Prosciutto e Melone
Arlong Park has fallen.
This marks the collapse of Arlong's tyranny. The people of Cocoyashi Village, upon hearing the news, race to spread word to the other villages of the Conomi Islands, where others suffered under the same oppression.
The reign of domination is over. Freedom has arrived.
The villagers rejoice, their faces alight with smiles, hearts soaring with a liberty they haven't felt in years.
Their first act as free people? A grand feast.
Unrestrained, they revel—laughing when they want, eating until they're stuffed, sleeping when exhaustion calls. The festival rages through day and night without pause.
Amid the celebration, the Straw Hat crew, thanked profusely by the villagers, indulge in their own way.
First, they treat their injuries and rest to recover strength. They sleep through the morning, rising around noon to join the festivities.
Luffy, Kiri, and Zoro, the most heavily injured, visit Dr. Nako for further treatment before diving in. With the feast set to last days, there's no rush.
In Cocoyashi's small clinic, Zoro's pained yelps echo.
"Ow, ow, ow, OW!?" Zoro howls.
"Honestly, an amateur stitching up a wound like that," Dr. Nako grumbles. "And you were moving around with such sloppy work?"
"No choice. He's an idiot," Kiri quips, lounging on a nearby bed.
"Not me! It was that cook from the sea restaurant!" Zoro snaps.
Zoro's chest wound, inflicted by Mihawk, is being restitched, the pain drawing his cries. Beside him, Kiri sprawls lazily, watching with a bored expression.
The air is lighter now, the battle's tension gone.
Luffy and Kiri have already been treated, but Kiri, claiming moving is too much effort, remains sprawled, rolling around without intent to sleep or rise.
It's practically teasing.
Zoro, enduring the pain, glares and growls, "What're you doing just lying there? If you're done, get out… ugh!"
"Once I lie down, I'm done," Kiri sighs. "Feels like I can't move anymore."
"Why do you need to watch me… guh!" Zoro grunts.
"Ugh, so sluggish. Not even sleepy anymore," Kiri mumbles.
Kiri's idle chatter while Zoro endures the needle stokes his irritation.
I'll slice him later, Zoro vows, powering through the stitching until Dr. Nako finishes.
Outside, the sounds of the feast drift in—music playing, conversations buzzing, a lively contrast to the village's somber arrival. Kiri rolls onto his stomach, glancing out the window with a smile. The festive atmosphere suits his pirate tastes perfectly.
The village has transformed into a pirate-friendly haven, warm and welcoming.
The crew's probably out there enjoying it by now.
Zoro, pulling on his shirt, sits on the bed's edge, watching Kiri swing his legs like a child. His relaxed expression, looser than usual, looks almost juvenile, prompting Zoro to sigh in exasperation.
His anger fizzles; he's too tired to care.
He could join the feast, but the urge fades.
As Dr. Nako settles into a chair by the wall, the two gaze out the window, chatting idly.
"So, that wound was from that marine, huh?" Zoro says.
"Yeah. Too strong, so I lost," Kiri replies.
"Sorry about that."
"No need to apologize. Honestly, it was a miracle we weren't all caught."
Rolling onto his back, Kiri raises his left hand, studying it. His recovery speed, astonishing even to the doctor, is nearly complete. Bandages remain as a precaution, but in a few days, he'll be fully healed.
It's a valuable lesson.
Facing death, fighting with everything, and losing taught them their limits. The overwhelming gap in strength was humbling, but surviving as a crew makes it worthwhile.
Defeat shows they can grow stronger.
For Kiri and Usopp, the clash with Bogard holds deep meaning—almost worth gratitude.
"Knowing humans can get that strong is a win itself," Kiri says. "We got a taste of the Grand Line's level. Gotta keep getting tougher."
"Yeah… we've had our share of fights too," Zoro replies.
"You met him, right? Hawk-Eyes. Yosaku mentioned it," Kiri says.
"That blabbermouth," Zoro grumbles.
"Seeing your goal's good, right? The real journey's just starting," Kiri adds.
