tells them

the tea that I gave him

Themes

Characters

Relationships:

As we come into the second part of the Baratie Arc, we look more at Sanji and Zeff as well as Gin and the interactions between the Straw Hats which are just gold. Additionally, we look at compassion, love and Luffy's obsession.As we open, Fullbody is about 1000% done with this whole restaurant business, when they are interrupted by a Marine coming in, frantic, saying that the prisoner has escaped.As much as I think Fullbody is a semi-competent Marine, he’s also a terrible person. It’s one thing to capture a pirate, it’s another to keep food from him. It’s also further asshattery to go to a restaurant to impress a date with a prisoner in tow. A prisoner who is the subordinate of someone like Don Krieg who is a pretty big freaking deal. Here, of course, he’s underestimated Gin’s capacity for wanting to survive and what hunger drives a person to do. If he was so strong, he could have escaped three days ago. Had Fullbody fed him, even a little, it’s possible he would have stayed put. It’s also possible he wouldn’t have. It’s difficult to say, but it’s undoubtedly a bad idea to take time off with a dangerous prisoner in your hold.The world is brutal. This poor guy was just doing his job and bam, shot and likely fatally. Much like Sanji’s first appearance, we see first see Gin in the context of what he does. I.e. a ruthless pirate who thinks nothing of shooting some guy to get him out of the way.We see Gin in the distance still as the guy falls over and everyone watches him come in.I love Patty’s stink eye. He’s like I’m not really fooled and I am prepared to be badass at a moment’s notice should it occur. Zeff knows the cut of his jib but isn’t outright suspicious and of course Sanji is like meh whatever. What this is really saying, of course, is this is far from the first conflict that the Baratie has had, and it won’t be the last. Also, even though Gin walks past him, Fullbody makes no move to stop him. There is no “Justice” on him either. He is a Marine off duty and terrified of this guy. With good reason. Gin doesn’t even acknowledge him. That’s how little Fullbody matters to him.This? This is the first time we’ve really seen the full impact of a crew’s reputation. The people are nervous, suspicious, the one woman is protecting her daughter. They give him plenty of space, even abandoning their food. This is not a guy they want to mess with. And we also see the hint of a different side to Gin here. He’s not saying, give me all your food or, give me your most expensive thing on the menu. Just, give me some food. Any food.Pretending to be bad ass with a don!What, you say? Pretending? Surely he is the most baddest of ass to ever badass!As the scene develops, it certainly seems Gin’s badassitude is borne out.Firstly, Patty, rough customer service with a ~don! As an aside, this sort of shows Patty as kind of an accepting guy. What he may feel about Krieg or his subordinates aside, a customer (with money) is a customer (who better have money). Though rich guy is clearly shocked they are extending such a welcome.We also see Gin ordering Patty to bring him food right away, all casual and cold as if he’s really going to tear him a new one if Patty doesn’t. Even Fullbody has a look of dim resignation as he thinks that Patty is going to die.And then more badassitude… but this time from Patty, calling the hell out of Gin’s bluff. The fact of the matter is, Gin has to appear as tough and as ruthless as he can be because he’s got one burst of strength in him and it’s quickly ebbing. He shows he’s not afraid to kill. Orders food. Puts a gun to Patty’s head to make him comply and really hopes this works. Patty isn’t fooled. He knows a sad sack of penniless crap when he sees one.Patty clocks him a good one. The customers are pleased. Fullbody is shocked. Zeff is mad at Patty breaking the table and Luffy just thinks that Patty is pretty strong.This is all part of showmanship, of course, and part of the reason why people come to the Baratie to begin with. Note, however, that Patty says a great line, but not with a don or anything for that matter. Part of the reason? Gin isn’t much of a threat here. Yes he shot a guy and yes he nearly shot Patty but Patty can handle him just fine (in his severely weakened state). It’s a great line but kind of a hollow victory.Also I really love the outfit that lady is wearing. Just as an aside.A few things going on here. Gin is pretty desperate. He’s still demanding even though he knows he has no chance of getting food because what else is he going to do? He’s so damn hungry he’s going to stick around. Given his position in the Krieg pirates, he’s probably not suffered this kind of abuse for a long time but he takes it for the sake of food. Also, it’s a testament to no matter how strong you are, if you can’t eat you can’t really fight.Patty, is a pretty ruthless guy himself. He’s not even giving Gin stuff they could probably spare like molding bread or things like that. Patty may be a great guy and pretty loyal to the restaurant but he’s not a charitable one at all.Sanji is not happy with this. There’s a definite tension there, especially as he’s clamped down on the cigarette. Really, I think he’s gearing himself up to do what he feels he has to do. There’s