The night passed quietly, the calm before the storm.
Morning dawned upon Loguetown the day before Gol D. Roger's execution.
The air in the city had changed.
The streets, once bustling with ordinary citizens, were now filled with pirates. The civilians had long since hidden away; at this point, there was no need for pirates to pretend to be anyone else.
Ezra didn't bother paying attention to these small fry. They were nothing more than noise against the tide that was about to rise.
Inside a merchant vessel docked at Loguetown's port, Stussy glanced at the clock on the wall before taking out a Den Den Mushi one that connected directly to Big Mom herself.
Buru buru… buru buru…
In the Whole Cake Chateau, Big Mom was feasting as usual, devouring mountains of sweets before breakfast was even over. When she noticed the Den Den Mushi vibrating beside her, a flash of cunning light flickered in her eyes.
"Oh? That's Stussy…"
She connected the line.
"Mamamamama! Stussy, it's only been one night. Why are you calling already? Don't tell me the invitation failed?"
Stussy chuckled softly, her voice honeyed and teasing.
"Ara~ ara~ Linlin, do you really have that little faith in me?"
Big Mom paused, narrowing her eyes.
"Stussy… what do you mean by that?"
The woman's laugh was calm and charming.
"Of course, it means the mission was successful."
For a brief moment, cold light glinted in Big Mom's eyes.
If Stussy's target was Ezra, and now she claimed he had agreed to attend the tea party there were only two explanations.
The first: Stussy had been forced or threatened.
But Big Mom immediately dismissed that thought. Stussy's tone was too composed, her smile genuine, her posture unrestrained.
No, there was only one possibility left.
The second reason Stussy had already submitted to Ezra.
As outrageous as it sounded, Big Mom was certain that was the truth.
Still, this wasn't the time to turn against her. Not yet. Not until Ezra himself set foot on Whole Cake Island.
"Stussy, you did wonderfully," Big Mom said, her tone measured but layered with menace.
The blonde woman chuckled lightly, hand resting against her lips.
"Ara~ ara~ though I'm afraid Linlin might have to wait a little longer."
Big Mom's massive eyes shifted. Within a second, she understood.
Ezra couldn't leave yet. Not while the entire world's eyes were on Roger's execution.
"Mamamama~ So that's how it is. Then I suppose I'll wait until he's free."
Her grin widened, but her mind was already spinning with calculations.
Roger's death would throw the seas into chaos. Pirate crews would clash, territories would fall. And amid that storm, she intended to seize as much as she could.
If she forced the tea party now and Ezra didn't come, it would be a wasted effort. Better to wait and prepare.
"Then I'll trouble you to keep him informed, Stussy," Big Mom said. "Once the execution ends, I'll be expecting Vice Admiral Ezra to set sail for my island immediately."
They exchanged their farewells, each harboring their own intentions.
When the line went silent, Stussy exhaled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"As expected… she's already guessed I've pledged myself to the young master."
Her lips curved into a sly smile.
"Ara~ ara~ looks like I won't be getting invited to Linlin's tea parties anymore."
With that, she turned and left the ship, her heels clicking elegantly against the floor.
It was time to report to Ezra. He needed to know Big Mom had backed off for now so he could focus on the far more important event that awaited.
Inside the Marine branch office, Ezra was finishing his daily review of reports when Stussy entered, her usual poised smile on display.
"Young master," she said softly, "I've brought good news."
Ezra raised an eyebrow, setting aside his pen.
"Big Mom's agreed, hasn't she?"
A pleased gleam danced in Stussy's eyes. "As expected of you, young master. You saw through it immediately."
Ezra leaned back in his chair, lips curving faintly.
"Well, of course. There's no way she'd risk showing up in Loguetown right now."
He paused, studying her for a moment.
"So, what about you, Stussy? You planning to stick around for the main event?"
The woman tilted her head playfully. "Does the young master want me to stay?"
Ezra sighed inwardly. She's way too good at this…
"All right, stay if you want," he said finally. "But keep your eyes open. If things get out of hand tomorrow, you're on your own. I won't be able to protect you."
After all, tomorrow would draw every pirate with ambition or greed across the seas. Some would come to witness history others to chase the legend of Roger's treasure.
Stussy nodded, her tone soft but sure. "Understood, young master."
She bowed lightly before leaving the office, her perfume lingering faintly in the air.
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters Marineford admirals and high-ranking officers were already boarding their warships.
Their destination: the most secure prison in the world.
The place where Gol D. Roger awaited his final dawn.
Impel Down.
_______________________
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