

A soft tug at his arm startles him. Sanji, his little brother, is clinging to his arm in his sleep. He looks peaceful. So different from the Sanji he found deep in Germa’s dungeons.

Before the change, the memory only stirred a small jolt of anger in Ichiji. Recalling it now is like setting off an inferno. Why in the hell was his little brother in the dungeon alone?  

Before his supposed death Sanji said he preferred their company. 

He would always hug Ichiji and tell him he loved him. He was always gentle and kind to everyone. He made Ichiji feel nothing before, but looking back he feels warm, loved. Is this what Sanji was talking about? Was this what Sanji was trying to teach them?

But then who would lock him in the dungeon? Who would hurt someone so kind? He never asked. He never cared to ask. But Father must have known he was there. Father must have locked him up. Father did always emphasise that emotions were weak and useless and Ichiji did notice Yonji changing his behaviour after Sanji started teaching him empathy. 

A part of Ichiji is so infuriated it’s painful. He wishes to dig up Father’s body and kill him again. He wishes to bring him back to life and stuff him in the dungeon for all eternity. He needs to punish him for his cruelty towards his little brother-

Sanji snuggles into his arm distracting him from his angry tangent. Sanji told him to be kind. Sanji wouldn’t want him to hurt others on his behalf. Tears run down his face before he can stop them. Ichiji sniffles turn into sobs. He can’t stop. How do you stop? His cries wake Sanji up. His little brother looks at him eyes wide with shock before they well with tears of his own. 

Why’s Sanji sad? Is it his fault?

Sanji flings himself into Ichiji, hugging him with all he has before speaking.

“I’m just so happy, you can cry.”

Oh. Did he say that stuff outloud? 

“You did.” Sanji chuckles, before continuing with a more serious tone. 

“I love you Ichiji.” 

The words echo in his head. 

I love you. 

I love you.

And he feels it. The love Sanji has for him. It’s warm and kind and unconditional. It feels like the emptiness was replaced with a sense of peace. This is what he was missing. This feeling. This love. He’s never felt more valued and important, and Ichiji knows no matter what he failed at unlike his father, Sanji’s love wouldn’t waver. 

This is his brother and he love Ichiji. This is his brother and Ichiji loves him. 

Ichiji loves him. He feels it well in his chest and erupt to the surface, and for the first time, Ichiji hugs his brother back. 

Sanji stiffens as if this was unexpected. But Ichiji doesn’t notice, too absorbed in his revelation. He wants Sanji to feel as happy and warm as Sanji words made him. The words bubble up to the surface, they’re on the tip of his tongue. But he can’t say it. 

He knows logically Sanji would be thrilled, but his newfound fear stops him from risking it. 

He’s never felt fear, or nervous before. Ichiji doesn’t know how to overcome it. 

But what if him not speaking those words is worse? 

What if Sanji stops loving him?

What does he do?

What does he do?

What does he do?

Air won’t enter his lungs. He can’t breathe. Why can’t he breathe? Tear well up in his eyes again, this is just too much to handle. Small hands cup his face. Comforting words drift into his ears. 

“Breath in. And out. You’re okay Ichiji, it’s okay. I love you and you’re safe.”

Sanji’s words are quiet in relation to his own labored breathing. Ichiji focuses on those words. 

After what feels like hours, Ichiji’s breathing is finally back to normal. He’s exhausted, these emotion are so tiring it’s a wonder Sanji could ever keep up them. Voice scratchy and faint after his breathing issue, Ichiji thanks Sanji. 

“No problem! I’ll help you whenever you need it!”

The happiness and sincerity in his tone causes his own shocked black eyes to meet his brother’s blue. Ichiji’s overcome with the realisation that Sanji loves him and wants to help him. There’s no way telling him Ichiji loves him would push him away. With a burst of confidence Ichiji finally tells his brother the words Sanji never thought he’d say. 

“I love you Sanji.”

Sanji’s eyes widen and his mouth drops. More tears join the others as Sanji embraces him once again. 

Pelu pelu pelu pelu pelu

Pelu pelu pelu pelu pelu

Pelu pelu pelu pelu pelu

Pelu pleu pleu- Kacha.

“Report.” A velvety smooth voice commands. 

“Germa Kingdom’s royal family came to Dressrosa and Spoke to Riku.” 

“What?” The voice sounds shocked, confused. Why in the world would Germa go there?

“The King, Judge died supposedly of natural causes and the Queen wished to cure her sons and daughter with the heal-heal fruit. A small dwarf possesses the fruit and healed them as an act of kindness.” 

The voice hums as an indirect order to continue. 

“They were successful. In gratitude, the one boy who did not need to be healed, warned the false King of Dressrosa.”

The spy hesitates, nervous about the voice's reaction. 

“His exact words were, ‘In around 6 years a man named Donquixote Doflamingo will come to Dressrosa. With the power of the string string fruit he will make you kill your own people and take over your Kingdom. All of you will live except Scarlet. You should probably keep more canned food in a safe spot.’”

Seconds pass by in silence. 

When the voice finally speaks, there's an infuriated edge to his tone. 

“What is the boy’s name.”

Without pausing, the spy replies.

“Vinsmoke Sanji.”

Chapter Text

The second the tear hit her head everything changed. 

Having your emotions torn away from you is like losing a limb. There’s phantom pain, you know you should feel things but find yourself unable to. It’s something Reiju wouldn’t wish upon her worst enemy. 

Getting them back is just pure unadulterated relief. It fills the hole inside she could never hope to fill without it. It makes her feel alive again. No longer a robot with Father's commands. She can laugh, she can cry, and she can love once again. It’s a weight lifted off her shoulders that she thought would never leave. 

Reiju is probably handling it the best of her siblings. After all, she has experience dealing with emotions. Yonji is right behind her, but his happiness at being able to feel won’t last forever. One day something will make him sad or fearful and he will be in the same position as Niji and Ichiji are now. 

Luckily, Sanji and Mom are helping them at the moment. Not that Reiju wouldn’t love to help, but she does have a few things she needs to do first. 

Father’s dead, and even with her emotions she doesn’t feel the need to cry. He was cruel and terrifying and in many ways she’s happy he’s gone. There’s only one problem, it leaves the Kingdom vulnerable. It’s fine if no one finds out, but after Dressrosa there’s a good chance that someone leaked it. All Reiju can do is hope that their underground connection doesn’t get this information as he still believes he’s dealing with Judge. 

Then there’s what Sanji said. She knew after that surgery something was different, but she could never place what. Now thinking about what the King of Dressrosa said, it’s not too far-fetched to believe he knows some future events. Sanji wouldn’t lie about such things and he has been acting much more mature. Not to mention trying to teach empathy. Sanji before the procedure would have cried at Niji’s comments about it being useless. Instead, Sanji looked as if he had expected that answer. 

Yes, Reiju definitely thinks Sanji knows more than he lets on. Part of her is glad. Based on Sanji’s reactions her brothers and herself would have never received emotions without his interference. On the other hand, she knows that means he endured either a vision or had to live through the version of events where they didn’t. She can only imagine how painful it would have been. 

Maybe Reiju should ask.

Just not right now, Sanji’s dealing with enough already and she trusts him enough to use the information safely. Reiju will definitely make it her mission to keep an eye on his mental state even more than before though. And a hug or two never hurts. 

They only just left Dressrosa a few days ago, but today is the day they have their call. It’s really the day they know whether or not the Kingdom is in danger. There’s no telling what their many enemies would do with that information. 

Reiju told Sanji she’d handle it alone tonight as Ichiji’s been clinging to him since they got back. 

The downside to having her emotions again is she’s scared. If this call goes wrong they lose any chance at a lead regarding the Op Op no Mi. They’d lose their chance at saving Mom. That is not an option. Reiju knows that the chance it doesn’t go well is high, the chance that they have to renegotiate is high. If Sanji was here he’d feel terribly guilty; her little brother doesn’t deserve that. 

When she finally finds herself infront of the Den Den Mushi, her hands shake and her confidence crumbles. She cannot, will not lose any of her family. This has to go well, no matter what they know. 

The phone rings just as Reiju anticipated it would. Her blood runs cold, she was hoping her fear was just her paranoia talking. She was hoping they didn’t call.  Her fingers tremble as she answers the line. 

“Judge! I was worried you wouldn’t pick up, normally you’re a lot quicker on the pickup! Anyway, do I have good news for you!”

What? Of all the things she was expecting this wasn’t one of them. But maybe, just maybe their luck is finally looking up. Her hands are steady and her confidence has returned. With just a few words he’s silenced all of her fear and worry.  

“A high level broker got their hands on the Op Op fruit and they’re willing to trade with the Germa Kingdom for a price!”

Reiju can’t stop the smile that spreads across her face at that. If they made a deal with whoever has it, they could save Mom. Mom would live. Gathering her composer, Reiju taps out a response.

“Great! The meeting is in the North Blue on an Island called Spider Miles. I’ll let my contact know you’re coming! They’ll find you.”

Kacha

The quick conclusion and vague information indicate that it’s a less than savoury dealer. They should take precautions and prepare as they make their way over. A part of Reiju feels doubt; why now of all times, is it just a coincidence? Maybe they shouldn’t go. Request the deal take place in their own Kingdom. 

But Mom’s not doing well. When Reiju asked Mom’s nurse they said it was a wonder she could still move albeit slowly. There’s a chance Mom won’t live to see the boy's sixth birthday if she keeps overexerting herself.   

Mom would tell her to stop. But Mom also would never put her children in danger for her own sake. But Reiju knows they need Mom. Now more than ever. 

It’ll be risky, dangerous and probably a bad idea, but Reiju won’t tell her. She’ll need Sanji’s help to pull this off. His knowledge of those future events would definitely come in handy. After all this deal could have gone through with another group in his timeline. 

First things first, Reiju has to redirect the direction of their ships. Easy enough, she used to do it before just to mess with Father until he blamed the soldiers. Since they’ve been drifting aimlessly in the North for a while now no one should care about the sudden change in directions.   

Now how to tell Sanji?

If he’s dreaming Sanji never wants to wake up.

In the before and after, Sanji has only ever been told by one person that they love him. Mom. Deep down he knows Zeff loves him, but he’s never said the words. So Sanji never said them back; too scared to be told otherwise. He regrets that now, Zeff showed his love in actions and Sanji’s now fearful he never showed it back. In this new timeline, he’s determined to rectify this mistake. 

So even when his brothers and sister got back their emotions, something that was inconceivable before, he never imagined he’d hear those words. I love you. 

But Ichiji said it. Ichiji, the strongest and quietest of his siblings. In the past, never upfront in his torment but the emotionless audience. Ichiji cried. He reciprocated Sanji’s hug. He became the second person to ever say they loved him. 

Sanji can barely contain his happiness. Experiencing the dungeon once again was horrible, but knowing it resulted in this makes it all worth it.  

His good mood must be contagious, it’s not long before Ichiji’s smiling and laughing when they're together. Niji’s still hesitant and fearful in their interactions but over time that will fade. Reiju seems to be handling herself quite well, though sometimes her face closes off out of habit. Yonji, on the other hand, is taking everything in stride. For the first time, they all begin to act like actual children. Mom’s absolutely thrilled. 

So when Reiju runs over to him with a smile on her face Sanji expects her to ask to play or something more trivial. To say he was shocked to hear their underground contact had a deal for them for the Op Op fruit would be an understatement. With everything else going on Sanji completely forgot about the hunt for the Op Op no Mi. It was his responsibility and he left it all for his sister to do. Before his guilt can overwhelm him completely, Reiju grabs his hand. 

“I wanted to help Sanji, don’t beat yourself up about it. I know you would have helped if you could.”

With a bright smile, Reiju says, 

“Right now we have to come up with a plan for the meeting. We should get there in a week so our priority is finding a soldier to help us!”

“A soldier? Why would we need to ask a soldier to help us?”

“Because Sanji, we’re children. No broker in their right mind would make a deal with us, we’ve got to get a soldier to pretend to be there in Judge’s stead!”

It all makes sense when said like that. Reiju has always been the best with plans. 

But now? How did Law get the fruit before? Given the bad blood between Doflamingo and Law, he wouldn’t give it to Law. Was the deal with someone else before? Who?

All he knows for certain is that Law was going to get it, but since they’ve interfered there’s a chance they ruined the opportunity for him to get the fruit. He can’t think about all that now. Whether or not this is the product of his interference is irrelevant. The only thing that matters right now is saving Mom. 

For some reason, Sanji finds himself drawn to one particular soldier. 

During his time in the dungeon, he was brought meals by a soldier who always appeared troubled. In Sanji’s mind, it seemed like they felt more than they showed. When he was revealed to be alive to the citizen he saw the soldier again. He was one of Judge’s higher up soldiers programmed to exert the King’s will. When he saw the soldier he looked relieved. He smiled in Sanji’s direction. After Mother’s declaration unknowingly ordered them to stop following the Monarch’s orders blindly, he took Sanji aside and apologised. 

They didn’t want to leave Sanji there. They didn’t want to extend his torture. They wanted to disobey. Which makes them the perfect soldier to ask for help. 

The next few weeks go by in a flash. 

Preparations are made with the soldier and a Den Den Mushi to sell their lies. While difficult, they manage to hide their scrambling from Mom. Hopefully, when they have the fruit in hand she’ll forgive them for omitting the truth. 

One of the snails separates from the others with the front of gathering supplies from Spider Miles. Reiju and Sanji volunteered to go and oversee everything. Sora was hesitant to let them go with only the soldiers but quickly relented to their pleading eyes. Guilt weighs on both siblings heavily, but this is something that must be done. They need their Mother to live. Surely Sora would understand if the roles were reversed. 

After a quick goodbye hug, Sanji and Reiju are off. 

