A wrinkled hand gently touched the boy's cheek that rest peacefully in an aged glossy paper which have been kept in his diary long enough for him to have difficulty in remembering as to when it was taken. Watery beads forming at the corner of his eyes as he reminisces the good days with the boy.
"Eggplant" He softly called the boy in the picture.
"I'm too young to be this sentimental, right?"
Then he felt a strong yet familiar presence quickly approaching his floating restaurant. He deeply breath to collect himself while wiping away the budding tears. He peeked at the window to see the new arrival and felt the commotion beneath his office. The approaching ship has not yet docked but the diners have left and steered clear in fear of getting involved as the owner of the ship was the headline of the news a week ago. While he counts the number of hands working around the sails of the docking ship, Patty, his assistant chef, had burst the door open pleading for instructions.
"Zeff! It's Germa. What do we do?"
"I'll be downstairs in any second. Bring out your best suit. Make sure Judge is entertained and no buts. You understand me?"
He sneered on Patty's wide opened mouth and headed out of the office without waiting for his companion's response.
A big silhouette, fit for a king, slowly entered the restaurant and was greeted by an awkward smiling fidgeting figure. His eyes scanned around the restaurant, checking every details and made a great effort not to comment on its emptiness before he looked down at the host and requested for Zeff.
"I do not plan on wasting anymore of your time and money. I would like to speak with Zeff. If you may please call him immediately."
"I'm sorry but the head chef is busy. If you wish to meet him, please have a taste of every dish that we have prepared." Then Patty, in his blue long sleeves with thin stripes underneath the black suit and the black tie, outstretched his arm guiding Judge to the table at the middle of the restaurant.
Once comfortably seated, Judge did not have to wait that long as the dishes, one by one, came bustling out of the kitchen. it was like an orchestra. With every flick of Zeff's finger, a tray goes out. The menu was well picked and planned, starting from the soup, fried rice and meat viands to desserts and drinks. Judge, in his surprise, cleaned every plate. He does not have a big appetite but today was an exception. He was thankful that he is enjoying exquisite foods without feeling bloated. He could not help but admit Zeff's talent is extraordinary and was glad that his son went under the chef's wings.
The kitchen door once again swung and an old crippled man came out with a tray. He proceeded to Judge's left side and offered a cup of tea before taking his seat.
"compliments to the chef" Judge greeted Zeff, making a toast with the tea.
"You should be proud. These are all Sanji's creation before he left." The chef confessed.
"I… did Sanji told you?" Judge hesitantly asked.
"No. He never mentioned anything about his past and I have no interest in opening Pandora's box but I see Lady Sora in him and you being here somehow confirms it. Am I right?"