Farewell, My Friends

"Ha ha ha..."

"Then congratulations are in order, Sanji..."

"So when are you two getting married? We'll throw you the grandest wedding."

Facing his friends' teasing replies, Sanji slipped the scale back into his pocket. His curly eyebrow lifted, and a blissful smile seemed to spread across his face as he said,

"Yeah. I'm planning to take her back to my homeland and get married. Reiju will come with me too..."

In an instant, the Straw Hat Crew, who had been so cheerful moments ago, fell completely silent.

Luffy slowly raised his head and stared seriously at Sanji. "What are you trying to say, Sanji?"

"Although I'm really sorry..."

Sanji scratched his head, his expression faintly stiff, then said, "But love is indeed a little more important, so I won't be going to the New World. We..."

At this point, the corner of Sanji's eye, hidden beneath his bangs, twitched fiercely. He continued, "We're going to part ways here, Luffy."

Luffy abruptly stood up and slammed his hand on the table, roaring furiously as an invisible aura erupted from him.

"Are you kidding me, Sanji!!!"

Zoro, sitting nearby, set down his bowl of sake and asked in disbelief, "Hey, Curly-Brow, are you serious?"

Usopp sensed the change in the atmosphere and hurriedly tried to smooth things over.

"Yeah, yeah, Sanji, what nonsense are you talking about? You can't joke about something like this."

"Ha ha ha ha..."

Sanji suddenly burst into mocking laughter and said,

"Hey, hey, hey, what's with those innocent and incredulous looks? I'm only taking your ship to Fish-Man Island while I'm at it. I never considered you my real friends..."

"Tch..."

Then Sanji suddenly turned his back, pulled out a lighter, and lit a cigarette. His tone remained utterly unchanged as he said,

"Actually, I