Chapter 306: Sanji & Pudding
After leaving Bege's castle, Reiner and the others walked out of the island. The time gradually approached evening.
The setting sun cast an oblique glow. A crescent moon had already hung on the horizon, facing the setting sun from afar.
The coast of Fluffy Island shimmered with an orange glow. Besides the Merry, a sailboat several times larger, carrying a juice-cup-shaped superstructure, was also docked.
Reiner, Luffy, and the others walked down the street in a line, heading towards the other party. Two tall figures stood on the left and right of the bow, looking as if they had been waiting for a while.
One was square-shaped like a biscuit, holding a shield and a double-edged sword, his expression serious.
[Biscuit Minister] Charlotte Cracker, one of the current Three Sweet Commanders. Bounty: 860,000,000 Berries!
The other wore a sexy, tight-fitting bodysuit, with long, light blue-and-white hair and a charming wheat-colored skin. Her pair of super-long, round legs, like chopsticks, stirred the soul.
[Juice Minister] Charlotte Smoothie, one of the current Three Sweet Commanders. Bounty: 932,000,000 Berries!
"—Whoooa! Those totally sexy long legs~~"
Sanji's eyes immediately turned into hearts. His entire person twisted like a noodle, a look of infatuation on his face as he stared at Smoothie's long legs.
"A Longleg tribesman? She looks to be over four meters tall."
Reiner rubbed his chin and sized up Smoothie. Sanji was 1.8 meters tall, not even reaching her crotch. But...
...with the precedent of Jabra the missionary of love, compared to jungle exploration, a small problem like this was quite easy for Sanji to overcome.
"I didn't expect them to actually come to Totto Land on their own."
"Isn't this great? It saves us the trouble of making a trip. Otherwise, it would have been a headache."
Looking at Reiner and the others slowly approaching below the ship, Smoothie and Cracker muttered to each other, then looked at each other and nodded.
Smoothie jumped down from the bow and landed with a 'thud' in front of Luffy.
Before setting out, Katakuri had made it clear that there should be no conflict. This was their first meeting, and she didn't know the temperament of the Straw Hat crew.
Although she didn't think the other party would dare to cause trouble in Totto Land, Smoothie still tried her best to be friendly, introducing herself:
"We've kept you waiting. I am the Juice Minister of Totto Land. Just call me Smoothie. That is my older brother, Cracker, the Biscuit Minister."
There were no strange movements.
Smoothie's self-introduction was concise and to the point, even considered polite. In Totto Land, the number of people who could receive a polite gesture from a Sweet Commander could be counted on one hand.
If it were a few days ago, Smoothie might not have taken them seriously. Although the Straw Hat crew had some fame, they were just rookies who had just entered the New World.
The gap between the first and second half of the Grand Line was large enough to make countless arrogant rookies despair.
But this group of people was different. The Straw Hat crew had only ten members, yet they had a total bounty as high as ten billion. Every crew member had solid achievements to their name.
This was a bona fide powerhouse on the seas!
Besides Big Mom herself, no one in all of Totto Land dared to mess with them.
Reiner knew that Smoothie's attitude was Big Mom's attitude.
He didn't know what the other party had in mind for the Vinsmoke family, but at least for now, the Big Mom side clearly did not want to make an enemy of them.
Luffy didn't think that far. The other party greeted him, so he greeted back. He extended his hand to Smoothie and said with a cheerful laugh:
"Hello, my name is Luffy. I'm the man who will become the Pirate King."
The Pirate King...
Smoothie was stunned for a moment looking at the man before her. After coming back to her senses, she calmly shook Luffy's hand and said:
"Everyone, please come with us. The wedding will be held in three days. We will take you to rest first, and also let Black Leg Sanji and Pudding get to know each other."
"Mmm-ah, let's go, hee hee," Luffy nodded and followed with large strides.
The others also set off. Nami subconsciously looked up at Reiner beside her. Seeing his calm and composed face, she also felt a little more at ease.
Whether it was their actions or their words, the people from Big Mom's side all seemed to be genuinely trying to make this marriage happen.
This, on the contrary, made Nami feel a little uncomfortable.
