Chapter 457: Cake Island Memories (Part 9)The port of Cake Island.On a hard city wall over ten meters high,the three brothers Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji were embedded firmly into the cracks of the stone in a perfect'star' shape.Blood flowed down the cracks in the wall. The three of them had their eyes rolled back in perfect unison, looking as if they had fainted quite peacefully.Vinsmoke Judge stood on the deck of the snail ship, the Lightning Spear he was so proud of nearly slipping from his grasp.His already harsh face was now twisted into an extremely comical shape due to extreme shock and incomprehension."No... this is impossible!"Judge shook his head violently, his long golden hair swaying wildly."Ichiji and the others were loaded with the most perfect scientific exoskeletons! They are the strongest warriors without emotions!""How could they be insta-killed by a piece of trash like you, who has no trace of scientific modification?!"Judge's eyes were bloodshot, his worldview suffering a devastating nuclear strike at this moment."It must have been a sneak attack!""You despicable trash, what kind of shameful, low-life tricks did you learn in a bottom-tier place like the East Blue?!"Judge had completely broken down.As the supreme commander of Germa 66 and the former overlord of the North Blue,he absolutely could not accept that the 'crystallization of science' he had been proud of his entire life was swept away like trash by an outcast he had judged a 'failure' since childhood.He suddenly raised the Lightning Spear in his hand, and the Raid Suit thrusters at his waist instantly erupted with violent flames."The power of science is absolutely invincible!""Today, I will personally clean house and completely erase you, the shame of this family!"Judge roared, turning into a bolt of golden lightning as he dove down from the deck.The tip of the spear gathered a high-voltage current sufficient to instantly electrocute a Sea King, aiming straight for Sanji's heart with a piercing boom."Electromagnetic Thrust!!!"Looking at his biological father pouncing towards him aggressively,Sanji didn't even lift an eyelid.He just sighed helplessly, took the nearly finished cigarette from his mouth, and flicked it away."Old man, do you have some kind of fatal misunderstanding about the word 'power'?"Not far away, the cadres of the Big Mom Pirates, who were stuffed from watching the drama, collectively rolled their eyes.Perospero licked his candy cane and shook his head."Perorin~~ Is this old guy blind? He actually wants to poke a monster who dared to kick a Four Emperor's blade with a fire poker?"Daifuku sneered, looking at Judge as if he were severely mentally challenged."He probably ruined his brain doing scientific research; his IQ has completely devolved into that of a single-celled organism."Just as the Lightning Spear was less than half a meter from Sanji's chest,Sanji moved.He casually shoved both hands back into his pockets.Then, within a tiny space, his right leg pulled out a blurry afterimage that defied the laws of physics.Pitch-black, profound Armament Haki instantly hardened his entire right leg to a terrifying degree, harder than diamond."Crack!!!"The crisp sound of metal snapping exploded in the port.The Lightning Spear Judge was so proud of, supposedly forged with Germa's most cutting-edge technology,was kicked into two pieces right down the middle by Sanji's high kick.The violent high-voltage current was instantly shattered by the extremely refined Haki on Sanji's leg."What?!"Judge's pupils constricted violently, and his mind went blank for a moment.Before his rusty nerves could make the next reaction,Sanji's foot, clad in a black leather shoe, had already passed through the broken spear with unstoppable force and slammed into Judge's head, which was covered by a horned helmet."Bang!!!"The power of this kick was controlled like a piece of violent art.The super-alloy helmet on Judge's head, which cost tens of millions of Berries, instantly burst into pieces like a ripe watermelon, with metal fragments flying everywhere."Puff—"Judge sprayed out a large mouthful of blood, flying backward at a speed several times faster than when he had dived down.He tumbled wildly in the air seventy or eighty times before finally crashing heavily onto the ground covered in candy crumbs.Like a tattered ragbag, he slid forward for a full hundred meters before barely stopping at Katakuri's feet.Katakuri moved half a step to the side with quite some distaste, for fear that the old man's blood would stain his leather boots.The entire area fell silent.This was Vinsmoke Judge!The Dark Emperor of the North Blue, a presence that made countless nations tremble with fear.And yet, in front of this man, he didn't even last ten seconds before being kicked like a cheap ball until he had multiple fractures?!Judge lay in the deep pit, not knowing how many bones in his body were broken.The high-tech armor he was so proud of was now shattered like a pile of scrap metal.He struggled to lift his head, his face covered in blood and filth, his eyes filled with unprecedented fear and confusion.Sanji used Moonwalk to descend from the air step by step with extreme elegance, as if walking down stairs, until he reached Judge.He looked down from above at this man who had left countless psychological shadows on his childhood.There was no pleasure of revenge in his eyes, only an extreme indifference as if looking at non-recyclable trash on the side of the road."Why..."Judge coughed up blood while gritting his teeth."You are clearly a failure who hasn't undergone any bloodline factor modification... How could you possess this kind of monster-like strength...""A failure?"Sanji sneered and curled his lip in distaste."Turning a group of biological sons into emotionless tin cans that only know how to kill—is this what you call success?""Don't use your narrow and ridiculous scientific perspective to measure the truly strong on this sea."Sanji bent down slightly, his cold gaze locking onto Judge's bloodshot eyes."Listen carefully, Vinsmoke Judge.""From the day you locked me in that dark iron cage and put that iron mask on me,""my father was already dead.""On this sea, there has long been no such thing as an outcast of the Vinsmoke family."Sanji straightened up, his aura exploding to its peak at this moment, like an invincible peerless demon god."Standing before you is the chef of the Four Emperors' Straw Hat—""Black Leg Sanji!""While I'm still in a relatively good mood, take your pile of scrap metal and get back to your North Blue.""In the future, if you ever dare to put on the airs of a father in front of me again, I will kick your proud scientific empire into powder."Sanji's domineering declaration echoed in the empty port, making eardrums buzz.Hiding behind the ruins, Pudding had now completely fallen into a state of severe oxygen deprivation.With her hands tightly covering her burning cheeks, she slid limply to the ground, a large cloud of pink heart-shaped steam rising from the top of her head."So handsome... even the way he cuts ties is so manly...""..."And on another Germa main ship not far from the battlefield,the eldest daughter, Vinsmoke Reiju, was standing quietly at the top of a high mast.She wore her signature pink mini-skirt Raid Suit, the butterfly wings on her back fluttering gently in the wind, her figure incredibly hot.She had originally been prepared.When she saw her younger brother facing the siege of his three modified brothers, and even their father personally taking the field,she had even quietly activated her Raid Suit's thrusters, ready to risk exposure to rescue this poor brother from hell.But now.Reiju's alluring eyes were wide open, and her sexy red lips were slightly parted, unable to close for a long time.The extremely long and perfect legs encased in pink boots were actually somewhat weak and uncontrollable at this moment.She could only reach out and hold onto the mast beside her to barely steady herself.Is this still the poor little mouse who was beaten black and blue by his brothers for cooking when he was a child, and could only hide in a dark corner to cry secretly?That little boy who couldn't even hold a kitchen knife steadily.What kind of incredible encounters did he experience out thereto grow into this kind of top-tier monster who is so powerful it's suffocating, and who can make thousands of troops tremble just by standing there?!A trace of extremely complex emotion flashed in Reiju's beautiful eyes.There was shock, disbelief, but more than that, a deep sense of relief and an extremely strong curiosity."Four Emperors, Straw Hat..."Reiju's long fingers gently stroked her sexy lips, a stunningly charming curve appearing at the corner of her mouth."To be able to train that weak little Sanji into such an invincible monster with such a domineering aura...""What kind of an incredibly bizarre pirate crew is that?"poison pink's gaze crossed the ruined port, as if piercing through the void, her eyes gradually becoming a bit blurred and fervent.On this sea, there was actually a miraculous person who could make her brother undergo such a bone-deep transformation."That man named Monkey D. Luffy..."Reiju's legs unconsciously pressed together slightly, and an extremely strange throb suddenly surged in her heart."I really... want to see him soon."
