𝙰 𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝

𖦹ᴡʜᴏʟᴇ ᴄᴀᴋᴇ ᴀʀᴄ𖦹 - 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝟤𝟨

After their intense battle at Dressrosa and the brief respite at Zou, Sanji found his mind drifting back to a particular night on the Thousand Sunny. It had been late, and Luffy had come to the kitchen, hungry as always.

---

.☘︎ ݁˖ Flashback: The Night in the Kitchen .☘︎ ݁˖

Sanji was busy preparing a midnight snack for Luffy, who had a bottomless pit for a stomach. The two of them chatted, Luffy talking about his dreams and adventures, while Sanji listened, enjoying the rare quiet moment.

"Luffy, do you ever think about the future?" Sanji asked, leaning against the counter.

Luffy tilted his head, thinking. "Not really. I just want to be the Pirate King."

Sanji chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course. But what about... other things?"

Luffy blinked. "Other things?"

Sanji moved closer, his heart pounding. "Like... people you care about. People who care about you."

Luffy's eyes softened. "I care about all of you. You're my crew."

Sanji took a deep breath and, before he could overthink it, he leaned in and kissed Luffy. To his surprise, Luffy kissed back. The moment grew heated quickly, Sanji's hands wandering as they pressed against each other, their breaths mingling.

But then, Sanji noticed a shadow in the doorway. It was Franky, coming in for some milk. Sanji quickly pulled away, handing Luffy a plate and acting nonchalant as Franky grabbed his milk and left, oblivious to the tension in the room.

Back in the present, Sanji couldn't stop thinking about that night. He was confused and conflicted, especially with the looming threat of Big Mom and his so-called family, the Vinsmokes. The reality of his arranged marriage to Pudding weighed heavily on him.

Sanji sighed, staring out at the sea. He knew the crew was planning to rescue him, but he was torn between his duty and his feelings.

The crew finally arrived at Whole Cake Island, ready to rescue Sanji. The island was a vibrant, fantastical place, with everything made of sweets and treats. But beneath the sugary facade lay the ruthless power of Big Mom.

Sanji was in the castle, conflicted and distressed. He needed to confront Pudding and his family, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Luffy. He had to know what he truly wanted.

Luffy, accompanied by Nami, Chopper, Brook, and the newly allied Pedro and Carrot, infiltrated the castle. They found Sanji in the kitchen, looking more troubled than they had ever seen him.

"Sanji!" Luffy called out, rushing to him.

Sanji turned, his eyes lighting up despite his turmoil. "Luffy..."

The two embraced, but Sanji quickly pulled back, his face serious. "Luffy, we need to talk."

They moved to a secluded corner of the kitchen. "Luffy, about that night..." Sanji started, struggling to find the right words.

Luffy grinned. "I remember. It was nice."

Sanji's heart raced. "But... Pudding. The Vinsmokes. Big Mom. It's all so complicated."

Luffy's expression grew serious. "Sanji, we'll deal with all of them. You're our friend. Our nakama. And... I care about you."

Sanji felt a weight lift off his shoulders. "Luffy, I care about you too. More than I should."

Luffy reached out, taking Sanji's hand. "Then let's get through this. Together."

Sanji and Luffy, joined by the rest of the crew, confronted the Vinsmokes and Big Mom. The battle was fierce, with Pudding revealing her true, manipulative nature. Sanji fought bravely, his resolve strengthened by Luffy's support.