— — — — — —
As everyone stood in silence, watching the Big Mom Pirates leave, Edward spoke up. "Start treating the wounded immediately."
"Yes, Pops!"
Everyone got to work quickly, and many gathered around Edward.
They were frustrated. Like… seriously frustrated.
Edward sat down cross-legged right on the ground, set Murakumogiri beside him, and asked calmly: "You brats pissed off, huh?"
"Yeah…" Everyone nodded.
They were really pissed.
All because of one sentence from the enemy, and that's it? That's the end of the fight?
It left a really bad taste in their mouths.
But Edward, ever the calm one, said, "There's nothing wrong with admitting it. You guys really don't see what the difference is, do you?"
"…What do you mean?" Everyone looked confused.
Clearly, they didn't get it. What was the difference?
Marco, still a trainee, scratched his head and said, "Pops… is it 'cause we're just different at the core? I mean, we're pirates, right? But the Charlotte Family—they're more like a growing nation, or better yet, a terrifying family."
Edward nodded. "Exactly, Marco. Pirates just chase after freedom and fun."
"But the Charlotte Family? They want everything. You can't even compare the two."
Hearing that, the crew finally understood.
Everyone fell silent, deep in thought. Not knowing what to say—or what to do next.
After a while, Marco spoke again. "Pops, if that's the case… can't we give it a shot too?"
"You know, as pirates… try going a different path?"
It was clear the idea got everyone thinking. "…Us?"
The truth is—Pirates rarely have permanent territories.
But now—the Whitebeard Pirates were seeing things in a new light.
Edward thought aloud, "Well then… let's do it, boys. Let's try a new way, and see where it takes us!"
"YEAH!!"The Whitebeard Pirates roared.
Sure, this time they lost. But the gap wasn't that huge.
If the Charlotte Family could do it, and they started out as pirates too—Then why the hell couldn't the Whitebeard Pirates do it too?
That idea wasn't far-fetched at all. Everyone had a fire in their eyes.
And soon, they were already taking action.
— — —
Meanwhile…
The Big Mom Pirates were heading home.
The Black Trade was handling its business.
Both were always busy.
But the busiest ones right now? The people of Totto Land.
...
"How's it going over there?"
"All good here!"
"Same here! Stay sharp—Totto Land's about to officially become a nation. No room for mistakes!"
"Everyone, double-check everything!"
Everyone was running around dealing with different tasks.
Not just Amande—Zuccotto, Brûlée, Broyé, Mash, Counter, Moscato…
All ministers of Totto Land. None of them could afford to slack off.
Even the Five Sweet Generals, like Opera and the others, were busy as hell.
Everyone was moving fast, no time to breathe.
"Hahh…"
Wiping sweat from her forehead, Counter asked quietly, "Broyé, how's it looking on your side?"
"All done here!" Broyé said, exhaling.
36 islands. Each and every one had to be checked thoroughly.
Not a quick scan. A full inspection. From top to bottom.
Why?
Because in just one month, Totto Land would be fully built.
Before that happens, everything has to be perfect.
Only then—can the family plans go smoothly.
So yeah, don't be fooled into thinking the Black Trade or Big Mom Pirates are the busiest right now.
Nope.
The people working inside Totto Land…They're the ones about to lose their minds.
"Ughhh!!" Counter and Cabaletta lay flat on the ground, looking like they were about to die.
Cadenza sighed. "You two, come on—get up already."
"Nope!" Both of them shook their heads without hesitation.
"You've gotta be kidding."
"We're dead if we move!"
Yeah, they were absolutely convinced they'd die if they stood up. No way were they getting off the ground.
Amande squinted at them. "Counter, Cabaletta—what are you two doing?"
Instantly!
The two of them sat up straight like they'd been electrocuted, grinning with huge, toothy smiles.
They gave her a big thumbs-up and said without hesitation, "Third Sis! We were just, y'know, thinking things over! You get it, right? Gotta think before working, right?"
Amande glanced at them coldly. "Get moving. We've only got a month left. Once this period is over, Totto Land will officially be founded. It's been four years—don't screw it up now."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Right away!"
The two guys scratched their heads sheepishly and stood up. They were clearly just slacking off.
"Hehehe…"
A soft chuckle echoed out.
