Heart of the Kitsune

Heart of the Kitsune

Chapter 2

-

Sanji's world shattered around him but was replaced with anger. "No? No!!! What do you mean no!? You shitty marimo, how can you deny me!" he yipped in anger, bringing his arms away from the other male and winced when his arm throbbed with the healing fracture. Zoro huffed in anger. "I'm not easily swayed by a kitsune, dammit! And where the hell do you get off calling me marimo, you lousy fox!"

"Lousy?! How dare you!"

"If the shoe fits!"

"I should curse you for your words but you're lucky I like you!"

"Go find some she-fox to play with!"

"It's you that I want!"

"You're lucky you're injured, shitty-fox! I would toss you out on your ass!"

"I can take you on any day!"

"Wanna bet!"

Any Inari shrine in the vicinity of the argument grew a sweatdrop at the arguing duo.

-

In a secluded location, Zeff slapped a hand to his forehead as he watched the silent vision before him of Sanji. "That pup just can't control himself, can he?" A trilling laughter answered him as a bird landed on the ground before him before shifting into a mortal form. "Well, he sure takes after you, Zeff-san." The male spoke, chuckling again. "And you need to keep an eye on that foster brother of yours." Zeff spoke as he looked to the other. The phoenix laughed again. "True, true. Little Luffy is making Son Goku angry with his antics in town but can you blame him? He needs to eat and apparently, doing tricks for food wasn't something he planned so he took the easier route."

"Well Ace, it's either his hide or yours." Zeff muttered, fox ears twitching.

Ace pouted and would've answered before he poofed in a flurry of feathers and ash. Zeff sighed and mentally counted before Ace was reborn again. The phoenix, or vermillion bird in the case of local myths in the area, has a very high tolerance to die while in the middle of a thought, or even when he's eating, which leads to a common annoyance that not only Zeff finds to be such. The feathers and ash reformed back into the young male and Ace grinned. "I feel decades younger! Now what was I talking about?" he questioned as he stretched.

"I don't know. We were speaking about Luffy and you died so whatever you were about to say was probably forgotten." Zeff muttered. Ace blinked and cocked his head to the side before laughing. "You're so right! But I'll talk to Luffy soon. Maybe I'll break him out of his habit." he said before changing back into his natural animal form and flew off. "Don't encourage him! Actually do something!" Zeff called before the phoenix was out of sight and got another trilling laugh in response. "All these pups are going to be the death of me. Inari, why leave me to watch them all when my own kin is a handful." he muttered before getting up, losing his mortal shell and dashed off into the forest, eight hoshi no tama glowing in the pitch blackness of the forest around him.

-

Sanji pouted as he sat on the futon that was placed in the small tea room Zoro's home had. He was a very pissy kitsune and that in itself was dangerous. 'How dare he. No male or female could resist me. How could he?' he thought to himself before smirking. "But it makes it all worthwhile. I never had a challenge for something I wanted and he's becoming such. Maybe beating him in battle will change his tune. A strong mate for a strong man." he murmured to himself and started plotting to himself before he fell asleep once a few tricks came into mind.

'He will be mine. I will bring misfortune onto anyone that dares disrupt me.'

-

Back in the city, the group of men that was out trying to catch the kitsune drowned themselves in second rate booze. "How could this happen? I was sure of that kitsune hiding in there...." A man slurred. "Maybe we were idiots...what kitsune would show itself to us...." Another added, tossing the paper with the drawing on it. A man stepped over to where the group stood and took the paper, looking at it before smirking. "Maybe I can capture this creature for myself. A kitsune would fetch a pretty penny on the black market. Anyone would pay thousands to have this creature in their hands." The new man spoke and one of the drunk men turned to him. "And how are yous gonna do that?" he questioned.

"Well, for one, you have to sneak up on it. Even better if it’s in mortal form cause then you can claim its hoshi no tama, a orb of great power that any kitsune would do a favor for its return. If this five tailed kitsune is around, then all I need to do is grab one and then he'll be mine to control and sell for money." The man spoke as he rolled up the parchment and headed back out. "Wait! Who are you?"

