WebNovels

Chapter 98 - Chapter 98

A grand banquet lasted well into the night before ending.

Doflamingo became the star of the evening, holding court at the dinner table with eloquent discussions about the New World's political landscape, profit-making strategies, business expansion, and dealings with other factions.

His words left the audience astonished—even Kaido, who had been silently drinking, had to admit that Doflamingo, the underworld broker, was indeed impressive.

This display earned Caesar's approval, prompting him to openly praise Doflamingo and instruct Katakuri to personally arrange his accommodations.

****

In a luxurious island estate, nearly all executives of the Donquixote Family had gathered.

"Young Master, you're truly incredible! Gaining Caesar's recognition right off the bat—we're firmly established ourself within the Beast God Pirates now!"

Diamante's face was full of admiration.

He was thoroughly convinced by Doflamingo's brilliance.

The major figures they had witnessed today, in the eyes of the Donquixote executives, were true overlords who controlled the fate of the New World—far beyond what they could have imagined in their past.

Just recalling the confrontation between Caesar's group and the Marine's top fighters earlier that day—the overwhelming aura—was enough to send chills down their spines.

Forget Caesar or Kaido—even Katakuri alone could effortlessly wipe them all out.

Doflamingo wore an irrepressible smirk.

During his journey from the depths of Impel Down, he had rehearsed today's performance multiple times in his mind.

His goal was to make a stunning debut, win the favor of the top brass and secure greater influence.

And he had succeeded.

"Fufufufu, I suppose the most crucial part is the news told to Caesar, right? Fufufufu, the Celestial Dragons have known about this for a long time, yet they're in no hurry to deal with it. Why is that? Ah well, not my concern."

Doflamingo was in excellent spirits.

Being reunited with his family executives and freely roaming the New World again was far more comfortable than rotting in prison.

*****

As night deepened, Judge and the others from Germa were led away by Queen.

Decades ago, Queen had once collaborated with Judge for a period.

Both were geniuses who had worked alongside top-tier scientists like Vegapunk and Caesar Clown at a research facility.

"Judge, quit looking so gloomy. Caesar-sama is quite reasonable. I think he summoned you for two reasons: first, to stabilize your son and ensure he settles down properly with Pudding. Second, probably to establish a scientific institution for you to research lineage factors and clone soldiers—something you're good at anyway.

By the way, that son of yours is truly impressive. To think he fully awakened the lineage factor... How did you even manage that? His physical strength must rival Big Mom's now. Back in Wano Country, he nearly kicked me to death."

Judge frowned, listening impatiently to Queen's incessant chatter.

He had always disliked Queen, even years ago.

This chatterbox had been just as loud back when he wasn't so fat.

While everyone else focused on their work, Queen would constantly babble and overreact, grating on Judge's nerves.

Judge had learned about Sanji's lineage factor awakening from the newspapers when Straw Hat Luffy defeated Kaido.

"Sigh... Who would've thought the son I deemed most useless would turn out to be the most outstanding? Sora, you were right after all..."

*****

In Pudding's residence—a three-story house—the room was decorated in pink tones, with a pale yellow bearskin rug on the floor.

A small white bed stood against the wall opposite the window and a desk by the window held potted plants.

Sanji and Pudding entered the room one after the other, the door clicking shut behind them.

Sanji's expression was cold, indifferent to the room's decor.

He had been personally "instructed" by Caesar to accompany Pudding here.

If he refused or harmed Pudding, Caesar's wrath would fall upon everyone connected to him—the Baratie in East Blue, Germa, even Luffy and the others.

Though seething with anger and humiliation, wanting nothing more than to kick Caesar in the face, Sanji knew he stood no chance against Caesar or the monsters of the Beast God Pirates.

He couldn't risk the lives of those he cared about.

So, despite his reluctance, Sanji followed Pudding in silence.

As he stood stiffly on the rug, lost in thought, he suddenly felt arms wrap around his waist from behind.

The soft warmth pressing against his back made his scalp tingle, a surge of heat boiling up from deep within.

Pudding pressed her head tightly against Sanji's back, clutching his waist with all her might, her voice trembling with a mix of anticipation and joy.

"Sanji, I missed you so much. You've finally come back to me."

Sanji felt a sudden warmth in his nose and quickly pinched it, taking a few deep breaths to steady himself.

Clearing his throat, he said, "Miss, please... please have some self-respect. I don't know you. I... I won't marry you as your father said. We're strangers. You're a good girl. If possible, please tell your father you don't want to marry me."

"No! We've already been married, Sanji. Oh, I forgot—your memories were taken out by me," Pudding blurted out, tightening her arms around him.

Sanji's eyes turned into hearts for a moment, but he quickly suppressed it.

Pudding released Sanji and stepped in front of him, a smile on her face.

Before his stunned expression, she playfully kissed his cheek, just like before.

Sanji froze as if struck by lightning, his body turning to stone.

Pudding giggled and reached into her own mind, pulling out a sealed memory and pressing it into Sanji's head.

"Sanji, do you remember now?" Pudding asked, standing on her tiptoes, her eyes full of hope.

Sanji blinked in surprise as countless memories flooded his mind in an instant.

The awe he felt when he first saw Pudding.

The heartbreak when he uncovered her deception.

The praise he gave her upon seeing her third eye at their wedding.

The excitement and joy they shared while racing against time to make a cake.

And finally, their farewell kiss in the alley.

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