A Cook's Resolve

by hatredwithpassion

Summary:

The blond haired cook gazed through the thicket of tall trees as he hovered in the air silently above the dormant bodies. Sanji Vinsmoke eyed the desecrated battlefield with an unsettled gaze. He grimaced at the gruesome sight and a desperate thought ran through his mind in a cyclical loop.

 

I need to get off this island.

 

(Sanji Vinsmoke ends up in the Land of Fire and is very unimpressed with the state of affairs. He decides to open up a restaurant and feed everyone indiscriminately. Naturally, things never remain simple for the very notorious pirate)

Notes:

I am back with another unlikely crossover ~ Vinsmoke Sanji in KONOHA. This is going to be an utter delight to write. Sanji will FEED everyone and by everyone I mean little sad orphan Naruto. If you know your One Piece well, you know Sanji would NEVER turn away a hungry person, especially a child. Regardless of the "monster" and "demon" label. I'd also like to point out that Sanji has seen enough crazy stuff in his own world that he won't be phased one bit about a small child being a so-called demon. So yes, Ichiraku Ramen won't be the only haven for our little sunshine child ;)

Naruto will have a mentor relationship with Sanji, he will be fed and learn to take care of himself properly. Sanji will also clash with authority figures who give the sunshine child trouble. Do expect some literal ass kicking because Black Legged Sanji is out for justice!

Do check out my other crossovers if you're interested: Aot/Naruto, FMA/Naruto, and now OP/Naruto.

Happy Reading!

Chapter 1: One

I.

 

Distant and incoherent sounds filtered through the recesses of a discombobulated mind. The lithe darkly clad figure adorned in black attire with a dark flowing cape blinked his eyes open slowly with a pained groan. A sharp and assessing blue gaze took in the vast scenery of expansive green in bewilderment.

 

Sanji Vinsmoke - the notorious pirate born in the North Blue seas and the cook of the Straw Hats crew - sat up with a grimace and pressed a hand to his enflamed side. He winced at the painful motion and looked around at his surroundings.

 

Trees.

 

Tall, tall trees stretched on for miles far into the skies and they surrounded him from all sides. Sanji blinked warily at the unfamiliar landscape and he pulled himself upwards with a shaky breath.

 

The pirate looked down at his dark raid suit - the weapon created by Germa 66- and he heaved a relieved sigh. It was fully intact. The material of his suit was durable and sturdy. The strong blast had not damaged the suit and the only damage sustained was to his ribs.

 

Sanji pressed two careful fingers to his side and he ran his palm gingerly over his injuries. Two broken ribs. He tsked in irritation - a minor inconvenience - he had sustained way worse injuries through his unsafe endeavours across the Grand Line.

 

Sanji lifted his gaze upwards and he frowned at the sight of the clear blue skies- It had been nighttime in Wano Kingdom. The final battle was carried out under a stormy and tumultuous dark sky. The current blue and large clouds signified a temporal shift. The cook pursed his lips in concern and he stretched out his observational Haki, seeking out the presences nearby.

 

Three energy signatures were close. Two were faint and flickering away rapidly.

 

The energies were unfamiliar. Sanji didn’t recognize them. More of Kaido's underlings, great. Sanji stretched out his Haki further, hoping to catch a glimpse of his crew mates. Robin’s smooth and crisp energy was absent. Nami’s warm and trickling energy was unreachable. The infuriating green swordsman’s cool and sure energy was unattainable. The nervous and jittery energy of the sniper was silent. The bubbly and excited aura of the youthful doctor was missing. The laughing and joyful presence of the skeletal musician was gone. The keen and innovative aura of the mechanic was absent. The larger than life energy of his captain was... gone. There was a gaping hole in his chest- a large chasm - and the cook felt it with sudden surety. 

 

They were gone.

 

They were not on this island.

 

Sanji frowned at the forlorn thought and shook his head. He didn’t need another long separation. He had endured two full years on the island of hellish nightmares, running and running and running, surviving without his crew by his side. He didn't want to go through that again. The cook scowled to himself. He desperately wished for a smoke.

 

The blond moved upwards, dispelling his invisibility barrier on his suit -Black Stealth- and he took to the sky with fast hurried steps. He moved up, up and up and propelled himself towards the noise of blades and metal clashing against each other. Sanji stared down at the battlefield and he narrowed his gaze at the sight.

 

Three darkly clad bodies were moving in a whirlwind of speed. Kunai blades clashed against each other in a rapid dance. Movements were fast and each swipe and throw was meant to kill. A lean figure wearing a white mask with red etchings moved his hands in rapid successions. His  two opponents were larger, taller and they wore dark cloth masks over their faces. Their bodies were littered with numerous injuries and they fought with feral ferocity.

 

Their features were obscured and their eyes were hard and clinical as they dove after the masked man. The man had gravity-defying silver locks and he murmured unfamiliar words in a toneless voice - Doton: Doryūheki - He slammed his gloved hands on the ground, morphing a large mud wall as a slew of knives sailed towards him. The blades hit the wall and clattered noisily into the ground.

 

The masked figure disappeared behind his sturdy barrier and reappeared behind his opponent in a single flash. Sanji watched in alarm as he drove a blade through the man’s neck, severing through his jugular muscles with ease. His movements were robotic and practiced. His gait, his movements, and his detached demeanour reminded him of Germa 66 army soldiers. Killers.

 

The assassins - the Sensōya - had been warmongers. Germa 66 was the strongest underworld mercenary force - an army of ready-made soldiers - born, bred and cultivated to eliminate their targets. It was their sole and only purpose. Perfect tools, perfect soldiers. Sanji watched with an unsettled gaze as the man choked on his blood and he fell to the ground, unmoving and dead.

 

The cook pursed his lips tightly at the gruesome sight. The silver haired figure weaved through his remaining opponent and he cleaved him in half with a thin sword. The masked man moved over the bodies with an unbothered display and took off in a flash, leaving behind an assortment of leaves in his place.

 

The blond haired cook gazed through the thicket of tall trees as he hovered in the air silently above the dormant bodies. Sanji Vinsmoke eyed the desecrated battlefield with an unsettled gaze and his blue eyes locked on the corpses and the seeping pools of blood. He lowered himself to the ground and gazed at the maimed bodies warily. He grimaced at the gruesome sight and a desperate thought ran through his mind in a cyclical loop.

 

I need to get off this island.

 

---

 

Chapter 2: Two

Summary:

Sanji meets a certain brat during his travels, he arrives in Konoha and opens a restaurant.

II

 

The straw hat pirate - Black Legged Sanji - leaned forward and studied the old map in his hands. The cook pursed his lips tightly as he looked over the intricate map he had swiped from a distracted vendor under his invisibility veil. He had changed out of his Raid Suit and adorned civilian attire. He was dressed in nondescript clothing; dark trousers and a white undershirt, coupled with a thick woollen grey scarf. Sanji had stolen the clothing from the hanging laundry rails outside the homes. He was a pirate and he was not above thievery. Much to his dismay, closed footwear was uncommon and he had to scour many shops till he found closed-toe boots and swiped them off the counter. He had no desire to travel longterm on a pair of straw sandals. 

 

Sanji eyed the map, his blue eyes traced over the different countries in wonderment. The island was vast and expansive - It reminded him of Wano Kuni - and it was divided into different sectors. Elemental Nations. Water Country. Fire country. Earth country. Lightening Country. The island he currently inhabited was multifaceted and different. Sanji had encountered a number of strange anomalies in his two decades of lived experience. He had seen plenty; the hellish land of Momoiro Island, an island of sentient trees and flowers, an island of cursed toys and caged people.

 

He had seen alien and othering inhabiters of numerous lands in the Grand Line. An island in the sky - with a vicious man who proclaimed himself the god of lightning - Thriller bark with their army of undead and ghostly apparitions, the dragon island, islands made solely of food and rare ingredients. Islands of fishermen, different species, different governing groups. Islands solely of female warriors, islands solely of men who dressed as women. There were many alien islands on the Grand line and this one was large and separated into large sects. Elemental Nations. The cook pursed his lips tightly as he looked over the map, his eyes lingering on the Land of Fire.

 

He gazed ahead at the crowded streets of merchants and haggard shopkeepers. He was in a small village on the outskirts of Fire Country. It was a destitute and impoverished village with debilitated structures and it housed the dregs of society. It reminded him much of Ebisu Town and the townsmen and women were not smiling. Their cheeks were sunken and their eyes were vacant; their expressions were grim and deep frown lines marred their weary faces. Sanji had seen a few shinobi pass through the village briefly. It was a stopping point for them. The pirate noted the difference in appearance in each nin. They wore different headbands signifying an allegiance to their designated villages.

 

Shinobi.

 

There had been a group of skilled mercenaries - hired elite ninja - acting as guardsmen to Orochi on Wano Kuni. Sanji wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with them. The saucy Shinobu and the overeager Raizo had been shinobi and he had travelled and fought alongside them for the freedom of Wano. They had moved fast and handled kunai knives with lethal efficiency. Sanji sighed heavily and gazed up at the darkening clouds. He needed to acquire a log pose and leave this foreboding island. He glanced down at the map thoughtfully. The land of Fire was the most prominent and politically stable land - according to the rumours - It was the power house among the nations. Kononhakagure was the village hidden in the leaves. He had seen their nin operating in and out of the quiet village and heard the rumours of their prowess.

 

Sanji stood up and folded the map carefully, tucking it into his pocket. In this quiet impoverished village, supplies were scarce and the merchants gazed at him in bewilderment and confusion when he asked them for a log pose to travel across the seas. Sanji needed to gather supplies and map out his travel route off the island. Surely, somewhere within the Land of Fire, he would find a log pose.

 

---

 

Sanji followed the dirt path with brisk steps. He moved under the tall shadows of the thick trees, whistling a low tune under his breath. His dark leather boots kicked at the dirt idly as he moved through the pedestrian path. The cook had a large bag of supplies strapped to his back and he stopped briefly as he heard the rushing of a stream ahead. Sanji moved into the thicket of trees and refilled his water canteen. A sharp whistling sound sliced through the air and a body catapulted out of the bushes. Sanji ducked as a blade sailed past his neck and he turned to regard his attacker with an annoyed glare. The speed of the knife was fast but it wasn't faster than the laser beams of the ningen-heiki.

 

The army of Pacifista had been much faster. The ningen-heiki had demolished entire buildings and decimated whole pirate crews with their rapid destructive beams. Two years ago, he had been too weak to take them on directly. But now, after two hellish years, speed wasn't an issue he couldn't tackle.

 

“Can I help you?” Sanji drawled with a pointed glare.

 

His attacker was a man with nondescript features, sandy dirty hair and dull brown eyes. He was wearing an ugly mean sneer as he pulled a katana blade off his back. His attire was rundown and numerous injuries littered his stocky form.

 

“It’s a bad day for you, civilian.” He smirked.

 

Sanji arched a curly eyebrow high. He gazed at the long katana with an unimpressed gaze. It was rusty and uncared for. As the crewmate of the notorious marimo swordsman, he knew the blade reflected the wielder. This man had no love for his rusted sword and his skills were abysmal. Sanji rummaged through his pockets, pulling out a box of cigarettes and he gazed at his assailant with an expression of boredom.

 

"Do you need something?" He intoned in a disinterested tone.

 

The man blinked in bewilderment as his blasé attitude and he scowled angrily in offence. He lifted his sword - his stance was that of an amateur - and he left many spots open and unguarded. He rushed forward with an loud battle cry, lunging at him and swinging the blade with a wide arch. Sanji side stepped easily and lit up his cigarette, taking a deep inhale. The man whirled on his sandalled feet and charged. A kunai blade sailed past the cook and delved into the attacker's gut. The man reeled forward in pain and fell to his knees with a grunt. Sanji spread out his observational Haki and sensed another presence closing in rapidly. They were fast. Much faster than the moron groaning on the ground. A darkly clad child flickered into sight, a meter away from him and he took in the sight with assessing red eyes.

 

He eyed the man on his knees and he rushed forward, unstrapping his sword from his back. Sanji stepped back as the pale preteen engaged the man in a quick battle. He was experienced and he wielded his sword like an extension of himself. His opponent was quickly subdued and apprehended. The kid turned to him with curious red eyes. He quickly chained the man to a tree and stepped forward carefully.

 

"Are you alright? Man sorry, this one was mine but he slipped away."

 

Sanji lifted his cigarette and took a long inhale. "What'd he do?"

 

The kid grimaced and a sour expression overtook his pale face. "He's the leader of a group of bandits that have been terrorizing travellers on the road." He glared at the man and kicked the dirt towards him angrily. "He left his own men mid battle and ran off to save his own hide."

 

Sanji surveyed the pale brat. He was wearing a distinctive forehead protector and he had a lean figure. He had dark curly locks and aristocratic, regal features. He couldn't be over thirteen. The kid strapped his sword to his back and turned to him with an amiable smile. His eyes receded to a dark onyx colour and he clasped his hands in front of him genially. 

 

"Now you have nothing to fear, I apprehended the group of bandits and he's the last one." He assured in a low calm tone.

 

Sanji arched an eyebrow. "All by yourself?" Damn, kid. What are they feeding you?

 

The kid beamed at him brightly, a large smile stretched on his pale face and it made him seem much younger. Sanji swallowed the feeling of longing that lodged in his throat. The kozo's smile reminded him too much of his joyful captain. It was utterly friendly and carefree. Despite the severity of the situation, the kid appeared unbothered. He was much like Luffy.

 

"If I may ask, where are you headed?"

 

"Konoha." Sanji intoned.

 

The kid's smile widened and his dark eyes brightened. "Ah that's my home. I'm Uchiha Shisui by the way. You are?"

 

"Sanji."

 

"Good luck on your travels Sanji-san! Keep to the main road and-"

 

A loud rumble cut through the clearing and the kid's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. He let out an self-conscious laugh and ran a hand through his curly locks.

 

"Sorry, I've haven't eaten in a while." He explained with a sheepish smile.

 

Sanji nodded and tucked his cigarette away. He took off his large bag of supplies and rummaged through it, pulling out the ingredients hurriedly. He lifted his head and gave the kid a pointed look.

 

"Don't just stand there, get some firewood kid."

 

"Oh! Uhm...okay sure!" The kid took off hurriedly, disappearing in a flash of black.

 

Sanji rolled his eyes and pulled out his spices and dried meats. He eyed the freshly washed vegetables and pursed his lips thoughtfully, his mind running through a number of nutrient heavy recipes. He pulled out the cooking utensils and cutting board. The cook rolled up his sleeves and washed his hands in the running stream. Sanji moved with practiced ease, chopping and cutting the ingredients expertly. The kid returned with an armful of wood and began setting them up. He moved his hands in a fast succession and took a large inhale, breathing fire directly on the gathered pile. Sanji's eyes widened at the unexpected sight. Right, he can breathe fire too.

 

The brat - Shisui - watched him cooking curiously. He hovered around him, tilting his head to the side like a twittering bird. Sanji waved his knife threateningly and glared at the child. "Make yourself useful and peel the potatoes." He ordered briskly, tossing the peeler to the brat.

 

Shisui caught the peeler and his dark eyes widened. He stared down at the device, blinking in confusion and bewilderment. "Uhm..." He intoned hesitantly. 

 

Sanji stared at him with a deadpan expression. "Seriously? You never used a peeler before?"

 

Shisui waved his hands around anxiously. "No! I mean yes! I mean I always eat out you know... I never cook so I never really had to peel anything before..." He glared down at the peeler with an offended expression and grumbled under his breath as he began removing the skin of the vegetables.

 

Sanji felt a smile spread on his lips. The brat reminded him too much of his captain. Luffy was utterly useless in the kitchen. Sanji had tried to get the straw hat captain to help in the kitchen and it always ended in disaster. The idiot often stuffed chopsticks in his nose and made silly noises instead of using them to eat like a normal human being. Normality was a rare phenomenon for the crew. Sanji watched the brat peel the potatoes and his lips quirked upward. Not bad for a beginner. The cook paused in his chopping and his glare intensified as he eyed the pale brat.

 

"Oi."

 

Shisui stiffened at his reprimanding tone and he turned to him with wide, alarmed eyes.

 

"Yes?"

 

"Did you wash your hands before touching my vegetables?"

 

The kid blinked slowly and he lowered the peeler with a sheepish expression. Sanji tsked under his breath as the child shuffled hurriedly to the river. Sanji worked quietly. The sound of chopping and stirring of ingredients filled the woods and the bandit leader began to stir awake. Shisui hurried back to the pile of vegetables and ignored the indignant yells of the outlaw. They worked quietly for a while and the smell of cooking wafted through the vicinity.

 

Sanji served a large generous serving to the kid. Shisui stared at the stew and a large eager grin overtook his face. He began eating like a starving man and he made loud appreciative noises as he inhaled his food rapidly. Sanji loaded another bowl and walked to the tied up burglar. He lowered the bowl in front of the man and the bandit blinked at him in bewilderment.

 

"I'll untie you so you can eat but don't try anything."

 

"Sanji-san, I don't think that's a good idea."

 

Sanji turned to the kid. "He needs to eat."

 

Shisui frowned in confusion. "But...he's a total bastard."

 

"Oi!" The bandit protested. "Wait till I'm untied brat! I will tear you-"

 

Sanji whirled on his feet and kicked the trunk of the tree in warning. The bark broke under his foot and the bandit screeched in terror as the tree trunk fell down with a loud crash. Shisui gasped in shock and Sanji pulled back, cutting through the ropes. The road bandit flinched at his touch and he whimpered in terror.

 

"My bad, my leg slipped." He drawled.

 

"Uhm... Sanji-san, who are you exactly?" Shisui asked as he continued stuffing his face with wide eyes.

 

The brat's cheeks were full and his eyes were wide and expressive. He looked like a baby squirrel and the sight was endearing. Sanji loaded another plate and took a seat across from the kid. Shisui eyed him with unmasked curiosity.

