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Sanji completely believed that food was the way to someone’s heart. Making sure that someone was happy and healthy and had their fill of food always put a smile on his face. Sanji thrived in the food industry. He had been learning his technique for years, working underneath Zeff at the Baratie as he did so and becoming a sous chef himself. It was all that he could ever ask for.
He had everything that he could ever ask for. One day, he was going to open up his own restaurant and he already knew exactly what it would be like. What the name would be. Everything. This was his dream. He was going to do everything that he could in his power to make that wish become a reality.
He loved the days when his friends came into the Baratie. Seeing their happy smiles as they ate his food and ate to their heart’s content. It brought a bubbling feeling to his chest every time he saw it. A pride that he never wanted to go away. These were the days that he enjoyed the most. No matter how much chaos always seemed to break out whenever they were around, it still made him smile. They were his biggest supporters aside from Zeff. They were constantly cheering him on and telling him that he could do it.
He was their cook . It was his responsibility to make sure that they had the nutrition that they needed. He poured his heart and soul into the dishes he made for them and watched their faces as they ate anything he would put in front of them. It was like they were a big… family . They never gave up on him. Striving right alongside him as they all chased after their own dreams. Working to get where they wanted to be in life.
He wanted to see the day. See the day that they all managed to capture their dreams and ended up in this world where they wanted to be in life. Every step along the way, Sanji would be there. Tending to them and giving them what they needed. Food was a life source . He knew what it was like to go hungry. What it was like not to have food. It was something he never thought he would take for granted until the moment that he had. It was part of why he was so adamant about chasing after this. He had to. It was his purpose in life. He never wanted anyone to experience what he had, and he was more than willing to do whatever it took to get there. It was a lot of hard work and determination, but he knew that he would get there.
He did have his friends at his side. They pushed him on, made him stronger, and kept showing him that his dream could be a reality. It was one step at a time, but he would get there.
Sanji kept the tray balanced in his hand as he weaved his way through the tables to get to the one where his friends were currently sitting. He could hear their laughter and antics from where he was. Luffy was always loud in his own right whenever he got excited. He could already hear him chanting about food on his way through.
Sanji got up to the table, went around them, and reached over for the dishes for Nami and Robin first. “And for our beautiful ladies, the finest in the house.” He placed the first down in front of Robin since she was closer to him.
“Thank you, Sanji,” Robin replied, “It looks absolutely stunning.”
“Only the best for you, Robin!” Sanji swooned, giving her his best smile, “And Nami’s favorite,” he added as he placed down Nami’s. He also got a thanks from Nami and a bright smile from her that had him grinning. Once the women had their food, he had moved off to give the dishes to the remainder of them.
Luffy was practically bouncing in his seat, “Food! Food! Food!”
Normally, they had waiters who brought out the food and servers, but Sanji specifically decided to take care of his friends himself. He did it every single time that they were here. “Chill out!” Sanji exclaimed, “It’s coming!”
“But Sanji !” Luffy whined, “It smells so good!” Sanji rolled his eyes, getting the plates passed out and finally got Luffy his three plates. Luffy jumped in joy again, grinning like a madman as he exclaimed, “Finally, I can eat!”
“You act like you are starving,” Sanji drawled, he just rolled his eyes when Luffy just spoke about the food again and he waved his hand, “I’ve got work to go do.”
“Wait, Sanji!” Chopper exclaimed, “Do you really have to go?”
Sanji stopped, turning to face the young boy as he smiled a bit. “I still have a lot of hungry customers to help. No one goes without eating on my watch.” He reached out, placing a gentle hand on the top of his head for a moment before he was taking off.
“Sanji!” The blonde stopped for a second, rolling his eyes as he heard Zeff’s voice. “We don’t have all day!”
“I’m coming, you old geezer!” Sanji exclaimed as he went back to walking in the direction of where he needed to go. A smile came back to his face as he went right back to his work.
One day… He would fulfill that dream.
And he had a feeling that his friends were going to be there every step of the way.
It had taken a long time, but Sanji felt like everything was finally getting into place. They had all been working for their hopes and dreams. One by one, they did it. Getting to their respective goals and accomplishing them.
He was finally doing it.
His friends had been there every step of the way. People that he cared about were by his side and working with him. Sanji had finally gotten his chance. He had worked so hard for this moment. Sanji could still remember whenever he first told Luffy of his dream. Luffy had been so excited to listen to him. Taking in every single word. Now, he had worked to get there.
Sanji stood outside of the Baratie for what felt like the last time. For years, he had worked at this place. Trained underneath Zeff to become the best sous chef that he could be. This place meant a lot to him. Zeff had been there for him when no one else was. They both knew the struggle of what it felt like to be hungry. Zeff had taught him to appreciate everything. Taught him so much of what he knew now.
You see me now… you old geezer?
He was sure going to miss this place.
Sanji had already said goodbye to everyone. Well, almost everyone. Sanji wasn’t even surprised that Zeff wasn’t here to see him off. Sanji turned, walking a bit down the path as he held up the picture in his hand. It was a photo of him and Zeff just after this place was built.
“It’s the nicest restaurant that I have ever seen, that’s for sure!”
He could hear his own voice echoing in his hand as he curled his fingers around it.
“Hey, Sanji… Listen.”
“Huh? What is it?”
“It doesn’t matter what sort of person walks through our doors. If they are hungry, they will be fed. Every starving wretch who comes to us will get a fine meal. We can make that happen. It doesn’t matter how much we fight because we share the same dream.”
“Yeah!”
“Are you ready? Because we’re going to be busy.”
“You bet! It won’t be a problem with me around!”
The memories were swirling around in his head as he smiled a bit and put the photo back into his bag and tightened it back up. Every single moment. Everything that Zeff had ever taught him. The memories that they had shared at this place.
It was time for him to finally take off and spread his wings.
Everything that he worked so hard for was coming true.
The others had seen him off. Watching as he started to leave for what could be the last time.
His friends were waiting for him. Luffy stood there for a second, giving him a soft smile, “Not going to say goodbye?” Sanji knew who he was talking about.
Sanji sighed, shaking his head, “No, it’s fine.”
Sanji moved to take another step forward but stopped as he heard, “Sanji.” Sanji froze as he inhaled sharply. It caught in his throat as his eyes widened. Zeff. “Take care of yourself, alright.”
Sanji felt the sting in his eyes as the tears started to form. Zeff… was actually saying goodbye to him. “Chef Zeff!” The tears fell out of his eyes as he quickly turned, dropping down to his knees and pressing his forehead into the ground. “Thanks, you geezer. I will never forget your kindness. I owe my life to you, old man. So… thank you .”
Whenever he lifted his head, Sanji made eye contact with Zeff. He could see the man standing on the balcony, looking down at him with tears in his own eyes. “Go, Sanji.” Zeff stated, “Come back and see me sometime.”
Sanji nodded, getting back to his feet.
“Let’s go!” Luffy exclaimed, “It’s time to go to the All Blue!”
Sanji was grinning from ear to ear despite the tears in his eyes as he turned to follow his friends. He waved his hand, calling out to Zeff and the others once more. “Goodbye! I’ll see you again!”
He meant it.
He was going to show them all.
The All Blue.
His dream.
Sanji’s heart was pounding as he stared up at the building. A sign was on it that was reminiscent of the Baratie’s sign. It had taken a while to get here, but this was the place.
His very own restaurant.
Sanji grinned, clutching onto the keys as he stared at the sign.
“I finally did it.” Sanji murmured, “The… All Blue.”
Sanji took a step forward, going towards his future.
This… This was his dream.
And it had came true.