One Piece: Marine Luffy, Garp regrets it

Sanji stared at Reiju in utter disbelief. How could this woman say something so cold and heartless? Just yesterday, they had reconnected with the warmth of siblings. Now today, after meeting a stranger for less than a day, Sanji had suddenly been demoted to her "less-close younger brother"?

Incredible, he thought bitterly. You've truly embodied the saying "prioritize romance over brotherhood."

Reiju turned her head toward the young man beside her who, despite his mature bearing, was actually two years younger than Sanji.

Observing Sanji's indignant expression, Luffy could easily imagine how aggrieved he must feel. Though Sanji's recent attitude had left much to be desired from a future brother-in-law's perspective, Luffy recognized the importance of maintaining family harmony.

After some consideration, he cleared his throat. "Ahem, Reiju, Sanji is an adult. It's probably fine to let him in on certain matters."

"You're absolutely right," Reiju agreed readily. "Sanji, now that your brother-in-law has spoken up for you, come and join our conversation. And don't forget to thank your brother-in-law."

"Hey, we're all family," Luffy interjected with an easy smile. "There's no need for formal thanks. Your brother is my brother too, after all."

Listening to the "couple" harmonizing so perfectly, Sanji felt his anger rise until his nose nearly twisted with fury. These two were clearly playacting without the slightest hesitation. A man with dubious intentions had teamed up with an "outsider" to torment his own brother.

In truth, at that moment, Sanji had to admit they genuinely looked like a couple—equally irritating in their united front against him!

Taking the disgruntled younger brother with them, the "couple" walked into the room arm-in-arm without a trace of self-consciousness.

For an important guest like Luffy, Judge had arranged accommodations equal to those of royal family members—essentially a private compound. The suite included not only a bedroom, living room, and study, but beyond the living area opened into a spacious courtyard featuring a small outdoor swimming pool.

They moved some tables and chairs outside, settling themselves in the yard to enjoy morning tea while basking in the gentle warmth of the rising sun.

Of course, Sanji's expression remained clouded with displeasure.

However, after the initial shock, he had calmed considerably and was now contemplating the reasons behind their relationship and its potential consequences.

After a long silence during which he frowned thoughtfully while clutching his teacup, Sanji finally voiced the question foremost in his mind. He regarded the two sitting side by side with complicated emotions, noting how their eyes occasionally met with apparent affection, as if they truly were a couple.

"Are you two... actually serious about this?" he asked hesitantly.

Upon hearing his question, the pair who had only met yesterday nodded in perfect unison and answered:

"Yes, absolutely."

Sanji's tone grew frigid, nearly bewildered by their uncanny synchronization. He studied them both carefully before finally fixing his gaze on Luffy.

"What exactly did you say to Judge? Why would he agree to let Reiju marry you? Do you two genuinely have feelings for each other?"

Meeting Sanji's scrutinizing gaze, Luffy casually sipped his tea before responding with a slightly more serious expression.

"It's quite simple. Judge wanted to become Lord of the North Sea, and I agreed to support his ambition, promising to advocate for him with the World Government," Luffy explained. "As for feelings, those can develop gradually over time. We're only engaged at this point, not married. Besides, as you can see, we get along remarkably well."

When he finished speaking, Reiju smiled and continued seamlessly:

"That's right—emotions can be unpredictable. Even though we've known each other for less than a day, I feel Luffy and I have excellent chemistry. Furthermore, whether considering appearance, strength, or status, Luffy currently ranks among the world's finest. No matter how you analyze it, I'm certainly not getting the short end of this arrangement."

"You... you..."

Sanji was rendered speechless. He finally understood the situation—these two were clearly in a scenario where one was eager to pursue and the other receptive to being pursued. Perhaps Judge's interference had initiated matters, but it was obvious that after their brief acquaintance, genuine attraction had developed.

Having figured this out, Sanji became completely dejected.

Who would have thought that just yesterday morning, he and Luffy had been good friends and comrades? Now, barely a day later, Luffy had claimed his sister, and their relationship had transformed into a literal family connection.

The notion of a respected brother becoming a brother-in-law was enough to make Sanji's spirit collapse entirely.