[ Well now. That's certainly the kind of statement that seems custom-designed to tug on Reiju's heartstrings. Her initial reaction is that it's just that, in fact - a calculated, blatant manipulation. ]

[ But she catches herself. How much does Pudding actually know of the history between Reiju and Sanji? Is it that likely that she knows how strongly someone who makes you want to be good resonates in Reiju's soul? ]

[ No. She doesn't think Sanji would have opened up so deeply to Pudding during the few days between his arrival and the aborted wedding. This... this is likely to be at the worst an ordinary sort of manipulation. And it might even be honest - knowing the impact a genuinely good and selfless person can have in a world of selfishness. ]

[ (If Reiju could remember Pudding unmasked, snarling the same vicious insults the Vinsmokes had poured into Sanji's young ears - worthless, failure, trash - her calculations might be different. But while Sanji told her the upshot of that discussion, the Charlotte plans for the wedding, he did not convey the personal insults. Those memories are, as far as she's concerned, quite gone.) ]

He has that way about him, doesn't he?

[ Just like Sora. He really is their mother's true child. ]

I guess it's that much easier away from everyone, isn't it?