Chapter 458: Cake Island Memory Arc (Part 10)The night was deep,Whole Cake Chateau luxury villa.Ever since witnessing Sanji's terrifying combat power, which was comparable to a demon god's, the efficiency of the Big Mom Pirates had become absurdly high.The presidential-level luxury suite arranged for Sanji was as large as several football fields.Sanji had just taken a refreshing bath and was wearing a white bathrobe, hands in his pockets, leaning lazily in front of a huge floor-to-ceiling window.Water was still dripping from his messy blonde hair as his gaze overlooked this candy island that looked like a fairy tale but hid murderous intent.Just then,*Click—*The sound of a metal lock turning rang out abruptly in the quiet room.Sanji didn't even turn his head; he just reached out, took a cigarette from nearby, and bit into it."In the middle of the night, why aren't you Germapeople on your ship counting the losses of that pile of scrap metal instead of coming here?"Sanji lit the cigarette and calmly exhaled a smoke ring."What? Are you so cold to the sister you haven't seen in years?"Accompanied by an elegant chuckle, the eldest daughter, Vinsmoke Reiju, stepped out from the shadows of the entrance in high heels.Tonight, Reiju wasn't wearing her signature raid suit.She had changed into a light purple long silk nightgown with a beige cashmere shawl draped over it.Although she wasn't wearing anything revealing—even her neck was tightly wrapped—The form-fitting, silky fabric still perfectly outlined her mature and intellectual big sister aura.Reiju didn't act like a stranger at all, walking naturally to the leather sofa.She sat down gracefully, legs crossed, hands clasped over her knees.Her alluring eyes looked the blonde man up and down, scrutinizing him as if he were an incredible, peerless treasure."Don't be nervous; I wasn't sent by Father as an assassin."There was a hint of sincere wonder in Reiju's tone, even a bit of caution."I'm just truly exploding with curiosity.""The peerless powerhouse at the harbor today...""Is it really that little Sanji who only knew how to hide in a corner and cry since he was a child, not even daring to kill a mouse?"Reiju took a deep breath, her beautiful eyes filled with a search for the unknown."In the East Blue, in that place known as the weakest sea, what exactly did you go through?""Who... exactly did you meet?"Hearing this question,Sanji finally turned around.His expression became extremely calm at this moment, so calm it even inspired a hint of awe.A sharp light flickered in his exposed eye."What kind of person did I meet?"The corner of Sanji's mouth curled slightly."To be honest, he's a total idiot who can eat ten whole roasted pigs in one meal, has no concept of 'common sense' in his head, and would tear apart a whole ship just to eat meat."Reiju was slightly stunned, clearly not expecting such an answer.But then, Sanji's tone dropped without warning."But at the same time, he is also the most unreasonable monster in this world.""A man destined to uproot this rotten world and overturn all the rules."Sanji walked over and sat opposite the sofa, casually flicking his cigarette ash."You heard about that crazed Four Emperor, Charlotte Linlin, today, didn't you?""That old woman's physical defense is indeed freakish, and the destructive power of that broken sword is barely passable."Sanji sneered, his eyes filled with boundless, arrogant contempt."But to be perfectly honest, if the person standing at that harbor fighting Big Mom this afternoon wasn't me, but our Captain..."Sanji looked up, staring intently at Reiju, and dropped a bombshell word by word."I'd bet my life on it.""In less than half an hour, that arrogant Four Emperor would probably have been beaten so badly that even her own biological sons wouldn't recognize her!""What?!"Reiju's face was full of disbelief.She knew all too well how terrifying the Four Emperor Big Mom was; she was a natural disaster-level monster!Yet her brother, whose strength was already unfathomable, actually said that so-called Captaincould rub Big Mom into the ground?!"How is that possible..." Reiju muttered to herself."Nothing is impossible."Sanji took a deep drag of his cigarette, the thin silhouette wearing a straw hat flashing through his mind."Taking down the Seven Warlords of the Sea, wreaking havoc in Enies Lobby, tearing through Marineford during the Marineford War... directly ascending to the throne of a [Four Emperor]!""A few months ago, even Kaido of the Beasts, known as the strongest creature in the sea, land, and air, was forcibly knocked down from the heavens by him!!"Sanji's voice wasn't loud, but it slammed hard against Reiju's heart."Why do you think I have this kind of power now?"Sanji suddenly stubbed out his cigarette, a terrifyingly burning conviction bursting from his eyes."I fought with my life to become stronger, not to prove some ridiculous bloodline to the Vinsmokefamily.""But because... that man's pace is just too fast.""So fast he's like a gale sweeping through the New World, leaving even the top-tier monsters in his dust!"Sanji suddenly clenched his fist, veins bulging on his arm."If I don't temper every drop of my bone and blood to the limit...""If I don't train these legs until they can shatter even the hardest steel in the world with a single kick...""I damn well won't have the right to keep standing behind that man!""To avoid becoming a burden to him, to see with my own eyes the moment he puts on that crown belonging to the Pirate King—"The corners of Sanji's mouth split into an extremely confident, wild grin."I had no choice but to become a monster more terrifying than a monster."The entire luxury guest room fell into a dead silence.Reiju sat dazed on the sofa, completely stunned by this peak-arrogant declaration.Sanji, who was so proud to his core that he didn't even care about Big Mom,Was actually willing to admit that if he didn't risk his life, he wouldn't even have the right to follow that man?!Just what kind of monstrous level of strength has that man named Monkey D. Luffy reached?!"Seeing his sister so shocked she couldn't speak,The invincible aura around Sanji suddenly vanished completely, like air escaping a balloon.The cook scratched his blonde hair irritably and suddenly sighed, exhaling a thick, sour breath of jealousy."Of course, it's fine that his strength is freakish; I can barely accept that."Sanji had an expression of being in so much pain he couldn't breathe, his features scrunched together."What truly breaks me and even makes me lose sleep from jealousy every night is that idiot's heaven-defying luck with women, which simply violates the basic laws of the universe!!!"Reiju was stunned by this sudden change in tone: "Luck with women?""Yeah!"Sanji wailed to the heavens, instantly turning into an aggrieved little wife."That rubber-head clearly isn't very interested in women, yet the world's top-tier beauties all throw themselves at him like moths to a flame!""The princess of the Desert Kingdom, the princess of Fish-man Island—they cried their eyes out for him!"Sanji clutched his hair tightly, and two lines of bitter, thick tears actually streamed from the corners of his eyes. o(╥﹏╥)o"The most, most, MOST frustrating thing is!""That member of the Seven Warlords of the Seawho is so proud she steps on all the men in the world, the legendary woman with the most perfect face in existence...""The Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock!""Actually contracted a terminal-level lovesickness because of our Captain!""She's dying to pack up the whole of Amazon Lilyas a dowry for him, and she even blushes every day while making him love lunches!!!"As Sanji said this, he seemed to lose all color, turning into a gray-and-white sketch, with a white soul drifting from his mouth."God... if I could get even one ten-thousandth of the Empress's favor in this life, I'd be willing to die immediately...""*Pfft—*"Seeing her brother's vivid and even somewhat comical appearance, Reiju finally couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle.Although his strength had become monstrous, that innate gentleness and his lustful little temperament really hadn't changed at all.However, after Reiju finished laughing,A layer of curious light gradually surfaced in her beautiful eyes.As Sanji's sister, seeing her brother meet such incredible companions and completely escape the nightmares of his childhood, she was happy for him from the bottom of her heart and felt incredibly grateful.And because of that gratitude, combined with Sanji's oppressive description just now,Reiju developed an explosive, even somewhat intoxicating curiosity about this straw hat Captainshe had never met.Not only was his strength terrifying enough to make the proud Sanji follow him willingly,But even that Pirate Empress, who was rumored to hate men and be coldly arrogant, could be so infatuated with him that she'd be willing to cookfor him?Just what kind of magical, divine person is this?Reiju gracefully reached out and tucked a strand of pink hair behind her ear.She tilted her head slightly, looking at the bright moon hanging high in the night sky of the New World, a smile both intellectual and stunning curling on her lips."Monkey D. Luffy~~~"poison pink softly repeated the name in her heart,Deep inside, it felt as if something had been quietly plucked, stirring a very strange flutter."I really... want to meet this incredible Captainsoon."