 

"I'm just a cook."

 

Shisui furrowed his brows and continued stuffing his face. He emptied his serving and stared down at the bowl forlornly. He gazed up at Sanji with a hopeful expression and the cook smiled good-naturedly. He took the empty bowl and added a second serving. Shisui beamed brightly and made eager grabby hands at him. Sanji handed him the serving with an indulgent smile and the kid cheered excitedly. Sanji watched him eat and he ate his warm stew, humming appreciatively at the assortment of perfectly mixed spices.

 

"So brat, how far from here to Konoha?"

 

Shisui chewed thoughtfully. "Mmm, about two days travel from here for a civilian. There a few carriages who pass by so I recommend taking them."

 

Sanji nodded. Two days by foot. He could easily use his raid suit and cut his travel time in half but that would raise suspicion. He had to keep his suit hidden. He had no idea what the island inhabiters were like. Germa 66 technology was sought all over the Grand Line. Big Mom had arranged an assassination plot and orchestrated a fake wedding to get her hands on the Vinsmokes' technology. It was too risky. Stealth Black had to remain hidden. So far he had met a hostile bandit and an excitable young shinobi. The two were hardly a fair measure of the entire land. He needed more information. Konoha would be an ideal start. The strongest village had to have the most resources. The best of the best. His ticket out had to be there.

 

Shisui finished his second serving and patted his bloated stomach with a groan. "Please tell me you're coming to Konoha to open a shop Sanji-san. How can I eat regular food after tasting yours?" He threw his arms in the air dramatically.

 

Hmm... He could temporarily open a shop and gather information from the regulars. Sanji had opened a soba stand in Wano and gathered information from the regulars who lined up to eat and chatted about current affairs. People always talked as they dined. Tired samurai visited his stand after a long day and shared their grievances with their peers as he prepared their food. People always spoke in front of him because they thought he was just a cook. They let their guard down around him. Sanji stood up and collected the bowls, washing them in the river.

 

His mind was made up. He would set up a shop in Konoha and gather information, get a log pose and leave this island. The cook packed his bag and belongings carefully, waving away the gratitude of the brat. Shisui walked over to the bandit and knocked him out with a swift kick. He picked up his large body over his shoulder with ease and turned to the cook with a smile.

 

"I hope to eat your food again, Sanji-san."

 

Sanji heaved his large pack over his back and grunted in acknowledgement. "Later brat."

 

Shisui grinned and turned on his heel, leaping to the trees with ease. He waved at him happily from the branches and the cook's lips quirked upwards in amusement. He waved to the child and watched him take off into the thicket of trees. Sanji turned his gaze to the setting sun and made his way back to the dirt path.

 

---

 

The blond twenty-one year old pirate stared at the large gates of the village of Konoha with an assessing gaze. He looked at the two guards standing at their posts. They looked bored out of their mind. He stepped forward and a guard raised his hand, pausing him at the doors. He looked him up and down curiously.

 

"Hello," he greeted in a low tone. "Where did you come from? And what is your business here?"

 

His teammate watched from above with a lazy disinterested stare. He was lounging like a cat in the sun.

 

"I come from Minami village." Sanji intoned as he shuffled through his pockets and handed the guard his paperwork.

 

It wasn't hard to create false paperwork. Minami village was a village of thieves, drunkards and outlaws. All he had to do was pay a few coins of stolen ryo and he had a solid identity. Most people kept away from the small civilian impoverished town. People often disappeared there, crime filtered through every alleyway. The guard looked over his papers and he nodded.

 

"And your purpose at Konoha, Sanji-san?" He asked, stamping his papers with the approved seals.

 

Sanji accepted his papers and his lips quirked into a small smile. "To open a restaurant. I have my permit and certification here." He handed the second pile of paperwork to the polite guard. 

 

The lounging guard above released a low whistle and he leaned forward from his high post. "Oho, can you cook blondie?" He asked with a cheshire smirk.

 

He was a tanned man with honey brown eyes and a pale scar ran along his cheek. Sanji smirked up at the nin and his blue eyes lit up in challenge.

 

"Why don't you come and see for yourself?"

 

The guard cackled and his teammate rolled his eyes. He handed back the remaining paperwork and bid him well on his endeavours with a friendly smile. Sanji turned on his heel, his gaze curious and wondering as he looked upon the village of Konoha. It was beautiful. He walked through the bustling village and crowds. Thick autumn trees shrouded the village in soft shades and an array of colours. Tall buildings and multitiered structures spread throughout the streets. A large stone monument of four faces greeted him - the village heroes- and he gazed at the general populous.

 

The villagers of Konoha dressed like the citizens of Flower Capital. The men and women dressed in an assortment of clothes, ranging from traditional kimono to regular trousers and sweaters. Children ran around in bundles of layers chasing after one another as adults weaved through the crowds, mothers held baskets in their arms and young adults harangued vendors for a cheaper deal. It was a lively village. It was picturesque and it felt utopian. Sanji narrowed his eyes at the thought. Flower Capital had felt perfect, flawless and unrivalled in its grandeur. It was the capital of Wano and it gave off the impression that the country was in perfect contentment.

 

Yet underneath the guise perfection, there was a sinister hidden truth. The people were subjugated and they lived in fear. The samurais patrolled the streets like hounds and Orochi had his spies planted everywhere. It was a dystopian nightmare. The cook walked through the perfect streets and made his way to the business offices. He entered the clean, impeccable building and was waved inside by an eager secretary. She smiled at him and he handed her his paperwork, inquiring about opening a restaurant of his own.

 

The women led him to an office and he greeted the proprietor with a thin polite smile. He was a tall man with long green locks and a stern face. He spoke curtly, explaining the procedure. Sanji would be given a designated place of operation under a loan. The business would take an allocated sum of his earnings and he would need to meet a certain quota by the end of the month. The failure to meet the quota would result in his business deal being nullified. Sanji smirked and nodded, signing the paperwork with flourish. He didn't plan to stay long but in the time he would spend in this village, he would make everyone revere his culinary abilities.

 

The cook left the business shop with a detailed map of the village and a lighter heart. For now, he had a direction and a goal and it made him feel more settled. Sanji walked through the streets, weaving through the bodies unhurriedly as he made his way to the vacated shop. It was a small shop, a tiny hole in the wall with a peeling, deteriorating sign. It was in the centre of the village, near a successful ramen stand that had a number of customers going in and out of the establishment. Sanji eyed the vendor - Ichiraku Ramen - and his blue eyes lit up in determination. He always enjoyed a good competition.

 

Sanji pulled the door open and the hinges creaked under the motion. The cook frowned and he stepped inside. The door would have to go. He would replace it. Sanji eyed the interior of the vacated restaurant and he shuddered. Everything would have to go. The colours were garish, the paint on the wall was peeling and the entire place smelt dank. The pirate heaved a long sigh and lowered his heavy bag of supplies. He rolled up his sleeves and got to work.

 

There was lots to do.

 

---

 

All Blue was a small restaurant that catered to all customers. It served an assortment of cuisines, ranging from international to local. It served three courses and the dessert was selected on a daily basis. It opened in the late afternoon and remained operating until the late evening. The sign on the outside had an image of a smiling skeleton with a straw hat. It was an odd sight and it drew a curious crowd. The small restaurant was manned by a single cook - he was a lean and lithe blond man with a sharp tongue and a no-nonsense attitude.

 

Despite his snarky attitude, his food was divine and the villagers lined up before opening time to eat at his establishment. There was a limited number of customers allowed in the restaurant and it was a cosy and homey place. All Blue quickly became a favourite among the families for its healthy and nutritious variety. It was a favourite among the youth for its desserts and mouth-watering delicacies. It was a favourite among the tired shinobi and kunoichi who wanted a hearty, warm meal after a long and exhaustive day.

 

The blond cook heaved a long sigh and pulled the doors of his restaurant shut. It had been two weeks since he arrived at the village and his establishment was a hot success. It kept him busy and information flowed rapidly. The blond lit up a cigarette and he gazed up at the bright moon. Sanji turned on his heel and slipped out of restaurant through the side door. He hummed a low tune under his breath as he made his way through the empty streets, moving at a leisurely pace as he made his way to his apartment complex. His place was small and comfortable. It served its purpose as a temporary lodging. The cook gazed up at the moon and released a sigh. It was finally the weekend and he needed the free time to restock on ingredients and plan.

 

---

 

The small child stood in front of the locked doors of the orphanage with hot tears streaming down his whiskered cheeks. He slammed his tiny bruised fists on the large wooden door as the sobs wracked through his small shivering frame. The cold wind of autumn blew through the night and the vicinity was vacant.

 

"Let me in!" He cried out. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I won't be bad again." 

 

The small boy knelt down in front of the entrance and wrapped his thin arms around his knees as he leaned against the door. The boy hid his cherubic face in his arms as the tremors ran through his emaciated body. The orphanage matron had kicked him out for the night. She said he was bad child. The small orphan's lips wobbled and he stifled a heart-breaking sob. His stomach grumbled loudly and he reeled forward as his vision spun in hunger.

 

He was starving.

 

He pressed his tiny hands to his pained stomach and he frowned in distress.

 

"Please," he whispered brokenly. "I'm hungry."

 

Monsters don't need food. Starve. The harsh voice of the caretakers ran through his mind and he whimpered in fright. Demons don't need food. Starve. The small four year old shivered pitifully as he laid down on the cold ground. The tears slipped down his cold cheeks and he closed his eyes tightly - starve, starve, starve - He whined in distress and pain as the harsh words ran through his mind cruelly.

 

---

 

Notes:

Smoll, blond sunshine who is hated by Konoha, guess whooooooo?

Chapter 3: Three

Summary:

Sanji laments over his nakama and Shisui shows up. Sanji meets a small hungry blond child in the cold.

III.

 

The air was crisp and cold. Frost lingered on the windowsills of the quaint structures and the innumerable sounds of shoppers and villagers filled the vicinity. The blond haired cook weaved through the crowds of early morning go-getters with a pensive gaze. His cerulean eyes peered at the note in his hand. He scanned his hasty penmanship as he mentally catalogued his inventory purchases. Sanji narrowed his gaze at the scribbles at the bottom of his shopping list. The words were circled in red signifying their importance. Den den mushi. Log pose. 

 

Sanji could not find the blasted communication devices anywhere. His search for a log pose had been unsuccessful. He needed to delve deeper. He needed to seek out corner stores and hidden crevices that sold uncommon merchandise. This island was built by shinobi - they had no understanding of pirates - and they remained hidden. Sanji pursed his lips worriedly at the thought. He was very far from his nakama. He had no way to contact them. It was troublesome.  

 

Sanji shook his head, dispelling the negative thoughts. He would have a long and entertaining tale to share with his crew when he got back. His precious navigator -Nami- would map this unknown variant on her world map with an excited grin. His crew mates would laugh at his experiences and tease him relentlessly. The sniper -Ussop- would roll on the ground from uproarious laughter and he would slam his hands theatrically on the deck of Sunny. His captain -Luffy- would throw his head back and laugh wholeheartedly in genuine mirth. The marimo -Zoro- would grunt and call him a foolish bastard. Sanji’s heart clenched at the thought of his friends. It was okay. He was only here short-term. It was okay.  

 

Sanji slipped past a bickering couple and trekked his way onto the restaurant street. He walked briskly, his arms full of shopping bags and goods. The cook cursed under his breath as he juggled the multiple bags and searched for the keys in his fitted pants. An amused snort cut off his tangent and he turned around with a narrowed gaze. The little brat was back. Uchiha Shisui. The preteen grinned up at him and he stepped forward with light steps.

 

“Sanji-san!” He chirped happily. “You made it! Woah, is this your restaurant?” The brat hopped on his feet excitedly and he gazed up at All Blue with awe and wonder.

 

Sanji felt his lips quirk upwards in amusement. The brat was a breath of fresh air. His excitement and cheerfulness were entirely genuine and gleeful. The cook felt his earlier cloud of longing and negativity dissipate in the kid’s warm company. 

 

“No way!” Shisui rambled as his whole body vibrated in excitement. “I heard there was a new popular restaurant and I kinda hoped it was you but then I got an outside mission and I didn’t get the chance to check it out. And my cousin keeps fantasizing about the pastries and-”

 

“Oi.”

 

Sanji tossed his bags at the kid. “Make yourself useful and hold these.”

 

Shisui squeaked in alarm and caught the bags with a startled gaze. Sanji pulled out his keys with a relieved sigh and opened the door to his establishment. He waved the child in and fastened the door shut behind him. He tucked his keys in his pockets and made his way into the kitchen. Shisui followed after him with eager steps. The cook ordered the kid to deposit the bag on the counters and turned to wash his hands. Shisui peaked curiously in the bags and began asking him a slew of culinary inquiries. Sanji indulged the brat and took out his notebook, making the necessary changes to his inventory list. 

 

Sanji paused and peered at the child thoughtfully. He tapped his pen on his notebook. 

 

“Shisui, where can someone buy a log pose around here?”

 

Shisui paused and he tilted his head to the side in confusion. “A what?”

 

Sanji lowered his notebook and set it down on the counter. “A log pose. It’s for navigation.”

 

“Oh.” Shisui shrugged with an apologetic expression. “I never heard of it. I mean I’m not a sailor so I don’t know. Gomen. Maybe…try the ports? But you’d have to leave Konoha for that since we’re not by any of the seas.”

 

Sanji felt a weird sensation in his stomach. It was like a heavy stone. It was the feeling of fear. He had tried the ports at Minami Village. They had nothing - They had stared at him in bewilderment and confusion - The cook swallowed uncomfortably and a terrifying thought seized his heart. How do I get back without a log pose? Sailing the Grand Line without a log pose was suicide. It simply wasn’t done. Sanji stared ahead unblinkingly as the fear ensnared his heart. 

 

---

 

It was cold. 

 

Sanji pulled his jacket around tighter and fastened the door to his restaurant closed. The cook gazed up at the twinkling stars and he heaved a long sigh. He had spent the majority of his day with the Uchiha brat. For someone with no culinary skills, Shisui proved to be very helpful. 

 

Sanji peered at the child curiously as he laid the table for dinner. 

 

Why don’t you eat with your family? It’s the weekend.

 

Shisui smiled at him sheepishly. 

 

Ah, I don’t have anyone waiting for me at home. I mean I sometimes go to my cousin’s place but his father is the Clan Head so it’s…intimidating. I feel like I’m imposing.

 

Sanji shoved his keys in his pockets and blew into his hands. Winter was coming rapidly. The cook turned on his heel and made his way through the vacant streets. It was late at night and the streets had the occasional inebriated civilian. The cook walked unhurriedly, gazing ahead as he made his way home. Sanji’s mind ran with innumerable thoughts - Home, his crew, new recipes, the Uchiha brat, the new shinobi island, Wano - He pulled out his lighter and cigarette, flicking it on with ease. The cook took a long slow inhale and sighed. He paused in his steps as he heard a small whimper. The cook frowned and lowered his cigarette, peering into the darkness. 

 

“Hello?” 

 

Sanji gazed around him searchingly. The streets were empty. There was one drunk passed out on the road, giggling to himself in his sleep. Sanji spread out his observational haki and listened. His eyes widened and he turned towards the small flickering energy hurriedly. He cut into the dark and dirty alleyway. He moved past bags and bags of garbage and his blue eyes narrowed. He peered around and moved past the dumpster. There between two dumpsters sat a small tiny child shivering and crying quietly. Sanji felt his breath hitch in shock at the heartbreaking sight. The child was all bones. He was a small little creature with tiny hands and sandalled feet. His fingertips were turning blue and his clothes were threadbare. He wore a flimsy shirt that was three sizes too large with gaping holes on it. It was falling off his bony shoulder and his skin was exposed to the cold.

 

“Fucking hell,” Sanji breathed as he knelt down immediately.

 

The child’s head shot up and Sanji stared into wide, terrified cerulean eyes. The child whimpered and he pushed his small body against the wall. He lifted his tiny arms above his head in a defensive position. Sanji clenched his fists tightly at the sight. He was familiar with that position. He had held the same position many times as a tiny child as his brothers beat him down again and again for being a failure to the Germa legacy. This child was expecting a violent reaction. Sanji tossed his cigarette to the ground and crushed it under his foot. He took off his jacket hurriedly and inched closer to the child.

 

“Hey kid, I won’t hurt you. You seem cold.”  

 

Sanji wrapped his large jacket around the child who watched him with wide, disbelieving eyes. The cook took off his woollen scarf and wrapped it around him gently. The pirate peered down at the boy’s hands and he tugged them forward. He wasn’t a doctor but he learned a few things from Chopper over the years. Sanji pursed his lips tightly in concern. Frostbite. Fuck. The child had been out in the cold for hours. He needed medical help immediately.

 

“Hey kid, don’t freak out. I’m going to carry you. You need medical help.”

 

The boy froze as Sanji reached forward. The cook heaved the small body up and held him carefully in his arms. Sanji clenched his teeth tightly as he felt the bones underneath his fingertips. The kid was starved. The need to feed, feed, feed burnt in him like an inferno but he pushed it down as he rushed through the empty streets. Fuck. He had no idea where the hospital was. Sanji leapt to the rooftops and peered around him at the structures. His eyes lit up as he saw the large structure with the most lights. It had the appearance of a hospital. The cook rushed forward through the rooftops, moving hurriedly towards the medical building. He leapt down soundlessly and walked through the doors. 

 

A tired male nurse gazed up from the reception desk. His eyes widened as he saw him and he stepped forward hurriedly. He picked up a clipboard on his way and gazed at him with a serious expression.

 

“What happened?”

 

“He has a bad case of malnutrition, dehydration and frostbite. He was out in the cold for far too long.” Sanji explained. 

