After breakfast, Carl summoned the newly appointed Five Elders, including Akainu.
Inside the council chamber, Akainu brought up the matter of Shanks. By now, they were well aware of Shanks' connection to the Figarland family. Previously, they'd always turned a blind eye to the last remaining Emperor, but now that Shanks had successfully reached Laugh Tale and become the Pirate King in the eyes of the world, it was no longer possible to ignore him like before.
Akainu handed Carl a newspaper with Shanks' photo printed on it. Carl took it and gave it a glance.
On the cover, Shanks was grinning broadly, surrounded by his crew in what was clearly a staged shot.
Carl chuckled and commented,
"This guy sure knows how to smile."
Akainu raised a hand and brushed his buzzcut. Ever since becoming an Elder, he no longer wore the iconic white Marine cap every day, showing off his standard military-style crew cut. It made him look sharp and efficient.
"Saint Carl, he's made far too big of a splash this time. We should call him back soon. Otherwise, I'm afraid some fools might start getting funny ideas again."
Carl tossed the paper onto the table and began tapping its surface with his fingers. The five stood behind him, awaiting his decision.
After a while, Carl said,
"No need to worry. He'll be back soon enough. In the meantime, notify the World Economic Journal to send more reporters. I'm really looking forward to the world's reaction when they find out that this so-called Pirate King is actually a Celestial Dragon—one of the Figarland family."
Borsalino pursed his lips and said in his usual singsong tone,
"~ As expected of the Figarland family~"
Aokiji rubbed his chin thoughtfully and murmured,
"Ah la la... another world-shaking incident..."
Aramaki clenched his fists, face full of fanatic fervor.
"As expected of Saint Carl's younger brother. Praise the great Figarland family!"
Kuma said quietly,
"Should I go bring him back? That might speed things up."
Carl shook his head.
"No need. That guy's not a kid who needs someone to walk him home."
Then, after thinking for a moment, he changed the subject.
"How's the takeover of the Emperors' territories going?"
Akainu responded immediately,
"We've already stationed troops and established branches in all regions. The territory of Red-Haired Shanks was secured smoothly. It seems his pirates received his permission and are cooperating with the Marines. There's only one exception—a dwarf named Pururu keeps shouting about wanting to find Shanks."
Carl's interest was piqued.
"Pururu? Sounds like a woman?"
"Yes, a member of the Tontatta Tribe. Her crew calls her 'Princess.'"
"Tontatta? Hm... not as impressive as the giants. Never mind."
Akainu was a bit baffled by Carl's random comment but didn't dwell on it and continued.
"As for Big Mom's former territory—it's now been officially renamed the Whole Cake Islands and has joined as a member of the World Government. The new queen is her daughter, Charlotte Galette, nicknamed the Butter Queen."
"Butter Queen... who came up with that title?"
Akainu paused, then replied,
"They submitted it themselves."
Akainu went on with his report.
"The Charlotte family turned out to be more obedient than expected. They haven't shown any intent of seeking revenge for Charlotte Linlin. Without her, they're now fully focused on the dessert industry and have even opened several islands for outside tourism. It's the most successful transformation we've seen. I think we can hold them up as a model case."
Carl smiled.
"Is that so? Then have the press promote them heavily. I didn't expect Galette to be this capable. Looks like giving her the Whole Cake was the right call."
As he said that, Carl recalled the time he "attended" Teach and Chiffon's wedding on Whole Cake Island disguised as a bodyguard. Galette had been the one assigned to receive him by the Charlotte family.
If a war hadn't broken out shortly after, perhaps they might have gotten to know each other better...
The memory made Carl suddenly consider visiting the Whole Cake. With his power, going anywhere was just a thought away.
After exchanging a few more words with Akainu and the others, Carl activated his ability and disappeared from the room in an instant.
...
Whole Cake.
Inside a pink, cake-shaped castle, after the ministers finished their reports, Butter Queen Galette dismissed them and lazily slumped onto a plush sofa. The flowing burgundy skirt of her gown spread around her like a blooming purple rose.
This castle had once been Big Mom's residence. After her death, it was renovated and no longer looked so gloomy. Sunlight poured through the skylight as Galette stretched, letting out a soft moan of comfort.
Just then, a sharp voice rang out.
"Galette!!"
Startled, Galette instinctively sat up straight. But when she saw it was Poire rushing in, she relaxed again.
She gave the energetic girl a helpless glance and rubbed her forehead.
"Poire, how many times do I have to tell you? Stop barging in like that."
Poire giggled and clearly didn't take the scolding seriously. She ran up to Galette and shouted,
"Galette, I just got a call from Brûlée!"
"Brûlée?"
Galette sat up abruptly, eyes wide.
"What did she say? Is she and Katakuri doing okay?"
Poire nodded hard.
"They're doing great! And Brûlée told me some explosive news!"
"What news?"
"The Red-Haired Pirates are disbanding!! Katakuri is preparing to return with Brûlée!"
"Nani!?"
Galette's eyes went wide in shock, and she jumped off the sofa.
"They're disbanding? Just like that?"
Wearing black high heels with red soles, Galette paced back and forth, muttering to herself,
"Could it be... his will?"
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+140 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg