Across from him, listening to Sanji's words, Judge frowned, his lips twitching, and remained silent for a long while.
After a long pause, Judge sighed and then spoke.
"It's been a long time, my... son."
"So, you're currently on Gawain's ship as the head chef?"
"Oh?"
Sanji was slightly taken aback when he heard Judge's words; he had thought his father would fly into a rage.
After all, given his father's personality, he should have been even more displeased with his son's provocation and disdain.
Surprisingly, his father wasn't angry; instead, he asked about his future prospects.
In an instant, the detached feeling that Sanji had just maintained regarding the Vinsmoke Family vanished without a trace.
He remained silent for a moment, then took out a cigarette and lit it.
As Ride the Clouds amidst wisps of smoke, Sanji nodded slightly.
"Indeed, I am currently serving under Gawain, temporarily managing the kitchen and related affairs for him."
At this point, Sanji felt a pang of resentment; he felt he had to see his father break down.
He paused for a moment, then continued.
"Although I am now only in charge of the kitchen, the adults often remind me to practice martial arts diligently."
Therefore, in my spare time, I would join Ace Iron Eagle Elite Guard under the command of the Lord, and others to learn martial arts from Zephyr, the former Marine Admiral and now the Zephyr of three Marine Admiral."
As soon as he finished speaking, Sanji flicked his cigarette lightly.
Just as the ashes hit the ground, Judge nodded slightly and smiled.
"If that's the case, then that's good..."
Back then, I... just thought you weren't good enough.
But today, you have found your own path.
In any case, this is quite good; just don't be arrogant while working under Gawain, and keep yourself motivated.
Also, take good care of yourself!
As he finished speaking, Judge's gaze towards Sanji inevitably held a new layer of emotion.
After all, this kid is still his own son.
Although one may regard one's children as tools, once those tools have escaped their confinement, they can no longer be regarded as tools.
Moreover, although Sanji had broken free from his control, he still had the mindset of a young man, eager to prove something to himself.
Since this young son wants to talk to me about the past, then fine.
I'll talk to him about our feelings for each other a bit!
If he could evoke even a little bit of filial piety in this boy, then given his position by Gawain's side, he might even become a form of insurance for his future.
As for Sanji, upon hearing Judge's words, his eyes widened in astonishment!
He never imagined that after finally escaping his family, he would see his so-called father again.
What I heard wasn't cold words or harsh rain, but... concern from my heartless father!!!
For a moment, Sanji's right hand, which was holding a cigarette, began to tremble.
Although he harbored deep resentment towards his family over the years.
But in any case, he is still a child who is gradually growing up.
Does he really not expect support from his family or love from his relatives?
After trembling for a moment, Sanji brought the cigarette to his lips and took a deep drag.
After exhaling a smoke ring, he was about to say something when he saw Judge suddenly speak again.
"You've started smoking, that's really... not something a child should do."
However, I have no right to say anything to you. Although we are father and son, I am already satisfied as long as you don't hate me like an enemy.
In short, smoke less; the effects of cigarettes on your body are harmful, you should know that!
Also, enough of the small talk, it's time to get back to the important stuff.
My lord has sent you to see me. What important matter does he wish to discuss with me?
Reiju, you tell us!
As soon as he finished speaking, Judge glared at Reiju with his fierce eyes.
Meeting Judge's gaze, Reiju sighed softly.
Although his younger brother has grown up a bit, he is still far behind his ruthless Pops in terms of interpersonal skills and overall progress.
Sanji was caught up in the situation and couldn't see anything, but Reiju saw everything clearly.
His younger brother was clearly won over by his Pops with just a few heartfelt words...
My Pops was able to build such a great career in the chaotic North Blue, and that wasn't just due to the Vinsmoke Family's heritage and the gifts of our ancestors!
My little brother still has a lot to learn!
While thinking, Reiju shook her head and said to Judge.
"Father, Sanji and I came here simply because we felt that since you were here, we should at least show ourselves to you."
As for your instructions, sir, you misunderstand. I received no orders from you.
"Oh?"
Upon hearing Reiju's words, Judge frowned again. He glanced around briefly, then whispered to Reiju.
"In that case, come with me to the quiet room for a chat. I..."
"Father!"
On the other side, listening to Judge's words, Reiju immediately understood her father's meaning.
Sanji, on the other hand, didn't understand and stood there absentmindedly.
Reiju, as was her habit, glanced left and right before turning back and speaking.
