Merry landed safely in the ocean about half a day after lift off. Luffy caught the tired out octopus, and with a grin, bid it farewell while tossing it into the ocean. Finally! The crew was sailing on the sea again.

A wave of nostalgia hit Tani in a way she didn't think was possible. Like those people that kiss the sand when they make it to shore. Maybe it was her way of saying "Let's ban sky islands from our future adventures!"

"How's the log pose going?" Usopp asked the navigator. Nami examined the little bracelet, and sighed with relief when the dial was pointing away from the sky.

"We're on course already," she stated happily. "Everyone can relax for a while. Sanji can you fill the watering can? My trees look a little thirsty," Nami already sounded relaxed. Sanji ran to the kitchen, the sound of a tap could be heard.

"Tani," Zoro's voice called to her. He was standing beside Chopper's examination room. He gave a her look that said 'don't even think about denying my request right now'. "That bruise hasn't been checked for a while, Chopper wants to see you." the swordsman crossed his arms. Tani let out a sigh, he didn't have to play the scary bouncer card.

"Alright, I'm going." she pouted, walking past him. The door opened with a squeak, Chopper looked up from the barrel he was using as a chair.

"Tani! Take a seat, I won't be long," he chirped. Tani took a seat on the wooden bench that had a table cloth on it. Wow they really needed to give Merry a revamp. Chopper trotted back with some relaxing gel, disinfectant, cotton balls, and an array of bandages.

"I'm just going to clean up your wounds, patch up your leg, and check that bruise." he informed, hopping onto the bench beside her. Chopper worked efficiently, bandages were wrapped, wounds cleaned (which stung like hell), and her bruise was starting to fade in colour. So no severe internal bleeding! That's a win for Tani. "All better," Chopper grinned. Tani gave him a proud smile.

"Looks great doc, but I shouldn't expect anything less," she praised. Chopper danced on the tips of his hooves, his arms waving around with delight.

"Shut up bastard, I don't like being praised for my work," he sang. Tani could feel his aura glowing. Tani moved to grab a lollipop or something from her bag, yet her hands found nothing but old lint and a quarter... Hopefully the next island has a store.

"Well I'll be off," Tani waved, walking out of the room. Chopper was still dancing around with that happy face.

When Tani opened the door, she was greeted by Zoro. Who looked her up and down, noticing that her leg was covered in bandages as well as the band aids up her arms. He gave her an approving nod (something she didn't know she needed) and walked off to take a nap.

"Oi," Tani turned to find Usopp and Luffy fishing together. The pair waved her over, she did so without missing a beat. "We're catching lunch," Luffy drooled. Tani snickered, grabbing her fishing rod and plotting herself between the two.

The waters were calm, not much to catch she guessed. At least the company was nice, Usopp filled the silence with a wild story about giant robots and lions that run so fast they can sail across the ocean. If Usopp lived in her world, she is almost certain he would be working for the movie industry, or writing children's books.

Something in the air shifted, leaving Nami's skin to shiver with goosebumps... The sky was clear, but this was the Grand line... Maybe Robin wouldn't know.

"Hey, what's that?" Luffy called out, the crew turned to see a ship sailing... Well sailing is a bit much. The boat had no flag, sails, or anything really. The crew was bare bones for such a massive vessel, yet it was bare of anything.

"I knew it!" Nami growled, pointing towards Sanji. "There's a tsunami on its way. We need to stay on course or we're as good as dead," Nami said grimly.

So the ship was in a flurry, preparing for this massive tidal wave that was going to hit within the next couple of minutes. Tani got to work, tying ropes around any objects that could go flying during the natural disaster. She should start a bingo board, tick off every life threatening event she experienced, and get a complimentary gift bag on the way out.

The boat beside them started begging for help, crying and screaming as the wave approached. There wasn't time to help them, their boat was large enough to keep them from capsizing. Hopefully they survived.

The wave dwarfed the Merry, roaring towards them like a stampede. Nami remained confident in the face of such danger. Her leadership skills having saved them more times then Tani can count. This time was no different.

Merry practically glided up the wave, similarly to how they rode the knock up stream. Tani wanted to throw up, but that's to be expected, she's tired of all these heights! Maybe she needs to start a law suit against god? That sounds reasonable.

The ride was over before they knew it, Merry made it out without any harm. Tani turned back to see that the other boat got away without any real damage either, so her conscious was cleared. However the boat was too far away for them to turn around and check up on the crew.

"I think I see an island ahead!" Usopp cheered. A feeling of thrill, bubbled through the crew, Tani was just happy to have an island that wasn't suspended a bazillion feet in the air.

This should be a relaxing, fun adventure.

...

This island was weird! Completely barren, excluding the thinly stretched trees that were spaced out, and the long animals that wandered around. Tani ended up getting dragged along with Luffy, Usopp and Chopper. Much to the protest of Nami.

"Why is everything so looooooooooong?" Tani questioned. Looking at the elongated dog that wandered past. A giggle was made beside her.

"Hey, that's a Biiiiiiiiiird!" Luffy barked with laughter, a crane with twiggy legs and a neck the length of a small building. Walked by without paying them any mind.

"That's a beeeeeeeeear," Chopper pointed out with a snicker. The bears arms and legs were stretched like play-doh.

"Is that a kitty caaaaaaaaaat?" Tani wheezed. Spotting a cat with a long torso, rolling around in the grass.

"Look! It's a hoooooooooorse," Usopp laughed, pointing at the white saddled horse with legs for days. The horse in question, gave a whine and trotted away. Chopper hummed.

"She said to follow her?" he commented. Chopper shifted to walking point and followed the horse, Tani, Luffy and Usopp followed behind the doctor. "We're getting closer." the deer assured.

The horse stopped in front of two bamboo sticks. Her head pointing at the sticks, she let out a whine. Chopper nodded.

"There's someone on top of these, he's been up there for... TEN YEARS?!" Chopper shrieked. Was the guy still alive? Best find out-

"Gum gum whip!" Luffy called out, his leg sweeping the ground.

Usopp grabbed Tani and jumped over Luffy's leg as it flew towards the bamboo posts. The sniper giving Luffy a small rant about being careful. Which was ignored as the sound of a man shouting could be heard. A smack to the ground, and a puff of dust later. An middle aged man laid on the ground with his arms spread out like a starfish.

The horse whined excitedly, clopping towards the man and shoving her face into his torso. Nuzzling him with a pet like pride... Man Tani wishes she had a pet... Chopper doesn't count.

"Oh, my head..." the man groaned. Rubbing at his head, turning to see the horse and smiling so wide, all his teeth (what was left of them) were on display. "My Shelly! My darling horse, I'm so happy you're still here," he grinned. Hugging into the muzzle of Shelly. Who nuzzled back.

"How did you survive up there for ten years?!" Tani blurted out. The man rubbed the back of his head and sheepishly laughed.

"Well, I couldn't get down because I'm scared of heights," he admitted. All eyes turned to Tani, who balked and crossed her arms. "So I was stuck up there until you guys knocked me over," he explained.

"Why didn't the horse do it?" Usopp questioned. Oh darling, when has common sense ever been a part of this universe? Tani laughs to herself.

"Doesn't matter, the guys down now." Tani pointed. The man stood up and bowed.

"I'm sorry, where's manners? I'm Tonjit, it appears my people have vacated the island." he says solemnly. "Shelly and I will find them again. Won't we girl?" he smiles sweetly. Shelly cheerfully whines, pushing her snout into his face.

Tonjit mounted the horse, grabbed the reins and started to ride her around the small field area. It was wonky at first, but just like riding a bike, he managed to get into the swing of things. Galloping around freely with his companion.

*Bang*

A gun shot sounded from behind Tani, she could feel her heart rate quicken. The world went quiet as Shelly toppled to the ground with a shriek. A small stream of blood drizzled from her shoulder. Chopper was running towards her, already whipping out the bandages in his bag. Luffy, Usopp and Tani turned around to find and kick the ass of whoever shot at Shelly.

Standing there was a man, roughly Luffy's height. He had a cartoony face shape, with a large nose and jutting chin. He looked like Dick dastardly's fat brother. The archetypal, moustache twirling villain.

Tani instantly hated him. His vibe made her feel like he was going to be more trouble than he's worth.

"BULLS EYE!" he cheered. Blowing on his still smoking weapon. Luffy stormed forward.

"You bastard! You shot Shelly, I'm gonna kick your ass," Luffy snarled. Dastardly huffed and laughed, come on he even had the evil laugh!

Beside the guy stood a monkey looking guy that laughed like Muttley, and a girl with pointy features that may as well have been Penelope Pitstop. The whole Wacky races cast came here to shoot at an innocent horse and harass the crew... Oh no.

"You haven't touched the rest of our crew have you?" Tani sneered. Dastardly ignored her.

"Actually!" Penelope clone started, her voice a high pitched siren. "Our captain has come to challenge your captain to a game," she snickered. The monkey muttley snickered with her.

"I don't care! I'm gonna a kick your ass!" Luffy barked. The other captain smirked. "I don't even know who you are!" Luffy growled.