Uneasy. If Sanji had to describe the feeling this meeting evokes it’d be uneasy. This is just a quick trip, he’ll be back playing games and cooking treats in the kitchen in no time. So why does he feel like he just said his final goodbye?

Now’s not the time. Their soldier friend is approaching the meeting point. Their first suggestion of ‘we’ll find you’ was much too risky. Luckily they didn’t mind a change in venue. Spider Miles is home to a waste processing plant littered with mountains of scrap and factories, so picking one wasn’t too much of a challenge. The benefit is that Sanji and Reiju have many places to hide and watch as the meeting takes place.

In the few hours they have before the meeting takes place, Sanji and Reiju scout the building for anything suspicious. Despite finding nothing abnormal, Sanji can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong with this deal. With Germa’s soldier standing in the center of the warehouse and Sanji and Reiju hidden behind some scaffolding in the far corner. They’re ready.

When the minutes go by without spying any sign of the dealer. The sinking feeling in Sanji’s gut intensifies. If this goes wrong, Sanji could potentially handle himself and so could Reiju. But if for some reason something happened to her Sanji wouldn’t be able to live with himself. 

Then there’s the fear they’ll attack the soldier who lacks their iron skin. One gunshot and he’s down for the count. 

No one should get hurt, but if they do it’ll be his fault. 

An ominous feeling washes over Sanji. Something’s wrong.  

Someone far too strong is approaching on the edge of his observation haki, they’re dangerous. Sanji can sense two men flanking the leader each with enough strength to make himself powerless in comparison. They’re still a ways off but they're approaching rapidly. 

His voice steel, his hands steady, Sanji grabs his sister's shoulders and forces her to look him in the eye. 

“Run.”    

Her eyes widen, she goes to refuse, to argue, but the look in his eyes says it all. If she stays they’ll both die. Reiju hesitates, but with a final glance towards her brother, she runs back to shore. Knowing Reiju, she’ll be back with reinforcements. Sanji has to end this meeting before she can. Based on what he can sense they could decimate Germa as it is now. 

As the three foreboding beings enter the factory Sanji’s blood runs cold. 

He should have known.

The timing was too perfect. 

The deal was too easy.  

Sanji needs to leave, but he also needs the fruit. The question is, will they be able to get it? Sanji knows one thing for certain: they shouldn’t have come.  

Because in all his glory, Donquixote Doflamingo stands before them. 

His hair is gelled up and longer, his attire is a more formal black suit with a loose red tie, and he’s younger. The differences end there. His red and white glasses, his pink feathered coat, and his wicked smile are all the same as he remembers. He’s terrifying.

Flanked by two of his ‘family’ members as his crew described. One large wrapped in a slimy blue coat excreting mucus and one with red stripes down his face. Both unintimidating at first glance but stronger than they appear. 

For a few long seconds the silence echoes through the warehouse. You could cut the tension in the room with a knife. At the soldiers uncomfortable expression Doflamingo’s grin widens with a menacing edge. 

“The King of Germa sends his condolences, as he is unable to attend this meeting in person.”

Before the soldier can finish the line him and Reiju wrote, Domflamingo laughs. 

The future Warlord’s laughter reverberates through the room. It’s not a kind laugh or a happy laugh, but a laugh filled with mocking and cruel amusement. 

If Sanji could move, could run he would, but his feet are plastered to the ground much like his soldier friend’s. 

Doflamingo’s laughter tapers off.

“So the rumours are true, Judge is dead.”

His voice is the same as Sanji remembers. Though a thousand times more threatening when he’s in the body of a five year old with no nakama behind him. He can see how this is the man to torment Dressrosa. To torment Viola. To torment Law. 

His words then catch up to Sanji. He knows Judge is dead? But Judge never would have come to some underground meeting in person. 

The soldier’s not denying the claim. After all this is nothing like what they were anticipating. 

The lack of a reply seems to be all the confirmation Doflamingo needed. 

“I can’t say I’m surprised. What is surprising is that whoever has been corresponding with the underworld thought one solider was enough for a trade~.” 

The more soldiers they ask for help the more people are in danger and the more likely Mom finds out. For any normal underground broker the threat of Germa would have been enough for the deal to go through without any questions. Sanji and Reiju were not planning for the future Warlord Doflamingo to show up. 

“So who in Germa have I actually been corresponding with?”

The soldier freezes and tries to swallow his fear. He will not snitch on his prince. Worse case scenario he dies sacrificing himself like he was made to. They need the fruit. If they did bring it he could provide a distraction for his prince to get it. If not then Sanji can run to safety. 

With a plan set the soldier say,

“The Ruler of Germa. If you have the Op Op no Mi with this Den Den Mushi you can negotiate the terms.”

The almost feral smile that crosses Doflamingos face send shivers down his spine. 

“What fruit? Ah right the Op Op no Mi~. You see I don’t actually have it.”

Their posture, their grin, is this all a game to Doflamingo? He looks to be actively enjoying himself. 

As if things couldn’t get any worse. All the risks, all their work for nothing. 

“T-then why?”

Doflamingo leisurely walks towards the soldier and leans down to eye level. 

“I want Vinsmoke Sanji. Since Germa’s Kingdom is right offshore the fruit really was the perfect bait~.”

Him? Doflamingo wants him? Why? What did Sanji do-

Dressrosa. He could have had spies in Dressrosa. Spies who heard his word vomit about the future. Spies who were already there in preparation for their takeover. He's so stupid. Sanji really messed up this time. 

Germa’s not strong enough to withstand an attack from a future Warlord. His siblings can’t protect themselves yet, and Mom. Mom wouldn’t survive.  

In no scenario realistic can they make it back to the ship. But Sanji also can’t reveal himself. The only reason they haven’t noticed him yet is that he has no negative intent and hasn't moved a muscle. Making it harder for their observation haki to detect him. The second he moves they’ll know someones listening, they’ll know where he is. They cannot, will not find out anything else about the future events. 

“So you see, we don’t need you.” 

His hand raises in a familiar position, his aggression heightens. Doflamingo is going to kill his friend. They’re only here because Sanji asked. They don’t deserve to die. They’re terrified but they appear to accept their fate. 

And Sanji just can't take another person dying for him. 

Sanji moves. 

Chapter Text

So, how does a five year old go up against a ten foot tall future Warlord?

Short answer: he doesn’t.

Long answer: he doesn’t it’s suicide.  

Realistically speaking it’d be like throwing a pebble at a concrete wall. Best case scenario, Sanji’s able to distract Doflamingo with the attack and use those few precious seconds to grab his friend and retreat. Based on what Sanji experienced in Dressrosa in the past, those seconds would be milliseconds and they wouldn’t even make it to the door. 

And say they catch them, Sanji just gave them the future on a silver platter. As he risked his safety to save the soldier. It won’t take them too long to connect the dots. Sanji can handle torture, but only his own. If they hurt his friend or family in front of him he can’t guarantee he won’t spill everything.  

So, what does he do?

Run. 

They said they want him, well they’ll have to catch him first. And Sanji is fast, really fast. Using skywalk to propel himself across the ground he could even give Brook a run for his money. If he used the sky…

Mucus guy definitely couldn’t catch him. 

Neither could the striped dude. 

So Doflamingo would have to chase. 

Hopefully, they’ll think he’s abandoning the soldier when in reality he’s giving him the opportunity to run. Hopefully, they won’t care if he runs because it’s Sanji they really want. Hopefully, the soldier makes sure Germa leaves. 

He can’t have this hurt his family, he won’t.   

In the small hiding space in the corner of the warehouse Sanji jumps. As faster than humanly possible he skywalks up and kicks a hole through the ceiling. Rubble from the impact scatter down. Extending his senses, he can feel their gaze. Doflamingo should learn to mask his intent; Sanji quickly dodges the string aimed at his arm. 

Further, he needs to create distance. Pushing all he can into his small legs, Sanji runs. He can sense them following him one on the ground, one in the sky, one left with his friend. Another string whips by, far too close for comfort. He needs to get away. He needs to give the soldier a chance to get away. But how?

String after string race by. Missing by mere inches each time. Part of why he's able to dodge more easily is due to the fact that Doflamingo’s not aiming to kill. 

This has no way of working out well, but under no circumstances can Germa stay. If he’s left behind then so be it. Doflamingo still following, the guy covered in mucus stopped running shortly after they started. Maybe if Sanji could just leave his sight, just for a second, he could catch up to Reiju or the soldier and give them a message. Tell them the danger they're all in. As Sanji doubts he’ll be able to escape Doflamingo.    

Speaking of Doflamingo, a quick glance back confirms he’s gaining on him. If only he had that stupid, horrible, useful, raid suit so he could turn invisible. Doflamingo might still be able to sense him, but being invisible would make him a lot harder to catch. 

Alas, that’s not an option. A makeshift smokescreen however, is. The shock at a kid lighting his leg on fire should give him a head start as well. 

A decrepit wooden shed enters Sanji’s field of view. Picking up his speed, Sanji dives towards the building. Tuning out the chuckles behind him, Sanji uses Diable Jambe and blasts through the structure. Smiling at the confusion and slight hesitation he senses from Doflamingo, Sanji uses the smoke from the newly lit fire to cover his escape. Weaving through the falling planks, Sanji hopes that Doflamingo loses sight of him. 

Last time he ran this fast he saved Chiffon from her flaming brother. Using the rubble to his advantage Sanji moves on instinct alone. His senses tell him where to go, where to hide and when to run. He can sense Doflamingo frustration, his rage at losing a child in a scrap pile. 

Maybe he can get away. They’d have to leave the North Blue, but that’s easy enough. He just needs to get to the ship with his friend. Circling back to the warehouse they started in, Sanji extends his senses further. Did they get away? Does Sanji need to help? Reiju’s back on the ship, right?

When he looks through the hole he left in the ceiling he finds his answer. 

Red. Bright bold red. Blood. 

Sanji’s soldier friend lies dead on the concrete floor covered in his own blood. Gun shot wounds riddle his abdomen and his eyes lay open, lifeless. 

This is his fault.

This is his fault.

This is his fault.

Sanji throws up.

Before he can talk himself out of it. He jumps through the hole and walks toward his friend. The silence is deafening. Sanji’s eyes are fixed on the body. He can’t look away. And why should he, he did this. The Den Den Mushi lays forgotten on the ground, stained red. The snail trekking away leaves a blood train in its wake. 

This was never going to end well. So why oh why did Sanji think it ever could? His Mom, his siblings, they'll come back for him. They shouldn’t. He has to stop them. How?

His eyes draw back towards the snail. His body moves forward robotically. Each step is harder than the last. He hasn’t blinked, maybe hasn’t breathed, but he walks toward the snail. Steady hands pick up the receiver and input the phone number. 

The snail’s ringtone echoed in his head. What feels like an eternity passes until they finally pick up. 

“...Sanji?” His sister’s hesitant whisper almost breaks his facade. Not yet.  

He can’t break yet.      

“Reiju makes sure Germa leaves the North Blue. Don’t come back, don’t try to save me.” His voice is unrecognisable, almost emotionless. 

“Sanji? What are you talking about, come back to the ship!”

“I need to do this alone, Reiju. I’ll be fine.”

“No, no, don’t do this Sanji there’s still time-”

“Reiju, please. Trust me. Tell Mom, Yonji, Niji and Ichiji I love them. And I’m sorry. ” 

“What? Sanji no-”

Kacha.

Right on time. He can sense Doflamingo’s approach, his frustration radiating. Sanji has a second or so at most. And he could run or hide, but this time he doubts Doflamingo will underestimate him. It’s not worth the energy. 

Instead, Sanji turns toward his friend. Those empty eyes gazing back. As gently as he can he closes them, it’s the least he could do for him. After all, Sanji's the reason he’s dead. 

That’s the scene Doflamingo stumbles upon. A little blond prince staring lifelessly at the fresh corpse of a soldier. Frustration turns to excitement, enjoyment. Sanji would shudder if he had the energy. 

“Well, well, well Sanji. Wasn’t so hard, was it~.”

Like a mantra in his head, Sanji tells himself Doflamingo will end up locked in Impel Down. He will be held accountable. Sanji lashing out now would just make things worse. It doesn’t do much to suffocate his rage at the sheer audacity of this man. They both know very well that either way the soldier would have died, at least this way it was quick. At least this way Doflamingo has nothing to hold above him. Sanji can take any other torture the man can provide, in fact apart of him wants it. His friend would still be alive if he didn’t wrap him up in this foolish mission. 

“That's some strong rage there, Vinsmoke. But I’d rather not kill you just yet~.” 

Doflamingo’s cruel grin is almost audible. He knows Sanji stands no chance at getting away and he’s obviously enjoying Sanji’s pain and anguish. 

“I won’t tell you what I know.” Dead, he sounds dead. There’s a filter in his head, a ringing in his ears, a disconnect from his reality. But Sanji will not risk the future becoming worse. 

“We’ll see about that.” 

All mockery gone from his tone, a serious declaration. 

Sanji senses the attack too late. Hit by a haki coated fist to his head, black spot dance in his vision. He can still move, he’s not unconscious just yet. His assailant notices as well.

“Huh, you’re stronger than you look.”

Sanji can’t dodge the second hit coming his way. 

Darkness greets him. 

Waking up in restraints is disorienting to say the least. Though Sanji’s getting used to it. Luckily for him while his arms and legs are cuffed in seastone his head is free from any apparatus. Doflamingo restraints are kinder than his own biological father, it’s almost laughable. 

This can go a number of ways. Hopefully they start with physical torture, physical pain Sanji can deal with. If they withhold food, well, Sanji’s not sure he’ll hold out. If they torture any innocents or woman Sanji will definitely break. He wouldn’t tell them everything, obviously, but a few tidbits wouldn’t hurt, right? After all they have no way of proving if it’s true or if it’s all he knows. 

