Hey everyone, if I manage my time and writing schedule, there should only be 4 chapters left in this arc, not counting this one and including a short epilogue. Of course, I might get sick or end up writing something longer and not finish in 8 days or 4 chapters; still, if I can, I'll try to write two chapters back-to-back, only if I can.
With that said, let's get on with the chapter.
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Dante's POV
A few days had passed since Doflamingo's defeat. In the end, I didn't need to intervene, since with Luffy's strength and Law's plans, almost everything worked out; they were able to defeat Doflamingo. To the point that Law was able to kill Doflamingo, but this wasn't through brute force but rather due to a plot hatched by the leaders of the underworld who were fed up with Doflamingo.
Law formed an alliance with two of them, switching servants without their knowledge, in order to poison the water and food of Doflamingo and his allies.
With this, when they faced Doflamingo, they faced a weaker and sicker version of him.
Luffy didn't even use Gear 4; it was that easy. All thanks to me, as always.
Right now, I am sitting on the couch watching a movie. Which one? IT. We're currently in part 2. Calestia is next to me with her head resting on my lap, and I'm petting her head.
Maximo, Nathan, Lulu, and Balesca, holding Morgana, were playing Monopoly.
Now you might be wondering, "How is Balesca here?" Well, it's the same way she managed to get Celestia drunk.
Balesca has incredible mastery of her Devil Fruit powers, enough to turn her "stop" ability into a "cancel." And that "cancel" has the power to literally cancel a specific emotion in a person.
When she got Celestia drunk, she canceled her malice towards her, which allowed her to give my wife alcohol without her suspecting anything, since at that moment, she trusted Balesca.
So right now, her malice towards her is canceled, or at least temporarily stopped, but this is only temporary; the cancellation only lasts three hours. Once that time passes, the malice returns, along with the urge to kill Balesca with a machete.
That's why every so often Balesca uses her Devil Fruit on Celestia, and Celestia wakes up before my wife to use it; that way, she doesn't wake up with the urge to kill, something that happened once and wasn't very pleasant, to say the least.
The question is, has she used it on someone else or directly on me? I have no idea, nor do I have any way of finding out, but at this point in my life, I don't really care, since one less emotion doesn't change who I am, or so I think, seeing Celestia's dramatic personality changes.
Another important thing to mention is the rise of the Spade Pirates, with Ace as their captain. At first, they asked him to become the captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, but he refused, believing that only the old man could captain the legendary pirate crew.
So he returned to his old crew, but with the old man's allies. I don't consider myself a YPNKou yet, mainly because I still lack a bit of power, but I'm almost ready.
In case you're wondering, Marco retired and went to live with Isis, making their relationship more official, similar to Rayleigh and Shaky's.
Also, with the return of the Spade Pirates, Yamato returned as well. I have no idea what happened to her, except that when Ace's old crew and another group resurfaced, she reappeared right there. If she has a conflict with Kaido, well, I think that's a bit late, and knowing that Luffy is going to Wano and that Yamato has something going on there, it's very likely that Ace and Luffy will end up fighting the Beast King.
But inside, I wasn't at peace. I knew that from now on I didn't need to do anything; in fact, that's what I was doing, taking advantage of this time of doing nothing to spend with my family, my children, wife, siblings, friends, and a lover who had spontaneously appeared. But that didn't put me at ease, this doing nothing.
At that moment, the Den Den Mushi started beeping. Generally, I would have ignored the snail, since I was comfortable in the position I was in, but when I saw the change in the Den Den Mushi's design, I changed my mind.
It was Pekoms calling me, and if he was calling me, it was for a reason.
Pekoms had been assigned as the messenger between Big Mom's pirates and me. Whenever there's a tea party, they usually invite me, and I know it's a trap, and to avoid conflict, I make excuses or say I won't arrive on time and other nonsense. But this should be different, if I'm not mistaken.
Dante: "Honey, pause the movie; I have to answer you."
She got up from my lap and did as I asked, then leaned closer to listen. She might no longer be malicious, but that controlling feeling she had for me still lingered.
Pekoms: "Hello, Dante, are you there?"
Dante: "Loud and clear, Pekoms, what's going on this time? Another tea party? When are you going to call me for something more exciting?"
