"You're saying we arrived too late? What do you mean, Neptune? Did someone else beat us to it?"
"Red Hair and his crew don't seem like the type to do something like this. Could it be Kaido?"
Inside Ryugu Palace, Baron Tamago and his partner Pekoms stood in the grand hall, looking up and questioning Neptune on the throne.
Baron Tamago, with his long, slender legs and a cane in hand, adjusted his sunglasses, a look of dissatisfaction on his face.
The whole world was paying attention to the war between Whitebeard and the Marines, and their pirate crew was no exception.
Although Linlin had no interest in interfering with the war, she heavily coveted Whitebeard's territories. As soon as she received the results of the war, she immediately ordered her forces to seize various domains.
Tamago and Pekoms happened to be running errands on a nearby island, so they received the notice to come to Fish-Man Island.
"Since we're here, it won't be easy to explain if we go back without getting this done. All you have to do is open a few candy factories and pay tribute on time and in full every month to receive Mama's protection."
"This shouldn't be too difficult for you. I hope you won't make things difficult for us either, Neptune. If you don't replace Whitebeard's flag with Mama's today, don't blame us for getting rough."
Baron Tamago spoke in a low voice, his tone laced with a hint of warning.
However, Neptune still did not state whether he accepted or refused, merely deflecting, "You're asking for too much. Opening that many candy factories would severely impact the lives of Fish-Man Island's residents. Besides, I already told you, I am no longer the sole decision-maker for Fish-Man Island."
"While I don't wish to offend Big Mom, agreeing to your terms would equally bring trouble to Fish-Man Island."
Seeing Neptune's resolute attitude, Baron Tamago and Pekoms frowned slightly. They exchanged a glance before asking again, "I don't know what you're worried about. As we said, as long as you agree, you'll have Mama's protection. Who else in this sea would dare offend us?"
"..."
Neptune fell silent. Compared to a Warlord of the Sea, the Four Emperors were naturally the larger and stronger faction; otherwise, they wouldn't be called the emperors of the sea.
But regardless of who was stronger or weaker, Fish-Man Island couldn't afford to offend either of them.
Under these circumstances, the only thing he could do was protect himself by staying out of it, letting Allen and Big Mom resolve the conflict themselves. Only then could Fish-Man Island avoid being dragged into the crossfire.
Thus, Neptune prepared to reveal everything that had happened over the past two days.
Just then, several figures barged in through the hall's entrance.
"Stop throwing your weight around. There are plenty of people in this sea who dare to offend you."
"Who's there?!"
Hearing the voice behind them, Baron Tamago and Pekoms quickly turned around, only to see Allen marching in aggressively with his crew's officers.
"Father!"
"Are you alright, Father?!"
As soon as Fukaboshi and his two brothers entered the hall, they anxiously rushed up to the throne to Neptune's side.
Allen stopped in front of Baron Tamago and Pekoms. Looking at the broken eggshell-shaped pants around Tamago's waist, he mocked, "Fish-Man Island is my territory now. Crawl back to wherever you came from, diaper man."
"..."
Veins popped on Baron Tamago's forehead at those words. He unconsciously tightened his grip on his cane and growled, "This is an egg, not a diaper! Also, you're speaking far too arrogantly, brat."
"I see. So you're the ones who beat us to Fish-Man Island. No wonder Neptune was put in a difficult position. To think it was a Warlord of the Sea."
Pekoms spoke in a deep voice, instantly recognizing Allen's identity.
Hearing this, Baron Tamago instinctively glanced back at his partner, then looked at Allen again, his gaze growing slightly more serious.
"So you're Demon Lion Allen. We are here under Mama's orders to take over Fish-Man Island. Surely you don't intend to oppose us."
"Even as a Warlord of the Sea, you should know who the true rulers of this sea are. Provoking one of the Four Emperors is not a wise choice."
Baron Tamago warned Allen with a cold glare, slightly drawing the hidden blade from his cane, its cold gleam flashing.
Beside him, Pekoms also assumed a battle-ready stance.
In the corners of the room, the fish-man guards swallowed hard. By the throne, Neptune and the three princes stared intently at the two opposing sides.
The atmosphere in the hall instantly turned freezing cold, as if a battle could break out at any second.
"What a pain. Isn't it a bit too early to clash with the Four Emperors?"
Sanji stepped forward, a cigarette clamped between his lips, and said calmly, "Well, I don't mind fighting if it comes down to it. What's the word, Captain?"
"The subordinates of an Emperor must be pretty strong. I'd quite like to test them out myself."
Gin stepped forward, wielding his dual tonfas. His eyes burned with an intense desire for battle.