Chapter 459: Cake Island Memories (Part 11)The early morning sunlight spilled over Cake Island.Inside the main hall of Whole Cake Chateau, the air was thick with the cloying, sickly sweet scent of cream.Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin, sat upon her massive throne, clutching a piece of strawberry cake larger than a millstone, continuously stuffing it into her cavernous mouth."Ma-ma-ma-ma! This new batch of pastry chefs is passable, I suppose."Big Mom mumbled incoherently as she chewed.Below the main hall, Katakuri, the leader of the Three Sweet Commanders, stood quietly with his arms crossed.His red scarf concealed the lower half of his face, and his gaze was exceptionally calm."Mama, the preparations for tomorrow's Tea Partyare complete. The emperors and guests from the Underworld are arriving on the island one after another."Katakuri paused before continuing."The cook named Sanji has also been placed in the highest-tier presidential suite as you ordered. All his accommodations are top-of-the-line."Big Mom swallowed the cake in her mouth, a smug grin squeezing onto her greasy face."Very good. Katakuri, you personally oversee the security on the perimeter of the Tea Party. There must be absolutely no complications."Big Mom waved her massive arm, signaling for him to leave.Katakuri's brow furrowed slightly.He felt his mother was acting a bit unusual today.According to her past habits, for someone with explosive combat power like Sanji, Mama would surely have devised an incredibly detailed plan to counter him.But today, she simply told him to handle security.Katakuri didn't ask further; he knew his mother's temperament all too well."I understand, Mama."Katakuri turned and walked out of the hall with steady steps.Watching her eldest son's retreating back, the smile on Big Mom's face vanished instantly, replaced by a sinister, calculating expression.Big Mom picked up a bucket of black tea next to her and gulped it down.She naturally wouldn't tell Katakuri the real plan.Katakuri was usually too cautious, and he held more than a little wariness toward the Straw Hat Pirates.If he knew she intended to secretly strike at the other members of the Straw Hat Pirates and use them as hostages to force Sanji into the marriage...Katakuri would surely try to stop her by nagging about 'avoiding a full-scale war between two Four Emperors crews.'"Ma-ma-ma-ma! I am one of the Four Emperors. Could I really be intimidated by some upstart rookie??"Big Mom snorted coldly and shouted to the guards outside the hall."Go and bring that girl Pudding to me!!!"Before long, the three-eye tribe girl, Pudding, entered the hall with her head down and her steps somewhat hesitant.Today she wore a light pink lace dress, her hair was meticulously styled, and a faint blush touched her cheeks."Mama, you called for me." Pudding stood obediently at the base of the steps.Big Mom looked down at this consistently obedient daughter and nodded with satisfaction."Pudding~~~"Big Mom grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth."Listen closely, I am entrusting you with a very important mission.""For the entire day today, you don't have to do anything else. You are responsible for going to that Curly Eyebrows boy's room to find him and take him on a tour around Cake Island."Pudding snapped her head up, a flash of bewilderment in her watery eyes."Take him on a tour?""Exactly!"Big Mom slapped the armrest of her throne."Use all of your acting skills and put on that pure, innocent act of yours!!! Make that perverted cookfall head over heels for you!""Your mission is to lure him completely away from the other members of the Straw Hat Pirates.""As long as he isn't with that lot, my subsequent plans will be much easier to execute."Big Mom's gaze suddenly became extremely stern."Pudding, this is a major matter concerning the future military power of Totto Land.""If you dare to mess this up, I don't care if you're my own daughter, do you understand?!?!"Pudding trembled all over and quickly lowered her head."I understand, Mama! I will definitely keep him occupied and give him no chance to worry about the others."Pudding exited the hall and walked down the long corridor.She reached out both hands and patted her cheeks firmly.In truth, her current feelings were very complicated.Yesterday, hiding behind the ruins, she had seen Sanji kick those three arrogant Germa clones around like balls and even dare to break ties with his father; she had indeed been struck by how cool and wild that man was.It was the first time in her life she had felt something akin to love for a man.But that feeling meant nothing in the face of Big Mom's terrifying pressure.Pudding understood her situation perfectly.She was merely a tool in Mama's hands, a puppet that could be discarded at any moment."What's the use of liking him? If I defy Mama's orders, I'll die."Pudding bit her lip, muttering silently to herself."I'm sorry, Mr. Fiancé... though you really are handsome, I can only put on an act."Pudding took a deep breath, adjusted her expression into an innocent, radiant smile, and headed toward Sanji's guest room....Meanwhile, inside the luxury suite.Sanji was standing before a large full-length mirror, meticulously grooming his hair.He had changed into a brand-new black suit.His leather shoes were polished to a shine, enough to serve as mirrors themselves."Today is a big day... I need to go see how Nami-san and the others are doing. These Totto Landdesserts are actually not bad; I'll bring some over to Nami-san later."Sanji talked to himself while practicing a gentlemanly smile in the mirror.Just then."Ding-dong—"The doorbell rang.Sanji pulled back his smile, instantly reverting to his usual cool demeanor, and walked over to open the door.The door opened.Pudding stood at the doorway with her hands behind her back, her head tilted slightly.Her large eyes were fluttering, and her cheeks were slightly flushed."Um... Sanji-san, am I disturbing you?"Pudding lowered her head slightly, her fingers twisting together anxiously."The Tea Party is being held tomorrow, and I... I'm a little nervous.""The scenery in Totto Land is very beautiful. Would you be willing to... walk around with me?"Faced with such a high-tier beautiful girl's invitation strike.One second Sanji was thinking about his plan to find Nami, and the next, it was completely forgotten."Oooohhhhh!!!"Sanji's eyes popped into two massive red hearts, and his entire being instantly turned into a whirlwind, spinning madly in place three times.He dropped to one knee, produced a bright red rose from nowhere, and presented it to Puddingwith both hands."Beautiful Pudding-chan!!! To receive an invitation from you is simply the greatest honor of my, Black Leg Sanji's, life!!!""Even if I have to go through fire and water, I will never let a single tear fall from those beautiful eyes of yours!"Pudding was startled by Sanji's exaggerated reaction.She looked at the blonde man before her, who was wriggling like a piece of seaweed, and her mouth couldn't help but twitch."This guy... he was clearly so cool and domineering when fighting yesterday. How does he turn into such a simp the moment he sees a woman?"Pudding complained wildly in her head, but she maintained a bashful smile on her face."Thank you, Sanji-san. Then, let's go."Sanji immediately stood up and, like a dutiful personal bodyguard, followed half a step behind Pudding with a look of pure intoxication.The first step of Big Mom's plan to Lure the tiger away from the mountain was going absurdly smoothly....
Chapter 460: Cake Island Flashback (Part 12)After confirming Sanji had been lured away, Big Mom began her next move in the side hall of the castle.The door to the side hall was pushed open.A huge, blue, fat man with a whale shark face walked in.It was none other than the Knight of the Sea, Jinbe.Jinbe sat down on the sofa with a grand air, his hands resting flat on his knees, his expression neither humble nor arrogant.Big Mom sat opposite him, her face full of hypocritical, fake smiles."Mama mama, Jinbe, calling you over so early in the morning, I didn't disturb your rest, did I?"Big Mom waved her hand, and the nearby Homiesimmediately served a pot of steaming black tea.Jinbe didn't even look at the cup of tea."Big Mom, let's not beat around the bush. You specially sent someone to invite me over, it can't be just to chat, right?"Jinbe's voice, like a booming bell, echoed in the side hall.A glint flashed in Big Mom's eyes."Straightforward! I like your direct personality."Big Mom leaned forward, her massive body bringing an intense sense of oppression."Jinbe, I have always appreciated your combat power and character.""Instead of messing around with that ignorant Straw Hat, why not officially join my Big Mom Pirates!!"Big Mom extended a thick finger."As long as you nod, the position of Sweet Commander will immediately be yours!""Whatever resources you want in Totto Land, I will give them to you!!!"Big Mom felt that the conditions she had offered were generous enough.If it were any other pirate on this sea, hearing the treatment of a Sweet Commander offered by one of the Four Emperors, they would probably be so excited they would kneel and pledge allegiance on the spot.However, Jinbe didn't hesitate for even half a second.This hardcore Fishman uncle crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes fixed on Big Mom with great determination."Your conditions are indeed very tempting."Jinbe shook his head, his tone calm but exceptionally resolute."But I'm sorry. I have no interest in your Totto Land."The smile on Big Mom's face instantly froze."What did you say?""I am currently an official crew member of the Straw Hat."Jinbe stared straight into Big Mom's gradually reddening eyes, without the slightest retreat."I am a man who is going to be a crew member of the future Pirate King! Although your Totto Land is big, its scope is too small; it cannot contain me.""Besides, my Captain is already a true Four Emperors. Why should I jump ship to yours?"As soon as these words were spoken, the air in the side hall instantly dropped to freezing point.Big Mom slammed her hand onto the table, and the pure gold coffee table instantly dented significantly."You ungrateful fat fish!!"Big Mom was gnashing her teeth in anger, glaring at Jinbe."Do you think that just because that rubber monkey became one of the Four Emperors, he can walk sideways on this sea?!?""I have entrenched myself in the New World for decades; the foundation is not something you brats can imagine!"Big Mom snorted coldly, the corners of her mouth curling into a sinister arc."Jinbe, since you are unappreciative, then let's wait and see.""When I have your entire Straw Hat Pirates in my grasp, let's see if you can still be as stubborn as you are now!"Jinbe stood up and patted the dust off his clothes."Then I shall wait and see."Having said that, Jinbe turned and strode out of the side hall.Big Mom watched Jinbe's retreating figure, her eyes becoming extremely vicious."If you won't take a compliment, then so be it. Once I catch that Navigator and the raccoon dog, I'll see what kind of storm you can stir up!"...The scene shifted to a high-class guest room area on the outskirts of Totto Land.Because they were here to attend the Tea Party, the members of the Straw Hat Pirates had no idea that danger was approaching.The atmosphere in the guest room was relaxed and happy.Nami was wearing a very cool orange tank top today, paired with denim hot pants.She was sitting on a large sofa, holding a glass of iced fruit juice, enjoying the scenery outside the window."The treatment in Totto Land is really not bad. The beds are soft, and the food is delicious."Nami took a sip of juice and sighed with satisfaction.Not far away on the carpet, Chopper was hugging a pink cotton candy larger than himself, gnawing on it until his face was covered in frosting."So delicious! The desserts here are simply the best in the world!"Chopper was rolling on the ground happily, his belly already round like a ball from eating.Brook was sitting on a chair nearby, holding a cup of black tea, taking a sip very elegantly."Yohohoho, being able to drink a cup of premium black tea on such a wonderful morning really makes one feel physically and mentally refreshed."Brook put down his teacup and picked up his violin, plucking it a couple of times."Although I don't have a body or mind, yohohoho!"Nami put down her juice glass, her brows slightly furrowed."Speaking of which, where did that idiot Sanji go?"Nami looked at the clock on the wall."Didn't we agree to meet this morning to discuss tomorrow's itinerary? It's almost noon, and I can't even see a shadow of him."The more Nami thought about it, the angrier she got, her fair fists clenching with a cracking sound."He must have been lured away by some vixen on this island again! This hopeless Perverted Cook!!!"Chopper struggled to roll over, rubbing his round belly and saying."Could Sanji be in the kitchen researching new recipes? He said yesterday that the ingredients here are very special."Just as they were chatting."Knock, knock, knock."The guest room door was knocked."Nami-san~~~ I'm here to find you~~~"A super seductive, even squeaky voice that made one's skin crawl came from outside the door.Nami raised an eyebrow and walked over to pull the