New World, the southern Majiatsuka Kingdom.
The humid sea breeze that never dispersed carried the fresh scent of vegetation from deep within the rainforest, mixed with the faint sulfurous smell drifting from distant volcanoes, sweeping over this tropical kingdom built between an oasis and an active volcano.
The streets of the Royal Capital were filled with residents in colorful gauze dresses. Hawkers' cries and laughter mingled with the chirping of insects and birds from the rainforest, creating the vivid liveliness unique to the south.
Seaside Villa, west of the Royal Capital.
The pure white stone building was hidden among swaying palms and tropical flowerbeds, while the sound of waves crashing against the reefs drifted faintly over the courtyard walls.
Yet deep within the villa's reception room, the atmosphere was far from as peaceful as it appeared outside.
A solid wood table stretched across the center of the room. Dawn sat upright on the leather sofa at its head, his black coat casually draped over his arm. His fingertips tapped lightly against the tabletop in a steady rhythm. A careless smile rested on his face, yet an innate pressure radiated from him. Even sitting there so casually made the person opposite him unconsciously soften his breathing.
At his side, Reiju wore a fitted purple gown. Her pink curls fell smoothly over her shoulders, outlining her graceful figure. A polite yet distant smile hung on her face, but there was not the slightest warmth in her beautiful eyes.
By the window on the other side, Sanji leaned against the Ice glass. His golden bangs covered half an eye, and his hands were casually tucked into his pockets. He did not even spare the person across the table a glance. Every inch of him radiated resistance and disgust.
Even after all these years,