The man stopped at the door and turned, baring a wicked grin. "My name is Spandam. Remember it for I will be the one to catch the elusive kitsune." he said before leaving. The more sober men listened to his claim before shaking their heads. "Such a poor, naive fool. He would go for anything that might be related to a lore animal."

"Yeah. Remember that time he was chasing down that little imp of a monkey, thinking that it was a servant of Son Goku?"

"Yeah, he alone caused more damage than the damn monkey and that's considering most of that damage is to the people that lose food to that thing."

"Well maybe he actually might do this right."

"I doubt it. Spandam is an idiot and too much roaming about Zoro's neck of the woods might get him killed."

-

The next morning, Zoro was up for his morning meditation and when he was gone, Sanji woke up and yawned, stretching out lazily before looking around. He stood and headed up to Zoro's room but saw the other male was gone. No food was cooking so he wasn't making breakfast and there wasn't the telltale sign of him outside training with his swords. "Where the hell is that marimo?" he mumbled as he walked over to the window and looked outside.

He didn't see the other outside and pouted as he went outside as well. He sniffed the air and caught onto the familiar scent of steel and grinned as he followed it. The sound of the raging waterfall close to the city was heard and the scent was slowly being drowned out by the clean scent of the water. "He must be around here somewhere." Sanji murmured softly to himself as he made his way over to the waterfall and finally found his elusive prey.

He was sitting underneath the rush of water above him, meditation stance undisturbed as he sat there. He was without a shirt but his swords were still resting on his hip. Sanji whimpered at the sight and growled. "Damn that marimo. He's just trying to tease me, isn't he?!" he growled, now irritable at the delicious sight before him but had no say in what he could do with it.

"I have to make him mine, I just have to! But how if that idiot marimo won't even give me the time of day?!" he grumbled to himself as he left the area before he did something that could endanger himself. He pondered as he headed back for Zoro's little home. He made himself too comfortable there overnight and won't leave unless he was forced out by the swordsman. An idea popped into mind and he grinned.

"Ah, but he can't kick out a person that could make him the best meals ever!" he said cheekily and bounded the rest of the way back to the quaint little home, ready to prepare a meal fit for a king for the rebellious swordsman.

-

Zoro, even in the midst of a serious meditation session, could tell there was another presence around. A very strong presence that could only belong to a certain kitsune. 'That damn fox needs to go somewhere.' he thought as he continue meditating, feeling the presence leave and he was left to his solitude until his hour of meditation was up. He stood and moved from underneath the waterfall, stretching a bit before drying off with the cloth he had with him and put on a shirt before walking off, deliberately heading off into the city to get himself something to quell his growing hunger.

Back at home, with the sparse ingredients left at his disposal, Sanji got to work. At least there was still some fish, rice and a bit of meat so he was able to make some teriyaki and sashimi. There was even a stash of buckwheat flour so Sanji had the option to make soba noodles. "Oh I can see it now! He will be in awe once he sees my dishes and his taste buds will explode with flavor as he eats each one! Then I'll have him snared for no human can make a meal like I can! He'll want my dishes all the time so he'll have to agree to be mine!" he said with a fox smile upon his face as he got to work, tossing away the splint on his arm now that the fracture was healed. He hummed softy to himself as he cooked, unaware that his plan may just backfire.

-

In the city, Zoro was at the typical stand, getting himself a meal of yakisoba and some decent quality sake. "How is it, Roronoa-sama?" The cook asked, wringing his hands as he waited for the verdict. He was always pleased to have the legendary swordsman eat at his little stand and always did his best to make the best meal for the swordsman, free of charge. "Better than before." he murmured as he continued to eat and the man sighed with relief.

"It's good to know that it’s to your standards! Please, feel free to ask for seconds!" he spoke before moving away to tend to other customers at the other end of the stand. The peace in the town was calm until the usual ruckus started. "Hey! Get that monkey! It stole my onigiri!" A man called and he ducked in time as the wily monkey soared over his head, an armful of onigiri in its arms.

