Everyone had returned to Tesoro's Golden City, a metropolis even more magnificent than depicted in the manga. With more funding, it was only natural that the city would rise larger and grander than before.
"You promised a hundred-day banquet for little Lati. Don't go back on your word."
Perospero's Den Den Mushi buzzed in Reid's hand. He lazily picked it up.
"Perospero, what's the matter?" Reid's voice carried his usual devil-may-care tone.
The Den Den Mushi mimicked Perospero's signature tongue flick. Reid often called the Den Den Mushi the greatest invention of the Pirate King.
Perospero spoke with a respectful, almost probing tone: "Lord Reid, mother asked me to inquire where will the hundred-day banquet be held? We've already arranged the top dessert team, ready to depart at a moment's notice~ Peropero~"
Reid let out a soft chuckle, his gaze sweeping over the massive banquet hall at the center of the Golden City. "Tesoro's Golden City. For all of you, it's going to be quite the trip."
"Not a problem at all." The Den Den Mushi hesitated slightly before replying. "Golden City? Understood. I'll arrange it immediately…"
Reid interrupted casually, "You just deliver the desserts. Tesoro will handle the rest."
The line was silent for a moment, then Perospero's voice returned, tinged with caution. "Understood, Lord Reid. We will deliver the desserts on time."
After hanging up, Tesoro approached. "Anything else to arrange? I know Charlotte Linlin and Kaido might not attend, but should we reserve seats for them anyway?"
Reid shrugged. "Whether she comes or not doesn't matter. The desserts will be served regardless, so no need to save her a seat."
He paused, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Besides, if she actually shows up, that Marine would probably lose sleep over it. Fun to imagine, but it's better she stays away. Don't want her sudden outbursts ruining our mood."
Tesoro imagined the scene and twitched his lips. "…Makes sense."
It was simple. If it were Reid's birthday and they had a good relationship, they should come. Status mattered, like a formal diplomatic visit the positions on both sides had to match.
Meanwhile, on a small island not far from Golden City,
Perospero put down the Den Den Mushi and turned to Katakuri and Brulee. "Reid has chosen Golden City. Notify the sisters to depart."
Katakuri's lips lifted slightly beneath his scarf. "That works well enough."
Brulee blinked her three eyes and asked softly, "So… we continue?"
Perospero licked his lollipop, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "Of course we go~ Perospero~ It's the perfect chance to get close to the Crimson Dawn."
Katakuri cast him a glance. "Hope everything goes smoothly."
Perospero spread his hands. "Relax. I'm just delivering desserts~"
Golden City's lights sparkled brilliantly under the night sky.
After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Reid and Tesoro stood at the highest point of Golden City, overlooking their kingdom. Reid's confident smile was in place.
"Captain, it seems our hundred-day banquet will become the talk of the New World. Mr. Roger's former crew member, Mr. Bright, seems to be acting up. Should I send someone to handle him?"
"The intelligence I've gathered shows he appeared alongside Festa. Oh, right Festa is a fairly well-known event planner."
"Festa???"
Reid frowned. The timing was off, and the purpose seemed mismatched, yet somehow the two conditions fit perfectly.
Reid lazily reclined in a golden lounge chair. "Don't worry about him. Even if he misbehaves, there are plenty of people to deal with him. Hasn't Bright already formed his own pirate crew?"
"No, quite the opposite. He's dismantled quite a few pirate crews."
Is he preparing to give us a gift?
"If he doesn't resist and submits to me, then he won't be the 'Bullet.'" Reid waved his hand, ending the topic.
At that moment, a lively voice called out.
"Lord Reid~ Lord Tesoro~"
Perona floated through the air, twirling excitedly. "I've already planned the decorations! How about a ghost theme? Cute and mysterious at the same time!"
Moria smacked his lips. "Hehehe… this will definitely leave a deep impression."
Enel scoffed. "Boring."
Lina placed her hands on her hips, glaring at him. "That's incredibly rude!"
Enel muttered, "…The god didn't say I couldn't attend."
Reid: ??? Uh, Lina is unusually assertive today? Oh, she's still on the ship, so it's fine.
Everyone: …
Tesoro clapped his hands. A full holographic map rose from the golden floor, detailing every corner of Golden City. "I've got it all planned. The main venue is the central plaza, the dessert section is handled by the Charlotte family, entertainment by my team, and security…"
Reid waved his hand. "Don't worry about security. Anyone who dares to cause trouble at Lati's banquet will get a taste of the Crimson Dawn's hospitality."
His tone was casual.
Just then, BT's mechanical voice sounded from behind. "A massive fleet is approaching. Identification signal: Big Mom Pirates."
Reid raised an eyebrow. "Oh? They're fast."
The group headed to the harbor, where a fleet of dozens of cake-shaped warships slowly approached on the horizon. Katakuri and Perospero stood at the bows, the massive Charlotte family arrayed behind them.
Perospero licked his lollipop and shouted, "Perospero! Long time no see, Captain Reid, though we just spoke over the Den Den Mushi. We've arrived as promised! Peropero~"
Katakuri's expression remained calm, scarf fluttering in the wind. "The desserts for the hundred-day banquet are ready for inspection. They will remain fresh for thirty days."
Reid: What kind of technology, what kind of power, keeps desserts fresh for thirty days?
Once the fleet docked, the crew eagerly jumped off the ships, carrying box after box of exquisite desserts cakes, chocolate fountains, cotton candy clouds all fragrant and dazzling.
Tesoro nodded in satisfaction. "No wonder these are Totto Land's desserts. Top-notch quality."
Perospero proudly lifted his chin. "Of course! Mother personally supervised their creation!"
Schet glanced at the desserts and suddenly asked, "Charlotte Linlin didn't come?"
Katakuri was silent for a moment, then spoke softly. "Mother… is still recovering."
Perospero quickly lightened the mood. "Let's not talk about that! When does the banquet start? We can't wait! Peropero~"
Reid shrugged. "Seven days from now. The Golden City will be ablaze."
Night fell, Golden City's lights shining even brighter. The preparations for the hundred-day banquet entered the final stage, and the city was alive with festive cheer.
At the highest point of Golden City, Lati sat inside BT's cockpit, her small hands curiously tapping the railing, her emerald eyes reflecting the golden splendor below.
BT's mechanical eyes glowed softly. "Protocol 3: Protect Lati executing. Preparations for the hundred-day banquet complete, pilot."