Their wounds brought gains. Kiri flexes his fingers, confirming they move freely.
The path to the top is clear, inspired by glimpsing those towering figures. They're far from reaching them, but ambition and anticipation replace any doubt.
"It's gonna get fun," Kiri says. "Got a cook, a navigator—time for the Grand Line."
"Already heading there?" Zoro asks.
"It's about time. With reliable crewmates, we're ready."
"Feels like it's finally happening. Luffy's been set on it from the start," Zoro notes.
"I made us take the long route. The Grand Line's not as forgiving as East Blue," Kiri admits.
Zoro, watching Kiri's easy smile as he closes his eyes, recalls something. He's heard bits of Kiri's past voyages but nothing about what happened after his crew died, leaving him alone. Kiri dodged those details, brushing them off casually.
It's not critical to know, but it nags at Zoro.
Seizing the moment, he probes, "You were in the Grand Line, right?"
"Yeah, for a while," Kiri confirms.
"Your crew died long ago. Never heard what you did after."
Kiri's smile fades, eyes still closed. It's not offense but a pensive hesitation.
"Hmm, you wanna know?" he asks.
"Don't wanna talk about it?"
"Not that I don't want to, but… hmm," Kiri trails off.
"That big a deal? What kind of trouble were you in?" Zoro presses.
It's rare to see Kiri so conflicted. He's usually glib, joking or dodging with ease. This reluctance feels off. He's open with his thoughts, even lies meant to tease, never to deceive in serious moments.
Something's not right. His silence speaks volumes.
After a moment of groaning, Kiri opens his eyes, smiling wryly. "I'll tell you eventually. Once we hit the Grand Line, it'll come up anyway."
"What's that mean—" Zoro starts.
"Alright, time to join the feast! Luffy's probably long gone," Kiri interrupts, hopping off the bed, cutting the conversation short.
Zoro, sensing Kiri won't budge, stands too. They glance at Dr. Nako, whose professional care has been a lifeline. Zoro offers a grateful smile, met with a wry look.
"Thanks, Doc. We're good now, right?" Zoro asks.
"Rest, and you will be. No overdoing it for at least three days," Nako warns.
"Got that, Zoro? Three days," Kiri teases.
"You're in the same boat," Zoro retorts.
"Huh?"
"Normal people would get that," Zoro grumbles.
Back to their usual banter, they wave to Nako and leave the clinic.
Stepping outside, they're enveloped by the feast's chaos—laughter, clinking glasses, and jubilant villagers celebrating freedom.
Kiri, leading, turns to Zoro. "What's your plan?"
"Eat, drink, sleep. You?" Zoro replies.
"Gotta talk to Nami about something. Gonna find her," Kiri says.
"Something bad?" Zoro asks, half-suspicious.
"Nah, good stuff. Might catch up later. See ya," Kiri says, waving lightly and blending into the crowd.
Zoro watches Kiri's back, noting a hint of secrecy. They've spent plenty of time together, but there's still much he doesn't know—especially about Kiri's time alone after his crew's loss.
Kiri's seventeen now. He lost his crew at twelve and only recently returned to East Blue. That gap—what was he doing? Even Luffy might not know.
His evasiveness is curious, but Zoro trusts Kiri's loyalty to Luffy. He's clearly thrilled to be pirating again. Betrayal seems unlikely, and if he did stray, he'd probably return with a grin, claiming it was strategy. No need to worry.
Shaking his head, Zoro drops it. He's not one to meddle.
Feeling nosy and annoyed at himself, he scratches his head and decides to drink until he's plastered.
"Huh!?" Luffy gasps, standing frozen, meat-laden bones in both hands.
Before him is Sanji, just finished eating. Luffy had approached to chat, but seconds ago, he saw Sanji eating something unbelievable, making his heart skip.
A slice of melon topped with ham.
He's never seen or heard of such a dish. Why would ham and melon meet?
His baffled expression screams confusion.