no way that he doesn’t know Krieg’s reputation and what it means and the consequences of that, but he also can’t stand to see a guy hungry—and desperately hungry enough to take that crap.Also, farewell Fullbody. You’re an idiot and I hope you get a good reaming for allowing Gin to escape. (Though you probably won’t). Also not wanting to involve himself in the restaurant is quite a convenient excuse for scarpering, is it not?Luffy isn’t very happy with this either. There was no way Gin could have fought back and Patty ruthlessly kicked the shit out of him. So why doesn’t he say anything? Well firstly and foremost it's because he's not a hero. He gets involved when he wants and doesn't when he doesn't want. He doesn't like Gin yet and doesn't have reason to. (though I don't think he dislikes him) I think, Gin walked into the situation by shooting a guy in the back. (which is great foreshadowing by the way). Gin came in, violent and demanding, really did threaten to blow Patty’s head off, and these are the consequences of that action. Luffy knows what it’s like to be hungry because he’s almost always hungry so I think he feels for the guy here and thinks it’s an unfair fight—but Gin got what was coming to him and that’s how rough life can be on the sea. (or on land)We cut to Patty making a curtsey as the customers cheer for him, then go to Gin lying on deck with his stomach grumbling.Look how desperate he is in the far right, though. Just lying there starving. So close to the restaurant and yet unable to eat. And there is Sanji, doing what he wants, following his conviction as a cook by feeding Gin. And look at him sitting there, kind of blocking the way. Why? Well probably if anyone saw Gin eating and Sanji wasn’t there, they’d kick Gin’s ass overboard. Sanji sitting there is protecting his right to eat. And the face that Gin makes at the food, unbelieving, desperate, hungry. How could this happen to a guy like him?In Gin’s world, presentation is 100% important. He can’t let his guard down for an instant or appear to be anything less than a ruthless tough guy who doesn’t display any emotion other than badassery. He even looks like he’s trying to stop the smile from coming but can’t. What he can do is turn his back and pull down his headband and pretend he’s not crying out of gratitude. And yeah, gratitude. He is really freaking grateful to Sanji for saving him. We’ll see more of this later on because he continually thanks him for this act of kindness.And Sanji’s world is 100% about presentation, too, though for a different reason. Still he can only grin like this when Gin’s back is turned to him. He’s also got buckets of confidence about his cooking. Though part of it, too, I imagine, is him being able to acknowledge Gin’s words in a way that doesn’t come off as mushy and still puts him in the dominant position. But that is just an aside. For the most part I think that he is glad for Gin’s gratitude and sees a side of him that’s kind of familiar.But, uh oh, Sanji, you’ve been spotted. Luffy has his sights set on you and he doesn’t let go easily. But it’s interesting to note that he doesn’t just barge in on this. He’s curious about what might happen to the guy so he hangs around and watches the situation unfold. By letting things happen he sees what a good guy Sanji is and how compassionate he is. And hey, giving a hungry guy food is always a plus for a cook.As Chapter 45 opens, let’s have a full page interrupting Luffy with a don!I love how he just bowls them right over. Look at his expression at the top, so open and happy. And then being blunt as bludgeon to the head and laughing. Though of course there’s nothing mocking. Luffy, I think is relieved, too, that he’s not going to die just because dying sucks and is laughing at his luck of getting around it. Also asking Sanji to join up right off the bat. I love their expressions, too. Gin is sort of out of it, but is wondering who this kid is in a sort of aggressive way, eyes narrowed, a little bit of sweat on his neck. Not that Luffy is a concern but he is a surprise. And Sanji XD Sanji is like what the hell is up with this kid? Where the shit did that come from?Firstly, I like how Luffy explains what he did when it doesn’t matter- because really the whys don’t matter. As we’ve said before, he’s still going to take responsibility for it. Also note that Zeff never asked him why. Sanji tells Luffy not to start any crap here, though I don’t know if he’s really too concerned that Luffy will do anything. I think he mostly just wants to talk about Zeff and what the restaurant means to him. It’s also kind of a warning in a sense, not to take Zeff lightly because of what the Baratie means.I also love their postures here. It’s all so casual and relaxed. Gin just sitting cross legged but at attention, Sanji fully at home and leaning back on the railing, still sort of blocking Gin with his legs but not really attentive or tense or anything. And Luffy hanging out on the railing all casual as if every part of the Baratie is okay with sitting casual on. Kind of like making himself at home wherever he is. He’s just such a calming unassuming presence.Just look at how proud he is of all this, though. He’s telling them his world. The parts that are important to him. Zeff was once a badass pirate. This is a badass