Chapter Text
Chapter 10 - Beasts
Cells – Early Morning
If it weren’t for the fact that they were the main attraction of that “festival”—or whatever it was—Nami would have thought it was just another celebration on any island they usually visited.
The place was overflowing with people, as they had seen while being transported. And although she didn’t really know what she expected to find there, she could clearly see that the crowd considered all of it perfectly normal. Nami sighed. Why wouldn’t they? To them, they were just pirates, and while this was inhumane, it wasn’t the strangest thing she had seen on their journey.
Now they were in a room, well cared for, dressed as if they were attending a party. But even in this brief moment of peace, Nami’s mind traveled in three different directions: it went from how to escape, to making sure her friends were somewhat alright, to thinking about Sanji.
Keeping faith was supposed to be important, but Nami didn’t live on faith. Trusting that the man who she finally dared to admit mattered to her was safe… was far outside her comfort zone.
Even so, she forced herself to think that maybe he was recovering with an ally, or planning with someone how to reach them.
And that worried her too. Sanji had a delicate heart, he needed something difficult to find, and even if they managed to escape and find it, Chopper would still have to operate on him while the rest of them prayed for the cook.
At another point in her life, Nami would have been horrified to rely on something as fleeting as luck. But so much time with Luffy and the rest of her friends had made her believe in the impossible.
For now, surviving this stupidity and finding Sanji‑kun is enough. Step by step, Nami.
If only those steps were a little faster… Nami closed her eyes for a moment, trying to settle herself, when the doors burst open, flooding the room with blinding light.
Harwood’s men entered laughing, as if they controlled the place without realizing that one wrong move could be their end. Because although they knew the crew’s reputation, they didn’t truly know the Straw Hats.
They weren’t defeated. They were simply waiting for the right moment to strike.
“Hey, luxury merchandise, cheer up a little,” one of the mercenaries said as they began moving the cells. “A lot of people came to fight for you. You’re the sensation of the festival.”
“Yeah, even guys like Du Feld came to the coliseum for the chance to get you. Isn’t that an honor?” another added.
“Du Feld?”
Robin’s voice, heavy with surprise, drew everyone’s attention. The name sounded familiar to some, but Robin tensed immediately, wondering how and why a man like him would dirty his hands this way.
It wasn’t his style. Du Feld relied on strategy, not direct combat.
“Robin?” Brook asked. “Are you alright?”
“Yes… I’m just wondering why a man like Du Feld would get his hands dirty over us.”
The mercenaries laughed.
“I doubt it’s because of you, sweetheart,” one mocked. “That old idiot probably wants to take out the boss. He even brought a monster to fight, but it doesn’t matter what he does. He won’t win.”
“It’s a coliseum. Anything can happen,” Zoro growled, clenching his teeth.
“Not in this coliseum, idiot,” the mercenary replied as they lifted the cells. “Here the boss always wins, one way or another. Now quit talking. We’ve gotta go.”
Without another word, the Straw Hats exchanged looks. Now they knew the whole thing was a lie, likely so the man who had kidnapped them could increase his influence or power. What Harwood didn’t know was that he wouldn’t get far. Because no matter what happened, they would get out of there, defeat him, and then go find Sanji.
Nami sighed, leaning her back against the bars of her cell.
It’s still hard to hold onto this hope but… wait for us, Sanji‑kun. We’ll get to you as soon as possible. I promise.
She wouldn’t break that promise. She had to believe she would see him again, that she could talk to him, kiss him again, protect him and care for him. She had to believe she could finally say the words that had been left between them.
Because if she didn’t… if she didn’t, it would be so much harder to keep going knowing she had love right in front of her and never stopped to see it the way she should have.
-SHS-
Coliseum - Morning
The morning at the coliseum had been surprisingly lively. Sanji had gone out early, fully covered by his suit, and the lethal aura he radiated made everyone who passed near him step back. The Dark Knight reached the area where the other fighters were waiting and, the moment he took a step inside, he found himself face‑to‑face with one of them.
The Butcher.
“Get out of my sight,” the man growled, shifting his enormous sword onto his shoulder.
Sanji said nothing, but his pride wasn’t about to let that guy treat him without respect. So, without uttering a word, he stepped forward, touched the man’s arm to move him aside, and walked past the giant man. The other warriors stared at him, stunned.
