"Totto Land… even from a distance, it really lives up to its reputation—a dreamlike kingdom straight out of a fairy tale."
High above the sea, Shirogai hovered with six vast black wings spread wide. He lazily munched on a piece of smooth white chocolate he'd picked up while passing over Chocolate Island.
Sweet and creamy, it melted on his tongue, leaving behind a pleasant fragrance that lingered.
"..."
Shirogai's eyes narrowed as a ship of chocolate and cream sailed toward him through the clouds. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Oh? Big Mom's people finally decided to show up."
"La la la la ~ I am a ship that loves the sea ~"
The singing came from the living vessel itself—a Homie shaped like a giant chocolate-cream boat flying the iconic BIG MOM Pirates flag: a pink skull wearing lipstick and a jaunty hat. It was the banner that made the Four Seas tremble.
"Stop right there! Not one step closer!"
A squad of pirates aimed their weapons skyward at Shirogai. Their leader stood out immediately—tall, broad-shouldered, and imposing. He had a bright yellow buzz-cut, a thick mustache, and wore a blue-and-white uniform with a yellow cape draped over his back. His shoulders looked as if they were topped with two round orbs.
The man glared up coldly.
"Intruder, Plunderer! Cease your trespass at once!"
[System Notice: Target identified – user of the Puff-Puff Fruit. Ability detected: produces a demon entity through steam release.]
As if responding to the thought, the burly man began to vigorously rub his torso.
Woo-woo-woo…
A surge of dense gray steam burst from his body, swirling in thick waves before condensing into a towering figure—a giant demon with a long pink ponytail and a massive curved saber.
"Demon."
The creature's eyes burned with hostility as it pointed its weapon toward Shirogai.
"Advance another step, and this demon will cut you down!"
The yellow-haired man's voice rang out, full of threat.
"Come down immediately! I'm under Mama's orders to escort you to Cake Island! Stay in the air, and you'll be our enemy. Step aboard, and you'll be an honored guest. The choice is yours—life or death!"
This was no ordinary opponent.
He was Charlotte Daifuku, the third son of the Yonko Charlotte Linlin, the Minister of Beans, and the Lamp-Man who wielded the power of the Puff-Puff Fruit—one of the top combatants of the Big Mom Pirates.
"Well, since it's Big Mom's invitation," Shirogai said lightly, "I'll accept."
He folded his wings and descended slowly, landing gracefully on the deck of the living ship.
The moment his feet touched the surface, every pirate nearby trained their weapons on him. Among them stood Fish-Men, Longarm Tribe warriors, and even members of the Snake-Neck Tribe.
"La la la la ~ Welcome, honored guest! I'm delighted to take you to Cake Island where Mama awaits!"
The ship's voice chimed with cheerful reverence, clearly pleased to carry such a powerful visitor.
"Hmph, at least you know when to behave," Daifuku snorted. Towering over Shirogai, his 5-meter frame radiated arrogance. If not for Mama's direct orders, he would have already commanded his demon to slice this cocky newcomer apart.
"Did Mama tell you to greet me like this, Daifuku?" Shirogai asked with a faint smile. "You're rather rude for a host."
"Watch your mouth, brat! Who allowed you to call me by my name?" Daifuku barked, his mustache twitching. "You're just a rookie with a 200 million Berries bounty. Don't get ahead of yourself!"
"Yeah," a Fish-Man crew member snarled. "Lord Daifuku's bounty is 300 million Berries! Show some respect!"
"Three hundred million?" Shirogai raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly. "Impressive."
He strolled over to a nearby chair and sat down casually.
"Well then, what are you waiting for? Take me to see Charlotte Linlin."
"How dare you say Mama's full name!" Daifuku growled, steam flaring as Armament Haki darkened his hands. Every instinct screamed at him to strike. But Mama's orders held him back.
"Oh? Planning to defy Big Mom's instructions, Daifuku?" Shirogai said lazily, crossing one leg over the other. "Hurry up and sail. Don't waste time."
"Tch…"
Grinding his teeth, Daifuku finally withdrew his Haki and barked the order:
"Set course for Cake Island!"
The chocolate-cream ship whistled happily.
"La la la la ~ Understood, Minister of Beans! Everyone, brace yourselves—we're heading for Cake Island!"
Daifuku sat opposite Shirogai, glaring.
"Stay smug while you can. Your arrogance will get you killed. When you offend Mama, I'll personally escort you to the afterlife."
"Relax," Shirogai said, closing his eyes with a smirk. "Linlin's not foolish enough to pick a fight with me."
Daifuku scoffed. "Don't tell me you're comparing yourself to them!"
He burst into laughter, joined by the entire crew.
"Hahaha! This guy actually thinks he's on a Yonko's level!"
"Jie jie jie, maybe we picked up the wrong fool!"
"Lord Daifuku, he's not worth Mama's attention!"
The laughter rolled across the deck like waves.
Daifuku shook his head, smirking in pity. "I overestimated you, Shirogai. Enjoy what's left of your miserable life."
He no longer saw a threat—only another arrogant pirate soon to become one of Mama's soulless puppets.
"Is it really that funny?"
Shirogai opened his eyes slightly, gaze fixed toward the distant horizon. There, far beyond normal sight, Cake Island shimmered faintly, and an immense spiritual pressure pulsed from its heart.
He smiled faintly.
"Don't worry. The real show hasn't even started yet."
_____
The rate at which I get little to no power stones, lol💀
Well, if you want to at least read ahead (60+ to 90+) chapters in advance.
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