restaurant. The hotblooded cooks admire Zeff because he is so badass and they’re pretty badass themselves.Sanji explains further that they’re used to this kind of shit, as we’ve seen. It’s pretty much a daily occurrence and lately customers have come to watch the show. That’s the reason why the waiters all turned tail and left.I love how Luffy attempts to connect the dots, but decides that he doesn’t really care the reason and the most important thing is getting Sanji to join them. It definitely shows the slightly more callous side of Luffy. He’s not really interested in what he’s not really interested in and isn’t going to pursue it. That’s part of freedom as well. Sanji refuses calmly, saying he has his own reasons for staying there. Luffy refuses (with a dodon)I love how stubborn Luffy is. He’s going to have Sanji as his cook, damnit, and that’s that. Gin is just sitting there like what the hell conversation and I even listening to and Sanji, I think feels much the same way. Luffy asks for his reason and I think even if Sanji had stated it, Luffy would have been hard pressed to accept it because he wants what he wants what he wants.Part of the reason why Sanji doesn’t want to say is, of course, because he’s not the kind who easily opens up to people. But the majority of it is because he can’t really articulate the reasons himself he has for staying. We’ll certainly pull them out as we come across them and try to get a bigger picture of what it is that ties Sanji to the Baratie. (also Gin . . . . .ing in the background. I love how Oda tends to keep all the characters engaged in some capacity.)And in the left panel, all I can think of is aww Sanji likes him. XD Though he probably doesn’t quite yet—calling Luffy out for being a brat and let other people have their opinions without insisting on his own. But you can see how Luffy gets under his skin. He’s too irritated to brush him off but he’s not really pissed or anything. Note, too, Luffy getting mad not at Sanji calling him a shithead but an imagined insult to the hat. Luffy doesn’t care what people call him, but the hat belongs to Shanks and he can’t let anyone insult it.Gin finally interjects, but I love how Luffy and Sanji are already on the same wavelength that they get carried away by the heat of the argument so much to yell at Gin. They both have hot, flash in the pan tempers over various things that fade quickly. Also this scene and the one above it is the first time we see Sanji break out of his “presentation” mode. He’s no longer Mr. Smooth, Cool and Unflappable but just as snarly as Luffy is. Gin asks what Luffy’s goal is and Luffy says that he’s going to go to the Grand Line and find the One Piece.Interestingly, Gin’s reaction to this is pretty understated. He doesn’t laugh or mock Luffy’s goal. He’s a little startled sure but is mostly weary and knowing what a horrible place Luffy is sailing into. He also gives Luffy advice. This is important because, you know, he really doesn’t owe Luffy anything. He doesn’t have to give him advice or tell him about how terribly dangerous the Grand Line is. But he does because as brutal as Gin can be, he’s also a pretty good guy when someone is not the enemy. (Also Sanji snapping at him again. XD)To emphasize this fact, he tells Luffy to give up his dreams to go sailing on the Grand Line, and why?He’s looking out for Luffy. Luffy is a young guy and he gets how young guys can be. He gets ambition. But he doesn’t want this young pirate just throwing his life away by going to the Grand Line, especially not with only five crew members (counting Sanji). We’ll definitely see more of the compassionate side of Gin as we go on. Luffy is listening to what he says pretty intently, or seems to be. It could be he’s only pinged by mention of the Grand Line because he asks if Gin knows something about it.Nothing is so frightening as the fear of the unknown, the unpredictable. This is, of course, great foreshadowing for the chaos they’ll be thrown into when they get into the Grand Line, but it’s also a great mirror to the beginning chapter of this arc. Johnny and Yosaku weren’t prepared for a long life at sea since they didn’t know about scurvy or that they had to have fresh fruit and vegetables. Nami knew because she always travels prepared, but the Grand Line is not something you can prepare for.Anyway Sanji comments that Gin is a pretty scared guy for being one of Krieg’s men and Luffy asks who Krieg is.Cut to the inside of the Baratie where we see the chaotic kitchen life.It’s a pretty busy place, made even busier by the lack of waiters but it seems like a typical kitchen. We see one of the cooks talking to Patty about what he did to Gin, saying it was one of Krieg’s men, though Patty is pretty blasé about it all. The guy goes on to say that Krieg is the commander of 50 ships and one of the most feared pirates in this ocean.Firstly, 5,000 guys is quite a lot! The Krieg pirates are really being built up to be forces of nature here.As for Carne, it’s difficult to tell whether he is truly worried about the possibly imminent threat of Krieg (since it’s very easy to assume that Gin will starve to death before he even reunites) or just shooting the shit. After all, though he looks angry and his teeth are clenched, he’s not sweating anywhere. It’s possible