"Tashigi! Smoker! Get that thief!" A local policeman called and soon, barks were accompanied as two dogs ran past the stands. "Never a dull morning here." he muttered, taking another swig of his sake.

With Luffy, the little monkey continued to run, flipping over carts and ducking through people's legs as he ran for his life from the two dogs chasing him. Of course, this was always a game and Smoker knew it well. They play it everyday and it hasn't gotten old yet. "You can't catch me, Smoker!" Luffy cheered as he continued to run. "Get back here, you little brat!" the gray colored hound called.

All three of them were animal spirits, Smoker and Tashigi staying more to their animal form mostly for their jobs as police dogs. Smoker was first to be part of the force, a task that prove difficult since his loyalty way greatly tested due to him being a half breed. He was a guardian of Okami but is usually found in the guise of a common dog but that still didn't hide much of the wolf blood in him.

It was a good few years before he became part of the force and hasn't let his loyalties die yet. Tashigi joined a couple months after, being found as a little Shiba Inu pup and she looked up to Smoker for everything she knows. She also knew his secret and kept that a protected secret of her own volition, knowing that people in the city would do anything for a lore creature of any kind since the area around it was brimming with ancient magics. That fact alone led the people to believe they were surrounded by lore spirits, which they were, but never saw them. They may catch a glimpse of one but that's about all they get.

She knew that Luffy was a lore animal as well but he definitely plays his part as the sneaky monkey well enough to hide the fact. Once they were on the outskirts of town did they stop. "Aww, you guys tired already?! That's not fun!" Luffy said with a pout as he shifted into his mortal form, grinning as he munched on a piece of onigiri. Smoker huffed as he changed as well. "How many times do I have to tell you to stop stealing food, kid? I won't keep giving you free passes and just chase you out the city. I will eventually catch you and put you up for the police to decide what to do with you." he muttered, crossing his arms.

"But you know you can't, Smoker! You do that and Shanks won't be happy with you!" Luffy pointed out and he groaned. If there was one person he didn't want to encounter, it was Shanks. The guy was a humorous dolt but he was a powerful lore animal. He was the greater power over Ace the phoenix as the powerful Suzaku of the South. He along with the other three beasts of the four directions oversees all and they usually have an understudy to regular the small matters that didn't require them.

His understudy was, of course, Ace, who just so happens to be Luffy's adopted brother. It wasn't good to piss off Ace but its death to piss them both off. "Alright fine, you win. Just stop stealing food. If you're that desperate for a meal, come to me and we'll make arrangements." Smoker grumbled and Luffy cheered.

"Yay! Free food! Free food!"

"Luffy, giving the old man trouble again?" Ace questioned from his spot in the trees. Luffy looked up and waved. "Hey Ace! No, we were just playing our usual game!" he replied, tossing his brother a piece of onigiri. Ace caught it and laughed. "It's always games and adventures with you! Keep it up!"

"Don't encourage him!" Tashigi yipped.

"You're just like old man Zeff, Tashigi!"

"Well he's your brother! Keep an eye on him for once!"

Ace chuckled again as he finished his onigiri in one bite. "I would if I weren't so busy. Old Zeff needs some extra eyes to watch over the little rambunctious pup of his. Apparently little Sanji is finally going to settle down." he explained. "Sugoi!!!! Who is it, Ace!?" Luffy questioned. Smoker arched a grey eyebrow, also curious. He only met the kitsune on some occasions where he too would wander into town, mostly to sway women and do a trick or two out of boredom. To hear the little hellraiser was about to settle down is a feat in itself. Ace hopped down from the branch. "Some green haired guy. All we were watching was a vision so we didn't get a name."

"Wait...did you say green hair? Sanji is trying to sway the demon swordsman Roronoa Zoro?! He's crazy!" Tashigi cried.

"Roronoa Zoro!?" Luffy cried then blinked. "Who's he?" Tashigi huffed as she changed into her mortal form and looked to Luffy. "Roronoa Zoro was one of the youngest men to be part of the royal guards for the magistrate in the city. He's retired now but he's still as lethal as he was back then. No one would dare face him in battle because his Santoryuu style isn't something just anyone can easily match up with." she explained. "Oh! Then he's perfect for Sanji! Sanji would definitely want a strong mate and I'm sure this Zoro guy fits the bill!"

