Stussy returned to her seat with a grim face.
Who exactly did this...
How could a thief sneak into the tea party!
What should I do now?
Should I admit my incompetence to Gernika and switch to PLAN B? I assuredly promised before, now where to save face...
Fueled with unwillingness, she was about to grind her teeth to bits.
Bonney, sitting next to her, completely oblivious to Stussy's expression, was licking her cream-covered fingers with satisfaction.
Unaware that she had inadvertently thwarted a conspiracy.
"Lingling!"
She said cheerfully, looking up at BIGMOM: "I can keep eating, could you share half of the second cake with me later?"
"As if, Bonney!"
BIGMOM glared at her, puffing with anger, "If it weren't for the fact that you're just a child, I would have... given you a harsh lesson long ago!"
"How scary."
Bonney stuck out her tongue, her eyes twinkling, "But it's not like I eat your portion for nothing, I can help you with something."
"A little rascal who knows how to boast."
BIGMOM huffed irritably. "If Shano said this, I might believe it. You? What can you do for me?"
"Hold out your hand!"
Bonney smiled mischievously, "Let me show you my Devil Fruit ability!"
"You're an ability user too?"
BIGMOM was a bit surprised, hesitated briefly, but extended her right hand.
She was curious to see what Bonney wanted to do.
Even if it was an ambush, she wasn't afraid.
Haki may not always surpass fruit abilities, but her Haki certainly exceeded Bonney's ability!
Whenever she wanted, she could break free!
"Here we go!" Bonney giggled, a pink glow flashed across her palm, and BIGMOM's huge body was instantly enveloped in the light.
Swoosh!
In an instant, her bloated and obese body disappeared, even her clothes became loose and baggy.
Taking its place was...
"What's happening!"
"Is that really Mom?"
"Did Mom ever look this beautiful?"
The whole open-air plaza was instantly in an uproar.
"..."
BIGMOM looked down at her slender arm, then at the people around her, whose eyes seemed ready to pop out.
She finally realized something.
"Napoleon! Quickly, let me see what I look like now!"
BIGMOM stood up, trembling.
"As you wish, Mom!"
The pink captain's hat on her head cheerfully flew out, transforming into a giant broadsword, and BIGMOM grabbed the hilt, looking at the reflection in the blade...
She was stunned instantly.
The blade, like a mirror, reflected a familiar yet unfamiliar face.
Flowing pink hair, exquisite features radiant and captivating, her skin fair and smooth without a single wrinkle, a slender waist that could be easily grasped, and long powerful legs...
Not the old, ugly fat woman, not some BIGMOM.
But...
Charlotte Lingling from thirty years ago, who once captivated the world!
"Mamamama!!!"
BIGMOM spread her arms wide and laughed aloud, "I'm back! It's all back! Bonney, you little rascal, you've given me an enormous surprise!"
How many years has it been since she saw herself like this!
"How about it?"
Bonney proudly flicked her nose with her thumb, "I'm amazing, right?"
"Amazing, truly amazing!"
BIGMOM grabbed Bonney and lifted her up, planting a big kiss on her cheek, beaming with joy as she asked:
"Hey! Bonney, this is the Paramecia-type Age-Age Fruit, right? What a wonderful thing, how long does its effect last?"
"I'm not sure, it varies from person to person."
Bonney scratched her head, "Some people change back in a few days, others maintain it for one or two months, but it's not permanent."
"I see..."
BIGMOM was visibly disappointed.
She put Bonney down, sat back on her throne, her eyes flickered as she tentatively asked, "So Bonney, since you love the desserts here so much, why not stay on Cake Island? What do you say, Mr. Kuma, do you think your daughter should stay here?"
"Depends on what Bonney wants." Kuma smiled gently.
BIGMOM looked at Bonney again.
"No way!" Bonney immediately shook her head like a rattle.
She wouldn't do it!
Even though endless desserts were tempting, staying forever on this island didn't sound as fun as traversing the seas with the gang!
Doesn't work, huh?
Then how about...
BIGMOM's gaze shifted to Shano, suddenly smiling mischievously:
"Hey, kid, a rare young prodigy like you, it's normal not to be interested in my daughters, not wanting a marriage alliance, but if it were..."
"No way."
Shano's face darkened.
This old hag really dares to think!
"Just joking, boring brat."
BIGMOM pouted, glanced around, deliberately straightened her chest, brimming with smiles, clearly enjoying the guests' shocked gazes.
Until...
She finally noticed the neighboring table, a seat still unoccupied.
It was a spot reserved specifically for the representative of the Hundred Beasts Pirates.
"Did Kaido not send anyone?"
BIGMOM's face suddenly turned grim:
"Katakuri! What's going on, didn't you and your brothers tell me that the Hundred Beasts were sending a representative?"
Kaido himself was already declined, she didn't particularly care who the Hundred Beasts sent, nor was she particularly interested in engaging with them, otherwise, she wouldn't have just noticed this empty seat now.
But not caring is one thing, being stood up is another!
Are the Hundred Beasts ready to face her wrath!
"I'm not sure either, Mom." Katakuri frowned slightly, "Not sending even a messenger is quite excessive, should I immediately give them a ca..."