Allen stared coldly at Baron Tamago. After a moment of silence, the corners of his mouth suddenly curled up. "Then take them out."
"Just what I had in mind!"
Swish! Swish!
As soon as Allen's words fell, Sanji and Gin dashed forward. Baron Tamago and Pekoms also exploded into action in an instant!
Baron Tamago swept his sword out in a chilling horizontal slash. After Sanji leaned back to dodge it, Tamago pivoted on his foot, spun half a circle, and utilized the advantage of his Longleg Tribe heritage to unleash a vicious whip kick!
Bang!
Sanji planted his hands on the ground and kicked upward from a handstand, skillfully deflecting the attack.
Then, he spread his legs, shifted his hands, and twisted his body to spin like a top, unleashing a barrage of kicks like a propeller!
"Mouton Carousel!!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Baron Tamago raised his arms to block, being forced back repeatedly by Sanji's kicks. The powerful strikes seemed to exceed his expectations, causing his expression to tighten.
"To think there's a human so skilled in kicking techniques. What a rare sight."
"Heh, the world is a big place. There are plenty of things you haven't seen yet."
Sanji sneered coldly. Pushing off the ground with his hands, he flipped into the air, spun several times, and used the centrifugal force to deliver a violent, sweeping kick!
"Veau Shoot!!"
Baron Tamago's eyes darkened as a pitch-black hue suddenly coated his chest.
Bang!!
The heavy, powerful kick slammed into his chest with a muffled thud. After sliding back several meters with his feet plowing through the ground, Baron Tamago came to a steady halt, much to Sanji's astonishment.
"Don't get too full of yourself, brat. This level of strength might be decent in the first half of the Grand Line, but unfortunately, the intensity of the New World is far more brutal than you imagine."
"So he's mastered Armament Haki."
Sanji's eyes grew a bit more serious as he asked, "I'm quite curious. What rank does your level of strength hold under an Emperor?"
"Rank, you ask?"
Baron Tamago leaned on his cane sword with one hand, while the other pulled out a cup of black tea from seemingly nowhere. He took an elegant sip and feigned profundity. "I am but a nameless pawn. A mere bounty of 429 million Berries is nothing worth mentioning."
"A mere 429 million? You're clearly quite proud of it..."
Veins popped on Sanji's forehead as he gritted his teeth, unable to hold back his retort.
What was wrong with this world if a pervert wearing a diaper on the outside had a bounty of over 400 million?
But then again...
"If you have a bounty of 400 million Berries, your strength shouldn't be limited to just this, right?"
"Of course not. I simply didn't think it was necessary to go all out against you. But since you wish to see it..."
Baron Tamago pinched his bouncy mustache and twirled his sword with one hand.
Then, under everyone's astonished gazes, he aimed the tip of the sword at his own stomach and violently stabbed it in!
Squelch!
Blood splattered.
"Hey! Are you crazy?!"
"He actually mutilated himself! What is this guy doing?!"
Sanji and the others shouted in shock. Even Allen was momentarily stunned.
"When I said I was a nameless pawn, I was actually lying."
Blood trickled from the corner of Baron Tamago's mouth. He sneered at Sanji and said, "Within the Big Mom Pirates, the ranks directly below Mama are the Four Sweet Commanders, who represent the 'Rooks', followed by the Sweet Ministers, who represent the 'Knights'."
"Those who hold these titles are almost entirely Mama's biological children. Only a very small number of people outside the Charlotte Family can attain the rank of Knight."
"And I am one of those few who successfully became a Knight, relying on the power of the Zoan-type Egg-Egg Fruit."
As he spoke, Baron Tamago's body gradually began to change. His pink gentleman's suit faded away, revealing yellow feathers over his body. His hands turned into wings, and his entire person transformed into the appearance of a giant humanoid yellow chick.
"This is the power of the Zoan-type Egg-Egg Fruit. It allows me to trigger an evolution under specific conditions, such as sustaining a severe injury, granting me a massive all-around enhancement in abilities!"
Baron Tamago looked composed. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then placed it on his head, where it transformed into a hat. Pointing his sword straight at Sanji, he shouted, "Viscount Hiyoko! At your service!"
"So that was your hat all along!!"
Sanji rolled his eyes and glared at him, baring his teeth as he yelled his retort, his focus entirely on the opponent's hat.
Baron Tamago glared back and cursed, "Forget about the hat, you idiot! The point is my transformation, okay?!"
"Tch, you just grew some extra feathers."
Sanji scoffed dismissively. He leaped forward and charged, "Whether you turn into a chick or a hen, in front of a chef, you're nothing but ingredients waiting to be slaughtered!"
