"I feel ill…"
"W-Water…"
The ship lurched violently to the left, sending another wave of green-faced examinees scrambling for the buckets. Rain hammered the deck in sheets, and the wind howled like a wounded beast, but Sanji stood with her heels planted firmly on the slick wooden planks, arms crossed, watching the chaos with an expression somewhere between amusement and mild boredom.
Her blonde hair, tied back in a practical ponytail, whipped around her face as another gust tore across the bow. She didn't flinch. Nine years at the Baratie had taught her more than just how to julienne vegetables and create the perfect demi-glace. It had taught her how to keep her balance when the ocean decided to remind humanity of its insignificance. The rolling, pitching motion of the ship was as familiar to her as breathing—almost comforting, in a way.
Around her, would-be Hunters groaned and retched, clinging to whatever they could find. Some had given up entirely and lay sprawled across the deck like discarded ragdolls. Sanji felt a flicker of something, not quite pity, not quite contempt. Just... scrutiny. These people wanted to become Hunters, to chase down criminals, explore uncharted territories, hunt for treasure. But they couldn't even handle a storm at sea.
How interesting.
Hunters, she thought, the word still feeling foreign even after three days of hearing it constantly. Not pirates. Not Marines. Hunters.
Three days ago, she'd gone to sleep in her small room at the Baratie, the floating restaurant in the East Blue where she'd spent the last nine years of her life. She'd been waiting, always waiting, for a boy in a straw hat who never came. Zeff had told her stories about Gol D. Roger, about the Grand Line, about the dreams that drove men to sea. She'd been ready. Ready to finally leave, ready to find her own crew, ready to discover the All Blue.
And then she'd woken up here.
On this ship. Surrounded by strangers talking about things that made no sense. No one mentioned Devil Fruits or the World Government. Instead, they spoke of something called Hunters, about licenses and an exam that would supposedly change their lives. At first, she'd thought she was dreaming. Then she'd thought maybe she'd been kidnapped, drugged, taken somewhere far from the East Blue.
Taken back to that wretched kingdom.
But the more she listened, the more she realized the truth was far stranger and more terrifying than that.
This wasn't her world at all.
The realization had hit her like a kick to the gut. For a moment she remembered standing beside Zeff in a storm just like this one, the two of them anchoring each other so the wind wouldn't toss them overboard. Everything she knew—the Baratie, her dad Zeff, the East Blue, the promise of adventure on the Grand Line—was gone. Or maybe she was the one who was gone, ripped away from everything familiar and dropped into a reality that operated on completely different rules.
She'd spent the first day in a state of numb shock, mechanically going through the motions while her mind raced. The second day, she'd started asking careful questions, piecing together information about this strange new world. By the third day, today, she'd accepted that whatever had happened, she wasn't going back. Not anytime soon, maybe not ever.
I'm sorry, dad.
So she did what she always did when faced with the impossible: she adapted. She figured this was obviously Hunter X Hunter, most likely before Gon made his entrance, since she hadn't seen a little boy with spiked hair anywhere on the ship.
Then again, she hadn't left the bottom deck for over two days, so maybe he was already here. Most likely, considering the storm raging outside.
The storms didn't bother her because she'd weathered a hundred of them at the Baratie. The ship's motion didn't make her sick because she'd learned to walk on a rocking deck before she could properly hold a knife. They were actually sort of nice. At least something hadn't changed.
At least the ocean was still the ocean. That was something.
"You there! The blonde girl!"
Sanji turned her head toward the voice. The ship's captain stood in the doorway leading below deck, one hand gripping the frame for support, his weathered face creased with what might have been approval.
"Yes?" she called back, her voice cutting clearly through the wind.
"You've got sea legs. Come with me." He jerked his head toward the interior. "Need to ask ya' something."
Sanji uncrossed her arms and made her way across the tilting deck with easy, rolling steps that compensated automatically for the ship's movement. She'd made this walk a thousand times before, carrying trays laden with food through the Baratie's dining room while storms raged outside. This was nothing.
The captain watched her approach with an appraising eye. "Done this before?" he guessed.
"Something like that," Sanji replied, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "Restaurant ship." Although hers floated.
