The next day, February 15, 1472, in the Sea Calendar, marked Charlotte Linlin's 18th birthday.
In the original story, her first son, Charlotte Perospero, would be born less than a month later on March 14. But this Linlin? She was still a radiant, unattached maiden, brimming with vitality and ready to embrace her destiny!
By dawn, Whole Cake Island buzzed with life. Homies—those quirky, soul-infused creations—filled the air with laughter and chatter. Residents from rare races, now full-fledged citizens of Whole Cake Island, welcomed guests from Ohara and Sky Island, enjoying all the rights and responsibilities of their new home.
Shakky and Stussy arrived early to doll up Linlin for her big day. Both wielded Mythical Zoan powers, sprouting wings as they worked. Shakky's bat-like vampire wings contrasted with Stussy's snowy siren feathers, making them look like an angel and devil hovering before the towering Linlin. They combed her hair and applied makeup with care, like tiny sprites tending to a giantess.
...
In the grand hall of the Whole Cake Castle, Golden Lion Shiki, Redfield, and Newgate scratched their heads. Why was Brook throwing such a lavish party for Linlin? None of them got this treatment! Was Linlin already pegged as the captain's lady?
The thought sparked their curiosity, especially Redfield and Newgate's.
"Gurarara! Maybe next year we'll see little Brooklings running around!" Whitebeard Newgate chuckled, his love for kids shining through. In the original tale, he adopted sons left and right but never had heirs of his own. Was that fake Whitebeard II, Edward Weevil, even related to him? Who knew!
Shiki and Redfield, too, had no heirs. Did these titans of the sea just prefer the lone-wolf life?
Inside the hall, winged dancers from the Angels twirled gracefully, swaying to music and songs composed by Brook himself. Unlike Big Mom's future tea parties, this bash wasn't packed with dignitaries from dozens of islands. The Hell Pirates kept it intimate, with only their core crew and close allies in attendance.
Every officer showed up, even the reclusive scientist Vegapunk. The Mortomas family and the entire news agency staff joined the fun, too.
The party kicked off in high gear. Many guests flinched at their first sight of Homies—especially the food-based ones—but Brook kept the chaos in check, hosting with his signature charm.
...
Charlotte Linlin made her grand entrance, stealing everyone's breath. Her arched brows framed captivating eyes, her delicate nose and rosy cheeks glowed, and her cherry-red lips sparkled like jewels, her skin as flawless. Sure, she was massive, but everything else? Perfection.
As Linlin arrived, Brook didn't just serenade her with a new song—he gifted her a masterpiece: the legendary blade Napoleon, crafted with Vegapunk's genius, and a colossal cream puff cake baked with Streusen.
Linlin adored her gifts. She immediately infused a piece of her soul into Napoleon, transforming it into her most trusted high-tier Homie. It could even morph into a stylish hat!
With this, Linlin's trio of elite Homies was complete: Zeus the Thundercloud, Prometheus the Sun, and Napoleon the Blade.
Shakky and Stussy watched with envy. What a extravagant bash! Would that boneheaded captain throw something this grand for their birthdays?
...
As Linlin sliced the cake, the hall erupted into full-on revelry. Kaido, true to form, demolished mountains of food, surrounded by empty wine barrels.
Redfield, ever the aloof noble, didn't join the drinking contest. Instead, Shiki and Newgate roped Fishman Tom and Scarlet into a booze-fueled showdown. Kaido, the young beast, jumped in, blending right into the rowdy crew.
The celebration raged until nightfall. As the party wound down, guests and crew scattered to their quarters. Whole Cake Island's Homies were everywhere, so fighters like Redfield had no intention of staying overnight.
Angelie and Stussy left, too, leaving Shakky lingering alone. She only relaxed when she saw Brook depart, letting out a sigh of relief.
...
Shakky had been keeping an eye on Linlin, half-expecting her to "serve herself up" to Brook. She'd even considered crashing with Linlin for the night, but Linlin shot that down. Reluctantly, Shakky flew off Whole Cake Island.
Linlin, watching Shakky's bat wings vanish, patted her ample chest with a grin. Tonight was the night she'd make a move on Brook—no way was Shakky stealing him!
But Shakky was sly. She hid just outside Whole Cake Island, hoping to catch Brook in the act. Linlin was always bragging about marrying him at 18, after all.
Shakky waited, but nothing happened. Just as she began to doubt her hunch, a haunting melody drifted through the air. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she passed out.
...
"Brook, you owe me big time~"
Stussy and Brook appeared, eyeing the snoozing Shakky. Stussy put on a teary, melodramatic act, her voice dripping with playful charm. Brook ate it up.
"Don't worry, tomorrow's your night!"
Brook planted a kiss on Stussy, ruffling her hair. She carried the sleeping Shakky back, while Brook sighed. He didn't want to pull this stunt, but Linlin had laid down the law. If he didn't show, she'd throw a tantrum and wreck half the island.
So, he'd have to "feed the beast" and keep his promise—time for a sparring session with Linlin, in more ways than one.
Inspired by Moria's shadow-swallowing gigantification, Brook had spent months perfecting his own soul-devouring technique to grow massive. He was eager to test it out.
Sneaking back to the Whole Cake Castle's sprawling princess suite, Brook triggered an alert among the Homies. The suite's massive Homie door slammed shut automatically.
"Brook, you're here!"
Brook took in Linlin's stunning figure: a graceful silhouette wrapped in a soft pink dress, her peach-like cheeks glowing, and a glimpse of elegant legs peeking out. Utterly captivating.
"Linlin, hope you like this version of me, yohoho!"
Having absorbed his generals and ghost troops, Brook's body swelled to over nine meters—a true giant. He'd developed this power just for today.
Linlin didn't wait—she pounced. The Whole Cake Castle trembled, setting the stage for a battle that would shake the island to its core!
Brook nearly had his soul squeezed out by Linlin's strength, but he held his groundl.
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