━─── The orb spat out its contents, and Milly exhaled, its shoulders slumping as it leaned against an unseen force. The air seemed to thicken around the demon, granting a fleeting reprieve. A delicate hand rose to cover its nonexistent mouth as it let out a breathy yawn, crimson eyes fluttering shut for just a moment.
"You know the drill. Who's going next?" Milly's voice lilted playfully, the sound lingering in the stillness. Anticipation crackled in the air, everyone braced for the inevitable chorus of Garp and Ace yelling, "Mine!"
But instead....
"I'll go first."
The unexpected voice cut through the moment. Heads snapped toward the speaker, curiosity giving way to disbelief. Ichiji, the Germa prince—silent until now, stepped forward, the spotlight finding him at last.
Ace stiffened. His brows knitted together, arms crossing tightly over his chest. "Eh?! That's not fair—"
"Sure."
The single word sliced through his protest, leaving him momentarily stunned. His lips pressed into a pout, cheeks puffing out as he muttered curses under his breath, too quiet for anyone else to catch. But Milly did. Amusement flickered in its gaze, a knowing smile curving its lips.
"Well, let's save the family members some last moments."
Ace's frown deepened. "Why the last?"
Milly's grin widened, teasing, almost conspiratorial. "You'll know later on~"
The words lodged in Ace's mind, a question forming, but with so many eyes on him, curiosity laced with suspicion, he bit his tongue.
"Now, let's start~"
【As was customary, the mirror before them shimmered hazily at first, the glass surface swirling like a tempest. But soon, the fog began to clear, revealing a familiar sight. Luffy's head popped into view, oddly upside down, his wild hair tousled and defying gravity.】
Everyone collectively blinked, the room falling into a hush.
"What...is he doing?" Helmeppo murmured, confusion knitting his brow as he turned to Coby, who mirrored his bewilderment with wide eyes.
Sanji, comfortably settled among the other Straw Hat members, let out a resigned "Oh," as realization dawned upon him, his expression shifting to one of amusement.