"You just don't get it, do you?!"

"Well Luffy has a point." Ace spoke and Tashigi looked to him. "I'm sure Zeff wanted someone to rein in Sanji and if anyone could do, sounds like the swordsman is a liable choice." he pointed out. "I actually agree with that logic. Maybe dying and being reborn is making you smarter, Ace." Smoker said with a chuckle. Ace grinned. "Glad you agree with me, Smokey." Smoker growled and glared at him. "What did I tell you about that nickname?"

"You know you love it."

Tashigi looked between them before sighing. "Smoker-sama. We should get back before the captain worries." she said, shifting back. "True. As for you, you stay out of trouble for once." he spoke, looking down to Luffy. "And you," He pointed to Ace. "Stop encouraging him. I know you don't do a lick of discipline to him to keep him from getting into trouble." Ace winked at Smoker. "I will if you do me a favor."

"I'm not going out on a date with you." Ace pouted as he watched the two police dogs run back into the city. "I'll get you, Smokey! You watch me!" he trilled before looking back to Luffy. "As for you keep it up. Gives me more chances to see that man. I'll break him down soon enough." he said cheekily, winking down at his brother and Luffy grinned. "Aye, aye, Ace!"

-

The meal was done and set on the table, now all Sanji had to do was wait for the guest of honor. "Now where in the hell is he? He can't be training for this long, can he?" he muttered, tapping his fingers on the counter he was leaning against. He eventually pushed off from the counter and headed out, making his way back to the waterfall to see if Zoro was still there.

"I'll kill him myself if he ducked away." he grumbled. After his leave, Spandam came wandering into the area, looking around. "Hmm, if I was a kitsune, where would I be?" he hummed as he looked around some more. He pulled out a map of the surrounding area and looked at it. "Let see, the river is not far from here. Further upstream is a waterfall. Maybe the kitsune is taking a bath at the waterfall." he said then grinned.

"Nothing better than an unprepared fox." he spoke as he started heading off in that direction. When he arrived there, he was in luck. There, Sanji stood, tapping his foot angrily and his head held high, sniffing out for any lingering scent of Zoro. Spandam prepared the rope, ready to capture the elusive kitsune before he knew he was around.

Sanji's ears perked as he heard the crunching of twigs beneath the other's feet. He turned just in time to see the other man and grinned. "Well hello there. What's brings a strapping young man like you into my neck of the woods?" he purred as he turned to him. Like anyone else, Spandam fell for his charm easily.

"I want to capture you. You will be taken to a good home, I promise. Hell, you might even become the magistrate's pet. Fortune and comfort awaits you there." Spandam said, ready to toss the rope and tie up the kitsune to come along with him. Sanji dashed over to him, arms looping around the male's neck. "Oh yeah? That sounds wonderful. There's just one teeny tiny little problem with that request..." he whispered, a tail brushing over Spandam's face as he grinned.

"You'll have to catch me first!" he yipped, moving away and was gone before he could retaliate. "The fuck!?" Spandam cursed as he looked around for the kitsune male. "Shit, he's fast." he muttered before he went on a search for the kitsune.

Sanji huffed as he watched him, rubbing his hands on the branch he was sitting on. "Ugh, can't believe I touch that unwashed fool of a mortal. I rather be running my hands on someone else." he murmured before looking towards the city. "And that stupid marimo isn't even here!" he growled, ears flattening, before shifting forms and hopped down from the tree, making his way back to the swordsman's home.

Around that same time, Zoro was making his way home after having another fill of high quality liquor at the tavern before he headed out. "Hope that damn fox is gone." he muttered as he reached his house and the moment he opened the door, he could smell the delicious food that was sitting on the table. He didn't take long to figure out the kitsune was probably the one to have made it before running off and snorted.

