Hungry For Justice: A Hero For Lvneel: A One Piece Fanfic

Chapter Four: Priceless

* Note: Chapter will soon focus on a OC character, but she will be a crucial part to this story. And Sanji age's is 24 for things to make sense. Also there are a few spoilers if you haven't reached the New World yet...

As he was regaining consciousness, he thought he was left in the heavy downpour of rain. Only when he heard the familiar bawling of the reindeer did he realize he was actually covered in sticky, wet tears.

"He's...he's wake everybody!" exclaimed Chopper. The doctor sniffed, then proceeded out of the room. Sanji discovered he was on a soft bed, and bandages were tied around his legs. The home looked old and wooden, so he was guessing Chopper found a place for them to stay. He peered around the room, and found a worn teddy bear beside the pillow he was using. Its nametag read: Jean.

Chopper returned, bringing the crew members and the woman he had seen earlier. All of them looked at him in concern, except Zoro, who continued to wipe down his swords. Nami punched him in the shoulder, and he sighed and put the cloth away.

"I'm sorry, so sorry," wailed Chopper, continuously apologizing. "I should have told somebody, but I was scared I might ruin his pride...I should have told you sooner, now his legs..."

"Calm down Chopper, I'm here now. Don't regret anything; I'm glad you kept quiet for me. Just heal me and we're okay."

"Kept quiet? Sanji, you should have told me, I'm good at keeping secrets!" whined Luffy.

"Now's not the time for that Luffy," interjected Usopp. "Sanji has shown much bravery r, and he needs rest. He doesn't want you here to complain."

"Your legs aren't looking like they're going to heal anytime soon," inspected Franky. "Chopper told us your nerves and muscles are badly damaged, and would take a few months to heal," added Robin. Brook quietly played on his violin, which he had retrieved from Sunny when he and Nami went to get medical supplies. Chopper insisted that they couldn't risk moving Sanji.

"Months?! We don't have that kind of time. We're supposed to regroup with the alliance four weeks after this!" exclaimed Sanji. He looked at Chopper desperately support him. Chopper sadly shook his head. "As the ship doctor, I must order that you stay in bed for a week, and then take it easy for more weeks after that. Until we're sure your legs are back to normal, no fighting. You'll cook with one of us helping you out."

"Damn it!" Sanji cursed. He was supposed to be training more to prepare the next Yonko fight with Big Mama. Now, he was immobilized. The silent agreement passed between the crewmates confirmed that. Sanji looked at Zoro, expecting the swordsman to laugh, make a pun, or at least smirk. Instead, Zoro remained silent, looking somber. "Is that Marimo feeling pity for me?!" thought Sanji. That was worse. He didn't want to get sympathy, especially from him.

"I don't mean to be a bother, but can I address the elephant in the room now?" The mysterious woman crossed her arms. Luffy smiled at her. "Thanks for letting us stay here, Miss Old Lady."

"My name is Paris Ciseaux, Straw Hat," grumbled the woman. Franky spoke up. "Robin and I met her in the library. She has something to show us...mostly you."

Paris coughed, and then started to speak. "For decades, the royal family, the Pâquerettes, started to heavily weigh us down with the taxes. King Louis began this when he wanted the palace to look grand with expensive furniture. After him, it was his daughter, Queen Marie. The rates rose when she ruled, using our money for gambling and buying dresses from lucky designers. At least they were able to make a living." She looked at Sanji. "She died, giving her son, the current ruler, King Francois, the power to rule. During that time, he attracted the attention of a Celestial Dragon. They thought the palace looked grand in the jewels that covered most of the walls. Wanting to keep them impressed, he doubled the taxes to add more gem splendor into the castle."