Point of the matter is, if his family got away the worst they could do is kill him. Which would be unfortunate. It would certainly derail a number of his plans. But Zeff wouldn’t lose a leg, no one else would get hurt because of him, no one else would die because of him. 

Now's not the time to have an existential crisis. 

Sanji promised Reiju. 

Promised Mom. 

He won’t help Doflamingo, but he also won’t antagonise him too much. 

Or at least not on purpose. 

It’s hours before he has company other than the small creatures that find this dungeon home. The bugs are a different variety, but still make his inside churn with fear. He can only move so much, but at least they won’t crawl into his helmet again. 

The walls are broken down and beat up, relying far too much on the plaster and nails to keep them together. There’s light this time, it’s a welcomed change. If there weren’t restraints chaining him to the floor it would be better than some of the places he’s slept. Maybe it’s the lack of caring on his face or the relaxed form of his muscles, but when Doflamingo finally shows up his smile falters slightly. The two men from the meeting flank him as they did before. Cruel amusement coating their faces until they notice his calm demeanour.  

“Vinsmoke Sanji. I must say it was easier to get you than I initially anticipated. You came right to us on a silver platter.” 

If Sanji could see past his glasses he’d see the teasing glint in Doflamingo’s eyes. 

“I would have expected better from the boy who knows too much.”

There’s an implied command to explain in Doflamingo’s words. Sanji’s silence is not appreciated. As the science stretches he realises this won’t end until he speaks. Sanji has to exude confidence, any fear can be used against him. After taking a second to gather his composure, Sanji utters the same thing as before. 

“I won’t tell you what I know.” With a smile he adds,

“Or how I know.”

The grin that paints the future Warlord’s face shrinks, and all humour vanishes from his voice. 

“Diamante.”

The man with the bright red stripes down his face, grins with malice. Taking a thin long piece of fabric resembling a sword in hand, he steps forward. 

“Lock.” With Diamante’s command the fabric straightens, strengthens, until there's a real sword in his hand. Sanji knows what comes next. The sword arcs through the air and rests at his jugular. 

“Last chance.” Diamante drawls, Sanji can tell he’s itching to cut, to hurt, to torture. 

Well, Sanji always was curious how much his enhancements could take. Last time a sword hit his neck it broke. So with a bright smile, Sanji replies.

“I’m good!”

Diamante’s eyes widened, his grin faltering slightly; it was obviously not the reaction they anticipated. Collecting himself quickly Diamante barks out a laugh and brings the sword down. 

SNAP

The top half of the sword dropping on the floor echoes through the room. They all have varying amounts of shock painting their faces. The silence is broken by Doflamingo loud menacing laughter. Amusement and understanding now coating his face. 

“So that's why you’re not afraid in the least.” Doflamingo’s tone quickly turns serious,

“But I can still break you.”

Sanji barely has time to flinch before a haki coated fist rams into his head. Doflamingo’s lingering laughter rings in Sanji's ears. He should have figured it wouldn’t take Doflamingo long to solve that problem. 

The fist continued to rain down upon him, each carrying more impact than the last.

Minutes passed. Or was it hours?

When the beating finally ends his mouth is dripping blood and his whole body aches in pain. Doflamingo seems satisfied with his silence, with his pain. Sanji senses victory from the tall flamingo-like man, he thinks he actually hurt him. Maybe it’s the adrenaline. Maybe he just got hit in a head a little too hard. But Sanji bursts into laughter. Almost choking on his blood in his haste. It’s just far too amusing to not acknowledge.

This torture. This pain. Is nothing.    

Sanji was raised with fists and blood. He remembers more broken bones than hugs, more pain than love. Hsi first childhood was the worst hell someone could possibly imagine, compared to that this attempt is laughable. 

To think his own father tortured him worse just a few mere months ago. To think a murder, a future evil Warlord, was kinder than his own father.  

With his haki he can feel Doflamingo intrigue and his lackeys' slight horror. Spitting a clot of blood, Sanji grins at them ferally and tells them the truth. 

“You’ll have to do better than that.”

The next hours are full of agony and blood, punches and kicks, strings and swords. It’s like a game to Doflamingo. How much torture can Sanji take?

A lot evidently. Each time Sanji thinks, this is painful, he’s overcome by hysterical laughter because it’s still better than Judge’s torture. At least it’s not his brothers hurting him. At least it’s not phycological torture. At least they’re hurting him.   

Doflamingo even begins to show signs of frustration. Which makes the whole scenario even more amusing. 

Then he stops, abruptly, and leaves. 

Sanji company’s once again reduced to the bugs on the wall and the mice in the corner. He’s not dumb enough to think Doflamingo gave up. Doflamingo’s probably just going to try another angle. But which angle will he take? 

That’s when the terror sets in. He’s stuck. Sanji can’t help. Sanji’s powerless once again. Germa left, right? His family’s okay, right? Doflamingo doesn’t have anything to hold against him, right?

Left with the bugs, his worries fester. His composure begins to crumble and his body begins to ache.   

Doflamingo is not a man you should mess with. Sanji knows this, and has experienced this. So it really shouldn’t be a surprise for the man to know exactly how to crack his facade. 

So it probably shouldn’t be a surprise for his dead friend to be puppeteered into the room. A lifeless doll, orchestrated to move with Doflamingo’s commands. The soldier’s eyes he closed are now open and empty, they somehow look betrayed.

It looks like his friend's asking, why didn’t you save me Sanji?  

And Sanji’s well maintained front breaks.  

Everything is going great. Ichiji and Niji are recovering, Sanji, Yonji and Reiju are doing well and all of them have their emotions. Finally they all can be kids, like they were always meant to be. Sora never thought she’d see the day. For the first time since she married Judge, since she was pregnant with her boys, she felt happy. 

Sora’s illusion is shattered quickly. The ships are moving fast to some new destination which is all and well on its own, but then Reiju bursts into her room and explains why.     

Her beautiful, kind babies wanted to save her. They put themselves in danger to save her. Sora doesn’t blame them, she’s not mad in the slightest, but she is terrified. Sanji, her sweet, kind, Sanji was left on that island. She wants to go back and fight that Warlord tooth and nail for her baby. But she can’t. Sora knows not to fight a losing battle and this was a fight they had no chance at winning. She’s bedridden, her children are children, and their Kingdom was strong mostly because Judge was willing to sacrifice every soldier's life. 

Her eyes produce little waterfalls as she cries. She should have protected him. 

What will Ichiji think? He only just got back his emotions and he’s been clinging to Sanji the whole time! What if he’s too sad, what if she loses consciousness again, what if, what if, what if. Sora’s never been the best at handling emotional situations. If she’s happy she’ll cry, sad cry, scared cry. She really shouldn’t be in charge of a Kingdom. 

It’s a painful realisation. Knowing she can’t help her baby. Knowing her baby was in danger because of her. She never should have left Sanji out of her sight! The things he said occurred in the future suggest he’s far too reckless, Sora should have known he would do something like this. 

As it stands now she can’t save Sanji. Sora has to leave her baby with a mad man. It’s a slight comfort to know his mind is an adults. It’s far more likely he can find a way to escape. But Sora cannot, will not do nothing. 

She knows some future events that Sanji told her about. She knows people and places that are safe. In no world would she trust any normal marine, but one might be trustworthy. After all, this marine is the Grandfather of Sanji's captain. 

So a move to Dawn Island sounds good to her. The East Blue is far from Doflamingo’s reach and safer overall. Hopefully Garp stops by to visit his Grandson soon so she can ask for his aid. Really the real challenge lies with convincing the marine.

And if she gets to meet the boy her son told her so much about that’s just an added bonus. She really does want to give him a hug and thank him for all he does and will do for her little Sanji. A gift or two certainly wouldn’t hurt.

She should probably buy more meat… 

Chapter Text

His mind fracturing, his heart stopping. 

This is all his fault. 

Unbidden tears run down his face. The glint of the light highlights the thin string controlling his friend. But knowing he’s being puppeteered doesn't help. 

A cold gloved hand gently wipes the tears from Sanji’s cheek. There’s kindness in the dead soldiers' touch. 

He can’t do this. 

It’s too much. 

Please just stop.

“Please. ” His voice an unrecognisable horn in the silence. Left unanswered. 

The soldier draws closer, their hand inches to the gun at their hip. And Sanji’s seen horrible things in his lifetime, he saw the cruelty Judge inflicted, felt it first hand. He knows what Doflamingo intends to make his friend do next. 

Sanji can’t watch his friend shoot himself. He refuses. But Doflamingo won’t respond to begging or pleading, he’ll only respond to answers. Answers Sanji shouldn’t give. The information circling in his head is dangerous.  

The soldier grabs the gun in his head and raises it towards their head. Their finger lies softly on the trigger. He shouldn’t give Doflamingo any information, but the five year old in Sanji is breaking.  

He has to lie.

“I-I had a vision. A-about Dressrosa.”

The soldiers' hands remain steady. Resigning himself, he looks to the dirty concrete ground. Like this he can almost imagine he’s back in the dungeon, hurt but alone. Apologising to the soldier in his head once more, Sanji continues. 

“I just wanted to help my siblings feel. T-the vision told me how. It told me Dressrosa’s future. Being taken over by you, the current royal family’s death. A-after they helped my sibling I-I just wanted to return the favour.”

The silence is once again deafening. The gun’s position by his friend's head does not waver. Their finger begins tensing on the trigger. He can tell Doflamingo’s not satisfied, the lack of reaction proves that. 

But what else can Sanji say? The lies he spoke seemed fairly convincing to his own ears, hopefully Doflamigo feels the same. 

But is it enough? 

The soldier's grip holds strong. 

All he can do is commit to his lie. The distress in Sanji's voice is completely genuine as he pleads.

“ Please, that’s all I know.”

Their finger presses more firmly on the trigger; they want more. But if Sanji had a vision it would only tell him the bare minimum. He can’t incorporate any new information as anything true puts the future in jeopardy. He’s at a loss for words. His throat constricts and his hand trembles. Please, oh please let that be enough.

BANG

The gun goes off. His nose is congested from crying, but he can smell the strong scent of gun powder and blood that lingers in the air. His sight is blurred by tears, but Sanji still can’t look and see his friend’s body mutilated.

His friend won’t receive a proper burial and it’s Sanji’s fault once again. 

Right. This is his fault. He can’t avert his eyes and feel sorry for himself; he did this. Caused this. The sight is ghastly and horrifying, his head concave and skull exposed. Only one eye remains, yet still manages to make eye contact with Sanji’s own. His stomach is empty, but still rebels. Turning away he dry heaves in the corner until his stomach gives out and releases what little sustenance it had left.

Did Doflamingo know he was lying? But how could he possibly tell?

Sanji’s mind is a whirlwind of questions and fears, yet empty at the same time.

One question dominates the others echoing in Sanji's head: what torture will come next?

Day’s may have passed. Or has it been hours?

Sanji can’t tell. They never removed his friend's body, so instead he lies in front of him. His singular eye is still gazing into Sanji's soul. The bugs in his company seem to have taken up residence on his friend's body. They’ve begun eating away at the soldiers' flesh. He should stop them, kill the bugs that further mutilate his friends' bodies. But Sanji’s a coward. He’s scared of their beady little eyes and hundreds of legs. He’s scared they’ll start eating him.

Does Doflamingo plan to leave him here until he cracks further? 

At least in the dungeon he was alone in his pain, in his solitude. Now he shares the space with the corpse of his friend. The light beaming in though the window no longer feels like a blessing. 

When heavy footsteps reverberate in his prison, it’s a relief. Please, please, please, take away the body. It’s a fruitless endeavour to hope for, after all his discomfort means this style of torture is effective.  

The future Warlord once again stands before him. Cruel amusement painting his face, he crouches in front of Sanji. As if to make the scenario more demeaning. His dead friend lies ignored by the wayside. 

“Sanji, do you know what haki is?”

The widening of Sanji's eyes tells Doflamingo all he needs.

“Well~, a skilled user, such as myself, is able to sense whether or not someone is telling the truth.”

The dread sinks in further. He knew, of course he knew, why did Sanji ever think differently? The large man continues relishing in Sanji’s pained expression.

“So when I ask you how you know, you tell me how you know. I was lenient today, the consequence for lying will be much worse next time. ”

The smile dawning his face is borderline psychotic. The words following his blatant threat causes a shiver to run down Sanji’s spine. 

“We’ll start with how you know. Diamante.”

The man with the stripes across his face enters the room holding a small little girl by her arm. Her hair is a rich black tied half up in a yellow bow, her black eyes are piercing, yet showcase she’s not truly scared. She’s wearing a navy dress with a white half apron and she seems to be about Reiju’s age. As the newly dubbed Diamante drags her forward she looks scared, yet happy? Is she acting? E-Either way they would hurt her right? 

She’s just a child. She has absolutely nothing to do with this. 

“Ahhh~ but she does Sanji.” Doflamingo drawls replying to his inadvertently said statement. 

“See physical torture will get us no where, but mental seems to work just fine~. We will torture, maim, and kill this sweet little girl because of you. Or~ you could save us a step and tell me what I want to know. ”  

Empathy. Sanji’s always had an abundant amount of empathy. A poor tree needs more water; I’ll give it mine. Or the mice look hungrier than I am. There’s nothing Sanji won’t give to help another in need. As long as it doesn’t come at the expense of someone else. Case in point, Whole Cake Island. The cuffs were problematic but for his friends Sanji would have cut off his hands. The threat to Zeff and the other chefs at the Baratie on the other hand, he could not sacrifice. 

So his initial instinct is to spill everything. As first and foremost there’s an innocent girl's wellbeing on the line and women, as Zeff taught him, should be protected at all costs.  