"Thought so. You move like someone with experience." He pushed open the door. "Got three others inside who aren't losing their stomachs. Need to ask you all something."
Sanji followed him into the narrow corridor, grateful to be out of the rain even if she hadn't particularly minded it. The ship's interior was bright, lit by lanterns that cast dancing shadows on the wooden walls. The captain led her to a room, probably his office, judging by the map behind a desk. He seemed to have stepped out to get her, as the three inside seemed already acquainted.
"Got one more for you," he announced.
Three faces turned toward the doorway, and Sanji got her first good look at the main character for the first time.
He was exactly as she remembered from the 2011 version, with spiky black hair that looked somewhat green under certain light, enormous brown eyes that widened the moment they landed on her. He wore a green jacket and shorts, and there was something almost painfully earnest about his expression. He reminded her a little of the young customers who used to come to the Baratie with their families, full of wonder and excitement.
So this is Gon, huh? He's somewhat cute.
Next to him was Leorio, wearing a blue suit and trying very hard to appear sophisticated and serious. He had small, round sunglasses perched on his nose and a briefcase clutched in one hand. The moment Sanji stepped into the room, his entire face went crimson, his mouth falling open slightly.
Kurapika stood a little further from both, his currently gray eyes serious, similar blonde hair framing his face. He was dressed in a traditional blue tabard and regarded her with calm curiosity, his expression neutral but not unfriendly.
Most of the main group. Right here. In front of me.
The room seemed to shrink for half a second as the reality of it washed over her. These weren't just characters anymore—they were real people, breathing the same air, standing in the same room.
Keep it together, Sanji. Don't you dare freak out now.
"Hi." Sanji waved at them, a small smile on her lips.
"Holy..." Leorio started, then seemed to choke on whatever he'd been about to say. He straightened abruptly, nearly dropping his briefcase. "I, that is, hello! Welcome! Please, come in!"
Sanji raised an eyebrow but stepped fully into the room, letting the door close behind her. She was used to reactions like this. Her appearance tended to make an impression, though she'd never quite understood why people made such a fuss. Though she supposed looking like her mother helped a lot.
"Wow," Gon let out, still staring. "You're really pretty."
That's Gon for you. Sanji felt her smile widen slightly. "Why thank you, dear."
"I'm Gon!" he announced immediately, his initial awe transforming into an enthusiastic grin. "Are you taking the Hunter Exam too?"
Just as earnest as I remember. Maybe even more so in person. The warmth in his voice was disarming—dangerously wholesome. It made it impossible not to smile back.
"That's the plan," Sanji confirmed, though internally she was still processing what exactly it entailed. She'd realized by now that she had no form of identification, so it was best if she took the exam to have some form of identity in this world. She glanced at the others. "I'm Sanji."
"L-Leorio," the man in the suit managed, his face still flushed. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sanji."
"Just Sanji is fine," she said, her tone friendly but not encouraging. She'd learned early on, both at the Baratie and during her childhood as a runaway from the Germa Kingdom, that some people needed clear boundaries, and Leorio sadly might be the type to get ideas if she was too warm.
"Kurapika," Kurapika offered, inclining his head slightly. His voice was measured, controlled. "It's a pleasure."
"Likewise." Sanji smiled, glancing at them from the corners of her eyes. Gon was watching her with open fascination, like she was the most interesting thing he'd seen all day. Leorio was trying very hard to look anywhere but directly at her, though his eyes kept darting back. Kurapika seemed the most composed, studying her with the same intense yet calm assessment he gave everyone else.
They're exactly like I remember. It's almost eerie.
"Why do you want to become Hunters?" The captain asked, immediately getting an angry retort from Leorio.
"Woah! You're not an examiner so what's with the third degree?!"
And there it is. Sanji had to suppress a smile. Hot-headed as ever.
"Just answer the question, dummy," the captain said, pipe in his mouth.
Gon raised his hand. "I will! It's cause my dad's a Hunter!" This got a surprised sound from the captain, his eyes widening. Gon continued, "Being a Hunter was the most important thing in the world to my dad, and I want to know why! That's why I left Whale Island!"
