In the end, Naruto only drank a dozen or so cups of special juice before stopping.
It wasn't because he couldn't drink more.
It was purely because Smoothie had already squeezed everything on the ship that could be squeezed.
To squeeze more, she would have to use the crew members as materials.
Smoothie herself didn't mind, but Naruto's taste hadn't evolved to that level yet, so he ultimately chose to politely decline.
Liqueur Island wasn't too far from Cake Island. They set off at noon and had already reached this main island of Totto Land before evening.
This was also Naruto's first time visiting another Four Emperor's headquarters as a guest.
He had been to Whitebeard's hometown, Sphinx Island. Just an ordinary small island far from the world.
It wasn't a World Government member nation, and with Whitebeard still alive, neither pirates nor the Navy would pass through there.
In Naruto's words, it was perfect for Whitebeard's retirement.
In fact, even Whitebeard himself had similar thoughts, but in the end couldn't rest easy about his foolish sons, so he never implemented it.
Cake Island was completely a different style.
Because Big Mom's tea party was about to be held, quite a few ministers from the edges of Totto Land had already arrived at the scene.
Their ships were lined up neatly, filling the entire port to capacity.
Although it was approaching dusk, there were still many chefs running around busily on the island.
Beside them, many objects that seemed to have been given life followed along.
Naruto knew these were new life forms created by Big Mom using her "Soul-Soul Fruit" ability, called Homies or something like that.
Just as he was observing this island that really seemed to be made of cake with great interest, Smoothie's ship also approached the port.
Without needing anyone's reminder, Homies responsible for towing immediately came forward and moored the ship at another spacious port specially prepared for Sweet Commanders and distinguished guests.
Among Big Mom's children, there were also high and low positions.
Like how Zuccotto had behaved when facing Smoothie earlier.
With over eighty children, Big Mom didn't care at all about what happened to those at the bottom.
Toward these children, Big Mom had always maintained an attitude of "no management, no care." Only those few outstanding Sweet Commanders and ministers could speak before Big Mom.
At the same time, no matter which son or daughter did something wrong or brought shame to Big Mom, she wouldn't mind personally ending their lives.
To describe it in one sentence:
Charlotte Linlin had spent her entire life pursuing family affection. This obsession was even stronger than Whitebeard's, but she hadn't given even a trace of love to her children.
Perhaps in Big Mom's eyes, those children were just useful subordinates or marriage bargaining chips.
Oh, except for those little ones under ten years old.
When facing small children, she would occasionally show a merciful and gentle side.
After the ship was completely docked, Naruto followed Smoothie off the ship.
Within his field of vision, a tall man stood quietly at the dock, apparently having come specifically to greet him.
Charlotte Katakuri, the man called Big Mom's "greatest masterpiece."
"Yo, long time no see, Katakuri."
Naruto smiled and reached out to pat the other's shoulder.
Hmm... reaching upward.
Because Katakuri was about five meters tall, Naruto really couldn't reach his shoulder without raising his hand.
"It hasn't been as long as you say. Didn't we just meet a little over a month ago?"
"Ahaha, is that so?"
Naruto also realized it.
Since the last time he intercepted the Big Mom Pirates, indeed only that much time had passed in this world. He had gotten confused from his time in the ninja world.
Of course, this was no big deal. A laugh, and it passed.
Katakuri's large mouth hidden under his scarf also curved into an arc. He genuinely acknowledged Naruto as a strong warrior of the seas.
The two had indeed formed a friendship after that banquet.
"Let's hurry. Mama is probably getting a bit impatient waiting."
Glancing at his sister Smoothie beside him, Katakuri remembered his original duty and quickly led the way ahead.
Soon, the group came to a train.
In the past, Katakuri would either directly use his fruit ability to create mochi slides for movement or simply walk slowly to demonstrate the dignity of family executives.
But now they were entertaining guests, especially guests valued by Mama, so proper etiquette had to be observed.
Watching his sister and Naruto sit on the train seats side by side, occasionally chatting, Katakuri, as the "prospective brother-in-law," felt this marriage arrangement should be secure.
He didn't know that Smoothie, due to certain reservations, hadn't fully conveyed Big Mom's intentions to Naruto, so in his view, the two were already cultivating feelings.
A beautiful misunderstanding.
The train was spacious and fast.
After all, it was usually used either to transport food prepared for Big Mom or for family executives.
Looking at Katakuri's physique, one could tell this train car's space had been specially enlarged.
Soon, the cake castle appeared ahead, and Naruto followed Smoothie and others into the castle.
"Mamama! Boy, you finally came!"
"You really made me wait!"
Just as they entered the hall, Big Mom's voice came over.
"Haha, encountered some minor delays on the road, all small matters."
Naruto wasn't shy about it, directly sitting down in front of Big Mom's dining table, even boldly taking a piece of cake from the table and throwing it into his mouth.
Hmm, somewhat cloyingly sweet. Naruto had no intention of continuing after just one piece.
"I heard all about it. Even that baldy Shiki died at your hands. Really something."
"Not at all, just the senior letting me win."
He let you win with his life?
Big Mom naturally didn't bother saying such words aloud, simply continuing to pick up the huge strawberry cream cake in front of her and throw it into that abyssal maw.
After chewing and swallowing the food in a few bites, Big Mom didn't plan to beat around the bush.
"So, since you agreed to come to my tea party, you must have already made your decision, right?"
"Huh?"
What responded to Charlotte Linlin was Naruto's completely bewildered expression.
"Boy, what do you mean by this?"
Seeing this, Big Mom immediately showed displeasure.
"No, no, no..."
Naruto held up one hand in front of his face, then seemed to realize he might have misunderstood something, adding somewhat cautiously:
"Although I don't know what you're talking about. I came this time just to accept your invitation for a meal together, and I also wanted to ask your daughter to help..."
Before Naruto could finish speaking, Big Mom directly took off the hat on her head and grasped it.
Katakuri, standing nearby, also reacted, his expression immediately becoming somewhat panicked, apparently seeing some future scene.
Then, that hat Homie "Napoleon" transformed into a huge pirate cutlass under Big Mom's will, wrapped in incredibly powerful Conqueror's Haki, chopping toward Naruto's head.
"Are you playing with me, you little brat!"