door open."You guy, where did you go..."Before Nami could finish her sentence, her words stuck in her throat.Only to see "Sanji" leaning against the door frame, with a cigarette in his hand.However, the "Sanji" in front of her looked extremely weird.The face was identical, and the clothes were that iconic black suit.But his smoking action was extremely stiff.Just after taking a puff, he was choked by the smoke and sneezed three times loudly, his eyes almost watering.Even more outrageous was that,The look in this "Sanji's" eyes toward Nami had none of the usual signature heart-shaped patterns; instead, it showed a shifty sense of guilt.That's right, this was not Sanji himself at all.It was Big Mom's eighth daughter, Brulee, who had eaten the Mirror-Mirror Fruit.Big Mom had sent her to use her ability to perfectly copy Sanji's appearance to deceive people, but because Brulee's own acting skills were so bad, this disguise was a disaster scene."Did you take the wrong medicine today?"Nami looked him up and down suspiciously."This voice sounds like a duck with its neck being squeezed?"Brulee endured the frustration in her heart and squeezed out a smile that was uglier than crying."Oh ho ho ho... Nami-san, I kicked the blanket while sleeping last night, I might have caught a cold! My throat is a bit uncomfortable."Brulee was afraid that if Nami kept asking, she would be exposed, so she immediately got to the point."Never mind that!"Brulee lowered her voice, pretending to be mysterious."I was wandering outside the castle just now and found a super beautiful, super fun secret garden!""There are many rare desserts and exotic plants there that you can't see anywhere else.""We are attending the Tea Party tomorrow, and since we have time today, how about I take you there to relax?"Upon hearing about rare desserts, Chopperinstantly perked up and sprang up from the ground like a carp."Really, Sanji! Are there desserts even more delicious than this cotton candy!?!"Chopper's eyes instantly turned into star shapes, full of anticipation.Brook also nodded along."Yohohoho, taking a stroll in a scenic place is indeed a good suggestion."Although Nami felt that today's Sanji was full of weirdness, because they were in such a bizarre place as Totto Land, and because of her absolute trust in her companions, she didn't think too much about it."Going for a walk is fine, it's better than being cooped up in this room."Nami picked up the clima-tact leaning against the wall and waved her hand."Lead the way."The moment "Sanji" turned around, the corners of his mouth immediately curled into a sinister, vicious grin."Follow me, I guarantee you'll have an unforgettable experience."Brulee felt secretly smug in her heart.The task Big Mom gave her was simply too easy; these fools from the Straw Hat Pirates had no guard up at all.Just like that.Nami, Chopper, and Brook, who had absolutely no idea they were walking step by step into a trap.Followed this fake with terrible acting skills and left the guest room area chatting and laughing.The fake Sanji led them specifically to take paths with few people, avoiding the bustling streets all the way, and gradually deviated from the central area of the castle....The sunlight was slowly blocked by the dense tree canopy.The air began to become a bit damp and cold.Nami stopped and looked around."Sanji, where exactly is that secret garden you mentioned? Why does this place look so eerie?"The fake Sanji walked in front without looking back."We'll be there soon, Nami-san. It's right in front."Chopper grabbed Nami's pant leg tightly and looked around.Suddenly, Chopper pointed at a big tree nearby."Nami! Brook! Look!"Nami and Brook looked in the direction Chopperwas pointing.Only to see the bark on that thick tree trunk suddenly twisting and wriggling.Then, a weird human face emerged from the tree trunk, grinning and revealing a creepy smile.It wasn't just this one tree.The surrounding grass, flowers, and even the stones on the ground had all grown human faces, staring at them in unison.Unknowingly.They had plunged headlong into the most bizarre and creepy death trap in Totto Land—The Seducing Woods.
Chapter 461: Cake Island Flashback (Part 13)On the bustling streets of Totto Land, the air was filled everywhere with the cloyingly sweet scent of cake.Mama's "Invincible Son-in-law Entrapment Plan" was progressing smoothly.At this moment, Pudding was strolling along the biscuit-paved streets, holding Sanji's arm.The girl from the three-eye tribe had originally prepared herself mentally, intending to use her Oscar-level acting skills to play this lecherous blond cook like a fiddle to complete the mission her mother had assigned.However, she never expected that the person she encountered was no ordinary pervert."Pudding-chan, this candy step is a bit high, be careful not to trip."Sanji naturally reached out his hand, shielding Pudding from the dust kicked up by a passing Pumpkin Carriage.He even produced a snow-white handkerchief from somewhere and gently wiped away a tiny bit of frosting from Pudding's skirt.To test the man's limits, Pudding's eyes darted around, and she feigned a stumble."Oh my~"She let out a deliberate cry of distress and fell straight toward the hard ground."Try acting cool now, let's see how you catch me!" Pudding thought smugly to herself.However, before the thought could even finish crossing her mind...A black afterimage flashed by.With a sliding kneel, Sanji instantly appeared beneath Pudding.He steadily supported the girl with his strong arms."Even if a single speck of dust were to soil Pudding-chan's beautiful skirt, it would be an unforgivable failure on my part as a man."Sanji knelt on one knee, looking up at Pudding; his single visible blue eye seemed filled with the deep affection and tenderness of the entire universe.*Boom—*Pudding felt as if a nuclear bomb had detonated in her mind on the spot.Her once-proud wicked psychological defenses were shattered into dust under this critical hit—a basic attack that felt like an ultimate move."Th-th-this... what kind of foul line is that?!""And the way he looks at me... so gentle..."Pudding's cheeks instantly flushed bright red.The pink heart bubbles floating around the two of them were enough to make every single person on the street die of envy....At the same time.The scene shifted to the edge of Totto Land, inside that eerie Seducing Woods.The atmosphere there was not pink at all.Looking at the eerie human faces growing on the surrounding trees and the bushes grinning and laughing strangely at them...Chopper was so scared his fur stood on end; he jumped directly onto Brook's afro and clung to it tightly."Waaah! The trees... the trees have come to life! They're laughing!"The fake Sanji walking in front stopped, turned around, and his mouth curled up wildly."Ohohoho... What a bunch of foolish pirates, stepping into Mama's trap so easily!"Nami stood her ground, gripping her clima-tactwith both hands, looking at this sleazy-smiling "Sanji" in front of her."I knew something was off when your legs looked half as long today. Who are you really?!"The fake Sanji let out a piercing shriek of laughter, and the muscles on his face began to twist and deform eerily.The short blond hair turned into messy purple hair, and the black suit transformed into a tattered witch's robe.An ugly old crone appeared before the three of them.Mama's eighth daughter, the Mirror-Mirror Fruituser, Charlotte Brulee."Face reality, little mice!"Brulee waved her withered fingers,"I am Charlotte Brulee!!!""That lecherous cook companion of yours is currently comfortably accompanying our Totto Land princess on a date!""As for you, you're about to become nourishment for the Homies!"Brulee thought that revealing this truth would plunge the Straw Hat crew into extreme despair over being abandoned by their comrade.As it turned out, she completely underestimated the peculiar logic of the Straw Hat Pirates' Navigator.Nami was stunned for a second.Then, a visible aura of violent black energy erupted from her petite body."You just said..."Nami's voice was terrifyingly low,"That damn Curly Eyebrows... is on a date with a woman right now?!?!"Brulee was startled by Nami's terrifying reaction and stammered,"Y-yes, he's long since forgotten all about you...""That hopeless pervert! Love-struck fool! Big idiot!!!"Nami stomped her feet in a rage, her chest heaving."And here I was worried if he was being tortured by Mama!""But instead, he's all dressed up like a gentleman to pick up girls?!""When I get out of here, I'm going to knock his head into his chest and then clean out his wallet!"Watching the rampaging Navigator, Chopper and Brook trembled behind a tree."Nami's reason for being angry is completely off-base..." Chopper whispered.Brook nodded frantically:"When Nami-chan gets angry, she's even scarier than the Four Emperors, yohohoho.""Enough!"Just then, a gruff shout erupted from deep within the forest.The ground began to vibrate violently, and the trees with human faces moved aside to make a wide path.A giant man encased in heavy biscuit armor, carrying the famous sword "Pretzel," walked out aggressively.— One of the Three Sweet Commanders, Thousand-Armed Cracker."Brulee, you talk too much."Cracker looked down at Nami's trio, his eyes filled with undisguised contempt."Mama said as long as they're alive, it doesn't matter if we break their limbs.""These frail weaklings—I won't even need half my strength to crush them into pulp."Cracker sneered and snapped his fingers.The surrounding ground instantly cracked open as dozens of giant Biscuit Soldiers, armed with shields and longswords, marched in unison to surround Nami's group.Each biscuit soldier emitted an intense pressure; their hard texture made it clear they wouldn't be broken by ordinary attacks.Seeing this, Chopper gritted his teeth and immediately pulled a rumble ball from his pocket."Nami! Brook! Get ready to fight! This guy looks like trouble!"Nami also held her clima-tact across her chest, the tip beginning to gather crackling electrical sparks.At the critical moment...A tall, thin skeletal figure stepped gracefully in front of Nami and Chopper.Brook adjusted his black top hat with his right hand and lightly gripped the hilt of the Cane Sword at his waist with his left."Chopper-san, Nami-san, please step back a little."Brook bowed slightly, his hollow eye sockets staring straight at the towering Cracker."Though I am but a bag of old bones, letting a beautiful lady fall into danger is a violation of a Gentleman's Code on these seas."Cracker looked at the creature that was nothing but bones and couldn't help but laugh out loud."A skeleton dares to play hero before me? Your bones are as brittle as potato chips; you won't even block a single strike from my Biscuit Soldiers!""Smash him to pieces!"At Cracker's command, three tall Biscuit Soldiersraised their heavy swords and swung them down fiercely toward Brook with a howling gale."Is that so? Then let us clash."Brook's voice suddenly became ethereal and airy, like a whisper from the depths of the underworld."Yohohoho..."*Clang—*A crisp ring of a sword echoed through the Seducing Woods.The moment the Soul Solid was unsheathed...A ghostly blue aura from the underworld instantly swept across a hundred-meter radius with Brook at the center.The air temperature plummeted; the Homie trees that were laughing moments ago now wore expressions of extreme terror and retreated screaming."Song of Scratches: Blizzard Slice!"Brook's body made no extra movements; he simply took a casual step forward.But the blade in his hand drew an exquisitely brilliant ghostly blue sword light in the air.The three Biscuit Soldiers, heavy as mountains, suddenly froze mid-motion.Cracker frowned. "What are you doing? Strike!"The next second.*Crack... crack...*Fine frost rapidly spread from the waists of the three Biscuit Soldiers.Then, the supposedly indestructible biscuit armor was sliced clean in half at the waist!The cut was as smooth as a mirror, coated with a layer of unmelting ice crystals."Click!"Brook elegantly returned his longsword to its scabbard.He turned his head and, looking at the bewildered Cracker, lightly tossed out a skeleton joke."Pardon me, my sword is a bit cold.""However, a temperature that can directly freeze the soul should be just right for these biscuits.""After all, I am the Master of the Underworld, the Soul King. Yohohoho!"Seeing Brook's cool display, Chopper's eyes behind him instantly turned into two giant stars."That was awesome, Brook!!! You're the GOAT!!!"Nami also sighed in relief, brushing back her orange hair."It seems today's MVP spot belongs to you, Brook."Cracker looked at the Biscuit Soldiers shattered into icy debris, his expression instantly turning ugly.His proud biscuit army was actually one-shotted by this bag of bones?!"Bastard! You're just a skeleton, stop talking so big!"Cracker roared, his biscuit armor swelling in size,He raised the massive famous sword "Pretzel" high, charging at Brook with terrifying power capable of splitting mountains."I'll grind those bones of yours into dust!!!"Instead of retreating, Brook held his Cane Swordacross his body, ghostly green soul fire igniting in his hollow eye sockets."Yohohoho, as it happens, I drink milk every day for calcium. My bones are much harder than your biscuits!"
