#chapter 844

Well, in 843, Luffy and Nami’s trust in Pudding has gotten them nowhere. They followed her map and trusted her to bring them to Sanji. Not only does this not happen, but she was a total no-show, which makes this whole situation start to feel much more like a set up than a failed attempt to help. On top of that, Pudding proved herself a liar in 845 by saying she only just met Sanji. She told Luffy and the others she’d met him once before, likely to earn their trust and give them more confidence in her.

In 845, we see Pudding pass Sanji a note. This looks promising. Maybe she’ll excitedly tell him that his friends are here to help him, unaware that he already met them? Maybe she’s going to help him think of a way out of this situation, or a way for them to leave the island after they are married?

When we do see the meeting, in my first read through, it was the conversation that surprised me. Sanji is very open and honest with Pudding, and shows her his face, even though it looks terrible. He isn’t flirtatious. He’s miserable, and not even her cuteness can cheer him up.

Pudding offers no helpful ideas on helping his escape, either. Maybe that’s not her fault. She does seem to think the cuffs are a big problem, and she hardly knows the Straw Hat crew. She doesn’t really owe them anything. And from what we’ve seen from the Charlotte family (especially Lola), marriage is a big deal. 

But she did ask Sanji to speak in private, so why are there homies in the room? Are they always there? Does each of Big Mom’s children have homies that keep tabs on them? Or is it because Sanji and Pudding shouldn’t be allowed to be alone together? Or are there just so many homies, everywhere, that they’re impossible to escape? It’s strange, and suspicious, but it’s difficult to say if Pudding or Big Mom planted the homies, or if they’re just the norm.

The last major suspicion I have with Pudding has to deal with her third eye. Sanji spills his guts to her, but she doesn’t share anything about herself. Again, maybe this is an insignificant detail, but you would think a third eye would be something you’d show your future husband. I think there’s a reason she keeps it hidden, and I don’t think it’s because she’s ashamed of it.

 The third eye is usually associated with deep insight and enhanced perception. Does Pudding have the ability to know people on some different level? She knows exactly what to say to Nami and Luffy to get them to trust her. She then not only gets Sanji to talk, but also ends up getting him to comfort her, AND confirm that he will go through with the marriage and leave his days of adventure behind. 

At first I thought she was the sweetest thing, but now I’m thinking she’s a master manipulator. And I think that eye helps her.

Which wouldn’t surprise me, considering this irony: Sanji is easily manipulated by women throughout the series. Now he meets a woman he isn’t swooning over. He seems rational and somber. But in the end, she’s the woman who manipulates him most effectively, because he doesn’t even realize she’s doing it.

And I doubt the dishonestly ends there.

This panel doesn’t sit well with me. Big Mom says, “I guarantee it shall be a day that none of us forgets!”