"I'm the great Foxy! Captain of the Foxy pirates," Foxy replied, he pointed his gun towards Luffy. "Fight me in a Davy back game," he challenged.

There was a beat of silence, when Usopp panicked and yelled at Luffy.

"Wait a minute Luffy!" he stared at Foxy, "If you accept this, and lose. You could lose nakama," he warned. Shaking in his boots. Tani gasped. What kind of awful game would... Pirates, of course pirates would-

"I accept! I wanna kick your ass," Luffy accepted. Tani felt the floor leave her. That idiot!

"Luffy, what have you done?!" Tani shrieked. Holding onto Usopp in despair, Usopp was just as sullen.

"Fire a gun in the air, and let the games begin." Foxy grinned. Tossing a gun towards Luffy. Who grabbed it.

Tani and Usopp both begged for Luffy not to-

*Bang*

*Bang*

-Fire...

"LUFFY! NO!" The duo cried. Falling to the floor into a pathetic pile of mush. Luffy turned to face Shelly, pointing at her.

"You better recover fast," he said. Only to see the horse was totally fine. Even Chopper was surprised at the speedy recovery.

Well now their crew was participating in a game, one that could mean the matter of losing friends, or gaining allies... Tani had a bad feeling about this. If Foxy was anything like Dastardly, this guys a cheating scoundrel.

"Ready, Straw hat?" Foxy snickered. Luffy huffed.

"Of course I'm ready, two piece head," he replied, turning away from Foxy when he dropped to the floor and whined about the insulting name.

Luffy grabbed the pile of weeping nakama, tossed them both over his shoulders and carried them back to the Merry. Chopper trotting behind slowly.

This was going to be a nightmare.

...

"The rules are simple!" the announcer from the recently built stage started.

"Rule 1: The contestants of each game, are picked by their captain. This is before the games are played, so no chopping and changing! Once that sheet is submitted, that's it! Also you can only participate once, so choose wisely!"

That's a reasonable rule. It means that you can't just decide to fill in a spot with a newly gained crew mate, or fill in a spot that's been lost. The one per event rule means you can't fill every slot with your entire crew.

"Rule 2: If a crew mate is lost, you can win them back in the next round. Only if you win! Once the games are over, you can't just return to your original crew. Unless both captains agree to another round of games, and win you back!"

Alright, that's also reasonable. It means the stakes are real. Tani felt her skin sweat, she looked at her crew. The fear of losing them, crawled up her spine. She couldn't handle losing them all.

"Rule 3: all crew members that are won, must swear allegiance to their new crew,"

As painful as that would be, god imagine swearing yourself to a loser like Foxy... It is a rule.

"Rule 4: our lucky last! No cheating is allowed. All those caught cheating, will be suspended and penalised."

Yeah there's no way in hell, that the Foxy pirates would be playing fair. Not only were they too confident, but Foxy looked like Dastardly, so Tani didn't trust him at all.

"How many games, Straw hat?" Foxy asked. Holding up three fingers. "We can play a max of three-"

"Three games then," Luffy cut him off. Foxy dropped to the ground and wallowed about being interrupted. Luffy turned back to his crew. Half of which were complaining, with the other looking indifferent or excited.

A guy walked over with a sheet of paper, on the sheet listed the events and what order they would be in. Now the crew needed to convince Luffy to pick the right events for each of them. Tani wasn't going to let him pick wrong.

"So," Tani started, grabbing the sheet, taking on a team leader persona. She never got the chance to do this at school, but this was feeling like a sports carnival. "The first event is a donut race, second is called groggy ring, and last is... Luffy you need to sign me up for this one," she read. Showing him the page. The final event was called roller race.

"The donut race is a lap around the island, you need to build a boat out of three barrels and some rope... God I hated that activity at camp..." Tani read out.

"Usopp and I can do the donut race." Nami volunteered. "It's a boat race. So I can use my clima-tact to give us an air boost. While Usopp builds the boat." she suggested. Tani nodded. Turning to Luffy.

"What are your thoughts?" she asked. Making him feel included would be the best way to guarantee victory. Luffy nodded. Tani smiles, and that makes Luffy's stomach flip.

"What are the rules for the groggy ring?" Chopper asked. Looking at the sheet, "Oh its a ball game, you need to knock the ball into another teams goal, but you can't use weapons." he read. Tani pondered for a moment.

"This has football vibes. Which is a kicking game, so I think Sanji should be in this game." Tani concluded. Sanji twirled on the spot. "I would also say Zoro, since he's got a quarter back build." this stopped Sanji's twirling, the boys glared daggers at each other. "However the pair couldn't work together if they tried, so one of them has to move-"

"That's perfect! They're on that event," Luffy declared. Tani's face dropped. Sports are about working together, and those two work as well with each other, as a cat in water.