Chapter 462: Whole Cake Island Flashback Arc (Part 14)Clang—The sound of metal clashing exploded within the Seducing Woods.Brook's Soul Solid collided fiercely with Cracker's massive famous sword, Pretzel.Deadly Armament Haki surged wildly where their weapons met, directly uprooting the turf within a hundred-meter radius."Yo-ho-ho-ho, your strength really is ridiculously immense~~~"Brook's skeletal arms, thin as chopsticks, creaked under the pressure.Although he could use the underworld chill of the Revive-Revive Fruit to restrain the biscuit abilities, facing a top-tier Sweet Commander like Crackerwith a bounty of over 800 million, these old bones clearly suffered a major disadvantage against pure physical power."What's wrong, bag of bones? Where did that arrogance from insta-killing my Biscuit Soldierss go?"Cracker's face twisted as his muscle-bound arms exerted sudden force, veins bulging on his biscuit armor."Shatter for me!!!""Oh my, this is bad. I feel like my intervertebral discs are about to herniate!"Brook let out an exaggerated cry of pain, then smoothly followed up with a skeleton joke."Even though I don't have any intervertebral discs! Yo-ho-ho-ho!"Joking aside, Brook didn't dare hesitate for a second with his footwork.Knowing he couldn't go head-to-head with this biscuit monster, he tapped his toes lightly on the ground and retreated dozens of meters in a flash, narrowly dodging Cracker's follow-up mountain-splitting slash.Boom!Cracker's greatsword carved a bottomless trench into the earth."Don't let him escape! My darlings of the forest, get him!!!"Watching from a distance, Brulee immediately shrieked in her raspy voice."Tear these pirates who don't know the heights of heaven into pieces!!!"Following Brulee's command, the entire Seducing Woods instantly erupted into chaos.The Homies trees, which had been lurking nearby with sinister cackles, pulled their roots from the ground one by one, transforming into treant monsters with ghastly faces.The surrounding vines, giant flowers, and even the unremarkable apples by the roadside all opened mouths filled with sharp fangs at that moment, surging toward Nami's trio like a tide."Waaaaah! The apples actually want to eat people!!!"Chopper's tears streamed down o(╥﹏╥)o, his short legs spinning like wheels on the spot.But seeing the monsters from all directions about to submerge Nami and Brook, his small eyes instantly became determined."I won't let you hurt my companions!!!"Chopper pulled a rumble ball from his pocket and crunched it down.The next second."Roar—"Accompanied by a deafening, violent bestial roar, Chopper's tiny body swelled abruptly.Muscles bulged high and fur became thick and heavy. In the blink of an eye, he transformed into a giant beast over ten meters tall!"Monster Point!"After the transformation, even Chopper's voice became deep and heavy.He raised a palm larger than a house and delivered a vicious slap toward the group of Homies treants rushing at the front.Bang!Over a dozen giant treants didn't even have time to scream before they were swatted like flies by this terrifying monstrous strength, wood chips flying as they were sent flying hundreds of meters away.The surrounding Homies were all terrified by the sudden appearance of this giant beast, their faces contorted in fear as they retreated while clutching their bark."Mommy! It's a giant tanuki!""I'm a reindeer, you bastards!!!"Even as a rampaging giant beast, Chopper still had a ridiculous obsession with his species identity.He crushed several shrieking pumpkins underfoot, then awkwardly twisted his massive body, covering his rugged face with his hands, and actually started performing his signature tsundere dance."Even if you compliment my strength, I won't be happy at all, you bastards~~~"While dodging Cracker's pursuit, Brook couldn't help but roast him:"Chopper-san! Now is not the time to be doing a tsundere dance!!!""They weren't complimenting you at all!!!"Meanwhile, Nami completely ignored the dancing Homies surrounding them.The Straw Hat Pirates' Navigator stood in the center of the battlefield, head lowered, her long orange hair obscuring her eyes.A deadly, visible black aura of resentment was pouring out of her small body in a torrent.Nami had no sense of crisis in her mind right now."That damn Curly Eyebrows..."Nami slowly raised her head, her beautiful large eyes now seemingly burning with two fires capable of destroying the world."We're in this godforsaken place full of monsters, constantly on edge, not even able to sleep well!""And he's actually dressed up all fancy, running off to sweet-talk women?!""Unforgivable!!!"Nami thrust her clima-tact high into the air."Black Clouds, move out!"Following Nami's roar,Dozens of dense black thunderclouds erupted from the tip of the clima-tact, quickly gathering above the Seducing Woods into a massive thunderstorm cloud roiling with terrifying lightning."I'll use you scraps of wood to vent my anger!"Nami swung the clima-tact down with a heavy force."Thunderbolt Tempo!!!"Rumble—Hundreds of thick, incomparably violent azure bolts of lightning crashed down from the dark clouds like divine punishment.The entire Seducing Woods instantly became a lightning hell.The army of Homies that had been brandishing their claws just moments ago didn't even have a chance to run before being struck directly by this unreasonable AOE attack.A strong smell of scorched wood immediately filled the air.Hundreds of treants, flowers, and food monsters were all charred to a crisp, their bodies twitching on the ground as black smoke rose from them.Nami panted heavily, her chest heaving, and she kicked a charred tree root as if she still wasn't satisfied."When I get back, I'm definitely confiscating all of that Perverted Cook's secret savings!!!"Seeing Nami's ridiculous large-scale lightning sweep, even Brulee in the distance collapsed onto her backside in shock, completely stunned."What... what is with this woman? The power of that lightning is way too sinister!"However, just as the Straw Hats thought the situation had stabilized slightly...Clap, clap, clap.Cracker's disdainful clapping rang out across the battlefield covered in charcoal.He swung his sword to push Brook back, his tall frame radiating a despair-inducing pressure."The lightning and strength are indeed decent, but that's all they are."A cruel sneer curled on Cracker's lips as he raised his hands and clapped twice."Biscuit·Infinite Army!"Following his casual clapping,Tall and hard Biscuit Soldierss suddenly sprouted from the previously empty ground like bamboo shoots after a rain, one after another.Ten, fifty, one hundred!In the blink of an eye, a full several hundred Biscuit Soldierss wielding greatswords formed a dense phalanx, completely surrounding Nami's trio in the center."My biscuit armor is infinite!"Cracker looked down at them from his height."No matter how much strength you have or how strong your AOE attacks are, you'll eventually collapse from exhaustion.""But my army never knows fatigue!"The situation underwent a deadly reversal in an instant.Brook leaned on his Soul Solid, a hint of helplessness flashing in his hollow eye sockets.He had already consumed too much stamina dealing with Cracker's slashes; now even his sword swings were becoming sluggish.Chopper's Monster Point had also reached its limit. His massive body began to emit white steam, ready to deflate back into a small reindeer at any moment.As Nami looked at the seemingly endless biscuit phalanx, fine beads of cold sweat broke out on her forehead, and her fingers gripping the clima-tactturned slightly white.This number is simply a cheat code!"Yo-ho-ho-ho, Nami-san, it looks like we might really get a taste of being made into sandwich biscuits this time."Brook forced a smile but had already firmly blocked Nami behind him.Just then.The temperature of the entire Seducing Woodsplummeted without warning.Immediately after, the sunlight that had only been partially blocked by the canopy vanished completely, and the sky turned pitch black in an instant.A terrifying pressure, as if it could crush one's very soul, descended from the sky like a falling mountain.In the face of this pressure, even the previously aggressive Biscuit Soldierss became somewhat stiff in their movements."Ma-ma-ma-ma..."A familiar laugh, filled with endless madness and greed, rolled down from the dark mid-air like muffled thunder.Nami and Chopper froze, looking up in disbelief.There, in the pitch-black sky,The giant thundercloud Zeus was carrying a mountain-like, massive figure.Above her head burned a violent little sun, Prometheus.And in her hand, the signature bicorne hat had transformed into a giant sword radiating bloodthirsty light, Napoleon.[Four Emperors] — Charlotte Linlin.Big Mom had personally arrived!Big Mom looked down at the tiny Straw Hat crew below."Mama can't wait any longer..."Big Mom's voice echoed over the forest, the vibration making eardrums ache."To completely secure that perfect son-in-law with monstrous strength, I'll have to trouble you little mice to obediently serve as my bargaining chips!"Big Mom raised the giant sword Napoleon, its edge pointing directly at Nami."Take them all down for me!!!"
