A few days passed in a flash. On the eve of the third World Martial Arts Tournament, a special meeting was taking place inside Takero's private villa on Ambry Island.
Takero was relaxing on a huge sofa in the living room, lounging in a comfortable posture. Over the past few years, his appearance had changed dramatically. It might have been due to the rich nutrients in this world's food or his royal Saiyan bloodline, but at only fifteen or sixteen years old, he had already grown to be over 1.9 meters tall.
His once slightly boyish frame was now covered in well-defined, powerful muscles. He had broad shoulders, a strong chest, and a chiseled face that had lost its youthful look, becoming more handsome and rugged. Just by sitting there, he radiated an intense masculine energy that was hard for anyone to ignore.
Beside him, Nico Robin and Monet had also grown into graceful young women. Time had washed away their girlish innocence, replacing it with the unique charm of maturity. The Germa "princes and princesses" had also grown up considerably. At this moment, they were all gathered to meet two special guests: King and Katakuri.
Unlike a few years ago, when they were disgraced prisoners, they had arrived this time as envoys. King came alone, but Katakuri was followed closely by a very tall and striking young woman. She had healthy, bronze skin that contrasted sharply with her long, wavy, silver-white hair, which flowed down her back like moonlight. She wore a daring, tight-fitting black jumpsuit that perfectly highlighted her curvy and powerful figure. Her incredibly long legs were enough to capture any man's attention.
"King. Katakuri," Takero began, picking up a glass of juice from the table and taking a sip. "What brings two busy guys like you to my place at the same time?"
King stepped forward first and bowed respectfully. "Lord Takero," he said in a deep voice. "The item you asked the Beasts Pirates to find… we've confirmed its exact location. Governor Kaido sent me personally to explain the situation to you."
"Oh?" Takero's eyes immediately lit up with interest. The "item" King was referring to was the Road Poneglyph, which recorded the truth of the Void Century. To satisfy his own curiosity about what had happened in this world, Takero had ordered his two main forces—the Beasts Pirates and the Golden Group—to secretly search for these stone tablets. However, they were hidden so well that there had been almost no progress for years. Now, it seemed they finally had a lead.
Takero turned to Nico Robin and smiled. "Did you hear that, Robin? When you have some free time, you can come with me to check out that 'interesting stone'."
A flicker of excitement appeared in Robin's usually calm blue eyes. She nodded eagerly. For her, anything related to a Poneglyph was an irresistible draw.
Just then, Katakuri stepped forward to greet him. "It's been a long time, Mr. Takero. Mama sends her regards."
"Alright, let's skip the formalities," Takero said, waving his hand dismissively. "Just tell me why you're here."
Katakuri calmly replied, "The batch of Senzu Beans we bought from you last time has all been used. Their effect was far greater than we ever imagined, so Mama would like to purchase another batch. Additionally, our Charlotte Family is holding its grandest tea party soon. Mama would like to invite you again, as our most distinguished guest."
"For little things like this, you can just talk to my secretary from now on," Takero said, sounding bored.
"Understood. I'll do that next time," Katakuri nodded. He then shifted slightly, revealing the tall woman who had been standing behind him. In a serious tone, he introduced her. "By the way, Mr. Takero, this is my younger sister, Charlotte Smoothie, the fourteenth daughter of the Charlotte Family. She heard about the World Martial Arts Tournament you organized and is very interested in signing up to participate."
"Brother?!" Smoothie looked at him with a confused expression. She opened her mouth to speak but was silenced by a subtle, warning glance from Katakuri, forcing her to swallow her words.
Takero's gaze shamelessly scanned Smoothie's impressive figure. He had to admit, her physique was top-tier, especially her long, powerful legs, which were highlighted by the black jumpsuit. He made no effort to hide his intense, heated stare, which made Smoothie feel a little uncomfortable. Behind him, Monet saw the look on his face, puffed out her cheeks, and let out a jealous "hmph."
Takero finally looked away and waved his hand casually. "The World Martial Arts Tournament has no restrictions. Race, gender, status… none of it matters. As long as you have the strength, anyone is welcome to join." He then stood up, signaling that the meeting was over. "Alright, I have things to do tomorrow. I won't be able to keep you for dinner."
King and Katakuri understood his meaning. They bowed politely and left.
Once outside the villa, the two men exchanged a quick glance before going their separate ways without a word. As soon as they were alone, Smoothie could no longer hold back her question. "Brother, when did I ever say I wanted to join that boring tournament?"
Katakuri remained silent for a moment before answering slowly. "This is... Mama's order."
"Mama's order?" Smoothie was even more confused.
Instead of explaining, Katakuri asked a question of his own. "Smoothie, what did you think of that man, Takero?"
Smoothie thought about his muscular body and handsome face. He certainly had a lot of masculine charm, but she wasn't a shallow person who only cared about looks. She was attracted to true powerhouses, men who could completely overwhelm her with their strength.
"He looks good," she said honestly. "But I feel like... he's nothing special."
"Nothing special?" Katakuri looked at her. "Did you know that the 'unremarkable' man you're talking about is the one who completely crushed Kaido of the Beasts?"
"What?!" Smoothie gasped in disbelief. "Kaido?! The 'World's Strongest Creature'?!"
Katakuri nodded. "That's right." He then quickly told her the story of how, a few years ago, both he and King had been defeated by Takero with a single punch, and how Kaido himself had been beaten into submission.
Smoothie was stunned. Her mind reeled in shock as she listened. "That Kaido… actually… submitted to that kid?!" It was all starting to make sense. "No wonder… No wonder King the Conflagration was so respectful to him! So that's what happened!"
"Exactly," Katakuri confirmed. "This news has been kept quiet by both Mama and the Beasts Pirates. Besides those of us who were there, very few people know about it."
"But… what does any of this have to do with me?" Smoothie was still confused.
Katakuri's eyes took on a meaningful look. "The Beasts Pirates have submitted to Takero. Our Big Mom Pirates can't afford to fall behind."
"Are we… going to submit too?!" Smoothie asked, surprised.
"No," Katakuri shook his head. "Mama would never allow that. So... the key is you, Smoothie."
"Me?"
"That's right," Katakuri said. "Mama's real plan is for you... to marry him. With that marriage, our Big Mom Pirates can form a connection with that monster. That way, we won't be left too far behind the Beasts Pirates."
Smoothie was completely stunned. She had never imagined that her mother's plan involved her.
Katakuri looked at her, and a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes. "Normally, as your brother, I would say your happiness is your own to decide. But…"
"Don't say any more, Brother," Smoothie interrupted him. She lifted her head, her proud eyes now burning with a newfound ambition and confidence. "I'm willing to do it for the family."
She licked her lips, a seductive smile spreading across her face—a smile filled with a desire for conquest. "Takero… he's just a man. Watch me. I'll have him wrapped around my finger in no time."
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