By now, everyone knew who he was, thanks to Harwood’s warning. And although Sanji had no idea he was a target, his mere presence had set off alarms. Now they all understood why the event’s organizer wanted him out of the competition.
For the first time, there was someone who could actually win the final prize.
“He’s scary…”
Sanji didn’t respond. He kept walking through the interior of the coliseum, looking for Du Feld or a quiet place to wait. But suddenly, the main gates opened, and Harwood appeared riding a horse, waving as if he were a king greeting his subjects.
Idiot… I’ll wipe that smile off your face, Sanji thought.
He forced himself to stay composed so his anger wouldn’t show. However, the still‑open gates revealed something that left him speechless. Behind Harwood, several cells began to move forward. It looked like they had been somewhere else, maybe having breakfast, though Sanji had no idea what kind of food they could possibly serve here.
In any case, it was impossible not to recognize them. From Luffy to Jinbe, they were all there, exposed to laughter and mockery. Some received boos, others whistles—especially the women. Sanji clenched his teeth so hard he felt he could break his jaw.
His suit glowed faintly, reacting to his inner fire, but fortunately no one noticed as the caravan of cells advanced. Sanji’s gaze didn’t leave one cell in particular: the one where Nami was.
His heart gave a painful jolt.
Nami‑san… how dare that bastard? I’ll kick him so hard he’ll land in hell for putting you in that cell.
He clenched his fists so tightly he thought he could feel the suit’s claws digging into his skin. And even so, he couldn’t stop thinking that, although she looked tired, she was still so beautiful she made the entire coliseum seem more alive.
Sanji placed a hand over his chest, trying to control the irregular beat.
Seeing her like that… seeing Nami and all of them… only made his resolve grow. To hell with what happened to him or his life. He just had to save them and make sure they could escape and for that to happen he needed help.
Sanji looked away once the cells disappeared behind doors that closed at the far end of the coliseum and then, finally, he saw the shadow atop the bell tower.
His unexpected ally… Trafalgar D. Water Law.
Flashback
Law sighed, leaning against the wall near the window. Sanji could see that what he had just told him was troubling enough to leave the surgeon silent—and it wasn’t because of his alliance with Luffy.
“That’s everything I know, Law,” Sanji said, running a hand through his hair. “I have no idea where they are or what’s happening beyond the fact that they’re being displayed like some kind of attraction.”
“That explains why things have been so chaotic lately,” Law murmured, thoughtful. “So… you let yourself be dragged this far just to get here and participate with Du Feld as your lord?”
“I didn’t have many options, Law… I’m not at my best. And even though I hate letting this guy pull my strings, this suit covers my weaknesses enough to keep me standing.”
Law studied him carefully. At first glance, Sanji seemed fine, but now that he mentioned it… yes, something was off. Something didn’t fit.
“What’s wrong with you?”
Sanji lowered his gaze.
“Before I was born, Judge Vinsmoke tampered with my genetics, my sister’s and my brothers’. That’s why they’re Germa’s elite: stronger, tougher, with special abilities. Elite soldiers,” Sanji said with disgust. “I wasn’t like that because of my mother, but during our adventure in Wano… it seems my genes activated with the Raid Suit. And during my fight with Queen… my heart didn’t handle it well.”
Sanji didn’t dare look up until he heard a soft thud against the wall and then footsteps approaching. When he finally raised his head, he saw Law taking off his coat, staring at him with absolute seriousness.
“Can you remove the front part of that suit? I want to feel your heartbeat. See how bad it is.”
“I don’t need—” Sanji began.
“Do it. I know medicine too, and I doubt you’ve seen a doctor since they took the reindeer and if you have, he’s not as good as him or me.”
Sanji sighed. He knew Law was right. He only trusted Chopper, but in the absence of his young friend, Law was the next best option. So, slowly, he unfastened the armor and set it on the bed while Law made sure no one could see them. Then Sanji removed the tank top he wore underneath.
Law nodded and placed a hand on the cook’s chest, closing his eyes to feel the heartbeat. When he did, his eyes flew open.
“Sanji‑ya… this is—”
“Yeah, I know. Chopper says I need a pacemaker. And then he has to operate on me so I can go back to normal… more or less.”