they don’t really think that Krieg will stop by there and that he’s just relating what he knows. It could also be that Carne is good at not showing how afraid he really is, but considering how they react when shit goes down, I feel like its safe to say he’s only moderately worried about it.A few things going on here. First establishing again Patty’s pride, that is as a fighting cook that shouldn’t be terrified of anything, least of all the most terrified man on the seas. And as a cook that customers come first. Service is love after all and he’s always going to work for the benefit of the customers. Carne features less importance here because he merely acts as a more pragmatic foil to Patty. But most importantly, these guys form the baseline of the world that surrounds Sanji. A chaotic kitchen. People making their points by arguing and snarling in each other’s faces because that’s how they communicate. They are a rough and tumble group full of tough guys who prefer to maintain the aura and presentation of toughness whatever the cost.And then look at this. Look at this fantastic motherfucking king of all badasses right here. Zeff lets them argue, vent their frustrations and their worries and tells them--to go back to work. He doesn’t yell, he doesn’t even pop a vein. He just tells them to get back to work and they all immediately do. The chaos in the kitchen is gone just like that. That’s how much respect Zeff commands. That’s how much they care to please him to run the kitchen the best way they know how. They go back to work with a DON. Because Zeff knows his guys. He knows how to handle ruffians being a pirate for so long and running the Baratie so long. He’s just really an amazing guy.Also damn I love Gin. You want to know why I love Gin? I’ll show you why I love Gin.He warns Luffy because he’s a good guy, but he doesn’t hold it against Luffy that he doesn’t take the warning or think him an idiot for it. Instead he just says well, you’re free to do what you want. He understands what it’s like as a pirates life, to do what you want, to be free. He’s a pirate himself and he acknowledges Luffy to be one despite not knowing anything about him. This is a pretty big deal since people for the most part tend to underestimate Luffy, especially in these early days. But Gin is just like, sure, whatever! Just thought I’d give you the head’s up.Also interesting to note, he has a ship now, and a barrel, likely filled with supplies or at least water for the journey. There’s only really one place he could have got it and I’m willing to bet that it was Sanji who gave it to him.Gratitude! Just unrestrained thanking him for it. And look at that damn smile Gin has. It’s so open and happy. Sanji is really receptive to that kind of emotion. Look at his smile back at him. It’s just so relaxed and genuine. You get the feeling that he really does like this guy. Also, look at what Gin is saying. He’s sure as hell not saying he wants to come back and dine in the posh restaurant. He just wants to come back and hang around with Sanji again. Sanji, of course, has no problem with that, because he likes genuine guys—being a genuine guy himself.Busted. Sanji know’s he’s busted, too, but he doesn’t really give a good goddamn what Zeff thinks. He’s gonna do what he’s gonna do. Zeff notes the plate, too, because of course he does and he knows just what happened. He seems a little concerned about it, but only because he’s fully aware of the threat that Krieg poses.Firstly, far right. Sanji is once again blocking Gin, in this case, standing against the railing, he is forming the barrier between Gin and Zeff. This is Sanji in protective mode. But casually protective because he knows Zeff isn’t going to go after Gin, if anything falls, it’s all going to fall on Sanji and he’s going to look blasé as hell when it hits. Also Luffy standing sideways. His fists are clenched so he’s very much engaged in this scenario, but he also doesn’t know what or if there’s anything he can do about it. He likes Sanji already, and I’m sure he likes Gin for what he is, but he likes Zeff, too, so he’s not entirely sure what he can do if things go bad—but he’s definitely ready to move in one direction or another if something should occur to him.Also, Gin is a great foil to Sanji because they are both so authentic but Gin cannot hide his softer emotions worth shit. The most he can do is pull his headband down and hope that no one notices his expression crumbling. This is certainly an ingrained habit in him. And ook at this guy. He’s worried because Sanji will get in trouble because of him. I don’t think that he thinks that he’s worthy of this kind of thing (and we’ll see more of that later, too) and doesn’t want a good guy like Sanji to suffer for it.And of course Sanji just tosses the plate and spoon overboard, breaking it as well and why…?Well, first, look at that grin. Damnit I love it when Sanji smiles. Again, open and unconcerned. I don’t think he gives a shit what Zeff says about it, but he chucks the stuff over purely for Gin’s benefit so that Gin won’t worry. The smile is to show him, yeah, this is alright. I won’t even be phased by this so just go on.And here Zeff accepts it. He’s like, alright. Sanji did a Sanji thing and this is what is in his heart to do to save this guy. Whatever comes of