"New World really lives up to its name—just in this short stretch, we've hit all kinds of weather."
Nami stood at the bow of the Gale, tasting the air—humidity, wind, pressure—eyes bright with excitement.
"Even the ocean currents change at any moment. This harsh environment is completely incomparable to the Four Blues. It's truly an eye-opener!"
"Yeah. The harsh environment of the New World is a huge challenge for any navigator," Ulti said, stepping up to watch the heaving swells. "That's why a good navigator's welcome anywhere."
In order to let Nami more intuitively feel the differences in the New World's seas, Leno had the ship sail on the surface of the water.
Nojiko and the others were getting a very tactile lesson. Since leaving the Calm Belt, they'd run through torrential rain, hail, even underwater maelstroms.
Now the sky was dropping fist-sized pink "snowballs." Chopper—hopelessly in love with ice and snow—was standing there with his mouth open, catching them.
"Leno, the snow is sweet! Try it—it's like cotton candy. It melts as soon as it hits your tongue. So good!"
"What? Sweet? Lemme try!" Leno ran over.
Watching Leno and Chopper shoulder to shoulder, mouths tilted skyward, Nami palmed her face. 'Does he even look like a captain anymore …?'
"Up ahead is the BIG MOM Pirates' territory," Ulti warned at the right moment. "We should be careful. They're usually hostile to unfamiliar ships entering their waters."
"But that's mostly if you're a pirate. You're not flying a jolly roger—shouldn't be a big problem."
"How far is it to Whole Cake Island? I heard the whole island's made of cake and pastries—it's gotta be delicious, right?" Leno asked out of nowhere.
"Nani? An island of cake?! That's amazing!" Chopper gulped down his snowball, eyes shining.
"It's true, but I haven't been there. I heard that fatso Queen say that the buildings on the island are all made of sweets and can be eaten directly," Ulti recalled.
"Awesome! How do you even build that?"
"Devil Fruit powers, I'd guess," Robin said, closing her sketchbook.
"Correct. Lots of members in the BIG MOM Pirates have food-related fruits."
"That sounds too convenient—you'd never go hungry," Chopper said, a little envious.
"What about the Beast Pirates? Any pattern to your abilities?" Leno asked.
Ulti puffed up with pride. "We're the Beast Pirates because most of us have Zoan fruits."
"Eh? Isn't it the other way around? You named yourselves first and then recruited Zoan users?"
"Eh? Is… that how it is…?" Ulti's gears clearly slipped. Nojiko shot a look at Leno smirking to himself.
"Don't mind him, Ulti. He's teasing you."
"Heads up," Nami cut in suddenly. "Pirate ship ahead. Ulti, is that BIG MOM's flag?"
—
Meanwhile, aboard a patrolling BIG MOM pirate ship—
In the wheelhouse, a tall, bronzed beauty in a fitted suit and yellow scarf sat at a table, chin in her right hand, idly stirring her coffee. Sky-blue eyes, a proud nose, full lips, and a sweep of wavy silver hair curtaining her right eye.
She was one of the Three Sweet Commanders—Smoothie, wielder of the Wring-Wring Fruit.
The door opened and in walked a slim woman with a high ponytail, cloak over her shoulders and a long sword at her hip. She crossed the room and took the opposite seat.
"Cinnamon, why aren't you on watch?"
Smoothie's twin sister lifted her cup. "A strange ship ahead. Looks like that new celebrity—adventurer Leno's crew."
"Oh? The kid that Mama's interested in?"
"That's right. Some time ago, I heard Streusen even approached him, but he slipped off to the West Blue. Didn't expect him to reach the New World this fast," Cinnamon said, surprise in her eyes. 'Not long at all—from the Blues to here. Interesting man.'
Smoothie tapped a finger on her cup. "Don't forget—his ship flies. He probably crossed the Calm Belt."
"Right, that. So what now? He's in our waters. Do we bring him in?"
Putting down her teacup, Cinnamon stood and stretched. "Besides, I'm very curious about that flying ship. Great chance to study it."
"Then let's go see why he's here," Smoothie said, buckling her long sword and striding out.
—
"Members of the Big Mom Pirates, why you are blocking our path?"
Looking at the giant pirate ship blocking their way, Leno leaped onto the bow and asked loudly.
"Adventurer Leno, Mama is very interested in you. She invites you to a tea party. Will you accept?" Smoothie's clear, imperious voice carried cleanly over the water.
"Give BIG MOM my thanks, but we've got other plans. We can't make it."
"Oh? You've got some nerve, daring to refuse even Mama's invitation! But this is really not optional."
Her playful gaze narrowed; her hand settled lightly on her hilt.
"Wow, the BIG MOM Pirates are full of themselves," Ulti snapped, unable to watch her benefactor get threatened. "If someone doesn't want to visit, you force them?"
"Ugh. what a hassle," Leno sighed, rubbing his brow. Ulti had just stomped on their pride; there'd be no leaving without a fight now. Pirates cared most about treasure—and face.
Sure enough, the other side recognized Ulti at a glance.
"So it's you. One of Kaido's little lackeys," Smoothie said, smiling without warmth before turning back to Leno. "What is it, boy? You accept an invite from the 'Beasts' and toss aside ours? Think you're something special?"
Leno hadn't even answered before Ulti exploded. "Who are you calling a lackey?! I am one of Lord Kaido's most capable officers!"
Then she smirked, eyes dripping scorn. "And you—'Sweet Commander'? Don't tell me you're just a pastry chef with a fancy title."
"Youu…! You dare insult the Sweet Commanders? You're courting death!" Cinnamon roared, ripping her blade free. A flying slash howled toward the Gale.
"Like we're scared!"
Ulti whipped out her morning star-like club and smashed the incoming slash to glittering crumbs.
T/n:
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