"What about Robin and Chopper?" Tani asked. Pointing at the open slots on the other games. The Donut race and Groggy game, could both take one more player. While the roller race could have up to five. Robin lifted her hand.

"Might I join the donut race?" she asked. Luffy nodded. Writing her name down on the sheet. Tani felt uncomfortable with the Sanji/Zoro team up...

"Hey Chopper, you should join the Groggy ring. So you can keep those two from murdering each other," she suggested. Turning to Luffy, "Unless you wanna do that one. It seems like a game you'd enjoy-"

"No! The captain needs to play in the final round. So he can prove he's the best," Luffy declared. Tani rolled her eyes fondly. Watching as Luffy wrote down Chopper's name.

So her and Luffy were going to play in the same game together... The thought made her heart race. Her head filled with a nice thought, the two of them holding hands and riding around a roller skating ring. Wide smiles, Luffy tripping over his feet... Wait! Does Luffy know how to-

It was already too late, he'd handed the form in. Stupid thoughts, making Tani act like a teenager!

"All sheets have been returned!" the announcer cheered. "Our first event will be the donut race, all participants please head to the shore line. You have 3 hours to build the ultimate boat," the guy instructed. Nami, Usopp and Robin all got up and started heading over. When Tani tapped Robin on the shoulder, handing her the Scorkel.

"Just in case you fall off the boat, those things are normally very unstable." Tani said sheepishly. Robin looked at the device, then back at Tani with humour.

"Thank you Miss Bell," the woman smiled. Holding the device and continued walking with her team mates.

While they waited for the event to start, the remaining crew members were not allowed to watch the boats being built. So the Straw hat crew decided to wander around the many stalls that had been set up.

"Hey Tani," Luffy called for her attention, grabbing her hand in the process. "Look at this thing," he dragged her along. Much to the protests of Sanji and Zoro, who disappear into the crowd of Foxy pirates.

Luffy stopped in front of a meat stand, with all kinds of barbecued meats being stuck onto sticks. All of them looked mouth watering, the puddle of drool under Luffy being a clear indication that he agreed.

"We need all of them!" Luffy demanded to the man running the stall. He gawked at the captain. Before naming a price that was far too much for the pair of them combined.

"I'll take three of the beef skewers then, the biggest sizes you have. Please," Tani ordered. The man nodded and handed her the meat sticks. She turned to Luffy and handed him two of them. "We should head back to the others, I'm sure Sanji and Zoro are at each others heads." Tani snickered. Luffy hummed, chewing on the little remains of his first stick.

"They've got Chopper, you said that he would be able to stop them from fighting." Luffy reminded. Tani sighed fondly.

"There's only so much Zoro and Sanji, that Chopper can control before they're literally at each others throats." Tani replied. Luffy finished his first stick of meat, Tani wasn't even half way done with hers.

"I'm sure they'll be fine, Zoro and Sanji care about each other a lot." Luffy claimed, and Tani couldn't agree more. They had this odd way of showing their affection. Maybe they both had brothers at home? Tani wouldn't know what it's like.

"Were you like that with Ace and Sabo?" Tani asked. Instantly tensing, right... Sabo was-

"All the time, Ace used to be really mean to me. He would hit me on the head because I cried a lot, it didn't hurt though." Luffy replied, not at all affected by the inclusion of Sabo. "Sabo wasn't as mean, but he still hit me when I was too loud, or ate all the meat." Luffy said fondly.

"I wish I had brothers, or sisters. I don't mind which one." she revealed. Luffy went quiet, letting her speak, "Mum was left alone, the moment she revealed she was pregnant with me. That bastard left her, going back to his girlfriend or something." Tani clenched her jaw. Luffy could feel the bubbling distaste, radiating off his nakama.

"I hate him... I hate that he left my mum alone." Tani said with heat, taking an unnecessarily aggressive bite off her meat stick. "But, it doesn't matter." she cooled off, turning to face Luffy with appreciation, "Mum was the best, I don't need some dead-beat in my life... And I have you," she blushed. Luffy looked at her with an emotion she couldn't read... Oh that must have sounded weird.

"Oh and the others, all of my nakama," she saved. Luffy lost the glow in his look, but not by much. He took this opportunity to grab her hand again, which she took.

"Ace hates his dad too, whenever he was sad. We would go out and punch something." he recounted. So Ace hated their dad? Tani's never heard about Luffy's parents.

"What are your parents like?" she asked curiously. Luffy shrugged.

