Night.
The sea breeze blew away the smoke and stench of blood, and the Baratie restaurant was once again filled with the aroma of food and lively noise.
Though they had just gone through a fierce battle, the restaurant had been left in tatters.
But to celebrate their survival and thank Luffy and the others, a grand victory feast was being held on the deck.
"Delicious!! This meat is so delicious!!"
Luffy clutched a bone-in chunk of meat in both hands, his cheeks stuffed like a hamster's.
As he chewed wildly, he kept repeating himself to Sanji beside him through a mouthful of food:
"Hey! Cook! Your food is so delicious! Join my crew!!"
"Gulp."
Sanji sat on the railing, holding a glass of red wine as he stared out at the distant sea, looking somewhat dazed.
He exhaled a ring of smoke. Though his gaze wavered slightly, he still stubbornly refused:
"Quit yapping, Straw Hat. I told you already, I have a reason I have to stay here."
"The old man's leg was lost because of me... Until I've repaid what I owe this restaurant, I'm not leaving."
"And besides..."
Sanji paused. A flicker of yearning for his dream crossed his eyes before quickly fading.
"Searching for All Blue and all that... It's just a stupid dream.
"How could a miracle sea filled with ingredients from every sea in the world possibly exist? I'm not an idiot like you!"
"It does exist."
A leisurely voice cut in.
Victor sat in a nearby chair, elegantly holding a cup of black tea as he gently blew on the steam.
"In this world, nothing is absolutely impossible."
Victor set down his teacup. His black eyes instantly turned into scarlet Sharingan as he gave Sanji a slight glare.
"Buzz!"
Sanji's vision suddenly blurred.