 

The nurse made rapid notes on his clipboard and he peered curiously at the child in his arms. He reached forward with gloved hands. “First we will put him on fluids. I can see his bone structure so he won’t be able to handle solids. He will need to be on a strict diet. Then we need too-” 

 

The man froze as the child turned his head around. His brown eyes widened in alarm and they grew cold. Glacial. He stepped back with a sneer, putting distance between him and the blond. Sanji blinked in confusion. The man glared hatefully at the boy and Sanji felt him flinch from the hateful look. The cook felt his hackles rise. What the fuck?

 

“He needs treatment immediately.” Sanji hissed. 

 

The nurse shook his head. “We don’t treat his kind here.”

 

Sanji stared at him in bewilderment. “Excuse me?”

 

The man sighed and ran an agitated hand through his hair. “Look err…”

 

“Sanji.”

 

“Sanji-san, your clearly new here. It’s best not to get involved with this kid. He won’t be getting treatment here. No doctor will do it. It’s best to just…let him be.”

 

Sanji felt the blood rush into his ears. His mind spun at the implications. He felt the bile rise in his throat. No doctor will do it. The blond resisted the urge to kick the man into the wall and turned on his heel with a cold glare. He peered down at the shivering boy. He was silent and he appeared resigned. He expected Sanji to deposit him on the street out in the cold. No doctor will do it. What kind of fucked up place is this village? Sanji grit his teeth angrily and he took a deep centring breath. If only Chopper were here. The reindeer would release his beast form and eviscerate all of the medical practitioners. 

 

A real doctor treated everyone. A real doctor did not favour one patient over another. A real doctor did not turn away an injured person, even if he was an enemy. His friend taught him that. Chopper never turned away a patient even if they knew the man would attack them later. Sanji was the same. He would never turn away a hungry man. His hands made food and feeding people was his duty. He had made a promise to himself, on that cliffside with Zeff. His crew members all had their own philosophies to abide by. His captain would never turn away someone seeking his aid. Luffy would set the world ablaze for his own people. 

 

Sanji made his way briskly through the village, his grip on the child gentle. His mind was a turmoil of distressed thoughts. He made it back to his restaurant and turned his key in the lock. He pushed the door open and deposited the boy on the couch gently. Sanji rushed into his kitchen and grabbed his first aid kit. He kneeled in front of the kid and inspected his injuries. He tsked under his breath and moved to the heater. Sanji flicked it on and sat the child closer to the warmth. The cook opened the first aid kit and rifled through its content. Sanji summoned his memories of his doctor friend and began administering aid. 

 

Sanji lowered his hands and set the child’s tiny fingers down gently. He stepped back and grabbed a blanket from the couch, draping it over him. The room was warm. Sanji stared at the child’s dirty face. He sighed and went back to the kitchen, grabbing a wash cloth and ran it under lukewarm water. He walked back to the kid and wiped his face gently. The kid flinched at the touch and he began trembling.

 

“Hey kid, my name is Sanji. What’s your name?”

 

The boy lifted his blue gaze. “I…” His voice cracked. “Naruto. U-Uzumaki Naruto.” He whispered softly.

 

Sanji nodded with a small smile. “Cool name. It’s a very important ingredient and ramen never tastes the same without it.”

 

The boy’s eyes brightened and he released a small shy smile. Sanji peered at the whisker patterns on the blond’s cheeks and he arched a curious eyebrow. He stood up and turned on his heel.

 

“What do you say to some hot soup kid?”

 

Naruto’s eyes widened and filled with tentative hope. “Really? I can eat?”

 

Sanji frowned. “Yes. It’s what people do at restaurants.”

 

The boy lowered his gaze and wrung his small hands together nervously. “I’m never allowed in restaurants. They chase me out and…” He hesitated. “…and the matron said I don’t deserve any food.” His bottom lip trembled. 

 

Sanji’s eyes widened. “Well that’s complete bullshit. You’re a growing kid. Of course you need food. I’ll be right back.”

 

The cook entered his kitchen and ran his hands under the facet. His mind raced at the information he gleamed. This village was more fucked up than he thought. He moved quickly, grabbing his cutting board and diced his onions hurriedly. Sanji grabbed the protein from the fridge and ran it in the food processor. He moved with practiced ease and in little time, he had a hot bowl of soup ready for the boy. 

 

Sanji grabbed a glass of water and balanced the bowl in his hands expertly. The cook kicked the door open with his foot and made his way to the blond child. The boy looked up with wide eyes and his stomach rumbled loudly. He ducked his head in embarrassment and Sanji lowered the food on the table. He pushed the table towards the couch carefully and waved at the kid to eat his food.

 

Sanji walked to the windows and lit up a cigarette. He inhaled deeply, staring into the night as the sound of sniffling began to fill the restaurant. The child ate his soup with tears running down his cherubic face. Sanji peered at the darkness outside, his blue gaze peering up at the dark skies.

 

It was snowing. 

 

---

 

Chapter 4: Four

Summary:

An ANBU watches the cook. Naruto draws a picture. Sanji ponders on the kid's story.

 

IV. 

 

The darkly clad figure with a white mask watched as the civilian carried the chakra vessel in his arms and leaped to the rooftops in one fluid motion. The ANBU operative narrowed his eyes behind the mask, watching with suspicion as the blond haired man moved through the rooftops at heightened speed. The man’s gait, posture and ease in scaling the walls spoke of his expertise in physical aptitude and experience in speed acceleration.

 

He was not a normal civilian. 

 

The ANBU followed behind silently, ready to intervene and apprehend the man for his direct involvement and suspicious behaviour. The nin watched through the window, enhancing his ears with chakra. He listened to the indignant disbelief and anger - The civilian was unaware of the vessel’s status - The ANBU moved into the shadows as the blond man ran out of the hospital and leaped through the rooftops. 

 

He followed behind silently. He crouched low on the roof of the adjacent building and watched as the civilian entered the establishment. The nin enhanced his hearing with chakra and listened to the verbal exchange. The civilian did not have any privacy seals around his establishment. ANBU narrowed his eyes calculatedly as he gazed at the building critically. All Blue. 

 

The nin watched silently, mentally cataloguing every minute interaction to report to his superiors. The vessel received medical assistance, sustenance and the Jinchūriki fell asleep tiredly on the couch. The civilian stood by the window, smoking and muttering to himself angrily as he gazed up at the moon, unaware of the nin’s presence in the shadows. 

 

The ANBU turned on his heel and vanished.

 

---

 

The early morning rays of the suns slipped through the cracks of the pale curtains. The quiet sounds of the villagers waking up drifted through the establishment in soft, gentle sounds. The blond haired cook groaned and cracked an eye open tiredly. He blinked at his surroundings in confusion and sat up warily. His cerulean gaze fell on the couch where a small blond haired child lay sleeping under a thick layer of soft blankets. 

 

The pirate had fallen asleep on his chair and his back was aching. Sanji stood up and stretched slowly with a yawn. He gazed down at the couch and pursed his lips tightly at the sight of the sleeping boy. The kid -Naruto- was lying on his stomach, curled up in a small ball. The blankets were scrunched at his stomach and his shoulders were littered with goosebumps.

 

Sanji gazed at the clock. It was six in the morning. His restaurant opened in the afternoon. He had lots of preparation to do. The cook made his way to the sleeping kid and pulled the blankets up to his chin, tucking him in gently. He turned on his heel and moved to his fruit bowl, picking up his keys hurriedly. The cook threw on his coat and left the restaurant with quiet steps, mindful of the sleeping child. 

 

The cold morning air chilled his lean form and he shivered as he pulled his coat tighter around him. The cook made his way to his apartment; weaving quickly through the unpopulated streets. He climbed the stairs and unlocked his door. Sanji shrugged his coat off and and conducted his morning routine.

 

He hopped in the shower and brushed his teeth. The cook ran a towel through his wet hair and dressed up for the day. He paused at the sight of a discarded new journal and picked it up thoughtfully. He could give it to the brat and have him draw or doodle while he made them breakfast. Children grew bored easily and they had to remain occupied. Sanji tucked the journal in his coat and grabbed a few markers. He tucked his Raid Suit device on his belt and lowered his dress shirt, hiding it from plain sight. Sanji put on his boots and zipped up his coat. 

 

He turned on his heel and left.

 

---

The small child turned on his side and snuggled into the soft blankets. He was warm. The sheets beneath his fingers were soft and comfortable. His brows scrunched in confusion as his awareness returned slowly. His usual blanket was scruffy and itchy. His bedroom was draughty and cold. He never felt warm and cozy in the orphanage. Uzumaki Naruto opened his eyes slowly and he blinked up at the white ceiling in confusion. It was clean. 

 

The small four year old rubbed his eyes sleepily and a small frown adorned his face. The ceiling at the orphanage was grey and moldy. He wasn’t at the orphanage. 

 

Where am I? 

 

Naruto sat up slowly and peered around him in puzzlement. His blue eyes widened. He was in the restaurant. Oh no. He had fallen asleep. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep. He didn’t want to cause trouble for anyone. The small boy shrunk into himself in fear and resignation. He always made mistakes wherever he went. He didn’t want to be reprimanded or punished for falling asleep at the table. Being punished always hurt. 

 

Naruto lifted his head at the sound of soft humming. He climbed off the sofa and followed the sound curiously. A nice smell wafted through the space and he sniffed hungrily. 

 

It smelt good. Really really good. He remembered the warm soup from last night and he smiled shyly. The memory made him feel all warm and cozy. Naruto peeked his small head around the corner and his blue eyes widened. It was the nice nii-san from yesterday. Sanji. He was very kind. 

 

Naruto didn’t understand why he was so kind. No one was ever kind to him. He was hated by everyone. The child flinched as the cook turned around and caught sight of him. Naruto stared back with wide alarmed eyes. He didn’t mean to spy. He was just hungry. The cook smiled disarmingly and turned back to his sizzling pan with an unbothered air. He didn’t scowl meanly at him or say cruel words to him for spying. Naruto blinked in confusion. What? 

 

Naruto remained rooted to his spot, staring at the cook moving expertly through the kitchen. 

 

“I’m almost done kid.” He spoke without turning around. “There’s paper on the table and markers if you want to draw while you wait.”

 

Naruto turned his gaze to the table. He saw the blue journal and three colourful markers on the surface. He trotted over hesitantly and pulled himself up on the chair. The blond gazed at the paper with a confused pout. He didn’t know what to draw. They never allowed him to draw at the orphanage. He never earned it. Naruto occasionally scribbled on the pavement with discarded chalk he found at night when everyone was asleep. He never used paper before. The matrons never wanted to waste their limited supplies on him. Naruto picked up the red marker and stared at the page. He knew from the other orphans that children drew what made them happy. 

Flowers. Imaginary families. Friends. Good memories. 

 

He had seen the pictures displayed around the orphanage by the caretakers. They displayed the children’s work proudly. Naruto wanted his work to be displayed on the walls one day but they always refused. They said they didn’t want his dirty drawings to ruin their space. 

 

Naruto furrowed his brows. He didn’t want to draw something dirty. He wanted to draw something happy. He didn’t know what made him happy. Naruto looked towards the kitchen and listened to the soft sounds of humming and chopping. He turned back to the blank page and began drawing with light careful strokes.

 

---

 

Sanji brought the food over to the table and he smiled at the sight of the boy drawing at the table. It was an endearing sight. Naruto looked incredibly concentrated with his tongue sticking out of his mouth. Sanji lowered his gaze and saw the bandages on the boy’s tiny fingers. He felt his stomach sink. Fuck. He had completely forgotten. The kid shouldn’t be using his fingers at all. Sanji lowered the soup bowl on the counter and rushed forward, kneeling in front of the kid. The boy startled at his sudden approach, looking up at him in alarm.

 

“Let me check your fingers,” he said as he took the small hands in his hold.

 

Naruto was so small. Sanji did not spend his time around children. He forgot how small and vulnerable they were. His brows furrowed in thought. The kid had spent the night outside, with a complete stranger. Someone should be looking for him by now. A worried parent, a relative, a neighbour. The kid didn’t appear bothered at staying in the establishment. He made no move to leave either. Sanji frowned at his numerous thoughts. They were all red flags. They all spelt out neglect. 

 

The cook dispelled the negative thoughts and paid attention to the task at hand. He undid the bandages carefully and blinked in confusion at the sight of the unblemished skin. Naruto’s fingers were fully healed. It was like he never had the injuries in the first place. Sanji checked his other hand and small feet. Nothing. Not a single callus or scar. Naruto wiggled in his chair unsurely. Sanji lifted his gaze and saw the palpable fear on his small face. He sighed and stood up, ruffling the blond’s messy locks. 

 

He walked back to the counter and grabbed their light breakfast, setting it on the table.

 

“It’ll be soup for a few days until I can switch you to solids.” He explained as he pushed the hot steaming bowl in front of the kid.

 

“Put your drawing away, put it on the shelf and you can finish it later.” He ordered as he took a seat.

 

Sanji watched as the boy trotted to the shelves and deposited the journal and markers carefully. He trotted back to the table and climbed onto the chair, staring at him for instructions. Sanji frowned. He waved a hand towards the food.

 

“Eat kid,” he said softly.

 

Naruto looked at the food hesitantly and he carefully pulled the bowl closer to him. He lifted the spoon and kept looking at him warily, like he expected him to snatch the food away from him. Sanji bit his bottom lip in a troubled manner. There was a lot to unpack in the child’s behaviour. His emaciated form, his confusion at being given food, his hesitance in doing the simplest thing like drawing a picture. All his behaviour was troubling and alarming. 

 

Sanji watched the child eat through his soup with small, careful bites and he turned his gaze to the journal curiously. He couldn’t make out the picture from here but he saw red and yellow colours.

 

“You could hang your picture anywhere you like after you're done.” Sanji said lightly, turning back to his food.

 

He missed the heartbreakingly grateful look on the child’s face as he ate. 

 

Naruto looked like he was given the world. 

 

---

 

Chapter 5: Five

Summary:

Sanji meets more Uchihas. He meets an injured Naruto and makes a decision.

 

V.

 

The wizened man read over the paperwork with a scrutinizing gaze. Sarutobi Hiruzen - the Sandaime Hokage - sat in his expansive office, reading over the report on the owner and cook of All Blue. He took a long inhale from his pipe and his tired gaze drifted over the content warily. The blond civilian had appeared suddenly and he gained extreme popularity in the village. He had been at Konoha for three weeks and his cooking was revered through all age groups. 

 

The leader of Konoha gazed at the paperwork on the talented cook. The pile was thin. Details were sparse. The cook was born and raised in Minami village. He was an orphan with no friends or direct contacts. He was raised in the slums among the dregs of society. He had clawed his way out of the marginalized community with sheer tenacity and made his way to the village for a fresh start. 

 

The weary Kage pursed his lips thoughtfully. Minami villagers were notoriously famous for their rough upbringing. They were outlaws, criminals and outliers. They were cruel and malicious. Hiruzen had no issue with the civilian village. He led a village of elite shinobi - hired mercenaries - and he was not unnerved by hostile encounters. 

 

Hiruzen was unsure of the cook’s intentions with the village Jinchūriki. He could not be left unchecked. 

 

The Hokage leaned back in his seat and exhaled a halo of smoke. The blond civilian had to be watched and monitored dutifully. He had to be approached directly. Hiruzen knew the perfect man for the job. The shinobi was excellent at gathering information and his laidback disposition did not raise suspicions in his targets. 

 

“Summon me the ANBU Inu.”

 

---

 

The blond haired man peered at the clock with a narrowed blue gaze as he weaved through his immaculate kitchen hurriedly. He moved quickly cutting, slicing, grilling, frying and garnishing his dishes. The muscles in his arms rippled as he moved expertly around the kitchen. The rich heavenly aroma filtered through the restaurant and the hungry patrons waited outside in the cold eagerly. 

 

Sanji Vinsmoke gazed at the clock and he smirked in anticipation.

 

It was opening time.

 

The cook wiped his hands down on the small towel and lowered the heat on his stovetop. He turned on his heel and made his way through his vacant restaurant. Sanji turned on his sign -OPEN- and moved away from the door. The noise filled the restaurant and the bodies rushed to the spotless tables, eager to claim the warm seats. 

 

Sanji smiled good-naturedly at his regular patrons and his eyebrows rose in surprise as he saw the Uchiha brat accompanied with a small group. Uchiha Shisui hopped over excitedly, waving at him animatedly. Sanji snorted in amusement and he returned the chirpy greeting with a subdued wave.

 

“Sanji-san! Finally! The second I had free time, I said to myself I will dine here. I have too, even if it’s the last thing I’ll do. Which actually would be a nice way to go you know? Not on a mission but with your food, not choking though.” Shisui scrunched his nose cutely. “That would be…unpleasant. Maybe an overdose of flavours. Can one overdose on flavours?” He tilted his head to the side curiously and his dark eyes widened. 

 

Shisui whipped his head around and pointed accusingly at his company.

 

“Hora Itachi! You always overdose on dango! Don’t think I don’t know about your secret stash of pastries.” 

 

Sanji turned his gaze to the small child and his eyebrows arched in surprise. He looked similar to Shisui in the darkness of his eyes and the paleness of his complexion. There was a certain family resemblance to his features but that was where the similarities ended. The child had long dark locks tied in a low ponytail and he was small. Goodness, they were all so small. Next to his side was an even smaller child, gazing around with big wide eyes. The small boy tugged on the elder’s sleeve, pointing at the walls in confusion.

 

“Nii-san, what’s that? Is it a painting? It looks weird.” He pouted.

 

“Hora Sasuke, don’t be rude.” 

 

Sanji peered at the picture hung on the wall and he smiled faintly. The blond brat had hung up his artwork proudly with a shy smile. 

 

Uzumaki Naruto had left his mark on All Blue. 

 

The content of the picture was unclear.  The page was littered with numerous loops and scribbles; lots of red and yellow colours. Circular shapes - a bowl? - and a darkly clad silhouette. Sanji couldn’t decipher the image. He wasn’t an artist and he could never unpack the intricate messages of artwork with a single glance. He would have to ask the blond brat who was currently out - something about matrons and caretakers - Naruto took off hurriedly with multiple stammers and shifty nervous eyes. 