At first, they had all prepared for the worst, coming to Totto Land full of nervousness. Now, it was as if they were the ones with small minds.
The few big-hearted people behind them acted much more casually.
Usopp nudged Sanji with his elbow, winking. "You're about to meet the bride, Sanji~. Well? Are you nervous?"
Franky put his arm around his shoulder and continued to tease, "She's your fiancée, after all. Don't act too much like a pervert later, Sanji."
"That's enough, you Long Nose, you damn pervert," Sanji cursed irritably, shrugging off their hands.
Nervous? Although he appeared calm, he was indeed a little nervous in his heart.
One reason was his family, whom he hadn't seen in many years. Although Sanji loathed them, he didn't hate them that much. He hadn't thought about how to face them yet.
Secondly, his chat with Chiffon just now had also given Sanji some understanding of the Charlotte family's marriage alliances.
Born into the Charlotte family, one's marriage was never their own to decide.
This made him subconsciously think that his fiancée, whom he had never met, was also just a pitiful girl being used as a political tool by Big Mom.
He had no reason to hate her or anything. How should he face her when they really met? If he refused the wedding...
...the other would probably be loathed by Big Mom like Chiffon, and live a miserable life of being beaten and scolded. It would be too irresponsible for him to just walk away.
These thoughts might seem unnecessary to others, but not to Sanji. He had always been very gentle with women. This was his way of life as a man, as a knight!
Not to mention...
Reiner had said the other was a very cute girl!!
Ahem, of course, even without this reason, Sanji's knightly code would not change.
But he really cared!!
A cute girl suddenly became his fiancée, and she might also be in a difficult situation, forced by her evil mother, waiting for a knight to descend and save her.
This kind of story development...
Sanji couldn't help but clench his fists excitedly. It completely fulfilled the ultimate romantic knight fantasy of his childhood!!
Soon, Reiner and the others boarded the Merry. Cracker and Smoothie's ship led the way.
It had to be said, the Totto Land sea was really large.
It would take half a day to sail from the outermost perimeter to the central Whole Cake Island by ship. But with Homies pulling the ship, it was only around eight in the evening when they approached the depths of Totto Land.
On the way, Smoothie came aboard the Merry and also introduced everyone to the matter of the tea party.
Besides them and the Vinsmoke family, there would also be many other guests, including many great pirates and those who controlled various industries, known as the [Emperors of the Underworld], like Stussy and Morgans.
Nearly half of the prominent figures in the New World were coming. It was enough to see the foundation and influence of an old-school Yonko.
Arriving at Cacao Island, which was themed around chocolate, Smoothie led Reiner and the others to dock at the coast.
This was the island originally managed by the Minister of Chocolate, Lola, and was now managed by the Minister of Chocolate-in-training, Pudding.
Sanji's family would probably not arrive until tomorrow or the day after. Before the wedding, Reiner and the others would rest here for the time being, and it was also convenient for Sanji and Pudding to get to know each other.
"So fragrant!!"
"Can you really eat all the chocolate here!"
Landing on Cacao Island, looking at all the things made of chocolate, Luffy and Chopper's eyes shone with a golden light.
"Mm, feel free to eat," Cracker said from within his biscuit soldier, nodding with a blank expression. He then pointed to a chocolate house and reminded them:
"But be careful. The chocolate on the houses is the private property of the residents and cannot be eaten. After all, it would be troublesome to lose a place that shelters you from the wind and rain."
"—Ehehe~~"
Luffy was drooling. Before Cracker could finish, he had already charged towards a chocolate fountain.
"Chopper!"
"Coming!"
Gulp, gulp~~
Chopper jumped up excitedly. The two of them tilted their heads back and opened their mouths wide, letting the continuously gushing chocolate fountain pour into their mouths.
Chopper's eating habits had been completely assimilated by Luffy. He frantically gnawed on chocolate stones, chocolate trees...
All the objects made of chocolate in the surroundings could not escape the abyssal maws of these two gluttons. In the blink of an eye, they had eaten themselves into two round mountains of flesh.
What a great sin.
The group looked at the two of them, speechless. The cost of feeding these two could support a whole pirate crew.
"Ahem..."
