Another purpose

Hello, old friend

Sanji was practically a blur, darting around the area in sheer euphoria as beautiful mermaids swam around him, some laughing, others waving and winking. He was the definition of a man on cloud nine, arms thrown in the air, heart-shaped eyes glinting as he cried out, "I'M... GOINGGGG... TOOOOO... LIVEEEEEEE... HEREEEEE!"

The others watched, sweat-dropping as Sanji ran himself in dizzying circles around the cove, pouring out thanks to every "sea god" he could think of. Luffy was laughing, smacking his palm on the ground while Camie covered her mouth with a giggle. Usopp and Chopper were pointing and grinning, while Itachi raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk tugging at his lips at the sight of their love-struck cook.

"So, Camie," Luffy said, turning to her with a wide smile as he settled down in the sand, "do you know where Jimbei is? I really wanna see him again!"

Camie nodded, her expression warm. "Yes, Luffy! Jimbei is here on Fish-man Island, though he's been pretty busy lately. The last time I saw him, he mentioned he'd probably be visiting the Sea Forest soon—he loves spending time there."

Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "The Sea Forest?! I've never been there! I bet it's cool, right?"

"Oh, it's beautiful!" Camie replied enthusiastically, "It's one of the most serene places on the island, with lots of sunlight streaming down through the water. Jimbei goes there often to reflect, and it's peaceful... though it's not always safe," she added, giving a wary glance at Usopp and Chopper. "Sea creatures and dangerous pirates sometimes linger there."

Usopp and Chopper gulped in unison. "Dangerous pirates?" Usopp squeaked, eyes darting around as if they might appear any second.

"Yeah, a few, but that's why Jimbei goes there too—to keep the peace," Camie assured them, "He's a hero here, just like you guys are!" She smiled brightly.

Chopper beamed at the compliment. "A hero, huh? That's amazing! Jimbei must be so strong."

Itachi nodded thoughtfully, a sense of calm in his eyes. "I've heard tales of Jimbei's strength and dedication to his people. He has a reputation as a warrior of peace... someone who'd go to great lengths to protect his own."

Luffy grinned wider, determination brimming in his eyes. "He's even more awesome than that! Jimbei's like an older brother, just like Ace was. I gotta see him again! He'd be so happy to meet you all."

Usopp and Chopper nodded, also looking excited at the prospect of reuniting with Jimbei. Chopper leaned forward, his big, round eyes shining with interest. "Is Jimbei friends with a lot of people here?"

Camie nodded eagerly. "Everyone here respects him. He's done so much for the island, especially after the terrible things that happened with some of the... uh, less friendly pirates." She paused, her expression growing a bit somber as she remembered the troubled past Fish-man Island had endured. "But thanks to Jimbei and others like him, things are much better now."

Luffy's voice softened a little, his usual carefree tone replaced by sincerity. "Jimbei's been through a lot, but he's always there for his friends and for people who need help. That's what makes him awesome. We'll meet him, and maybe we can all protect the island together if there's trouble."

Sanji, returning from his ecstatic mermaid encounter, caught the tail end of their conversation. "Of course, if Jimbei's as noble as they say, then he'd make a fine ally. We'll make sure Fish-man Island's in good hands."

Itachi's expression was unreadable, though his gaze was steady as he watched the interactions unfold. His own mission was important, but he was beginning to feel the warmth of the camaraderie, the passion and loyalty this crew shared. He thought of Jimbei and wondered what this warrior of the sea would be like.