"I don't have any," he brushed off. "Dadan is like a mum, she's a mountain bandit that's very nice even if she tries to be mean." he said fondly. "And Makino taught me lots of things, like how to use manners, or do up buttons on my clothes." he grinned.

"But you said Ace hates his dad? Aren't you brothers?" Tani questioned. Luffy nodded.

"We are brothers! His dad is-" Luffy slapped his hands over his mouth to stop himself from saying anything more. Tani got the message, very secret, probably not comfortable to talk about. "We're brothers because we shared a cup of sake," he said, covering his mouth again.

"Brothers by oath," she suggested. Luffy nodded, still covering his mouth.

"I'm glad you had people in your childhood. You wouldn't be you, without them," she stated. Luffy dropped his hands from his mouth. She went to continue-

"I'm glad you're alive, so you could be my nakama," he gave that iconic Luffy laugh. Tani's heart soared.

She wants to kiss him so bad!

He shoved the entirety of the second stick into his mouth, and spat it out clean.

Yeah, she'd still kiss him. Even if he was kinda gross.

"The donut races will commence in one hour! Please head to the stands." an announcement sounded. Right, they had a game to win. Now's not the time to be thinking about things like kisses. Tani held Luffy's hand and dragged him towards the stands area.

They had a team to cheer on.

...

The set of benches were massive, set up in a way that reminded the dark skinned girl of a stadium. Tani sat between Sanji and Luffy, with Chopper sitting on Zoro's shoulders. When Luffy and Tani had found the arguing crew mates, they decided it would be for the best that they were separated. They need to be at the top of their game before playing the groggy game.

"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present to you!" the announcer said with excitement. Tani could feel the hype, her body screamed at her to jump up and cheer. All those years of rallying had stuck. "Our participating teams!" a wild round of applause followed.

"Representing the Foxy crew: we have the lovely Porche! Capote and Monda!" out sailed a small boat, with the Penelope pitstop girl blowing kisses towards the crowd. Many men (and a couple of women) swooned. The boat was expertly built, as if built by a team of shipwrights.

"And representing the Straw hat crew: We have Nami, Usopp and Robin!" a cheer that wasn't as intense was let out by the crowd. Tani and the other straw hats being the loudest. A small and very well crafted boat came bobbing out. Usopp was at the helm. The boat had a paddle system, built like a bike. Robin had bloomed a pair of legs to push the peddles, Nami was clicking her clima-tact together.

"Are we ready!" the announcer asked. The crowd cheered loudly. "I can't hear you!" the crowd cheered louder.

"Ready!"

The boats bobbed, anticipation filled the air.

"Set!"

Tani was on the edge of her seat. A wild grin on her face.

"Go!"

A gun shot went off, and off the boat roared, with the Foxy team taking the lead. Though team Straw hat wasn't far behind. They disappeared around the corner, but the commentator was announcing everything that happened.

"Team Foxy has the lead, and are fast approaching the coral forest."

"Team Straw hat has gained a speed boost! The teams are neck and neck!"

"Oh it appears the Straw hats have stopped paddling, and are letting the current take their boat ahead. They're now in the lead!"

"Now team Foxy has made it out of the coral forest, but is it too late? The Straw hats have a massive lead."

Their boat turned the corner, drawing towards the finish line. Usopp was steering with vigour, Nami was still blasting wind behind them, and Robin smiled softly as her legs paddled quickly.

"They're gonna-"

Tani turned to Luffy in horror, slapping a hand over his mouth.

"Don't you dare finish that sentence," she glared. The captain nodded, wide eyed. The Foxy boat appeared around the corner now, though it was still too far away to take over in time-

What was Foxy doing?

The Straw hat boat was less than 5 feet from the finish line, when Foxy called out.

"Noro noro beam!" he held his hands out in a diamond shape, a purple-pink beam aimed directly at their boat. Hitting them... And they weren't moving... No wait they are but it's slow motion?

...NO!

The Foxy boat came speeding past them. Claiming victory for the Foxy pirates.

NO NO NO NO!

this can't be happening...

Tani turned to face Luffy with fearful horror, but he was still facing the races. Watching at their teams boat returned to normal speed, and and everyone held a grime expression. Well except Robin, but she's Robin.

"Team Foxy claims victory!" the announcement declared. Tani felt her heart ache. Who were they going to lose? Who would they need to fight, to get back?

The benches cleared out, everyone standing before the platform that the host used.

"Team Foxy, it's time to decide which straw hat you want," came the dreaded announcement. The crew seemed to huddle together, some more obvious than others. Usopp, Nami and Sanji were holding each other. Chopper was holding Robins hand, and Tani felt herself standing beside Zoro and Luffy. All of them close together.

