Gululu... Pop!
The giant soap bubbles continued their endless cycle of rising and bursting under the sunlight.
On the open ground outside Shaki's bar, the duel between Ace and Zoro raged on.
The battle had reached its climax.
With martial arts that had surpassed Luffy's since childhood and decently mastered Haki, Ace quickly gained the upper hand.
But...
This Mosshead before him possessed a terrifying willpower that even he couldn't help but admire—knocked down time and again, yet always rising back up just as quickly.
Half an hour had passed in the blink of an eye.
Even after all this time, he still couldn't completely defeat him.
"Hey, Mosshead!"
Ace's expression turned serious as he spoke solemnly:
"My Spade Pirates already have seven members—we've got a doctor, a collector, a chef... but we're missing a Swordsman like you! Let's call it quits for today and shake hands. You're someone I've come to respect, worthy of being my crewmate!"
He stared at Zoro, who was sprawled on the ground, only to be met with a mocking grin.
"Hmph, so you're just going to start recruiting on your own before the fight's even decided... Stop dreaming!"
Zoro panted heavily, using his sword hilt to push himself up as he growled, "Who the hell do you think I am?!"
"I'm the Captain of the Two-Sword Adventure Crew! There is indeed only one man I'd willingly follow—and he's not someone on your level!"
Should've expected this.
Ace rubbed his temples and sighed deeply:
"One after another, all so stubborn it gives me a headache."
His gaze sharpened as he suddenly seized the moment Zoro paused to catch his breath, darting forward with a whip-like kick!
"Take this!"
The kick was lightning-fast.
Zoro's expression changed. Even though he immediately tried to tighten his grip on his swords, he couldn't match the speed. Both blades were sent flying, embedding themselves into a distant tree trunk.
"Now what? You've lost your weapons."
Ace crossed his arms, grinning. "What's the difference between a Master Swordsman without his swords and a beast with its fangs pulled? You're no longer qualified to fight me. Think again about joining the Spades!"
But to his surprise, Zoro didn't look the least bit discouraged—instead, he gave Ace a strange look.
"Who said I was just a Swordsman?"
Huh?
Ace froze.
Before he could react, Zoro had already launched himself into the air, his right leg engulfed in roaring flames. With a ferocious grin, he brought it down hard under Ace's stunned gaze!
"Demon Wind Leg Pork Hot Pot SHOOT!"
...
Meanwhile.
Sabaody Archipelago, 40th Grove, shopping district crossroads.
Sanji sat on a bench, cigarette dangling from his lips as he meticulously polished his two beloved swords.
One named "Pile River," the other "Ghost Cutter."
Both purchased from a weapons shop in Loguetown.
"Hey, Chopper, did you get everything on the medicine list?" Sanji asked without looking up as he finished polishing. "Fever reducers, anti-inflammatories, bandages, antibiotics..."
"Got everything, nothing missed!"
Chopper grinned and nodded, patting his bulging backpack with his little hoof. "I even bought some extra materials for making Rumble Balls, just in case."
"I've got all the ingredients too."
Sanji finally relaxed, sheathing his two swords with a smile. "The ship's already been sent to the Coating Artisan, so we're free as birds. Looks like we can just enjoy ourselves and have a whole day of fun on this island."
"Yay! I wanna ride the roller coaster!"
Chopper cheered. He'd heard long ago that the amusement park in Sabaody was famous, and after all the exhaustion from their recent journey, he could finally have a proper good time!
"But before that, I suddenly remember there's one very important thing I absolutely must do—"
Sanji's eyes sharpened as he turned to look at Tashigi, who was walking toward the intersection not far away.
"Uh-oh." A bad feeling flashed through Chopper's mind. "Sanji, you're not gonna…"
The next second—
Sanji's eyes instantly turned into heart shapes as he sprang up like a coiled spring, tracing a graceful arc through the air before sliding on one knee to stop right in front of her.
"Ahhh~ Tashigi-san—!!!"
He somehow produced a rose to hold between his teeth, his voice dripping with charm:
"On this radiant summer afternoon, to meet a refined, raven-haired beauty like you twice in one day—what incredible luck! This must be heaven's mercy upon my pitiful fate!"
"Huh?"
Tashigi took half a step back, startled by the sudden enthusiasm.
"Sanji-san."
Her hand instinctively gripped the hilt of her sword as she stammered,
"We're not close, p-please don't act like this… Didn't we already clear things up at the docks earlier? I'm not that female Swordsman you know, I just look a little like her…"
"Of course I remember, Tashigi-san! But if it were that she-devil herself, I wouldn't be this passionate at all, Tashigi-san~!"
Sanji looked utterly smitten. "It's entirely your own charm that's won me over! Would you do me the honor of joining me for lunch at a high-class restaurant nearby?"
If such a gentle, lovely girl would date him…
All the childhood trauma from being terrorized, bullied, and beaten up by that woman would surely vanish without a trace!
"Um… well…"
Tashigi looked troubled.
She weighed her words carefully, trying not to sound too harsh. "I set sail to follow a senior I've admired for years. Other than him… I'm not interested in any other man."
