There was still one day until the tea party officially began. Big Mom's tea party wasn't a long-term activity, but it did have several days of preparation time.
-Mainly to give those attending enough time to prepare gifts and travel.
On the surface, the tea party was a banquet held by the giant infant-like Big Mom to play real-life house.
But in reality, it was a method for the Emperor to display her power and strengthen control over her subordinate forces, as well as a great opportunity to collect 'tributes'.
Every time the tea party was held, all invited attendees needed to prepare sufficient 'gifts' as tribute for Big Mom. Otherwise, they could expect to have their lifespan extracted by the Soru Soru no Mi.
Did you really think the protection of one of the Four Emperor was free?
At least not from Big Mom.
For this occasion, aside from the regular gifts for the tea party, they also had to prepare another gift for Big Mom and Orochimaru's wedding.
Two gifts for one banquet.
Believe it or not, no one would object.
At least Naruto had no objections, as he didn't have to give any.
The previous Purin Purin no Mi was payment for requesting help from Big Mom's daughter, Pudding, and afterward, he even gave Big Mom a [Snake-Man] husband for free. She should be thanking him.
"Delicious… so delicious-"
Naruto was currently in the massive kitchen of the Whole Cake Chateau, enjoying the skills of the head chef, Streusen.
This former member of the Rocks Pirates, known as the [Gourmet Knight], wasn't exactly a good person.
But at the same time, he possessed a trait common to every qualified chef.
At least while preparing food for Naruto, Streusen genuinely poured all the culinary skills he had mastered over ninety years into his work.
As a chef, he could tell that Naruto was someone who truly appreciated good food, unlike Linlin, who was simply obsessed with sweets.
Therefore, Streusen didn't use the abilities of the [Kuku Kuku no Mi] but instead relied on his hands to create each dish. (T/N: Cook-Cook Fruit.)
From roasted meat to seafood, from desserts to thick soups, with both meat and vegetable dishes, he covered every culinary style imaginable.
This head chef was even more versatile than Zeff.
Almost anything Naruto wanted to eat, he could make.
"It's really delicious, old man. Another serving, please."
Chewing slowly on the sea snail meat wrapped in caviar, Naruto didn't devour it all in one gulp like a wild boar.
Streusen was one of the top chefs in the world of One Piece, and opportunities to taste his cooking were undoubtedly rare.
Especially after this banquet.
Naruto handed the plate over, his eyes slightly lowered.
He had already predicted that the upcoming banquet would not be peaceful.
"Hehe, of course. My skills are no joke."
Though his tone was proud, Streusen's actions were honest as he began preparing another dish for Naruto.
Just then, two figures appeared at the kitchen door: Orochimaru and Katakuri, who had been summoned by Big Mom.
"Naruto-kun…"
Orochimaru's characteristic cold, slimy voice rang out.
Actually, Naruto had already frowned slightly when he sensed their approach.
But since Streusen was still cooking for him, he chose not to leave.
Katakuri seemed like he wanted to say something, but considering Orochimaru was only going to say a few words, he decided not to intervene.
Under normal circumstances, as long as this guy didn't plan to do anything outrageous, he generally turned a blind eye.
"Hey, Orochimaru. Shouldn't you be helping with the wedding preparations at this time?"
Hearing Naruto's words, Orochimaru's face showed no trace of displeasure. It seemed he wasn't bothered by the fact that he was about to marry Big Mom.
Instead, while examining Naruto, Orochimaru's expression showed much greater interest.
"Naruto-kun, I'm also very interested in the ability you possess called Ninjutsu…"
It had to be said that Orochimaru was still Orochimaru.
Even if his memories were wiped clean, he almost instinctively sought out the power he desired.
Although Orochimaru had also been studying Devil Fruits and Haki during this time, his interest in the Ninjutsu Naruto occasionally displayed was clearly higher.
He always felt that he, too, could master this ability.
"Ah, you want to learn? Next time, definitely next time."
After casually brushing him off a couple of times, Naruto continued to savor the food, seemingly unwilling to engage too much with this 'new' Orochimaru of the One Piece World.
He had a feeling this guy wouldn't stay quiet here.
But what did that have to do with Naruto?
Based on Naruto's 'comprehensive' understanding of Orochimaru, once this guy set foot on the path of pursuing power and knowledge, he would most likely repeat the cycle of 'seeking immortality'.
The ones to suffer would probably be the Celestial Dragons, who were rumored to possess the secrets of the so-called [Perennial Youth Operation].
During the time he would be away from the One Piece World, Naruto looked forward to the surprises this guy would undoubtedly cook up.
"Orochimaru-"
Katakuri, naturally picking up on his friend's reluctance to engage further, spoke up.
"Kukuku, then we shall look forward to our next meeting." Orochimaru said, unaware that he already possessed the innate ability to use Ninjutsu.
He lightly licked his lips with his forked snake-like tongue before obediently following Katakuri out.
Dock.
A large pirate ship, decorated to resemble a flamingo, had docked.
Donquixote Doflamingo, known as [Heavenly Yaksha] and [Joker], disembarked with several key executives of his Donquixote Pirates.
Greeting him was Perospero, Big Mom's eldest son… a rather unique character himself.
Although not the strongest of Big Mom's sons, Perospero's status within the Big Mom Pirates was not something an average person could match.
The reason he was assigned to receive Doflamingo wasn't due to the latter's strength, but because of his status as an underground arms dealer and his connections to Kaido.
Of course, the most important reason was the [Gigantification] research they were about to undertake together.
It was one of his Mama's biggest obsessions.
If successful, Totto Land could have its very own race of giants.
"Fufufu... quite the impressive spectacle." Doflamingo remarked, swaggering with an unmistakable arrogance behind Perospero as he surveyed his surroundings.
Most of the guests present were familiar faces.
As a renowned figure in the underworld, Doflamingo had collaborated with many of them.
Accompanying him were three others: one was Diamante, one of the top executives of the family, and the other two were Baby-5, who is dressed in a maid outfit, and Senor Pink, wearing his signature baby-style suit.
It's safe to say Baby-5 was the only one among the four dressed like a normal person.
As for Trebol, he remained in Dressrosa guarding Sugar, the user of the Hobi Hobi no Mi. (T/N: Hobby-Hobby Fruit)
This concerned the lifeblood of the Donquixote Family, so carelessness was not an option.
If a conflict breaks out here and affects Sugar, causing her abilities to deactivate, Doflamingo would most likely lose everything he had.
The Marines, other pirates, the Revolutionary Army, even the Celestial Dragons… all would view him as an enemy.
Meanwhile, at a separate dock used for receiving 'ordinary guests', two seemingly unremarkable pirate ships had also moored.
Disembarking were several individuals who, despite being in disguise, still possessed highly distinctive characteristics.
They were four high-level combatants dispatched by the Marines: Garp, Kizaru, Momousagi, and Tsuru.