Foxy stood forward, twirling his Dick dastardly moustache with a smirk. He eyed everyone on the crew up, breaths hitching everytime.

"Pick the tanuki! Foxy, pick the fluffy one he's so cute," Porche squealed. Pointing at Chopper, who froze and hid behind Robins leg. Tani closed her eyes.

"That one," Foxy declared. Tani flinched, she didn't dare open her eyes. She couldn't possibly watch as her nakama, someone who felt like family to her. Was potentially lost forever...

"No! I don't wanna go," came the cries from Chopper. His sobs felt like a nail to the coffin. Tani turned to watch as Chopper was pried from Robins leg, kicking and screaming for his nakama to come back. Begging for them to save him.

"I only went out to sea, to have adventures as a Straw hat," he sobbed. Tears and snot catching on his fur. He was tossed to Porche, who snuggled into the dry parts of his fur. Cooing about how cute he is. His cries continued, so Zoro snapped.

"Chopper," he said sternly, the deer gave a hopefully look. "Stop crying, don't disgrace the Straw hat name," he spoke darkly. Chopper closed his trap, letting out the occasional hiccup.

"You chose to come to sea, we didn't make you." Zoro continued. Nami went to tell Zoro off for his harsh words, but Zoro continued, "Sit back, shut up, and watch us win you back," he ordered. That devilish look in his eyes, there's no way they can lose this next game.

Zoro turned to Sanji, his aura was different from earlier. The two men met each others gaze, nodding in agreement. Sanji sighed, lighting a cigarette.

"If I need to work together with that beast, to get our nakama back. I will," Sanji declared. Turning to face Zoro, the green haired man huffed.

"Make sure you can keep up, I don't want two nakama crying on the other side." Zoro almost snorted. Sanji reacted with... Amusement.

"Like I'd risk losing one of our lovely ladies to the other crew." Sanji smirked. Oh my god are they getting along?! This would be a first.

Luffy laughed heartily. Looking back at Chopper with a grin.

"We'll get you back Chopper!" Luffy promised. Tani called out.

"You won't be a Foxy pirate for long! We're going to win," she assured. Nami and Usopp joined the cheering. Chopper gave a happy sob, but quickly hid it under a tough guy face.

Now they just needed Zoro and Sanji to work together long enough to win this next game.

...

The groggy game wasn't really what Tani was expecting when she heard ball game... Namely that one of the team mates had to play the ball. Since Chopper had been removed from the game, it was difficult to convince one of the boys to play the ball.

"This isn't manly at all," Sanji whined, tossing the ball hat back at Zoro. Who caught it and threw it at Sanji again.

"It would fit you perfectly then, love cook," Zoro mocked.

"You're the moss ball, it would suit you better," Sanji spat back.

"Swirly brow!"

"Demon algae!"

"Hey Sanji, you should wear the ball," Nami stated nonchalantly. Sanji immediately donned the ball hat. Clipping it on before his brain had a chance to resist. Zoro put his hand on his chin.

"Wow Sanji, very handsome," he complimented smugly. Sanji turned around and glared at him.

"Yeah, he looks like a prince," Tani complimented, trying to keep the cool. Sanji turned to face her with a loving expression. Zoro rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, prince of the dumbass kingdom-" Sanji took a swipe at the man's head. Zoro went to grab his swords, but Usopp was standing there with them held in his arms.

The two bickering boys kicked and punched at each other, not causing any real damage. When Nami walked over and knocked them both in the head.

"Focus, we need to be in our A-game if we wanna win Chopper back," Nami almost snarled. The boys quieted down, standing straight beside each other like soldiers.

"Players take your positions, all non participating parties. Please step away from the marked location," the announcer called. Tani gave the boys a thumbs up, she believed in them. They'd fight hard for Chopper. Sanji blew her a kiss, which she returned with a childish grin. Tani turned to Nami and Robin.

"What's the bet that they're gonna have a bad first half, only to learn the power of team work and pull a total 180 and kick ass," Tani bet. Nami nodded in agreement.

"This first half will be brutal. They need time to sync up," Nami theorised. Luffy hummed.

"It won't take them too long. I trust them," Luffy said, shoving a takoyaki ball into his mouth. Where did he get that? They could thank Chopper for that.

The reindeer was so cute that he managed to scam for some takoyaki balls for the whole crew. Tani took a box from the vendor, they looked like battered balls of something. Taking a bite, she found? Calamari? No wait, that's squid. This was octopus, because they have suckers. Well whatever fish it was, it tasted pretty good.

Tani bounced on her feet, feeling the electricity in the air. Her wrists ached from the extra weight on them (Stupid Enel and his dumb gold). Hopefully they could find someone to remove the cuff blocks soon.

