Chapter 121 Whitebeard
The tea party continued in a joyful atmosphere.
Brett was invited to Big Mom's table, sharing the feast with the senior leaders of the Charlotte family.
Big Mom's attitude had become remarkably amiable, like a kind old lady next door, chatting and laughing happily with Brett.
Her performance made the other cadres at the table look uncomfortable, but they couldn't say anything.
After all, the entire Charlotte family belongs to Big Mom.
While chatting with Big Mom, Brett reflected on the events of the past two days.
In the final analysis, Big Mom just wanted to use him to threaten Fish-Man Island. When he lost this value, the threat would no longer be valid.
The strategy was to make Big Mom mistakenly believe that he was desperate, that only by taking refuge under her protection could he save himself.
'I went to Brother Jinbei in advance and asked him to contact Neptune and the Whitebeard Pirates from afar.'
'Asked Neptune to cooperate, explained the situation to Whitebeard, and requested he call at the appropriate time.'
That was enough.
When Big Mom realized that even if she killed him, she wouldn't be able to take over Fish-Man Island—and would instead be doing Whitebeard a favor—the choice she'd make was obvious.
Show a little more value, and victory was guaranteed.
By now, Baccarat and Tanaka were basically useless, or so Brett was convinced.
But it wasn't over yet. If he was forced to stay on Cake Island, then any plan would be meaningless.
So Brett had to return to Fish-Man Island to "seize" that country.
Big Mom would hesitate, but she'd think she had nothing to lose.
If his action succeeded, she could seize Fish-Man Island. If it failed, she'd just maintain the status quo.
So why not give it a try?
After all, he had to rely on her "protection." The basic trust was already achieved when she decided to protect him. Humans always tend to trust those they've helped.
Moreover, it didn't matter even if Big Mom didn't want to let him go. He could just find a chance to escape. Even if Tanaka had fainted from being unable to withstand the Conqueror's Haki, he should be awake by now.
With Baccarat and Tanaka here, even if Big Mom wanted to kill him and the others, it wouldn't be easy. He could run away anytime he wanted, so he didn't panic at all.
As for wanting to "take refuge" with the Charlotte family, Brett didn't have any psychological burden.
After all, Fish-Man Island had already surrendered to both the World Government and the Whitebeard Pirates.
When you're weak, you can never control your own destiny.
While chatting and laughing, Brett even discussed business with Big Mom.
For example, Fish-Man Island could provide them with cheap ores and such.
His sincerity was fully demonstrated, and Big Mom smiled happily.
Brett then mentioned that he hoped to receive help from the Charlotte family when he encountered trouble. At the same time, he would do his best when the Charlotte family needed assistance.
This was pure nonsense. What could the Charlotte family possibly need his help with?
But Big Mom was pleased about it. The atmosphere of the tea party was very harmonious, exemplified by the table where Tesoro was sitting.
Even the cold-faced God of Fortune now spoke with a smile about wanting to cooperate with Tesoro.
Stussy maintained a smile on her face, but it was difficult for outsiders to know what she was thinking.
'This has developed into a very troublesome situation.'
'Not only did Fish-Man Island avoid breaking up with the Whitebeard Pirates, but it also established relations with the Charlotte family.'
'Forget it, I'll leave this matter for the people above to worry about. For now, just enjoy the party.'
Stussy picked up a piece of dessert with her fork and put it in her mouth. The sweet taste made her narrow her eyes in happiness.
"Ah, it's so delicious!" At big Mom's table, the conversation between her and Brett continued.
"Keep today's matter a secret, Big Mom." Brett suggested, "The government probably doesn't want to see me capture Fish-Man Island."
"No problem at all." Big Mom nodded casually, "Katakuri, remember to take good care of my friend from now on."
"Understood." Katakuri nodded, his eyes fixed on Brett.
Brett smiled back.
"Tch, this bastard." Cracker at the same table snorted, looking very displeased.