 

He would have to look into that. 

 

Sanji gazed away from the Uchiha children as his customers waved him over, ready to order their food. The blond turned back to the trio of children and he smiled. He had his favourites in Konoha. Sanji waved Shisui over to his designated spot. It was a secluded corner table away from the noise and the brat liked to lounge on it during his time off. It was Shisui’s first official day at his establishment during operational hours and Sanji wanted him to feel comfortable. 

 

Shisui grinned excitedly and grabbed his companion’s hand, tugging him forward towards the family table eagerly. The little child trotted after his older brother with a small smile. Sanji shook his head in amusement at the endearing sight and headed into the kitchen.

 

It was a busy day.

 

 

---

 

The days passed by quickly. The nights grew longer and the daylight hours grew shorter as the winter season embellished the streets in sheets of white. Sanji moved through the crowded streets with a heavy sigh. He peered down at his grocery list and scrunched his nose in irritation. Replenishing his stocks would be much easier if he had an assistant. 

 

The blond walked through the village, buying his supplies with a discerning gaze. He was very meticulous when selecting his produce. Sanji only acquired the freshest of ingredients for his dishes. 

 

The cook walked to his closed establishment and turned the key into the lock. He lowered the bags onto the counter and nudged the door closed with his foot. Sanji paused as he heard a small sniffle from inside his shop. The cook’s eyes widened in alarm and he released his observational Haki immediately, honing in on the familiar faint energy. 

 

Sanji followed the broken sounds and he gazed around searchingly. It was dark. He entered his dining area and flicked on the lights. The cook stared at the small child crouched down next to his heater. 

 

“Kid, what’s wrong?”

 

Sanji stepped forward and knelt down next to the crying boy. He raised a hand and paused at the sight, his frame freezing in shock.

 

Blood.

 

The kid was bleeding.

 

Sanji’s breath hitched in alarm and he leaned forward. His blue eyes tracked the spots on the floor in concern. 

 

“Hey kid,” he said softly. “Let me take a look at you.”’

 

The kid shook his head in dismay and he leaned back against the wall. He was curled in a tiny ball. His small body trembled as his sniffles filled the restaurant. 

 

“I promise I’m not going to hurt you.” 

 

Naruto lifted his head. Sanji blanched at the sight of the multiple bruises. Purple, blue and black. The tiny four year old gazed at him with suspicious eyes. 

 

“L-liar.” He whispered hoarsely.

 

Sanji frowned and sat down in front of the boy, crossing his legs in front of him. He stared at the blond with a confused and worried expression. Naruto lowered his head and his bottom lip trembled.

 

“T-they a-all lie. All a-adults h-hurt me.”

 

Sanji grit his teeth tightly. His hands were itching to help. The cook kept his expression calm and patient. He moved forward, his motions were slow and his actions were clear and deliberate. He peered at the blond’s small forehead and he bit back the enraged curses as he saw the red warm blood coating the kid’s face. It trickled, trickled and trickled down his tanned whiskered cheeks.

 

The boy whimpered in pain and he scrunched his eyes shut. Sanji pulled back and stood up hurriedly, rushing into the kitchen with desperation. He pulled out his first aid kit and knelt down in front of the kid.

 

“Naruto, I need you to trust me.”

 

The blond stared at him with wary eyes. He nodded hesitantly and raised his head. Sanji moved quickly and efficiently. He pressed a wet cloth to the boy’s forehead. Naruto hissed in pain and pulled back with a distressed whine. The cook held him firmly with a grounding hand on his bony shoulder and he hurriedly wrapped the boy’s small head in sterile bandages. Sanji pulled back and rubbed a gentle hand on the blond’s emaciated shoulders. He scooped him up delicately in his arms and moved to the couch, depositing him gently on the warm cushions. 

 

Sanji lifted the cotton blanket and wrapped it securely around the little boy. Naruto sniffled quietly and watched him with a confused expression. The cook sighed and knelt down in front of him.

 

“Who did this?” He asked softly.

 

Naruto bit his bottom lip and he gazed off to the side.

 

Sanji leaned forward and took hold of the tiny hands gently. They were cold. The kid needed gloves and a stock of winter clothing. Naruto trembled and his eyes grew wide in fear. 

 

“Who hurt you Naruto?”

 

The kid’s eyes watered and he leaned forward with a warbled cry of distress. Small broken sobs echoed from his shaky form. Sanji took a deep centring breath and stayed still as the little boy leaned against him for warmth and comfort. The cook rubbed a hand on his back soothingly as his mind raced with innumerable thoughts. 

 

Sanji peered down at the little shaken form. 

 

He was a newcomer to the village. He didn’t know their rules and regulations. All he had were the irrefutable facts in front of him. There was a hurt and starving child that needed his help. There was a lonesome boy that was being abused and neglected. There was a broken kid who needed his protection. 

 

Sanji didn’t need any more reasons.

 

He would raise hell on the fuckers responsible for this. 

 

It was time to bring out Stealth Black. 

 

---

 

Chapter 6: Six

Summary:

Naruto discovers a dream for himself, Sanji starts fishing for answers (he finds a withered worm). Shisui leaves on an outside mission. In other words, THE PLOT KICKS IN.

 

VI

 

The small child watched the kind man as he moved through the empty restaurant, wiping down the tables and sanitizing the cutlery. Naruto had a warm mug in his small hands - a delicious drink called hot cocoa with soft fluffy white candies on top - It was very nice. The boy eyed the cook curiously. He had fallen asleep on his warm couch under the cozy soft covers. He had awoken to gentle low humming sounds from the kitchen and the cook appeared with a hot cup of chocolatey milk and two slices of buttered bread.

 

The food felt nice in his stomach. It had been a while since he had eaten. Naruto didn’t want to come to the kind nii-san often when he was hungry. He was scared he would grow annoyed with him. Sanji never glared at him. He was patient and gentle. Naruto was scared though. He was scared that one day he would come to the shop and the cook would scowl and glare at him hatefully like everyone else. His eyes prickled with tears at the sad thought.

 

He didn’t want to lose the nice nii-san. He was the only person who was kind to him in the entire village. Naruto sniffled quietly and wiped his eyes hurriedly, not wanting the cook to see his tears. He didn’t want to annoy him. The orphanage caretakers always grew angry when he cried. They became more mean and violent when his tears fell. They said he had no right to cry, that he was the cause of all things bad and he had no right to cry.

 

The little boy stiffened as the cook lifted his gaze and caught sight of his tears. Naruto froze in alarm. Oh no. He hadn’t meant to cry. He didn’t mean to be annoying. He was just sad at the thought of being alone again. The cook lowered his washcloth and spray bottle. He moved to him hurriedly and knelt down in front of him.

 

“What’s wrong? Is it too sweet?”

 

Naruto shook his head. The hot chocolate was perfect. He never drank anything so warm before. It touched him greatly. He felt it in his heart. The hot chocolate not only made his body warm but it soothed him too. Naruto gazed at the man’s face searchingly. Sanji-nii didn’t look annoyed or upset. He looked concerned. It was a strange look. No one ever gazed at him in concern before. 

 

For the first time in a long time, Naruto felt hopeful. 

 

Sanji-nii was different.

 

He was kind.

 

The blond curled his fingers on the cup tightly and he stared ahead with wide eyes. “I’m scared.” He confessed softly. 

 

Sanji took a seat on the couch and he tucked his long legs underneath him. “Why? Is it because of the people who hurt you?”

 

Naruto shook his head. People always hurt him. It didn’t matter. It’s what always happened. Pain happened for a short while and then it disappeared when he cried himself to sleep. When he woke up, the pain was always gone. It was okay.

 

“No, people hurting me is not…mmm… I’m use to it…its hum…” Naruto felt Sanji stiffen next to him. The boy stared up at him in confusion. 

 

Sanji looked a little sick, like he ate something bad. The cook reached forward and tucked a loose curl behind the child’s ears. Naruto blinked in confusion at the soft gesture. He stared down at his hands and hesitated.

 

“I’m scared that…” He took a deep breath and his bottom lip wobbled. “I’m scared that Sanji-nii will come to hate me one day.” He whispered with wet eyes. 

 

Sanji remained quiet for a long time.

 

“Why do you think that kid?”

 

Naruto sniffled. “E-everyone does. Nobody likes me Sanji-nii a-and you…you’re so popular and e-everyone likes your food a-and I’m bad.”

 

“Bad?” Sanji repeated in an odd tone.

 

Naruto gazed up at him. The cook’s face was blank. The child nodded. He was bad, very bad. Everyone said so. He was a bad child, a bad boy, a bad monster. Bad people didn’t deserve good things, bad people didn’t deserve happiness, bad people didn’t deserve love, bad people didn’t deserve friends, bad people didn’t deserve food.

 

Naruto stared at the tiny white fluffy candy in his mug. Why did Sanji-nii feed him?

 

“Sanji-nii.”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Why do you feed me? I’m bad…and…” he took a deep breath. “At the orphanage and…mmm in the shops and restaurants they don’t let me eat or buy food…they say bad people like me don’t deserve food.”

 

Sanji remained quiet for a long time. He moved off the couch and knelt down in front of him, gazing directly into his eyes. Naruto’s eyes widened. He knew that look. It was Sanji-nii’s serious look. He was going to say something important. 

 

“Listen to me very closely Naruto,” he began softly. “All people, regardless of who they are, good or bad, deserve food. Everyone deserves food. I will never deny anyone food.”

 

“Even if they’re a monster?” Naruto whispered as his face scrunched up.

 

Sanji smiled sadly. “I have a friend, he’s…different. Actually most of my friends are different.” He spoke with a fond smile. “One of them, he doesn’t look human and he was treated horribly by everyone around him. They saw him and screamed monster and chased him away everywhere. They always hurt him but he never hurt them. He was always so kind, he just wanted friendship because he was so lonely. Now he’s a very good doctor, he never denies anyone medical treatment, whether they are bad or good. He says it's a doctor’s job to heal, no matter who it is.”

 

Naruto’s eyes widened. “Wow, he sounds amazing.”

 

Sanji chuckled softly and reached out to ruffle his hair. 

 

Naruto smiled shyly. 

 

“He is.” The cook continued. “One time we were sailing in the ocean and we picked up an enemy. He was a man who wanted to capture us and put us in jail. He was injured though and we knew if we healed him, he would be strong enough to attack us. Some of us were unsure - he’s an enemy - but my doctor friend stepped up. He said it’s his job to heal, he will never turn anyone away who needs his help, even if he will hurt him later. And he healed him.”

 

Naruto stared ahead in awe. Sanji-nii reached forward and placed his large hands over his smaller ones gently. 

 

“I’m the same, I will never deny anyone food. And I will never hate you. What’s there to hate? You're kind, you eat everything without complaints and you never waste food. You’re a good kid Naruto.”

 

The tears slipped down the child’s cheeks and he hiccuped brokenly. “No, Sanji-nii! I’m bad!” He cried out as his fingers trembled.

 

The drink slouched and it spilled over on the cook’s pants. Naruto’s eyes widened in horror. Oh no. Sanji chuckled and reached over to the end of the couch, wiping his pants with the towel. He wasn’t angry. The cook looked at him with a patient expression.

 

“You’re not bad Naruto. You’re very very kind.”

 

Naruto lowered his cup on the small table and he pressed his tiny hands to his eyes. He shook his head stubbornly. He was bad. Bad, bad, bad. He was a monster, he was a demon, he didn’t deserve any kindness. He was a bad person who had no right to food-

 

Everyone deserves food.

 

All people, regardless of who they are, good or bad, deserve food.

 

Naruto lowered his hands and stared at the cook with desperation. “I deserve food?” He questioned.

 

Sanji nodded. 

 

“Everyone deserves food?” He repeated.

 

Sanji nodded with a small smile. 

 

Naruto gazed down at the cup of hot chocolate and he peered up at the blond man. His mind raced with the implications. He hated being hungry. Hunger hurt. He didn’t want to be hungry again. He didn’t want to feel that bad feeling where his stomach hurt and his body grew weaker and weaker. It hurt so much. He didn’t want anyone to feel that way either. He didn’t want people to go hungry. 

 

Naruto never knew what he wanted in life. He never had a dream or a goal. He heard the children in the orphanage gush about their dreams and aspirations to their friends. Girls gushed about marriage and being cool kunoichi. Boys bragged about becoming powerful heroes and saving princesses. Naruto listened to them but he had no idea what he wanted. The small child stared at the white fluffy candies and he picked up his mug carefully.

 

It was warm.

 

It warmed his hurting heart.

 

It gave him hope.

 

All people, regardless of who they are, good or bad, deserve food.

 

Naruto stared up at the cook with wide eyes. “Sanji-nii, can you teach me how to cook?”

 

Sanji’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. 

 

“Please.” Naruto whispered as he leaned forward and latched onto his sleeve with pleading eyes.

 

“Sure kid but is there a reason?” Sanji asked.

 

Naruto smiled up at him shyly and he gazed down at the mug of hot cocoa. He nodded slowly. He wanted this. The boy’s blue eyes twinkled brightly and he smiled happily. 

 

“I want to become the greatest cook in the world who will feed everyone who is hungry dattebayo! Because everyone deserves food ne?”

 

Sanji’s eyes widened and his breath hitched in alarm. “Is that…your dream?”

 

Naruto nodded eagerly. 

 

Sanji smiled a proud grin. “A man’s dream is his life’s journey kid. I will help you. Just so you know I’m a tough teacher.”

 

Naruto beamed at him brightly. “It’s a deal dattebayo! I’ll learn from you and become greater than you! And everyone will know my name as the best chef ever!”

 

Sanji grinned. “We’ll see about that kid. I’m quite the elite chef.”

 

Naruto pouted. “I’ll do it dattebayo! I will Sanji-nii!”

 

The cook laughed and stood up, ruffling his hair gently. Naruto smiled up at him and he gazed down at his mug. He smiled happily to himself and he felt the giddiness overtake him. 

 

This was it. 

 

This was his dream and he would achieve it.

 

---

 

The ANBU operative landed silently on the rooftop adjacent to the populated restaurant. It was early morning and the establishment was closed. Hatake Kakashi gazed through the open windows with narrowed eyes. He tracked the tall blond figure moving through the restaurant tapping his pen on a clipboard with a frown. 

 

Kakashi’s eyes honed in on the tiny blond boy that ran into the open space. He watched as the child ran into the cook’s long legs, tumbling down on his bum with a pout. The cook shook his head with an amused gaze and reached down, offering the blond child a hand up. Uzumaki Naruto took the cook’s hand with a bright smile and stood up, chattering eagerly to the civilian who nodded and exchanged conversation with him as he eyed his clipboard.

 

The ANBU frowned.

 

The two were close. 

 

He watched as Naruto pushed a stool to a tall table and took a seat, holding up his hands to the cook. The cook leaned forward and inspected his small hands with a nod of approval. Naruto leaned forward and grabbed a large bowl of berries. He put the berries into a smaller bowl and grabbed a thick utensil, grinding them together with a concentrated look. The cook moved around his establishment, moving chairs and rearranging the tables. 

 

Kakashi slipped off the rooftop and he eyed the hours of operation on the door. He had an hour until opening time. The ANBU shunshined away. It was time to change his attire and put on his nondescript clothing.  

 

He had a mission to fulfill and he would not fail.

 

---

 

Sanji Vinsmoke gazed around at his patrons with a discerning eye. He laid down a freshly made dish in front of a middle aged couple with a smile and turned on his heel. The cook flexed out his observational Haki and sensed two presences on the rooftop. He kept his face blank and exchanged genial conversation with his regulars. The cook took down a few more orders and headed into his kitchen. 

 

He ruffled Naruto’s hair as he walked by him. The kid was doodling in his journal idly. He didn’t want to go outside when the regulars were there. He didn’t feel comfortable in their presence. Sanji sighed and made his way to his stovetop. He eyed the small child over his shoulder and frowned thoughtfully. His interactions with Naruto resulted in the shinobi spying on him directly.

 

-At the orphanage and…mmm in the shops and restaurants they don’t let me eat or buy food…they said bad people like me don’t deserve food-

 

Sanji narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. 

 

-We don’t treat his kind here-

 

-It’s best not to get involved with the kid. He won’t be getting treatment here. No doctor will do it. It’s best to just…let him be-

 

There was something off with the entire picture. The cook shook his head and moved to serve up more plates. He walked back to the dining area and served tonight’s special. The doorbell jingled, signifying the entrance of a new patron. Sanji turned to the door with a welcoming smile and he held back his disbelief. He smiled good-naturedly at the tall man who gazed around with a curious silver gaze.

 

Sanji remembered him.

 

-A lean figure wearing a white mask with red etchings moved his hands in rapid successions. The man had gravity-defying silver locks and he murmured unfamiliar words in a toneless voice - Doton: Doryūheki - He slammed his gloved hands on the ground, morphing a large mud wall as a slew of knives sailed towards him- 

 

-he drove a blade through the man’s neck, severing through his jugular muscles with ease. His movements were robotic and practiced. His gait, his movements, and his detached demeanour reminded him of Germa 66 army soldiers. Killers -

 

-The silver haired figure weaved through his remaining opponent and he cleaved him in half with a thin sword. The masked man moved over the bodies with an unbothered display and took off in a flash, leaving behind an assortment of leaves in his place-

 

Sanji recognized the gravity-defying silver hair and lean body. He led the shinobi to his table and he handed him a menu with a small smile. He turned on his heel to address another customer, speaking in a friendly tone. The silver haired man waved him over and the cook walked over with an amiable demeanour. He channeled his customer-service persona and flipped through his notepad.

 

“What will it be?”

 

The man slouched in his seat with an unbothered air, appearing casual and unassuming. 

 

“Maa, there’s lots options and I have no idea. Any recommendations cook-san?” His silver eye twinkled in a friendly manner and his eye creased upward in an approachable smile. 