Sanji, loosening his tie, sighs contentedly, full from the meal. Noticing Luffy, he mutters, "Phew, ate well. Nice to just eat sometimes. Wanted Nami-san and Silk-chan to try my cooking, but I'll feed them daily from now on, so it's fine."
"Hey, Sanji," Luffy stammers. "That thing you just ate… had something on it, right?"
"Of course. It's prosciutto e melone—ham on melon," Sanji explains.
"Prosciutto e melone!?" Luffy exclaims.
His eyes light up. Despite gorging on meat dishes across the village, his interest shifts entirely. Chewing what's in his mouth, he's captivated by this new dish.
"What's that crazy-sounding food!?" he demands. "Never heard of it, never seen it!"
"Might surprise you if it's your first time," Sanji says. "The ham's subtle saltiness brings out the melon's sweetness. Worth a try."
"Where is it!?" Luffy asks eagerly.
"Dunno where it came from. The whole island's a buffet with the feast," Sanji replies.
"I'm gonna find it!" Luffy declares.
Unable to wait, Luffy bolts, meat still in hand, tossing bites in as he searches for prosciutto e melone. Sanji frowns at his lack of manners but lets it slide—pirates will be pirates.
"That guy's always eating. Bottomless stomach," Sanji mutters.
Luffy's gluttony, though crude, is a chef's dream. He devours every dish completely, a trait Sanji noticed at Baratie. Manners can come later.
For now, Sanji has other plans.
He'd been at a roadside table with chairs, but the others have scattered to enjoy the feast. Standing, he scans the crowd—villagers laughing, including plenty of women.
He's heard pirates find romance at every port. As a kid, he thought that was the coolest thing. Clearly, he's always been weak for women.
Heart swelling, he spots countless beautiful smiles. Resolve hardens, his eyes sharpen, and he takes off.
"Food's done. Time for some flirting! I need ladies!" he shouts, charging into the crowd.
His boisterous pursuit raises no suspicion in the joy-soaked village. He's just another reveler.
Luffy, meanwhile, searches for prosciutto e melone. The village, the entire island, is alive with the feast—tables line the streets, piled with dishes made by the community.
No luck yet.
No sign of ham-topped melon.
"Where's the prosciutto e melone!?" Luffy groans, eyes bloodshot, still munching meat.
A loud voice cuts through. Familiar. Looking up, he sees Usopp atop a makeshift platform, megaphone in hand, rallying the crowd.
"And now, the great Usopp sings!" Usopp announces.
"Usopp, you know prosciutto e melone!?" Luffy calls.
"Huh? Oh, it's Boss Luffy! Prosciutto e melone?" Usopp replies.
"Melon with ham on top! Subtle saltiness boosts the sweetness. Supposed to be around, but where?" Luffy explains.
"Sorry, haven't seen it. But since you're here, let me tell you an epic tale of mine—" Usopp starts.
"Nah, later!" Luffy cuts him off, sprinting away.
"You're not gonna listen!?" Usopp sighs, watching him go.
Luffy's something else. Fearless against tough foes, undeterred by injuries, and carefree afterward, holding no grudges. Usopp, having sailed with him and parted briefly, thinks he understands Luffy better than most.
An idea strikes.
Luffy doesn't brag about his deeds. He never boasts.
So Usopp will.
He'll tell the true tale of their captain's pirate journey—no lies, just facts. It'll sound like a tall tale, and if people think it's fiction, that's fine.
"Alright, listen up! With Arlong Park's fall, hear about our captain! I, Captain Usopp, who took down a fishman officer, will tell you how I joined him. In a small village…" Usopp begins, the villagers listening eagerly.
Luffy, still searching, grows frustrated. He's only checked Cocoyashi Village, so other villages might hold his prize. But his meat supply's dwindling, and panic creeps in.
What if someone ate it all? The thought's unbearable, spurring him to run faster.
Soon, he spots another familiar face—Silk, clutching a small bag. Stopping, he waves as she smiles and approaches.
"Silk, you know prosciutto e melone? Melon with ham, where the saltiness makes the sweet pop. Seen it anywhere?" he asks.
