In an instant, the battlefield fell into complete silence!
Zoro's face twisted into an utterly dumbfounded expression, like he'd just witnessed something absurd beyond belief. He jerked his head toward Sanji, as if questioning reality itself—had he just imagined that?
Sanji, as if fully aware of what Zoro was thinking, spoke again to confirm:
"I swore… I would never kick a woman!"
"That is my chivalry!"
"So… I'm sorry, Zoro!"
"You've gotta be—"
BOOM!!!
A massive figure suddenly appeared before Zoro, accompanied by a cold, mocking laugh.
"Well, brat! Seems your companion has abandoned you!"
"That damn pervert cook!!!"
Facing the towering giant like a mountain, a flicker of anger flashed in Zoro's eyes.
But Sanji's tone had been so resolute that even the other members of the Starry Sky Pirates didn't know what to say.
Realizing this, Zoro stopped wasting words.
If that useless cook wasn't going to help, then he would defeat one of the Four Emperors himself!!!
Gripping the Zanpakuto tightly, a cold gleam flashed. Zoro transformed into a streak of lightning, charging straight at Big Mom. Behind him, a phantom blood-red tiger seemed to emerge, radiating a ferocious aura that sought to devour all living things!
This sudden surge of savage intent actually caused Big Mom to pause for a moment.
In the blink of an eye—
Zoro and Big Mom clashed once more!
Sharp blade light, blazing lightning, roaring flames—
Violent energy waves erupted around them, making it impossible for anyone to approach.
Several members of the Big Mom Pirates who stood too close were instantly blasted away by the shockwaves of their battle!
=======
Elsewhere—
"Sanji! What are you doing!?"
"Hurry up and help Zoro defeat Big Mom!!!"
Usopp, completely unprepared for this turn of events, shouted anxiously.
The others quickly gathered around Sanji as well.
With Zoro and Sanji's combined strength, defeating the Emperor who had ruled the seas for decades should have been easy.
Yet at this critical moment, Sanji had acted as if he'd betrayed them—refusing to take part in the "Emperor-slaying" plan.
"Let it go, Usopp."
Franky, who had just rescued Sanji's siblings, stopped him from continuing.
As he spoke, Franky's fingertip suddenly opened, revealing a tiny mechanical hand that subtly pointed toward Sanji's pocket.
Through the fabric of Sanji's black trousers, a clear imprint of a clenched fist could be seen—trembling uncontrollably.
To protect one's own code… is never as easy as it sounds.
Seeing this, the others fell silent.
But while they stopped talking… someone else began.
"Oh? So it's that Sanji guy."
"Tch! What can that coward even do!?"
"You actually expect him to fight a Yonko? Have you all lost your minds?"
"The Four Emperors are invincible. Better surrender now!"
"Yeah, resisting will only lead to a worse outcome…"
BOOM!
Before the three brothers could finish speaking—
A massive black fist smashed into them, sending them flying without warning.
Judge withdrew his punch and slowly straightened up.
He glanced at Zoro, who was fiercely battling Big Mom in the distance, then turned his gaze toward the "failure" he had once cast out.
He had already seen his three sons—deceived by the Big Mom Pirates—still smiling confidently…
At that moment, Judge finally realized just how much of a failure his experiment had been.
When faced with the destruction of their family, his so-called "perfect" sons showed no will to resist. Under their so-called absolute rationality, they surrendered instantly, leaving themselves at the mercy of others.
These were the strongest warriors he had cultivated over decades with the power of an entire nation…
In the end—
He had failed.
"Sanji…"
Judge called out his name, his voice heavy with complicated emotions.
But this long-overdue call from a father did not awaken any longing for familial affection in Sanji.
Instead, it steadied the hesitation in his heart.
He had promised his mother—to become a true knight!
Sanji suddenly raised his head. Flames ignited in his eyes as he looked past the battlefield where Zoro and Big Mom clashed—
Toward the approaching forces led by Katakuri, the Sweet Commander, and the remaining Big Mom Pirates still able to fight.
Clearly, Katakuri intended to use this opening to eliminate the rest of the Starry Sky Pirates first.
"Usopp, Franky, Nami, Chopper…"
Sanji suddenly spoke.
"Sorry."
"Could we…"
"Switch opponents!?"
"No problem!"
With two heavy metallic clang sounds, Franky pounded his chest and gave Sanji a thumbs-up.
"Leave everything to us!"
Only men can understand men!
"Then… thank you!"
WHOOSH!
The moment Sanji finished speaking—
Blazing flames erupted, forming a massive wall of fire across the sky.
"Sanji…"
Reiju stared at him, seeing a version of her brother completely different from what she remembered. She couldn't help but glance at their father.
"This…"
For once, Judge found himself at a loss for words.
Just then—
"You must be Sanji's sister, right?"
Nami, dressed in a fresh and elegant gown—looking even more like a princess than Reiju, the actual princess of Germa 66—walked over.
She then turned to the others and said:
"You guys go help Zoro."
"I'll take care of the women Sanji can't fight."
Crack…
A pair of pure white feathered dragon wings suddenly spread from Nami's back.
Though the wings were enormous—almost larger than her body—they radiated an indescribable sense of holiness and beauty.
With a powerful flap, Nami soared into the sky, catching up to Sanji, who had already transformed into his Gourmet form within the flames.
"Nami-swan…"
Sanji's terrifying fanged maw opened as he glanced at her speeding beside him.
"I'll handle the troublesome ones for you, then go help Zoro," Nami explained midair.
"My deepest thanks, Nami-san!"
The grotesque demon revealed a smile—though it looked utterly chilling.
Fortunately, Nami was already used to it and remained unfazed.
Before long—
The two of them arrived before Katakuri.
A chaotic battle—
Was about to erupt!!!