Two weeks later, Setsuna's group successfully arrived in Totto Land.
"Mama, Setsuna and his team of chefs have arrived at Whole Cake Island." After arranging accommodations for Setsuna's group, Katakuri immediately went to report to his mother at the Whole Cake Chateau.
Big Mom, munching on a cream cake, became excited upon hearing the news. "How are those chefs of his?"
"They are all top-tier chefs with exquisite skills," Katakuri answered truthfully.
"Mamamama! I can't wait to taste..." Big Mom laughed heartily, only then belatedly noticing faint swelling marks on Katakuri's face. "Hm? What happened to your face?"
Katakuri instinctively touched the marks. The memories of the past two weeks were truly too painful to recall.
Aside from eating and sleeping, all his time had been spent getting beaten up.
If it were just beatings, it wouldn't be so bad. He wasn't a pirate raised in a greenhouse. Exchanging physical pain for strength improvement was naturally worthwhile.
But that bastard specifically liked hitting his face. For the past two weeks, he had been sporting a pig's head almost daily. The perfect older brother image he'd built over forty years was utterly destroyed.
Seeing Katakuri fall silent, Big Mom stood up in a rage. "That brat dared to bully you?! I'll kill him!"
Of course, she wasn't doing this for Katakuri's sake, but for her own pride.
Katakuri had gone to deliver the invitation on her behalf. Bullying Katakuri was equivalent to slapping her face!
"Mama, it's not like that," Katakuri hurriedly explained. "Setsuna-sama was sparring with me for training. The past two weeks of fighting significantly improved my Observation Haki."
"Oh, is that so? Mamamama..." Big Mom sat back down. "Seems you got along with that brat? How strong is he?"
"Strong. Extremely strong!" Katakuri said seriously. "Even with my improvements, fighting at full strength, I still couldn't see the upper limit of his power."
Big Mom wasn't surprised. "Someone who could defeat that brat Kaido naturally isn't someone you can beat."
"And his talent... truly terrifying!" Katakuri's gaze was grave. "It only took him one week for his Observation Haki to break through to the Future Sight level."
"Mamamama! Anyone who reaches our level is a monster," Big Mom laughed, not minding at all. After all, she had destroyed a Giant village when she was 5 years old.
Compared to her, even Katakuri, hailed as a genius son, seemed too ordinary.
"I'm getting more and more excited about the tea party the day after tomorrow! Let it begin soon!"
…
Two days later, Big Mom's tea party took place as scheduled on Whole Cake Island. The entire venue was decorated like a dreamy dessert kingdom.
Towering cake towers, flowing chocolate fountains. The air was thick with a rich, sweet fragrance.
Major figures from the underworld took their seats, but everyone's eyes were drawn to the seat of honor.
A figure far too young sat there, attracting the attention of the entire hall like an invisible magnet.
'So young, yet already at the pinnacle of the seas. Truly enviable,' Stussy elegantly swirled her red wine glass, her beautiful eyes full of curiosity.
Not far away, Morgans could barely contain his excitement. 'Wherever Setsuna appears, big news follows! If he and Big Mom were to clash, even better! That would be a super scoop!'
'If we could establish a connection with him...' Vinsmoke Judge looked at Setsuna with fervent eyes, 'Not only was he a favorite of the World Government, his personal strength was on par with an Emperor. With his support, the Vinsmoke Family could return to the North Blue!'
The atmosphere in the venue reached its peak as Big Mom made her entrance.
Her massive body was wrapped in a gorgeous pink dress. Charlotte Linlin strode towards the main seat with heavy steps.
"Mamamama! Welcome, everyone, to my tea party!" Big Mom spread her arms, excited like a child with a new toy. "I'm so happy! Seeing everyone so enthusiastic always reminds me of my childhood."
Stussy covered her mouth with a light laugh. "Linlin, today's banquet seems especially lavish."
"Of course! All thanks to my good friend's support with a top-tier team of chefs," Big Mom introduced with great enthusiasm. "You all should know him. Our special guest of honor today, Captain of the Gourmet Navigation Group."
"Captain Setsuna is a great figure reigning over the Grand Line. Even we in the underworld have long heard of his name," Shipping King Umit gave a small, flattering remark.
Stussy smiled. "Linlin, you and Setsuna-sama share similar hobbies."
Big Mom laughed heartily. "Yes! Today is a wonderful day! It's rare to meet a captain who loves gourmet food as much as I do! Everyone must enjoy themselves to the fullest!"
Homies pushed forward a gigantic cake, three stories tall, slowly. The cake was decorated with rainbow-colored cream flowers, emitting an enticingly sweet aroma.
Big Mom proudly introduced it. "This is my head chef's masterpiece! My favorite mille-feuille cake! Just smelling this fragrance makes one's mouth water!"
She turned to Setsuna, her face showing a conflicted, reluctant expression. Finally, with great resolve, she said, "I won't take advantage of you. Since you contributed your chefs, let's share this cake together."
The Charlotte Family's members stared in shock. Their Mother was willing to share her most beloved cake? This was even harder to believe than the end of the world.
"Oh? Then I won't stand on ceremony," Setsuna calmly picked up a cake knife. Under Big Mom's expectant gaze, he cut a slice.
The cake's layers were distinct, each emitting a different alluring aroma.
"Delicious. Comparable to the desserts of Fish-Man Island," Setsuna savored it carefully before giving high praise.
"You've eaten Fish-Man Island's desserts? How wonderful..." Big Mom showed child-like envy, which instantly turned to anger. "It's all because of that bastard Newgate's interference! Otherwise, Fish-Man Island would have been mine long ago!"
But Big Mom's anger came and went quickly. She soon laughed like a happy child again. "Mamamama! Everyone, start enjoying the feast! Revel in the joy food brings!"
With the sound of cheerful music, Homies pushed in exquisite food carts one after another.
The elegant carts were laden with desserts of all shapes: fluffy soufflés, glistening fruit tarts, rich chocolate mousse... instantly turning the banquet hall into an ocean of sweets.
The guests exclaimed in awe, beginning to enjoy this rare and delicious feast.
Big Mom watched happily, then turned to Setsuna. "Let the contest begin! I won't go easy on you just because you're a guest."
She waved her specially made giant fork, eagerly cutting a huge slice of cake and stuffing it into her mouth, her eyes narrowing into slits with happiness.
However, Setsuna only elegantly tasted a few pieces of cake before setting down his utensils.
"Mamamama! I win! Why not just give me your title of 'Gluttony King'!" Big Mom laughed triumphantly.
Setsuna gently wiped the corner of his mouth, revealing a mysterious smile. "Your cakes are indeed high-quality. But after a few bites, they get a bit cloying. Big Mom, do you know what the world's greatest dessert is?"