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

Chapter Ten: The Choices We Make

Sanji was applying new bandages to his legs when someone knocked on the door.

"Chopper," he sighed. "I already told you. I can do this by myself!" The cook was inside the medical room of the castle. The doctor had previously begged Sanji to check his condition, but Sanji told him no.

The bruises weren't as purple as before, so they were healing, right? Despite the progress, Sanji knew the doctor would find something anyway. He'd also probably get the patient chained to a bed. Sanji smiled sadly. Chopper would only do these things because he cared. Plus, that was his job as the crew's doctor.

But Sanji already had his own mission to complete.

The knocking repeated, much more loudly than before.

"Chopper, I-"

The door swung wide in an arc. Outside stood Paris Ciseaux and King Francoise himself.

"Sanji Pâquerette, the king wishes to speak to you," declared the ex-maid.

The old king eyed at the bandages. "What in the world were you thinking attacking in THAT condition?!" he asked, bewildered.

"I am perfectly fine, grandfather," Sanji insisted. The king scowled.

Sanji couldn't tell if it was because how he addressed him or because of his skepticism.

"Boy, I spent my entire childhood studying human biology to know what injuries you harbour."

"Well, then I'd think you'd have known the consequences of throwing a baby into a river from such a height," the cook muttered.

"I heard that."

Sanji sighed again. "Are you only here to try to persuade me not to fight? I already made my choice."

The king shook his head. "That's not why I'm here, although I do agree with your doctor."

He gazed at his grandson. "Sanji, I am an old man. My days are numbered, and who knows when I'll die? When I depart from this world, I need someone else to take over."

Sanji's eyes widened. He knew where this was going. "I don't understand what you're trying to tell me..." he lied.

"Sanji...I need you to be the heir to my throne."

The cook froze. He studied the king's expression, to see any sign of a joke.

King Francois was deadly serious.

The young man shook his head. "I cannot become this kingdom's next king, grandfather. I am the chef of the Straw Hats, and will remain so. Yesterday I just knocked out cold a World Noble. That makes me an even dangerous criminal, and my bounty shall rise. Do you want that kind of man representing and leading Lvneel?"

Miss Ciseaux stepped forward. "Sanji, I know you and your crew have a tight bound, and you own dreams to fulfill. I've seen it when I met Franky and Robin, along with your interactions today and last night. However, this kingdom will need a future ruler, and I see you being a great ruler." The woman laughed softly. "You'd also make Cosette really proud. Her dream would finally come true, for you and for Lvneel."

King Francois nodded. "For your record as a pirate and crimes, those will take time to sort out. Although you are the first with this history, there are always obstacles and difficulties each king and queen faces. No ascent to the throne is fast and smooth."

"I'm not asking you to decide now, Sanji. All I ask of you now is to think this over. Believe me when I say this; you are the greatest Paquerette out of all of us."