Ging Freecss. The name echoed in Sanji's mind. She knew exactly who Gon's father was, knew the kind of man he'd turn out to be. Looking at Gon's bright, hopeful expression made something ache in her chest—like watching a child chase a dream that would break and remake him. Oh, Gon.
The captain seemed lost in thought for a second before Leorio interrupted yet again.
"Hey kid, you don't have to tell that old guy nothing!"
"But he asked why I'm here? It's not a secret," Gon responded.
"Get with the program, it's us versus him, and I'm not telling him why I'm here!" He pressed his finger against Gon's forehead. Kurapika turned toward them, speaking up as well.
Classic Leorio. Always so defensive. Sanji watched the exchange with barely concealed amusement. It was like watching a scene she'd seen before, except now she was actually in it—and could smell the rain-soaked wood and feel the tension in the room.
"I'm afraid I agree with Leorio," Kurapika answered, making Leorio turn his face toward him in annoyance.
"It's 'mister' Leorio to you, you brat, show a little respect for your elders!" He pointed at Kurapika this time. Kurapika ignored him.
Oh, this is going exactly like the episode. Weird, but I wasn't expecting much change...
"Why not dodge the question by simply offering the man a plausible lie?" This angered Leorio again.
"Hey, are you even listening to me?!" Kurapika ignored this, continuing.
"However, it's quite shameful to rely upon deceit. As for me, I cannot reveal my reasons here. I have my share of secrets. Deep secrets which I intend not to disclose at this time. That is why I will not answer your question."
Kurapika. Sanji's amusement dimmed slightly as she watched him. That calm, controlled exterior. She knew what lay beneath it—the rage, the grief, the all-consuming need for vengeance. The Phantom Troupe. The Scarlet Eyes. All of it.
A flicker of sadness passed through her, her mood dimming. He has no idea how much that revenge is going to cost him.
Leorio got angrier. "Hey, I was talking to you, punk!"
"So, both of you flat out refuse to answer my question, then?" The captain's eyes met Sanji's. "What about you, young lady? What is your reason for wanting to become a Hunter?"
And now it's my turn. Sanji felt the weight of three pairs of eyes on her, four counting the captain, five if she counted Katso hovering nearby. Her pulse thudded once against her ribs. This was it. Her chance to establish herself in this world, to carve out a place among these people she'd only ever known as fiction.
What do I say? I can't tell them about All Blue—that doesn't exist here. I've always used Sanji's original dreams all this time.
She needed something true, something that would fit both who she was and the world she now found herself in.
Myself, huh?
Sanji met the captain's eyes steadily, her voice quiet but firm. "I wish to find my purpose for being here, a place to belong."
The same words I told Zeff when he asked me why I wanted to stay with him.
The memory hit her with unexpected force: a ten-year-old girl, soaked, starving, trembling, staring stubbornly at an old man who'd already decided to give her a second life. But it's even more true now. I'm literally in a different world. Everything I knew, everyone I loved... gone. I need to find where I fit in this reality.
Silence stretched through the small room, broken only by the sound of rain against the walls and the creaking of the ship. The storm was beginning to lessen, the violent lurching giving way to a steadier roll.
Gon was the first to break the silence, his expression softening with understanding. "I hope you find it," he said simply, and there was such genuine warmth in his voice that Sanji felt something catch in her throat. "Your place to belong, I mean. Maybe... maybe you'll find it during the exam? Or after?"
God, he's so earnest. Sanji managed a small smile. "Maybe, Gon. Thank you."
The captain looked over at both Kurapika and Leorio again before questioning one more time. "You still refuse to answer, then?" Causing both Kurapika and Leorio to look away, the latter avoiding the captains eyes.
"Hey, Katso." The captain called out. The man he addressed, the same one who'd offered Sanji an apple a few days ago, answered nervously.
"Y-yes, Captain?"
"Get ahold of the exam committee for me. Let them know we have two more dropouts."
This shocked both Kurapika and Leorio, who stared in disbelief.
"Wait, what do you mean?" Leorio questioned.
"Still haven't figured it out, huh? You see, the Hunter Exam has already started."
"It has?" Both Leorio and Kurapika asked, eyes widening.
"There are as many Hunter wannabes in this world as there are stars in the sky. And the examiners, well, they don't have the time nor the resources to go through them all."
