Under the watchful eyes of the BIG MOM Pirates, one of the Four Emperors' crews and among the most fearsome in the world, Shirogai Yamikuro smiled and looked up at the enormous, middle-aged woman standing across the colossal banquet table.
"Charlotte Linlin, I came to Totto Land uninvited. I trust I haven't interrupted your plans, have I?"
As the familiar system prompt echoed in his mind, Shirogai's lips curved into a faint smile.
[Host observed: User of the Soul-Soul Fruit. Data acquired: Ability to manipulate living souls.]
The Soul-Soul Fruit — one of the most formidable Devil Fruits in existence — was now analyzed and recorded.
Mama's sheer size and overwhelming presence dominated the hall. Even without intent, her aura pressed upon those around her like an ocean's weight. Once, she had been beautiful, but time had carved its marks deep.
Now, her massive form was dressed in a pink polka-dot gown and a light yellow cloak. Her once-vibrant curls of pink hair hung thickly behind her, and the pirate bicorne Napoleon sat proudly atop her head. Thick crimson lipstick framed her wide, toothy grin as she regarded Shirogai with a gleam of curiosity and hunger — as if she were appraising a rare delicacy.
"This man… he just called Mama by her real name!"
"How arrogant!"
"Will Mama get angry?"
Her children and officers whispered among themselves, their gazes filled with a mix of disdain and unease.
But some, especially Charlotte Flampe, were intrigued.
"Wow, that black-haired guy is so cool," she whispered, her eyes sparkling. "He's not scared of Mama at all…"
"Mamamama~"
Linlin laughed thunderously, dismissing the tension with a wave.
"Shirogai Yamikuro, welcome from afar! I couldn't be happier to have you in Totto Land. Please, take a seat. The banquet begins!"
For Mama, strength spoke louder than manners. A man capable of matching her power could call her by any name he wished. And if such a man married into her family, even better — another step toward her dream of ruling the seas.
Once he calls me Mama, I'll finally have a Four Emperors-class son! she thought gleefully, bursting into laughter again. "Mamamama!"
At her command, the grand chair at the guest's seat floated before Shirogai, grinning as it spoke,
"Esteemed guest, please take your seat."
Shirogai sat, and the chair glided him to the towering dining table. Before him stretched an ocean of dazzling desserts, each crafted with delicate artistry. Foods too vast for the table floated overhead, waiting to be plucked from the air.
"The core members of the BIG MOM Pirates… all gathered in one place," Shirogai thought, smiling faintly. "A banquet rich in Devil Fruit users indeed."
[Host observed: User of the Mochi-Mochi Fruit. Data acquired: Ability to transform body into mochi.]
[Host observed: User of the Lick-Lick Fruit. Data acquired: Ability to create and control candy.]
[Host observed: User of the Hot-Hot Fruit. Data acquired: Ability to generate high heat.]
[Host observed: User of the Bis-Bis Fruit. Data acquired: Ability to form objects from biscuits.]
[Host observed: User of the Cream-Cream Fruit. Data acquired: Ability to produce and manipulate cream.]
A steady stream of system notifications echoed in his mind as he surveyed the hall.
---
At the head of the table sat Charlotte Katakuri, arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on Shirogai.
"'Plunderer' Shirogai Yamikuro… can he really stand against two Admirals?" Katakuri thought, narrowing his eyes. Something about this man was wrong — disturbingly wrong.
He felt no killing intent, no aura, not even the faintest threat. His Observation Haki, honed to near perfection, detected nothing.
That in itself was terrifying.
Every true monster he'd met — the Four Emperors, Whitebeard, Kaido, Red-Hair — radiated an overwhelming life force. Their mere presence was enough to crush lesser men. But Shirogai felt… ordinary.
"Something's off," Katakuri thought grimly. "This man is hiding something deep."
Shirogai noticed Katakuri's piercing stare and smirked. "Interesting."
Five women sat beside him — each elegantly dressed, each exuding charm. Among them was Charlotte Pudding, Sanji's arranged fiancée.
"Heh," Shirogai mused. "Another marriage alliance tactic?"
"Mamamama~! Today is a joyous day!" Linlin roared with laughter, her wine sloshing in her massive goblet. "Children! Our honored guest has arrived safely. Raise your glasses and toast to Shirogai!"
"Cheers!"
The pirates raised their glasses, smiles strained.
"Welcome, Shirogai-san," they chorused.
But Shirogai didn't raise his own glass.
"Before that, Charlotte Linlin," he said calmly, leaning back. "There's something I must ask."
The room's atmosphere shifted instantly, turning cold and sharp.
"I heard," he continued, his gaze unwavering, "that you intended to threaten the families and friends of the Straw Hat Pirates. Tell me — is that true?"
A heavy silence fell.
Linlin's laughter faded, her eyes narrowing dangerously. She set down her wine glass with a faint clink.
"So that's why you came…" she said coldly. "I should have known. You're not here to celebrate — you're here to demand answers."
---