Chapter 463: Cake Island Memories (Part 15)"Take them all down for me!"With this violent command,The giant sword Napoleon, transformed from a Homie in Big Mom's hand, came slashing straight down at Nami and the others with a terrifying pressure like a mountain collapsing.Before the blade even fell, the domineering gust belonging to the Four Emperors' level was already making it impossible for anyone to keep their eyes open."It's over! We're really going to be turned into meat patties!" Chopper wailed.Facing this fatal blow capable of splitting the entire forest in half, Nami didn't retreat a single step.The Straw Hat Pirates' Navigator grit her teeth."Don't look down on people, you old hag!"Nami gripped the clima-tact tightly with both hands, feeling her blood burning at this moment!!!Just then, a dazzling golden pattern suddenly lit up on the staff of the clima-tact.It was a lightning mark like a swimming dragon.This was a "life-saving charm" that the Idiot Captain, who never played by the rules, had created before leaving the sunny.He had compressed a part of his lightning power and forcibly stuffed it into the clima-tact."Luffy, let me borrow your power for a bit!"Nami shouted in her heart and suddenly pointed the clima-tact at Big Mom in mid-air."Thunder Emperor: Roaring Sovereign!!!"BOOM—!!!At this moment, time in the entire Seducing Woodsseemed to stop.A black-gold pillar of lightning shot directly out from the tip of the clima-tact.This lightning contained not only violent natural power but also Luffy's Haoshoku Haki, which was enough to tear through the sky!"What?!"Big Mom, who originally had a cruel smirk, suddenly narrowed her eyes.She never dreamed that this seemingly weak little girl could unleash such a level of terrifying power from that broken stick in her hand!The lightning pillar was too fast, so fast that even Big Mom didn't have time to dodge.She could only instinctively block the giant sword Napoleon, wrapped in dense Armament Haki, in front of her, while shouting:"Zeus! Prometheus! Block it for me!"CRASH—The violent black-gold lightning slammed heavily onto Big Mom's giant sword.The terrifying shockwave turned into a physical blast, instantly blowing away hundreds of Biscuit Soldiers nearby.Even Cracker in the distance was forced back repeatedly by this power, shielding his eyes with his arm, his face full of disbelief."AAAAAHHHH!"Big Mom's shrill scream came from mid-air.Even though she was a Four Emperor with the nickname "Iron Balloon," she suffered a great loss after taking the lightning strike Luffy left behind without any preparation.The lightning faded.Big Mom's originally huge and majestic body now looked as ridiculous as could be.Her pink curly hair was directly electrocuted into a giant, charred afro, and black smoke kept billowing out of her mouth.The magnificent pink dress she wore was torn to shreds, revealing the charred skin underneath.A dignified Four Emperor was actually made so disheveled by a Navigator whose bounty wasn't even a fraction of hers!"Is... is she finished?"Chopper poked half his head out from behind Namiand asked stutteringly.Nami was panting heavily; the golden mark on the clima-tact had completely dimmed.She knew this power could only be used once."It's not that easy; a Four Emperor isn't made of paper. While we have the chance, let's run!"Nami was decisive, pulling Chopper to retreat.However, the moment they turned around.A strange mirror rose without warning from the puddle beneath their feet."Ohohoho! Want to run? Too late!"Brulee's ugly old face poked out from the mirror, her two withered claws grabbing Nami's ankles with a speed too fast to see."Let go of me! You ugly hag!"Nami struggled hard, slamming the clima-tactheavily onto Brulee's hand.But Brulee didn't let go at all; instead, she let out a triumphant shrill laugh."Mirro-World, take them!"A powerful suction came from the mirror's surface.Nami, Chopper, and Brook, who was nearby trying to draw his sword to save them, didn't have time to resist and were instantly sucked into the mirror by this strange power.Snap—!!The mirror flipped in mid-air and landed steadily in Brulee's hand."Mamamama..."In mid-air, Big Mom spat out a large cloud of black smoke and angrily jumped down from the thundercloud Zeus.She touched her charred afro, her eyes having turned a terrifying crimson due to extreme rage."Good... very good!"Big Mom grit her teeth and stared at the mirror in Brulee's hand,"A mere Navigator of the Straw Hat Piratesactually dared to make me look like this!""If I didn't still have a use for you all, I would chew you up and swallow you right now!"...Meanwhile.On the bustling commercial street of Cake Island.Sanji was holding Pudding's hand, just walking out of a high-end dessert shop.Pudding's cheeks were rosy, her head lowered as she whispered sweet nothings.Suddenly.Sanji stopped abruptly.Just at that moment, his Observation Haki had captured a familiar yet incredibly violent aura of lightning."Mr. Sanji? What's wrong?"Pudding noticed the change in the man beside her and looked up in confusion.Sanji let go of Pudding's hand, gentlemanly adjusted his tie, and then gave her a deep look."Sorry, Pudding-chan!""This wonderful date might have to be temporarily suspended.""Did something happen?""The Navigator lady in my family with a bit of a bad temper seems to have run into some trouble."Sanji took a cigarette from his pocket and bit it in his mouth.As soon as he finished speaking.BOOM!The biscuit floor tiles under Sanji's feet directly exploded into powder.A white shockwave erupted on the street, the strong wind blowing Pudding's skirt violently.By the time Pudding opened her eyes, there was no one in front of her.Only a faint smell of tobacco remained in the air, along with a violent black afterimage in the distance."So... so fast!"Pudding clutched her chest, her heart rate accelerating uncontrollably again.A few seconds later.At the edge of the Seducing Woods.BANG!A black meteor descended from the sky, crudely smashing into the center of the charred battlefield.The dust cleared.Sanji stood there with a dark expression, his leather shoe stepping on a piece of charred wood.He looked around.The ground was covered with Homies charred by lightning; not far away, Cracker was holding his giant sword, ready for action.And standing at the very front was Big Mom with a ridiculous afro, and Brulee standing beside her, holding a mirror.Sanji's gaze instantly locked onto the mirror in Brulee's hand.Inside the mirror.Nami, Chopper, and Brook were tied up tightly with thick vines.Nami was pressed against the mirror, and seeing Sanji outside through the glass, she immediately began to curse without any regard for her image."Sanji, you big idiot!""Where did you go?!""Who told you to worry about us? Get your ass back to the ship right now!"Although she was cursing fiercely, Sanji still keenly caught the flash of worry in Nami's eyes.Sanji lightly exhaled a puff of smoke, his hands hanging by his sides suddenly clenching into fists.Pitch-black Armament Haki instantly wrapped around his right leg, and the surrounding air began to emit slight pops due to this terrifying power.His mood right now was terrible to the extreme."Let them go."Sanji's voice was frighteningly low."Mamamama!"Seeing Sanji like this, Big Mom couldn't help but let out a burst of arrogant laughter."Are you ordering me, brat from the Vinsmokefamily?"Big Mom's massive body took a step forward, the giant shadow directly enveloping Sanji."Your strength is indeed great, even enough to shatter your old man's scientific armor with one kick.""If you act now, I suppose these old bones of mine would have to expend some effort to suppress you."Big Mom changed her tone, her fat finger pointing maliciously at the mirror in Brulee's hand."But! If you dare to make a single move.""Brulee will immediately shatter this mirror!"Brulee cooperatively raised the mirror, her sharp nails pressing against the glass."Ohohoho... as soon as the mirror shatters, these little mice in the Mirro-World will be instantly torn into meat paste by the spatial power!"Sanji's pupils shrank suddenly.The Haki on his leg, which was about to boil, showed a clear stagnation at this moment.He knew his own strength very well.If he really fought Big Mom with no regard for the consequences, even if he couldn't win, he could definitely make this old woman lose a layer of skin.But...Sanji looked at his companions tied up tightly in the mirror.Chopper was still crying, and Brook's afro had deflated.And Nami was shaking her head desperately with red eyes.He could kick through steel, kick away Sweet Commanders, and even dare to face a Four Emperor's giant sword head-on.But his legs, which were enough to shatter anything, could not shatter this fragile mirror.Because once he acted, his companions would die.Big Mom greatly enjoyed the frustrated and restrained expression on Sanji's face; she knew she had grasped this monster's fatal weakness."Mamamama! Is this that ridiculous bond of yours from the Straw Hat Pirates?"Big Mom grinned widely,"Listen up, curly-browed boy. I'll give you a clear path.""Obediently marry into my kingdom,Marrying Brin!""As long as you behave yourself, once the wedding is over tomorrow, if I'm in a good mood, I might just release these useless pieces of trash."Big Mom's gaze turned fierce:"If you dare say one word of no, I'll have them torn to pieces right in front of you!"The air completely froze at this moment.Inside the mirror, Nami