Sanji watched Law nod slowly before pulling his hand away. The surgeon sighed, looking toward the door as Sanji got dressed again.
“If you’re like this, even with that suit or whatever you’re doing… you won’t be able to free them.”
“Yes, I can. And I will,” Sanji said, fastening the torso anchors as his mind kept working. “But I could use the help of an idiot who knows how to move in the shadows.”
Law stared at him. Sanji smiled, already imagining the plan forming in his head because he was sure that between him and Law, they could free the Straw Hats and escape that place.
With a little luck… alive.
End Flashback
Sanji took advantage of the fact that the fighters were busy talking about their supposed prize—if they managed to win—and fantasizing about having fighters like Luffy, Zoro, or Jinbe at their feet, or women like Robin and Nami, to slip away toward Law’s position.
It was better not to think about their comments. Those idiots had no idea who the Straw Hats really were.
“They don’t look too bad. Harwood won’t want to ruin them before the finale,” Law said when he saw Sanji approach. “Are you sure the plan will work?”
“Yes. You can infiltrate now, explain things I can’t, and ask them to wait until the final so we can free them,” Sanji replied with a sigh. “I can already imagine everyone complaining, but it’s the best option. No one will notice until it’s too late.”
“And you still want them to steal this guy’s treasure?” Law asked.
Sanji nodded.
“I’ll hit that idiot where it hurts. Tell them to come up with a plan and, while I get through these rounds, make sure you find the blueprints for Nami‑san. She’ll handle the rest,” Sanji said, his tone hinting at a smile. “Luffy, Zoro, and probably Jinbe will join me in battle. The others will secure an escape route, and my Nami‑san, along with Usopp and Chopper, will get the treasure.”
Law sighed, shaking his head.
“This is insane.”
Sanji smiled. Even though the mask hid his face, his voice made the expression unmistakable.
“Of course it is, Law. I’m a Straw Hat.”
Law couldn’t help but smile at such stupidity. Then he looked toward the coliseum area, where Du Feld was surely already looking for his knight. Sanji did the same and sighed, knowing it was time to return to his post and begin this madness.
“Break time’s over,” Sanji said.
“I’ll find a way to infiltrate the cells and talk to them,” Law replied as the cook prepared to slip away unnoticed. “Cook… be careful.”
“You too, Law.”
The surgeon nodded and watched Sanji disappear into the shadows. Then he turned his gaze toward the area where Harwood and his men were resting—the same place where the Straw Hats were being held.
He just had to find the exact entrance.
“Time to work,” Law whispered.
And may luck be on their side.
-SHS-
Coliseum – Entrance
Sanji appeared behind Du Feld without making the slightest sound, just before the man could get angry for not seeing him. When Du Feld finally noticed him, he nearly jumped, realizing his knight had been standing beside him for minutes.
“What the hell were you doing?” Du Feld asked, turning slightly to look at him.
“Admiring the scenery… what do you think?” Sanji replied, his voice modulated by the helmet. “I’m observing my opponents to know what I’m up against from a vantage point.”
Du Feld stared at him for several seconds, as if trying to figure out whether he was telling the truth. But between the helmet and the distorted voice, it was impossible to read him. In the end, the man sighed and shook his head.
“You’d better not be playing around. These leagues are far too big for you.”
Sanji ignored him completely as they walked toward the coliseum. The gates, slowly opening, were the silent warning that everything was about to begin. But before the fighting could start, it seemed there had to be an introduction.
“This guy would do anything for a bit of action,” Du Feld commented as they took their positions, Sanji in front and his “master” behind him. “I’ve heard rumors while walking around that you’ve made quite an impression, so expect anything.”
“Relax, old man. I won’t lose.”
“I hope not. I’ve bet everything on you.”
Sanji didn’t even glance at him. He crossed his arms as he looked around. The coliseum stands were overflowing with people, and some of them were faces he knew far too well: Buggy, Mihawk, Alvida… He was certain not all of them had come to watch the Straw Hats fall, because among the shadows he had spotted the piercing gaze of Boa Hancock. And if she was as smart as Sanji expected, she wouldn’t act yet.
Maybe he could tell Law to speak with her later… assuming Law didn’t run into her first.
Sanji let out a sigh that escaped as smoke through the dragon‑shaped vents of his helmet. Half the people there should be in Impel Down and the other half in hell itself, but apparently they were all here for one reason.
