Zoro
Zoro stared at the small, square building. It wasn't particularly interesting, and it caused Zoro to wonder if this was the right place. He hoped he hadn't gotten lost again. It wasn't likely; Nami had given him explicit directions here. It just didn't look like the right place. Even if the sign read Le Baratie, Zoro didn't believe this was the restaurant Luffy had asked him to go to. Nami had said it was worth her money. Zoro found that hard to believe because nothing was worth her money. But he had agreed to this plan, and who was he to dispute Nami's reasoning.
He was glad that this restaurant didn't have one of those awful blinking signs. The fluorescent technology was new, and everybody seemed to want one. The majority of the Enies' restaurants were already boasting proud, hot pink or green lights. These lights shouted out to passerby. Zoro supposed that the owner of Le Baratie either had enough confidence in his restaurant or that they couldn't afford it. Whatever the reason, Zoro was glad. He didn't like how they buzzed and popped.
Rather, Le Baratie's sign was simple: large capital letters and an image of a ship. Zoro didn't know where the ship came in. Probably means something in French, he thought. It wasn't just the sign that was simple. The whole building seemed plain. How could such a bland restaurant attract enough customers? But, its homeliness made it the perfect cover.
He had resigned himself to this task earlier, but it was still difficult to enter the Le Baratie and follow through. It wasn't in his nature to take things slowly. He would have preferred to barge in there and order the owner to turn its business over. That wasn't practical, and he knew it. Not much effort was needed for Nami and Robin to convince him. It had taken a lot more time and effort to convince Luffy. He was of the same mindset as Zoro. It was going to take a lot of self-control and patience on Zoro's part to keep his actions under control. Zoro wasn't very good at being patient.
The door opened, and a couple linked arm in arm stepped out. The light coming through the door framed them, and Zoro could only see silhouettes. Then the door was closed, and the man and woman walked down the street. They looked normal enough, and there was no need for Zoro to worry. He hoped there was no need to worry, because you never knew who had affiliations with whom in this town.
The couple's exit had cued Zoro. It was time to enter the restaurant. He pushed the door open and stepped into the noisy room. The small dining area was full. The majority of the diners were couples and families, but Zoro could see one large table in the back. It was filled with men in suits, one of which was tall and broad shouldered. Zoro recognized him in an instant. Don Krieg. For a moment, he was worried that Don Krieg would recognize him too, but then he remembered that he was too unknown for the man to notice him.
A young woman in a long dress came up to him. She smiled. "Good evening, sir. Welcome to Le Baratie. How large is your party?"
Zoro slid his fedora off his head and hung it on the coat rack near the door. "It's just me tonight."
She blinked as though it was very unusual for a man to come in and eat alone. It made Zoro wonder if he would have been better off bringing Robin. The woman smiled again and gestured to a small table to one side of the room. It was opposite Don Krieg's side. He was relieved that he wouldn't have to change his plan to deal with the rival mobster.
Zoro made a show of looking through the menu. He already knew what he was going to order, but it was necessary to remain inconspicuous. Nami had planned this out carefully. Two days ago she and Robin had eaten here and ordered the halibut in a smooth olive oil and rosemary sauce. While eating, they had sorted out the ingredients and how they affected the dish. They had told Zoro all of those details so that he could repeat them when he 'gave his compliments to the chef'. It was necessary to get the chef out of the kitchen to give him their proposition.
He ordered the halibut, patiently waiting until he could actually do something. It was the waiting that was killing him. He didn't understand how people did it. Patience just wasn't in his nature. But he sighed, accepting the fact that he needed to sit quietly and wait for his meal.
It came eventually, after what seemed like days to Zoro, but in truth- he had been watching a clock on the wall- had only been half an hour. In that time period, the room had begun to thin. The majority of the customers had left. It was already 7:15 when he had arrived, and- as Nami had told him- dinner services ended at 8. His late arrival, of course, was a significant detail to their plan. By the time Zoro was finished eating, there would have been few reasons for the cook to stay in the kitchen rather than meet this 'connoisseur', which of course Zoro was not. They had to trick this chef before he would agree to talk.
Zoro ate quietly, making it appear as though he were truly enjoying the food. It was delicious, so enjoying it wasn't an issue. He had to act as if he really were this all-knowing judge of food. Which was a little more difficult than he really wanted it to be. For one, he wasn't that good of an actor, but he also didn't really like fish. When he finished eating, he looked around for the waitress and then signaled her over. It was 7:57, just the right amount of time left.
"Did you enjoy your meal, sir?"
Zoro made a show of dabbing at his lips with the napkin. He cleared his throat before speaking. "Yes, very enjoyable. I especially like how the olive oil seals in the natural flavour of the halibut. And it has just the right amount of rosemary to make this dish perfect. Give my compliments to the chef."