it, comes of it.Gin’s pose? We’ll definitely see that again in someone else. The ultimate gratitude. Gin gets just what Sanji was saying and what he was trying to do and is just overwhelmed by gratitude. And Sanji just keeps giving, showing that he cares for Gin’s well-being by telling him not to get caught. In another life, another time, I think they’d be great friends. They just click so damn well.Also Zeff lets them have their moment and then takes charge again, bringing them back to their duties and responsibilities on board the ship. Have I mentioned that I love the fuck out of Zeff? Because I love the absolute fuck out of Zeff.And the kitchen has dissolved once more into chaos, proving that Zeff can’t leave for two seconds—But really a chaotic kitchen is part of life for a busy restaurant and of course you’d work professionally if the boss is standing over your shoulders. I’m sure Zeff gives them plenty of space to just be themselves, too, as long as they get things done. It’s hilarious, too, because they’re all yelling at each other and blaming each other and Luffy is just hanging around, not lazy but having no idea what to do in a kitchen other than eat so he’s just hanging around, waiting for some instruction. I’m sure he’s hella amused by all the chaos, too, because it looks kind of like an energetic place.And here you come to see another aspect of Sanji’s life on the Baratie. (and from a story telling perspective, it’s awesome, because you’re not seeing it from Sanji’s point of view but from how people react to him) And yeah, he’s hitting on customers. That’s really unprofessional, but this is Sanji’s home. This is the place he’s lived in since he was ten or so. Where he grew up. I think also Zeff made sure it was a home to him, indulging Sanji and letting him do what he wanted (up to a point). But the cooks here? Not so happy about Sanji’s attitude. It’s just as much a home to them, but in a different sense because they are professionals. They don’t get to slack off. They are not as indulged. They don’t understand the relationship between Sanji and Zeff because all they see is the Baratie as a business. And this isn’t really reflecting that badly on them. Of course these kinds of guys would be bucking for promotion, or if not that, seeing everyone being treated equally. That’s just the nature of working anywhere. Though, let it be noted it’s not Sanji’s skill that Patty has issues with, but his unprofessionalism. Patty is a consummate professional (in his line of work).But to take things a bit deeper here, sort of similar to Usopp in Syrup, Sanji is a bit of an odd duck in his own environment. He’s quite a bit younger than most of the cooks in the kitchen and though he has skill, he’s a cook not for money but for the pride and the love of it. Yes, he’s invested in keeping the Baratie afloat so he’ll never go far enough as to willingly endanger it physically or financially, but as for the professionalism aspect? Except for dressing up and acting suave when it suits him, he really doesn’t give much of a shit and does what he wants and does what moves him. This keeps him from making friends with the others, or any kind of close personal relationship either. I’m sure they’re friendly toward him off hours and I can see them all hanging around a bit—but there’s always going to be a disconnect. Sanji will never be one of them.I don’t really think Sanji even cares about that or is gunning for that kind of position, really. Had things continued on this course, I can see him taking over as head chef for Zeff’s sake and the dream of the Baratie, and I don’t think he’d ever let someone other than Zeff be over him—but it’s not something that really pulls to him.Also Luffy is absorbing every detail about Sanji that he can. He’s so interested in this guy he’s not even paying attention to what he is doing because he wants to know every facet of Sanji’s life. He really wants him to be nakama, you guys.Anyway, after being yelled at for breaking the dishes, he’s told to clean something and he goes to do that willingly enough, snagging some food along the way because, as the great philosopher says: if you’re hungry, eat. … Even if it is the main course of someone else’s food. He goes to clean a wok, not even registering it’s hot until he touches it with his bare hands and breaks more shit and Patty has about had it, telling Luffy to just go and take the orders. He can’t screw that up right?How much you wanna bet that Patty showed him some flashy way of taking orders that Luffy’s looking forward to doing. This should be fun, his face is saying. But on the other hand it’s something he has to do and he’s spend the day breaking stuff and burning his hands. And aww, he’s thinking of Coby while comparing Zeff (or at least Patty) to Alvida in the same breath. Luffy, you haven’t really even had to do much of anything. XD Though of course for someone whose dream an philosophy is complete freedom, even doing something he might not want to do is a pain. He does it anyway because he has a sense of responsibility. Also Pandaman sighting!You glorious assholes. I love all of you. Let it not be said that Zoro doesn’t have high levels of snark, because he really does. I really love how they’re all teasing him about it and it shows how tight knit they are, even