"Then come and try, you foolish rookie!"
Viscount Hiyoko shouted, kicking out his long leg to meet the attack.
Bang!!
The two kicks clashed in midair, generating a fierce gust of wind.
Sanji's expression changed. Feeling the force transmitted through his leg, his eyes immediately darkened. He finally understood why his opponent had a bounty of 429 million Berries.
"This boost in strength is ridiculous. To think this level is only a Knight. I can't even imagine how strong those so-called Four Sweet Commanders must be."
"Hehe, this is nothing. If you perform well enough, you might even get the chance to witness my Count Niwatori form."
Viscount Hiyoko spoke in a mocking tone. He suddenly exerted force in his leg, sending Sanji flying backward.
Sanji flipped in the air to stabilize himself and landed firmly on his feet. He then looked at his opponent with a solemn gaze.
"There's an even stronger form...? Looks like I'll have to show some real strength. In that case..."
"Diable Jambe!!"
Sanji shouted in a low voice, raising his right leg. His body spun at high speed on the spot, the intense air friction igniting his right leg with a blazing, fiery glow.
Seeing this, Baron Tamago couldn't help but frown.
"It caught fire? Is this some kind of ability?"
"An ability? This is nothing more than the burning passion in my heart overflowing."
Sanji stopped spinning, the corners of his mouth curling up as he tapped the ground continuously with his toes, accelerating forward!
"Shave!!"
A few clusters of flames ignited in the air—the trail left by Sanji's high-speed movement. He appeared in front of Baron Tamago in a flash of lightning, delivering a fierce kick radiating crimson fire!
"Diable Jambe: Deuxième Collier!!"
"So fast!"
Baron Tamago's eyes widened in shock. He hastily crossed his wings in front of him to block.
Bang!!
The scorching flames burst and splattered, burning his feathers and emitting a pungent smell. The terrifying heat pierced through his flesh and scorched his bones.
"This bastard! What bullshit passion! How could a human's leg spontaneously catch fire?!"
Baron Tamago's face twisted in anger. With a shout, he exerted force and flapped his wings, blowing Sanji away. Then, he spread his wings and leaped into the air.
"Hiyoko Top: Mincemeat Cutter!!"
Baron Tamago roared, his body spinning at high speed as he dashed forward, carrying a whirlwind beneath his feet.
Sanji's eyes narrowed. He bent his legs and unleashed a barrage of flaming kicks at blinding speed!
"Diable Jambe: Poêle à Frire!!"
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The continuous kicks rained down like a torrential storm, constantly clashing with Baron Tamago's high-speed blade strikes, erupting in waves of high-temperature shockwaves mixed with flames!
While the two were locked in an inextricable battle, on the other side, Gin and Pekoms were also engaged in a fierce struggle.
"Bone Hammer Burst!!"
Gin shouted with a ferocious expression. His dual tonfas spun at high speed before he struck out with immense centrifugal force.
Facing this powerful attack capable of shattering steel, Pekoms remained completely calm. He quickly retracted his limbs and head into his sleeves and collar.
His clothes fell away, revealing a hard turtle shell that took Gin's powerful strike head-on!
Clang!!
Boom!!
Accompanied by a massive sound, the heavy hammer struck the turtle shell, sending it flying. It spun at high speed and smashed into the steps beneath the throne.
Instantly, rubble flew everywhere, and thick dust billowed into the air.
The turtle shell bounced up from the ground, and Pekoms's limbs and head popped out from inside. He appeared completely unscathed.
"A very powerful attack. But unfortunately, I am a user of the Zoan-type Turtle-Turtle Fruit."
The turtle shell on Pekoms's back gleamed as he spoke calmly, "The hardness of my shell is comparable to diamond. Your attacks cannot hurt me."
"By the way, my bounty is 330 million Berries. Even among Mama's ranks, which are filled with experts, I am quite a well-known officer."
Pekoms adjusted his sunglasses and spoke with a hint of pride.
"Is that so? That means as long as I defeat you, my reputation will go up quite a bit too, right?"
There wasn't a trace of fear in Gin's eyes; instead, they grew increasingly fanatical. The corners of his mouth curled up with interest. "Last time it was steel, and this time it's diamond. What a coincidence—shattering hard things is exactly what I do best."
With that, Gin gritted his teeth and let out a shout. His muscles bulged, and his body began to grow larger at a visible rate.
"Let me test it out and see if that broken shell of yours is really as hard as diamond."
"He got bigger?"
Watching Gin continuously grow in size, Pekoms frowned in confusion and muttered, "Is this your ability? Every single one of you is like a monster."