Warmth in the East Blue!

Totto Land Jam Island Conference Room

Kaido and Linlin sat facing each other in a somber atmosphere, with several copies of the latest World Economy News Paper scattered on the table.

Linlin's plump fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, cream dripping from between them, but her voice was unusually deep. "Since Roy's return, the Navy has been using ruthless methods... If this continues, the Pirates will truly be wiped out!"

Kaido, unusually, did not drink today. His eyes gleamed with a cold, sharp light, and his voice rolled like thunder. "Linlin, haven't you noticed?"

"The Navy is so rampant, yet the World Government remains completely indifferent..."

Linlin was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then her pupils contracted sharply, and her eyes widened simultaneously. "Kaido, you mean to say...?!"

Kaido nodded slowly, his face grim. "It seems he's tacitly acquiescing to their actions—or perhaps Roy has already reached some kind of agreement with those old guys!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he stood up abruptly, his Haki sweeping through the conference room like a storm, his dragon-like might causing the walls to tremble!

"We're the only ones left of the old guard from the old era... Linlin, we have to unite!!"

A moment of silence.

Linlin's eyes were sinister. Suddenly, she grabbed a cake from the table, shoved it into her mouth, chewed it loudly, and then let out a ferocious laugh.

"MAMAMAMAMA!! Okay!!"

"Let's join forces and tear the Navy and the World Government apart! Once the world is at our feet, then we'll have a final battle to the death!"

"Bang--!"

The Two Emperors' massive fists collided with a deafening roar, shaking the air!

--The alliance of the Four Emperors is brewing a new storm!

New World - A small bar at a Harbor

The bar was dark and gloomy, filled with the smell of cheap rum and sweat.

Yasopp huddled alone in a corner, several empty bottles piled beside him, and crumpled newspapers tossed at his feet.

He stared, his eyes blurry with drunkenness, at the naval bulletin board hanging on the wall.

My gaze finally settled on the corner—the long-nosed young man in a naval uniform.

Yasopp to himself, his voice filled with bitterness, "Usopp... you actually became a Marine..."

"And my lifelong dream of becoming Pirate... has shattered so ridiculously..."

After downing a few bottles of wine, he staggered, finally managing to stand up and slamming the last few Beli onto the table.

"Boss... check please."

Stepping out of the bar, the night wind was biting, carrying with it the salty, damp air of the sea.

He stood there for a moment, gazing in the direction of his hometown, and gave a bitter smile.

"Freedom? Dreams? Even Shanks and Benn Beckman have fallen... The path of Pirate has come to an end."

After saying that, he staggered toward the Harbor and boarded a swaying little boat.

"Let's go back and take a look..."

The lone boat slowly drifted away from the shore, gradually disappearing into the dark sea fog.

East Blue · Baratie

The Kitchen was filled with the roar of the stove, the clanging of spatulas, and the salty aroma carried by the sea breeze.

Sanji moved like a dancer between the stoves, his golden hair damp with sweat. His Flowing Water were fluid and graceful, and as he flipped the wok in his hands, flames instantly shot into the air.

Seafood fried rice – done!

The aroma of steaming hot food immediately filled the air, and even Zeff at the door couldn't help but smack his lips.

The old sea chef silently gazed at Sanji, his once sharp eyes now filled with satisfaction.

He seemed to see again that stubborn little brat on the Deserted Island, gnawing on tree bark, who had now grown into a capable naval officer.

The atmosphere inside the restaurant was very lively.

Luffy was sweeping through the Barbecue on the table like a storm, his cheeks bulging like a hamster's, chewing and mumbling:

"Mmm-- Sanji's cooking is still the best!!"

Usopp scooped up a spoonful of fish soup, his eyes slightly reddening. "It's so delicious... It's been so long since I've tasted the flavor of the East Blue!"

"I'm going to pack up a few portions to take back to everyone in Syrup Village later!!"

Nami chuckled as she wiped the grease from Luffy's mouth with a tissue, her eyes gleaming with teasing. "Usopp, you can now stand up straight and tell Miss Kaya— "

"You are now a true warrior of the sea!"

