Onihime Yamato, the Young Master of the Beasts Pirates, was a name that commanded absolute dread. Among the underworld brokers and pirate elites, she was whispered to be a hidden monster whose strength rivaled that of the Yonko themselves.
The realization that the Beasts Pirates possessed two such titans—Kaido in the light and Yamato in the shadows—sent a ripple of awe through the venue. Such a concentrated powerhouse lineup had previously been the sole claim of the Red Hair Pirates. Now, the balance of the New World felt even more precarious.
"Should we try to introduce ourselves?" one of the younger Charlotte siblings whispered.
"Better not," another replied, eyeing Yamato warily. "She's Katakuri's guest, and we don't know how Mama feels about us fraternizing with the competition. Without Katakuri's level of influence, it's safer to keep our distance."
A silent consensus was reached; the Charlotte children stayed in their clusters. Despite the festive atmosphere, the line between two rival Yonko crews was a dangerous one to cross without explicit permission.
The Arrival of the Underworld Kings
As the clock neared
9:50 AM
, the "heavyweights" finally made their entrance. These were the Emperors of the Underworld, the men and women who pulled the strings of global commerce and shadow politics:
Morgans, the "Big News" King and President of the World Economic Journal.
Stussy, the "Queen of the Pleasure District."
Du Feld, the "God of Fortune" and Loan Shark King.
Umit, the "Deep Current" Shipping King.
Drug Peclo, the "Major Undertaker."
Giberson, the "Warehouse Titan" and Master of Hiding.
"That bird over there is Morgans, right?" Yamato noted, her eyes tracking the giant Albatross man.
Morgans, a user of the Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Albatross, almost never appeared in human form. He was a creature of news and gossip, and his presence alone signaled that this Tea Party was a world-class event.
"That's him," Haruko confirmed, subtly pointing out the others. "The Big Mom Pirates have a terrifyingly efficient intelligence network to be able to bring all these people under one roof."
"Impressive," Yamato murmured. While the Beasts Pirates were essentially a massive, chaotic zoo of Zoan and SMILE users, the Big Mom Pirates operated like a sophisticated, global corporate machine fueled by information.
A Clash of Charms
Morgans, whose nose for a story was sharper than a hawk's, spotted Yamato almost immediately. "Good heavens! If my eyes don't deceive me, that's Onihime herself. What a scoop!"
The other underworld kings turned their heads, their expressions shifting to shock. The presence of a high-ranking Beasts Pirate at Big Mom's table was unprecedented.
"How marvelous, Smoothie," Stussy said, smiling elegantly at the towering Sweet Commander. "To think you managed to secure such a distinguished guest."
Smoothie, the Wring-Wring Fruit user and member of the Longleg Tribe, nodded calmly. "She is a personal guest of Brother Katakuri, but Mama gave her blessing."
"Katakuri's personal guest? Now that is a story," Morgans chirped, adjusting his top hat. "I simply must pay my respects."
Stussy followed suit, her blonde hair catching the light. "I agree. It's rare to meet a woman of such stature on these seas."
"Hello, beautiful ladies. May I offer you a drink?" Morgans greeted as they reached Yamato's table, acting the perfect gentleman.
Yamato stood up with a grin, raising her glass with an attempt at sophisticated flair. "Of course you can, Mr... uh, Sir!"
Haruko sighed internally at her Young Master's obvious excitement at being "wooed." She stood and raised her own glass. "Greetings, Mr. Morgans."
"Mind if I join the party?" Stussy asked, her mature charm radiating like a beacon.
"Of course, beautiful lady!" Yamato replied smoothly.
Haruko's eyelid twitched. "Young Master, remember to be a bit more casual." And maybe stop sounding like a handsome prince, she added mentally.
"Cough... I mean, hello," Yamato corrected herself, her voice shifting back to its usual tone.
Morgans and Stussy exchanged a look and laughed. It seemed the rumored "Ogre Princess" was far more colorful and personable than the terrifying beast depicted in the papers.
"Miss Yamato," Morgans leaned in, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Is it true you're here strictly at the invitation of Sweet Commander Katakuri?"
"That's the gist of it," Yamato nodded.
"And may I be so bold... what exactly is the nature of your relationship?" Morgans asked, his tone dripping with gossip.
Yamato simply shrugged and gestured to Haruko. Haruko, ever the diplomat, gave a brief, professional explanation of the "debt of gratitude" Katakuri felt toward her Young Master. The two underworld kings looked slightly disappointed—they had clearly been hoping for a more scandalous "rival Yonko romance" headline.
The Vinsmokes and the Warning
Soon after the news king departed, the main protagonists of the wedding arrived: The Vinsmoke Family of Germa 66. Vinsmoke Judge led the way, followed by his genetically enhanced children: Reiju, Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji.
"There they are," Yamato said, leaning back. "The science squad."
"They're big fish in the North Blue," Haruko remarked, "but in the New World, technology alone isn't enough to sit at the top. That's why they're so desperate for this alliance."
"The brothers all look the same, just different hair colors. It's like a set of crayons," Yamato joked. She then looked at Reiju. "The sister is pretty, though. She has a similar vibe to Stussy."
"You certainly have a type, Young Master," Haruko said dryly.
"I like beautiful things, Haruko! It's a character trait." Yamato then paused, her expression turning somber. "Sigh. What a pity."
"What's a pity?"
"Big Mom," Yamato whispered. "Did you know that in her youth, she was a legendary flower of the sea? Tall, stunning, incredible figure. It's tragic looking at her now."
Haruko blinked. "How did we get here? But yes, the old posters prove it. Time is... unkind."
"No, Haruko, there's a deeper lesson here," Yamato said, her face dead serious. "A woman must never give birth to eighty-plus children. It's an aesthetic disaster. As your friend, I'm warning you now: treat the idea of children with extreme caution. It's a trap."
Haruko's face nearly crumbled. "Young Master, you don't need to warn me about that. I think everyone is aware that having eighty children is an outlier."
"Ignorant girls fall in love every day, Haruko! I must be the voice of reason!" Yamato declared with righteous fury.
The Grand Entrance
BOOM!
A sudden explosion echoed from outside the venue. The guests paused, looking toward the gates, but no one panicked. This was Totto Land; the security was legendary. Any intruder would be crushed long before they reached the cake.
"They're so confident," Yamato smiled. "They think nothing can touch them here. But as they say, the bigger they are..."
"Young Master, please watch your phrasing," Haruko warned.
"You're too strict, Haruko!"
"A strict teacher produces a brilliant student," Haruko countered indifferently.
CLANG!
A crisp bell rang out. It was precisely
10:00 AM
. All eyes turned to the red staircase and the massive "Singing Door" at the top.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
The ground vibrated with each heavy footstep. The door swung open, and a gargantuan silhouette emerged amidst a flurry of ceremonial cannons.
"IT'S TIME FOR THE TEA PARTY!"
The Yonko, Big Mom, stepped into the light. Clad in her signature pink captain's hat and a polka-dot dress, her massive, bloated frame exuded an aura of absolute dominance. Despite her age, she was draped in exquisite jewels and thick red lipstick, her presence commandingly terrifying.
The Queen had arrived.
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