Shiro's curiosity was piqued. He moved quickly to the railing, scanning the horizon.
In the distance, a massive island slowly emerged from the sea. Its structures were entirely made of cakes and sweets, bursting with colour, a dazzling spectacle.
Suddenly, a ship bearing the Big Mom Pirates' flag appeared near the Oro Jackson. The vessel was extravagantly decorated, its sails marked with a giant skull that seemed to glare at them.
At the bow, a figure wearing an over-the-top top hat adorned with candy patterns stood holding a gigantic candy cane. He shouted a warning toward the Oro Jackson:
"Who are you?! Anyone without a 'Tea Party' invitation is forbidden to set foot in the Whole Cake Island!"
Shiro's eyes sharpened—he recognized him immediately: Charlotte Perospero, Big Mom Charlotte Linlin's eldest son.
Roger's eyes lit up at the mention of a "Tea Party." He murmured excitedly:
"A tea party? Full of food and fun? That's far better than our usual gatherings!"
Perospero's face darkened when his warning was ignored, anger flashing in his eyes. He bellowed to his crew:
"Approach! I want to see who has the audacity to defy the Whole Cake Island!"
Inside the ship's helm, the helmsman, Donquino, nervously called out:
"Captain, what should we do? Should we ram them?"
His hands gripped the wheel tightly, awaiting Roger's command.
"Go right ahead! I'll clear the path!" Roger waved his hand with confidence and flair.
He drew his blade, Ace, and shouted:
"Divine Departure!"
A slash imbued with black-and-red lightning cut through the sea, parting the water in a spectacular display.
The strike struck the Whole Cake ship. With a loud crack, the sturdy vessel split in two. Its crew fell into the waves, screaming in panic.
Perospero, a Lick-Lick Fruit user, struggled violently in the water, shouting for help:
"Quick… save me!"
The Oro Jackson took advantage of the chaos, plowing through the waves and speeding toward Whole Cake Island.
Meanwhile, inside the Cake Castle of the Whole Cake Island, Charlotte Linlin—Big Mom—relaxed in a massive chair. Her enormous eight-meter-eight frame leaned comfortably as a steaming bowl of sweet soup and a five-tier cream cake sat before her, adorned with fruits and candies, their aroma irresistible.
Opposite her sat a strikingly beautiful woman. Standing about 1.8 meters, with a slender, curvaceous figure, crimson lips, and an alluring gaze, she exuded undeniable charm.
This was Buckingham Stussy and a former member of the Rocks Pirates.
"Ahahaha, Stussy! You finally arrived. Worth the effort to host this tea party just for you!"
Big Mom sipped the sweet soup with satisfaction, a gleeful smile on her face.
"Thank you, Linlin! Over the years, you've done well—you've become the strongest woman in the world!"
Stussy elegantly lifted a wine glass, taking a delicate sip, her posture graceful and composed.
"The strongest woman? That's never been my goal!"
Big Mom stuffed a piece of cake into her mouth, thoroughly enjoying herself, then changed the topic:
"But tell me, Stussy, aren't you with that guy, Newgate?"
Sighing, Stussy slowly stood, eyes showing a trace of helplessness.
"Don't remind me. That man's always busy acknowledging sons, never has time for me!"
"Recognizing sons? Necessary?" Big Mom's interest peaked, a sly glint in her eyes.
"You should just have more kids with him! Like me—keep having children, hahaha!"
"No way!" Stussy stomped in frustration, her heels clicking sharply on the floor.
"He hasn't even touched me!"
"Really? With your looks, so many men must desire you!"
Big Mom's eyes widened in shock.
"That's exactly it! I don't understand what Newgate's thinking!"
Stussy grew angrier, arms crossed, her face full of resentment.
"Perhaps he fears hurting you!"
Big Mom's laughter shook her pearl necklace, her cunning eyes twinkling.
"Considering his physical strength… maybe he worries you can't handle him."
Stussy looked down, contemplative, then nodded reluctantly.
"Perhaps…"
"What a pity. But thinking back, if we'd had a child back in the Rocks Pirates days with Newgate, that child would have been a terrifying powerhouse!"
Big Mom greedily licked the cream from her lips, lost in a brief memory of a golden-haired man laughing wildly in the Valley of the Gods.
"Even worse, everyone thinks I'm Whitebeard's woman. No other men dare approach me!"
Stussy lifted her wine glass and drained it in one gulp, her face full of bitterness.
"That's a shame, Stussy. Men—next to food—are the greatest source of joy! Hahaha!"
Big Mom laughed heartily, her gem necklace shaking.
"I will take revenge on Edward Newgate, that bastard!"
Stussy's face was full of resentment, her eyes blazing with hate.
"Revenge? By what right?"
Big Mom's expression grew serious, her presence immediately imposing.
"Newgate's Whitebeard Pirates continue growing, with affiliated crews across the seas. Just by acquiring the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, his power skyrocketed—he was already strong, now immeasurably more so!"
"Linlin, have you heard of cloning technology?"
Stussy leaned closer, lowering her voice.
"Is that even real?" Big Mom shook her head, incredulous. In her mind, replicating life seemed more impossible than Devil Fruits.
"Right now, the world's top scientist Vegapunk is gathering the best minds in the Peace Research Institute, MADS. They are developing weapons of mass destruction… including cloning technology."
Stussy spoke with excitement, envisioning the future and possibilities that lay ahead.
T/N: If you would like to read up to 20 chapters ahead for all my works, check out my P@treon: patreon.com/GhidorahWriter
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