was so anxious that tears were falling."Sanji! Don't listen to this old witch!""Luffy will definitely come to blow her away! Hurry up and leave! Don't worry about us!"Sanji lowered his head, his golden bangs completely covering his eyes.No one could see his expression at this moment.A full half-minute passed.Sanji slowly loosened his clenched fists.The terrifying Armament Haki on his leg receded as quickly as a tide.He calmly reached out, took the burnt-out cigarette from his mouth, and flicked it onto the charred ground."What a despicable and shameless old woman..."Sanji looked up,He looked at the mirror in Brulee's hand.Through the glass, Sanji gave a gentle, reassuring smile to Nami, who was jumping with anxiety."Miss Nami, don't cry, your makeup will get ruined.""Wait until I finish the business at hand, and I'll make you your favorite Orange Mille-feuille."Then, Sanji turned his head and looked directly at Big Mom's greedy, fat face.This invincible god of war, who once stood tall at the port and wiped out the entire Germa army, at this moment, simply lowered his noble head."Fine, I agree."Sanji's voice was very light, but it clearly reached everyone's ears."I will obediently attend tomorrow's wedding!!"Big Mom immediately burst into a satisfied, arrogant laugh:"Mamamama! Truly a good child who knows how to adapt!"Sanji ignored Big Mom's laughter.He suddenly looked up, locking onto Big Mom's eyes."But, Charlotte Linlin!! You'd better remember every single word I'm about to say!!"Sanji spoke word by word, his voice sounding as if it came from the depths of hell."If during this time, any of the three of them loses a single hair, or suffers even the slightest grievance...""Even if I have to risk my life, even if I have to chase you to the ends of the New World.""I swear, I will definitely kick your Totto Land into pieces that even dogs would despise!"This arrogant threat caused Big Mom, who was still laughing, to have her smile instantly freeze on her face.For some reason, looking at the man in front of her who had already compromised, a rare trace of cold sweat actually broke out on Big Mom's back.
Chapter 464: Memory Arc (16) — Pudding's Stirring Emotions!In the Seducing Woods,Sanji extinguished the Haki on his legs, as well as the fire in his eyes that was enough to burn everything.He reverted back to that gentle, elegant, and even somewhat cynical-looking handsome cook."Ma-ma-ma-ma!!! That's more like it! What a sensible good boy!"Big Mom let out a world-shaking laugh of satisfaction, her obese face filled with the triumph of a successful plan.She didn't actually want to go into an all-out war with a tough nut like the Straw Hat, who also possessed the strength of the Four Emperors; that would be too much trouble.As long as she could get her hands on this perfect son-in-law with monstrous strength without shedding blood, that would be the perfect outcome to maximize her interests.With a wave of her fat hand, the surrounding Homies immediately closed in, clustering around this new son-in-law, preparing to escort him back to Whole Cake Chateau.Sanji did not resist.Before turning to leave, he stopped in his tracks.His gaze passed over those Homies,And landed on the girl of the three-eye tribe not far away, who was still dazed and hadn't come to her senses.Pudding's body was still trembling.She had witnessed the entire process with her own eyes.From Sanji descending like a demon god, to him willingly abandoning his dignity and freedom for his companions, bowing his head to his Mama.This double impact, both visual and spiritual, directly shattered the worldview she had built up over the past ten-plus years.Sanji looked at her, even wearing a polite smile on his face."Sorry, Pudding-chan."Sanji's voice was very light and soft, like a lover whispering in her ear."It seems this wonderful date today can only end here.""We'll meet again at the Tea Party tomorrow."After saying that, he bowed slightly like a gentleman, performing a flawless farewell gesture.Then, he turned around, thrust his hands into his pockets, and walked with steady steps, never looking back as he followed the army of Homiestoward Whole Cake Chateau.His back was still so broad and straight, like a mountain—a mountain that would never be crushed.But from that back, Pudding read a sense of loneliness and tragic heroism that could pierce the sky.It was the back of a man who, to protect what was most important to him, was willing to carry all the darkness of the world on his shoulders alone.Pudding stood there in a daze, watching that back grow more distant until it completely disappeared at the end of the forest.Her mind was a complete mess."Why..."She murmured, her beautiful face filled with incomprehensible confusion."Why would someone go to such lengths for others?"In her world, family and friendship were all bargaining chips to be used and traded.Her Mama Charlotte Linlin, had taken this cold-blooded value system to the extreme.To achieve her goals, she could sacrifice the lives of her own children without a second thought.But today, she had witnessed a completely opposite example.A man who was clearly as strong as a monster, who even dared to directly threaten a Four Emperors,Yet, for the sake of a few captured companions, he willingly put on shackles and walked into a cage that everyone knew was a trap.In Pudding's mind, every detail of her date with Sanji today replayed uncontrollably.His natural profile when he blocked the dust kicked up by the carriage for her.Those blue eyes that seemed to hold the gentleness of the entire universe when he caught her steadily with an exaggerated sliding kneel.And that line that made her heart skip a beat even now just thinking about it—[Even if a single speck of dust were to soil Pudding-chan's beautiful skirt, it would be an unforgivable failure on my part as a man.]Before,She thought these were just the flamboyant acting skills used by this Perverted Cook to pick up girls.But now, after witnessing Sanji's sacrifice for his companions with her own eyes, she finally understood in hindsight.That gentleness, that protection, it was all from the heart.Because he was just such an irredeemable fool who would value the safety of others more than his own life.And her...How had she treated him?She had approached him from the start with the intention of deceiving him, used clumsy acting to pretend to fall and test him, and even mocked him in her heart for being a brainless Simp.Intense guilt and self-loathing, like cold seawater, instantly submerged Pudding....The scene shifts back to Whole Cake Chateau.Big Mom sat triumphantly on her throne, holding the mirror that imprisoned Nami and the other two, laughing so hard the fat on her face trembled."Ma-ma-ma-ma! What a useful bunch of bargaining chips!""With them in my hands, that Curly Eyebrows brat will have to obey me obediently even if he has heaven-defying abilities!""Mama is brilliant!"Brulee, standing nearby, immediately began to flatter her.Inside the mirror.This was a bizarre space.Nami, Chopper, and Brook were tied up tightly by tough and sticky Syrup Vines, suspended in mid-air."Sanji, you super-duper idiot! Who told you to agree to her terms?!""Do you think you're being noble?! You hopeless idiot cook!!! Get back to the ship right now!!"Nami shouted until she was hoarse, but tears fell uncontrollably.She knew better than anyone how much courage and sacrifice it took for Sanji to make this decision.On the other side, Sanji was "escorted" by a group of Homies back to that extremely luxurious Presidential Suite.The Homies brought him to the door and tactfully withdrew.Bang—!!The heavy door closed, cutting off all sounds from the outside world.The room was still as magnificent as ever, and the air even held a faint scent of high-end incense.He slowly paced to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, took out a cigarette from his breast pocket, and lit it.As the white smoke rose, his handsome face became blurred behind the haze.He said nothing, just looking out the window at the fairy-tale-like night view of Totto Land.It was the ultimate dead silence... before the storm.He knew that from the moment he nodded, he had blocked all his own paths of retreat.But he didn't regret it.Because he believed that his unreasonable companions, especially that Idiot Captain who was going to turn the entire sea upside down, would definitely not let him down.And all he had to do now was to protect Nami and the others with everything he had....Just as Sanji was lost in thought.At the edge of the Seducing Woods, that petite figure still stood there, lost in soul-searching.Pudding looked up at the brilliant lights at the top of Whole Cake Chateau, as if she could see through the thick walls to the man who was swallowing all the pain alone.She slowly raised her hand and gently touched her forehead, which was covered by her bangs.There lay the greatest pain and insecurity of her life.But for some reason, she suddenly felt a strong impulse.She wanted to see him.She wanted to tell that man, whose eyes were unbelievably gentle, this secret that even her Mama detested.She wanted to know if he would still look at her with those gentle eyes if he saw her ugliest, truest self.Once this crazy thought appeared, it was like a wildfire that could no longer be suppressed.Pudding took a deep breath, as if she had made some kind of decision,She suddenly turned around and sprinted toward Whole Cake Chateau, which for her was like a hellish cage.