"On the right half of the ring, we have team Straw hat! Featuring Zoro and Sanji," came the intro. The straw hats cheered loudly for their team (Robins was more in spirit than actual volume). The Foxy crew wasn't as enthusiastic.

"And in the left half of the ring, We have the GROGGY MONSTERS! Featuring Hamburg, Pickles and Big Pan,"

The cheers were wild, as three giant monkeys. Each on bigger than the other, stood at the other end of the ring. This only spells trouble. Sanji and Zoro will need to get their shit together early, or they could lose another nakama...

"Let the game-"

Tani balled her hands together. She had to believe in them.

"Begin!"

The biggest Groggy monster (Big Pan) was the holder of the ball. Which meant that the boys needed to knock him into the goal. Even if it was as simple as grabbing his head and shoving it into the ring.

The start of the game was brutal, the second it started. The Groggy teams middle monkey (Pickles) charged forward to tackle grab Sanji. Who jumped over the tackle and bounced off the guys head. Using this momentum, Sanji launched himself towards Big Pan. Sanji was going straight for the kill.

That is, if he hadn't slipped on the giants slippery skin. Foxy laughed beside the Straw hats, the crew gave him a dirty look.

"Big Pan is part Fishman, he's inherited a mudskippers skin." Foxy grinned. Tani slapped her face. What are the odds.

Big Pan took Sanji's distraction as an opportunity to send Sanji flying. He smacked the man so hard that he was launched towards the other side of the field. Hamburg and Zoro both jumped up to catch Sanji. Sanji focused on Zoro's position, if he could just aim himself towards the-

"Swipe tackle," Pickles called out. Slamming into Zoro's side, Sanji tensed as his waist was caught tightly by Hamburg. He was spun around and tossed towards their goal. It can't end like this! Not so soon!

Sanji gets no time to recover, as he's caught mid air by Pickle. Where the hell was Zoro?! The green haired man was currently spitting out blood on the field. He looked up at Sanji, who looked fearful. He couldn't stop moving, Zoro watched from his position on the ground. Big Pan was planning to throw Hamburg, if he just-

Pickles came rushing towards Zoro, but something in him allowed him to dodge in the knick of time. He dodged and jumped towards Sanji, he just needed to knock Hamburg out of the way, or catch Sanji. Both sounded as easy as each other...

Tani looked between the game, and her spectating crew. Usopp was biting his nails nervously, Nami held her hands together tightly, Robin looked amused, and Luffy had this determined look in his eyes.

Zoro managed to knock Hamburg off course, leaving the monkey open for Sanji to counter attack. The blonde whipped out his leg, and kicked Hamburg towards Pickles at mach speed. The two collided, sending them outside the ring! They're out!

Tani, Usopp and Nami all cheer together. Calling out how cool Sanji and Zoro are. Sanji gets all blushy and happy at the praise, Zoro whacks him on the head.

"Pay attention, we haven't won yet." Zoro snarls. Sanji glared at him, rubbing at the back of his head.

"Well maybe you shouldn't be hitting me, aren't we meant to be working together." Sanji sneered. Zoro looked at him with that 'keep it up, and I'll rip your legs off' expression.

"They're losing focus-"

As the words left Nami's mouth. Big Pan comes running forward, his shoes giving off a suspicious metallic gleam. Zoro pushes Sanji out of the way, diving the opposite direction at the last second. Tani could see a cut appear on Zoro's arm. Sanji got up off the ground to find Zoro running away from Big Pan, who was chasing him with his blade laced boots.

"Oi! That's a weapon, what the hell is the ref-" Sanji turned to spot the referee was looking away from the field. Whistling as he paid no mind to the cheating that took place. Sanji turned to storm over and give the referee a piece of his mind, when Tani and Usopp both waved for him to stop.

"Help Zoro, we can handle this," they wink at him. Sanji looks conflicted, but the sound of Zoro getting kicked to the ground made him shake his head and rush to the swordsman's aid.

Tani and Usopp walked towards the 'oblivious' ref, Tani tapped her shoe and crossed her arms.

"Hey," she called out with a pissed expression. The ref turned to look at her, avoiding the field. "You're not doing a very good job as the referee if you aren't looking at the field. I'm afraid you're unresponsive nature has made you unfit for the job," Tani sighed. Turning to Usopp.

"My companion here, just happens to be the greatest referee in the whole of the world. Having been present in over 1000 games, and always catching the violations." Tani lied, Usopp had taught her well. "So, since we see you as unfit for your position... Get off the chair," Tani glared. The referee was frozen at the peaceful call out. Foxy stormed over to argue-

"What are you doing?" Nami questioned, standing before the captain with her arms crossed like a bouncer. She was scarier than Tani could ever be. Foxy looked terrified.

