Hearing Orochimaru's words, the group of people laughed even more wantonly, their laughter like sharp needles, piercing straight into Orochimaru's eardrums.
Orochimaru's golden pupils instantly turned crimson, and a chilling killing intent emanated from his body. At this moment, he had only one thought: Kill them! Kill them all!
Oroochimaru's expression grew increasingly grim, and scales began to appear on his arms, one after another.
A red light flashed in Katakuri's eyes. His Observation Haki captured a minute into the future, and he saw Orochimaru, after transforming, laying waste to Totto Land.
Just his size alone would destroy a part of Cake Island. If Cake Island were destroyed, Katakuri could fully foresee the subsequent scene: Mama's rage was certain, but the aftermath would be even more complex.
Watching the already out-of-control Orochimaru, Katakuri couldn't help but frown. He felt he had to intervene; Cake Island absolutely couldn't be destroyed.
But how to solve this problem? His thoughts drifted back to the past, to how he used to soothe his crying younger siblings when they were just born.
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than Katakuri's body reacted. He took a swift step forward and steadily cradled Orochimaru in his arms, using a gentle infant-holding posture.
One hand was on the person's back, the other passed under their bent legs. He gently patted Orochimaru's back, his actions carrying a hint of comfort.
Orochimaru instantly froze. All his anger, fury, and madness, which he hadn't had a chance to vent, were thrown into disarray by this sudden embrace.
This emotional turnaround was, one might say, a cliff-edge descent.
Orochimaru was angry, Orochimaru was furious, Orochimaru was going mad, Orochimaru was about to go on a killing spree, and then Orochimaru was bewildered.
He widened his eyes, looking at Katakuri, who had suddenly pulled him into his arms. Orochimaru's first reaction was… what is this idiot doing?
In an instant, the entire garden seemed to have a mute button pressed, falling into an eerie silence.
Everyone's laughter ceased abruptly, and they all widened their eyes, staring at Katakuri with disbelief.
A thought popped into their minds simultaneously: Has Big Brother Katakuri been taking care of children every day for so long that he's finally gone mad?
Big Mom even had a moment of introspection, wondering if she had put too much pressure on Katakuri.
Orochimaru felt the slightly clumsy pats on his back, one after another, and his blood seemed to rush to his head. His teeth gnashed, itching fiercely—it was the fury of being offended wildly surging in his heart.
Finally, he could no longer bear it and roared, "Ha! Na! Sai! (Let me go!!)"
Katakuri heard the sound, steadily supported Orochimaru with both hands, lifted him completely, and after surveying him up and down, looked at the still-angry person. The future still didn't look good, as if he had made some decision.
Katakuri's one hand passed steadily under Orochimaru's leg, while the other supported his back, like cradling an infant. He lifted Orochimaru, letting him sit on his forearm.
Then, he slightly turned his shoulder and gently rested Orochimaru's head against it, his movements soft, as if afraid of hurting the other party.
Afterward, he raised his hand and gently patted Orochimaru's back, his movements soft and slow.
Orochimaru, tightly held in Katakuri's embrace, was completely stiff, his mind utterly muddled, a complete mess.
He simply couldn't believe that he was being held like a child being soothed.
A sense of humiliation instantly flooded his heart. Orochimaru's face turned crimson, and he struggled desperately with his limbs, trying to transform into a snake. Damn… Katakuri was even using Haki. What was he trying to do?
"Put me down!" Orochimaru's voice trembled slightly with anger and shame, but Katakuri acted as if he hadn't heard, not only not letting go but gently bouncing him and reaching out to soothe his back: "There, there…"
At this, Orochimaru almost burst into tears. His face!!
Help, this person is crazy. Is there anyone to save the snake? Orochimaru desperately needs a Luffy right now.
(╥╯﹏╰╥)ง
Katakuri turned, holding Orochimaru. The children of Big Mom, who had been sitting casually on the table, saw Katakuri's gaze fall upon them. Except for Perospero, almost all of them collectively stood up and took a large step back.
They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with terror.
Big Brother Katakuri like this is so scary. Is it really because he's been a single parent for too long?
What a joke, that Orochimaru could run, but now he hasn't, ten to one he's crashed. If it were them, they would crash too.
But there's nothing they can do, they can't run. They are biological children, after all.
What if Big Brother Katakuri directs this unvented love towards them? They are all in their 20s, 30s, 40s… they still need their dignity.
Katakuri, immersed in the joy of his "successful baby-soothing," was completely unaware that his actions had earned him the unanimous disapproval of his younger siblings.
Katakuri looked at Orochimaru in his arms, who seemed to have crashed, completely oblivious to what he had done, and nodded with satisfaction.
In his opinion, it was thanks to his decisive action that Cake Island was spared the fate of being destroyed by Orochimaru's transformation, resolving a potential major crisis.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, was slumped like a puppet on Katakuri's shoulder, his entire being completely vacant.
His eyes stared blankly ahead, hollow and unfocused.
He looked as if Brook's soul had left his body, his eyes lifeless. Oh… Brook doesn't have eyes.
Watching this scene unfold, Big Mom not only didn't find it inappropriate but burst into a hearty laugh.
She gazed at the disconsolate Orochimaru, and maternal love instantly overflowed. In her eyes, Orochimaru now seemed somewhat adorable.
"Mamamama~ Do you want some delicious cake?"
Big Mom's face was full of maternal affection, and her voice unconsciously softened a few degrees.
Orochimaru was still in a daze, and he nodded mechanically.
Seeing this, Big Mom's smile grew wider. She handed a Cheese Strawberry Cake Homie to Katakuri and said,
"Katakuri, it's up to you."
"Yes… Mama." Katakuri responded immediately without the slightest hesitation.
After all, this was Mama's command, and for him, obeying Mama's instructions had long become an instinct.
So, he held Orochimaru, preparing to feed him the cake as Big Mom instructed, but he found this posture inconvenient, so he had to place him on the dining table.
He felt he needed a high chair (not really).
Katakuri scooped a piece of cake, blew on it… then realized it wasn't hot soup, and offered it to Orochimaru's mouth. He couldn't help it; it was his first time, he had only ever taken care of his younger siblings.
"Ah…"
Orochimaru's inner self was collapsing at this moment… Damn, here we go again!!!.
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