"Prosciutto e melone? Nope, haven't seen it," Silk replies.
"Damn, where is it? I'm starting to want it more than meat…" Luffy grumbles.
"You've got plenty of that," Silk laughs. "Luffy, you gotta eat veggies too."
"Yeah! But right now, it's prosciutto e melone!" he insists.
Silk's laugh pulls Luffy along, and she chuckles too. Then, she pulls a tangerine from her bag, offering it to him.
His right hand's free, meat depleted. He takes it eagerly.
"Here," she says.
"Huh? A tangerine?" Luffy asks.
"A thank-you from Nami and Nojiko. I got a bunch," Silk explains, showing the bag's contents.
Luffy stares at the tangerine, puzzled. Silk smiles.
"Their mom worked in a tangerine orchard. It's their treasure," she says.
"Got it. Gotta eat it carefully then," Luffy nods.
He gets it, despite the brief explanation. Pocketing the tangerine with care, he grins, reassuring Silk.
He's a pirate but a thoughtful kid, respecting others' feelings. A tangerine, just a fruit, but called a treasure—he treats it as such.
Meeting him was a stroke of luck.
Silk, clutching the tangerine-filled bag, smiles warmly. "Still searching? Don't overeat."
"Shishishi, I'm fine! I can eat tons more!" Luffy laughs.
"That's what I'm worried about…" Silk sighs.
Luffy waves, promising to meet later, and runs off. Silk, smiling wryly, walks on.
She holds a priceless gift. Sharing these tangerines will bring Nami closer to the crew.
She's a Straw Hat now, after all.
Minutes after parting with Silk, Luffy spots two familiar figures. Hurrying over, he sees Kiri and Nami.
"Kiri! Nami! Seen prosciutto e melone!?" he calls.
"Yo, surprise entrance," Kiri says. "Prosciutto e melone? That it?"
"Ohhh!? There it is!" Luffy exclaims.
The two were chatting by a side street, tables nearby. Kiri points to one, and there it is—melon slices topped with glistening ham, unlike anything Luffy's seen.
Ecstatic, he shouts, "That's what I wanted! Shishishi, finally found it!"
"You're having a blast, huh? Despite all those injuries," Kiri remarks.
"So goooood! Crazy good!" Luffy cheers, already eating.
"Not listening. And already eating," Kiri sighs.
Luffy sets his meat aside, devouring the prosciutto e melone, his face near tears with joy. Kiri, dumbfounded, watches. He's free-spirited himself but can't match Luffy.
Still, Luffy's antics don't hurt anyone—a unique talent, Kiri thinks, smiling.
Nami, amused yet soft, watches Luffy. He's unchanged, for better or worse.
His consistency soothes her, and she speaks gently. "After that fight, you're already obsessed with food. You're so weird."
"Oh, Nami. Thanks for the tangerine. I'll eat it carefully later," Luffy says.
"No need for thanks. It's not a big deal," Nami replies.
"But it's your treasure, right? That makes it a big deal," Luffy counters.
His casual words catch her off guard. Nami blushes, smiling wryly. "Yeah… whatever. Do what you want."
"Shishishi, I will!" Luffy grins, shoulders shaking.
Kiri, warmed by their exchange, feels reluctant to interrupt but speaks up. "Perfect timing. I had something to tell Nami, but I want you to hear it too, Luffy."
"Huh? About good food?" Luffy asks, mouth full.
"Nope. Our next voyage," Kiri says.
Kiri's gaze locks on Nami, his tone serious, shifting her expression slightly.
"You can say no if you want. This one's your call, Nami," he says.
"What? That serious?" she asks.
"Kinda. We're heading to the Grand Line next, so…" Kiri begins.
In the midst of the feast, Kiri broaches a topic that feels out of place. Luffy and Nami, caught off guard, are stunned—it's beyond their expectations. Luffy, knowing Kiri, calms quickly, while Nami's expression shifts as she listens.
When Kiri finishes, Nami nods, resolute.
His plan will move forward.
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