Chapter 537 - 377

AI Model: gemini-3.0-flashChapter 378: Sanji's Response!Sanji's declaration of war, filled with absolute will,every word carried a terrifying killing intent, dead-locked onto the tall man at the bow of the Queen Mama Chanter.Perospero's expression instantly became extremely ugly; even his action of licking his lollipop froze, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.From this blond cook in front of him, he felt a pressure... not at all inferior to when Mama went on a rampage!But Charlotte Katakuri still stood there calmly.However, a violent ripple flashed through those red eyes that were usually as still as an old well, as if they could see through everything.In his "Future Sight," the river of time suddenly became murky and violent!!!Countless shattered, terrifying futures filled with destruction and wailing flashed frantically in his mind like exploding stars!He saw the burning Germa Castle, and countless cold clone soldiers turning to ash in golden flames!He saw the grand Whole Cake Chateau collapsing with a crash, and countless brothers and sisters screaming in despair!He even saw his mother Charlotte Linlin's face, distorted by extreme rage, and her hysterical roars!!!All these futures pointed to the same source.It was the cook of the Straw Hat Pirates in front of him, whose reverse scale had been touched because his family was targeted.Katakuri fell silent.He realized the other party's words weren't a boast at all, but a possibility... a terrifying possibility that could become reality at any moment if he wished, even enough to shake the foundation of an emperor of the sea.This was no longer a simple marriage notification.This was a direct warning from a core combatant under the New World's Fourth Emperor.Katakuri slowly raised his head, putting away all contempt; the mechanical feel of a Yonko Commander in his gaze lessened, replaced by a sense of seriousness.I have seen your resolve, Vinsmoke Sanji."In this atmosphere so heavy it felt like it would explode, an ill-timed burst of laughter suddenly tore it to shreds.Shishishishi!"Luffy grinned and leaned an elbow directly on Sanji's shoulder with a dull "thud."So, it's your bastard family causing you trouble, right? Sanji!"His reaction was simple and domineering to the extreme.He didn't ask why, nor did he question Sanji's seemingly insane declaration.He simply stated his stance and that of the entire Straw Hat Pirates immediately.That's easy then!"Luffy's eyes sparkled, filled with the excitement of someone who loves chaos,What we're best at is turning people's homes upside down! Since they messed with my cook, we'll just go and send them all flying!"This unreserved, almost unreasonable trust and support was like a warm current, instantly dispersing the cold killing intent on Sanji.He dithered for a moment, then gave a helpless, bitter smile.Right, how could he have forgotten...This was his Captain.Tch, what a pain."Zoro crossed his arms and curled his lip, expressing concern in his own unique way:Curly Eyebrows, you're actually a prince? Hey, don't go dying over some boring family business; your life belongs to us."Wait! Sanji-kun is a prince?!"Nami and Usopp's focus had completely veered off into another dimension.Their eyes instantly turned into the shape of Berries, and their eyes shone almost in unison:Then the Germa Kingdom... must be really rich?!"Germa 66, the Landless Kingdom, world-renowned for its top-tier scientific power."Robin and Jinbe exchanged a glance and began to analyze calmly:Their alliance with Big Mom Pirates is an attempt to combine technology and bloodlines to make up for each other's shortcomings; they have no small ambition."Hmph, just a bunch of cyborgs and a group of crazy women who only know how to give birth." A sneer hung on the corner of Law's mouth.These relaxed, tangential, and rational reactions instantly painted over the heavy black cloth of the Four Emperors marriage with various colors, completely shattering the sense of oppression.The so-called Emperor-level crisis, in the eyes of the Straw Hat crew, quickly downgraded to a troublesome but seemingly interesting family dispute.Sanji-kun, that Germa... what exactly is it?"Nami snapped back and asked worriedly, looking at Sanji's complex expression.Facing his comrades' concerned gazes, Sanji leaned against the railing, lit a new cigarette, and took a deep drag.He didn't give a long-winded sob story or a hysterical denunciation of injustice.He simply stated a fact he had long since thrown away, in a tone that was terrifyingly calm, almost cold.As he gave his brief account, several cold, silent images flashed through his mind.Cold steel masks that covered the faces of everyone called brothers.The contemptuous laughter from around him when he was ruthlessly beaten on the training ground for showing compassion.And more so, the man called his father, Vinsmoke Judge, looking at a test report in a cold laboratory and handing down his final judgment:A failure."Sanji blew out a long smoke ring; the smoke blurred his expression but made his voice sound more resolute than ever.So, don't get it wrong. They aren't my family, just a nightmare I escaped long ago."My old man is only one person, and that's the shitty old man in the East Blue who taught me cooking and kicking techniques."My only home is this ship."This complete severance from the past and his absolute sense of belonging to Zeff and the Straw Hat Pirates made all the comrades present show knowing smiles....Katakuri listened to all this quietly, his face showing no expression.He simply took a photo from his coat calmly and flicked his finger.The photo turned into a white blur, flying accurately toward Sanji.Our mission is only to deliver the invitation. Your past has nothing to do with us."Katakuri said indifferently, his voice devoid of any emotion.This is the other party in this political marriage, my sister, Charlotte Pudding."Katakuri had already foreseen that simple threats of force were useless against this man and the bunch of monsters on his ship.But this man's Chivalry was both the source of his strength and his only fatal weakness.Sanji subconsciously reached out and caught the photo.In the photo was a young girl with long brown hair and a gentle, sweet smile. Her bangs cleverly covered her forehead, and her whole being radiated an innocent and lovable aura.Sanji's pupils shrank suddenly.However, the expected heart-eyes and love-struck state did not appear.Instead, his expression quickly shifted from cold anger to complex pity, and finally sublimated into a brand-new resolve.He clenched his fist, his nails almost digging into his flesh, and muttered in a low voice with suppressed rage:...To use a lady like this as a political bargaining chip?"His anger found a new, more noble outlet.He suddenly looked up; the killing intent in his eyes was gone, replaced by an unquestionable determination belonging to a knight!He looked directly at Katakuri, his voice loud and clear, echoing over the sunny!I understand. This Tea Party, I will go."Amidst his comrades' surprised gazes, he carefully tucked the photo into his pocket and continued:But not for a wedding!"I will personally go and tell your Mama, and that bastard Judge... this farce ends here!"I will never allow them to sacrifice an innocent lady for their own filthy ambitions! This is my Chivalry!"Hearing Sanji's declaration, the crew members all showed knowing smiles.I knew it, that's our Sanji-kun." Nami smiled, her eyes full of pride.Hmph, meddling in things that don't concern him, what a troublesome cook." Zoro gave a "tch," but the corners of his mouth curled up unconsciously.Luffy even put his hands on his hips and laughed out loud:Going to someone else's wedding to snatch the bride?! That sounds so interesting!!"The entire crew instantly reached a consensus.Katakuri watched all this; the countless futures he had foreseen finally converged clearly into one.His mission was complete.He took one last deep look at Sanji, then at Luffy, and finally gave a slight nod:Then, we shall await your arrival in Totto Land."After saying that, he turned and returned to the Queen Mama Chanter along with a complex-looking Perospero.As the massive cake ship slowly turned and departed, peace and cheerfulness returned to the deck of the sunny.Luffy put an arm around Sanji's neck, grinning with a goofy smile:Alright! It's decided! Sanji, before I go and crash the party, make me something delicious first! I'm hungry! Let's have a banquet first to celebrate you going to snatch the bride!"Sanji sighed helplessly, but a long-awaited, heartfelt, warm smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.Understood, Captain."A banquet worthy of crashing an emperor of the sea's wedding is coming right up."