But there’s something familiar here. At Punk Hazard a woman with a similar appearance tried to take back Caesar. 

If this is the same person as a child then isn’t she with Doflamingo? Didn’t she marry a member of the Strawhat Grand Fleet? Sai, wasn’t it? Sanji remembers when they met with the fleet again and he asked him how he managed to marry someone so beautiful. Sai just turned to him with a warm yet sombre smile, and said “It was a misunderstanding at first, Baby 5 just wanted to be needed. Doflamingo took advantage of that.”. 

So the child before Sanji at this moment will later grow up to betray Doflamingo. If Doflamingo knew he might kill her despite the betrayal being years in the future. As of right now, Sanji’s at a loss for what to do. 

He could certainly tell Baby 5 he needed her to free him, but that would reveal far too many cards and leave him as guilty as Doflamingo. 

He could call Doflamingo’s bluff, after all, she is a part of his family. 

He really shouldn’t tell them anything. But, if they were to hurt her, any blood she shed would be on Sanji’s hands. He would disappoint his dad. 

The lack of response is telling. Since Sanji has made no indication of his choice Doflamingo forces his hand. 

“Still hesitating? Let’s sweeten the deal shall we~. Since you know so much about certain events I assume you know how dangerous I can be.” 

A cruel smile etched onto his face as he continues,

“And since your old man’s dead the Germa Kingdom is vulnerable, imagine how easy it would be for a man of my stature to kill your family.”

Ice fills Sanji veins, of course it would be all too easy for Doflamingo to kill them or hire someone to kill them. Their ships aren’t exactly subtle. Haki would kill his siblings'; iron skin or not. His mom is barely surviving as is. This is Zeff and Whole Cake Island all over again. 

He needs to get out of this. 

He needs his family to live. 

He needs this information to not fall into Doflamingo’s hands. 

If Sanji died Doflamingo wouldn’t hurt his family and the dangerous information in his head would die with him. Luffy would punch him for even considering such a thing, but Sanji can’t think of any other way. Would it really matter if he was gone? The Strawhats can get a new chef, right? So why does it hurt so much? Sanji wants to cook for them. Sanji wants to fight with them. Sanji wants to be with them. But Sanji can’t be selfish, hundreds if not thousands of people would die if Doflamingo were to get his way.  

Killing himself would also have the upside of Baby 5 remaining unscathed. It can be his atonement for his friend's death. How to do it though?

Diamante has a knife to Baby 5’s neck. If Sanji moves as fast as he can he could probably grab the knife. He can use armament haki enough to coat the blade, then all he’d have to do is slit his throat. Certainly not an ideal way to go, but it should get the job done. 

So with his resolve strengthened, that’s exactly what Sanji does. In less than a second, Sanji moves and pulls the chains so hard they break from the concrete. Doflamingo and Diamante’s shock gives him the perfect opportunity to carefully grab the knife such that Baby 5 remains uninjured. Huddled once again by the back wall, with the skill of a man far older than five, Sanji coats the blade and swiftly brings it to kiss his throat. The blade cuts through his flesh like butter; no resistance. Mentally apologising once more for all Sanji couldn’t do and should have done, he wills his body to move faster. 

It’s not fast enough, a large hand grasps the blade blood seeping from a new victim. Following the hand Sanji sees it connect to the one and only Doflamingo. The mirth and sadistic joy is gone from his frame leaving only fury. Despite his willingness to end his own life, staring at Doflamingo Sanji feels like he’s somehow in far more danger than before. The bland is quickly ripped from Sanji’s hand and shattered by Doflamingo’s haki-covered fist. The future Warlord crouches down to Sanji’s eye level, even without using observation haki to detect lies Sanji, knows deep in his soul the words that Doflamingo says now are absolute. 

“You die, your family dies. I don’t care if I have nothing to gain. I will personally hunt down each and every person I believe you might have cared about. You have two options. One, die and condemn your family to share your fate. Or two swear your loyalty to me and join my family.”

Sanji is kind, but Sanji is also selfish, he is a pirate after all. He cannot sacrifice his family, he just can’t bring himself to do it. He can only hope that any information he’s forced to say won’t change the future for the worse. 

The tears that fall down his face in reply are like an apology to all the people he’s failed. As if to further his guilt, Doflamingo gathers him in his arms in an imitation of his mother’s hugs. It feels condescending, like he made this decision of his own volition. So when Doflamingo says,

“Welcome to the family.”

Sanji feels like he sold his soul to the devil. 

In some ways you could say he did. 

The chain’s don’t come off quickly. His interrogation comes first. Question after question, the guilt at his betrayal piling up.

“How did you know?”

“I lived it.” 

“What do you know about Dressrosa?”

“You took it over.”

“Details.”

And so forth. 

Sanji was naively hoping Doflamingo wouldn’t ask about his own fate, unable to lie without consequence, Sanji told him with a slightly vindictive tone that he was locked in Impel Down. That’s how the question of what went wrong began and who betrayed them. Because Doflamingo won’t be convinced there wasn’t one. It’s difficult, telling enough to satiate Doflamingo but not endanger his friends and allies. Law, Baby 5 and the Strawhats involvement are some people he’s personally excluding. It’s not necessary for his story, and he can say truthfully he never saw what happened when Doflamingo lost.  

It’s hours before the chains finally relinquish him from their hold. 

Doflamingo’s hand on his shoulder taking its place.

Sanji’s introduced to the rest of their makeshift family, none of which are familiar, save two.

The man dripping mucus from before is Doflamingo’s self proclaimed right hand man Trebol. The man with red and orange stripes running parallel down his face, Diamante. 

If not for Luffy’s story of the squeaky voiced stone man, Sanji certainly would have made an enemy of Pica, as it was he could barely contain his shock. 

Instead of the ‘hard boiled’ chubby baby attired adult Franky fought, there’s a skinny man who appears to be in the mafia with an impeccable suit, dark sunglasses and a cigarette called Senor Pink. What Sanji wouldn’t give for one of those. 

Then there's Machvise, a large blond man with the ton ton fruit, Lao G who act’s less like his age and more like a toddler who’s obsessed with the letter G, and Gladius a man with light bluish grey hair, goggles and a tight face mask. 

There’s also Giolla, a middle aged woman with crazy yellow hair with orange tips and a bright purple dress and her baby Dellinger who even as a newborn, wore a small little baseball cap. 

Despite knowing Baby 5 from her husband's time in the Strawhat fleet, Sanji stays silent and allows the meet and greet to continue. 

Then there’s Doflamingo’s brother, who Sanji is almost certain is dead. When he died Sanji doesn’t know, but he was definitely not in Dressrosa. His name being Corazon explains a lot of things. For one, Corazon is the name branded on Law’s favourite coat, which is likely in his honour. That indicates Law and Corazon meet and have a strong enough relationship for Law to essentially dedicate his life for the man. Wearing a black replica of Doflamingo’s feathered coat, a magenta hood with tassels and a pink heart shirt. With their looks they almost look like twins, if you remove Corazon’s clown-like makeup. His demeanour at first glance is identical to his older brother, but looking closely it seems like a facade, when first introduced Sanji could have sworn for a second he looked crestfallen at his arrival. 

And finally, there’s the most shocking of the bunch. 

A pint sized Trafalgar D Water Law.

Emotions are so much better than Yonji ever could have imagined. Until they’re not. 

Germa is headed to the East Blue. And they’re leaving Sanji behind. When he was told, Yonji kicked and screamed. How dare they leave without his brother. How dare they leave him to die. 

Emotions are incredible, until they’re not. 

He was happy, actually happy. No imitation or attempting to trick his body into feeling it, but finally the real authentic version. It was everything Sanji said it would be and more. 

Then Sanji left. 

And he didn’t come back. 

Instead, a teary eyed Reiju told them Sanji wouldn’t be coming back as they accidentally got caught in something far out of their league.  Emotions no longer feel like a blessing. Instead they’re a festering curse, the more he dwells on the issue the more painful they become. It’s terrifying, he now understands why father said they were a weakness. As it is, Yonji can’t even bring himself to move from his bed. How could he possibly fend off an enemy’s attack?

Every memory of joy includes Sanji, so every time Yonji remembers them it’s tainted with a bittersweet poison. 

Ichiji’s seems to be doing the same if not worse than himself. After Sanji left, no, after they left Sanji, Mom had the servants move Ichiji and himself into the same room since both of them were bedridden. Usually both brothers are cuddled together trying to ignore the bone deep ache in their hearts. Mom’s with them most of the day and night, not that Yonji really notices. Reiju comes by a lot as well, guilt dripping from her frame. He doesn’t see Niji.

The world seems like it did before, lacking in colour and life. This time instead of indifference Yonji’s riddled with pain. Emotional pain. Mental pain. 

It’s a new experience, one Yonji wouldn’t say he’s fond of. 

Time passes slowly. The pain never waivers, but eventually Yonji’s able to sit up again. Talk again. Hear again. Dissociation Mom calls it. Yonji finally broke free, was able to distinguish that this was reality, that Sanji’s really gone. Ichiji hasn’t had the luck he has. His limp hand is still lying in Yonji’s hold. 

So when Mom comes into their room again, Yonji asks the question that’s been eating away at him. 

“Why did we leave him there?”

Mom’s eyes widened at his words, her face lined with joy and sorrow. 

“Yonji.” 

His name’s voiced with a soft relieved sigh. The love in Mom’s tone reminds him of Sanji. And his tears flow freely.

“Oh baby.”

Before Yonji can contain his emotions he finds himself in his mother’s embrace. Her heartbeat loud and clear against his ear. It’s comforting to know he still has someone who loves him here. Mom was never a constant in his life until Sanji introduced them, now he can’t imagine life without her. Sanji’s reasoning for making such a dangerous decision makes so much more sense to Yonji now. 

“We are not leaving Sanji there.”

Mom states firmly, before continuing with a gentler voice.

“We’re going to get help. We’re not strong enough to save him now, we’re going to find a man who is.”

The all encompassing relief Yonji feels at her statement is telling of his worries. Like a puppet with his strings cut, Yonji collapses further in her arms and lets the darkness take hold. 

Niji never wanted this. Never wanted to feel. Never wanted to care.   

But he does. 

Maybe it’s a sickness, a disease, it certainly seems contagious. Every act of love he’s been shown fuels the embers of love he has for them. It’s annoying. Sanji hugs him and helps him regulate these newfound emotions and the fire is stoked further. 

A fair amount of time passed on their journey back to the North Blue and Niji’s love for his family grew gradually. Now when it’s a full flagged inferno Sanji leaves and ends up in the hands of a mad man. Why couldn’t have Sanji tried his suicidal plan before he made Niji love him? Now Niji’s left feeling all the things Father told them were weak. And he feels weak. If he was strong he could have helped. If he was smart he would have known. If he was loved he would have been spared. Spared from this emotional torment. 

Alas, he isn’t, which is why he’s finishing what Father was building.

Based on what Father said, these raid suits should be enough to save Sanji and bring him home.

Chapter Text

The shrunken Surgeon of Death stands before him. 

Tra-guy or Law looks identical to how Sanji remembers him, albeit smaller. If Sanji stood on his tippy toes he would be the same height despite Law being years older. 

The differences lie mostly in his demeanour. In the future he looked annoyed or exasperated usually; the Strawhats were normally the culprit. But somehow Law’s anger seems more prevalent, more fresh, more authentic, maybe in the future Law makes peace with some of his internal demons.

Not that it’s any of Sanji’s business.

The most amusing part of the whole encounter with a miniature Law is that knowing his hat grew with him. It seems the future Surgeon of Death has more in common with Luffy than he would care to admit. 

Now Sanji finds himself once again on the receiving end of his glare. It seems some things never change. But then Doflamingo introduces Sanji to Law as Vinsmoke Sanji, prince of Germa. 

Despite Germa being saved from Judge’s tyranny, Sanji still loathes being connected to it. He is not a Vinsmoke, thank you very much. Sanji really should have asked his Mom her maiden name, then maybe his family and himself could lose that last tether to Judge and the cruelty he exudes. Maybe they would even rename Germa, it’s not like their ancestors were any different from Judge, he'd rather not be associated with them.  

Vinsmoke or Germa spikes recognition in Law and despite his attempts to hide it, Sanji can see the excitement and childlike wonder in his gaze. 

Ugh, it’s the same look Law gave him in Wano when he turned into Soba Mask. 

Law’s mood quickly turns back, with a bittersweet edge to his rage. 

“Whatever.”

Law says off handedly as he walks away. 

Leaving Sanji once again alone with Doflamingo. 

“You’ll be sharing a room with Law from now on and attend training with the other kids.”

The future Warlord crouches down and looks him in the eye as much as he can for a man wearing sunglasses. 

“We are your family now.” 

He states before, swiftly taking his leave. Abandoning Sanji in their hideout. 

This is Sanji’s new normal. 

This is his new home until he can figure out a way to leave. 

Great.

He’s far too exhausted to deal with anything else today. So Sanji elects to collapse on his given bed and sleep his worries away. 

He’s out in seconds. 

Sanji’s consciousness trickles in slowly and with it the reality of his situation. 

Bolting upright, Sanji met with his new room. Two standard single beds, one of which he’s been sleeping on, in each corner of the room. It’s oddly clean for a child's bedroom, most likely that can be attributed to Law’s work. It’s unlikely the small doctor wouldn’t know the harmful effects dust can cause. Speaking of Law, he’s out cold on the bed across from Sanji. As he is now, Law kinda looks like a normal child, not the angry gremlin Sanji knows him to be.

This is all just too much for Sanji to deal with. 

How in the world is he going to escape this madman without him killing his family in the process?

It’s highly unlikely he can do it alone. But where in Doflamingo’s territory would he find an ally?