Pekoms: "Sorry, but you know it's not simple, especially since no one would dare do anything in Totto Land."
Dante: "No one so far," I thought.
Dante: "And there's something special about this tea party."
Pekoms: "There's a wedding between the Vinsmoke family and us."
At that moment, I realized things were unfolding just like in the original story.
Dante: "Can you tell me the names of the bride and groom?"
Pekoms: "If it's alright, they're Miss Pudding and Mr. Sanji."
That's it. I sighed; knowing everything that's going on, I shouldn't pretend I don't know.
Dante: "I think I'll go to the tea party."
Pekoms: "Could you ask about the change of heart from the other times?"
Dante: "It turns out I know the man who's getting married," I said simply. "So, when is the date?"
...
I could feel some people's eyes on me, especially the Charlotte family.
As I walked toward the party, my outfit greeted me again: a white shirt, black trousers with suspenders, a black tie, and black dress shoes.
As I approached, I saw a former supernova and mobster, someone I knew. Capone Bege. I remembered the last time I'd been in conflict with the mafia gangs of this world; I wasn't as popular, feared, and, above all, as much of a heartthrob as I am now.
Bege: "You're..." he said with a tone of astonishment and disbelief.
Dante: "Yeah, I know, it's me. Awesome. Photos and autographs for later. Hey, Katakuri, how's it going, man?" I said to Bege and then to Katakuri, ignoring the first one.
Katakuri: "Dante Manmayer," he said, as if he had something against me. "You dare get my younger sister pregnant and disappear, never to return, only to reappear like nothing happened." There it is.
Dante: "Come on, man, don't be like that. You know that if it weren't for your mother, I would have come more often."
Katakuri: "So what's the difference now?"
Dante: "I know the man getting married today, so I have an idea of what's going to happen, and I came to see the show."
Katakuri: "You're not going to interfere, are you?" He said, narrowing his eyes, full of distrust.
Dante: "If I tell you I don't object to the marriage and that I won't do anything to ruin it, will you be reassured?" He didn't say anything, so I'll take that as a yes. "Well, if you'll excuse me," I said, entering the venue.
I looked around the place, filled with tables; Among these people, I saw several acquaintances, including some bad guys, a few nobles, people I think are from the underworld, and the Vismoke family, and I also saw Morgans. We made eye contact, so I went over to him.
Dante: "Morgans, it's been so long."
Morgans: "Ah, Dante, my old friend, you've gotten older. I remember the first time I saw you; you were barely 17, so young."
Dante: "Be grateful I'm not a woman so I don't mind being called old."
I could hear a giggle next to Morgans I saw a woman dressed in white, blonde and very attractive, on par with Hancock. Morgans noticed this.
Morgans: "How rude of me, let me introduce you to Stussy, the new head of the pleasure district, since you killed the previous one; she got the job." I don't know what the point is of bringing it up, but I feel like it's just to let him know he knows.
Stussy: "Don't worry, Mr. Dante, I, at least, like older men," she said with a smile. I felt like something was off with her, not just her mindset, but also her words, not to mention that I felt like asking her age, since she mentioned "old" as if she were very young.
In the end, I didn't do anything, since I enjoy life; I talked a little about the world economy and quickly left.
I eventually found an empty table, with no one around. I had seen Big Mom talking to someone; I didn't go over because she didn't see me, and honestly, I didn't feel like socializing with her.
The table was laden with sweets and snacks, so I didn't think twice and started eating. In the middle of my buffet, I saw three people sit down at the table where I was sitting.
There was Galette, in a one-piece dress, her makeup accentuating her beauty; beside her were two young girls. One sat next to me, while the other sat next to Galette.
Galette: "It's been so long, darling, how long has it been? Has it been like 14 years, 5 months, 3 days, 14 hours, and 13 seconds?"
Upon hearing her, I choked on my food.
My gaze flicked from her to the girls.
Both girls had reddish hair, just like Galette; they wore horns on their heads that looked more like arrows than anything else, and they had red eyes, a trademark of the Dante Manmayer factory. I can say they're identical; there's no way to tell them apart except for their hairstyles: one has long hair in a braid, while the other's hair is loose and reaches her neck.