 

Sanji smiled back. “Hmm do you prefer spicy or sweet?”

 

“Spicy is good.”

 

“Fish or chicken?”

 

“Mmm chicken.”

 

“Rice or noodles?”

 

“Noodles, had enough of rice to last me a life time.” He said with a chuckle.

 

Sanji laughed lightly. “Tell me about it. Rice goes with everything and it's a huge staple where I come from.”

 

“Oh? Rice Country?”

 

Sanji shook his head. “Minami village actually, at the edge of Land of Fire.”

 

“Oh yeah, I heard of it, stopped by a few times.”

 

“Ah, did it suit your tastes?”

 

The man laughed. “Maa, it has its ups and downs. There were lots of rice dishes though.”

 

Sanji nodded. “Yeah, I’ll fix you something that doesn’t have any rice. Any drinks?”

 

“Nope,” the man spoke. 

 

Sanji nodded. He gazed at him and smiled reassuringly. “I’ll be right back.”

 

The man saluted him with a two finger salute and the cook chuckled lightly. He turned on his heel and flipped through his notepad, eyeing the other orders. Sanji entered the kitchen and the door closed behind him. His smile dropped and he brisk walked to his counter. He gripped the counter top tightly and took a long centring breath. 

 

Bastard.

 

Perfect tool, perfect solider.

 

Sanji knew the fucker. He was the robotic bastard who cleaved another human being in half like they were sashimi. The cook shivered. The man was good, he was really good. Sanji would have dubbed him as a regular civilian if he didn’t see him murdering his enemies without breaking a sweat. He appeared as a chatty friendly civilian. The nin was fishing for information. Sanji’s eyes flicked upwards to his rooftop and he frowned. The two presences remained on the rooftop stubbornly. 

 

What the hell? Why so much fucking surveillance?   

 

The cook turned to his stove top and grabbed the bag of dried noodles. He boiled the water and tossed in the whole bag with a scowl. He stirred, adding spices and flavours expertly. Sanji gazed over his shoulder at the small child who was focused on his drawings. The cook turned back to his boiling water and he peered pensively at the noodles. He needed answers and he needed them fast. 

 

The situation was growing quickly out of hand. He was isolated from his crew. He was on a massive island of murderous shinobi. He needed to explore his options immediately. 

 

The cook turned to his fridge and took out his marinated chicken. He tossed it on a heated pan and began frying it with a racing mind.

 

Stealth Black.

 

It was time.

 

---

 

The cook stood on his balcony smoking a cigarette. He stared up at the full moon pensively. He sensed two guards, on opposite ends of the street. The blond man lowered his cigarette and yawned tiredly. Sanji rubbed his eyes and scratched his cheek with a low grumble. He eyed his watch and turned around with an exhausted gait. 

 

He closed his balcony latch and pulled the curtains back. He walked into his bedroom and changed into his sleepwear with a second yawn. He pulled his bedroom curtains back with a sleepy gaze and turned on his heel.

 

The cook’s tired expression shifted into alert attentiveness and he moved away from his bed with silent steps. He reached to his belt and pressed a hand against his portable raid suit. The suit responded to his touch and his clothes disappeared as they were replaced by the durable black attire. The black material clung to his skin like second skin and he moved his arms upwards as his transformation occurred in a quick flash. The black mask covered his face, the skull on his belt manifested with a gleam, the dark glasses covered his sharp eyes. The black boots covered his feet and the red and black cape adorned his back.

 

The pirate flexed his gloved hands and he took a deep breath, manifesting his invisibility armour. He slipped out of his bedroom and sensed the nin with his Haki. One was absent. There was one facing his windows. Sanji turned on his heel and slipped through the backdoor silently. The invisible pirate turned on his heel and he propelled himself forward into the sky with neck-breaking speed. Sanji gazed down at the village with narrowed eyes. He slipped behind the guard on the rooftop silently.

 

He was a thin teen with a white ceramic mask. He wore a dark robe that covered his entire form. Sanji turned away and sensed out the other guard. He was moving ahead at heightened speed. Sanji chased after him, propelling himself after him silently. He caught up easily and hovered in the air, watching as the nin slipped into a large heavily guarded building. Sanji frowned and followed behind. He slipped inside, hovering in the air and keeping to the ceiling as he followed the shinobi into a large office.

 

A withered man sat at a large desk. Tall guards stood behind him and the masked nin fell down to his knees, bowing deeply.

 

“Danzo-sama, my report.” The nin intoned robotically.

 

Sanji frowned. What the fuck? The teen sounded dead. His voice was absent of any emotion. 

 

It unnerved him greatly.

 

“Proceed,” the old man ordered.

 

“The man has been approached by ANBU Inu, Danzo-sama. Hokage-sama has shown interest in the cook’s interactions with the village vessel. The vessel and the cook are building a close relationship.”

 

What the hell?

 

Vessel? 

 

Naruto was a vessel?!

 

Danzo leaned forward and his eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “And the Uchiha?”

 

“The cook has interacted with the Uchiha Clan Heir and second born. He remains close to Uchiha Shisui.”

 

The wizened man frowned. He looked very displeased. He leaned back in his chair and tapped his finger against the table thoughtfully. 

 

“We must separate the Uchihas and the cook. The cook is popular with the villagers, we cannot have him affect our plans with the Uchihas. They are exactly where we want them.”

 

The man narrowed his eyes. “Uchiha Shisui.” He tapped his finger sharply and peered down at the masked nin. He sighed dramatically. “I did not plan to eliminate him until much later.”

 

Sanji’s eyes widened in horror. 

 

A guard cleared his throat. “Danzo-sama, if I may?”

 

The man nodded. 

 

The guard’s lips curled upwards in a nasty sneer. “The only thing tying the Uchihas and the cook is Shunshin No Shisui. We know the Uchiha Heir is not sociable. He will not grow close with the cook without the efforts of his cousin. I believe it is best to eliminate the threat. We can dispose of the cook later.”

 

Danzo nodded. “Very well. I will have the Hokage assign an outside mission to Shisui. Send out an assassination team to eliminate him far from here. Bring me his eyes.”

 

The teen bowed deeply. “Understood, Danzo-sama.”

 

Danzo waved his hand dismissively and ordered his guard to make him a cup of tea. Sanji turned on his heel and he flew out of the building. His stomach churned in discomfort as he sped through the village hurriedly. He stopped at his restaurant, peering through the glass. Naruto was curled on the couch, sleeping under the thick covers. Sanji turned on his heel and flew directly to the Uchiha Compound. He landed on the rooftop of the massive gates. He had planned to leave the village at some point but now he couldn’t. There was so much to unpack. 

 

Sorry Luffy, you’ll have to wait for me a little longer.  

 

Sanji stared at the structures with a racing heart. Shisui was going to be killed by his own people. The smiling bright amiable child was going to be murdered in cold blood. The cook sat on the rooftop for many hours. His heart raced and his mind spun at the implications. It was Wano Kuni all over again. The village appeared peaceful and beautiful on the surface but it was infested with corruption and cruelty.

 

Shisui was just a kid! 

 

He was going to be murdered for being involved with him.  

 

-we cannot have him affect our plans with the Uchihas. They are exactly where we want them-

 

Sanji stared down at the populated homes and structures. What the fuck does that even mean? Sanji watched as the inhabitants woke up for another busy day. Shopkeepers began setting up their shops, children whined as they were dragged by their tired parents to the academy. Sanji’s eyes widened as he saw the small familiar teen rushing through the Uchiha Compound. 

 

He watched with a sinking heart as Shisui stopped by a pastries vendor and ordered a box of dango with a soft smile. The kid chatted amiable with the woman manning the stand. He laughed brightly and bounced on his feet excitedly. 

 

Shisui turned on his heel and waved at the vendor, taking off. He ran through the compound with a wide grin, dodging the children and adults. The Uchiha clansmen and women shook their head in amusement as he moved around them hurriedly laughing brightly. Shisui stopped and pinched the children’s cheeks with a wide grin. He hopped away and made his into another shop, talking animatedly to the owner as he grabbed a ready-made bento. He was loved. Shisui was loved and adored by his people.

 

Sanji frowned as he eyed the kid paying for the bento box. Ready-made bentos were not healthy. They never had enough nutrients and Shisui was a growing boy. Why was he-

 

-Ah, I don’t have anyone waiting for me at home- 

 

Oh.  

 

He was an orphan. 

 

Just like Naruto. 

 

Sanji frowned deeply. He clenched his fists tightly as a masked nin landed in front of the teen. The nin handed him a scroll and Sanji watched with a troubled disposition as the kid read over the content. Shisui frowned in confusion and he shrugged carelessly. Sanji followed behind him, watching silently as the kid rushed to his empty home and packed an overnight bag. The cook moved into the sky, watching from above as the kid weaved his way through the village, making his way to the gates.

 

Sanji’s stomach dropped. It was happening so quickly. The withered bastard did not waste a single second. Shisui was leaving on his outside mission.

 

He was going to die. 

 

Sanji turned and gazed down at the village. Naruto was sleeping in the restaurant. He expected him to be there when he woke up. Sanji turned away with a heavy frown. He couldn’t let Shisui die. The blond watched as the kid signed himself out of the village, waving to the guards with a friendly smile. Shisui left the village and rushed ahead, moving at an incredibly fast speed. He was a black blur, weaving through the trees hurriedly to an unknown destination.

 

Sanji cursed under his breath and ran forward, propelling himself after the kid.

 

He wouldn’t let him die.

 

Not on his watch. 

 

---

 

 

 

Notes:

Can we form an "I HATE DANZO CLUB" I legitimately try to never bash any Naruto character directly in any of my works but Danzo is fair game, yeah?

Also for those who are curious about the timeline:
Shisui -13 years old.
Itachi- 11 years old.
Naruto - 4 years old.
Sasuke - 4.5 years old.

P.s: I do not have an update schedule my darlings, I AM DROWNING in school work and will update sporadically.

P.p.s: Also if anyone is wondering WHY some of my other stories have disappeared, that's because I made the decision to only write Naruto stories for the time being. The other stories existing were causing me extreme stress. Juggling multiple stories that are crossovers is not easy and sticking to one universe is much easier than multiple universe AUs etc etc. I got 6 chaptered Naruto fanfics I'm working on currently and they remain as my focus.

Thank you everyone for the support and understanding <3

Chapter 7: Seven

Summary:

Uchiha Shisui gets attacked by ROOT. Sanji makes a decision.

VII.

 

The thirteen year old rushed through the trees, leaping soundlessly from branch to branch. He looked ahead at the setting skies and he stopped in his tracks abruptly. Uchiha Shisui took off his bag and leapt down from the trees, gazing around the open field searchingly for a place to set up his camp. He smiled as he found the ideal resting spot and he moved forward, dropping his bag to the ground. 

 

The Uchiha rummaged through his belongings humming softly with a small smile. He pulled out his folded tent and rested it on the cold ground. Shisui rushed around his camp sight, setting up traps with practiced ease. The teen paused and took a seat on a fallen log, peering at his mission scroll curiously. It was a sudden mission from the Hokage. He was to retrieve a scroll from Kumo delegates - it was an important mission - Konoha was planning peaceful delegations with Kumo. They were going to house the other village representatives in a few months.

 

Shisui rolled up the scroll carefully and tucked it in his bag. He pulled out his dried rations and bit into his protein bar with a dismayed frown. He missed Sanji-san’s cooking. Shisui chuckled quietly, thinking of the blond cook fondly. Sanji-san would surely make delicious dried rations. The man’s cooking was magical. The teen wrapped up his bar with a frown. He could never stomach much of it. It was so dry and flakey. He drank from his water-skin and set up his tent.

 

The teen slipped into his tent and pulled out a used poetry book with a snicker. It was a gift from his cousin and Itachi swore it was worth a read. Shisui smiled softly and flipped through the prose idly. He raised his head as he heard a faint clicking sound and he lowered the book with narrowed eyes. His senses prickled in warning, his mind screamed danger! 

 

Shisui rushed out of his tent and his eyes widened at the large screen of smoke that engulfed the vicinity. A blade sailed forward through the smoke and he ducked hurriedly, narrowly missing a knife to his abdomen. Shisui rolled on the ground as a slew of blades flew towards his body. The Uchiha cursed under his breath as he felt a tremor overtake his thin form. His eyes widened in horror as he lost control of his limbs. A sluggish feeling engulfed his body entirely and he fell forward in a slump. Shisui stared despairingly at the smoke.

 

“Shit,” he whimpered out weakly.  

 

The smoke wasn’t a smoke screen. It was gas. Paralysis. He had inhaled too much. Shisui groaned and lifted his chin weakly, gazing ahead as he heard the sound of feet hitting the ground. One, two, three, four, five, six. Six bodies surrounded him. Shisui grit his teeth angrily. His dark eyes gazed at the bodies warily. He could only see their sandalled feet and he dug his nails weakly into the ground.

 

He couldn’t move.

 

“Uchiha Shisui.” A voice intoned robotically.

 

Shisui froze.

 

They knew him.

 

“Turn him over.” 

 

Shisui felt multiple hands on his body and he was turned on his back roughly. The hands pressed down painfully, restraining him. Shisui’s eyes widened as he saw the white familiar masks. ROOT. He blinked in confusion and his heart thudded rapidly in his chest.

 

“Wha-”

 

A nin pulled out a blade and struck him in the shoulder, jamming the entire knife into his muscles. Shisui screamed in pain and his eyes watered. Why? He didn’t understand. The nin held him down firmly and he tried to move his limbs desperately. The despair ensnared his heart and he whimpered in pain and grief. 

 

The nin exchanged nods with his partner. “He can’t move. Take his eyes.”

 

Shisui’s eyes widened in horror and he watched helplessly as a nin grabbed his face with callused hands. They were going to kill him. They were going to gouge his eyes out while he remained paralyzed. 

 

“D-don’t.” Shisui pleaded weakly. 

 

He screamed as the nin cut a long line on the side of his face, making his way slowly and methodically to his eyes. 

 

“S-stop!” The thirteen year old cried out. “W-why? Wh-what did I do?”

 

“Shut up.” The nin intoned in a dead voice, grasping his injured shoulder tightly.

 

Shisui cried out in pain and the hot tears fell rapidly down his pale cheeks. He stared helplessly at the sky, praying to Amaterasu to send him help. His eyes flicked towards his tent where his discarded book lay and he felt the tears fall quicker. Itachi. He couldn’t leave him alone. He couldn’t leave his small cousin behind. The thirteen year old whimpered and cried out as the nin turned back to his face, knife hovering threateningly in front of his onyx eyes.

 

The nin grasped his chin and lowered his kunai. Shisui held back a cry of pain and- 

 

The nin holding him down vanished abruptly. Shisui blinked in confusion as the nin was sent flying away from him by an invisible force. The Uchiha heard the sickening crack of bones as the nin was smashed into the tree. The ROOT operatives stood up hurriedly, gazing around them. Shisui watched as they were sent flying in different directions. Screams of pain echoed throughout the woods. 

 

A ROOT operative pulled out his blade and turned to the Uchiha’s dormant body. He lunged towards him, knife raised. Shisui stared at him helplessly. He was going to die. Itachi, I’m sorry. The man lunged forward and he froze abruptly in the air. Shisui watched him struggle in the air and his eyes widened as the man’s body rose upwards. The ROOT nin released choked sounds.

 

“Don’t you fucking touch him.” A voice hissed vehemently.

 

Shisui watched in alarm as the nin was sent catapulting through the air. He slammed roughly into the tree and the teen watched as an invisible force ripped through the tree bark with a swift move. 

 

“A grown ass man picking on a kid,” the voice continued, sounding apoplectic with rage.

 

Shisui’s eyes widened as he eyed the desecrated landscape. The ROOT nin struggled against an invisible force, something was pinning him down. The nin choked as pressure was added to his neck.

 

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t snap your neck.”

 

The Root operative wheezed painfully and he stared ahead with blank eyes. Shisui stared at the unsettling sight in bewilderment. The Uchiha heard a disgusted scoff.

 

“Not good enough.” The voice hissed.

 

Snap.

 

The man’s bones were crushed and his neck was bent at an odd angle. The tree broke at the impact and the heavy log fell onto the ground with a loud crash. Shisui watched as the man fell to the ground in a dead heap. The Uchiha whimpered in fear and stared helplessly ahead, gazing at the defeated unconscious ROOT operatives. He felt arms circle his prone form and he was lifted in the air. Shisui yelped in alarm and he flicked his eyes around him in fear.

 

“Relax kid, I’m not going to hurt you.” The voice spoke as he was lifted higher and higher. 

 

Shisui felt a sturdy chest underneath his trembling hands and he blinked in confusion as he moved higher and higher. The Uchiha squawked in alarm as the ground moved away. He was moving upwards, into the sky. He heard an amused snort and his head rolled backwards. He felt a steady hand on his head, guiding him gently against a warm chest. Shisui frowned and he blinked confusedly at the large clouds that appeared so close. His arm hurt like hell. The blood trickled down his face and his limbs were numb and useless.

 

“Why?” Shisui croaked weakly as his bottom lip wobbled.

 

He peered down at the battlefield. He couldn’t make out the unconscious bodies. All he saw were small dots. Shisui felt his eyes prickle with a fresh wave of tears. He knew he should be asking other questions but there was only one thought that ran through his mind. 

 

Betrayal hurt. 

 

“Why?” He repeated brokenly as the hot tears slid down his pale cheeks. “I-” His voice cracked. 

 

“I didn’t do anything.” Shisui felt his vision blur. “I l-love the village, I do…I swear I do.” He whimpered in pain. 

 

“Why? He whispered.

 

The man remained silent, invisible to his sight. Shisui sniffled and he pressed his cheek against the warm body. His body trembled as the sobs broke through his small form. 