Law’s most likely his only option. As Sanji knows at some point, something will happen that will make Law hate the Warlords guts. The problem being, Sanji assumes Doflamingo either let him go or thought him dead. He wouldn’t let Sanji go and if Sanji faked his death he’d most certainly kill his family. 

Even assuming everything goes well and they all get away unscathed, how in the world is Sanji supposed to befriend little Law. He’s even ruder and angrier than he was in the future, and Sanji still wouldn’t have called them friends. 

This is all a mess. 

Slowly dragging himself out of bed, Sanji makes his way to the kitchen. If he’s going to be held here against his will, he sure as hell deserves to cook. 

After following the directions from the day prior, standing in the messy kitchen is Giolla. Her hair’s still done up in the ridiculous curved up do, and her skin tight dress is definitely not kitchen safe. The kitchen itself is reminiscent of the time Luffy attempted to cook. The walls are covered in food splatters, the counters buried in used dishes, and the appliances hanging on for dear life. It takes everything in him to not scream all the health regulations she’s ignoring. Turning at the entrance Giolla smiles broadly. 

“Oh! If it isn’t the new family member!” With a speed not indicative of the high heels she’s wearing, she moves towards him. 

And squeezed his face in her grimy hands. 

“You’re so cute! I can’t wait to dress you up!”

Now, Sanji believes all women are goddesses who bless the men with their presence, but there are times when Sanji really questions that philosophy. Like now. Sanji would very much like to push her hands away, none too gently and yell at her audacity to him and more importantly the kitchen. But alas, Zeff taught him better. 

“Would you mind if I helped cook?” Sanji attempts to say, what comes out is much more garbled from his cheeks being squished. 

If Giolla is surprised by the request she doesn’t show it. 

“Sure! To be honest I’m not a fan of cooking, it’s far too messy and while my artistic prowess makes it look gorgeous it never tastes exactly right.”

A stronger smile dawns her face, “Actually, I’ll just leave this to you, I’ve been dying to finish my new piece. You don’t mind, do you dear?”

Honestly? Not at all. The sooner Sanji can take over the better. With a smile to hide his disgust and discomfort, Sanji says,

“Not at all!”

The speed at which she exits the kitchen is as relieving as it is worrying. After all he is still on the outside a five year old child. Left alone to make breakfast. Which usually will require the use of an oven or stove. Oh well, it’s not like Sanji’s a normal child anyways. Time to get started. 

Cleaning comes first; Sanji would be caught dead before he cooked in this biohazard of a kitchen. 

The walls. 

The floors.

The counters.

The ceiling.  

Everything needed a scrub down. 

Before he knew it over an hour had passed and the sounds of groggy footsteps echoed in the room. Luckily for them, Sanji’s used to cooking with a minimal timeframe. Case in point, Luffy. The amount of times his hunger was insatiable and Sanji had to whip up something fast were uncountable. 

After all his hard work, the kitchen sparked and gleamed encouragingly. As if to ask for someone to finally use it as it deserves.

Sanji gladly obliged. 

While Sanji would love to indulge and cook the most extravagant breakfast feast, it’s not the same cooking for his enemies. But Law’s an ally, so making something he enjoys in the future will have to do. And if it makes his longing for his family, for Zoro, to grow no one has to know. 

Breakfast Yaki Onigiri, is habitual for Sanji after the thousands he made aboard the Sunny. 

Seasoned rice is filled with eggs and bacon before being pan fried and wrapped with seaweed. The art of cooking is as calming as it always is. The stress, the guilt seems to melt off Sanji’s frame. This is something he can control. Something he can do, despite it being for the wrong people. Though if this happens to earn him friendship points with Law he certainly wouldn’t complain. 

It’s not long before Sanji finds himself standing in front of a complete breakfast ensemble. Compete with the basics of plain eggs, toast, and fruits, in case the onigiri is not their preferred meal. Taking great care to bring each dish to the dining room, which luckily is empty, Sanji finishes his goal. Just in time too, as he can sense Doflamingo and the others approaching the room. Pretending he didn’t cook for them would be ideal, but he doubts Giolla would normally cook to this standard so it’s likely to be terribly obvious. 

Despite that, Sanji would really rather not be accused of poisoning his food. Again. So Sanji decides to sneak back into his shared room for now. 

And just when he thought he would be done, a firm hand grips his shoulder. 

“Sanji. ” The tone in Doflamingo’s voice gives him no indication of their mood. Hopefully Sanji didn’t accidentally anger him enough to get him sent back to the basement. 

“What a lovely spread you’ve prepared.”

Huh.

That’s not at all what Sanji expected. His confusion must be evident as Doflamingo says,

“If you want to cook you can, after all you’re a part of the family now.”

And just like that, any relief Sanji had disappeared. Doflamingo sounds smug, as if Sanji was cooking for them out of fear or contemptment rather than for his own enjoyment. It makes him feel so stupid thinking about it now. He did them a favour. Of course they’d rather eat his perfectly prepared meal instead of Giolla, she was on track to give them all food poisoning. Add insult to injury, there was no kind of subtle poison for him to use even if he wanted to. All Sanji did was help them. Hell he even cleaned the kitchen. 

As if sensing his inner turmoil, Doflamingo guides him to a seat. And while it appears kind, it feels to Sanji like another chain trapping him here. 

The rest of his crew follows in shortly after, all of them somewhat surprised at the breakfast provided. Drowning out the Donquixote pirates idle chatter, Sanji tries to ignore the underlying joy he feels as they enjoy his food. Law avoids the toast at all costs, as expected, but oddly enough Corazon does as well. Everyone seems pleasantly surprised at the taste, Doflamingo especially. If Sanji didn’t know what the man was capable of, he’d say they look like they care. That they believe this is a family. 

It’s strange. 

Sanji doesn’t want to be here. 

He wants his family. 

Instead, he’s shocked out of his stupor by his name being called. 

“Sanji!” Looking up, he’s met with everyone looking at him expectantly. 

“I was saying, you are to join Law, Baby 5, and Buffalo with their training.” Doflamingo reiterates, obviously annoyed at being ignored.

“O-okay.” He replies. It’s not like Sanji has much of a choice. 

“Good. And you’re on cooking duty from now on.” There’s a finality to his tone, leaving Sanji unwilling to refuse. Not that he wants too. The part of him that yearns to cook is relieved, and his guilt wells in his chest. What would Mom think? Would she be mad that Sanji’s cooking for the enemy? 

The rest of their idle chatter is drowned out by the humming in his ears. 

The guilt’s festering. 

And Sanji doesn’t know how to stop it.

After breakfast, they're outside in the junk yard again. The same trash piled up haphazardly, it’s precarious to say the least. It makes the homesickness in his heart throb in response. Diamante runs them through regular drills. In comparison to his so-called ‘father’s’ training, it’s like a vacation. 

Then they start mock duels. Baby 5 shows off her weapon prowess, Buffalo his fight skills, and Law is a swordsman in the making. It’s impressive. Their skill, their strength, their drive. But their children, and it’s evident in how they hold themselves. Diamante remarks that it won’t be long before Baby 5 and Buffalo will join the others on their missions. 

Sanji doesn’t want to help them with anything. Sanji’s only leagues ahead of the others because of his mental age, and the enhancements. It doesn’t fare well for his chances at not being forced to go fight for Doflamingo. So when Sanji’s turn comes around, he resolves to hide his strength as much as possible. 

Diamante tosses him a sword. Not a practice sword, but a real one. It’s an unspoken challenge. A threat. In the milliseconds it takes to reach him, Sanji tries to ignore the similarity of the last time someone threw a sword at him. Instead of piercing the dirt as it did before, it bounces ungracefully across the metal ridden ground.

He could pick it up, swing it around with the skill and training of a child easily. As his training as a swordsman ended the second the helmet locked on his head. But even if Zeff doesn’t remember. Even if Zeff never teaches him or knows him in this timeline. Sanji will honour his father.

“I’d prefer to use my legs, thanks.”

If Diamante is surprised by his declaration he doesn’t show it. But the man notably does not lower his own blade. It’ll be a fine line Sanji’s walking, not showing his skill while avoiding being too injured. It’s evident in the man’s gaze that he’ll be going all out, the chance he’ll use haki is high.

They stand in silence for what could seem like an eternity before Diamante finally moves. He’s fast, his movements as measured and calculated, and his grin freely portraying his excitement. The blade swings toward his neck, the wind parts in response. If Sanji doesn’t dodge there's a good chance he'll slit his throat even with Sanji enhancements. It’s like they knew, he’d fake his experience. Did Doflamingo put him up to this? If so, would the Warlord still retaliate against his family if Sanji lets the attack hit?

He has no clue. But he can’t take that chance. Sanji hopes this decision won’t come back to bite him.

Leaning back, Sanji dodges barely, the blade nicking his neck like a paper cut. Without pausing, 

He lets his hands touch the ground and kicks up into a back handspring. With a precise kick, lacking its normal power, Sanji redirects the blade upwards. Quickly landing, he moves away to reassess the situation, instead of attacking further. The less he shows the better.

His opponent didn't have the same opinion.

Diamante presses the attack further, leaving Sanji left to dodge instinctively. 

“I won’t stop until you make me Vinsmoke.”

Again with the Vinsmoke, it’s like they want to rile him up.

Well, if Sanji’s forced to show what he’s capable of, he might as well have fun doing it. As they say, be careful what you wish for.

It happens in milliseconds. His leg ignites blue. He moves in close. And with a slightly feral grin he kicks the blade. It doesn’t shatter exactly, but bends, melts, and drips molten metal to the ground leaving half on the floor. While he could leave things there, Luffy’s recounting of Dressrosa lingers in his mind.

Viola’s sister.

Rebecca’s mother.

Dead at this man’s hand.

Nothing life threatening, Sanji can’t be responsible for a death of one of Doflamingo’s crew, but a small injury given in training, well he can’t get too mad at that.

Right?

The flame on his foot dies instantly as he swings his leg toward Diamante’s head. Using the momentum, Sanji slams the man into the ground head first. 

He- he doesn’t get up.

Oops.

For a few minutes no one makes a sound. 

Then Baby 5 screams.

Sanji is so screwed.

Chapter Text

Doflamingo shows up first, not even seconds after Baby 5 screamed. Sanji imagines his eyes would be alight with fury if they weren't hidden by his sunglasses. They turn toward Diamante’s prone form, and then toward Sanji. His smile widens unnaturally, his shoulders shake with mirth, and his laughter echoed across the trash heap. 

Is he not mad?

Sanji just injured one of his men, one of his family, why is he laughing? 

His laughter tapers off, and a hardened edge coats his tone.

“Diamante, you’ve got some training to do if this brat could knock you down.”

Diamante doesn’t reply, still out cold. 

With a malicious grin, Doflamingo moves in front of Sanji.

“If Diamante can’t spar with you, I will. ”  

The rage and annoyance are evident in his words. Sanji injured a family member, now he’s going to be injured by a family member. 

Well at least Doflamingo won’t hurt any innocents to punish him. Maybe if he’s lucky he can even practise a thing or two. It’s not like Sanji can hide his skill anymore. 

The Last time he faced Doflamingo Sanji was twenty one. All he could do was defend and even then without Law they never would have gotten away. Now he’s five, his body untrained and facing down the same opponent without backup. The only consolation is that Doflamingo won’t kill him. Right?

The fight commences without warning. 

With what could be considered a twitch of his fingers, a thin almost invisible string slashes through the air. It’s all Sanji can do to dodge, his observation haki telling him where to move. The strings don’t let up. The more Sanji avoids and dodges, the more Doflamingo creates. 

Sanji focused entirely on dodging, misses the cruel amusement that dawns Doflamingo’s face. 

The future Warlord has yet to take a step, yet Sanji’s small body is on the brink of collapse. Not used to the movement, speed, and skill Sanji is utilising. It’s only a matter of time before Sanji’s body stops cooperating. 

He could stop. Take a hit or two and surrender. 

But, Sanji remembers Viola's face, terror and grief inscribed in her expression. He remembers Nami, Chopper and Momo’s petrified forms as Doflamingo loomed above the Sunny. And while Sanji doubts he could hurt let alone hit Doflamingo, a part of him wants to at least try to do something. Surprise him, challenge him, something.   

Sanji’s not suicidal, he’s not going to attack Doflamingo directly, but halting this attack should make him too mad. After all, Doflamingo's approach to the situation implies he wanted a show. As much as Sanji would love to annoy the obscenely tall man, he’d rather get this over with and get back to the kitchen to make lunch. 

The strings are very strong, but not coated with haki leaving them susceptible to fire. Lighting his leg aflame is instinctual at this point. With grace that requires years of training, Sanji swings his leg though the nearby strings shattering them. The other strings freeze as Doflamingo’s shock becomes apparent, before moving with a newfound purpose. With his body flagging, Sanji can’t avoid the onslaught of new haki covered strings. They leave cut after cut, slicing through his flesh like butter. And if Sanji were to stop dodging, even he can see the strings wouldn’t hit anything vital. 

After a few minutes of the string's relentless pursuit, his body betrays him. His legs falter and collapse, his hands automatically come down to break his fall. Before he can even think to move, to run, the strings wrap around him like a cocoon leaving him helpless to any further attacks. 

“Not bad, not bad at all brat.” The future Warlord drawls mockingly.

Someone in Sanji’s position might think this was his punishment. That he’d be released to go about his day in this hellhole and move on. 

Sanji doesn’t hold his breath.

“Since this is your first transgression, I’ll tell you now, no hurting family members. In the case that you do, equal punishment is applied.”

He could mention Diamante was aiming to maim and murder, he could mention that he didn’t know Diamante would crumple like a paper bag. But looking at Doflamingo’s lack of grin, and the malice Sanji senses in his eyes, he can’t bring himself to speak. 

