Tales of the Sea [Sanji x OC]

Chapter 6: The Four's Gamble

After the grueling trials of the Seasonal Islands, Luffy, Sanji, Zoro, and Usopp found themselves in a state of exhaustion and distraction. Their usual lively and energetic selves were replaced by a weariness that hung in the air. Sanji, renowned for his culinary skills, didn't even have the energy to cook dinner. Instead, it was Segal who stepped in to prepare a meal for the crew. Nami, ever the navigator and caretaker, did her best to tend to the needs of her male crew mates, ensuring they were as comfortable as possible after their challenging ordeals.

As the Going Merry set course away from the fourth and final Seasonal Island, a mix of emotions washed over the crew. Accomplishment was undeniably there, as they had indeed faced trials, conquered challenges, and secured the coveted Season Stones, the keys to the Grand Line. However, beneath the veneer of triumph, a lingering weight pressed upon their hearts. The sacrifices made and the trials endured raised a question in their minds: was the pursuit of these stones worth the heavy toll on their spirits and bodies? The journey had undoubtedly brought them closer, but they couldn't help but wonder about the true significance of their quest.

The journey through the Seasonal Islands had been a test of their resolve and teamwork. Usopp's injury on Spring Island had been a stark reminder of the dangers they faced, but it had also reinforced their determination to succeed. With Nami and Zoro obtaining the Spring Stone after Usopp's recovery, they had completed the first leg of their quest.

Luffy, driven by a deep sense of responsibility as the captain, had chosen to face the trials of Autumn Island. But unlike other adventures, Luffy felt the need to conquer this quest alone. And that itself was a sacrifice. He had felt the weight of his crew's dreams on his shoulders, and the anxiety he had experienced during those trials served as a reminder of just how much his friends meant to him.

Sanji's trials on the scorching Summer Island had taken him back to his younger days when he had been stranded and left to fend for himself. The memories of those lonely, sweltering days had resurfaced, and he had faced his demons head-on but that did take it's toll.

Zoro, on the other hand, had encountered the bitter cold of Winter Island. The extreme temperatures had pushed him to his limits, and he had come dangerously close to succumbing to near-hypothermia. It was only his determination that pulled him through and succeeded to obtain the Winter Stone.

With the four Season Stones in their possession, a new riddle was formed, representing Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, a new riddle emerged from their convergence. It seemed to be a riddle born from the harmony of the seasons, a testament to the crew's resilience and unity.

Segal looked around the big wooden ship to find Luffy sprawled out on the deck near the ship's helm, gazing up at the sky. It was unusual for him to be that quiet for the small amount of time that she knew him. Zoro was leaning against the ship's mast, clutching his swords tightly. His usual stern softened, and he appeared lost in his own thought. Usopp was lying on a pile of blankets and cushions that both Segal and Nami provided for him. The hybrid's blue eyes finally landed upon Sanji, who was seated at the ship's railing and staring out at the sea. She sighed softly before making her way down to sit next to him.

''Are you okay?'' She spoke softly, placing her hand on his arm and looking up at he neat man.
'' Fae, my dear," Sanji began with his signature charm, his voice laced with playful surprise, "you always manage to catch me off guard with your sweetness. I'm perfectly fine," he reassured her, his blue eyes locked onto her gaze, "but your touch is irresistible." His words flowed smoothly, and he couldn't deny the magnetic pull he felt when she was near.

Segal's heart sank slightly at Sanji's response as she slowly pulled her hand back. She had hoped for an honest answer, a genuine moment of connection. Instead, she found herself in the familiar territory of his charming but elusive flirtations. It was clear that Sanji was a master of deflecting with compliments and maintaining his mysterious allure. With a faint, wistful smile, she replied, "Well, I'm glad you're okay." There was a hint of longing in her eyes, but she decided not to press further. Sanji had always been a puzzle, and it seemed he intended to keep it that way.

Segal stayed seated beside Sanji, her hands resting on her knees as she looked down in thought. The atmosphere shifted back to its usual lively state as if nothing ever happened. Usopp, being the first one to move, got up as quickly as he could.

''Guys! In the heart of four, where all seasons embrace,'' Usopp began, linking pieces of the first trial together.
''Seek the middle of islands, a mysterious place.'' Luffy added, now jumping up too.
''Stones of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter,'' Sanji said, surprised by how the words got to his mouth without thinking about them.
''Unite them there, become the path's printer.'' Zoro finished, exchanging glances with his fellow friends.

When the riddle was spoken out loud, it was as if something clicked in the brains of the crewmembers. Everyone instantly knew the answer to the mysterious riddles of the four Season Islands.

Due to the help of Nami's precise navigation, they made it to the literal heart of the islands. The central of all seasons.

As they reached the designated location in the middle of the vast sea, the crew gathered around the deck of the Going Merry, each holding a Season Stone. The stones glowed with an otherworldly light, and a sense of anticipation filled the air. This was the moment they had been working toward, the culmination of their efforts and sacrifices.

However, as the crew placed the stones in a circle on the deck, something unexpected occurred. The stones began to emit a powerful energy, creating a swirling vortex of water that rapidly expanded around the ship. Panic filled their hearts as they realized they were being pulled into a massive whirlpool.

The crew members clung to whatever they could, desperately trying to maintain their footing as the ship was enveloped by the raging waters. One by one, they succumbed to unconsciousness as the turbulent currents dragged them into the depths of the abyss.