"Thank you for your admiration, but… I'm sorry."
She bowed slightly to Sanji, then turned and hurried away, afraid he might pursue her.
Crack!
Sanji froze in place as if struck by lightning.
The rose between his teeth fell to the ground with a plop, and his entire body began to crumble like a weathered statue, finally collapsing into countless pieces with a boom.
"Sanji?"
Chopper cautiously approached, poking his shoulder with a hoof. "A-are you okay?"
"I... I'm fine..." Sanji turned his head blankly, his eyes empty, "It's just... just that my heart... has been... pierced..."
"Pierced?!!!"
He slowly knelt on the ground, hands pressing against the floor, forehead touching the earth, his entire figure shrouded in shadow.
"Why must fate be so cruel? A beauty with the exact same face as Big Sis Kuina, yet with a temperament so much gentler than hers..."
"Chopper, do you know how attractive this is to me?"
"And yet... she already has someone she likes?!"
"Moreover, it's some 'senior she's admired for years'?!"
"AAAAAHHHH!!!"
Sanji suddenly roared at the sky, tears streaming down his face as he pounded the ground with his fists, gnashing his teeth:
"Damn it, damn it! Who is that bastard senior who stole Tashigi-san's heart before I could?! I'll duel him, duel him! I'll show him what I'm made of!!!"
"I actually might know who that is."
Chopper timidly raised a photo, "That Tashigi lady was so startled by you earlier, this fell from her pocket. I think this must be the one she adm—"
"Give it here!"
Sanji snatched it impatiently and looked down.
"Oh, never mind then."
He stood up at lightning speed, casually cracking his neck, "Hey, Chopper, let's go. Time to have some fun at Sabaody Park."
"You backed down way too fast!" Chopper yelled with gritted teeth, "What happened to the duel?!"
"Ahaha, the weather really is nice today. Hurry up and follow, Chopper. The roller coaster is a popular ride—we might have to queue if we're late."
"Hey! Answer me properly!"
"Hmm, how much are the tickets again? Not sure if I brought enough cash... Chopper, you've got some spare change, right?"
"HEY!!!"
...
At Sabaody Park, a bustling crowd had gathered in front of the roller coaster.
"Of course there's a line."
Chopper groaned, "There must be at least a hundred people ahead of us. How long is this gonna take? So boring..."
"I hate queues too."
Sanji lit a cigarette, exhaling a melancholic puff of smoke before glancing into the distance, "Looks like there's a cotton candy stall near the side gate. Chopper, why don't you hold our spot while I grab some for you?"
"Ooooh!!!"
Chopper immediately perked up, eyes sparkling, "Yes, yes! Make sure to get pink ones—I love pink the most!"
"Same color as cherry blossoms, got it. Don't worry, I remember."
Sanji waved nonchalantly and strode off.
...
Amid the bustling crowd, neither of them noticed the three men in floral shirts watching them from outside the wall.
"Hey, you all saw that, right?"
A lanky man whispered, pointing at Chopper, "That blue-nosed tanuki can talk. If I'm not mistaken, it must be that rare race, right?"
"No doubt about it—it's a Mink Tribe, only found in the New World."
A bald, muscular man licked his lips greedily, "That little thing is oddly cute. Tch, the auction houses at Grove 1 have been offering sky-high prices for Minks lately—almost as high as female Merfolk."
"But I heard the Mink Tribe isn't to be underestimated in combat either."
The last man, sporting a thick beard and clearly the leader, spoke calmly, "A direct approach isn't wise. From the earlier conversation, that little tanuki seems to love cotton candy, right? We can use that to our advantage."
"I'll go buy the cotton candy."
"I'll prepare the knockout drug."
"I'll distract that curly-browed guy in the suit."
The three exchanged a glance and dispersed without drawing attention.
————
"Hey, Chopper!"
About ten minutes later, Sanji's cheerful voice rang out as he pushed through the crowd, holding three pink cotton candies aloft.
"Got them, got them! The boss said these are strawberry-flavored, and he even added extra—"
Before he could finish, a bearded man in a floral shirt suddenly rushed in from the side, colliding with him head-on.
Thud!
The cotton candies flew out of Sanji's hands, sticking messily to the man's clothes.
"Hey! You bastard!"
Sanji's temper flared instantly as he grabbed the bearded man by the collar. "Not watching where you're going, huh? Do you have any idea how hard it was to get these?"
"Sorry, really sorry, brother!" The bearded man feigned panic. "I was in a hurry, didn't mean to—my bad! Tell you what, where'd you buy these? Take me there, and I'll buy you ten more!"
"..."
Sanji frowned deeply but finally released his grip, shaking his head in resignation.
"Forget it, since you called me 'brother'... Fine, just give me the money for three. I won't waste your time—go on your way, and I'll buy them myself."
"Thank you, thank you for your kindness!"
Sanji took the Berries handed to him, counted them briefly to confirm the amount, then turned to head back for the cotton candy.
But...
Just as he stepped away, his peripheral vision caught something odd near Chopper.
Huh?