Electing to keep seems to be the right approach, as his regular smile graces Doflamingo’s face once again.

“Good”

The foot that acquainted itself with his head should have been expected.

He welcomes the darkness.

Once the little prince is knocked unconscious Doflamingo turns his ire to his next victim. Roughly grabbing the shirt of his so called executive, he not so gently slaps him awake. He’s met with groggy eyes and slurred incomprehensible words. Great. The brat broke his Diamond seat. Surveying the onlookers, he tosses Diamante's prone form to Senor Pink.

“Get him to a doctor. Law you go with him; learn something.”

Before they move to pick him up, Doflamingo adds, 

“And let me know when he’s conscious, I’d like to know exactly how he let a five year old knock him out.”  

With that, Doflamingo takes his leave, the rage and fury oozing from his form.

No one’s brave enough to follow him.

Maybe Sanji should be surprised to wake up with a throbbing head and spotty vision, but it’s par for the course at this point. If anything he’s just glad he didn’t lose a limb or two, he certainly wouldn’t put it past a violent psychopath like Doflamingo. It’s evening now, probably dinner time, he must’ve been passed out for most of the day and the last thing Sanji wants is to infuriate the Warlord further. Groaning in discomfort, Sanji pulls himself up and out of bed.

The room spins and his legs wobble, but he’s up and that’s all that matters. Slowly, too slowly, he makes his way to the dining room. 

Everyone’s already there as if they were waiting for his arrival. Based on the cruel grin Doflamingo wears they probably were. Sanji tries to emulate his poise from Whole Cake Island, he took quite a bit of pride in his fathers annoyance at his composure; maybe Doflamingo will feel the same. 

With carefully calculated movements, Sanji sits in the only available chair, Diamante's chair. Who is instead sitting where Sanji sat that morning. Normally Sanji would rather eat on the floor than sit next to that madman, but with the aching in his legs sitting seems like heaven. He all but collapses into the chair. 

With a clap of his hands, Doflamingo demands the room’s attention. 

“Now before we eat, I’d like to discuss the change in seating. As Diamante knows, until he re-earned my respect our own little prince will hold his seat.” 

Wait what? Whipping his head in Diamante's direction he sees the man in question shrink in his seat. Sanji gets why he’s in trouble after all he lost to a literal child, but why on earth is Sanji given his seat. It would be a reward if he wasn’t being held against his will it feels more like a punishment- oh. Great. This is his penance for actually trying to beat an executive. Becoming one. Even thinking about it sends shivers down Sanji's spine.

What has he done?

They’ll make landfall tonight. 

After weeks of travel, they’ll finally reach Dawn Island. It’s the first step in saving her baby.

Sora can’t wait.

They have more meat then they should, but Sora just couldn’t help herself. It’s for the boy who helped her baby, loved her baby, when she herself couldn’t. The urge to spoil the little boy is just too much for Sora to contain.

At least her other baby's moods have begun to improve. Yonji and Ichiji have been supporting each other, trying to fill that hole in the hearts that was Sanji. It’s as sweet as it is heartbreaking. Reiju, while still quiet, has been helping Sora herself with the preparations. After Sora told her the plan she’s been helping as a way to lessen the guilt. Guilt that her little girl shouldn’t have. Niji’s been living in the lab, working tirelessly on one of Judge’s old projects. A part of Sora wants to tell him to stop, that nothing good could come out of that man’s ideas. But at meal time, he looks so happy, so inspired when regaling his work, that Sora can’t bring herself to stop him.

They’ve left most of Germa’s ‘land’ far away from civilization. With their reputation the last thing they need is to scare an island with a non existing war. A small snail will drop them off somewhere away from the town. Germa’s not by any means poor, so Sora should have enough for herself and her children to live comfortably in Windmill Village. Who knows, maybe she can even build that cottage she always dreamed of. But that’s all still far off in the future. First things first, they need to arrive and dock as discreetly as possible.

Luckily for them, there’s a small cove a little ways away from the Village. 

The snail ship docks in the cove, and Sora and her babies are dropped off. Leaving Germa in her trusted supervisors hands. 

It’s a bit difficult to manoeuvre her wheelchair on the sand, but with her children's help they’re able to make it work. Beyond the sand, there’s a forest which supposedly connects to Foosha Village. It shouldn’t be too long now.

The tree’s tower over them, leaving only a sliver of blue sky visible above. It’s quiet. The only sound is off the wind rustling the leaves, and their footsteps on the forest floor. It’s as beautiful as it is eerie. She can tell her children feel differently. Yonij’s practically jumping up and down in an effort to relieve some of his excitement, the joy in his gaze a gift Sora never thought she would receive. Niji looks mostly indifferent but compared to before Sora can tell there’s an underlying sense of curiosity and anticipation in his frame. Reiju appears the same; her feeling hidden yet leaking through. Ichiji on the other hand, looks terrified, his hand trembling in her own. With a squeeze of reassurance, Sora attempts to alleviate his worries. 

The small walk through the overhanging branches and leaves is peaceful. It’s not long before the forest thins out and opens up to a large hill. Beyond the hill lies their destination, Windmill Village. 

Luffy’s bored. The sky is blue, the grass is green and Luffy is bored.  

The Village was his playground, he explored every nook and cranny and tried to make friends with anyone and everyone he met. But Luffy was considered an oddity. The few and far-between children in Foosha were uncomfortable around him, they’d sneer at him and tell him to get lost. So with Makino busy with the upkeep of the bar and Gramps not due to visit for a few months, Luffy was all alone. 

It was a typical day in Foosha Village. The sky was a bright cheerful blue with a fresh salty ocean breeze wafting through, the people were few but lively going about their day, and Luffy was lonely. With Gramps and only with Gramps was Luffy allowed to go into the forest. But Luffy was bored so he’d rather take the monkey's punches and talk to someone, something without being shooed away. Makino told him to play outside and come back for dinner so no one was watching him. So as fast as his little legs could take him, Luffy ran towards the forest.

Instead of the empty trail he’s familiar with, he’s greeted by new faces. They didn’t come from the port so they’re probably not pirates. Plus with just a quick glance, Luffy can tell they’re good, they’re new, colourful, people for him to befriend. There’s even little people like him! Excited beyond belief, he squeals in joy and runs towards them. 

“Hi! Who’re you?”

A soft kind smile dawns on the blonde lady’s face. 

“My name is Sora, and this is Ichiji, Niji, Yonji, and Reiju, my children.”

Sora gestures to the red, blue, green and pink child respectively. 

“And who might you be?” 

Bouncing on the tips of his toes he replies,

“I’m Monkey D. Luffy!”.

Her smile grows with his words, and a knowing glint enters her eyes. It looks like she’s holding herself from hugging him, weird. 

“C-could I hug you?”

Luffy laughs.

“You're weird!”

Well it’s not like it matters much to him, the voices of the island seem to pause like this is the precipice of something world altering. Huh, they must be really weird. Cool! 

Luffy’s never been one to say no to affection, but the only people he’s actively hugged are Makino and Gramps. No one else in town. But this kind strange person does, maybe that should concern him, but Luffy’s super strong he can protect himself. Before her face falls and a crestfallen look replaces her hopeful one completely, Luffy jumps into her arms. 

If she’s surprised she doesn’t show it. Sora embraces his small form, her hand holding his head to her neck. It’s nice. Luffy can almost feel the love wafting off her. He can feel her tears hit his back, as her soft strangled voice says, “ Thank you. ” 

Sora’s really weird. It’s kinda funny. He doesn’t feel scared or anything, so he lets her hug him until she’s satisfied. After a few minutes, she gently places him back on his feet.

“Sorry, sorry, I’m not normally like this,” Sora wipes the few tears still falling for her now puffy eyes. 

“Do you think you can bring us to the Mayor, we should probably talk to him first.”

Curious and eager Luffy obliges. He’s certainly not bored anymore.

The boy that saved her baby is showing them around the town, talking non stop about anything and everything he sees. He’s adorable. It’s almost hard to believe that in several years this little boy will become a Yonko. With his excitable energy, Yonji seems to have taken a shine to Luffy, eagerly asking more questions. She’d probably burst into tears if she thought about it all too much. 

An older man with a goatee and moustache angrily approaches them. 

“Luffy! What did I say about talking to strangers! What if their pirates!”

The man snarls, swinging his cane around in protest. 

A small pout appears on the future Strawhat captain in reply. 

“But they’re nice!”

“That could just be to trick you Luffy!”

With a glare the man turns toward Sora and her children. 

“What do you want!? Why are you here!?”

A simple question with a complicated answer. Best to lie by omission in this case.

“My children and I were hoping to stay in your town for a while, we’re travellers, but I was hoping for my babies to have the opportunity to live on land for a while and this place seemed perfect!”

The man’s scowl is quickly transformed into a welcoming smile.

“Well why didn’t you say so sooner! I can help you find a place to stay, if you have the funds?”

“Perfect!” Turning her attention towards her children, Sora smiles and says,

“Why don’t you all continue the tour with Luffy when we sort out the boring adult stuff. Assuming Luffy’s okay with it.”

Bouncing on his toes, Luffy showcases his signature D smile. 

“Sure!”

He exclaims before turning his focus back to her babies. Usually she’d never let her children out of her sight with someone who’s basically a stranger to them, but Luffy’s an exception. If he could take care of her Sanji, surely he can handle his siblings. 

With that Sora continues her conversation with the Mayor. 

After hours of paperwork and finances, Sora can finally relax. They’ve rented one of the larger rooms from the local inn with just enough space for herself and her four children. Luckily for her, they’re still small enough to share a bed. 

Now all they need to do is wait for Garp to show. It shouldn’t be long before he visits his grandson. 

Right?

Chapter Text

There’s a tense silence covering the room. Sanji can feel multiple glares boring holes in his head. It must not have been a unanimous decision to make a five year old an executive. Shocking. 

As soon as he’s cleared his plate, Sanji would rather die than waste food regardless of the fact that it makes him feel sick to his stomach, he attempts to escape this claustrophobic room. A large firm hand gripping his upper arm stops him. 

“Sanji, before you go I'd like to discuss your new responsibilities.”

Without waiting for a reply, Doflamingo drags his small form into one of the adjacent rooms. 

Standing alone in a room with Doflamingo is no less intimidating the second time around. He dwarfs him with his towering frame and heavy presence. A shiver rolls down his spine as he feels the mad man's stare. With his head still aching from the lingering pain of Doflamingo’s kick Sanji can’t bring himself to make eye contact. He can almost sense the man’s satisfaction. 

“Despite your new position, this change is in title only and a better excuse for our discussions since only the executives know about your future knowledge. Hopefully, I’ll have a mission or something for you to do soon, for now I will be watching you and monitoring your progress.”

A sinister edge coats his voice, “If you so much as think about doing anything out of line I will personally see to it that everyone you’ve ever so much as looked at is dead.”   

“Good talk~.”

With a condescending pat to his head, Doflamingo leaves Sanji to stew in his new reality.

The next day is much the same. Cooking, training, and being analysed for everything. The only solace being that this time Sanji doesn’t spend half the day unconscious in bed. And this time he has a shadow. The large lanky brother of Doflamingo is always staring or more accurately glaring. Watching every move he makes, analysing his words and demeanour. 

Sanji doesn’t really know what to think of him. Law never mentioned a Corazon but the name was branded onto his coat. Does that mean he’s trustworthy? Or something else? Then Sanji watches him kick Baby 5. And Sanji has to bite his tongue and hold in his rage. The last thing he needs is to anger Doflamingo further, but this man, no, this heathen, just hit a girl. Sanji can’t condone that. 

Sanji avoids him after that, or at least tries to as Sanji is forced to train with Doflamingo and Corazon is always looming in the background. He’s not always visible, but when Doflamingo hounds him for more information on the future, Sanji can tell he’s listening. The little free time he gets he spends attempting to befriend Law, or more accurately spends annoying Traffy. 

It’s worse, it’s so much worse than before. When Sanji tried to connect with the Heart Pirate Captain before, he was cold and distant but at least he responded. Now Law doesn’t speak or acknowledge him at all, it’s all he can do to keep talking to him. Each day without a reply his heart feels more empty and his longing for his family increases exponentially. The part of him that’s a five year old boy wants to give up and cut his losses, but he’s the only one here Sanji trusts. He’s the only one Sanji feels safe around. So if Sanji has to appeal to him and pine for his friendship he will, no matter how horrible the rejection feels. After all, Sanji’s used to feeling worthless, at least this time his kindness isn’t met with fists. 

In a lot of ways their interactions are one sided, but as time passes Law’s lips begin to twitch upward in response. That’s the only good thing that changes with time. The next few months every minute not spent trying to befriend Law is spent with Doflamingo. Training. Despite his newfound position as the Diamond executive, Law doesn’t have any new duties other than attending their executive meetings. The meetings consist of planning or information gathering and leave him feeling dirty and used. Diamante, now exempt from those meetings, is now perpetually glaring in Sanji’s direction. 

Three months into his stay with the Donquixote Family Sanji gets his first mission.

Trafalgar D. Water Law died in Flevance.

He died alone, seeing the lifeless eyes of his parents, blood soaking their frames.

He died alone, staring at a burning hospital knowing he doomed his little sister to death.

He died alone, buried in the bodies of his friends, neighbours and acquaintances. 

He is dead, despite what his heartbeat says, despite what his breathing signifies.

If he were alive, he would be able to see, to feel, anything other than rage. 

If he were alive, the white spots slowly eroding his skin would be concerning, worrisome.

If he were alive, then why was he the only one spared. 

Trafalgar D. Water Law may move, may breathe, but he is as dead as his family.