Joey smiled wryly. "You two brats were slacking out in the open. I saw Cadenza's face—he looked completely fed up."
Counter and Cabaletta instantly looked scared.
"Big Bro! Come on, don't expose us like that! We get it! We're sorry!"
Joey chuckled, "Alright, alright. Things in Totto Land aren't as wild as before. In a few days, you two knuckleheads can go back to patrolling and guarding."
"Thanks, Big Bro!"
The two idiots almost dropped to their knees in gratitude.
Right now—Joey was basically an angel for them!
What else could they do?
These two hotheads were great at fighting, sure—but handling responsibilities? Yeah, no.
Ask them to solve problems, and you'd get a joke instead of a solution.
Amande shook her head. "Big Bro, you spoil them too much."
Joey replied gently, "Don't be so uptight, Amande. We don't have to rush."
"No way." Amande's expression turned serious. "Big Bro, we can't afford to be careless. Totto Land has to be perfect. That's the only way the ritual will activate. Plus, the main island's construction isn't even done yet! And the guest palaces—they're not built either!"
Seeing Amande get all worked up again, Joey decided to just shut up.
It's been four years!
Amande? She'd basically turned into a nagging old mom by now.
Seriously.
Joey didn't think she'd lost confidence or anything—but man, this was a bit much.
Still… He looked into her sharp eyes.
Yeah, better not say anything else.
So he spoke gently, "Alright. Since I left everything in your hands, I'll back off."
Amande smiled helplessly. "Big Bro, the real issue is there just isn't enough time. I messed up a little in the planning… sigh, that's on me."
Joey gave a warm smile. "It's no big deal. Just take your time and deal with things as they come. Everything will work out."
"Mhm."
Amande nodded too.
Sure, there were some small issues, but nothing that would cause delays.
Amande suddenly asked seriously, "Big Bro, leaving the otherworldly races aside for now—what about the Dragon tribe and Mink Tribe? If we don't get that sorted soon, it's gonna cause trouble."
Hearing that, Joey replied calmly, "Don't worry. I'm already working on things with the Minks. As for the Dragons, once Katakuri and the others get back, we'll start on them. We've got enough time."
Amande nodded. "As long as you've got a plan, Big Bro, I'll stay out of it."
Honestly—The otherworldly races were one thing…
But it was the native races that really mattered right now.
This was a matter of pride.
The only ones left were the Mink Tribe and the Dragon Tribe, which existed only in legends.
Once they brought those two in— Totto Land would truly have every race represented.
And that would be enough.
A true utopia for the inhuman races. That vision was almost reality.
Joey left shortly after.
Once he was gone, Amande turned around and snapped, "Counter! Cabaletta!"
"Y-Yes Sis!"
"We're on it already!"
"Already starting!"
The two didn't dare waste another second and rushed to get back to work.
Looking at the two panicking idiots, Amande just sighed.
Cadenza chuckled and said, "Third Sis, if we stay on schedule, Totto Land should be fully ready in another 28 days."
Amande's expression softened. "Yeah. Once Totto Land is done, everything else becomes much easier."
Once Totto Land was built… Their jobs would be pretty chill.
Just managing islands and keeping things running smoothly.
Not much else.
Cadenza smiled, "Yeah, it will be soon."
"Right."
Amande nodded. "Let's focus on finishing this last stretch. After that, it's finally time to relax. Once Totto Land's founded, things will be way easier."
The siblings each went their separate ways. Each had his own task.
— — —
Meanwhile—
"Ahhh!!!"
Zuccotto let out a long sigh, wiping sweat from his forehead, looking absolutely worn out.
"Man! This job's seriously exhausting! Moscato, you doing okay?"
Moscato shook his head. "It's not the physical work, Zuccotto-nii… it's the mental drain."
"Hehehe…"
Zuccotto laughed. "Once we wrap up tonight, let's go get a drink."
Moscato grinned, "Sounds great! You know how good Dwarf beer is!"
"Hell yeah!"
The two chatted and laughed.
Totto Land's situation was finally stabilizing.
Things were getting easier.
Still…Time was running a bit tight.
After all…Totto Land was about to officially become a nation.
Four years ago—The World Summit approved the rise of a new world noble family.
Now—The whole world was watching.
.
.
.