So far, all my children, or at least those I know of, have red eyes; the only one who could be considered an exception is Nami, if she even is one; I still don't know anything about the paternity test.
???: "You look older in person." I clutched my chest at the comment; it hurt to my core.
I'm turning 38 in a few months; I'm not that old. I feel like drinking from that fountain of youth now, but I wouldn't be able to explain my rejuvenation without black magic or something similar.
Dante: "I imagine you two are Jeanne and Olympe, right? Who's who?"
???: "I'm Olympe," said the one next to me with short hair, then pointed to the one on the other side of Galette. "She's Jeanne."
Jeanne just nodded shyly, which I returned.
I took out three boxes. One had a G, another an O, and the last one a J. I gave the G to Galette, the O to Olympe, and the J to Jeanne.
Dante: "I bought something for all three of you," I said as they opened the boxes. In Olympe and Jeanne's box were earrings, one depicting the banner of Joan of Arc and the other the symbol of the French Revolution.
Galette's box contained a necklace with a galette candy and a sword—the Sword Buster. I knew about Galette's feelings, but they weren't reciprocated, so I decided to give her this as a reminder of me, if she wanted.
Her eyes lit up. She picked up Olympe, placed her on the other side of me, sat down where our daughter was, noticed, and said to me,
Galette: "I need your help. Put it on her," she said, showing her sword and using one hand to pass the necklace over her. I did as she asked, forgetting the double entendre.
After that, she settled in and took my arm with a big smile.
Both young girls looked at each other, a mixture of strangeness and happiness for their mother.
Taking advantage of the waiting time, I made some father-daughter time; I told them a quick, summarized account of some of my adventures, and they told me—or rather, Olympe told me—about their lives during these 14 years.
While I was telling them how I had convinced a farmer that if he gave chocolate to a cow, it would produce chocolate milk, the wedding ceremony began.
I saw Sanji's goofy face as he was about to marry Pudding, I saw the celebration, how they almost got married, how Luffy and the others caused chaos, Bege's betrayal, how the Vinsmoke clan crumbled, and Jimbe's crazy antics.
And what did I do? Nothing. I just stood there watching everything unfold. I'd promised Katakuri I wouldn't interfere during the wedding; it's still happening, so I'm not going to do anything.
Galette, Jeanne, and Olympe wanted to do something, but seeing me eating as if nothing bad was going on, they decided not to move.
I saw Luffy and Katakuri about to fight right in the middle of the party. I also saw Nami with a furry rabbit. I also saw Kamisakse the cat coming out of Bege's body. I like Pedro; I'm trying to keep him from dying, even though he doesn't have much time left; I don't remember how much longer he has.
I saw Nami signaling for me to come help them. I pretended not to notice and waved back, then kept eating.
I heard Brook tear up the picture of the old woman who trafficked children. I quickly got behind Olympe, and he spoke to Galette.
Galette: "Cover your ears," I said as I tore a piece of my shirt into two scraps of cloth and covered Olympe's ears. She quickly went to Jeanne, and I covered her ears with my hands.
I barely managed to do it in time before Luffy showed her the torn photo, and Big Mom screamed.
I felt a super-high ringing in my ears, like a drill trying to break in and destroy everything. Of those who heard the scream, I was the least affected. Galette, Jeanne, and Olympe were spared the bloodshed; some weren't so lucky.
Once the scream ended, I managed to stay on my feet, conscious, but unable to hear. So I made a decision.
I picked up Olympe and Jeanne like sacks of potatoes, stood up, and spoke to Galette.
Dante: "It's not safe here," he said and leaped off the tower. I didn't wait for a response, since I wouldn't be able to hear it.
With that, I left as quickly as possible with my daughters.
Dante: "I didn't hear anything, so tell me where I should go, somewhere safe." I saw Olympe point to a place, so I transformed into my hybrid form and flew there.
When we arrived at the place she indicated, I could hear something, so upon entering, I looked for some medicine for earaches or pain in general and took it.
At that moment, I turned to my two daughters.
Dante: "I have to go do something important; stay here." Just as I was about to leave, I felt someone grab my pants.
I turned around and realized it was Jeanne, her eyes filled with tears.
Jeanne: "You'll come back, right? You won't abandon us, will you?"