now.Luffy, pls, you’re just mad that they are eating food without you. You’re the one who decided you had to help out in the first place. I also love how Sanji is distracted from pouring the wine by the sound of his bull horn bellow. Also that one pissed guy who is probably steamed about Sanji mooching on his date. Why does anyone ever go to the Baratie, really? Well—I can see why the women do. Heh.Zoro, you are such a snarky asshole. I love it so much, though and everyone together just laughing at each other’s expense, and Luffy being a brat and fighting back by putting snot in Zoro’s glass. Though you know, hun, saying Eat this out loud is going to clue him in that something is up. Zoro is not that dumb. Also Usopp barely holding it in the background.And Zoro returns fire, not taking any of that sitting down and I love Nami and Usopp absolutely losing it by slamming their hands on the table. This shows of course how much they click as a group but also what noisy bastards they are. The Baratie for all it’s rough and tumble ways is a fine dining establishment…not the kind of place where you play with snot or pound the table laughing. They are free and unrestrained and—They aren’t the only ones.Sanji entering with sweeping vibrant words of love with a E>~Don~<3 He’s so damned ridiculous. But why? Because he is really pinged by emotions and tends to react in kind, especially gooshy ones. I’m sure that it’s pretty freaking rare that someone as unrestrained as Nami comes into the restaurant. Most women are there with dates or are there for the occasion of being at a fancy restaurant, and can Sanji disappoint their expectations? As his pride as a man and lover of women, he cannot! But Nami is just there as Luffy’s crew and yukking it up, so wild and free that Sanji’s own heart bursts free and he can’t help but be an utterly ridiculous whirlwind of love shouting her praises to the heavens. Yes, he just met her, but he just met Gin, too, and you saw how well they clicked. Anyway, whatever Nami’s personality is doesn’t matter because Sanji is absolutely devoted and a slave to her love. Every word out of his mouth is 1000% authentic.I kind of adore him in other words.Also Luffy startled as shit at the declaration of love behind him—and Luffy and Zoro staring at Sanji like what in the hell is up with him. Nami, too. I’m sure that she gets hit on from time to time but this has gotta be new.Sooo freaking busted. That is an epic oh shit face there. But, note the difference:In both situations, Sanji’s been caught at something. The bottom one, he doesn’t give a shit what Zeff saw or what he has to say about it because, again, his conviction. The top one though? He’s panicked and freaking out because he spoke from his heart and that’s not really something he wants Zeff to hear or wants to admit. Since I think a big part of him is regretting the obstacle, which is Zeff, but of course not in the way you would think. In other words, he’s not blaming Zeff for being in the way of him following the gorgeous orange haired goddess of love to the ends of the earth and beyond, but it’s partly due to Zeff that he can’t and that he’s hanging around.Harsh as fuck with a Don. And yes I will keep saying it because Dons are very important. They represent conviction. Even stupid conviction. When something is said or done with a Don that character is doing it with their full hearts. In this case, Zeff is pushing Sanji away with his full heart because he wants the kid out of the restaurant. We’ll examine why later but we know that Zeff cares for Sanji so it’s definitely not for a callous reason. He even says it’s a good chance for Sanji to go and be a pirate. But then is deliberately harsh with him and tsun at him because deeper emotions? Who has time for those? Especially not in the middle of a crowded restaurant. Besides which, he knows that Sanji is really yanked around by his emotions and the best way to get him going is to pull at them and rile him up.We cut to Gin and Krieg briefly as the chapter ends. Gin has told Krieg that Sanji saved his life and Gin returned to the fold.And look at that. I don’t think he’s tearing up again over Sanji’s compassion, I think he’s genuinely worried and upset over the state of the ship and the men on it, as well as Krieg himself. Gin, you are far too good a man to serve under this asshole captain. Additionally, Gin is sweating a on the bottom panel. He knows Krieg. He knows that there’s every potential of there being trouble if he does this and he doesn’t want to cause trouble for Sanji. But Gin is concerned about the survival of his captain and the survival of hi nakama so he is going to take that risk and hope for the best because he genuinely cares about the well-being of those close to him.As we go into chapter 46, we cut back to Zeff and Sanji.Yeah, Sanji is confident in his skills and his abilities so he wants to know just what Zeff is trying to get at here. He’s worked damn hard for the restaurant and he’s not going to let anyone say otherwise. Since, of course, as much as he flirts and fights with people, you know he works full tilt and gives everything 110%.Zeff tells him, and that part is true enough. Though of course it can’t have been a recent thing. Sanji is 19 at the moment after all and I’m sure he’s been drooling over women (and possibly picking fights) for a few years at least.And then he says this which is not true. Zeff is purposefully twisting the knife to get Sanji to get out because he can’t think of another way to do it. He doesn’t believe a word of it but he’s using tricks that he hopes will work. I think that though Sanji’s flirtations and such may be old, this tension is new and has been growing for a while now. Zeff is trying to shove his damn baby bird out of the nest as forcefully as he can. He’s making it purposefully awkward, too. Instead of talking to Sanji in private, he’s saying it in front of the whole restaurant to make Sanji feel as bad and embarrassed about it as possible. Why? I honestly thinks he wants Sanji to hate him so much he ends up leaving. Especially since he’s not going to leave any other way.Sanji has utter confidence in his cooking and that’s really sort of amazing. He’s pissed at Zeff for insulting it. But in the end, I don’t know if he knows what Zeff really believes or not. He may even believe himself that the other cooks don’t want him here, but he doesn’t give a shit. He’s not staying there for them. I think he recognizes, too, what Zeff is trying to do and it pisses him off. There’s no way he’s going to be shoved out of this, not when he has such an obligation. But he’s also being cocky as hell by grabbing Zeff’s shirt like that and treating him like an equal. (It’s also worth noting, too that Sanji will tolerate a kick in the face if he feels he had it coming, but not someone insulting his cooking.)And he gets thoroughly schooled. Zeff will tolerate a lot of things, but not that. Sanji had better know his place and who is the stronger one here. (For now anyway)But see? Zeff isn’t even really that mad about any of it. You can see damn brat written all over his face, but there are no stress marks or anything. Sanji, too, is pissed he got thrown so easily like that, but it’s more than that.And rofl, everyone protecting the food. This is probably their first good meal in a while. And I love Usopp’s expression. He’s like: Are you kidding me? I’m just trying to eat here and this is the crap I have to put up with? People sending other people into tables? What kind of restaurant is this that I can’t even eat soup in peace?And here Sanji breaks again. He’s broken in front of Luffy to snap and he’s breaking in front of Zeff though still holding a lot back—I think though that he’s pissed, but noting the sweat, he’s also genuinely panicked and a little hurt. Why is Zeff talking this kind of shit? What does it mean? For Sanji it’s not just about gratitude, he’s not ready to leave and go out there. Where the hell is he going to go? But for headcanon purposes, I can see him being worried about Zeff’s health. I’m sure he knows Zeff well enough to know that there’s lots of things he’s not saying so what if he’s sick or something?Which is partly why I think he says the dying comment here. Though of course part of it, too, is pride. Sanji’s not the kind of person to look overly clingy. It’s not Zeff he’s worried about and he doesn’t need this shitty place anyway. It’s all about the debt. So he’s just staying until Zeff dies and then he’s going to be out of here for sure so don’t think he’s weak or anything like that. Again, headcanon, but I can kind of see Zeff replying this way to assure Sanji that he’s just damn fine and to stop worrying and get the hell out and of course Sanji can’t let him have the last word even if he is walking away.Yeah. These guys aren’t getting it. They’re basing assumptions on what they think they know of Sanji without even knowing the relationship dynamic between Zeff and Sanji—having admitting as much. They’re assuming things while not having all the facts and then turning around and treating Sanji as if they know what’s going on in his head—when it’s entirely not true. How could they know? You may ask. Maybe they can’t. Maybe they never will be able to figure it out. Which is why it’s important not to assume things.Luffy, pls, now is not the time. To be honest, I don’t think he understands the relationship dynamic either. But really I don’t think he cares about the relationship dynamic. Zeff said Sanji could go and Luffy is like, sweet, an opening! Cook snagged! Sanji’s like PLEASE I’M HAVING A MOMENT, GODDAMNIT!Also the jumbled tables representative of Sanji’s life rn, tbh.But he picks the table right back up and goes back to his joys in life with a DON! Because it’s easier to flirt and lavish affections on women than to face deeper emotions. Still, it’s with a DON so he’s lavishing her with the full force of his affections, making up for all the yelling and ruckus from earlier. Which just goes to show he can be a damn good waiter if he wants to be and it’s all about presentation. You know he made that fruit cup with care and selected the perfect wine to complement it and Nami is of course soaking up every ounce of this affection because you never know when a good thing will come your way and she really has an appreciation for the good things in life.Usopp, you’re killing me. He likes the fine things in life, too, damnit! And he suffered just as much emotional trauma from what happened! Maybe even more! Probably more because he’s not used to this stuff! Give him a fancy fruit cup too! He deserves as much! Or