"Are we just going back like this?
If Mama finds out what happened, she'll fly into a rage, Perorin!" Perospero said anxiously.
Inside the lavish cabin of the Big Mom Pirates' ship, Katakuri, Perospero, and Baron Tamago sat on ornate chairs, a heavy silence lingering in the air.
"This is the best option. That Rossinante's power… it's terrifying," Katakuri said grimly.
Baron Tamago looked at him in shock. He hadn't witnessed the battle between Rossinante and Katakuri firsthand, so hearing Katakuri—someone second only to Big Mom herself—describe someone as "terrifying" deeply unsettled him.
"I couldn't sense his movements with Observation Haki," Katakuri admitted.
Both Perospero and Baron Tamago's expressions changed instantly.
At high levels of battle, especially with opponents who move at extreme speeds, Observation Haki becomes essential to track positioning and anticipate attacks. Katakuri's Observation Haki was among the best in the Big Mom Pirates. If even he couldn't detect Rossinante's movements, others would be at an even greater disadvantage.
In battles between top-tier fighters, losing the ability to sense the opponent is akin to fighting blind. The implications of Katakuri's words struck both men hard.
"But in the end, didn't you start sensing his attacks?" Perospero asked.
He'd already noticed during the fight that Rossinante's movements left no trace—no presence, no sound. Unless seen with the naked eye, even sweeping Observation Haki over him would yield nothing. He'd initially assumed it was due to his own weakness. Now, hearing it from Katakuri, the truth hit hard.
"That was because my Observation Haki evolved during the battle. I awakened the ability to briefly perceive the future. Unless someone else in Totto Land can do the same, no one will be able to face Rossinante effectively," Katakuri explained.
"You can see the future?!" Perospero and Baron Tamago exclaimed in unison.
"There really is Observation Haki that can glimpse the future?" Baron Tamago muttered in awe.
"As I thought... That battle pushed you hard enough to truly master that extraordinary ability," Perospero said with a complicated look.
Unlike Tamago, Perospero had already known that Katakuri occasionally manifested glimpses of the future with his Haki, but it had never been consistent. From the way Katakuri spoke now, he had clearly achieved full control over it.
"If it weren't for the Healing Seal, I believe I could defeat him in another fight. But as long as that seal is embedded in us, we've already lost the qualification to challenge him again," Katakuri said.
He paused, then added darkly,
"More importantly, Rossinante's attacks might even be capable of harming Mama."
Perospero and Baron Tamago's faces turned ashen.
Big Mom, a monstrous being who destroyed a giant village at the age of five, was a literal tank of a person. Even without Armament Haki, few in the New World could injure her. For Katakuri to claim that someone might be able to hurt her was utterly staggering.
"Impossible… Even if Rossinante's attacks are powerful, to hurt Mama? That's absurd!" Perospero shook his head in denial.
And yet… deep down, part of him believed it. He had seen the devastating impact of Rossinante's explosive punches. The power behind them rivaled Mama's own.
"Even if his strength isn't quite enough to hurt Mama, now is not the time to provoke a new enemy. The top priority is helping Mama claim the throne as the New World's supreme ruler—second only to Whitebeard. Once that's secured, we'll have plenty of chances to deal with Rossinante," Katakuri stated calmly.
Even Katakuri, proud as he was, wouldn't dare suggest that Big Mom could surpass Whitebeard. At his peak and in his prime, Whitebeard was said to possess the power to destroy the world—undisputedly the strongest man alive. This was, after all, the era named after him.
"But is it really wise to let him grow unchecked? Rossinante already has that level of strength at his age. If he grows even stronger, he'll become a terrifying enemy," Baron Tamago warned.
"That's not a huge concern. His combat prowess is impressive, but his base strength isn't overwhelming—around the level of an average Vice Admiral. It's his Devil Fruit that's the real danger. By removing the body's self-limiters and applying the Healing Seal, he can unleash that devastating power and stealth. As long as we find a way to neutralize that seal, I'm confident I can defeat him. And besides, do you think I'll stand still while he grows stronger?" Katakuri smirked.
There was something else he didn't say aloud—he had already decided to treat Rossinante as a rival, a catalyst for his own growth. A worthy opponent could dramatically enhance one's potential. But in his heart, Katakuri also resolved that one day, he would personally eliminate Rossinante.
Perospero gave him a deep look but ultimately agreed.
The New World was in chaos. Countless newcomers were flooding in to challenge Big Mom's position. Though most would perish, they still came in droves. Even some old names were re-emerging. It truly wasn't the right time to start another war—especially against someone with the potential to wound Big Mom.
But what the three of them thought didn't matter now.
A suffocating, soul-crushing aura swept across Totto Land from the direction of the Cake Castle.
"It's war. Prepare the expeditionary force immediately. I'll burn the Kingdom of Jeromeo to ash. Rossinante dared—he actually dared…"
Big Mom's voice boomed with fury.
"But Mama…" Katakuri tried to reason.
"You're going to tell me he might be able to hurt me, right? You think some brat can harm me? Katakuri?" Big Mom's voice turned cold.
"And Katakuri—you know what it means when a Sweet Commander fails, don't you? Especially when your life is in someone else's hands. You're no longer worthy of being a Commander. From today on, your title is stripped. You're not participating in this war. Stay home and reflect." Big Mom declared.
"Mama, we can't underestimate Rossinante. If you insist on going to war, please take me with you. I will give everything I have to kill him," Katakuri said, eyes blazing with resolve.
"Katakuri!" Perospero cried out in panic. He wanted to stop him—what Katakuri was saying could easily enrage Mama even more.
"Even if you're my son, you don't get to speak out of turn! Prometheus!" Big Mom roared.
"Yes, Mama!"
The usually gentle flame Homie suddenly erupted with blazing, destructive heat.