Sanji started tuning the man out, awkwardly twirling a lock of her hair as he explained what was going to happen. She perked up when she heard Kurapika start speaking again.
"I am the sole survivor of the Kurta clan. Four years ago, my entire clan was annihilated by a band of criminals. That's why I want to become a Hunter, to capture the Phantom Troupe!"
The Phantom Troupe. Sanji felt a chill run down her spine. Hearing Kurapika say it out loud, seeing the barely controlled rage flickering behind those gray eyes—it was different from watching it on a screen. You could really see how much this mattered to him.
"Sounds like you want to be a Blacklist Hunter," the captain said. "And the Phantom Troupe is an A-class bounty. Even the most seasoned Hunters can't touch them. You know it's a suicide mission, right?"
"Death is not among my fears," Kurapika said quietly. "But there is one thing I do fear, and one thing alone. That time will quiet the rage in my heart."
His eyes flashed scarlet, and Sanji's breath stuttered. Seeing it in person—they were truly beautiful, deserving of their title.
Leorio spoke up again. "Sounds to me like you're out for revenge. You don't really need to become a Hunter just so you can settle an old score, d'ya?"
This angered Kurapika, who retorted sharply, "That's the stupidest question I've ever heard, Leorio."
"That's 'mister' Leorio!"
"There are places only Hunters can go. Intel only they can access. Actions only they can take. There are more reasons, but those are the only three you're capable of comprehending."
Leorio grew even angrier, face reddening.
"You little—"
Gon interrupted just as Leorio looked about to explode. "Why do you want to be a Hunter, mister Leorio?"
Sanji couldn't help but sigh internally. Here we go.
"Who, me? Well..." Leorio trailed off.
Sanji couldn't help but think of the real reason he was doing this. He might seem scummy at first, but he was actually a really good guy. He was doing all this to help others, after all. Then again, you couldn't tell just by looking at him. Like right about... now.
"That was strike three. Step outside. Time to end the filthy Kurta bloodline once and for all."
Oof. That was... um, wow.
"Take that back, Leorio!" Kurapika's voice was sharp, dangerous.
Uh oh.
Sanji watched as Leorio walked through the door, and Kurapika glared after him with barely restrained fury.
"I said take that back, Leorio." Kurapika gritted his teeth.
Leorio looked back once more, answering coolly, "It's 'mister' Leorio."
Kurapika chased after him as the captain called out to them. Sanji watched as Gon convinced the captain to let them go, his eyes watching the door with assurance.
"Those guys…"
Then Sanji suddenly realized something—a second storm was about to hit. She could feel it in the way the ship was moving, the wind suddenly blowing harder, and her own body swaying.
"Captain!" The man who'd been navigating shouted.
Crap.
"Lower the sails!"
Sanji didn't hesitate. She chased after Gon and Katso as they rushed onto the deck. She had trained for this after all—once chasing the illusion of sailing with her childhood hero.
The wind hit her like a wall as she emerged onto the deck, rain stinging her face. The ship pitched violently, and she could see the massive sails straining against the wind.
"You, grab onto this and pull!" she shouted at a sailor staring in horror at the massive wave about to hit them. She thrust the rope into his hands and ran toward the edge where another man rolled helplessly across the deck.
At least some things never change, she thought, bracing her heels against the slick deck as another wave crashed over the bow.
She could see Gon and Katso working nearby, the kid's face set in determined concentration as he helped pull another line. The storm was worse than the first one—the waves towering higher, the wind so strong it almost knocked her over. This was the kind of storm that could break a ship in half if you weren't careful. She couldn't help but sigh in relief once the sails were lowered.
Aren't I forgetting something?
This is it, Sanji realized, her heart rate picking up. This is the scene. The one where...
A massive wave rose up like a wall of dark water, and Sanji's eyes widened. "Everyone hold on!" she shouted, but her voice was lost in the roar of wind and water.
The wave crashed down with devastating force. Sanji wrapped her arms around the mast, holding tight as water engulfed the deck. When it receded, she gasped for air, blinking salt from her eyelashes.
"Mister Katso!" Gon screamed.