 

---

 

Sanji Vinsmoke moved through the sky hurriedly. He peered down at the Uchiha child in his arms and he gritted his teeth angrily. The kid was crying and he was bleeding from different places. Sanji moved away from the village of Konoha. He didn’t trust the filthy fuckers with Shisui. They had sent their own to kill him - a loyal loving child who breathed and lived for them. He moved hurriedly, flying at a heightened speed and a high altitude, keeping them from view. 

 

He reached Minami village and weaved through the familiar structures. Sanji hovered in the air, gazing down at the village of miscreants. He flew hurriedly, making his way to his old apartment. It was in the dangerous parts of the civilian village. The alleyways were filled with the dregs of society, beggars, prostitutes and drug dealers. It was safer for Shisui here than it was in his own village. Sanji frowned at the thought. It was depressing. He reached his old placed and kicked the window open with his foot and slid into the cold vacant place. He paused, gazing around him with a frown. It had been an entire month since he set foot in the village. The place was dusty and cold. 

 

Sanji gazed down at the quiet kid and he frowned heavily. He lowered his injured body gently on the couch and turned on his heel. The cook threw in discarded wood pieces into the fireplace and lit it up with a lighter. He closed the window, pulling the curtains shut. The pirate rushed into his bathroom, rummaging through his cabinets. He heaved out his old aid-kit and rushed back to the kid. He grabbed Shisui’s chin gently and the kid flinched violently, his eyes growing wide in fear.

 

Sanji sighed.

 

Right.

 

He was invisible. 

 

That had to be greatly unsettling. The kid had been through an awful trauma. He was scared and untrusting. The cook took a deep breath and focused on dispelling his invisibility barrier. He felt the shield of invisibility evaporate and the kid’s eyes widened. He gasped and gazed at him in bewilderment.

 

“Who are you?” Shisui asked with wide eyes.

 

Sanji paused. The truth wasn’t an option. At least not yet. The pirate moved forward slowly, showcasing his intentions by keeping his hands visible at all times. He flicked open his first aid kit and grabbed his disinfectant, dabbing it gently on the kid’s face. Shisui winced and scrunched his eyes shut. Sanji moved quickly. His frown deepened. The cut was deep. The boy would need stitches. He didn’t have any anaesthetics. The village was destitute and healthcare was nonexistent in Minami. Sanji gritted his teeth. He had to stitch the kid’s wound raw. 

 

“This is going to sting.” He warned.

 

Sanji grabbed his needle and stood up, holding it into the fiery flames. He moved back towards the kid and leaned forward. He rested a gentle hand on his uninjured shoulder and held him down. He moved in carefully, pressing the needle against the pale skin. Shisui shut his eyes tightly and let out a pained whimper. Sanji held back his rage and focused on the child in front of him. The entire ordeal was seven levels of fucked up. He moved hurriedly, knitting the skin together. He pulled back with a sigh and turned his gaze to the large wound on the kid’s shoulder.

 

Fucking hell.

 

It was bad. 

 

Sanji sent a silent prayer to the heavens and moved forward with steady hands. He took a deep breath and grabbed the hilt of the blade. He gazed towards the terrified Uchiha and pulled out the knife with a swift move. Shisui screamed in pain and his eyes rolled to the back of his head. He passed out from the agony. Sanji pressed a towel to the wound and added pressure as he rummaged through his aid kit. He moved hurriedly, cutting up the kid’s shirt and sleeves. The pirate worked tirelessly for long hours, administering aid and sewing up the torn and abused skin. 

 

The kid remained unconscious, his face was pale and glistening with sweat. Sanji pulled away with a drawn breath and he sat down on the ground next to the sleeping child. He stared at the sleeping kid and he stood up. Sanji lifted him up gently and moved into his old bedroom, kicking the door open carefully. He pulled off the dusty duvet and kicked it to the ground, mindful of the injured child in his arms. 

 

He lowered Shisui on the bed and walked to his closet, rummaging through his discarded belongings. He pulled out a thick cotton blanket and walked back to the bed. He draped it gently over the kid and sat down at the edge of the bed, burying his face in his hands. He heard the whimpers from the bed and he lifted his head, watching in dismay as Shisui flailed his arms as he fought through his nightmares. Sanji stepped forward, holding the kid’s arms in a gentle hold. 

 

The boy struggled and his panic increased. His face was contorted in pain and his pained cries increased tenfolds. Sanji knelt down beside his sleeping form and stared at the unconscious boy in distress.

 

“Shh it’s okay, you’re safe Shisui, it’s okay.” 

 

Sanji sighed as he watched the kid settle in his sleep with a deep frown. The pirate pressed a hand over the kid’s perspiring forehead and his lips pulled downwards in concern. Not good. Shisui was burning up. Sanji stood up, making his way into his bathroom. He grabbed a basin and filled it with cold water. He picked up a clean towel and returned to the boy’s bedside. The cook pressed a cold wet cloth to the boy’s forehead and leaned back against the bedside. 

 

The pirate thumped his head against the wooden boards. He was at a loss at his next course of action. Shisui’s own village signed his death warrant. The withered worm - Danzo - wanted Uchiha Shisui dead. He planned for his termination. The cook gazed down at the sleeping child and he pressed a handle to his hot forehead, his eyes tracing the scar on the side of his face. He pursed his lips tightly and he sent a silent apology to his crew and captain. He couldn’t leave, he couldn’t leave the kid alone. To leave him alone was to sign away on his death warrant. Sanji reached forward and changed the towel gently. 

 

He couldn’t leave Shisui to die. He had to… he had to… Sanji’s mind ran with different possibilities. He had to take the kid with him. That was the only solution. Konoha did not deserve such a brilliant wonderful child. They did not treat him right and sought out his death. He deserved better - better people, better company, better nakama. Sanji’s mind was made up. 

 

He would take the kid away from the rotten village. 

 

Permanently. 

 

---

 

Notes:

The Straw Hat crew after Wano:
Nami: Uh guys...aren't we missing someone?
Brook: Yohohoho, it's Sanji-san!
Robin: Perhaps he was stabbed to death by a vengeful spirit.
Chopper: Stabbed?! WHO?! WHERE?! AHHHHH!!!!
Ussop: Oi Robin! Don't say that-
Franky: This is SUPER NOT GOOD!
Zoro: Tch, we just retrieved his ass.
Jimbei: Hmm...who will tell the captain?
CREW: NOT ME!

Chapter 8: Eight

Summary:

Shisui’s breath hitched and he stared at him with wide eyes. 

“Can I at least know your name?”
 
“Stealth. I am Stealth Black.”

Notes:

Notice: I am taking liberty with the Vivre Card concept. I will bend certain rules in regards to the Vivre Cards so OP fan please bear in mind that this is fictional. I will be adding new concepts that do not exist in OP canon to the cards for plot purposes. Happy Reading!

 

VIII.

 

The small boy turned on his side and his long lashes fluttered softly. He opened his eyes slowly and rubbed his tiny hands against his eyelids. Uzumaki Naruto sat up and he peered around him in confusion. His cerulean gaze honed in on the clock and he frowned. He couldn’t tell the exact time - No one taught him - but he could discern a few facts. The short black line was further down than he expected. It was late in the afternoon. He had slept a lot. The child slipped off the couch and slid on his sandals.

 

Naruto wrung his small hands anxiously. He felt off. It was too quiet. Sanji-nii always woke him up with a gentle hand on his shoulder and a promise of a warm breakfast. There was always the delicious smell of food permeating through the restaurant. 

 

Today there was only silence and the absence of warmth. 

 

Naruto felt the anxiety crawl up to his heart and he rushed to the kitchen hurriedly. He pushed the doors open and his blue eyes widened. He let out a distressed whine at the bare emptiness that greeted him. Sanji-nii wasn’t here. Naruto stepped into the clean immaculate kitchen and he peered at the bare countertops. Sanji-nii hadn’t been here yet. Naruto walked out to the dining area and he pulled a chair up the windows. He climbed onto the chair and he peered outside. 

 

His eyes widened. 

 

Villagers were walking around and a number of patrons waited outside, grumbling impatiently.  The restaurant sign remained CLOSED. Naruto gazed at the calendar on the wall and he counted the days in his head slowly and carefully. He shook his head in confusion and began counting with his fingers slowly. Naruto’s eyes widened in realization and he gasped lightly. It was a weekday. Something was wrong, wrong, wrong. The small four year old frowned in distress. Sanji-nii wouldn’t leave his restaurant alone and unattended. He was a very responsible adult. He wasn’t a lazy person. He worked very very hard. 

 

The child frowned and pulled away from the window hurriedly, drawing back the curtains in nervousness. Naruto lowered himself to the ground and he pulled his knees to his chest in concern. Sanji-nii left because of him. He only brought sadness and bad things always happened to those around him. Naruto’s face scrunched up at the hurtful thoughts. This was all his fault. If he wasn’t here…if he wasn’t here… Sanji-nii would be alright. Naruto shook his head at the deprecating thought and he felt the hot tears slip down his tanned cheeks.

 

He rubbed his eyes with a small whine. He didn’t want to leave. All Blue was warm and it was safe. He loved the place. He loved waking up to the sound of soft humming and the clattering of utensils on the table. He loved seeing Sanji-nii smile at him affectionately and greet him with kind eyes. He didn’t want to leave Sanji-nii. He couldn’t leave Sanji-nii. He would wait. He didn’t care how long it would take for the cook to come back. 

 

He would wait forever. 

 

---

 

The blond haired man peered out the window with a thoughtful gaze. He had been absent from the village for an entire day - Shisui remained unconscious, resting through a fitful sleep. His fever continued at different intervals, rising and falling continuously through the night. His condition was becoming dire. Shisui needed medical attention immediately. He needed certified medics. The pirate couldn’t help him with his limited knowledge. Sanji turned his gaze to the sleeping thirteen year old and he frowned. He had left the blond kid in the restaurant with no explanation. Konoha nin watched All Blue around the clock. They would note his uncharacteristic absence with suspicion. 

 

He needed to go back. 

 

Sanji stepped towards the unconscious preteen and lifted him gently in his arms. He needed to get Shisui to his clan. They would attend to his wounds. Sanji had seen how much they cherished the kid. They wouldn’t let him die on their watch. Sanji didn’t have the luxury to disappear from Konoha entirely. He had the blond boy to think about. He did not have all the information. 

 

Uzumaki Naruto was a vessel. 

 

What did that even mean?  

 

There was also the withered worm with his team of robotic nin. 

 

Shimura Danzo. 

 

The maggot was planning something nefarious for the Uchiha Clan. 

 

- We must separate the Uchihas and the cook. The cook is popular with the villagers, we cannot have him affect our plans with the Uchihas. They are exactly where we want them -

 

Shisui’s head rolled to the side and thumped against his chest. Sanji looked down at the unconscious kid and he tightened his hold on his lean frame. He grit his teeth angrily. The worm could try to touch the kid again and he would Diablo Jambe his wrinkled body into the afterlife. The pirate applied his invisibility barrier and moved out into the early hours of dawn. He propelled himself upward, high into the sky, moving hurriedly at a neck-breaking speed. 

 

Shimura Danzo wanted to assassinate the Uchiha child in secrecy. He would not kill him in broad daylight and implicate himself further. Sanji moved hurriedly, glancing occasionally at the unconscious kid. Long dark lashes fluttered slowly and he heard a small groan. Pale eyelids opened slowly and black onyx eyes stared upwards in bewilderment. 

 

Uchiha Shisui was awake.

 

The wind ruffled his dark curly locks and he peered around in confusion with a hazy gaze. Sanji moved faster, reaching the edge of the village walls in record speed. He stretched out his observational Haki and sensed the guards at the gates. He moved away from the front gates, heading towards the Uchiha Compound. He reached the corner of the village and paused, sensing the bodies on the other side. There was no one around the secluded area. They were hidden by the thick Hashirama trees. Sanji lowered Shisui to the ground and knelt down in front of him, dispelling his invisibility barrier.

 

Shisui’s eyes widened and he sat up weakly. He gazed around with a sense of wariness and his shoulders slumped in relief as he recognized his surroundings. Sanji gazed down at the kid thoughtfully. He needed a way to track him when he went on an outside mission. He needed to remain in touch. The pirate reached into his inner pockets and took out the white sheet of paper. 

 

He gazed at the vivre card thoughtfully.

 

Sanji lifted his head and stared at the small, injured kid. His options were limited and he wanted to protect the boy. Sanji took a deep breath and ripped the vivre card in half, pressing the paper into Shisui’s callused hands. He tucked the other half into his inner pockets. 

 

Shisui blinked in confusion at the card. 

 

He stared up at him. “What is this?”

 

“With this, I can find you and come to your aid.” Sanji spoke behind his dark mask.

 

The kid blinked at the white paper. “Who are you? Why are you helping me?”

 

Sanji tilted his head to the side. “Does a person need a reason to help someone?”

 

Shisui’s breath hitched and he stared at him with wide eyes. 

 

“Can I at least know your name?”

 

“Stealth. I am Stealth Black.”

 

Sanji stood up and stepped away from the kid. He applied his invisibility barrier and he watched as Shisui gazed around him in confusion. The teen stood up shakily and he gazed at the white card in his hands. He frowned and tucked it into his vest pocket. The teen turned on his heel and leapt over the walls into his compound. Sanji heard the cries of alarm and concern. He sensed with his observational Haki silently as the other Uchihas gathered around the teen and took him to their medics. 

 

The cook slipped away and made his way into the village.

 

 

---

 

The cook entered his apartment the backdoor and sensed out the bodies on the rooftop. He sighed at the irritating presences and moved into his small abode. Sanji closed the door quietly and dispelled his raid suit. He landed on his bed tiredly and pressed his hands to his face with a small groan. 

 

There was much to do. 

 

Uchiha Shisui was safe.

 

Temporarily.

 

Sanji needed to gather more information on Shimura Danzo. The worm’s plans sounded sinister. He had to remain in the village to gather intel. He knew too little to act out. He was only one man stuck in an entire village of seasoned shinobi. The risks were too high. The cook sat up warily, eyeing the clock on the wall. He sighed heavily and moved into the bathroom, showering quickly. He slipped on his work clothes and pulled on a thick jacket. Sanji slipped out of his apartment and locked it with a neutral expression.

 

He reached out his Haki and he sensed the surveillance. There were two nin surveying him from opposite ends of the streets. Sanji ignored them and moved through the village with an unbothered air. He lit up a cigarette and made his way to his establishment. Villagers greeted him on his way and he nodded curtly. The cook made his way to All Blue and unlocked the door. He peered at the clock and moved hurriedly, preparing for another busy day.

 

Sanji tucked a hand in his pockets and pulled out his vivre card. It fluttered gently. Uchiha Shisui was alive. The card would burn entirely if he died. Sanji heaved a relieved sigh and tucked the card away, turning back to his work. He heard a small shuffle behind him and he whirled around with a narrowed gaze. Sanji’s eyes widened as he saw the tiny child in the corner. He had missed his presence entirely. He had been so focused on the morons on the rooftop that he missed the small fluttering energy. 

 

Children had fainter energies than adults. They could be overlooked. Sanji stepped forward to the small body. Naruto was asleep. He was curled up in a tight ball on the ground. The pirate frowned at the sad sight. Why wasn’t he on the couch? The cook knelt down and picked up the small body gently, moving back to the dining area. He settled the kid on the couch and sat down next to him. Sanji carded a hand through the blond’s unruly locks and watched him sleep. He sighed heavily, peering at the boy’s small body in concern.

 

Small lashes fluttered gently and the kid scrunched up his face. Sanji smiled as the blond opened his eyes slowly, peering up at him with a sleepy gaze. Naruto shot up from his seat and his blue eyes grew wide as he stared at him in disbelief. 

 

“Sanji-nii!”

 

“Hey Naruto, did you eat?”

 

The kid continued to stare at him in disbelief. Sanji watched in concern as the boy’s face scrunched up and his eyes watered. Naruto hurled his small body forward and latched onto him with a tight grip. Sanji caught the small body and he frowned as the kid began crying. He ran a hand down his small back comfortingly as he peered down at the distressed boy.

 

“Kid, what’s wrong?”

 

“Where did you go, Sanji-nii?”

 

Sanji sighed and rested his chin on the kid’s head. “To get some ingredients, I left only for a day,” he tightened his grip on the small body. “Did you eat Naruto?”

 

The kid shook his head. Sanji frowned in concern. He stood up with the child latched onto him like a baby koala and he made his way into the kitchen. The cook peered at his ingredients and frowned down at the small body attached to him. He poked the boy in his sides gently.

 

“Oi, I need to cook breakfast, let go.”

 

Naruto whined and shook his head, tightening his hold further. Sanji ran a hand over his face and shook his head in dismay. He moved around his kitchen, washing his hands in the sink. He peered down at the kid attached to his chest and he heaved a sigh, moving him around with careful hands so he was attached to his back instead. Naruto locked his small arms around the cook’s neck and he sniffled wetly. 

 

The pirate flicked him gently on the forehead and moved back to the countertop. “Don’t move too much brat. This is totally a safety hazard.” He grumbled.

 

The kid nodded against his neck and tightened his hold. Sanji sighed and turned back to his fridge. He pulled out the ingredients for the day and grabbed his cutting board, setting up his spices and cutlery. He hummed softly and moved expertly, mindful of the tiny body attached to his back.

 

 

---

 

The cook eyed the clock on the wall and he turned to the small child sitting at the table. Naruto was practicing his writing and reading. Sanji smiled sadly as the boy struggled with the letter recognition. He ran a hand over the child’s mussy locks and leaned down, helping him with his reading. No one helped with the boy’s education. It was remarkable he was able to survive on his own for so long. He didn’t know basic reading and writing. Children his age were able to recognize the alphabet but Naruto’s knowledge was rudimentary at best. 

 

Neglect. 

 

Everything about Uzumaki Naruto’s situation spelt extreme neglect. 

 

Sanji needed a smoke. 

 

The cook suppressed the urge - he wouldn’t damage the kid’s lungs - he closed the grammar book. Naruto turned to him with a confused gaze. 

