🂴 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

034 ❘❘ Memory 6 (Part 1)

"What is it?" Usopp queried, glancing from Sanji to the mirror, anticipation hanging in the air.

"Just remembered something..." Sanji replied, his gaze fixed on the mirror with an almost nostalgic glint.

【"Did you find anything to eat?" Luffy's voice rang out, innocent and unbothered, his head still sticking out comically from the vent.

"Looks like the dining hall is that way," Sanji's voice trailed off as he peeked from inside the vent, the cigarette in his hand wavering slightly as he spoke.】

"Wait, what are you two doing?" Nami's incredulous voice cut through the moment as she took in the absurd sight, Luffy's head awkwardly jutting out, while Sanji barely fit inside the cramped space.

Sanji exhaled a slow stream of smoke, the ember of his cigarette glowing. "Nami-san, that was when we dropped straight into Marine Headquarters after Sky Island. Luffy and I... well, we got into some ridiculous situations."

Robin blinked, then chuckled, memories surfacing of her own role in that chaos, disguised as a Marine officer. A knowing smile played on her lips as she glanced at Usopp and Zoro.

Usopp, recalling his own humiliating moments, wisely stayed quiet. Zoro, lost in thought, wore a vacant look, the memory of head-butting Condoriano flashing in his mind.

The rest of the crew exchanged glances, confusion thick in the air.

Clicking his tongue, Sanji blew out another puff of smoke, irritation creeping back. "Just watch it, damn it," he muttered, his focus snapping back to the mirror, the fleeting nostalgia buried under the weight of unfolding events.

【Hearing Sanji's words, Luffy's eyes lit up like fireworks. "Dining hall!" The sheer joy in his voice resonated through the cramped space, amplifying the excitement swirling around him.

Without a moment's hesitation, Luffy launched himself from the vent, the air whooshing past him as he plummeted.

"Idiot! Wait!" Sanji's reflexes kicked in, and with a swift motion, he reached out, fingers gripping one of Luffy's ankles just before he hit the ground.

Luffy dangled precariously for a heartbeat, his wild hair whipping about, before gravity took over. He fell, crashing face-first onto the hard wooden floor with a resounding thud. His legs stretched out behind him, and he could feel the rough grain of the floor digging into his cheek.

With a groan, Luffy lifted his head, eyes narrowed in indignation as he shot Sanji an accusing glare. "What're you doing?!"

Sanji, unperturbed by the chaos, met Luffy's gaze with an infuriating calmness. "Don't be rash." His voice was steady, a stark contrast to the frenzy surrounding them.

"I'm gonna eat!" Luffy stubbornly proclaimed, his determination radiating from him like an unquenchable flame. In a sudden burst of energy, he pulled his feet away from Sanji's grasp, catching the cook off guard.】

Sabo dragged a hand down his face, fingers pressing against his forehead as he exhaled sharply. His brother's antics were nothing new, yet they never failed to test his patience. Across from him, Ace burst into laughter, bright, unrestrained, and utterly carefree.

With a sigh, Sabo jabbed him lightly in the ribs, a wordless reprimand laced with familiarity.

"Quit laughing!" he hissed, though the traitorous curve of his lips betrayed his amusement.