Viola's sudden ascension to the throne had truly given Luffy and his companions a significant surprise.
Afterward, Viola had called personally to explain her motives. Although she claimed it was all for Luffy's sake—to help share his burdens—Luffy wasn't foolish enough to believe her transparent excuse. Nevertheless, he didn't particularly mind her decision.
Long before their current journey, King Riku had revealed his intention to abdicate. It was merely a matter of timing, so Luffy simply advised Viola to be careful and offered some words of encouragement. The new queen had hung up the transponder snail with evident happiness.
After this series of events, midday had arrived. According to their predetermined schedule, barring any unforeseen circumstances, they were about to reach their next destination—the seventh nation they would visit in North Blue.
Having traveled to more than a dozen countries since departing from Marine Headquarters, the Marines accompanying them should have grown accustomed to these diplomatic visits. For the most part, this was true.
However, there was one person who displayed obvious anxiety and unease at this particular moment.
Inside the ship, most of the Marines had already assembled in formation, prepared to accompany Luffy for the royal welcome. At the front of the formation stood Zoro and Sanji, both recently promoted to Major at headquarters, along with Usopp, who held the rank of Captain.
As some of the highest-ranking officers aboard besides Luffy and Ain, they were all qualified to attend the royal banquets with Luffy. Logically, having seen much of the world by now, they shouldn't appear particularly tense about another diplomatic function.
Yet among the three, Sanji alone leaned against the wall, chain-smoking one cigarette after another without pause. Observing his demeanor, anyone with basic perception could guess that something was troubling him deeply.
"Hey, Sanji, what's going on with you?" Usopp asked directly. "You've seemed on edge ever since we entered North Blue. Today you've been distracted all day—are you feeling sick?"
Even Zoro, who typically maintained a contentious relationship with Sanji, paused his meditation with closed eyes to glance surreptitiously at his rival, clearly noting his unusual behavior.
Logically, Sanji shouldn't keep secrets from Usopp, who had journeyed with him from East Blue and had become practically inseparable. Yet regardless of how close their friendship had grown, Sanji couldn't bring himself to vocalize the painful history he had buried for years, nor did he know how to explain it to them.
The conversation between the three officers attracted the attention of the assembled Marines. Seeing Captain Sanji visibly troubled, the squad members in the front rows exchanged curious glances. Those standing further back perked up their ears, sensing that something significant was unfolding.
Ignoring his nosy subordinates, Sanji lit another cigarette and took a deep drag. He gazed at the ceiling for a long moment before speaking slowly in a somber voice:
"I should have mentioned before that I'm actually from North Blue. When I was very young, I only wanted to become a chef."
Usopp nodded. "I know that—I saw it when you joined the Marines and filled out your personnel file. I was quite surprised at the time."
As he spoke, his puzzlement only grew. "But what does that have to do with your current mood? Are you perhaps too emotional about returning to your homeland?"
Sanji responded to Usopp's guess with a disdainful snort. Turning toward the window to gaze at the sparkling sea outside, his expression darkened, and a flash of pain crossed his eyes.
"Stop joking. If I had my way, I'd rather never return here for the rest of my life—especially not to that particular kingdom or to face that bastard!"
His words caused both Usopp and Zoro to frown with concern.
The nearby Marines immediately perked up, sensing that significant revelations were imminent. They concentrated intently, listening carefully to every word.
Before Usopp could press further, footsteps suddenly sounded behind the group. Simultaneously, a familiar voice reached Sanji's ears.
"Yet you decided to come anyway, didn't you? Otherwise, you wouldn't have agreed when I first asked if you wanted to join this mission."
Hearing the voice, everyone turned quickly. Several eavesdropping Marines startled visibly, immediately straightening their posture to attention.
"Boss!"
"Admiral!"
"Commander!"
Amid these varied greetings, Luffy, Ain, Nami, and Vivi walked through the formation and approached the front of the group.