Ensnaring Elegance: Sanji's Accidental Admirers

Chapter 8: Azure Allure

Zoro's pov:

It was supposed to be a simple day at sea. Just the clear sky above, endless water around, and the usual calm that comes with not having to dodge cannon fire or marines. But of course, with Sanji around, things can never stay simple for long.

He had picked out a navy blue gown for today's relaxation-a backless number that made him look like some sort of sea deity with the way it fluttered in the wind. We were all lounging around, enjoying the peace, when a small boat approached the Thousand Sunny. Turns out, it wasn't just any boat; it was a marine photographer known for his dramatic sea shots. And the moment he saw Sanji, his eyes lit up like he'd found a treasure chest full of gold.

"Perfect! You're the exact vision I've been searching for, the Maiden of the Sea!" he shouted from his boat, camera already clicking away. Sanji, caught off guard, nearly tripped over his own gown in surprise.

"Maiden what now?" Sanji spluttered, trying to regain his composure as the rest of us burst into laughter.

"Hey, maybe he'll make you famous, Sanji," I called out, unable to help myself. The idea of Sanji, our cook and resident ladies' man, being hailed as the Maiden of the Sea was too good to pass up.

Sanji shot me a glare that could curdle milk but then turned his attention back to the photographer, who had managed to board our ship with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store. "I must capture your ethereal beauty against the backdrop of the open sea," the photographer continued, seemingly oblivious to Sanji's discomfort.

Sanji tried to politely decline, but the photographer was persistent. With each refusal, he only seemed to grow more determined. "Just a few shots, I assure you, they will be tasteful and magnificent!"

Finally, with a sigh that told me he realized resistance was futile, Sanji relented. "Fine, but make it quick," he conceded.

I watched, trying to keep a straight face, as Sanji posed awkwardly on the deck, the gown billowing around him like ocean waves. The photographer was in his element, directing Sanji to look into the distance, to tilt his chin up, to let the breeze catch the fabric just so. Each click of the camera was accompanied by our snickers and comments, which earned us a series of scowls and muttered threats from Sanji.

"Zoro, if you don't shut up, I'm using your head for sword practice," Sanji hissed at one point when my laughter got a bit too loud.

The photoshoot dragged on for what felt like hours, but eventually, the photographer declared he had captured "the essence of the ocean's grace." Thanking Sanji profusely, he left as quickly as he had arrived, leaving a copy of the photos with a promise to send more once they were developed.

As he sailed away, Sanji turned to face us, the gown fluttering around him in the sea breeze. "Not a word about this to anyone outside the crew, got it?" he said, trying to salvage some dignity.

"Your secret's safe with us, Maiden Sanji," Usopp said, earning a glare and a half-hearted kick in his direction.

Despite the teasing, there was a sense of camaraderie that filled the air as we all gathered around to look at the photos. Even Sanji had to admit, albeit grudgingly, that they were pretty impressive.

As the day wound down and we settled back into our routine, I couldn't help but think that amidst all the chaos and teasing, these were the moments that made life on the Grand Line worthwhile. Sailing with this crazy crew, watching our cook get dubbed the Maiden of the Sea, and knowing that no matter what, we had each other's backs.