She grinned, and as she reached to take his now empty plate, Zoro saw the wedding ring on her finger. Nice rock, he thought and wondered if her husband was the chef. This place makes more money than I originally thought if she got that. The young woman walked to the kitchen, her hips swaying just so; Zoro was hard-pressed not to watch her as she walked away, because- damn- her husband was lucky to have that every night. She came back moments later, winked at Zoro and said:
"He's coming out. He said he wants to thank you in person for admiring the food." She moved away to clear off other tables and check on the other diners. Zoro waited, as he had been the entire night, but soon he could act. He fixed his eyes on the kitchen door, willing it to open.
It did, and the cook stepped out. Tall and long-legged, this cook was not what Zoro had expected. The cook was wearing black pants, a blue shirt, and a black vest over it. In his mind's eye, he had pictured a short, large-bellied man in a dirty apron with a deep, rough voice. Instead when the cook sat down and introduced himself, Zoro heard a smooth voice with a bit of a musical lilt to it.
"The name's Sanji," the cook said. He had his hand out, and Zoro shook it while taking a closer look at the man. He had blonde hair that was pulled behind his head in a neat ponytail at the nape of his neck. A few wisps of hair covered one of his bright blue eyes, which were topped with large curly eyebrows. Zoro tried not to laugh. Who has dartboard eyebrows?
"Roronoa Zoro. Nice to meet you." There was a moment of silence as the two men stared at each other. Then Sanji reached below the table. For a second, Zoro tensed up, worried that Sanji was about to pull out a gun. Then he would be dead, and this whole plan would fail. But instead, Sanji brought out a metal tobacco tin and a lighter. He opened the tin and pulled out one of the small strips of paper, sprinkled some of the tobacco on it, and rolled it up. He lit it, then spoke.
"You liked the halibut." Zoro nodded. "Good. I like making it. It's even better when somebody can appreciate the work I put into it."
"Well, it was great. Very moist. It seems like it's a simple recipe." Zoro was struggling to remember Nami's directions. He couldn't remember exactly what to say. Whatever, he would go in whatever direction he could take and hope he didn't get lost. "Did you marinate it before you cooked it? Or was the halibut naturally that flavorful?"
Sanji laughed, took a drag on his cigarette. His blue eyes met Zoro's. "I'm impressed. You know your food. Is this how you spend your time, Mr. Roronoa?"
"Please, just Zoro. And what exactly do you mean?"
Sanji took a drag. "I mean, do you visit restaurants just to analyze their dishes as a hobby?"
"No." Zoro shook his head. "My sister recommended this place, and we had plans to meet here, but something came up. She insisted that I come anyways." Sanji's attention had left Zoro. Zoro knew that he needed it back for this plan to work. "I'm glad I did, because now I can recommend this fine dish." Sanji was looking behind Zoro, and Zoro turned to find out what had captured his interest.
Don Krieg's party had stood up and was gathering their things together. Don Krieg himself had his arm around the shoulders of one of his underlings, a tall, skinny man with dark hair and shadowed eyes. The man smiled at something Don Krieg said and slapped him on the back. Don Krieg roared with laughter. Zoro looked back at Sanji. The blonde chef had taught lips and eyes fixed on the gangster's party. Zoro wondered what exactly he was upset about. Zoro's obvious guess was the gangster's presence in the restaurant to begin with, but he also wondered if there was more than that.
Zoro could hear feet shuffling and knew that the party was leaving. He kept his eyes forward, looking at Sanji. He didn't want Don Krieg to see him. Although he probably had no idea who Zoro was, Zoro wasn't going to take any chances that might cause Luffy trouble later. It would be a hassle to deal with any interferences. He hoped they didn't pay him any heed.
Don Krieg and his men passed by Zoro and Sanji's table. They went by without stopping or talking to Sanji. Zoro understood their connection, and he understood why they did not speak. But as each member of the crew passed by Sanji, they gave him a quick glance. Zoro knew that no one was supposed to notice these things, so he made no indication that he saw these glances. Sanji, too, gave no sign that Don Krieg had looked at him. The cook sat silently, his eyes on Zoro. It seemed as though he was trying so hard to make it look like Zoro and Sanji were having a conversation even as Don Krieg walked near them, even though Don Krieg would know that the two men were not actually saying anything at this moment.
Sanji kept this face up as five of the six men passed them by, but as the sixth came near, Zoro could see it wavering. Zoro watched as this man, the one with whom Don Krieg had spoken earlier, stopped next to Sanji and placed his hand on the cook's shoulder. Sanji's eyes grew wide as the man leaned down to whisper something to him. Sanji stiffened. The man straightened and glanced at Zoro. It was a fleeting look only, but Zoro could read it and knew that the man didn't appreciate Zoro's presence. But then he was moving away, and it was time for Zoro to act.
"Is everything all right?" he asked. Sanji started as though he had just remembered that Zoro was standing there.
"What? Oh yeah. I'm fine. I just don't like having them- you know who they are, right?" Zoro nodded. "Well, I just don't like having them as…customers."