Even Cracker was a little scared. He hurriedly interrupted, "Let me take you to see Pudding first."
"Thank you for your trouble."
Nami replied, then irritably grabbed Luffy and Chopper by the neck and dragged them away.
The night was quiet and charming.
Arriving at the entrance of a large house, Cracker and Smoothie led the group inside.
In the bright living room, the group looked around curiously.
Two rows of sofas were placed opposite each other with a table in between. The furniture was neatly arranged, with a small amount of decoration. The living room was as clean as a young girl's private chamber.
"Please have a seat, everyone. Pudding is on her way back from Whole Cake Island. Please wait a moment," Smoothie said, sitting down directly on a sofa.
"Mm, thank you."
The group each found a seat on the sofas or wandered around the room.
"Judging from the tidiness of the room, the lady of the house is a very clean girl."
"And the kitchen, all sorts of utensils are available, especially the baking tools. From this, we can deduce that she should be very skilled in this area."
Usopp transformed into a detective, seriously observing everything in the room, rubbing his chin. "Emmm, not bad. No abnormalities for now."
"Are you trying to die, Long Nose?"
Sanji closed his eyes, a vein popping on his forehead. How could he not see that Usopp was teasing him?
"Hahaha, don't be angry, Sanji. I just thought you were too nervous. Sorry, sorry," Usopp said, waving his hand with a sheepish smile.
"Don't do unnecessary things."
Sanji leaned against the window. The cool breeze blew his bangs, which covered half his face. He lit a cigarette, and the swirling smoke rose, trying to calm his gradually anxious heart.
The room gradually quieted down, and the atmosphere began to become a little strange.
Reiner glanced at Smoothie, who was sitting on the sofa opposite with her legs crossed. The biscuit soldier, Cracker, was standing by the door.
He felt as if it were a blind date between two groups, with the siblings of both sides accompanying them. This atmosphere was strangely awkward.
Creak~~
Just then, the door was gently pushed open.
Hearing the sound, everyone subconsciously looked over.
Standing at the door was a petite and cute young girl. Her light brown, wavy hair was tied into twin tails, and her slanted bangs covered her forehead.
Her pair of brown eyes were bright and shimmering. Her curvaceous figure was outlined by a light pink dress.
The newcomer was none other than Charlotte Pudding. She was holding a bamboo basket and looked a little reserved, as if she were nervous about the people who had appeared in her house.
"Um..."
"Brother Cracker, sister Smoothie," Pudding first greeted the two of them softly.
Then, under the gathered gazes of the group, she took small steps into the living room, stood opposite Reiner and the others, put down the basket in her hand, and nodded shyly.
"You must be the Straw Hat crew. Good evening. I am Pudding."
"Hello, Pudding."
Luffy stood up nonchalantly, as if the atmosphere around him didn't affect him at all. He grinned as usual and introduced himself:
"My name is Luffy. I'm the man who will become the Pirate King."
"I'm Chopper! I heard you designed that chocolate fountain! It's amazing!"
"Isn't she quite cute? My name is Franky. Nice to meet you."
"My name is Brook. Yohohoho... ho..."
Fearing that his next catchphrase would slip out, Nami's death glare made Brook's back feel cold, and even his laughter was cut off.
So... so scary!
Brook trembled.
While everyone was introducing each other...
At the side, Sanji stood there, stunned.
So this is the person he's supposed to marry...
From the moment Pudding entered the door, his gaze had not left this girl.
So cute.
That pair of clear eyes, like a lake, seems to hold the whole starry sky.
When she smiles, a shallow dimple appears at the corner of her mouth.
Her shy, girlish posture makes one want to hold her in the palm of one's hand...
"Hey, what are you spacing out for, curly-brows?"
Hearing Zoro's voice, Sanji came back to his senses, only to find that everyone was looking at him.
"...S-sorry."
Sanji moved away from the wall he was leaning against and came before Pudding, his throat bobbing, as if he didn't know how to speak.
"H-hello."
!!!
This should have been a very normal reaction, but on Sanji, it seemed extremely strange.
The group's eyes widened in disbelief.
Usopp: He didn't go into a perverted frenzy on their first meeting!
Franky: What's wrong with this guy!
