Chapter 453 - 292

Chapter 293: A Knot in the Heart!The campfire crackled, the aroma of meat and the mellowness of wine filled the air, and the laughter and chatter of companions echoed across the ice plains.However, on the edge of this warm clamor,Monet was tied firmly to a broken icicle with rough Sea Stone chains, her grass-green long hair drooping limply, covering most of her face.She tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes peering through the gaps in her hair, silently watching the jubilant scene not far away.Once upon a time, she had also had such "banquets."Not in cold ruins, but on the spring-warm palace balconies of Dressrosa, or at some secret family stronghold.The Young Master would sit at the head, his signature laughter wild and magnetic.Trebol would lean in stickily, Diamante would show off his swordsmanship, Lao G would strike odd poses, Gladius would quietly wipe his helmet, Baby 5 would be asked to transform into various things, and Buffalo would circle at a low altitude... Everyone was clamorous, sharing the spoils of their missions or simply enjoying the family reunion.Back then, as the Young Master's secretary, she always kept everything in perfect order; watching the family members carry on gave her a profound sense of belonging.For the Young Master, for this family that had accepted her and given her a "reason for being," she could give everything, including her life.But now... the despair of a failed mission, the worry for the Young Master's situation, and the doubt about her own worth were like poisonous vines wrapping around her heart, tightening more and more.She lowered her head, burying her face deeper into the shadows, unwilling to look at that piercing joy any longer.Just then, a steady set of footsteps approached, accompanied by the faint aroma of food.Monet did not look up.A slender hand gently placed a steaming wooden bento box on the ground within her reach.Inside the box were a few pieces of golden grilled fish sprinkled with spices, some crisp vegetables, and a small bowl of steaming cream soup.The presentation of the food could even be described as exquisite, a stark contrast to the rugged style of the barbecue around them."Eat at least a little, Miss."Sanji's voice rang out, carrying a rare, peaceful steadiness.He didn't get too close, maintaining a polite distance, and lit a cigarette, the crimson ember flickering in the dimness."Sea Stone accelerates physical exhaustion. If you stay hungry, you won't last until you see the person you want to see."Monet's body trembled almost imperceptibly, but she still didn't look up or respond.Sanji blew out a smoke ring, the white mist dissipating quickly in the cold air.He looked at Luffy playing with Usopp and Chopper by the campfire in the distance, then at the silent and stubborn captive before him, and spoke slowly:"I can probably guess what you're thinking. Mission, loyalty, belonging... and the mindless joy of these enemies before you, contrasted with the resentment of your own situation, right?"Monet's fingertips twitched slightly."Once, I also had a period of time that was... not so free."Sanji's voice was very soft, as if he were talking to himself, yet also like he was sharing something."Bound to a certain place, living for some twisted 'mission,' thinking that might be everything.""Unable to see the sea outside, unable to smell the wind of different islands, and unable to taste... the flavor of cuisine truly made for oneself."He crouched down, bringing his gaze roughly level with the bowed-headed Monet, his tone becoming even gentler:"Then I met that idiot Captain. He taught me one thing: so-called 'belonging' and 'meaning' are not shackles bestowed by others, but rather the people you find on your path to chasing your dreams who are willing to fight for you and share a banquet with you.""You might think we're just fooling around."Sanji pointed to the center of the noisy banquet."But to the Captain, inviting someone who was just fighting to eat together isn't hypocrisy or mockery.""That's just his most direct way! A fight is a fight, but those who are alive must eat and must look forward.""Your Young Master... that Heavenly Yaksha, isn't he also pursuing a future he believes in? It's just that his methods have hurt too many people, including those close to him."Monet finally looked up, her golden eyes flashing with a complex light in the campfire's glow, staring intently at Sanji.Her lips moved, as if she wanted to argue, to rebuke his presumptuous judgment of the Young Master, but in the end, no sound came out... On the other side, by the campfire.After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became even more lively.Zephyr refused the support of Ain and Binz, sitting alone on a rock a bit further from the main campfire, holding a large wooden mug filled with strong spirits.At first, he just drank in silence, his single eye staring at the leaping flames, his gaze hollow as if he were seeing the distant past through the firelight.Gradually, the alcohol began to take effect.This marine hero, who had been strong all his life and was known for "not killing" yet bore countless tragedies, let his back slouch slightly.Tears, without warning, slid down his resolute face, which was covered in wrinkles and scars.For a hero in his twilight years, nothing is more sorrowful than recalling the regrets of his life.A lifetime of persistence trampled in the cruelest way, cherished ones passing away one after another, while he could only survive with a broken body and a heart full of resentment.This weight, at this moment, completely burst through the floodgates with the help of the alcohol.In an instant, Luffy, the most boisterous of them all, put down the meat in his hand, his expression becoming very quiet and serious.He stood up and, under the silent gaze of everyone, walked toward the old man crying alone.Luffy didn't say any words of comfort, nor was he as carefree as usual.He simply walked up to Zephyr and sat down next to him on that cold rock.He sat very close, his arm even touching Zephyr's trembling mechanical arm.Zephyr was immersed in his own grief and didn't seem to notice.After a long while, Zephyr's crying gradually subsided, turning into heavy breathing and intermittent sobs. He lowered his hands, revealing bloodshot eyes and a face covered in tear stains, looking old and fragile.Zephyr stared blankly at him. This face before him, still carrying a touch of boyishness, now revealed a steadiness and resolve that belied his age."Time... it really flies..."Zephyr suddenly murmured, his tone airy, as if he were talking to Luffy, yet also like he was talking to himself."I still remember... a long time ago, in Foosha Village in the East Blue... I seem to have held a snot-nosed brat wearing a straw hat who clamored all day about becoming the Pirate King... That was you, wasn't it?"Luffy blinked, appearing a bit surprised, and then grinned. That smile didn't have its usual silliness but instead carried a warm nostalgia."Ah! It seems there was something like that! Big Sister Makino said a scary-looking but seemingly not-bad Marine uncle had visited!""Hmph... Who's scary..."Zephyr snorted, his previous hostility gone.He scrutinized Luffy, his gaze dazed, as if he were seeing another figure through him.His son, who had died young, if he were still alive, might also have been this spirited, perhaps... "You've grown up, brat!!"Zephyr's voice was hoarse, yet much softer. He reached out his calloused hand, seemingly wanting to habitually ruffle Luffy's hair as he had done back then.But his hand stopped halfway and finally just gently patted Luffy's sturdy shoulder."You've grown... sturdier than I imagined, and... much more sensible."His hand was heavy, making Luffy's shoulder sink slightly, but Luffy didn't dodge, simply bearing it with a smile."Becoming the Pirate King... isn't something that can be achieved just by fooling around."Zephyr withdrew his hand and wiped his face, trying to clear the tear stains. In his sharp gaze, there was now a bit more complex sentiment."There are still countless hardships and obstacles ahead, far more terrifying than what you encountered today.""The World Government, the other Four Emperors, the forces hidden in the darkness... Are you ready, Monkey D. Luffy?"Luffy straightened his back, the gaze under his straw hat showing no hesitation, only the same unwavering light as always."Of course! No matter what's ahead, I'll send them all flying!""Because... I'm the man who's going to become the Pirate King!"Looking into those eyes, Zephyr remained silent for a long time.Finally, he let out a long, deep sigh. In that sigh, there was helplessness and worry, but also what seemed like a faint, faint sense of relief."Is that so..."He said softly, picking up the half-filled glass of strong spirits beside him."Then... live well, get stronger, and make it to the very end!!""Let this old man see... just what kind of world you brats of the new era can create!!"