He whipped his head around to see Chopper surrounded by two unfamiliar men. One of them was grinning broadly, offering a pink cotton candy.
Chopper had taken two steps back, his expression wary.
Yet his eyes were irresistibly drawn to the sparkling, glittering treat. Within seconds, drool was already dripping down his chin.
Wait a minute...
Why were both men also wearing floral shirts?
"Hey! What the hell are you doing?!"
Sanji's instincts kicked in. Realizing something was wrong, he immediately sprinted toward them.
But before he could reach them, he saw Chopper happily accept the cotton candy and take a bite. Instantly, the little reindeer began swaying, his eyes glazing over.
"Chopper! Don't eat that!"
Sanji roared in fury, lunging forward. His right leg lashed out like a whip toward the two men.
The tall, skinny man had no time to react. The kick sent him flying several meters, slamming hard into a wall.
"Damn it!"
The bald, burly man barely dodged in time. Seeing their plan exposed, he bared his teeth and pulled a dagger from his coat, thrusting it viciously at Sanji.
Meanwhile, the original bearded man who'd collided with Sanji earlier quietly drew a short blade, creeping up from behind.
You think you can take me?
Sanji smirked, sidestepping effortlessly. His legs shot out like lightning, striking both men's wrists simultaneously.
Crack!
A crisp sound of bone fracture echoed as the dagger clattered to the ground. The man let out a pig-like screech, clutching his wrist as he collapsed to his knees.
"Hang in there, Chopper! I'll get you to a hospital!"
Chopper had already lost consciousness. Sanji quickly crouched down to check on him.
Meanwhile, the tall, lanky man Sanji had kicked away spat out a mouthful of blood before staggering to his feet, clutching his chest.
"Die, you brat! You damn nuisance!"
The man grinned viciously, suddenly pulling out a pistol and aiming it squarely at Sanji's back. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger.
But at that very moment—
"Room."
A calm voice rang out, and a pale blue hemispherical space abruptly expanded, enveloping Sanji, Chopper, and the three kidnappers within its bounds.
"Operating Room."
A flash of blade light—and in an instant, the three kidnappers' bodies were cleanly sliced into several segments, collapsing like toppled building blocks with a clatter.
"Hey! What the hell?!"
"What's happening to us?!"
Their heads stared in horror, realizing they were still alive but utterly unable to control their bodies. Even the fired bullet had been split into pieces, losing momentum before clattering to the ground.
What kind of Devil Fruit ability is this?
Sanji, who had never seen anything like this, looked up in shock to see a young man in a spotted hat sheathing his sword.
"I suppose this reindeer here, Chopper, and I are fellow Supernovas from the same generation—and fellow doctors, at that."
Law glanced at him indifferently. "Just happened to pass by, so I figured I'd lend a hand. Next time, be more careful. Keep an eye on your Captain—wouldn't want you sinking in a place like this."
"Huh?"
Sanji scratched his head, utterly baffled. "Uh, hold on. Are you misunderstanding something? Why are you acting like some savior? Did you really think that pistol bullet could take me down?"
What a joke!
He'd already noticed the kidnapper's movements but simply hadn't bothered with it—checking on Chopper was more urgent.
"A guy with a 50-Berry bounty, yet still this stubborn."
Law shook his head in disappointment, finding the whole exchange rather dull. He had no interest in arguing with a pirate of Sanji's caliber and simply waved to his crew, preparing to leave.
"Wait a second!"
"Hm?"
Law frowned as he turned back. Beside him, Bepo cracked his knuckles, ready to deliver a bear punch to this ungrateful fool.
"Don't get the wrong idea!"
Sanji hastily waved his hands. "Let's not debate whether you actually saved me or not—that's beside the point! I admit my attitude was off. You, the guy with the spotted hat—you said you're a doctor too, right? Could you please check on my friend? I don't know what kind of drug those bastards used, and I'm really worried!"
The Heart Pirates exchanged glances before all eyes settled on Law.
"Fine."
After a brief silence, Law sighed and stepped forward, crouching down to examine Chopper.
However—
Just then, a commotion erupted in the distance.
"Charlia Palace and Pulmin Saint have arrived!"
"All commoners, clear the way!"
"Clear the way at once!"
Two teams of white-uniformed Marines began sweeping the area, one on each side.
In the distance, something extraordinary seemed to be approaching. The crowd parted like a tide, with both locals and tourists hastily lowering their heads and kneeling to the ground, not daring to look up.
"It's a Celestial Dragon!"
Law's expression changed abruptly. Without bothering to continue checking on Chopper's condition, he quickly hissed:
"Hey! Everyone, follow me for now. We can't afford to cause any trouble at a time like this. We'll deal with everything later!"
The members of the Heart Pirates all nodded without hesitation and immediately prepared to follow him away.
Bepo passed by Sanji and, seeing him standing there motionless, kindly extended a chubby paw to pull him along.
Huh?
Sanji was completely baffled by the situation. Even after being tugged, he remained rooted in place, glancing toward the distance in confusion:
"What's going on? What's wrong with everyone? What's this about a Celestial Dragon? Why do you all get so scared just hearing that name?"
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