Chapter 538 - 378

Chapter 379: Dividing into Two Paths!The sunny was brightly lit under the night sky.A departure feast, grand enough to rival a state banquet, was in full swing on the deck.The centerpiece of the banquet was a giant Sea Kings roasted to a golden, succulent crisp; its domineering aroma seemed to marinate the entire sea.Sanji, dressed in his signature black suit, moved elegantly and efficiently between the kitchen and the deck, serving exquisite dishes like works of art, but his slightly furrowed brow betrayed his heavy heart!However, his solemnity was clearly out of place with the revelry of the single-celled organisms on the deck."This biggest piece of meat is mine!!!"Luffy's rubber arm had stretched to its limit, aiming straight for that giant, charred leg of meat.However, a sharp flash of a blade flickered, and Zoro's wado ichimonji precisely blocked Luffy's arm with the back of the sword."Idiot Captain, this meat is a pre-meal snack for the strongest swordsman.""What did you say, Mosshead?!?""Want to fight, rubber bastard!"Just as the two were clashing eyes with Conqueror's Haki, a more excited shout exploded like a thunderclap!!!"This meat should be mine to take!!!"Yamato had appeared on the other side of the roast meat at some point, her giant Spiked Club held high, her eyes sparkling with an unabashed desire for food!!!"Boom!"Three top-tier combatants instantly brawled over a mere piece of roast meat, Haki and limbs flying, making the deck hum with the vibrations."SUPER!!!"Franky was excitedly showing off his newly completed SUPER fully automatic roast meat cutting mechanical arm, attempting to end this barbaric war with the power of technology.However, he overestimated his own operating skills.After a violent tremor of sparks and lightning, the mechanical arm suddenly jerked, launching a large piece of tender, juicy meat like a cannonball.The meat traced a perfect parabola in the air, landing with unerring precision into the mouth of Usopp, who was wide-eyed and ready to cheer for the three powerhouses."Ugh... gulp... so hot!!!"Usopp instantly choked until his eyes rolled back."La la la~~~ Three big idiots fighting over a piece of meat~~~"Uta sat on a barrel nearby with her guitar, improvising lyrics with her clear and beautiful voice, ruthlessly mocking the silly scene before her, making Robin and Nami giggle uncontrollably (＞▽＜).Just as this meat war intensified, nearly escalating to the point of dismantling the ship."Ding."A crisp sound of a fork lightly tapping a porcelain plate rang out; it wasn't loud, but it instantly silenced the clamor on the deck.The three brawlers stopped simultaneously and turned in unison toward the source of the sound.Trafalgar Law elegantly wiped his mouth with a napkin, his handsome face wearing a particular look of helplessness and seriousness that comes from staying in this kindergarten for too long.His gaze swept across everyone, finally landing on the Captain, who still had half a piece of meat stuffed in his mouth."Luffy-ya, you can eat meat anytime.""But we must talk business... about Totto Land, and our next stop on the way to Laugh Tale, Zou."Law's voice was low and calm; his role had long since seamlessly transitioned from the initial ship's doctor to the Straw Hat's chief strategist and discipline officer.His speech naturally opened a serious topic, forcibly dragging the plot from the noisy daily life back to the peril-filled main storyline.At the kitchen table, a roundtable meeting of the Emperor's crew officially began.A massive New World nautical chart was spread across the center of the table, with the latest newspapers and several Vivre Cards pointing in different directions scattered nearby."According to intelligence, the Big Mom Piratesand Germa 66's alliance is a blatant political conspiracy."Robin spoke first, her voice calm as always, yet sharp with the insight of someone who sees through everything."Big Mom's goal is Germa's cloning technology and scientific weapons, while Judge's goal is to latch onto the bloodline and influence of one of the Four Emperors. Sanji and that Pudding-san were merely bargaining chips in this deal from the start.""Totto Land is the true Land of All Nations, composed of thirty-four islands, each strictly ruled by one of Mama's children."Jinbe took over; having been an executive under Big Mom, he knew the horrors there all too well."The intelligence network in that sea is airtight; once you step in, it's no different from walking into a trap. All our actions will be under Mama's watchful eye.""That's not all."Nami pointed to the area marked as extremely dangerous on the chart, her brow furrowed."Going to Totto Land means we'll be diverted from the main course to Wano Country for at least three months.""Furthermore, the climate in that sea is one of the most bizarre regions in the New World. Sweets fall from the sky like rain, and the sea sometimes turns into boiling juice; even my experience might not be enough."Finally, Law pressed his finger on the Vivre Cardpointing to Zou and summarized."Going to Zou, meeting up with Bepo and the others, and finding the Road poneglyph there to get the route to Wano Country is our most core task at present.""The risk and time cost of the entire crew diverting to Totto Land are too high."Law's analysis was calm and objective, and his proposed optimal solution followed:"Divide into two paths. One group will form an elite infiltration squad to resolve Sanji's issue as quickly as possible. The other will continue to Zou to complete our main mission."This proposal immediately triggered a fierce reaction from the new members."Zou!"Yamato stood up abruptly, her eyes shining so brightly they seemed almost to catch fire."On Zou are the retainers of the Kozuki Family, Duke Inuarashi and Master Nekomamushi!!!""Wano Country needs to open its borders; we must go there immediately to rendezvous with them!!!"On the other side, Uta's focus was entirely on Luffy.Watching Luffy's rare, deep frown, she said softly yet clearly:"But Sanji-san looks like he's in pain... Luffy, you want to help him, don't you?"Her words were like a key, striking right at the heart of Luffy's feelings.Amidst the intertwining of logic, mission, and empathy, Luffy finally made his most direct reaction."Bang!"He slammed his fist onto the table, sending the roast meat on the plates flying."No way!!! I don't agree to split up!!!"Everyone's eyes instantly focused on him.Luffy's logic was simple and blunt, yet filled with an unquestionable dominance."Sanji is my cook! His trouble is my trouble! What infiltration? What detour? That's too much trouble!!!""We'll just sail straight there, send that BIG MOM flying, take all their cake, and then go to Zoutogether! That's the fastest way!!!"These words made Law's brow furrow even deeper and brought a look of anxiety to Yamato's face.For the first time, a clear disagreement arose within the team due to differing priorities.As the atmosphere reached a stalemate, Sanji, who had been silent, finally spoke.He stubbed out his cigarette and looked up, his eyes meeting Luffy's with unprecedented sincerity and determination."Luffy, thank you. But this time... let's listen to Law and the others."He paused, and meeting Luffy's puzzled gaze, continued to explain:"My goal is to personally stop that disgusting farce, not to start an all-out War between Emperors.""A small, capable squad is far more likely to achieve the goal than a grand-scale assault."His voice was calm, but it carried a convincing power."So, trust me. Let me end this nightmare that started because of me in my own way.""And you should focus on your path to becoming the Pirate King; don't veer off course for me."Sanji's words weren't a plea for help, but a request for trust.This touched Luffy's heart more than any reason could.Luffy stared at Sanji for a long, long time.He looked to the side at Uta, who was watching him with eyes that said "trust him," and then at Yamato on the other side, who was so anxious about not being able to go to Zou immediately that she was almost in tears o(╥﹏╥)o.Finally, he let out a long, long breath, and that signature, helpless smile returned to his face."Argh, seriously! Every single one of you is so much trouble!!!"He stood up abruptly from his chair, hands on his hips, and announced with finality:"Fine!!! It's settled then! We divide into two paths!!!"Luffy's compromise wasn't because he was convinced by logic, but out of respect and trust for the wishes of all his companions.This was his caliber as a Captain.