'I originally thought today would bring a battle, but I didn't expect it to end up like this.'
"But is this guy really trustworthy?"
Charlotte Smoothie, who was notably tall and the youngest among the senior cadres, spoke lazily in a low voice.
"Abandoned by his compatriots, hated by Whitebeard—without mother's protection, where else could he go?"
Perospero lowered his voice, "Besides, there's nothing to lose by giving it a try, right?"
Katakuri simply crossed his arms and said nothing. He didn't take off his scarf and had no intention of eating.
He always appeared so stoic in front of others.
The tea party ended on this note.
Very satisfying for Big Mom. Brett was also very satisfied.
It brought no threat to Fish-Man Island, but instead established a cooperative relationship with the Charlotte family.
It didn't cause any trouble for Whitebeard—at least no major trouble. He just had to make one call.
Tesoro's career didn't need to face threats. It could still develop normally. It might even develop faster thanks to the Charlotte family's connections.
But of course, this kind of deception probably wouldn't last long.
But it didn't matter—it was much better than falling out directly.
At least he could buy a year or two.
By that time, both he and Fish-Man Island would become stronger.
'I hope that by then we won't have to rack our brains to make such compromises.' After the banquet, Brett went to Big Mom to say farewell.
"Don't let me down, Brett." Big Mom smiled and said, "I have two daughters who are mermaids. If you do well, I can choose one of them to marry you."
'Charlotte Praline and Charlotte Prim, right.'
Brett replied, "Then I'll look forward to it."
"Mamama! Both of them are very good girls!"
In this way, the four members of Brett's group arrived peacefully and departed just as peacefully.
Perospero drove them to the port in a carriage.
In the carriage, the man said with a smile,
"Brett, don't let Mom down. Otherwise, Mom will definitely be very angry."
"Don't worry."Brett said with a smile.
'Of course she'll be disappointed in the end.'
"That's good, that's good." Of course, Perospero understood something entirely different.
Arriving at the port smoothly, the four boarded their ship and gradually left the waters of Totto Land.
"Phew—escaped death!"
As soon as he left Cake Island, before completely departing the waters of Totto Land, Tesoro collapsed onto the deck.
"Brett, you bastard, there was obviously no need to do this!"
There had been no need to come. With the intimidation of the Whitebeard Pirates and Fish-Man Island's location in the deep sea, it wouldn't have been threatened.
Even after learning Big Mom's purpose, Tanaka could have taken them away.
It's just that both of these choices would have made Brett's situation very difficult.
Tesoro was deeply moved.
"I owe you a big favor this time," he said.
"Don't say stupid things." Brett smiled and said, "I also wanted to cooperate with the Charlotte family."
Although Big Mom wasn't a good person, she could probably be used to contain the government.
"Hmm, maybe." Tesoro leaned against the side of the boat, gazed at the sea, and hummed with a smile.
"Anyway, let's go meet up with Brother Jinbei first."
After the boat was completely far from the waters of Totto Land, and the sound of surveillance snails could no longer be heard, ripples appeared on the sea surface. Jinbei and the members of the Sun Pirates emerged from the water.
They had been tracking Brett and the others through vivre cards.
"It looks like the plan was successful." Jinbei said.
"Barely successful." Brett replied, "But now I have to ask Neptune to perform in another act with me."
"That's easy. But until then, Brett—" Jinbei spoke seriously, "Pops wants to see you."
"Whitebeard?" Brett was stunned for a moment.
"The Whitebeard Pirates are in nearby waters!"
Jinbei said solemnly, "After Whitebeard learned what happened, he was very worried about what might happen to Fish-Man Island, so he came over."
Brett was shocked.
'This is Whitebeard?'
"Of course, no problem. I've wanted to meet him for a long time—the strongest man in the world!" Brett replied.
"Can I go too?"
Tesoro also became excited, "Whitebeard, the most legendary figure on the sea! I want to meet him too!"
"Sure!"
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