My heart ached. I took Olympe and Jeanne in a hug and spoke to them.
Dante: "I promise to return."
And so, I flew to where all the chaos was.
When they arrived, the Straw Hats were already reaching the ship, and behind them, Big Mom and her children.
I saw Big Mom launch an attack on the others with her swords. Before it reached them, I summoned Fusion Sword and blocked the attack that was headed straight for the Straw Hats.
Big Mom: "What is this supposed to be? You're betraying our alliance," she said, furious, but regaining her composure upon noticing my presence.
Dante: "Just so you know, my daughter is on that ship, and if it's to protect my children, I'll destroy the entire world."
Big Mom: "Let's see that conviction," she said, launching a Haki-infused attack at me, which I blocked. Haki spread everywhere.
Dante: "Get out of here quickly!!" I yelled to Luffy and his crew, including an unharmed Pedro. I saw Luffy hesitate, but then he nodded confidently.
I saw some of Big Mom's children about to attack the ship. In response, I forcefully threw Big Mom back, positioned myself behind the ship, and unleashed a slash at the ground.
Dante: "Kurimuzonmūn." The slash destroyed a large section of the ground, creating a bottomless ravine, separating the two sides. One side was where Big Mom's pirates and I were, and on the other, the Straw Hats were escaping.
Big Mom launched another furious attack; I pretended to intercept, but just as I was about to clash, I drew my sword back, dodging her sword to the right.
I saw a disbelieving Big Mom, only to find myself face-to-face with her. My fist, infused with Haki, attacked.
"Heruzu fisuto," I said as I punched her, sending her crashing to the ground. As she hit the ground, it cracked, creating a repulsive force. I used almost all my strength and Haki in that single blow. "You'd better calm down, lady."
[Congratulations, you have defeated Big Mom; her bounty is 1,500,000,000,000 PL].
[Congratulations, you have defeated a Yonko for the first time; their bounty is 1,000,000,000,000 PL].
Holy shit, I'm a millionaire. I didn't think I'd be able to defeat her, but considering Law and Kid did it, and those two are weak, it makes sense.
I turned around to look at the other children and members of the Big Mom Pirates; they glared at me with anger and fear; I just smiled at them.
...
I was sitting on the ground playing with a Rubik's Cube when I saw Big Mom wake up from the blow.
Big Mom: "Hmm, what happened?" she said, clutching her head, only to look around with her eyes wide open.
She saw me, standing atop a pile of bodies, all unconscious—her children and subordinates. Among them were Katakuri, Smotie, Kraker, Perospero, and others who don't matter at this point.
Big Mom was about to make a fit, only to be interrupted.
Dante: "You're in the middle of a psychotic break; luckily, I managed to stop you, but your children felt useless and demanded rigorous training, and here they are, tired and worn out from training with me." What he was saying was a lie, but since only I could speak to her, she had no other choice.
Big Mom: "Where are the others?" she asked, her hands on her head. The living weapons beside her remained silent, afraid of me.
Dante: "That doesn't matter. It's a good thing the alliance with the Vinsmoke clan didn't materialize. They would have betrayed you and sold you out to the Marines or another Yonko; they must still be around. How about we go eat what's left of the cake?" I said, pointing to a specific one.
Upon hearing about the cake, she forgot all about her subordinates and children and followed me.
...
In the end, there wasn't much cake left, so she forced the chef to quickly make another one.
The other guests had left; Only a few brave souls remained, like Morgans and Stussy.
In the end, I managed to get him to grant me a pardon in exchange for capturing the Vismoke, something I didn't take long to do. Their superhero costumes were useless against my superior speed and strength.
Dante: "Even if you talk like Shiro Emiya, it won't make you pull a power-up out of your ass and defeat me. You're missing the EX-rank harem hero spell," I told the guy in red, kicking him in the face.
I picked him up off the ground and sent him to that textbook prison along with the others.
They'll most likely suffer incredible torture, and from what I know—which is nothing—they deserve it. And so I went to where my daughters were to spend some father-daughter time with their new exclusive maid, Sanji's sister, Reiju, the only one worth saving from those idiots.
I had to take advantage of this time to be with both of them, since I didn't know if I would ever return to this place again.