To watch Monkey D. Luffy and his pirates fall.
Well, they’re here to get the surprise of their lives, Sanji thought.
Because there was still one Straw Hat free, and this cook was going to use every last flame in his heart to make sure his friends got out of this.
“Welcome to the coliseum!” Harwood proclaimed, emerging from the shadows with his arms wide open as the crowd roared. “The day we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived! The spectacle is about to begin!”
-SHS-
Coliseum – Arena
While Sanji hid beneath his armor, not far from there, locked inside their cells, the Straw Hats watched the crowd laugh at them. Some people threw things at them, and others made gestures that made poor Chopper tremble.
The people wanted blood. Many in the audience wanted to see the Straw Hats subdued… or to see Luffy alone. But none of that mattered. The rules, though flexible, were clear.
Only the winner would decide their fate.
Or so they thought.
Because Luffy wasn’t going to let anyone decide for him or his nakama. Besides, he had to find Sanji, and no one was going to stop him. He just had to wait.
Wait…
“And now, everyone, the fearsome new mercenary who’s sure to give us a spectacular show, under the banner of Du Feld… the Dark Knight!”
The Dark Knight stepped forward.
The entire coliseum fell silent for a second, as if the air itself had stopped. The dark, imposing figure, covered in armor that looked like it had crawled out of a nightmare, presented himself as a real contender to win the festival… and to claim the reward of dominating the Straw Hats.
One more second of complete silence, a mix between fear and awe, and then the crowd erupted in excited screams. Finally, a true challenger.
But not everyone reacted the same way. The moment the Dark Knight advanced, Luffy, Zoro, and Jinbe stared at him while the warrior seemed to have his gaze fixed directly on them.
“What the hell…?” Zoro whispered, eyes wide.
“It’s possible…” Jinbe murmured, having felt that energy from his cell as well.
But the one who couldn’t help smiling was Luffy.
Because he would recognize that energy anywhere in the world. He had no proof, no logic, nothing but instinct.
But for Luffy, that energy was as clear as water. It had to be him.
The three—Luffy, Zoro, and Jinbe—shared a silent, almost instantaneous look, all reaching the same conclusion. Then they watched as the Dark Knight stepped back to return to his row.
They didn’t know how or why he was there, dressed like that, completely different… but he was there.
And it wasn’t a coincidence. Now they only had to find a way to reunite and take down Harwood before this festival spiraled out of control.
Although, with them, things spiraling out of control was almost guaranteed.
They decided to remain silent so they wouldn’t reveal what they were thinking, not even to their own crewmates, while Harwood continued with his introductions. Every last fighter was cheered in a burst of collective excitement, a moment in which the crowd wanted nothing more than a good fight.
“Alright! Now the warriors will battle for glory in an all‑out free‑for‑all! Only four will remain standing for the next round, so place your bets, friends, because this time… we’ll see nothing but blood!”
The crowd roared with excitement as the Straw Hats watched, one by one, the fighters take their combat positions. They were ready for a massive brawl whose outcome—at least Luffy, Zoro, and Jinbe—could already imagine.
The Dark Knight wasn’t some idiot mercenary. He was…
“Let the battle begin!”
-SHS-
In the combat arena, Sanji realized almost immediately that the moment Harwood gave the order, the mercenaries didn’t charge at each other… they charged at him. He sighed, dodging them with ease before glancing at Du Feld, who seemed to have noticed the same thing.
They wanted him out of the fight.
Too bad for them… Sanji thought.
He braced himself. His suit lit up with a dark, almost crimson glow, while his helmet exhaled smoke like a real dragon. If they wanted a fight, they were going to get one. But before launching himself at them, he looked to the other side of the arena, where the cells where located.
Nami was watching the battle with no emotion on her face.
She wouldn’t recognize him like this. And even though it embarrassed him to look like a beast in front of her, he had no choice now.
I’ll get you out of there soon, Nami‑san… I promise.
Then Sanji lowered his eyes toward his opponents and charged, determined to end the fight as quickly as possible. His heart pounded wildly, irregularly, but right now nothing—not even his stupid heart—was going to stop him.
His friends depended on him, and the woman he loved more than anyone in the world was watching him too, even if she didn’t know it.
No. Sanji wouldn’t fall here.