Pekoms stood there, his expression a mix of embarrassment and conflict. While both he and Bepo were members of the Mink Tribe, they now represented rival pirate factions. The Big Mom Pirates were clearly plotting against the Straw Hats, making it difficult for Pekoms to deliver his rehearsed speech. The naive Bepo had been ready to reminisce about their shared past, but Shachi and Penguin quickly held him back. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Bepo retreated behind Law, demonstrating with his silence that he understood this was no time for casual chatter.
The tension on the deck was thick enough to cut with a blade. Carl let out a long yawn, breaking the silence. He knew that Baron Tamago and Pekoms were merely messengers and that further intimidation was pointless. Luffy's display of authority had already done its job.
"Stop trying to persuade us," Carl said bluntly. "You two are just errand runners. Do you really think you can sway the Straw Hats? Just hand over whatever Big Mom sent you with. What happens next is our decision, and we don't take orders from anyone else".
Baron Tamago and Pekoms exhaled in visible relief. Carl's words were harsh, but they provided a way out of the stalemate. Tamago produced a small, ornate box.
"Captain Straw Hat, this is an invitation to Mama's Tea Party," Tamago explained. "She requests your presence at Whole Cake Island for the wedding of Mr. Sanji and Miss Pudding. I have also included a photograph of the bride-to-be".
Having delivered the message, the two Big Mom combatants felt a weight lift from their shoulders. In the previous era of the Four Emperors, no one dared to refuse an invitation from Big Mom, and her envoys were treated with the highest respect. But the sea had changed into the Era of the Six Emperors, and the Straw Hats were a force that had humbled the Big Mom Pirates before. Tamago and Pekoms were lucky to be leaving with their lives.
"We've received it. Now, get lost," Luffy said rudely, his anger still simmering. The envoys bowed and ordered their sailors to retreat immediately.
As the enemy ship vanished into the horizon, the Straw Hats remained silent. Luffy's fury was palpable, like a storm waiting to break. Carl, the only one comfortable speaking in this atmosphere, ignored the invitation itself and picked up the photograph.
"So this is Miss Pudding? She really is quite pretty," Robin remarked, leaning in to see. Her casual comment broke the tension, allowing the rest of the crew to relax. They realized there was no point in being nervous among friends; save the intensity for the actual fight.
The crew crowded around the photo, offering their opinions. Some wondered how such a beautiful daughter could come from Big Mom, while others noted that Pudding's smile seemed a bit forced, as if she were wearing a mask. Franky and Brook added their own eccentric comments until Nami silenced the musician with a swift punch.
Throughout the chatter, Sanji remained off to the side, though his ears were pricked. Hearing the praise for Pudding's beauty made him curious, but his pride remained firm. He refused to let his life be dictated by the Vinsmoke family.
"Stop talking about her!" Sanji said, biting the bullet. "I'm sure she's a lovely lady, but I'm not marrying her!".
"No one is telling you to get married," Zoro said, looking at Sanji with a flat expression. "We're just saying she's attractive. Your marriage is your own business. None of us have any intention of interfering with your choice". The rest of the crew nodded in agreement, which visibly eased Sanji's mind.
Carl waved the photo in the air. "Marriage aside, Sanji, you're the one who should see this. Looking at a picture doesn't mean you're agreeing to the wedding. Are you sure you don't want a glimpse?".
Sanji cleared his throat. "Well, out of respect for the lady... I suppose I should look... OH! She's gorgeous! I want to marry her right now!".
As soon as Sanji saw Pudding's face, his resolve vanished. His eyes turned to hearts, and he was instantly smitten. The crew rolled their eyes in unison; one moment he was a defiant rebel, and the next he was a lovestruck fool. It was classic Sanji—a chef whose weakness for beauty knew no bounds.
Finally, Luffy spoke, his voice grounding the group. "Sanji, pirates are free. This is your life, and your decision to make. As your partners, we will support whatever you choose. Whether it's the Germa or Big Mom, if they try to force you into something you don't want, I'll beat them all into the ground!".
With those words, the matter was settled. Sanji held the power of choice. If he said no, the entire strength of the Straw Hat Pirates—a crew that now rivaled the greatest powers in the world—would be his shield. They would take on the North Blue overlords and the old Emperors alike to protect their friend's freedom.
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