Chopper: It's over! Sanji has been replaced!
The group was shocked, looking at each other, all seeing the disbelief in the other's eyes.
"H-hello."
Pudding's gaze was evasive. She wrung her hands, looking a little nervous.
At this moment, her heart was very complicated.
When she first learned that she was going to be in an arranged marriage, Pudding was very resistant. Among her many sisters, the one she was closest to was Lola. Like Lola, she longed for freedom in love.
But Big Mom's word was an absolute command. She knew she had no room to resist and was full of apprehension about this unknown marriage.
Even the conspiracy Big Mom had against the Vinsmokes was only known to a few of the powerful older sons. She was still in the dark even now.
For Big Mom, Pudding was simply a tool. She just needed to follow her arrangements step by step. There was no need to even tell her the truth.
She had also heard about the Germa Kingdom. Rumors of an evil army, emotionless war machines, etc., had made her feel some fear towards the Sanji she had never met.
Unexpectedly...
Pudding secretly looked up at Sanji, and happened to meet his gaze. She quickly turned her face away to avoid it.
Although they had just met, the third eye hidden under her bangs seemed to have vaguely seen the essence of the man before her.
Even Pudding didn't know why, but she didn't feel any repulsion towards Sanji at all.
"Since Pudding is here, you two can chat first. Brother Cracker and I have to go back and report to Mama," Smoothie said, standing up.
The implication was already very obvious. Reiner and the others also stood up one after another.
Although they had only briefly introduced each other, the group's impression of Pudding was still quite good.
They had come on this trip to Totto Land because of Sanji in the first place. No matter how things developed later, it was Sanji's own choice. They would definitely not interfere randomly.
"It's getting a bit late. Since we've already met, I should head back to the ship first."
"I should go back to sleep too."
"Goodbye, Pudding. And Sanji."
"Eh! Wait a minute! Are you planning to leave me here alone?!" Sanji, having just reacted, hurriedly called out.
"Eh? Didn't Pudding just say she was going to make hot chocolate?" Luffy raised his hand. "I'm staying."
Chopper raised his hand. "Me too!"
Duang!
Duang!
Nami dragged Luffy and Chopper away. The room was soon left with only Sanji and Pudding.
After a moment of silence.
"Sanji-san."
Pudding smiled faintly and took the initiative. "Let me go and make you a cup of hot chocolate."
"Ah, okay. Thank you for your trouble, Miss Pudding."
Sanji subconsciously nodded in response. Pudding set off for the kitchen.
He raised his hand again, hesitated for a second, and said, "Um... how about I help too?"
"Can you, Sanji-san?" Pudding stopped and turned back.
Speaking of this topic, Sanji suddenly felt much more at ease. He stepped forward and said:
"Although I'm not a specialized pastry chef, I'm still a little confident in anything related to cooking."
"More importantly..."
"As a chef, I feel a little bad letting a lady cook for me," Sanji smiled faintly and walked past Pudding towards the kitchen.
Pudding stared blankly at Sanji's back until another voice came from the kitchen.
"The tools here are very complete. It's just like a dessert room."
"With so many tools and ingredients, we can even make a small cake."
"Does Miss Pudding often make desserts?"
"Mm. I really like making chocolate desserts," Pudding replied.
The initial nervousness had completely disappeared. She smiled faintly and followed him into the kitchen.
"I also have a cafe in town. I'm working hard to officially become the Minister of Chocolate."
"Really? That sounds amazing. Then please give me a lot of guidance later."
"N-no, not at all..."
"Let me roast the cocoa powder first. You've ground it very well."
Sanji rolled up his sleeves, lit the fire, and placed a pot on it. He asked casually, "Did you grind this cocoa powder yourself, Miss Pudding?"
"...Mm," Pudding's face blushed slightly. "Sanji-san seems very professional."
"Well, you flatter me."
"Let me get the milk and sugar for you."
"Mm. Then thank you very much, Miss Pudding."
The two figures bustled around in the kitchen. From time to time, a few sentences of conversation and laughter could be heard.
There were no conspiracies or complicated thoughts, just the simple cooperation of two chefs who loved cooking.
Unintentionally, a seed began to sprout.
(End of chapter)
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