he’ll sue! He’s such a dorkass. And Zoro just sitting there calmly enjoying his tea.But Sanji’s not just about taking care of the ladies. Sure Nami got a lot of affection, but he made sure they got tea for that interruption. It was his apology really. But it’s about as much apologizing as he’s going to do to a shitty bunch of guys so Usopp can just suck it up and be grateful for it.Which, Usopp isn’t really. Instead trying to be the king of the rock, by asking someone else push Sanji off the rock for him. Because really he’s no match and not looking forward to getting kicked in the face or something else brutal like that. He can’t help but try to be a tough guy but he’s not stupid enough to be a tough guy all on his lonesome when he’s an uncooked noodle in comparison. Zoro, however, is not that easily used. If Usopp wants to start a fight he can finish it.Also I love shark Luffy who is probably hungry too by now and is going to take some of that fruit even if he has to get the whole glass with it.I love these assholes seriously. I just can’t. /sob/But I must go on! Because there’s so much more to get into. Usopp backs off from the kicking his butt (via Zoro) angle, and instead points out where Sanji has failed his duties as a waiter. Sanji doesn’t really care what Usopp has to say but he does care that Usopp left shit on his plate when you don’t waste food. Usopp, while not confident in the ass-kicking department, is very confident in the not going to eat crappy mushrooms department and he has a good reason and there’s nothing Sanji can do to make him eat mushrooms. Sanji’s pissed at the insinuation it might be poisoned and isn’t going to let Usopp get away with not eating mushrooms but I think mostly because he’s annoyed that Usopp isn’t grateful for the freaking tea he brought out.Rofl, Nami saying please don’t fight because of me! With a don. Though to be honest I don’t think she believes that they are, but that she’s getting into her her role of kyaa kyaa innocent maiden with her full heart. Sanji is immediately out of fight mode for her love and Nami proceeds to lay it in thick just so she can get out of paying (or at least have a discount). Sanji is about two seconds from meltdown in that panel, too. I don’t think he’s ever really been touched like that by a girl before and it is the best moment ever but he is also holding back the imminent geyser of a nosebleed that just may occur if she keeps holding him so close to her glorious face.Usopp, meanwhile, is gloriously human and is like I just wanted a fruit cup, damnit and to not eat mushrooms! Don’t just make up things like that!Oh happy day! Sanji is in heaven! Though notice while Nami is hugging him (and granted the table is in the way, probably for a reason) she keeps most of her body away from him. This is manipulation and nothing more. Of course Sanji doesn’t care even if it is because it’s a hug from a lady~~ uwaaah~~And then he immediately turns around and sticks Usopp for not being grateful. I’m sure he’s doing it just get under his skin because he knows Usopp is pissed about that kind of stuff and it works because Usopp IS pissed. That is just not fair at all.No but this is wonderful. Okay so first, let’s look at Zoro. He saw a competent guy reduced to a pile of mush because Nami manipulated him. He’s like man you are really evil. (Though he doesn’t know yet just how easy it is) Luffy just sitting there with his frands, drinking tea, and I’m just going to headcanon that Zoro let him have his because why would Sanji bring Luffy tea? He’s also still super invested in Sanji and really seriously wants him for nakama because he hasn’t taken his damn eyes off him yet. Sanji is walking away like he’s had the best encounter of his life and is a little drunk off it saying aaaa ii (which means good). He’s in such a slap happy mood. And Nami? Man, that is such a confidence booster! She worked her charms and she worked them damn well to get such a tough guy to slather all over her. She’s pretty giddy about it to be quite honest. Those others better watch out and not fall for her charms because she’s such a heartbreaker!And then, not so much. Sanji will spread his love to all the ladies! And exuberantly! Especially those women he knows and who have returned to once more bask the Baratie in their radiant light of love! Nami, I imagine, feels a little put out and Usopp I don’t think really cares who Sanji flirts with, he’s just calling him a letch because he’s still pissed off about the fruit cup and he’s kind of a petty bastard at times. (though I say this with the utmost affection)And then Sanji remembers Luffy exists and what he’s here for. I adore Zoro’s expression. I just do. He’s just done. So done with this. He’s like, I just watched my captain’s face kicked intohis tea. This is my life now. Yep. It’s okay, Zoro, you’ll become jaded soon enough.And we’ll end on Sanji dragging Luffy away to do his damn job. Moreover, he gives Luffy a job where he can’t break anything, can’t really eat anything (as he’ll be standing by the front door) and something he can reasonably do without messing up. Also I love him dragging Luffy. I’m sure that it didn’t hurt Luffy all that much, him being rubber and all, but he really doesn’t want to work even if he said he’d work because he wants to be free. :