Trafalgar Law, however, lives. He lives for the sole purpose of inflicting as much pain onto the World Government as they gave to that boy in Flevance. 

So when some kid with weird eyebrows shows up he couldn’t care less. Until he hears the name Vinsmoke, and just like that he’s back on Flevance reading comics with his sister, smiling and laughing. Bittersweet childlike joy rises in his chest before being quelled by his rage. 

If he was dead then why does it hurt to feel.

He ignores the boy after that. Or at least tries to. The kid is like a magnet for attention. He’s not even here a day, before he gets singled out by an executive and then beats said executive. Not that Law was upset about it, in fact it was terribly satisfying after his ‘training’ with Diamante. It was his strength, his movement, it was as fascinating as it was impossible. No normal human could move that fast, right? What if the comics were real and this kid had the same enhancements? The scientist in Law was enthralled and the doctor in him was horrified. The frankly inhuman things one would need to do to achieve such enhancements make it a wonder as to how the kid’s even alive. 

But that’s not his place, he doesn't know the kid and the only thing in Law’s mind is destruction and revenge. 

Then Doflamingo shows up. Law can barely keep up with the speed of their movement, but he sees enough to know the kid’s outmatched. When the one-sided fight draws to a close he can’t stop the guilt that crawls up his chest at his own inaction. 

When he’s declared an executive something akin to jealousy wells in his chest. It took Law weeks to even be accepted as a member and the new kid just waltzes in and is given Diamante's seat. Those feelings are replaced with guilt when he sees the look of abject horror on the boy's face. 

He doesn’t need to feel anything other than rage, and his presence makes the doctor in him care and the child in him feel. So Law increases his avoidance of the boy.

But the kid, Sanji, is persistent and keeps attempting to make conversation with him, connect with him, and Law hates it. Why can’t he bother Baby 5 or Buffalo? Why does he want to talk to him? And why does it feel nice to be included?

Despite Law’s blatant disinterest Sanji persists, he talks to him, he’s kind to him, it seems as if he cares about him. It’s weird to say the least. Breakfast, lunch and dinner all consist of his favourite meals, always lacking the disgusting creation that is bread. And Sanji always looks thrilled when Law’s lips twitch upward unintentionally. Law hates it. Hates him. Hates his attention, his kindness but most of all he hates how he reminds him of Lami.

And to top it all off, when he engages with the kid, his burning rage and desire for revenge dims slightly. It’s horrible, but eventually the kid’ll give up. Right?

Now months later, Law wonders why he even asked. The kid’s like a leech; glued to his side. And his tightly gripped control is wavering. It’s kindness, in a way he hasn’t experienced outside of his family. It’s as comforting as it is terrifying. The once heavily fortified walls around his heart are shattering and Law finds himself unwilling to stop it. 

As the days turn to weeks and the weeks to months, Sora’s patience is waning. Her son, her baby have been in the vile hands of a cruel pirate for months and all she’s done is relax on a quaint island in the East Blue. Seeing and interacting with the future Pirate King, while fun and enjoyable, only reminds her of what she’s missing. 

Germa’s connections with the Government are weak to say the least and Judge never had any way to contact any important Government official. Most Kingdoms have a snail or number to contact the Government for emergencies, but Judge always scoffed and told them, none too kindly that, Germa was strong enough to never need help. So since waiting for Garp has gotten her nowhere closer to saving her baby more drastic measures must be taken despite Sora’s own contempt. 

She needs to request a meeting with the King of the Goa Kingdom, despite his vile demeanour and blatant arrogance, Sora knows from meeting him at a Levely in years past, his greed will make him comply. Hopefully there she can call the Navy or do something to help rescue her baby. 

While Sora is a pacifist at heart, she wants- no, needs their help to force Doflamingo to release Sanji. It’s a heavy ask, one Sora’s not even certain she can pay for as the price will no doubt be their technology. 

The World Government is by no means good, so giving them anything they can use for destruction is out of the question. But she also knows they’re not all bad, certain people in their ranks are free from corruption and cruelty. So, worst case scenario she should be able to trust them with some of their shielding technology. Right?  

It’s too late to back out now, with her kids safe with Makino and Luffy, she makes her way to the Goa Kingdom. After going back to the snail ship, she and her guards sail around to dock at their port. They pass a scrapyard filled with people unwanted by the Goa Kingdom, like they might taint their ‘good’ city. They look hungry and in pain, and Sora decides then and there to give them nothing. Germa is a Kingdom of war, why not use it for something good. 

Their arrival is not subtle in the least. Dressed in her most royal regalia and accompanied by her guards they walk toward the palace. Showing weakness is never an option for Germa anymore, their enemies are like sharks who smell blood in the water. So Sora takes pain killers and walks, it’s certainly not easy but better than the alternative. As eyes are everywhere. Most citizens appear confused, but the few who recognize their symbol look downright terrified. Swallowing back her disgust Sora ignores them all and approaches one of the royal guards.

“I am Queen Vinsmoke Sora of the Germa Kingdom. I wish to speak with the King.”

The guards look at her, then turn to each other, they seem unsure of what to do. With a confident smile hiding her true feelings, Sora continues,

“Go ask him yourself, I assure you he would want to meet with me.” 

One of the guards quickly leaves to inform the King. 

They’re drawing a crowd, citizens and nobles visibly gawking alike. Sora’s not surprised as this is the first time Germa as ever visited a country in the East Blue without massacring everyone. They must be waiting for the carnage, holding their breath for Sora to declare war. Luckily for them, that won’t happen.

Only a few minutes later, the guard rushes back to escort Germa to their King.

It’s a long hard walk to the throne room. Each step is a challenge, but each brings her one step closer to helping Sanji. 

No expenses were spared when designing the throne room. The level of wealth invested in the one room almost looks gaudy, as if they're compensating for something. Elegant golden moulding lining the bright stone walls. Plush red carpet leading up to a grand throne. The man sitting atop the throne fits the scenery perfectly, expensive robes, clean hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and an elaborate crown decorating his head. The look that dawns his face is greedy, predatory, if Sora were a lesser woman she would find him almost intimidating. 

“Ahh, Vinsmoke Sora of the Germa Kingdom, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

The tone of his voice leaves nothing to question, he’s a prime example of a misogynistic King whose avarice would blind his judgement. The best course of action is to play into his delusion. 

“I come requesting your aid, your liege.”

It’s easy to coat her voice with meekness and fear with her mind swirling with anxiety. The lower she can get his guard down the more successful she can be.  

If the King’s grin could get larger it would. 

“Ahh, I cannot offer my aid without compensation, you must understand. What would I receive in return?”

“I can offer wealth, Germa has the funds to improve your way of life further, o-or we can negotiate an alliance of sorts.”

His lips purse in reply. 

“I see you’re not truly serious, you can take your call for aid somewhere else.”

If he expects grovelling or pleas for help, he will receive nothing of the sort. While Sora is willing to give almost anything to get her baby back, this man deserves none of it with his people hurt in the streets, hidden behind a colourful mask of wealth and prosperity. 

All she needs from this sad excuse for a King is a way to contact the Navy, in particular Garp or another Vice Admiral. Hopefully this small request will lower his demands.

“I-I only wish to borrow your Den Den contact with the Navy higher ups. I believe any further compensation would be unreasonable.” 

If the scowl on his face is anything to go by, the King doesn’t agree.

“I will require compensation for this meeting alone, my time is very valuable, Queen Sora. And to ask for my Kingdom’s personal contact to the Navy, well I’d say only your technology would be a fair trade.”

She should have expected this, but still Sora finds herself shocked at the sheer audacity of this so-called King. It seems being sympathetic was the wrong approach. Now Sora does not condone war or violence, but she also doesn’t mind fibbing a bit to force his hand. Standing firm and confident as the Queen of a strong and temperamental Kingdom, Sora replies.  

“I came with the intention of a peaceful resolution, but I see now my husband's tactic must have been right.”

The colour drains from his face. Judge’s lack of care or remorse are infamous among Royalty.

“If you won’t let us, at least, contact the higher ups of the Navy, my husband and I shall be forced to declare war.”

At her menacing declaration the King trembles upon his throne attempting to stutter out a reply.

“No! N-no that shall not be necessary.” A nervous smile graces his face as he waves over a guard.

“Y-you there escort the Queen to our Den Den with the Navy.”

At the Kings flustered yet terrified demeanour the guard hesitates before spurring into action. 

The walk to the snail is short and sweet, Sora can’t contain her satisfaction that her little ploy worked. If the King called her bluff she would have been out of luck. In no world would she have actually started a war with the Goa Kingdom.

With the large imposing snail before her coated in Navy regalia, Sora picks up the receiver and makes the call.  

Pelu pelu pelu pelu

Pelu pelu pelu pelu

Pelu pelu pelu- Kacha.

“Oi, your Majesty, I wasn't expecting your call. What can I do for you?”

Vice Admiral Garp’s deep laid back voice questions.

“Hello Vice Admiral, I am in need of your aid.”

“Well you certainly don’t sound like the King of Goa, who is this.”

The tone is harsh, threatening violence if provoked. 

“I-I am Queen Sora of the Germa Kingdom, his Majesty graciously allowed me to borrow his contact to the Navy.”

With that, his tone does a 180, back to being carefree and curious. 

“Ah, why didn’t you say so sooner, how can we help?”

Swallowing the bile rising up her throat, Sora voices the thing she’s been too scared to fully acknowledge. 

“M-my son, Sanji was kidnapped by the Donquixote Pirates. I-I need help rescuing him, Germa is strong but I don’t know if we would win against a man that dangerous. Please, I need my baby back. I'll do anything.”

His tone softens somewhat as he responds.

“I’m sorry to hear that your Majesty, I will talk to Senny immediately. He's been tracking the Donquixote Pirates movements for months he’ll know what to do. Don’t worry Queen Sora, I will do everything in my power to help you save your son.”

The relief that flows through her body is paralysing, it’s all she can do to remain standing. 

“Thank you Garp.” 

“It’s my duty, your Majesty.”

Kacha.

Sora leaves the castle in a daze. Her mind solely focused on the fact that she’s one step closer to hugging her baby. It’s now night, the sun having left hours prior. They're almost back to the port when she sees him. A small boy, no older than six walking into a rundown bar across the street. And well, the mother in Sora just had to make sure he was safe.

Quickly removing her overcoat and crown signifying her status as a Queen, she gives the items to her guards and tells them to continue to the ship without her. Now appearing as a regular citizen, assuming they don’t look too close. Sora ignores the pain in her legs from the hours she’s spent walking and standing, and makes her way to the bar. 

Instead of the joyful music and dance she’d seen at Makino’s bar, it’s quiet except for the idle chatter of drunken men. Peaking past the short swing doors she sees the little boy walk up to one of the men by the bar. It’s probably his father, berating herself for worrying needlessly she turned away before being stopped by the child's question.

“What would you say if Gold Roger had a kid?”

The replies to the boy's question are less than savoury. Insults and taunts flow from their loose lips, they’re insinuating that a baby is accountable for their parents' crimes. All Sora can hear is them saying the same for her babies. Since their father was a tyrant, a murder, a criminal, are they now responsible for his cruel actions? Should they pay for their sperm donors' mistakes? 

No. The children of criminals are innocent. All children have the potential to commit evil acts, but they also all have the potential to do good. Sora can’t let the boy leave thinking that he is accountable for his parents' mistakes. Because that’s what this is about isn’t it? A test, the boy's parents must have done things equivalent to the Pirate King and now he wants to know if he is guilty of them too. 

“Congratulations.”

Her words cut through their laughter like a knife leaving the bar eerily silent. The boy turns to face her, shock and confusion coating his features. Sora has to bite her lip to contain her squeal. The little boy is absolutely adorable with his freckles, even with his glaring stare. Before they can dismiss her statement, Sora continues. 

“Gold Roger is just the father and I don’t know the man personally so I wouldn’t know about him, but the mother at least deserves acknowledgement.”

A man at the bar sneers at her remark, before saying,

“If she was with Roger she’s as bad as him!”

There’s nods and words of agreement from his fellow drunks. Sora tries to keep a lid on her anger but some seems to leak through. 

“Only Roger had a bounty. You have no way of knowing his partner was guilty of anything other than loving a Pirate.”

Cutting off the man before he can further debunk her opinion, 

“Even if she was a criminal, Rogers' child is completely innocent. Children are not responsible for their parents' crimes.” 

“Look lady, I get what you’re tryin’ to say but Roger’s kid’s different; anything from that disgusting bloodline should be put down!”

More agreements sound from the growing crowd. 

And oh does Sora long to shoot him. But before she can even react the boy lunges up and punches the man’s jaw. It’s chaos after that, punches thrown, drinks spilled and yelling in abundance. Once again Sora curses her frail body, as it leaves her unable to help the boy. 

By the time the dust clears, the men are all unconscious on the ground and the child’s nowhere to be found. 

Chapter Text

“Senny! How’s your boy doing?”

A heavy sigh practically radiating exasperation echoes in response. 

“Garp.”

With his head in his hands, the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, Sengoku, addresses the War Hero, annoyance and fatigue coating his voice. 

“What do you want?”

“Senny my friend! Can’t a man just ask an old pal a question?”

 Another sigh leaves the Fleet Admiral as he finally makes eye contact with the Vice Admiral.

“Not you Garp, whenever you come in it’s only to ask for something or gush about your grandkids.”

A delighted look appears on Garps face.

“Oh that reminds me! Last time I saw Luffy his hand was the size of my fingernail. He was so cute, and Ace was so mad but with his freckles he still looked adorable! Did I tell you about the time Ace-”

“Garp!”

Sengoku interrupts his tangent lest he kill the man with his glare.

“What are you here for?”

In seconds Garp’s joyful demeanour changes to a more determined stance. 

