Chapter Text
Once upon a time in a country in the North Blue…
The full moon shown brightly upon the mountainous landscape filled with forest. The dark, looming silhouette of Castle Vinsmoke was a stark contrast to the pale light of the moon. Despite its menacing presence, guests still continued to file up the winding road to the castle in their carriages. An invitation to a ball hosted by the Vinsmoke family was not to be missed, especially when the ball was in celebration of the third son’s birthday.
Nami pulled the small curtain aside to peer out the window of her carriage. The large castle looked like something out of scary bedtime stories nannies told naughty children to give them nightmares. The orange-haired woman wasn’t afraid though. She had been studying its layout for weeks. “Nami are you sure this is going to work? What if we get caught??” The waiver in her long-nosed companion’s voice was unmistakable. She may not have been afraid, but Usopp definitely was.
“Don’t worry, Usopp. I’ve planned everything perfectly,” Nami called up to her friend. He may be a coward but his sniper skills were beyond compare, which was essential in some of the situations they found themselves in. He was also an impeccable liar, making him perfect for taking on any disguise. Right now he was posing as her carriage driver, wearing a plain black wool servant’s suit and his black curly hair pulled back in a simple red ribbon.
“I’m kind of worried, too, Nami.” She heard the faint voice of the reindeer pulling the carriage. Not him too, Nami thought as she rolled her eyes. Chopper was the doctor of their little group. His cuteness also worked in their favor in that people easily trusted him and underestimated his strength.
“Chopper, I told you guys, I’ve got this.” Nami was getting annoyed now. “Stop worrying. Both of you are going to throw off my game. Let’s just get up to the castle.”
*****
Sanji stared at the gold mask in his hands. He hated balls; especially masquerade balls where fake people hid further behind masks. This ball was supposed to celebrate his birthday, but Sanji was no fool. He knew the guests in attendance were either trying to stay in the good graces of his father or impress his two older brothers.
Being the third son of the Vinsmoke family held no significance. Sanji could disappear and no one would notice. At least he had his cooking lessons with former castle Chef Zeff while growing up. The secret addition of the old geezer teaching him to fight with his legs was a bonus that Sanji looked forward to each week ever since he was 8 years old. The sparring knowledge particularly came in handy every time he got into yet another argument with that stupid swordsman guard that was the same age as him. Why his dad kept that dumb marimo around was beyond Sanji’s comprehension.
It was only recently that Zeff was dismissed from his chef duties at the castle. Sanji tried to hold back the tears as he said goodbye to the old geezer. The only comfort he had was when Zeff told him that he was finally going to open his dream restaurant at sea. “If you ever get to travel, chibi nasu, make sure to stop by.” Sanji remembered the old man’s words with a frown. Like I would ever be able to get out of this place.
Sighing, Sanji put on the ridiculous gold mask. At least the gold went well with his dark blue three-piece suit. Might as well get this damn party over with.
*****
The pumpkin-shaped carriage pulled by the suspiciously dressed reindeer finally reached the entrance of Castle Vinsmoke. “Okay Usopp, Chopper, you guys know the plan right?” Nami whispered through the small window at the front of the carriage. “Meet me over at the east end of the castle in two hours. That is where the treasure room is. I will lower down whatever I find, but our big target is the Vinsmoke family crown jewels. When I find that, then I will get out of the castle myself. Just make sure you load up whatever I lower down.”
Both accomplices nodded. “I’ll keep an eye on the room while you’re in there, Nami,” Usopp added. “If anyone shows up, leave them to me.”
Nami smiled. “I knew I could rely on you, Usopp.” She took a breath as one of the Vinsmoke family servants approached the carriage. “Remember,” she reminded her friends, “two hours.”
Before the servant could reach the handle of the carriage, Usopp jumped down and opened the door. “Ahem, Lady Namiderella of Cocoa Kingdom in East Blue,” he announced in a posh, stuffy tone completely different from his usual voice. Nami smirked, trying to stifle a giggle at the ridiculous accent. The Vinsmoke family servant’s expression was unchanging as he held out his hand, helping Nami out of the carriage.
As Nami stepped down from the carriage, she thanked the servant and adjusted her pink ball gown. Tossing her orange curls over her shoulder, she straightened her posture, took a deep breath, and put on a black mask. Here goes nothing.