"A waste of food since I already went out to eat." he muttered as he headed off to his room just as Sanji reached the house. His nose twitched at the familiar smell of his mate and grinned. "Good, he's finally home. Can't woo him without getting rid of the fool chasing me first." he mumbled to himself, pondering on what to do next and got an idea, heading back off into the forest.

-

Spandam continued his search, following the river downstream to see if the kitsune was anywhere on the shore, getting himself a drink or resting. "Damn fox..." he mumbled as he continued his search. Soon, the howl of a lone fox was heard and he grinned as he followed the sound. The sound got gradually louder and he soon spotted the elusive animal.

"Ah, there you are. You're a speedy little thing, aren't you? Now come to me and everything will be fine." The fox tilted his head to the side as Spandam closed in on the kitsune. The fox grinned as he continued to watch Spandam try to get closer and closer to him, never knowing in the slightest that he was trapped in an illusion easily created by Sanji, who stood outside of the illusion plane. He smirked as he walked off. "Have fun, you dumbass." he murmured as he bounded off back for Zoro's home.

When he got there, he peeked inside but the smell of food was still strong and he pouted. "The hell?" he grumbled and headed upstairs. He walked into the room to see the other was passed out asleep in his bed. He growled as he walked over to the bed and looked down to him. "Oi." he called. No response. "Oi!!!" Still nothing. His tails bristled angrily as he lifted a leg high into the air. "Hey, you dumbass marimo! Wake up!" he hissed as he slammed his leg down on the other, winding him as he shot up from the bed. "The hell, you shitty fox! Why are you here?!"

"I went through the trouble of making you something to eat and you leave it there to cool!" Sanji growled, eyes narrowed as he looked down to him. Zoro growled as he stood. "Didn't I tell you that you were out of here today? So get going, you shitty fox!" Sanji bristled even more.

"Don't think getting rid of me will be the end of it. I want you, Roronoa Zoro, and I'm not going to give up. I'll fight you if I must to prove the benefits of having me around. I think a perfectly good reason was the food downstairs. I'll leave it there for you so appreciate the damn gesture." he snarled before turning tail and left. Zoro watched as the fox left, rubbing his stomach.

"Shit, that damn fox can hit hard." he grumbled before moving to get out of bed and head downstairs to eat whatever concoction the fox made for him. He was actually surprised at the amount of food on the table and could only guess the fox was planning to eat with him. "Oh well." he murmured as he sat down, pulling the bowl of soba noodles forward and snapped the chopsticks sitting off to the side. "Itadakimasu." he mumbled before he started to eat.

While doing so, he never noticed Sanji watching from the window, smiling softly. "But he's still stubborn. If he always heads into town, then maybe I can enlist some help from some friendly spirits that I know." he said and smirked. "Get some dirt on him then appeal to his favorite things. If he knows kitsunes so well, then he should know we don't give up easily. Seduction has always been a kitsune's strong point but looks like I need a little more of it than usual to sway this interesting piece of mortal." he murmured as he made his way to the city.

"Besides...I've been the taker for 300 years now. It's about time I become the receiver to satisfy my hunger." he whispered, running a hand along his bare chest and imagining it to be a strong calloused hand. "Be prepared, my dear shitty marimo. I've come to collect."

-

Zypher: The more I write, the more I surprise myself that I'm hitting the attitude of what a typical kitsune would do down to a T before I even looked at the info. -looks at various sites of research on kitsune lores- Anyways, I'm so happy you all are loving this fic! I feel like I've accomplished something to get such nice reviews from you all.

Well, looks like there's still a hint of OOC trying to weasel in there but I think I got Zoro's badass personality growing and it will only get better the more he has to deal with Sanji. -chuckles- And Sanji is a sneaky fox and we'll definitely be seeing more tricks from him soon enough.

And look, more characters! Can't have a good One Piece story without throwing in the rest of the Mugiwara crew and various friends and enemies. So be prepared to see more show up soon as well as the danger that is Spandam [thanks to a rl friend who gave me an interesting conflict dealing with him thanks to what he has already done in the series itself] and a new danger that will show itself soon. So tell me if I'm still doing good and I'll see you next time! -waves-