Sanji's head whipped around. The sailor had flown through the ship, still clinging desperately to the ropes of one of the sails. She watched as both Kurapika and Leorio reached for him, but the angle was wrong—they missed.
And then, without a moment's hesitation, Gon jumped.
Sanji watched in stunned disbelief as the twelve-year-old boy launched himself over the railing and into the churning ocean.
Gon?!
"Gon!" She sprinted across the deck, footing sure even on the slippery planks. She watched as he grabbed onto Katso, and Leorio and Kurapika both lunged, barely catching hold of him before he fell in as well. They tried to pull back, but another wave crashed over them, almost knocking them off their feet.
"Woah! Hold on!"
Her training kicked in. She spotted a coil of rope secured near the mast and grabbed it, her fingers working automatically to test its strength. Strong. Good length. It would hold.
"Here!" She tossed one end to the pair with practiced precision, and immediately pulled, bracing her heel against the deck. The force yanked them forward, catching them completely off guard.
Kurapika and Leorio practically flew toward her, Gon and Katso dragged up out of the water with them.
Sanji let go of the rope, her hands shaking slightly from the strain. She dropped to one knee, catching her breath as rain streamed down her face like cold fingers.
That didn't happen in the original.
By the time the storm cleared, Gon was getting chewed out by Leorio.
"You idiot!" Leorio was shouting, but there was relief in his voice, not anger. "Hadn't it been for us, you'd be shark bait! You owe me big time, kid, and don't you forget it!"
Kurapika added his bit, crossing his arms. "Honestly, how reckless can you be?"
Gon looked up at him, water dripping from his hair, and smiled. "It's fine, you caught me."
Oh, Gon. Sanji thought, warmth blooming in her chest like a tired lantern relit.
"You guys caught me. You worked together!" Gon continued, a cheeky smile on his face.
Leorio and Kurapika looked stunned, while Sanji couldn't help but giggle.
"I guess you have a point."
She'd watched this scene before, back in her old life, sitting in front of a screen. But being here—feeling the rope burn her palms, tasting the salt spray, hearing Gon's breathless laugh—it was completely different. Different from what she'd expected to experience.
"Gon!" Katso yelled out, running toward Sanji and the group. He was breathless before speaking once more, "You're incredible—you saved my life!" He said, his tone grateful as he spoke to Gon.
"Yeah, well, I didn't do it all alone. Those three over there helped rescue you too." He said, his eyes turning to Sanji, kurapika, and Leorio.
"He's right. Thank you three." Katso bowed his head, receiving acknowledgement from both Kurapika, and Leorio. Sanji just waved it off.
I was part of it, she realized. One of the most important scenes in the series, and I was actually here. I helped save them.
It should have felt surreal, but instead, it just felt... right.
Gon walked beside her, still dripping wet but grinning like he'd just had the adventure of a lifetime. "That was amazing! How did you do that?"
"Practice," Sanji said simply. "Lots and lots of practice."
"Will you teach me?" Gon asked, eyes bright with curiosity. "How did you do that with the rope?"
He wants to learn from me?! The realization hit her with gentle shock. Gon Freecss wants to learn from me!
"Maybe," Sanji said, but she was smiling. "I'll teach you during the exam. Maybe it'll come in handy."
"Yay!" Gon celebrated, jumping up and down.
Behind them, she could hear Leorio and Kurapika talking in low voices—not arguing this time, but actually conversing. The crisis had done what words couldn't: it had shown them they could work together when it mattered. Just like it was meant to.
Maybe I wasn't meant for the pirate lifestyle, she thought. Those people were meant for the original Sanji, after all. But maybe—she'd found the people she was meant to search her purpose with.
Okay, dad, she thought, touching the cigarette case in her pocket—a habit from her old life that had somehow followed her here. I think I'm going to be alright. I think... I think I might have found my crew.
It wasn't the Straw Hats. It wasn't the adventure she'd been waiting for. But it was something. It was hers.
My own dream...
She'd survived being ripped from one world and dropped into another. She'd survived the Germa Kingdom, survived being stranded with Zeff, survived nine years of waiting for something that would never come.
She could survive this too.
And maybe—just maybe—she'd do more than survive. Maybe she'd finally find something worth living for.
This is it. I'll become a Hunter!