"Alright, off the chair." Tani said, pushing the pathetic ref out of the chair. Usopp flew up the ladder to the seat and with a deep breath. Blew the whistle, it's sound echoed loudly.

The game froze, Sanji and Zoro were still spinning around in... Did Big Pan make a loop with his skin? That's so gross.

Pickles and Hamburg were standing on the sidelines, holding weapons like they were about to reenter the ring. Usopp held up a red card.

"Violation! Hamburg and Pickles were sent out of the ring. That means you two are out!" Usopp declared. The two looked at Usopp like they're only just been caught with their hand in the jar. Usopp then turned to Big Pan, "Violation! Use of weapons, is prohibited in the rules. Please remove your shoes." Usopp declared. Sitting on his chair like he owned the joint.

Tani stood at the foot of the chair, ready to fight anyone that stood in their way. Foxy gave Nami, Usopp and Tani an angered glare. They would pay for this.

Big Pan does as he's told, removing his shoes... And he immediately starts slipping around on his own feet. The shoes must have been preventing his skin from affecting him. Zoro and Sanji turn to each other, a devilish grin mirrored the smug satisfaction of the other.

"Let's get this over with... How does ten seconds sound?" Sanji smirked. Zoro only needs to nod in agreement.

They assess the situation, watching as the ball for the other team was slipping and sliding all over himself. Sanji turns to face Zoro at the same time.

"Don't touch the skin, I'd aim for the hair," Sanji suggests to Zoro, who huffs at him.

"Don't have to tell me twice, idiot cook." he insults, but there's a hint of endearment in the way he mocks the chef. Sanji let's out a small puff of laughter.

"I'll set him up," Sanji declares, before breaking off into a sprint.

"10!"

Sanji slides across the grass until he's behind the now toppling Big Pan.

"9"

Zoro walks towards the position for the set up.

"8!"

Sanji watches as Big Pan topples backwards. Just a little more...

"7"

That's it! Sanji launched himself upwards. "Anti-manner kick course!" he called out, his legs collided harshly with the slippery skin of the giant. Sending hundreds of kicks into the beast backside.

"6!"

Zoro watched as Big Pan came rushing forward. Now was his time to shine.

"5"

Sanji sprints towards Zoro, a massive grin on his face. He was having the time of his life.

"4!"

Zoro skipped over Sanji's leg, which whipped out for the swordsman to land on. Zoro's feet planted on the chefs long leg. The two of them smiling wildly.

"3"

Sanji kicked Zoro towards the stunned giant. The swordsman grabbed at the non-slip hair. Twisting it into his grip.

"2!"

Zoro flipped over Big Pans head, shocking the Foxy pirates with just how strong he was. Zoro thrust his arms forwards.

"1"

Big Pan's head slammed into the goal. Ending the game. The cheers from the Straw hats was wild! Usopp jumped from the referee chair and collided with Tani. Who hugged him tight, Nami jumped into the hug. Starting a pile.

They did it!

"Well... That was unexpected. Team Straw hat wins the Groggy ring!" the announcer calls out. Sounded just as shocked as the rest of the Foxy crew.

Sanji came running towards the small hug pile that had begun, Nami lifted and arm for him to join in. He looked so pleased with himself. Luffy pat Zoro on the back, a great pride welled up within the swordsman.

"Can both teams please head towards the platform for the team exchange," the announcer called out.

"Time to get Chopper back," Tani cheered. Looking towards the small doctor, who looked over the moon with happiness.

...

"I pick Shelly," Luffy stated with all seriousness. The rest of the crew turned to look at their captain with dropped jaws.

"THE HORSE ISN'T EVEN-"

"Sure, you can have the horse," Foxy barks with laughter. Tani stated at Luffy, who met her gaze with a snicker.

*Whack*

Nami delivered a smack to the captains head, but the request was already fulfilled. Chopper remained a Foxy pirate, while Shelly was released from the holds of the opposite crew.

At least she looked happy. Running back to her companion, crying happily. Luffy lifted his arm and pointed at Chopper, who was sobbing at not being picked.

"We're coming for you Chopper," Luffy declared. The little reindeer sobered up, trying to look as tough as he could. "We'll win the next round!" Luffy shouted to the world.

The next event was the roller race... Roller skating... Which Tani could do perfectly... But Luffy...

Wait!

"Luffy can you-" she tried to ask, but Luffy was already running away in search of lunch.

"-Skate?"

This wasn't going to end well...