"The master really didn't give any orders, whether they could be said in public or needed to be said in a quiet room."
In short, Father, don't overthink it. We just came to see you!
"Is that so?"
Despite Reiju's extensive explanations, Judge didn't fully believe her.
He pondered for a moment, then asked.
"Reiju, you should know that this is where the kings of fifty countries gather."
Apart from the numerous Celestial Dragons, no one else has the chance to come here.
You must have already passed the guards who are protecting this place, but no matter what, you will still be questioned by the guards about your background.
And you, ha, you are merely servants of Celestial Dragon, the Gawain. If the Lord truly did not issue an order, are you going to tell me that you servants have the right to run rampant in Mary Geoise?"
"Father, we are not servants; we are at least subordinates of the adults!"
Besides, we certainly have the right to run rampant in Mary Geoise!
Aside from Sabaody Castle, where the Five Elders reside, we can freely roam anywhere, from Pangea Castle, where the Celestial Dragon live, to the various scenic areas and slave quarters of Mary Geoise Pangea Castle!
Reiju immediately refuted Judge's statement, but after doing so, Reiju suddenly paused in surprise.
She suddenly realized that her father had unknowingly given her a small lesson.
It must be admitted that when they arrived with Sanji, both Reiju and Sanji had a detached attitude.
Gawain's long-standing trust and care made them truly feel that they were qualified and capable of standing squarely in front of their family.
When that day finally came, Reiju had to admit that her father was indeed her father.
With just a few words, he shattered both his and Sanji's detached mindset!
Just as Reiju was pondering, Judge slightly, then spoke sternly.
"According to you, Gawain is indeed quite lenient towards you, but even so, neither of you should take this favor for granted."
Besides, since you haven't given any orders yet, I will personally meet with Gawain after the Reverie to discuss the next phase of cooperation.
You two have already seen me. Both I and your brothers are working tirelessly to fulfill the orders of our superior!
So go back now, and don't waste your time and Gawain Gawain's favor on personal matters.
"By the way, please inform the master that I will be visiting soon!"
Before Reiju could say anything more, Judge led Niji and the others away from the area and found another place to rest.
Watching her father and his family walk away, Reiju frowned, while Sanji felt a lump in his throat.
"He's still so arrogant," Sanji couldn't help but say, though he didn't mean it.
Hearing Sanji's words, Reiju a light snort and said...
"Of course, your father is a proud man, and besides, you should at least call him father."
In short, I saw it and learned something.
Compared to these adults, we still have so much to learn!
"Yes..."
Sanji quickly nodded, feeling moved.
"I thought my appearance this time would make him angry and embarrassed."
As a result... I found myself unable to grip the cigarette tightly, feeling a pang of sadness.
Even if I'm with an adult, I'm still far from being as good as that guy, hmph.
That's all for now, I'm going back to continue my training.
I always lose by just one move. It's so frustrating! I'm determined to beat that Moss Head this month!
As soon as he finished speaking, Sanji casually stubbed out his cigarette and then left the area where the kings lived.
Looking at her younger brother's ambitious back, Reiju was slightly taken aback at first, then smiled with satisfaction.
Although his father had taught him another lesson, he and his brother had, in any case, figured out a way to directly suppress their father!
The adults are indeed worth learning from. I need to be like my younger brother and keep working hard!
After all, if I don't work hard, I'm afraid I'll never be able to defeat that ruthless yet wise father in my entire life!
By then, unless he climbed into an adult's bed, he would never be as good as a true tyrant like his father...
Um?
Wait, what am I thinking???
I shouldn't have thought about these kinds of things in the past, right?
Reiju's cheeks flushed slightly, and then she bit her lip.
It must have been the Five Elders who did it, it must have been!
It's all their fault. Why did they say those strange things to me the other day?
She said things like if she could become Gawain's woman, she could get high-level diplomatic support from the Five Elders, push many kings of the North Blue to collectively impeach Judge, and let her, the daughter of the Vinsmoke Family, inherit the position of patriarch!
Hmm, these words must have affected me. I really shouldn't have said that!
But... is it really just overthinking?
Whether it's the strength to kill the legendary Shiki, or the adult's simple appearance and temperament.
If I could truly marry such a man, even if I were just one of many wives, even if I could only share the master's love with many others.
That must be a very happy thing, right?
Meanwhile, within the family...
Gawain left Franky's room, somewhat disappointed.
As for the speculation about nuclear weapons, it turns out that it was just speculation.
