"Plans?"
Judge repeated the word as if he had heard the greatest joke in the world. He laughed softly, his laughter filled with self-mockery and desolation. His chest rose and fell with it, pulling at his wounds until he could not help coughing.
"The Germa Kingdom is gone, my sons are dead, and the World Government has revoked our status as an allied nation... I'm nothing but a homeless dog with nothing left. What plans could I possibly have?"
He had been obsessed all his life. To revive the Germa Kingdom and restore the Vinsmoke Family's former glory in the North Blue, he had cast aside familial affection and humanity, turning both himself and his children into emotionless war machines.
But in the end, nothing remained.
This sudden calamity had completely worn away the last traces of spirit within him and crushed the obsession he had clung to his entire life.
Sanji leaned against the wall, smoking cigarette after cigarette. Through the swirling smoke, he watched Judge's utterly defeated appearance and ultimately swallowed every taunt that had reached his lips.
No matter how much of a bastard Judge was, no matter how cold and heartless he had been, at this moment, he was merely an old man who had lost everything and could not even see a future ahead.
In the oppressive atmosphere that was nearly suffocating, the operating room door was gently pushed open.
Dawn strode in at an unhurried pace. The hem of his black trench coat swayed lightly with his steps. His presence was as steady as a mountain, yet it carried the unquestionable pressure of one in power.
He naturally walked to Reiju's side, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and gently drew her into his embrace. His fingertips tenderly brushed through her hanging curls,