The sea roared and surged, waves churning into a wild frenzy. Amidst the turbulent waters, flames soared, thunder roared, and sword energy crisscrossed, with spiritual pressure raging unchecked.
Unbeknownst to those involved, the fierce battle had already lasted a day and a night.
Above the waters of Totto Land, a candy-themed ship was drifting with the waves. This medium-sized twin-masted vessel, with white-striped sails bearing the insignia "DY (Candy)," belonged to the eldest son of the Charlotte family, the "Candy" ship.
On the deck of the Candy, a group of Charlotte family offspring gathered silently, watching the relentless battle in the sky.
"Has Mama still not defeated the White Ghost?"
The speaker stood on the edge of the crowd. He was a tall, lanky young man with long limbs, wearing a dark jumpsuit adorned with a white skeleton pattern.
This was Charlotte Mont-d'Or, the family's "Scribe," a user of the Paramecia-type Book-Book Fruit.
Gazing up at the sky, Charlotte Mont-d'Or's eyes were filled with confusion.
To most of the residents of Totto Land, BIG MOM was invincible!
Mont-d'Or firmly believed this, even considering the legendary figures recorded in ancient books to be at best comparable to Mama.
The question drew a silent response from those around him.
The White Ghost was different from others.
Even Charlotte Katakuri couldn't deny this.
As a notorious criminal who had repeatedly killed members of the Charlotte family and caused havoc on Totto Land, the White Ghost had never been defeated by BIG MOM.
Even though he couldn't defeat her either, maintaining an undefeated record against the Queen of Totto Land, Charlotte Linlin, was itself proof of his strength!
"Mont-d'Or! Don't disturb everyone's concentration! If you're tired, go and rest properly!"
Charlotte Katakuri's cold voice, carried by the sea breeze, reached the ears of every Charlotte family member on deck.
Since the mysterious disappearance of his younger brothers Charlotte Daifuku and Charlotte Oven during the fun-filled festival at the Sinoxia Kingdom, confirmed dead through their Vivre Cards, subtle changes had started to appear in Katakuri's personality.
Though still seen as the perfect and strong older brother by the Charlotte family, no one could fathom the changes within him.
Only through his daily actions could they sense that something about their perfect brother had altered.
Charlotte Mont-d'Or hesitated for a moment, then finally asked, "Katakuri-nii, how is the battle between Mama and that... White Ghost going?"
Katakuri, still gazing at the sky, remained silent for a while before slowly responding.
"The White Ghost's strength has become even more terrifying than it was a year ago."
A year ago, the White Ghost had wreaked havoc in Totto Land.
The first time, he destroyed half of Cake Island.
The second time, he nearly killed Charlotte Perospero.
The third time, he completely destroyed Fruit Island and successfully killed the eldest daughter of the Charlotte family, Charlotte Compote.
It was hard to imagine the level of power this White Ghost, who already possessed such terrifying strength a year ago, had reached now.
"Katakuri-nii, what should we do?"
A slightly panicked voice asked.
Katakuri didn't try to identify which sibling had spoken. He remained statue-like, his voice cold and indifferent.
"The weak can do nothing."
...
In the sky, the battle continued unabated.
Charlotte Linlin swung her Emperor Sword, Napoleon, once again, blocking an ethereal energy blast from the White Thousand-Handed Buddha.
The eyes of Thundercloud Zeus and Sun Prometheus were filled with trepidation as they gazed at the imposing white Thousand-Hand Buddha.
Whether it was ghostly energy or spiritual pressure, both had the power to harm the Homies.
"White Ghost."
Charlotte Linlin, unusually calm, looked seriously at Adrian.
"Your strength has truly earned my respect."
After a day and night of battle, Charlotte Linlin had come to understand one thing.
This young man, who once could only rely on his abilities to constantly evade and flee from her, had indeed touched the threshold of their level.
Even though she still had plenty of stamina and could fight for another three days and nights without any problem.
The real issue, however, was that even if they fought for three more days and nights, the battle wouldn't yield any substantive results.
From the very beginning, White Ghost had used his elusive escape tactics to drag the battle out.
Fight or flee, it was all up to his whim. In terms of mobility, he was almost unparalleled!
To completely kill the White Ghost, his mobility and agility had to be firmly restricted!
But relying solely on herself, Charlotte Linlin couldn't achieve that.
BIG MOM saw this with utmost clarity.
Unless…
Adrian noticed Charlotte Linlin's intention to cease fighting and restrained his urge to continue attacking with the Thousand-Hand Buddha.
Although it was hard to believe that this madwoman could be so calm, even when facing an enemy who had killed her offspring, she still spoke these words calmly.
But on reflection, no true brute would ever sit on the throne of an Emperor of the Sea!
Even Kaido of the Beasts, who appeared to be the number one brute of the sea, constantly shouting 'Kill me,' 'I want to die,' was still a cunning pirate at heart.
"Leave Totto Land, or fight to the death."
The Queen of Totto Land issued her final ultimatum.
Adrian rolled his eyes inwardly.
As if we're not already fighting to the death!
Moreover…
With your massive Totto Land and the numerous members of the BIG MOM Pirates, where do you get the confidence to play this game of life and death with a lone wolf like me?
Adrian ignored Charlotte Linlin's threat and resumed his attack with the Thousand-Hand Buddha, launching a new round of bombardment against her.
As the sun set and rose again, the battle continued for another two days and nights.
When the third day arrived, Adrian punctually concluded the fight, with a wave and smirk on his face.
An enraged Charlotte Linlin, unable to vent her fury, turned her wrath upon the rest of Totto Land, causing widespread lamentation.
In the dark depths of the sea, the Abyss wrapped in Yarukiman Mangrove bubbles slowly advanced.
In the luxurious captain's cabin on the top deck.
Adrian, alone, began to settle the challenge task from Charlotte Linlin.
[S-level Challenge Task "Queen of Totto Land" Completed!]
[You have gained 2.32 billion experience points!]
"The experience points haven't been reduced at all. This means the reward pool for S-level challenge tasks refreshes once a year."
Adrian's expression relaxed, feeling reassured.
"I wonder if I'll get something good this time…"
[You have received a reward: Randomly draw an enemy's skill or Expertise]
[Note: Due to the significant difference in physique and abilities between the host and Charlotte Linlin, some selectable skills have been automatically adjusted]
[Drawing in progress… Drawing complete]
[Please choose one of the following five abilities as your reward:]
[1. Conqueror's Haki – Skill: Details omitted]
[2. Cellular Vitality – Expertise: Your cells have extremely long lifespans, highly active, granting immense vitality. Health +150%, reproductive capability greatly enhanced]
[3. Monster Strength – Skill: Enhances physical constitution and cellular strength, temporarily increases strength attribute by 400]
[4. Haki Frenzy – Skill: Temporarily increases Haki attack damage by 120%, consumption by 50%]
[5. Gluttony – Skill: Temporarily consume a large amount of food, health recovery rate +500% to 600%. Note: Only applies to sweets]