Although the technology in the Pirate World, whether it's androids, cloned Devil Fruit, bloodline research, or massive sea and air ships, is incredibly advanced.
Ultimately, however, science must adhere to fundamental principles!
However, the Pirate World One Piece lacks fertile ground for the development and growth of theories related to nuclear weapons!
In other words, the high technology currently in the Pirate World is entirely supported by a few geniuses.
There aren't even any advanced universities here offering courses in mathematics, physics, or chemistry!
Franky's strength lay in mechanical engineering; he was an excellent mechanic, but not an excellent nuclear physicist.
As for baby 5, this girl is even more useless. Forget physics, she doesn't even understand how to be a decent human being...
Although her Weapon-Weapon Fruit is based on her imagination, allowing her to transform herself into a weapon.
She doesn't need to understand the manufacturing principles of weapons like rocket launchers to conjure up corresponding weapons through her imagination.
But imagination has its limits. Without actually seeing a nuclear bomb, no matter how much Baby5 imagines, the bombs she transforms into can only have an explosion radius of 20 to 30 meters at most.
Perhaps the reason is that she's too weak.
In short, even if she did manage to conjure up the nuclear bomb that Gawain wanted, and even if she could produce the nuclear pattern on the surface of the nuclear bomb that Gawain described.
But she was never able to achieve the power of a nuclear bomb.
Gawain even felt that he could give up the idea of turning Baby 5 into a nuclear bomb.
Instead of relying on this girl to find a way to unlock nuclear weapons across technologies, it would be more reliable to send someone with Grandpa Zephyr to steal some Bombe and then turn Baby 5 into Bombe.
After all, the Bombe is a real thing in the Pirate World, and its power is not much less than that of a nuclear bomb.
In the anime, Bombe's expressive power is top-notch; it only needs to explode once to destroy everything within several kilometers.
In short, even without the nuclear bomb, Baby 5 is still a top-tier weapon girl, and her abilities are still something Gawain can look forward to.
And so, Gawain solemnly handed Baby 5 over to Kaya and Franky. From now on, this child would be Franky's assistant in weapons development.
Hopefully, her cooperation will help Franky come up with more new weapons.
With the great cause imminent, I must not only desperately recruit soldiers and horses, but also do everything I can to improve the average strength of my troops!
While Gawain was pondering, he had already returned to the courtyard and sat down near the training ground.
Seeing Gawain sit down, Rayleigh smiled and moved closer, pulling up a chair to sit next to Gawain.
Seeing this, Gawain turned to old man Rayleigh and gave him a mischievous smile.
"Grandpa Rayleigh, you seem to have the energy to handle those little ones who need guidance today?"
"Ahem, what are you saying!"
Upon hearing Gawain's words, Rayleigh coughed twice, then patted his leg.
"Although I've been fooling around with Shakky a bit lately..."
But in any case, I'm not usually so weak that I don't have the energy to educate the younger generation!
You rascal, ever since you stopped needing my guidance, you've taken to teasing me more and more.
Alas, my unfilial son, my heart is breaking...
"Grandpa, please don't tease me. It's just a joke, haha."
Gawain couldn't help but chuckle twice.
Just as Gawain chuckled, Rayleigh suddenly gave Gawain a look.
"Speaking of which, Captain, didn't you take this Reverie very seriously before?"
Even when Shiki got involved, we made sure to leave Loguetown a few days earlier than planned. In our haste, we didn't even have time to catch up with the friends we met along the way.
But now, the Reverie has convened, and the kings of fifty nations have arrived.
If that's the case, why haven't you taken any action?
In my opinion, you should have attended this meeting!
"Is that so?"
Hearing Rayleigh's words, Gawain smiled and asked a question in return.
"The old man is overthinking it. It's not that serious."
After all, old man, don't forget that what I'm about to do is closely related to the kings.
But what I'm going to do only concerns the kings of the Grand Line, right?
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain raised his head meaningfully and looked up at the sky.
As he gazed at the clouds in the sky, Gawain continued speaking.
"Therefore, I have no desire to get involved in the squabbles among those kings. All they can talk about are the old grudges between their respective countries, or their upcoming trade and tariffs."
Only after they've finished talking, have had their fill of conversation, and the meeting is over, will it be time for me to actually get things done.
"At that time, I will keep all the kings within the Grand Line here for a chat!"
I drank alcohol yesterday, and my hangover only started to subside this afternoon.
Sigh, I'm getting older, and I can't handle drinking as much anymore.