chapter 1

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╔═.✾. ══ the grudgeholder  ══╗

 ══ the grudgeholder  ══╗

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ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : chamber of reflection - your anxiety buddy ∞ ↺



‿୨୧‿SANJI, still recovering from the events of Wano, found himself reflecting on the past few days. He looked up at the sky with a satisfied smile, his cigarette smoking gently with each puff he took. A lot had happened lately, and the rest seemed well deserved.

his mind wandered to the events of Wano. The alliances, the battles, and the victory - he smiled as he reminisced those past events. He took a long breath and exhaled, as he took another drag on his cigarette, feeling his worries melt away. Just then, a familiar voice caught his attention."Oi, Sanji!"

the blonde turned his head and saw Usopp hurriedly approaching him. Seeing his friend, he waved his hand and flicked his cigarette off. "What is it, Usopp?" he asked curiously.

Uso's face lit up with excitement as he began, "Oh, Sanji, you won't believe it! We've spotted a brand new island just ahead. We're all going to restock there. The market looks promising!" the cook smiled warmly at his crewmate's words, feeling a sense of excitement himself.

"An adventure on a new island, huh?" he mused. "Sounds good to me, but first," he looked around, "where did Luffy run off to this time?"

Uso pointed towards the shore line where their silly captain was visible in the distance, splashing around with Chopper and Franky. "He's over there," the man chuckled. "You know how he is." Sanji shook his head and grinned, "Alright then. I'm in!"


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Sanji was a bit disappointed to be paired with Zoro for the task, but he couldn't help but roll his eyes in amusement at the chaos that was about to ensue. Uso and Luffy decided to join in on the "adventure" as well, much to curly brows's chagrin. "This is going to be a long day," he thought, as he made his way towards the bar, dragging along the swordsman and the others.

"So, what's the plan?" he asked, trying to reign in the chaos. "Let's check out this bar Luffy found," the greenette replied, pointing at a nearby bar. Sanji raised an eyebrow, "A bar, huh? Knowing Luffy, it's probably a dive."

They entered it, the creaky wooden door squeaking open. The atmosphere was cosy, with dim lights illuminating the room, creating shadows that danced on the walls. Sanji's eyes scanned the surroundings, assessing the people in the bar. A few hardened pirates and locals filled the space, their presence adding an undercurrent of tension.

Sanji's "lady radar," as he called it, tingled as he took in the surroundings. He couldn't help but feel a magnetic pull towards one particular corner of the room. There, sitting at a small table by the window, was a woman. It was as if she drew his gaze with her presence alone.

the love cook's eyes lit up as he noticed her, and he couldn't help but approach her with a charming grin. He leaned against the bar, casually striking up a conversation. "Why hello, gorgeous," he said, his voice oozing with charisma. "What's a pretty lady like you doing in a place like this?"

The lady's cheeks flush with a slight blush as she responds with a warm smile. "Well, aren't you quite the charmer?" she purrs, her voice low and enticing. Sanji, being the ladies' man he is, couldn't help but smile even more, his eyes sparkling with admiration. He leaned a bit closer to her, his voice dropping to a smooth whisper. "You know, with looks like yours, this bar could use a bit more beauty," he flirts. Just then, a bartender approaches them, her presence interrupting their conversation.

her appearance catches Sanji's attention, and he swings his head around to look at her. He takes in her serious gaze and sharp features, noting the stern expression on her face. Though surprised at first, Sanji's smile returns to his face, and he practically tornadoes his way towards her. "Greetings, my dear," he says with a charming smile. "I couldn't help but notice you from across the room. You are absolutely ravishing."

The bartender, not as swayed by his charm as the other woman, keeps a professional demeanor. "Thanks, I guess," she replies, her tone a bit cool. "What can I get you?" Sanji, not shaken by her response, leans closer to the bar, gazing into her eyes. "I'll have your finest drink, darling," he says with a playful grin. "And perhaps a dash of your laughter too."

The bartender raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Sanji's attempt at a pickup line. She replied, "I see you're trying your best with those lines, but they're a bit lacking." Sanji, undeterred by her critique, responded, "Perhaps your teachings could elevate my pick-up game to new heights. After all, the beauty of a woman like you deserves a more poetic approach." He flashed a charming smile, his eyes twinkling with confidence.

she couldn't help but crack a small smile at the man's persistence. "Fine, I'll help," she said. "But your lines need improvement. Here's a quick tip: less cheesy, more genuine." Sanji listened intently, eagerly taking in the bartender's advice. "Noted," he responded with a mischievous grin. "I appreciate the guidance from such a captivating teacher."

The bartender studied him carefully, a sudden recognition flickering in her eyes. She narrowed her gaze and asked him directly, "Wait... are you Vinsmoke Sanji?" Sanji's confident smile wavered for a moment, her directness catching him off guard. He quickly composed himself, replying with a hint of caution, "And if I am?"

her tone became sharper, her words tinged with bitterness. "Your name carries a dark reputation," she said, her eyes piercing into his soul. "Vinsmoke Sanji, part of the infamous Germa 66. You are nothing but a disgrace to the name of chefs."

Sanji's smile faded, replaced by a serious expression as he met the bartender's gaze. Though the mention of his family stirred mixed feelings within him, he remained calm on the outside. "I understand your contempt," he said, his voice steady. "But I am not defined by my family's past actions. I have distanced myself from their ways."

The bartender rolled her eyes as Sanji spoke, clearly unmoved by his words. "Excuse me," she said abruptly, turning away from Sanji and moving behind the counter to handle the other customers. Sanji's jaw tightened, irritated by her cold dismissal. Meanwhile, Luffy, who had been observing the conversation, couldn't hold back anymore. His stomach growled hungrily, and he bellowed, "Oi, I'm starving! Bring me some meat!"

The bartender, who had returned to serving customers, raised an eyebrow at Luffy's request. "You're hungry already?" she asked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Let me guess, you want enough to feed an army?" the rubberman grinned, showing his characteristic enthusiasm. "That's right!" he exclaimed, rubbing his stomach eagerly. The bartender shook her head, amused by Luffy's insatiable appetite. Sanji watched the exchange, a tinge of annoyance lingering in his features. He muttered under his breath, "This is going to be a long day, isn't it?"


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the next chapter:

╰┈➤ the truth * ˚ ✦                                                                        



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