"I see."
Sanji cleared his throat. "Yes. But I hate to overshadow the halibut with my complaints. You were saying?"
Zoro laughed. "Ah, yes. I was commenting on your impressive restaurant. It has a hospitable and warm feel to it. I was surprised to learn that something like this can survive in this day and age."
"It takes a lot to keep this place alive and unpolluted with Enies' crime scene," Sanji smiled. He had this complacent look in his eyes as he breathed in through the cigarette. "It's worth it, though."
"That must be why you let Don Krieg eat and bring his bootleg liquor here," Zoro said, his voice even and low. Sanji sputtered and almost inhaled his cigarette. His eyes were wide as they flicked across the room for a sign that anyone had heard Zoro's words. No one had.
"Are you a cop?" Sanji whispered, leaning over the table. Zoro shook his head. "Then, what the fuck is your problem?"
"I don't have one."
"Oh yes you do. If you can sit there and say it that easily then you do have a problem." Sanji's face was growing red. "You know who he is, right? Then you should know you can't say that shit in public. You shouldn't even say it in private."
"I'm not scared of him," Zoro said.
"You should be," Sanji snapped. "I am."
Sanji looked as if he might say more, so Zoro waited. He listened to the restaurant, which in the time that Zoro and Sanji had been talking had grown quieter. All but for a few customers, the room was empty, and those customers were so absorbed into their own moments, that they were paying no attention to Sanji and Zoro. Under these circumstances, Zoro couldn't understand Sanji's fear that somebody would overhear their conversation.
"Since you know that he brings the stuff here, you must know about downstairs," Sanji said. His face was considerably less red, but a slight flush was still present. "Figures. That information isn't too hard to obtain if you know how to get it. But how the hell could you know that it's he who brings the liquor. He covers his trail well."
"Have you heard of Red-haired Shanks from Shabondy?" Sanji nodded. "Well, he and my boss are good friends. Shanks wants to help him get started here in Enies and gave us some information about what is whose territory."
"And how is that knowledge going to help you?" Sanji extinguished his cigarette and lit another. "You going to be bounty hunters?"
"No, I already tried that, and it doesn't work out too well. Luffy convinced me to help him become the top mob boss here in Enies."
"And why are you telling me this? You know my loyalties currently lie elsewhere."
Zoro nodded. "That can be changed."
"No, it can't," Sanji nearly shouted. At this point the customers did look up. The young waitress' head shot up from where she was across the room. Zoro saw concern on her features. Sanji saw her too. He spoke more quietly. "I can't change any of this. There's too much involved."
"The Strawhats are ready to help."
"Strawhats? You have a name for yourselves?"
"Yes, and we want to invest in this establishment- both the restaurant and its components." Zoro stared at Sanji. He watched the other man's face for any sort of insight into his thoughts. "We'd also like to invest in you."
"I can't." Sanji whispered. His fists were clenching and unclenching on top of the table. His teeth were grinding. Suddenly Sanji closed his eyes, and after a couple seconds of deep breathing, he opened them. "Mr. Roronoa, I appreciate the offer and the interest you have shown, but I have to decline."
"You'd be free," Zoro said quietly. Sanji winced. Zoro could tell that comment had gotten to him.
"I don't know about that, but I still-"
"Luffy is different than Don Krieg."
"I still can't." Zoro opened his mouth, about to insist once more. Sanji stopped him. "Look, there are things you don't know. I can't just get out of this. It isn't something I can do by myself or with anyone's help. I'm stuck with this shit."
"You'd be surprised what Luffy can do."
"I'm sure," Sanji said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. He sighed. "It's been nice talking with you. Perhaps you'll come back with your sister to try the halibut again. You are always welcome to eat here, but don't expect anything else from Le Baratie."
Zoro stood and Sanji stood with him. The men shook hands, and into Sanji's hand Zoro slipped a business card. "I understand. But don't think we're giving up. Somebody should be by in a couple days to let you know we're still interested. If you change your mind before then-"
"I won't."
"As you say." Zoro turned away. He walked to the coat rack, shrugged on his coat, and flipped the fedora over his head. As he was leaving, he looked back to the chef. Sanji was leaning against the table, a cigarette pressed between his lips. He waved at Zoro, who waved back and pushed the door open. Out in the open air, Zoro smiled. Although it seemed like he had failed, he knew that Sanji was intrigued. Sanji didn't like Don Krieg's patronage, and the Strawhats were the perfect people to rid him of it. They would have Le Baratie and its speakeasy. The idea of a speakeasy excited Zoro. It had been ages since he'd had a good drink. If he could drink and be in Luffy's service at the same time, well, Zoro would be living the good life. He smiled again, because that life seemed to be a definite future.
The only problem now was getting Don Krieg to turn over his business. Zoro had a feeling it wouldn't be too difficult. He just had to wait for Sanji to be ready. Great, more waiting.