Sakazuki stepped into the kitchen and took a deep breath before turning back toward the figure sitting quietly in the living room. The sharp, unyielding gaze beneath her military cap, eyes that rarely betrayed any emotion, softened gradually.
He wasn't yet fully certain this frail old woman before him was truly his mother, the one who had 'died' cradled in his arms.
But the undeniable bond, the blood connection between mother and son, was growing stronger in his heart.
Still, didn't dare to draw conclusions rashly.
Drawing on fading memories, Sakazuki decided to prepare a meal, the dish his mother had always loved. Or rather, the dish he himself cherished.
Growing up in the harsh, cold climate of the North Blue, he had always eaten plain white rice with chili peppers since childhood. It wasn't because he particularly liked it, but because that was all they could manage in those conditions.
Over the years, this simple habit stuck. Even colleagues who barely spoke to him had come to know that his favorite meal was white rice with chili peppers.
Seeing the old woman hungry, Sakazuki set aside his hesitation and skillfully made a bowl of hot ramen.
In no time, he carried the steaming bowl over and set it down before the old woman.
Without missing a beat, he returned to the kitchen to fetch a bowl of rice and some fresh chili peppers, then sat opposite the old woman and ate heartily, as if he hadn't eaten in days. Borsalino perched nearby, watched him curiously, confusion evident on his face.
Sakazuki's actions soon caught the old woman's attention.
After studying him for a moment, the old woman, as if forgetting her hunger, asked softly, "Are you my son's colleague?"
Sakazuki nodded.
The old woman's eyes brightened immediately. She leaned closer, her voice trembling slightly, "Could you share some of your rice and chili peppers?"
Sakazuki was taken aback but placed the bowl in front of her.
The old woman quickly hid the rice and chili peppers she had taken behind the table, as if afraid Sakazuki might change his mind. She whispered, "My son's favorite is white rice and chili peppers..."
Suddenly, her voice cracked with sorrow, "But I can't find my son anymore."
She turned toward Borsalino, desperation in her voice, "Can you help me find him?"
He nodded earnestly, "We've been searching for him all this time."
"What's his name?" the old woman asked, panicking suddenly as she stood up, anxiety clear on her face. "I... I forgot my son's name... What was it?"
"White rice and chili peppers!" Borsalino chirped knowingly.
After pacing nervously, the old woman pulled the rice and peppers from their hiding spot and handed them to Borsalino. "He loves this food. Please help me find him."
Borsalino placed the bowl and chili peppers before Sakazuki and asked cautiously, "Old lady, does he look like your son? His name is Sakazuki, Admiral of the Marine Headquarters."
"Who is Sakazuki?" the old woman shook her head, confused, "He can't be my son. My grandson isn't this old. He's only eight years old."
Borsalino shrugged helplessly and explained, "Sorry, Sakazuki. The old woman's dementia is worsening. She doesn't even remember Elio clearly, only that Elio is her saviour, but not who Elio really is."
Borsalino's eyes suddenly widened with disbelief as he looked at Sakazuki.
Sakazuki pulled his cap low to hide his eyes, but Borsalino saw silent tears streaming down his face.
His emotions were a storm of excitement and pain.
He was certain this old woman was his mother who had 'died' in his arms, yet he couldn't admit it.
Because he was the one who buried his still-living mother in the yard.
If he had dug her grave a little deeper, he would have been the true killer.
The image of his mother waking, buried under the soil, pierced his heart like a knife, almost suffocating him.
Most painfully, even after decades, the old woman had forgotten who she was, but never forgot the simple comfort of white rice and chili peppers.
Breaking the silence, Sakazuki suddenly stood up, tears streaming freely. Without a care for his usual pride, he moved behind the old woman and lifted her clothing.
Beneath, a long scar stretched across the old woman's back, still clear after decades. With his experience, Sakazuki immediately recognized the wound: a blade had pierced from the front and exited through the back.
Memories flooded his mind, the day his mother was pierced by a pirate's blade, all those years ago.
"Let... let me go!" the old woman gasped, startled. She spun around and slapped Sakazuki's face, trembling as she darted behind the Borsalino, clutching his arm tightly.
Sakazuki stood still, took a deep breath, then knelt before the old woman, voice trembling, "Mother, your child is unworthy. Forgive me for causing you pain."
He lowered his head and kowtowed deeply, shoulders shaking as he fought back the sobs threatening to escape.
…
Marineford was still full with the smell of gunpowder. Though the situation was largely under control, scraps of resistance remained.
But Elio's courtyard was calm and silent.
Sakazuki had regained his composure. Guided by fading memories and an innate connection, he no longer doubted the old woman's identity. Quietly, he stayed by her side.
The old woman's was severely confused. Moments ago, she guarded the rice and chili peppers fiercely, and now, seeing Sakazuki's tear-streaked face, she returned them.
Sakazuki said nothing, eating hungrily.
Though simple, the white rice and chili peppers tasted sweeter than they had in decades.
"You like white rice and chili peppers too," the old woman said, eyes kind, not reaching for her chopsticks. "Just like my son. If you find him, please don't bully him. He always wanted to join the Marines... By the way, what's your name?"
Hearing his mother's gentle nagging, Sakazuki thought of how he had buried her alive with his own hands. Tears welled up uncontrollably.
Still, he answered quietly, "Sakazuki."
"Sakazuki?" The old woman blinked thoughtfully. "My son... do you know my son's name?"
"Sakazuki," he replied again under tears.