Cake Island—an entire nation sculpted from confection.
Massive cake castles rose one after another, their frosting-coated spires gleaming under the sun. Creamy homes lined the streets, each exuding a scent so rich and sugary that it made one's heart flutter with joy.
The air was thick with the aroma of cream, sugar, and dreams—an intoxicating sweetness that filled every corner of the island. These fragrances, blending together over years, formed a scent of happiness itself—one that could make anyone feel light, content, and oddly fulfilled.
Cream cakes made from the finest flour, fresh eggs, and high-quality milk—mixed with sweeteners that brought delight to every taste bud—were Charlotte Linlin's favorite indulgence. To the world, she was Big Mom, one of the Four Emperors who ruled the seas. To Totto Land, she was Mama, the heart of the sweetest empire alive.
Here, no one feared hunger or famine. Thanks to Mama's Soul–Soul Fruit, even food carried fragments of human souls, giving life to cream-filled pastries and candy creatures alike. These souls preserved their freshness eternally, waiting to be eaten—never rotting, never fading. People strolled the streets happily, nibbling on biscuit walls or tearing pieces off donut lampposts. No one ever starved in Totto Land. Only those who ate too much met their end.
---
In a grand, luxurious chamber, the air was filled with rhythmic snores.
"Snore… snore…"
A massive figure lay sprawled across an enormous pink bed, wrapped in a fluffy blanket. Beside her, a pink bicorne hat dozed off as well, tiny bubbles inflating and deflating with each snore. Even the Homies—a sentient cloud and a sleepy little sun—floated midair, peacefully asleep.
Then—
Click!
The doors creaked open.
"Mama~ Mama~!"
A floating, heart-shaped cake drifted in, singing in a soft, sugary voice. "The guest is about to arrive, please prepare to receive them~"
"Oh? You dare disturb my nap?"
With a sudden glare, the massive figure's eyes snapped open. She reached out, grabbed the talking cake, and—
Crunch! Crunch!
Two bites, and it was gone.
"Mama!" the cake screamed once before being swallowed whole.
"Mamamama~ Has the guest arrived?"
Now fully awake, Charlotte Linlin, the Sweet Empress of the Seas, stretched and yawned wide, cream still smeared at the corner of her lips.
"Ah! Mama, you're awake!"
Startled, Prometheus, Zeus, and Napoleon—her top Homies—snapped out of their naps.
"Today's nap felt shorter than usual, Mama," said Prometheus as his light brightened the room.
"Mamamama~ That's because the pirate I've been expecting has finally come!" Her booming laughter shook the room.
"Congratulations, Mama! Your wish has come true once again!" said Prometheus.
Zeus yawned lazily. "Are we going out already, Mama? I still feel sleepy…"
Napoleon flew up, replacing the pink nightcap on the bed with his bicorne self. "Mama's in great spirits today! Let's go!"
"This is wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!"
Mama sat up, crimson lips spreading into a grin. "If he joins our crew, we'll no longer need to hide away collecting poneglyphs. With his strength, we can crush the other Emperors, unite the New World, and take down those gluttonless Marines and the World Government! Then…"
Her eyes gleamed. "…we'll wipe out those disgusting Celestial Dragons and create a world without hunger or conflict! A world where everyone—no matter their race or status—can eat their fill and live in peace!"
Her face softened into a childish, blissful smile. "Mamamama~ Everyone will love such a sweet world!"
Prometheus clapped his fiery hands. "Congratulations, Mama! What a beautiful dream!"
Bang! Bang!
Mama leapt to her feet, startling the living bed.
"Hehe, Mama's awake!" the bed cheered. Instantly, the entire room came alive.
"Lala~ Good afternoon, Mama~" sang the curtains as they drew open, bathing the room in sunlight.
"Lala~ Mama, please enjoy us!" chimed the food that floated from the kitchen—cakes, candies, and pastries dancing joyfully through the air.
"Ahahahaha! You all look so delicious," Mama said, plucking a few and shoving them into her mouth. "Mmm~ perfect as always!"
After devouring her fill, she wiped her mouth and smiled. "Alright, I need to save some room to share pastries with our guest. You all return for now."
"Yes, Mama~" the foods sang, retreating back to the pantry.
---
Outside, five elegantly dressed daughters waited patiently at the door. As the massive woman stepped out, they lowered their heads respectfully.
"Mama, everything is ready."
"Good~" Mama nodded approvingly. "I hope our guest enjoys the welcome." Her eyes swept across her daughters, each radiant and graceful as a blooming flower.
"My dear daughters, are you ready to greet our guest in your most dazzling forms?"
"We're ready, Mama!" they chorused, voices sweet and confident.
Mama smiled widely. "Excellent. Remember—this guest is no ordinary man. If one of you wins his favor, your position will rise beyond imagination."
Charlotte Pudding, the youngest among them, tilted her head with a mischievous smile. "Mama, who exactly is this guest? You're letting us all compete for his attention? That's awfully generous, isn't it?"
Mama's laughter thundered through the hall. "Mamamamama~ Silly child, this is an opportunity you'll never get again. If he joins us, the Big Mom Pirates won't need to fear any other Emperor. We'll devour their territories and rule the New World!"
"Wow~ Is this guest really that powerful?" asked Pudding in awe. "Stronger than Katakuri?"
Mama chuckled, her grin stretching from ear to ear. "Katakuri is strong, but compared to this man? He's still a step behind." Though she had never met him, the reports from the Gorosei were clear—Shirogai Yamikuro was a monster who could fight two Admirals to a draw. Katakuri was formidable, yes—but not that formidable.
"Alright, daughters! Let's go. Our guest awaits."
---
As they walked toward the reception hall, Pudding lingered at the back beside a sister close to her age.
"Hehe, do you think this man's really that strong? Want to make a little wager?"
"Me?" her sister giggled softly. "No, no~ I wouldn't dare compete with you, Pudding. You're the most charming girl in the family."
Pudding rolled her eyes. "Tch. Spare me the act. I know your true face."
Her sister simply smiled, pretending not to hear, and followed the others toward the grand hall where Shirogai —the man Mama called her next great hope—was about to arrive.
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