Chapter 465: Memories Part 17 — Katakuri's Concern!"Clack— Clack—"This was the Book World of Mont-dOr, the nineteenth son of the Charlotte Family.Because Mama felt that Brulee's Mirro-World was far too prone to mishaps, she had directly ordered these three important bargaining chips to be transferred to this Book Prison just in case."Let me go! You despicable, shameless bastards!!!"Nami cursed shamelessly while violently twisting her slender wrists, attempting to break free from her restraints.In this enclosed cell, there were only the three members of the Straw Hat Pirates; no guards were present inside.With her violent struggling, her light orange camisole had long since been soaked with sweat.The damp fabric clung tightly to her abdomen, outlining quite exaggerated curves."Don't waste your energy, Little Cat Burglar."Mont-dOr's voice, dripping with mockery, drifted in from the sky above."Even the Giant Race can't break these chains. Just stay inside obediently until the Tea Party ends tomorrow!"Nami stopped her movements, panting heavily as her chest heaved, and flipped a middle finger toward the sky."When Luffy gets here, he'll tear this crappy book of yours into pieces to use as toilet paper!""Waaaaaahhhh~~~"On the adjacent page, Chopper was crying with snot and tears streaming down his face."It's all over!! I'm going to be turned into a specimen! I don't want to die yet; I haven't eaten enough cotton candy!!"But soon, Chopper's crying suddenly hit a snag.With red eyes, he stared at a line of eye-catching annotations at the bottom of his page, his nose suddenly snorting two plumes of steam."Hey! What do you bastards mean by this!?"Chopper flailed wildly within his chains in anger, his large face turning bright red."Why does it say 'Rare talking large-scale Tanuki' up here?! What the hell?!!""I'm a reindeer! A soft and delicate reindeer!!!"Even when bound like a zongzi ready for slaughter, Chopper still held an absurd obsession over his species classification."Yo-ho-ho-ho, Mr. Chopper, now doesn't seem to be the time to worry about that."Brook was bound to the outermost page. He looked down at the chains tied around him and then smoothly slid down a bit."Clatter."Because he was nothing but a bag of bones, the chains couldn't actually hold his skeleton, which lacked any muscle for support.With a slight shrug of his shoulders, half his body slipped directly out of the chain loops."Oh my, these chains are far too loose for me.""To match the serious atmosphere of this prison, it seems I must hold the chains with my hands and pretend I'm being tied very tightly. Yo-ho-ho-ho!"While performing his one-man comedy routine, Brook actually gripped the chains with his skeletal claws and very obediently tucked himself back in.Nami watched these two clowns with a face full of black lines, feeling like her migraine was about to act up."You two idiots! Give me at least a little bit of the tension expected of a hostage!"Nami roared in anger."That big idiot Sanji gave up even his most cherished freedom for our sake!"At the mention of Sanji, Nami's expression immediately darkened, filled with both worry and self-reproach."That hopeless Perverted Cook... if he really stays in this hellhole for the rest of his life cooking for that old hag for our sake..."Nami bit her lip hard, her eyes turning a bit red."Gurgle—"Just as the atmosphere became sentimental, Chopper's stomach growled at an inappropriate time.Chopper looked at his hooves with a pitiful expression:"I'm so hungry... if only Sanji were here, he'd definitely make us super delicious seafood fried rice."Brook also nodded in deep agreement:"Although I don't have a stomach, hearing that sound makes me miss Mr. Sanji's cooking as well.""Eat, eat, eat! All you know is eating!"Nami glared at them fiercely."We are hostages whose lives are currently hanging by a thread!""That big idiot is probably hiding in some room right now secretly wiping away tears, yet you're actually thinking about his cooking!"Though she scolded them harshly, Nami's stomach also let out a very uncooperative "gurgle."Nami's face flushed, and she snapped her head away, loudly covering it up:"That... that was the sound of my clothes rubbing against the paper! It wasn't my stomach growling!"Chopper and Brook looked at the stubborn heroine and tacitly chose not to expose her.Nami looked at the cursed book pages and shook her head hard, the fire returning to her eyes....On the other side, the center of Totto Land.Inside the royal hall of Whole Cake Chateau.The hall was filled with a cloyingly sweet fragrance.Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin, was leaning comfortably on her massive throne.Her left hand held a strawberry Daifuku larger than a washbasin, while her right hand pinched a caramel Pudding, which she continuously stuffed into her giant mouth."Ma-ma-ma-ma! I'm in a fantastic mood today!"Big Mom let out a deafening laugh while chewing a mouthful of cream.Sanji's compromise made her feel that the perfect son-in-law with monster-level combat power was already a snack she had fully consumed.Below the dais, the leader of the Three Sweet Commanders, Katakuri, stood silently before the steps with his arms crossed.His signature wine-red scarf covered the lower half of his face, but his eyes, which were usually calm, now held a trace of uncontrollable worry.Katakuri took a slight step forward and knelt on one knee. His voice was steady as always, but his tone was solemn."Mama. I have something to say."Big Mom stopped eating and casually wiped the cream from the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand."What is it, Katakuri? Is there a problem with the external security?""No, the security is perfectly normal."Katakuri frowned. "I want to speak about those three hostages from the Straw Hat Pirates.""Oh? What about those little mice? I'm quite confident in Mont-dOr's work." Big Mom was indifferent.Katakuri looked up, meeting Big Mom's gaze directly."Mama, that man named Sanji has ridiculously high combat power.""More importantly, the cohesion of the Straw Hat Pirates is incredibly eerie.""Straw Hat Luffy is currently a rising star at the level of the Four Emperors. Taking his crew members as hostages to force his cook to marry into our family is no different from provoking two monsters at once."Katakuri paused, his tone becoming even heavier."If we accidentally cross the line with these lunatics, it could very well bring immense trouble to Totto Land.""Ma-ma-ma-ma!"After hearing this, Big Mom didn't reflect; instead, she burst into even louder laughter, nearly laughing until tears came to her eyes."Katakuri, oh Katakuri, you're usually just too steady, too cowardly!"Big Mom suddenly slammed the armrest of her throne, causing the entire hall to shake thrice."Who do you think I am? I am one of the Four Emperors who has ruled these seas for decades!""Would I really be afraid of a rubber monkey who just popped up?"Big Mom leaned forward, her terrifying aura pressing down. She lowered her voice, her tone full of calculation."Rest assured, I have no intention of going into an all-out war with the Straw Hat Pirates.""Those guys may be few, but they're all reckless lunatics. Fighting them to the death is a hassle I'd rather avoid."Katakuri was stunned: "Then why are you still...""Use your brain!"Big Mom tapped her temple with a thick finger, smiling like a cunning old fox."What I want is Germa's cloning technology and that monster Sanji's combat power.""As soon as tomorrow's Tea Party is over and Sanjiand Pudding have entered the bridal chamber, he'll be a son-in-law of my Charlotte Family.""Once the rice is cooked, it will be an established fact!"Big Mom grew more excited as she spoke, grabbing another piece of cake and stuffing it into her mouth."No matter how protective Straw Hat Luffy is, can he really be so unreasonable as to break up a loving family?""Once the goal is achieved, not only will I have gained a monster son-in-law for free, but I can also go with the flow and release those three little nobodies from the Book World completely unharmed.""At that time, even if Straw Hat Luffy is angry, seeing that his companions are safe and sound, he'll have no choice but to swallow his pride."Big Mom concluded proudly: "This is called winning without shedding blood, do you understand?"Katakuri listened to Big Mom's supposedly flawless plan, his brow furrowing into a knot.By conventional logic, Big Mom's calculation was indeed shrewd.Gaining a powerful fighter without a struggle while avoiding a full-scale clash between two Emperor crews.However, that was the Straw Hat Pirates!They were a group of idiots who couldn't be judged by common sense, who dared to make the whole world their enemy for the sake of a comrade!How could they possibly compromise?"But Mama..."Katakuri still wanted to persuade her."What if Straw Hat Luffy doesn't buy it at all and forcefully charges onto the island to take him back?""There are no 'what ifs'!"Big Mom's face suddenly dropped, her gaze frighteningly fierce."This is Totto Land! This is my territory!""Even if he really dares to come and act wild, I will let him know who the true overlord of these seas is!""Withdraw! Go and keep a death grip on the Tea Party's security!""If anything goes wrong tomorrow, I'll hold you responsible!"Katakuri sighed inwardly at Big Mom's unquestionable demeanor.He knew his mother too well.Once Big Mom made a decision, even nine oxen couldn't pull her back."I understand, Mama. I will ensure tomorrow's Tea Party is foolproof."Katakuri stood up, bowed slightly, and then turned to leave the hall.Walking out the castle gates, the cool night breeze blew against Katakuri's face, but it couldn't dispel the unease in his heart.He looked up at the moon, half-obscured by dark clouds.Mama felt the situation was settled and even fantasized about a peaceful conclusion.But Katakuri's Observation Haki, which could see into the future, although unable to see specific images of tomorrow, kept his sharp intuition screaming in alarm.He felt as if he could already see a superstorm capable of overturning all of Cake Island slowly taking shape in the darkness."I hope I'm just overthinking it."Katakuri whispered, then issued an unquestionable command to the Chess Soldiers guarding the entrance."Go and deliver my orders."Katakuri's gaze suddenly turned cold, filled with killing intent."Mobilize all of Totto Land's most elite armed forces and immediately set up defenses around the castle perimeter.""All high-ranking officers are to cancel their leave and stand by fully armed."Since his mother was underestimating the enemy, then as the most reliable man of the CharlotteFamily, he had to be fully prepared to face those monsters at any time.