 

“Did… Did I do badly?” He asked with a nervous expression. 

 

Sanji shook his head. “No, you did remarkably well but you need a break. Let’s go out to eat.”

 

The boy’s expression scrunched up further and he appeared reluctant to go out. Sanji grabbed his keys and he arched an eyebrow questionably. 

 

“Kid? You coming?”

 

“Oh…uhm…yes,” he whispered, climbing off the chair. 

 

Sanji nodded and grabbed a small coat off the rack. He dressed the kid and wrapped a thick scarf around his neck. He extended a hand to the boy. Naruto’s eyes widened and he took his hand with a shy smile. Sanji turned the knob and stepped out into the cold, shutting his restaurant door behind him with a gentle kick. Naruto waited quietly, holding his hand patiently. 

 

Sanji gazed at the bustling village. He ignored the lingering stares and moved through the streets. He eyed the large sign ahead with curious eyes. Ichiraku Ramen. The cook made his way to the ramen establishment and ducked under the curtains, tugging the child along with him gently. The establishment had two shinobi patrons sitting in the corner, sipping their noodles quietly with haggard expressions. The ramen shop owner raised his head and smiled at the blond cook. His brown eyes widened in surprise as he saw Naruto and his gaze lingered on the blond child, eyeing their joined hands curiously.

 

Sanji narrowed his eyes and he bristled silently. He knew the villagers treated the blond kid terribly. He would rearrange the man’s face if he tested his patience. Sanji had heard reputable things about the ramen shop. It was a popular establishment. He really hoped it wasn’t manned by a hateful bastard. 

 

“Hello, hello, take a seat.” The man spoke with a smile. 

 

Sanji blinked at the unexpected friendliness and he nodded warily. He settled Naruto on the chair next to him and he turned to the menu. 

 

“One Miso ramen and…” He turned to his company. “Naruto, what do you want?”

 

Naruto eyed the ramen cook with wide eyes. He lowered his head, gazing at the pictures on the menu. He spoke softly.

 

“Uhm Tonkatsu?” He asked unsurely, staring at the cook with a nervous expression.

 

The kid leaned into his side, small hands grasping his sleeve for comfort. Sanji turned to the cook expectantly. The man smiled and nodded. 

 

“Good choice kid, someone young as you needs their protein.”

 

“Increase the meat and eggs in his portion please.”

 

“Sanji-nii! You don’t have too!”

 

“Hush brat, you didn’t eat enough the day before and you’re fine consuming solids. Plus the broth will help with your digestion.”

 

“But-”

 

Sanji reached over and flicked the kid on the forehead. Naruto yelped and began to sulk, grumbling lightly. Sanji smiled and turned to watch the man cook. The man moved expertly, soaking the noodles in boiling water and he chatted with his patrons with a friendly smile. Sanji felt his body relax in the amiable setting. He turned to his young company and chatted with the blond child about cooking matters. He discussed new recipes and different cooking techniques. Naruto absorbed the material with shining eyes, nodding his head along reverently. 

 

The food came and Sanji stared at their bowls. He nodded gratefully to the cook. He was generous with Naruto’s serving and he did not skive on his meat or noodle portions. Naruto’s eyes were sparkling and he clasped his hands together before diving into his food. Sanji shook his head in amusement as he watched the child inhale his food. Sanji took slow bites, musing on the perfect blend of herbs and tenderness of the meat. 

 

He lowered his bowl turning to the kid. “What do you taste?” 

 

Naruto slowed his chewing and scrunched his face up thoughtfully. “I taste…hmm…umami flavour and… There is a hint of mushrooms.” The kid frowned at his bowl. “But… there aren’t any mushrooms.”

 

The shop owner laughed. “Well if it isn’t a young chef in the making.”

 

Naruto’s cheeks flushed hotly at the compliment. 

 

Sanji turned to the ramen cook curiously. “Mushrooms? That’s unusual.”

 

The ramen chef smiled. “Well, they do add a touch of flavour. Just a teaspoon of mushroom powder. I’m surprised you pick that up kid, not many do.”

 

Naruto smiled shyly and turned to Sanji with an expectant gaze. Sanji grinned and ruffled his hair gently. He nudged his bowl closer to the blond. “Here, try mine and tell me what you taste.”

 

Naruto grabbed his bowl with tiny hands and took a sip. He scrunched his nose cutely and tilted his head to the side thoughtfully. 

 

“Miso…”

 

“What else?”

 

He lowered the bowl and frowned. He scratched his head and pouted sadly. “I only taste miso.”

 

Sanji smiled. “That’s fine, this is a skill you grow over time. The miso taste is very strong, it overpowers the other flavours.”

 

Naruto nodded and turned back to his food. The cook turned back to his ramen and he raised his head, finding the ramen chef watching him. The man smiled as he caught his gaze and the blond cook returned the smile with a quirk of his lips. 

 

---

 

Uchiha Shisui gazed out the window with a pensive expression. He sat on the infirmary bed with his hands clasped in his lap. His dark eyes peered into the dark skies and numerous thoughts ran through his mind. Stealth. Stealth Black. He didn’t understand why the man helped him. He had no reason to save him. He was a complete stranger he had never met before. Shinobi never got assistance unless it was from their own teammates.

 

- Does a person need a reason to help someone? -

 

Shisui frowned. He had never received kindness outside his family - He never had a stranger help him out and offer him assistance free of charge. He wasn’t accustomed to genuine altruism without a cost. It was unprecedented. It was- Shisui’s eyes widened. No. He had been treated with genuine kindness. It had happened before. He had forgotten. He recalled a memory, an image of a tall man dressed in dark clothing - blue eyes, an amused smile, a sardonic sharp voice.

 

- Sorry, I haven’t eaten in a while -

 

- Don’t just stand there, get some firewood kid -

 

There was a kind man who had given food even to a criminal. The man did not ask him for anything in return and cooked dinner for him and offered him seconds with an amused smile. Shisui blinked in alarm. The figure he had met was darkly clad in a strange suit, with a dark mask that covered his face and dark glasses. He couldn’t discern much about his features but his complexion was the same as the owner of All Blue. 

 

It couldn’t be. It didn’t make any sense. Sanji … was that stranger? Shisui shook his head.

 

- Does a person need a reason to help someone? -

 

He didn’t know much about the mysterious restaurant owner. 

 

- Uhm… Sanji-san, who are you exactly?-

 

- I’m just a cook -

 

Shisui frowned and he grabbed his vest. He pulled out the white card and his eyes widened. It was fluttering lightly, moving slowly in a specific direction. The nin gulped and moved off his bed determinedly. He slipped on his coat and tucked his feet into his sandals. He opened the door to the infirmary and leaped out quietly. He peered around and slipped into the darkness. Shisui shunshined hurriedly. He peered at the card in his hand and it moved, pulling him a specific direction. He moved searchingly, taking different turns. The card turned slowly, urging him to change his pathway.

 

Shisui circled around and cut through the alleyways. He moved quickly and he paused in his steps as he ended up in front of the establishment. Shisui’s dark eyes widened in shock as he stared at the large banner. All Blue. He peered into the windows and his breath hitched in alarm. 

 

Blond hair, a tall lean physique, the same height. 

 

The resemblance was uncanny.

 

---

 

Chapter 9: Nine

Summary:

Sanji undergoes biological changes, Shisui shows up at All Blue, Danzo schemes.

Notes:

Sanji's biological changes - the changes occurring to his body - follow the latest manga releases in One Piece. For those not reading the manga, these events will be a spoiler.

IX.

 

The cook leaned forward on the counter and he gripped the edges tightly. He took a deep centring breath and focused on the strange feeling thrumming through his veins. There was a sense of disconcertment. Something was wrong, wrong, wrong. Sanji pressed a hand to his abdomen and he furrowed his brows in confusion. His body felt off. His skin felt othering - a sense of displacement permeated through his body. The strange feeling stretched from the tips of his hair to the ends of his toes. He flexed his fingers minutely, glaring at them in heated confusion.

 

What the hell is going on?

 

A loud clatter broke him from his worried thoughts and he lifted his head, gazing around at his surroundings. He sighed and pulled away from the counter as the loud noises of patrons and regulars drifted to his ears. He was in his restaurant, going through the mundane motions of serving and cooking. The cook grabbed his notebook as the door swung open - signifying more patrons entering his establishment, All Blue. 

 

Sanji stepped out of the kitchen doors and plastered a smile on his face. He moved stiffly and his blue eyes honed in on the new comer who zeroed in on the corner table - Silver hair, casual clothes and a lone grey eye crinkled up in greeting.

 

“Yo,” the man greeted amiably. 

 

Sanji smiled and he walked forward. “Back so soon?”

 

“Maa, the food is good. And I can’t really cook that much, just fried rice and eggs, it gets boring.” The shinobi shrugged and he leaned forward in his seat, eyeing him with a friendly smile.

 

“Are you well? You look tired.” He inquired.

 

Sanji relaxed his shoulders and nodded. “It’s busy around here and hours standing on my feet has its effects,” he explained casually. 

 

The man hummed sympathetically. “By the way cook-san, I missed your food yesterday.”

 

Sanji shrugged, ignoring the attempt at information gathering. “I needed ingredients, not all recipes are local.”

 

The man nodded and smiled. “Maa, I think I’ll have the same order as last time.”

 

Sanji nodded. “No drink, right? Just water.”

 

The shinobi’s eyes crinkled up. “You know me so well cook-san.”

 

Sanji chuckled. “I try to know all my patrons.” He spoke.

 

The doorbell jingled and the cook raised his head. His eyes widened minutely as he saw the kid, up and about - healthy and intact. Uchiha Shisui smiled a small smile and he inclined his head towards the kitchen door. Sanji nodded - He knew his Vivre Card was a trackable device. He didn’t think the kid would be so fast in discovering his identity. It was a testament to the teen’s intelligence. The teen moved towards the kitchen and he disappeared behind the door. 

 

Sanji turned to the shinobi. “I’ll be back with your food soon.”

 

The cook turned on his heel and made his way into the kitchen. He paused at the sight - Shisui sat at the small table across from Naruto. He was pointing at the grammar book and giving the four year old a few pointers on memorizing the alphabet. Sanji closed the kitchen door and he reached out his observational Haki, surveying his surroundings. Two guards, on the rooftop. He tsked in irritation and made his way into the kitchen, preparing the ingredients for the shinobi’s beef noodle soup. 

 

He listened to the voices of the children speaking softly and his lips quirked upwards. He was glad Shisui did not shun Naruto or treat him differently. The cook turned as the thirteen year old joined him at the counter. Shisui lifted his hands with a smile.

 

“I washed my hands, can I help with anything?” 

 

Sanji nodded and handed him the potatoes. “Peel these.”

 

Shisui scrunched his nose. “Always peeling.” He grabbed the peeler and removed the skin of the vegetables.

 

“How are you feeling today?” Sanji asked, cutting straight to the chase. How’s your body? How are your injuries?

 

Shisui smiled. “Good.” He chirped. I’m healed. “I just came back from a mission, I seriously missed your food.” 

 

Sanji nodded. He boiled the noodles in a large pot and tossed in the seasoning. Shisui handed him the peeled potatoes and he leaned against the counter, watching him cook. The teen moved his hands into his vest pocket and pulled out a white card. He ran his fingers along the vivre card and gazed at him directly - I know the truth - Sanji nodded - I know that you know the truth - He waited for the teen’s ultimatum. Shisui pursed his lips tightly and he tucked the vivre card into his vest. 

 

He opened his mouth and closed it a few times. 

 

The teen shook his head and he smiled. “Ne Sanji-san, can I stay for dinner?” He asked softly.

 

Sanji smiled and he bumped his shoulders against the kid. “Anytime kid, you don’t have to ask.”

 

Shisui’s eyes brightened and his tense shoulders relaxed in relief. He grabbed another potato and continued peeling the vegetables. Sanji stirred the pot and he listened to the soft sounds in his kitchen - Shisui worked quietly and Naruto repeated his alphabet letters softly - and his lips quirked upwards in a gentle smile.  

 

---

 

“Uchiha Shisui lives.” The ROOT operative spoke. 

 

Shimura Danzo lifted his gaze from the mission scroll and he stared at the shinobi unblinkingly.

 

“None of the assassination team has made it back, Danzo-sama.” The shinobi spoke in a monotonous tone. 

 

Danzo tapped his finger against his desk and he turned his gaze to the guard. “The cook?”

 

“He was gone for an entire day - His establishment was abruptly closed and according to Anbu Inu’s report, he left to get ingredients.”

 

Danzo leaned forward and he steepled his fingers together. He stared ahead thoughtfully. “Where is Uchiha Shisui right now?”

 

“He is with the cook in the restaurant along with the vessel.” 

 

Danzo narrowed his eyes. “All threats must be eliminated. Proceed at once, bring me the cook.”

 

---

 

Sanji walked through the nearly vacant restaurant. He turned off the lights and made his way to the couch. He kneeled next to the sleeping child and he lifted the blankets up to his chin with a soft smile. The cook stood up and he checked the heater level. He grabbed his keys and made his way out of All Blue, securing the locks shut tightly. He made his way through the quiet village. It was late at night and the streets were empty.

 

Sanji paused in his steps and he winced in discomfort. He pressed a hand to his stiff shoulders and he craned his neck - rotating his muscles slowly. The strangeness in his body continued incessantly. It grew and gnawed at his insides. Sanji frowned - Was it the suit? - He had used a suit for a duration of time when he saved Shisui - for longer than a day he had remained as Stealth Black. Sanji shivered at the unwelcome thought. He didn’t expect the suit to carry any side effects. 

 

“Damn Germa,” he cursed as he lit up a cigarette. 

 

He took a large inhale and made his way to his apartment. The cook paused abruptly in his steps as he felt a number of energy signatures in the shadows. He stretched out his observational Haki and he gritted his teeth. Fuck. He was surrounded. The bastards were not taking any chances with him. There was a total of six bodies closing in on him. The cook sighed in irritation and he took a deep inhale, puffing out a halo of smoke. 

 

He turned on his heel and made his way away from the main street. The shadows followed after him relentlessly. He wasn’t going to destroy the establishments of the locals by engaging in a fight in a public area. Sanji smirked at the thought as he moved at a leisurely pace. He made his way out of the streets, cutting through the alleyways until he reached the edge of the village. He walked through the thick woods and made his way to a large clearing. A large cliff stood behind him with waterfalls rushing down. 

 

The sound of the rushing water would mute his attacks.

 

“Oi,” Sanji spoke. “Come out.”

 

Four bodies flashed forward, landing a few meters away. They were masked and clad in dark robes. Sanji glared ahead and he flexed his stiff joints in irritation. The fuckers were similar to the ones that attacked Uchiha Shisui. The cook dropped his cigarette and he stared ahead. It wasn’t in his nature to run. It wasn’t in his nature to hide. He was a pirate. He was a Straw Hat crew member. Sanji felt the Armament Haki spread, covering his body in thick impenetrable armour. He was pissed - the fuckers had attacked their own - Shisui - They were the worst kind of scum.

 

The shinobi unsheathed their weapons. 

 

Sanji narrowed his eyes and he took a practiced stance - He bent his body backwards and placed his palms on the ground in a fluid handstand - Party Table Kick Course - The nin lunged forward and the cook spun around, kicking the fuckers with a surge of visceral rage.

 

---

 

Chapter 10: Ten

Summary:

Sanji kicks shinobi to the curb. Shisui and Naruto bond. Sanji understands the change occurring to his body.

X.

 

The shinobi moved away hurriedly - a few bodies were sent careening into the trees - knocked over by the force of the fast kicks. The shinobi were silent, quiet in their pain. It was unsettling. Sanji jumped to his feet and he lifted his leg and the hot fiery flames thrummed forth. The masked nin threw their blades at him, aiming at his arteries. Sanji smirked as his armament Haki blocked the blades. The knives clattered to the ground, unable to penetrate his skin. 

 

The flames surged on his legs and he lunged forward - Diablo Jambe - and he smashed through their lines. Sharp inhales of pain thrummed through the masked shinobi as he crushed through their ribs and bones. The sickening crack of bones reached his ears and the sound of the rushing water muted the sharp gasps of pain. One body dropped - a nin clutched his sides in agony. Three more stood in front of him relentlessly, moving with broken limbs. 

 

Sanji stretched out his observational Haki - There was another nin hiding away in the trees, spying and silent. The shinobi circled around him like vultures, eyeing him silently - their postures wary and calculating. A blade sailed towards his head and he bent backwards, evading the lethal hit. He leaped back - his feet were a few steps away from the edge of the cliff - The shinobi drew closer, blades held tightly in their hands.

 

The masked figure lunged forward with his katana. He swung it and Sanji blocked with his leg. The blade broke on his skin and the nin froze in surprise, staring at the broken blade for a brief moment. He leaped backwards and joined his team, circling around the cook in slow careful motions. 

 

Sanji eyed the nin with the crushed elbow and shattered kneecap. He limped towards him - mask white and devoid of emotion - He reminded him of the Pacisfita soldiers - Px-5 had kept moving even through his faculties were shutting down. It was almost like they weren’t entirely human.  Puppets moving on strings by an invisible marionette. The shinobi moved forward and the cook stepped back, gauging his surroundings carefully. His feet hit the edge of the cliff and he stood still - the pebbles landed behind him, falling off the steep hill.

 

The shinobi lunged - simultaneously - and Sanji smirked. He leaped away from the attack and took off the cliff, falling down. He watched as they tumbled down unexpectedly as he vacated his spot. Sanji leapt in the air - Sky walk - and he hovered in the sky, watching the heavily injured ones fall into the crashing waters. Sanji frowned, watching as the third nin dug his knives into the cliffside. 

