On a nameless sky island.
"Hmm, it smells so good! Sanji, what delicious food have you made this time?"
In the wooden cabin, Pudding yawned, rubbing her eyes as she emerged from her room wearing loose pink pajamas.
Outside the cabin, a rain shelter had been set up, housing a simple makeshift stove.
Sanji, wearing an apron, was busy lighting the fire and cooking.
His movements were skilled, his cooking like an art form, completely captivating Pudding's attention.
This was a remote corner of the sky island.
Indeed, Sanji still couldn't integrate into the crowd, so Pudding had come with him to this deep mountain area, living a secluded life away from the world's conflicts.
Hearing her voice, Sanji quickly dished up the fragrant meal, carrying it carefully in both hands and gently placing it on the small wooden table under the shelter.
Then, Sanji hurried over to Pudding, supporting her elbow as he said softly, "Pudding, why did you come out? The wind is strong on the sky island—be careful not to catch a cold. Should I bring the food inside to eat?"
Pudding couldn't help but laugh and shake her head, poking Sanji's forehead with her finger.
"Sanji! It's not that exaggerated. You're really making a fuss over nothing."
"Hehe... I'm just worried our child might catch a cold. If you won't go inside, at least put on this coat."
As he spoke, Sanji took off his blue outer coat and, despite Pudding's pout and reluctant expression, insisted on draping it over her.
"Come, sit down quickly and try the edible mushrooms I found on this sky island."
Sanji smiled as he pulled out a chair for Pudding.
Suddenly!
"It smells so good! Such a nostalgic aroma of food—it's been so long since I've tasted your cooking..."
"Sanji!"
"Luffy!"
A delighted smile instantly bloomed on Sanji's face as he turn around lightning-fast.
There, on the path not far from the small cabin, stood two deeply familiar figures beaming radiant smiles at him.
But when Sanji's gaze swept over Zoro's missing left arm, his smile froze instantly.
His outstretched right hand halted mid-air.
Pudding's expression shifted, pressing her petite frame against Sanji while reaching out to clutch the hem of his shirt.
Her hand trembled slightly.
Soon noticing his wife's unease, Sanji gently reached over and enveloped Pudding's hand in his.
Within moments, Luffy and Zoro approached the shelter, stopping less than three meters from Sanji.
"Luffy... Marimo-head..."
Sanji offered a slightly strained smile.
But the pair across from him seemed oblivious to his discomfort, their cheerful grins unwavering.
"Sanji! I'm hungry..."
Luffy suddenly shouted, his stomach immediately rumbling in agreement.
Sanji jolted, feeling warmth prickle behind his eyes.
Unbidden memories surfaced—countless times during their voyages across the seas, his crewmates calling out to him.
"Sanji, I'm hungry!"
He quickly gestured toward the seating. "Sit down and eat. I'll whip up a few more dishes."
Releasing Pudding's hand, Sanji moved to the stove and began cooking.
Luffy didn't stand on ceremony, plopping down immediately and devouring the food with gusto.
Between mouthfuls, he exclaimed loudly.
"Wow! These mushrooms are amazing!"
"What's this dish? Never had it before—so refreshing!"
"Sanji! Make more, I'm not full yet!"
"Sanji!"
"Sanji!"
...
...
A somewhat peculiar breakfast passed amid Luffy's enthusiastic shouts.
Throughout the meal, Pudding kept her head bowed, staring fixedly at the table.
Zoro ate slowly, chewing deliberately as if savoring every flavor.
Luffy wolfed down food like a whirlwind, clearing the table with terrifying speed.
Sanji remained constantly busy at the stove, frying dish after dish without pause.
Sweat dripped from his brow, yet his smile gradually widened.
After eating, Luffy stretched contentedly and let out a satisfied burp.
"Sanji, I wish I could eat your cooking forever!"
Sanji responded instinctively with a laugh. "Idiot, what nonsense! I'll cook for you anytime you want!"
Zoro's peripheral glance caught Pudding's nervous posture.
He suddenly stood and walked to the path's edge, plucking a blade of grass to chew.
"We're heading into battle. are you coming along, shit cook?" Zoro asked abruptly, gazing toward the lush primeval forest in the distance.
Luffy, who'd been slumped over the table making satisfied noises, frowned slightly at Zoro.
"Battle? What battle..."
Sanji began to ask, but comprehension dawned in an instant.
Pudding shuddered, all color draining from her face.
"That's right."
Zoro turned, his voice grave. "The Beast God Pirates are clashing with Marine Headquarters—an unprecedented war that might have already begun. This is our best chance for revenge. For Brook, for Franky, for everyone who died in Wano Country... we'll have our vengeance!"
"Ven...geance?" Sanji's voice turned hoarse.
He glanced at Pudding, meeting her terrified eyes, and his heart clenched.
Luffy didn't speak.
He stood up, picked up the straw hat behind him, put it on, and walked out of the shed.
Sanji watched Luffy's retreating figure, then saw the fighting spirit burning in Zoro's eyes.
Thinking back to those heart-wrenching, tragic scenes from Wano Country, his breathing suddenly became rapid.
"Usopp is dead..." Zoro suddenly added.
Sanji's pupils instantly dilated.
He rushed in front of Zoro, grabbing his collar and shouting, "What did you say?"
Zoro's tone remained calm and measured as he continued, "He died in Syrup Village in the East Blue, killed by Krieg. Only Kaya remains in his hometown, Syrup Village—the girl who gave us the Merry Go. She also suffered persecution from pirates and has gone mad now."
"No! That's impossible! The current Usopp isn't that weak. How could he lose to Krieg? You're lying to me, aren't you?"
Sanji was distraught, his face full of disbelief.
But his hands trembled uncontrollably.
"Krieg took some hostages, and Usopp laid down his weapons..."
"No! Why... why did it have to be like this?" Sanji's eyes welled up, tears beginning to stream out.
Why? Hadn't the Straw Hat Pirates already disbanded?
Why did Usopp, after returning to the East Blue, still die in that weakest of seas?
But Zoro's next sentence made Sanji's mind buzz, and an uncontrollable killing intent erupted from his chest.
"It was Caesar. He contacted Krieg, telling him that if he took the head of any one of us, he could join the Beast God Pirates."
"Caesar!" Sanji's eyes instantly turned blood-red, his gums bleeding from how hard he was clenching his teeth.
Clang!
A clear, resonant sound of a blade rang out.
Sanji looked up to see Zoro drawing a long sword from his waist and offering the hilt to him.
"That woman is from the Beast God Pirates, Caesar's daughter. Kill her, and then we'll go take revenge on Caesar."