“Right, I got a call from the Queen of Germa about helping save her kid that’s been kidnapped.”

“Start with that next time!”

Sengoku yells, before mentally calming his ire. His head falls into his hands once again as he tries to soothe his impending headache. After composing himself he asks the big question, hoping Garp is indicating anyone other than who he thinks.   

Like he anticipated the question, Garp states without a shadow of a doubt. 

“The kid, Sanji, was taken by Doflamingo.”

And with that Sengoku’s day is ruined.

If anyone else kidnapped a prince, he could order a large fleet to save him, or negotiate with them to let the kid go, but with Doflamingo it’s much more complicated. The World Government has no leverage on the man, yes Garp could easily defeat him, but with the knowledge that man knows he cannot authorise anything without the Five Elders say. If Doflamingo never contacted Germa directly it’s safe to say he has no intention of negotiating with them. That only leaves his son. He needs to talk to his son to get the full scope of the situation. 

Hours later, once the sun has long left, Sengoku stares at his secure Den Den Mushi before contacting his son at their scheduled time. 

Pelu pelu pelu pelu

Pelu pelu pelu pelu

Pelu pelu pelu- Kacha.

The Fleet Admiral speaks their code in a loud obnoxious tone without even having to think.

“Rice crackers!”

“Rice-cracker pellets! It’s me.”

The familiar sound of his son’s voice greets him, and a wave of relief flows through him. Despite wanting to ask how he’s feeling, or doing, or anything related to his health, Sengoku sticks to their script.

“Rosinante report.”

A light sigh, followed by a remorseful tone.

“Dolfamingo ‘recruited’ the third prince of Germa. He blackmailed the kid with his family lives to get him to join.”

A lot of effort from a pirate to get a powerless kid to join his crew. Something’s not right here.

“Why?”

Without missing a beat his son replies.

“He knows things he shouldn’t and he’s far stronger than any regular kid. Just a few months ago he beat Diamante in a fight and held himself against Doflamingo fairly well in their spar.”

That’s concerning to say the least. A strong impressionable child working for Doflamingo only to save his family, well, there’s a lot of ways that can end badly. As it is because of Doflamingo’s connection to the Celestial Dragons they can’t just attack him outright. Now there's another kid involved, and a prince at that. 

Garp was planning on going to Dawn anyway, and if Garp’s there the Vinsmokes are safe from anything Doflamingo could do. If the kid knew his family was safe would he be able to run? Probably not, based on what Rosinante said. He could get Rosinante to take the kid and run, but that would mean the last year’s efforts were for naught. Not to mention the risk his son would be taking.

He knows what he should do, Doflamingo is far too dangerous to risk it all for one kid, but that doesn’t make what he has to say next any easier.

“Gather as much intel as you can, if the kid seems trustworthy tell him his family’s being protected. Other than that there’s nothing we can do.”

“Got it.”

Kacha.

With another heavy sigh, Sengoku calls up Garp to tell him the news.

Maybe then the guilt gnawing at him will lessen.

It won’t.

Sanji really should have expected this. 

A mission.

But a part of Sanji hoped it’d never come to pass. Now he finds himself faced with another dilemma. Does he help Doflamingo and do as he asks? Or does he suffer the consequences?

The guilt of aiding this maniac is drowning him, but he knows who would die as a punishment. Mom.

And, well Sanji just can’t allow that. So he swallows his pride and follows his orders.

It scares him how easily he gives up. How easily he spills blood of people unknown to him. But knowing he inadvertently killed his mother again would be worse.

When he first returns to the base, dripping with blood, eyes unseeing, the grin that lights up Doflamingo’s face is practically feral, possessive . It sends shivers down his spine and leaves him feeling dirty and used. 

It becomes a routine. He cooks their meals and hates himself every time a voice in his head say’s to poison it. He fights their battles and hates how quickly the feelings of guilt fade to resignation. He tells them secrets and gives advice based on his knowledge of the future, it’s nothing too substantial but he hates it all the same. The only good change is Law, after months and months of trying and failing, Sanji finally succeeds in making a friend. Something he never really had before meeting Luffy. They study together and spar together and talk together, okay more like Sanji talks and Law sometimes replies. When Law’s illness worsens, Sanji spends his day reading to him and tending to him like Chopper would, though with much less skill. And on those better days Law hangs out in the kitchen and reads quietly when Sanji’s cooking just to keep him company. 

So as much as Sanji misses his family with his whole heart, a part of him is glad to have gained a friend he never knew he needed. 

A year passes in a flash. Though the feeling of selling his soul never wavers. Several months after his seventh birthday he’s told that the Marines are aware of his presence with the Donquixote Pirates. 

They’ve chosen to do nothing for the time being. Sanji can’t say he’s surprised given what the Marines did to Robin, but still it hurts. 

Those next few weeks are full of backhanded comments and gloating on Doflmingo’s end, before he finally loses interest. 

Corazon on the other hand seems to make it his life's mission to get on Sanji’s good side. Or at least Sanji thinks it’s what he’s trying to do, by leaving cooking books and kicking less when he’s around. Though with how Sanji’s avoiding him like the plague it’s unlikely to work.

Sora died when Sanji was eight, and Sanji will be eight in a few months. Every day his impending worry cements because each day that passes is another day closer to his mothers death. The Op-Op no Mi is still nowhere to be found and his Mom’s health must be deteriorating by the day. Even more so if she’s stressed. And to make matters worse Law’s health is also declining, the white spots of Amber Lead are consuming the light peach more and more leaving Sanji concerned he won’t make it. Because what if he changed too much and sentenced his friend to an early grave? What if his Mom is already dead? What if, what if, what if? 

He’s snapped out of his trance with Law’s statement.

“Trafalgar D. Water Law. “D.” is a secret name, “Water” is a true name. For generations, my family-”

Then a shocked exclamation as Corazon picks him up by the back of his shirt. 

“H-hey, let go of me!”

To say Sanji was confused would be an understatement to say the least. He turns his attention to Baby 5 and Buffalo to see if they know anything and is met with the same bewildered expression. 

Sanji knows now by experience assaulting any member of the crew would end terribly for him regardless of if it was warranted or not, but still he moves to follow only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder. He turns to Baby 5 a question on the tip of his tongue when she explains,

“Don’t, Cora-son looked really angry. You said you needed me to warn you if it’s dangerous right?”

He almost forgot about that. During his stay with the Donquixote Pirates he kept to himself for the most part only willingly interacting with the other kids. He’s mostly stuck to Law since Sanji knows and trusts him, but he’s tried to at least be kind to Buffalo and Baby 5. So since Baby 5 loves being needed he asked her to make sure to warn him before he does anything too reckless. It’s saved him quite a few times over the past year and it doesn’t hurt to see the childlike joy cross her face as he thanks her. At the beginning he tried to convince her she doesn’t need to be needed, but he soon realised it just upset her. 

So instead of following Law like he wants to he trusts that Law will be okay, and thanks Baby 5. 

When Law eventually comes back, he had a sly smirk on his face and an air of smugness around him. It’s strange for Law to look anything other than annoyed and Sanji wishes he would have eavesdropped but at least he doesn’t have any new bruises littering his skin. Corazon on the other hand, looks downright terrified as he gazes at the small doctor. Doflamingo then calls Corazon to get on the ship, and the tension in Corazon fades to confusion. 

Oh well, Sanji can't be bothered to figure out their non verbal communication, so he heads to the kitchen as per usual. 

Look, Sanji has always been a light sleeper. Ready to wake at the slightest gurgling of Luffy’s stomach or the light feeling of a bug crawling on his skin. But over his time with the Donquixote Pirates his sleep has adapted into a more Zoro like slumber. If he woke up at every creak and footstep in the base he’d never sleep more than an hour. Not to mention the fact that sometimes when Law looks really sick Sanji will sneak in his bed to reassure himself he’s still breathing. So when Sanji’s picked up in the middle of the night he doesn’t wake. 

The years pass slowly for Sora. 

A few weeks after her initial transponder call with Garp, the hero of the Marines himself docks at their port. The relief at seeing him diminishes the second she sees his face painted with grim resignation. His words float in one ear and out the other as she stares at his large form uncomprehending. She can’t do this herself, she knows that. She can’t risk her other children or the citizens of Germa without a guarantee. She cannot help her son.

It’s understandable as to why she collapses to the ground at Garps explanation. 

It takes her a few days to compose herself; she can still protect the children with her now. So imagine her surprise when she leaves the inn and finds all her babies, Luffy included, with multiple bruises and bandages. 

They were training Garp supplies. While harsh she can understand, after everything she’s seen in the world it’s better for the kids to be more prepared than not. That does not excuse the so-called ‘fist of love’ Garp administers to Luffy after the boy calls his grandfather a meanie. 

And well, Sora may not be proud of her next actions but she does not regret it. 

She stands on her wobbly legs and steps toe to toe with one of the strongest men in the world and slaps him. If looks could kill Garp would already be six feet under. She’s told later by Makino that the sight itself was almost comical, the hero of the Marines looking downright terrified of a small frail sickly woman telling him off. Sora can’t even recall what she said exactly, only that the gist was ‘how dare you hit a child’. Training is one thing, abuse for the sake of abuse is another. She only comes back to herself when Reiju takes her hand. After that she collects herself and returns to her wheelchair. She does not apologise to Garp but does apologise to the children for having to see that display. 

Garp never gives a ‘fist of love’ again.

One might say she spoils the children a little, but Sora just can’t help herself. After finding out Makino was only nineteen, she strives to help the young girl as much as she can. So in an effort to help Makino she offers to take the kids on the weekends to Germa. Her hope is that it can give the young woman some time to enjoy herself free of any responsibilities. And if she sneaks a large tip in the tip jar on Fridays, well, no one has to know. These weekends are her favourite, it gives Sora time to have the little ones to herself, no training, just pure fun. It’s the time she encourages them all to act like the children they are, or at least her children, Luffy acts like it all on his own. Their meat stores have taken a large hit due to that tiny boy, but Sora just can’t say no when he asks for more with those sparkling little eyes. 

It’s the most peaceful she’s ever been, despite the worry and fear hanging over her head. She doesn’t mind spending the last few years of her life like this. 

If only Sanji was there with them.

She hides her diminishing health as much as she can, but each year what little strength she has weakens further. By the time her babies turn seven and little Luffy is almost five she’s on full bedrest. Unable to even move her arms enough to hug back. It’s hard, so much harder than she imagined. To see each of her baby's faces so scared and miserable is horrifying. Instead of weekends away on the Germa flag ship they spend weekends by her bedside. Even Luffy who’s impatient in the best way possible gently cuddles her side those days while she tells any story she can think of. 

Sora hates it.

She doesn’t regret taking the drug and she never will, it gave her baby Sanji a chance and his humanity helped him eventually save his siblings. But that doesn’t mean on those hard nights when the pain coursing through her veins reaches its threshold she doesn’t feel regret. Regret for not finding another solution. Regret for putting herself in that position by trusting Judge. Regret for leaving her children too soon.

She’s going to die without seeing Sanji one last time. He’ll never forgive himself. 

She cries herself to sleep that night. 

Gathering what little strength she has both emotionally and physically she asks for her babies to come see her for something important. Luffy comes in as well, but she knows he’ll leave before she starts. After all, an adventure with future knowledge is much less fun than one without.

They all gather around each with sorrow etched on their faces. Sora gathers her composure and first warns them.

“What I’m about to tell you is information on the future Sanji told me before he left. I understand if you don’t want to know but I have to try to pass it on to someone before I go.”

Her children stiffen but say seated and Luffy scrunches up his little face in thought. Sora can tell he doesn’t want to know, but she can also tell he doesn’t want to upset her. The love she has for the little Pirate King swells in response. 

“Luffy, I know this will involve you personally and I do not want to spoil your future adventure if you don’t want to know. I will love you the same either way.”

With her heartfelt remark Luffy relaxes in his seat before hopping to his feet. 

“Thanks Sora!” 

And with a quick hug he leaves shouting out as he goes,

“Come find me when you’re done guys! I wanna play at the beach some more!”

As the little boy leaves the room the sound goes with him. Sora gathers her dwindling strength and tells them all a story.

As close as she can recall to the one Sanji told her, with a few exceptions. Her babies don’t need to feel guilt over things they did not and will not do, so she avoids those adventures. 

It’s adorable to see the wonder in her eyes as she describes the journey their brother had, the liberation of kingdoms, sky islands, zombies and mermaids. The tension skyrockets when she tells them of his hardships. 

Starvation, Zeff, a kind yet tough chef who raised Sanji in her stead. 

Sabody, losing his crew in a terrifying manner, though worth it in the end. 

Fire Fist Ace’s execution, a captain left to see his brother's death alone.

And his own death at the hands of a pirate by the name of Marshall D. Teach.

It’s not an easy story to tell, and it’s especially not an easy one to hear, but Sora will be damned if it dies with her. She will be damned if her baby dies the same gruesome death. 

Each child takes the tale differently. 

Reiju is solemn, yet happy her brother lived a good life if only it weren’t cut too short. 

Ichiji is astounded by the strength his brother has, feeling was something he never had before and he’s ever so grateful Sanji gave him back his own.

Yonji is ignoring the sadness in the tale and is just excited and wishful that he could one day go on adventures just as incredible. 

And Niji, well, Niji is quiet. Sora and his siblings' attempts to get him to talk are brushed off and ignored. Until a few days later when he goes back to his subdued yet caring self. He probably just needed some time to process it all.

Things go back to the way they were, the kids playing and Sora trying her best to hang on as long as she can.

Then Garp comes by and tells her Sanji has been taken by an undercover government agent. She might just be able to see her baby one last time after all. 

After a promise to return, and a tearful goodbye to Luffy and Makino. They set sail for the North Blue.