As you've noticed, I've just stayed in the shadows. That's how he wanted it.

[... He actually takes a step away from her, but that's because he wants to see her face for once.]

But it doesn't change that I kept a secret from you, even if it was at the request of another.

[That's... just the reality here. Sanji isn't going to make excuses for it; that's not fair to her.]