Upon hearing this, Usopp scratched his head and grinned foolishly; his physique was no longer what it used to be.

Now he is over 1.8 meters tall, with firm muscles, and the timidity between his brows has long been worn away by years of training and fighting.

"No, it's still much earlier than Roy and the others, haha~"

This table was filled with joy and harmony.

--

The atmosphere at the long table on the other side, however, was complex.

The five members of the Vinsmoke Family sat upright, watching the laughter at the next table, their hearts filled with mixed emotions for some reason.

Not long ago, Judge was given a choice by Roy: either join the Navy and cooperate with Vegapunk's research;

They could either be expelled from the Affiliated Nation for Pirate or war crimes.

Without the slightest hesitation, Judge chose to cling to the former, demonstrating the survival wisdom of the King of the North Blue.

At that moment, Sanji came over carrying several plates of carefully prepared dishes—pan-fried fish fillets, cream stew, and roasted vegetable salad.

The aroma of the food filled the air, and the atmosphere at the table momentarily paused.

Reiju was the first to pick up her knife and fork, elegantly cut off a piece of fish fillet, and put it into her mouth.

The tender fish melted in her mouth, the rich butter and sea salt mingling together, and her eyes slightly opened:

"This was... made by Sanji?"

Ichiji, Niji, Yonji, however, were far less reserved and had long since abandoned any concern for their image, gulping down their food.

"It's so delicious! A million times better than military rations!!"

"I thought my sense of taste had been numbed by the combat suit long ago..."

Even Judge was unusually silent.

He picked up his knife and fork and slowly cut off a piece of fish fillet.

The moment it enters your mouth, the layers of flavor from the spices and oils burst forth on your tongue.

Years of fighting had numbed his taste buds with strong liquor and military rations, making him forget the true taste of food.

The movement paused slightly, and the knife and fork made a soft sound on the plate.

He murmured to himself, "Is this... the taste created by the so-called 'lower class'?"

There was no mockery, no belittling.

The Vinsmoke Family was unusually silent at the dinner table, with only the soft clinking of cutlery against plates echoing in the background.

At the restaurant entrance, Sanji leaned against the door frame, lighting a cigarette between his fingers.

White smoke swirled in the air, and a faint smile played at the corners of his lips.

"Looks like that bastard Pops's tongue... isn't completely ruined yet."

Luffy and Nami, along with Usopp, packed a huge amount of delicious food, and amidst their laughter, boarded the small boat and headed towards Syrup Village.

They agreed to first spend time with Usopp and the villagers before heading to Dawn Island to visit his grandparents.

Sanji, wearing an apron and leaning lazily against the doorway with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, said, "I'll stay and help out in Baratie."

The Vinsmoke crew also chose to stay, though it wasn't explicitly stated, it seemed that for the first time, they wanted to see more of Sanji's world.

Zeff walked up to Sanji, his beard twitching as he suddenly grinned mischievously, "You brat, your brother Roy's debt is still hanging over your head!"

Sanji chuckled, flicked his cigarette ash, and said, "No problem, Roy's bill... I'll cover it all!"

Zeff narrowed his eyes and grinned slyly, "Is that so? Very well—someone, bring the bill!"

"Yes!!"

In the Kitchen, a burly chef brought out a roll of bills, spread it out on the floor with a thud, and the papers rolled along the floor, listing all sorts of exorbitantly priced ingredients and fine wines.

Sanji's eyes went blank for a moment, he almost dropped his cigarette, and froze completely. "Wh... what's going on?!"

Zeff, hands on his hips, laughed until tears streamed down his face, "Don't you know how much your brother Roy can eat?"

"Check, young man! Haha--!"

Sanji instantly broke down, clutching his head and yelling, "Roy, you tricked me!!"

The restaurant erupted in laughter, and even the chefs couldn't help but burst into tears.

Not far away, Judge and Reiju watched this scene silently, their expressions complex.

For the first time, this once cold-blooded family felt the warmth of "family."