 

Sanji tsked in irritation and leapt higher and higher into the air. The nin gazed around searchingly, trying to locate him. He glanced upwards and he stared. Sanji whirled in the air and increased his speed - He lunged forward and kicked the shinobi into the cliff, smashing his body into the solid rock. The cliffside shook and boulders tumbled down, carrying the nin’s body downwards into the streams. The cook hovered in the air and he stretched out his senses, locating the remaining survivor. 

 

He leapt through the sky, rushing towards him at heightened speed. He appeared in front of him in a flash - Mutton Shot - and kicked him straight into the trees. The nin catapulted into the foliage. Sanji took to the skies, increasing his altitude, rising higher and higher. He spun in the air and dove his heel into the disoriented shinobi’s head - Concasser - The nin collapsed.  

 

Sanji landed gracefully on his feet and he dug through his pockets for a cigarette. He lit it up and took a large inhale, puffing out a small halo. He peered around him at the quiet woods and exhaled softly. 

 

The moon was full and bright. 

 

---

 

The small child opened his eyes and he listened to the soft voices drifting from the kitchen. He heard the voice of Sanji-nii and another individual. The voice was distinctly familiar. Naruto sat up and he rubbed his eyes sleepily, climbing off the couch with a grunt. His stomach rumbled and he pouted, pressing his small hands to his abdomen. 

 

“Good morning sleepy head,” an airy voice spoke.

 

Naruto lifted his head and he smiled shyly at the older shinobi. Shisui was wearing a pink apron with bolded lettering. He carried a steaming bowl of rice in his hands and he lowered the bowl onto the table. He made his way towards him and stopped a foot from him, pointing at the letters on his apron.

 

“Can you read these for me Naru-chan?” 

 

Naruto scrunched his nose and he stared determinedly at the words. He recognized a few letters but he couldn’t make out the entire sentence. It was difficult. The blond whispered the first phonetic sounds hesitantly and he looked up at Shisui with big, nervous eyes. He did not want to disappoint the teen. Shisui came over often for dinner - he helped around with clean up - and he was kind to him. He didn’t want to make him dislike him. The Uchiha smiled and nodded encouragingly, his eyes were soft and warm. He reached forward and ruffled his hair with a bright smile. 

 

“You’re doing great Naru-chan, now go wash your hands or else Sanji-san will lecture us both.”

 

“I heard that!” A voice hollered from the kitchen.

 

Shisui turned to Naruto and dramatically rolled his eyes. The blond giggled and he followed after the Uchiha - eager to start his day in the company of people who were kind to him. Shisui led him into the clean bathroom and he ran the water for him. The Uchiha ran his fingers under the running tap and he nodded. He kicked out a stool gently and pulled him up from his armpits. 

 

Naruto leaned forward and ran his hands down the lukewarm water. He sang the alphabet song softly under his breath - Ka, ki, ku, ke, ko - Sanji-nii insisted that he wash his hands thoroughly. Shisui hummed along the upbeat tune, correcting him occasionally. Naruto leaned forward and splashed his face with water, grabbing his toothbrush. He turned to Shisui for help, staring at him with an imploring gaze.

 

The Uchiha grinned and helped him unload his toothpaste on his toothbrush. The child brushed his teeth and he listened to Shisui chatter softly by the door. Naruto finished his wash up and he followed the Uchiha into the dining hall. Sanji-nii laid the table with a full hearty breakfast and he turned to the pair with a smile. Naruto beamed at him brightly and rushed forward, running into the cook’s legs. He latched onto him, squeezing his calves tightly.

 

Sanji chuckled and laid a hand on his head. “Good morning Naruto-kun.”

 

Naruto smiled at him happily. “Hi Sanji-nii.”

 

Sanji picked him up and settled him on the chair. Shisui joined them at the table and the blond clasped his hands together - Itadakimasu! - and he waited for the adults to start eating. He dug into his food happily and he scrunched his nose in thought at the rich flavours. He shyly listed a few findings and he threw his small fist in the air as the cook acquiesced with a proud smile. 

 

He was going to be the best chef ever dattebayo! 

 

---

 

Sanji gripped the counter and he took a deep centring breath - one, two, three - He inhaled and exhaled sharply, focusing on normalizing the strangeness within his body. He shook his head and grabbed his knife distractedly, cutting the vegetables for tomorrow’s dishes with hurried strokes. He gazed out the window pensively. It was dark and quiet. The moon waned, covered with a number of thick clouds.

 

SNAP!

 

The cook lowered his gaze and his blue eyes widened in disbelief at the sight. The santoku knife was broken - snapped - and he lifted it curiously. What just hell? The cook felt his stomach plummet in realization and he lowered the knife warily. He stared at his index finger, desperately looking for a cut that was not there. The knife had landed on his finger and instead of slicing off his appendage, it broke into fragmented parts.

 

Sanji’s breath hitched - No, no, no, no - Genetic modification. Body engineering. Inhumane durability. Heightened healing. Lightening speed. The abilities of Germa 66 soldiers were encroaching onto his form - without his suit on his skin. 

 

The cook stared at his shaking fingers in horror. His body was changing. It was altering, shifting, constructing and deconstructing the atoms. His cellular biology was being mapped anew - into something less human.

 

The cook swallowed thickly and he stared at the jarring evidence. The steel blade had broken on his bare skin. He had not applied any Armament Haki. The change occurred permanently. His body was altered without his consent.

 

He was becoming indestructible. 

 

---

 

Notes:

YESS SANJI JUST BECAME MORE OP! All credit goes to Oda Eiichiro for his brilliance!

Fight scenes are honestly so hard to write, I might just switch to coffee shop AUs for my sanity.

Chapter 11: Eleven

Summary:

Sanji is troubled by the vulnerability of Shisui. He makes a decision.

XI

 

The thirteen year old pushed the door to the establishment open and he entered the restaurant with light steps. He smiled as he heard the sound of rhythmic chopping from the kitchen and he followed the comforting noise. Shisui poked his head around the corner and his smile stretched as he saw the cook and the little boy in the kitchen. 

 

Naruto stood on a stool, using a fork to mash potatoes together. Sanji stood next to him, chopping a set of fresh vegetables with practiced ease.

 

“Hello hello,” Shisui greeted as he skipped inside. 

 

Naruto lifted his head and he beamed brightly at him. “Shisui-nii! Look! I mashed the potatoes all by myself!” 

 

Shisui smiled softly and he made his way over. He grabbed a freshly baked potato and bit into it, humming in approval. He felt a sharp smack on his hand and he hissed, glaring at the blond cook accusingly. 

 

“You didn’t wash your hands,” Sanji reprimanded as he smacked him with the dish towel. 

 

Shisui ducked and he stuffed his face cheekily with mirthful eyes. Sanji huffed and shook his head with a fond smile. The teen paused, eyeing the cook in concern. Sanji looked tired; like he hadn’t slept in days. His complexion was pale and sickly.

 

“Shisui-nii! You’re bleeding!” Naruto gasped. 

 

Shisui blinked down at his arm. Oh right. He had forgotten about his training accident. A moment of distraction with his younger cousin had costed him. Itachi was a vicious little creature - all sharp jabs and lethal accuracy with his knives - He had a lot on his mind, with the betrayal of Root and dissonance within his clan. He hadn’t paid full attention and it costed him.

 

He smiled reassuringly and pressed a hand to his wounded shoulder. “It’s just a scratch.”

 

He didn't need to worry his family friends. It was more than enough having Itachi panic and look like a kicked puppy for injuring him. Sanji stepped forward and he took hold of his wrist, dragging him to the side table.

 

“Sit,” he ordered.

 

Shisui gulped and took a seat obediently. 

 

“What happened?” The cook asked in a low tone.

 

“Oh it was a training accident, seriously it’s just a scratch.”

 

Shisui hissed as Sanji pulled his shirt down, exposing his injured collarbone.

 

The cook’s face grew grim.

 

“Why is this untreated?” 

 

“Uhm…” Shisui flailed his unoccupied arm. “I got hungry and…err..I kinda…forgot?” He admitted sheepishly. 

 

His stomach grumbled on cue. The teen flushed in embarrassment and he lowered his head. The cook clicked his tongue in disapproval and he moved aside, returning with a first aid kit. He moved expertly, cleaning his wound with practiced ease and careful hands. 

 

Naruto stepped forward and he pressed a bowl into his hands. “Ano…” He shuffled shyly. 

 

“It’s…uhm…potato soup I made…um I don’t know if its good…” He trailed off hesitantly.

 

Shisui gasped. “Naru-chan! Am I your first customer?”

 

Naruto smiled shyly and he nodded eagerly. “Yes! Even Sanji-nii didn’t try my soup!”

 

Shisui smiled softly and he lifted the bowl, taking a large mouthful. His dark eyes widened and he stared down at the little boy in surprise. 

 

“Naru-chan, this is delicious!” 

 

It was hearty and warm, soft on the spices and soothing in the cold winter. It was perfect. He took another gulp and finished it off hurriedly. He passed the bowl back with a meaningful look. Naruto giggled and ran back to the large pot, hopping on the stool for second servings. 

 

“This is concerning,” Sanji spoke quietly. 

 

Shisui stared up at him curiously. “Hmm?”

 

Sanji tightened the bandages with a troubled gaze and the teen winced in discomfort. The cook flicked his forehead and stepped back, glaring down at him with crossed arms. 

 

“You kids get hurt too easily.” He ran a hand through his blond hair and began to pace.

 

“Naruto steps out for a bit and comes back with injuries. You are a shinobi - I heard your life expectancy is crap - and most missions are fatal. This…” He growled. “This is not going to work.”

 

Shisui frowned in concern. 

 

Sanji turned to him and his expression grew resolute. He pointed up the ceiling and lifted three fingers, motioning to his eyes and ears. Shisui’s eyes widened in understanding. 

 

Constant surveillance. 

 

Sanji grabbed a notebook and he scribbled on it hurriedly, passing it over. Shisui frowned at the message. It was a time and date - and a clandestine location. He grabbed the pencil and wrote his inquiries - What is this for?

 

Sanji stepped forward and penned in his response. 

 

I will train you.

 

---

 

Sanji pulled the blanket over the sleeping kid and he turned on his heel. He reached out his observational Haki, counting the bodies surveilling him. He stepped into the dark kitchen and slipped out of the backdoor. He made his way to his apartment at a leisurely pace, taking the stairs two at a time.

 

He slipped inside, pulling his curtains shut. Sanji grabbed his Raid Suit with a scowl and he pressed his hand to the device, activating it hurriedly. The dark material spread over his lean figure and his face was shrouded with his dark mask. Black sunglasses adorned his eyes and his dark cape fell over his shoulders.

 

He applied his invisibility veil and left his apartment silently. He took to skies, moving under the light of the moon. The cook reached the woods and landed silently on a high tree. He reached out his Haki, sensing the living organisms around him. The small critters thrummed faintly, the larger animals prowled through the night. Sanji honed in on the familiar warm energy and he moved forward. 

 

Shisui sat in an open grove. His legs were crossed at the ankles and he was playing with a flower in his hand, plucking the petals idyl. Sanji surveyed him. Shisui was young - too young to face death and betrayal - The cook removed his veil and landed in front of the kid.

 

Shisui startled and he blinked up at him with wide eyes. He gaped at him with his mouth wide open.

 

“Woah!” He breathed. 

 

The teen stood up hurriedly and he circled him with unabashed excitement. “You look so cool! Is this your clan’s regalia?”

 

Sanji frowned. 

 

Right.

 

The villages operated on clan systems. He scowled at the thought. Germa 66 was not his clan. 

 

“Something like that,” he spoke. 

 

Shisui beamed at him brightly. “It’s like an Aburame went hybrid and decided to be fancy. You know with the whole dark glasses and layers.”

 

“Alright, let’s start kid. The first thing I will teach you is a technique not known here.”

 

Shisui’s eyes widened. “Sanji-san! You mean…you mean you’ll teach me your clan’s technique? That’s…I…”

 

Sanji shrugged.

 

Haki was not his clans technique. 

 

It was a well-known technique in the Grand Line. 

 

Shisui needed to gain more strength. His life was in constant danger (in and out of the village) He was not safe - targeted by his own people - He couldn’t leave him behind knowing he’d drop dead any minute. He needed insurance that the kid would survive on his own to adulthood. Haki would aid him - hone his senses and add an impenetrable barrier to his skin. 

 

Sanji moved his hand over his belt and he dispelled his suit. He stepped forward, stretching his legs. He applied Haki to his feet, the black layer taking over his skin. He turned on his heel and swung his leg at the tree, pulverizing it in one single hit. Shisui gasped and he stared at him with wide eyes. 

 

“Attack me kid, with your blades.” 

 

Shisui’s eyes bulged. “What?”

 

“Do it.”

 

“Uh…okay…” Shisui took out a kunai blades and he crouched low into a fighting stance. 

 

His eyes narrowed and he lunged forward, whipping his knives with accuracy. Sanji lifted a leg and stopped the blades with a single kick. It ricocheted against his skin and clattered to the forest ground. Shisui made a surprised noise and he stepped forward with wide eyes. 

 

“What…wait…what just happened?!”

 

Sanji pulled off his Haki and he smirked as the teen paled at the sight. 

 

“This is the first thing I will be teaching you."

 

Shisui continued staring with wide eyes.

 

The cook's lips stretched into a smirk.

 

"Shisui, this technique is called Haki.”

 

---

 

Chapter 12: Twelve

Summary:

Shisui learns Haki - he begins with a challenging form.

XIII

 

The bright tweets of the birds filtered through the thick trees. The chirpy sounds were in contrast to the occurrences in the woods. The raucous rushing of the waters from the rivers muffled the groans and yelps of pain. The preteen lay on his back winded, chest rising and falling in exertion. 

 

He scowled at the silly carefree-looking birds in indignation and he rolled on his back. His mentor stood in front of him with an amused smile, blue eyes twinkling in mirth at his plight. 

 

The boy sent the cook a baleful glare and he gritted his teeth against the aching pain in his body. He stood up shakily and raised his bruised arms. The tremors wracked his body and exhaustion weighed on him heavily.  

 

Shisui gulped audibly and he closed his eyes, sensing around him in desperation. He heard nothing. There was no indication of an attack before he was sent sailing into the flowing river. Shisui broke the surface of the cold water sputtering. He swam to the shore and grumbled, flopping on the ground like a wet fish.

 

“It’s not working,” he wheezed. 

 

Sanji walked over to him, crouching next to him. The cook lit up a cigarette and blew a perfect circle. Shisui wrinkled his nose and glared angrily ahead. The blond had created a training regimen for him and he was a ruthless instructor. The teen wiggled out of his wet vest, throwing it over a tree branch. 

 

He shivered in his wet clothes and he took a deep breath. He cleared his mind and focused on all the sounds around him. He stretched out his senses, smelling the greenery of the forest. He heard the soft chitter of the critters and avian species. He felt the cold breeze on his pale cheeks. 

 

Haki. 

 

It was an unfathomable mystery.

 

He had wanted to learn the armor techinque but Sanji had refused - We will begin with the harder form of Haki - the ability to sense and perceive things before they happen - Shisui had frowned at the explanation and Sanji had smiled in amusement, beckoning him to attack him.

 

He did not land a single attack. 

 

Sanji had remained in one spot with his eyes closed. 

 

He had dodged and blocked each and every attack, stunning the preteen speechless. The thirteen year old scowled at the shameful memory of his defeat and he blew a katon on their unlit campfire. He took a seat on a tree stump and stared at the steady flames.

 

“Observation isn’t merely sensing who is around you. It is feeling their energy in a way that predicts their movement. It’s the power to feel the other’s presence more strongly. When you enhance this power, you can tell where your invisible enemy is, and how many there are and what their next move is. This Haki is the most important form, it can save your life, especially if you have a target on your back.” He ended his explanation, looking at the boy meaningfully.

 

Shisui swallowed thickly.

 

He knew.

 

Something nasty and ugly was brewing in the dark depths of Konoha and he was powerless to stop it. There was something going on within his clan - a deep dissonance - and the treatment of the villagers towards his Uchiha clan changed abruptly. 

 

“I’m too weak,” Shisui confessed softly, frowning sadly.

 

He felt a gentle hand on his head and he gazed up searchingly. Sanji crouched down in front of him with a serious expression. 

 

“You will grow stronger. I will not leave you until I know you can defend yourself, until I know that they can’t hurt you again.”

 

Shisui felt his chest expand and he smiled softly. “Mmm.” 

 

His mentor had absolute faith in his abilities. He refused to let him down. Sanji owed him nothing and he did not have to train him, to feed him and endure his presence. The cook had showed up to save him unfailingly, whether it was from a violent attack on his life or loneliness. He had grown on him so much in very little time, becoming a very important part of his life. 

 

Sanji was inherently kind and good . 

 

Shisui took a deep breath and puffed up his chest. “I won’t give up!” 

 

He stood up with a renewed sense of determination. He followed the steps his mentor outlined for him. He was Shunshin no Shisui - a renowned prodigy in his village - He would learn Haki. 

 

The preteen cleared his mind of all thoughts, allowing a silence to overtake his senses. He stretched out searchingly - feeling a faint energy thrumming through him. He furrowed his brows and pushed deeper and the energies surrounding him increased steadily. 

 

His heart began to beat in his chest. No way! He pushed deeper and deeper. The preteen let out a sharp gasp as he felt a faint thrumming, greater than the critters and small animals. It pulsed - far and it was slipping away rapidly. 

 

It vanished.

 

Shisui’s eyes shot open and he blinked in wonderment. 

 

He stared up at his mentor and he beamed brightly as Sanji gave him a thumbs up.

 

He did it! 

 

It was incredibly rudimentary and it would take lots of practice to get there but he had taken the first step - he was one step closer to getting stronger, closer to protecting his loved ones, closer to protecting his mentor and little ray of sunshine. 

 

Shisui released an excited cheer and threw his fists in the air in celebration of his victory. 

 

---

 

Notes:

Comments and kudos are appreciated ~

Notes:

Comments and kudos are appreciated ~