"MAMAMAMA..."
BIG MOM's gaze swept over her children, her smile filled with ill intent. "Have the invitations for the tea party been sent out?"
Perospero immediately replied, "The invitations for the Queen of the Pleasure District Stussy, the Shipping King Umit, the Loan Shark King Du Feld, the World Economic News Agency's President Morgans, and the main guest of this tea party... Dr. Reddy have all been delivered."
After speaking, he hesitated slightly. "Mom, why invite these underground big shots to the tea party?"
BIG MOM had not hidden the true purpose of the tea party from her children.
Reddy's performance at the tea party would determine his fate.
If he managed to make BIG MOM wary, she would have no choice but to arrange a marriage alliance with him.
If he failed, the tea party would become a trap.
The entire BIG MOM Pirates would join forces to capture Reddy alive.
However, Perospero truly couldn't understand why those underground leaders had to be invited to this special tea party.
"Because the BIG MOM Pirates need to display their strength to the world."
Before BIG MOM could speak, Katakuri answered with a solemn expression.
Reddy had risen like a comet, becoming the world's recognized fifth Emperor of the Sea.
Along with Shanks, who had recently become the fourth Emperor, the influence of the BIG MOM Pirates and the Beasts Pirates had already been partially overshadowed by these two newcomers.
Not to mention, after the battle in East Blue, BIG MOM and Kaido—along with Marine Admiral Sakazuki (no, it should be two Marine Admirals)—had returned in defeat.
Although the news hadn't leaked, for BIG MOM, this was undoubtedly a huge humiliation.
Thus, BIG MOM's purpose in hosting this tea party was not just to scheme against Reddy.
If Reddy became BIG MOM's son-in-law, everything would be fine.
An alliance between two Emperors of the Sea would shock the world.
If Reddy failed to earn BIG MOM's approval and fell into the trap at the tea party, that would be even better.
No news story would be more shocking than one Emperor of the Sea suppressing another.
Therefore, no matter what Reddy's final outcome was, it didn't matter.
What mattered was that these underground big shots would spread the news.
Without a doubt!
No matter the outcome, the BIG MOM Pirates' reputation would surpass that of the other three Emperors.
"MAMAMAMA... Katakuri is right."
BIG MOM stood up, grinning viciously. "The rise of newcomers has made too many people forget my terror. I need to remind the whole world."
Perospero and the other children understood immediately, their excitement growing.
Only Katakuri was an exception.
Truthfully, he wasn't optimistic about the second option.
After all, he had witnessed firsthand in the Mirror World how Reddy's clones had suppressed two Emperors of the Sea and two Marine Admirals.
He much preferred a peaceful method of bringing Reddy's power into the BIG MOM Pirates.
"Smoothie!"
BIG MOM didn't notice the expression on her most valued son's face as she called out eagerly.
"Mom..."
The tall Smoothie stepped forward.
BIG MOM spoke in a tone that brooked no argument. "That brat is a strong man. Only you are worthy of him."
"I understand, Mom."
Smoothie nodded.
BIG MOM's orders in Totto Land were absolute, and no one was allowed to defy her.
Besides, she was also very curious about Reddy.
"Mom..."
Katakuri stepped forward.
BIG MOM's gaze turned toward her most valued son, her eyes unfriendly.
No matter how much she valued Katakuri, she would not tolerate anyone disobeying her will.
Ignoring her displeasure, Katakuri said calmly, "We need to take Dr. Reddy more seriously..."
"Hey, Katakuri!"
Perospero quickly interrupted. "Everyone knows that guy created monstrous clones, but the BIG MOM Pirates can't lose. Because we have Mom."
Oven and the other children agreed wholeheartedly.
In their minds, BIG MOM was invincible.
As long as Mom was here, the BIG MOM Pirates could never lose.
"What I mean is..."
Katakuri shook his head. "The arrangements for the tea party should be more meticulous."
"Oh?"
BIG MOM sat back down, signaling for Katakuri to continue.
With her permission, Katakuri looked at his older brother Perospero. "Dr. Reddy is likely a Devil Fruit user."
Perospero said impatiently, "That's just speculation. No one knows if it's true."
"No!"
Katakuri insisted. "We must treat this rumor as fact."
Perospero had nothing to say.
Katakuri continued, "The only clue we have is that Dr. Reddy snaps his fingers when summoning clones... If the worst happens, you need to seal his hands immediately."
"Leave it to me."
Perospero nodded.
Katakuri then turned to his ten-year-old sister Pudding. "He's tolerant toward children. Your mission is to stay close to him and find a chance to erase his memories of the clones."
"Me?"
Pudding froze, then grew nervous.
"Brulee!"
Katakuri called another name.
"Katakuri!"
Brulee quickly raised her hand.
Katakuri instructed, "I need you to stay in the Mirror World and monitor his every move on Whole Cake Island. At the same time, you'll be responsible for transporting forces when needed."
"Understood."
Brulee glanced worriedly at Pudding before nodding.
Her task wasn't dangerous, but Pudding's was different.
She would have to stay by that terrifying man's side!
"Cracker!"
Katakuri looked at one of the Sweet Commanders, Cracker. "Your job is to create more Biscuit Soldiers to stall Reddy's reinforcements if necessary."
"Got it!"
Cracker grinned confidently.
His Biscuit Soldiers had impressive defense. They might not be able to defeat Reddy's clones, but delaying them wouldn't be a problem.
"Streusen!"
Katakuri then turned to the head chef, Streusen, hesitating slightly. "I hope you can prepare two cakes—one laced with poison. Depending on the situation, serve the appropriate one during the tea party."
Streusen had helped BIG MOM establish the BIG MOM Pirates and held a special position within the crew.
Even among her children, BIG MOM might not favor them over Streusen.
"Caution is good, but excessive caution will make the BIG MOM Pirates lose face." Streusen didn't give Katakuri a friendly look, but he didn't refuse the request either.
"I'll remember that."
Katakuri was solely focused on ensuring the tea party's true purpose was fulfilled and didn't react to Streusen's condescending tone.
"Enough, Katakuri."
BIG MOM cut him off impatiently. "Streusen is right. Last time, they just had numbers. This time, we're on Whole Cake Island. I have nothing to fear!"
"Understood, Mom."
Katakuri thought carefully and decided that the preparations were nearly foolproof. He didn't point out the flaw in BIG MOM's words.
During the battle in East Blue, Reddy's clones had indeed outnumbered them, but their opponents had been two Emperors of the Sea and two Marine Admirals.
BIG MOM stood up, laughing maliciously. "Everyone, prepare! I can't wait to start the tea party!"
"Yes, Mom!"