Compared to the two, Dressrosa's happiness level was significantly lower.
It couldn't be helped.
Ever since Doflamingo arrived on this island, a shadow of tragedy had loomed beneath this seemingly prosperous nation.
Now, after finally overcoming the catastrophe, much remains to be done. Many citizens, once reduced to mere toys, have only just returned to their families.
Without the burden of the Heavenly Tribute, life would naturally improve—so long as war didn't return.
Besides that...
Shano glanced at the coffee table, where several heavy treasure chests lay stacked. These were the promised Heavenly Tribute compensations from the World Government.
Dressrosa's share had already been handed over to King Riku.
The old man had been tirelessly working day and night, leading Kyros and others to distribute the compensation to those persecuted. He was clearly worn out.
What remained—three billion berries—belonged to him.
This was the seed fund for the future operation and construction of their base camp.
"Base camp..."
Shano looked again at the parchment map.
In this vast New World, only seven or eight islands had been explored, and just three were under his control, declared as their own territory.
Most of the region remained a fog-covered, war-torn mystery—divided by the Four Emperors and some infamous pirates.
Powerful forces on all sides.
So...
Where should the base camp be established?
His gaze grew deeper.
Outside the window,
The night wind howled through Dressrosa, whistling past the flags of the Fallen. Their shadows stretched and danced under the moonlight.
Like the swords embroidered on their banners, they pierced the distant darkness inch by inch...
New World — Totland
"Oh Mama Mama~"
A sweet, eerie song echoed through the Cake Castle.
BIG MOM sat on her throne, her massive stomach resting on the long table, cramming cream cake into her mouth with both hands, laughing as she ate.
"Mmmmmm! Delicious!"
She licked her fingers and glanced down at her children.
"Hey! The tea party's in half a month, right? Have all the invitations been sent?"
"They've all been sent, Mom,"
Replied Charlotte Compote, the eldest daughter, respectfully. "All the major forces of the New World, the underworld emperors, and even a representative from the Beasts Pirates will attend as planned."
"Just a representative, huh... That Kaido brat rejected me again, didn't he?"
"Yes... yes, Mom."
Cold sweat formed on Compote's forehead. "He's turned you down many times now... this time too."
"Hmph! After all these years, still doesn't want to see me? Ungrateful bastard!"
BIG MOM snorted, but then grinned again.
"No matter! The old leaves, the new arrives. Fortunately, this time we've got a guest prestigious enough to carry this tea party. Mmmmm!"
She turned to another child.
"All thanks to you, Katakuri!"
Katakuri bowed slightly, replying in a deep voice, "For the family, Mom. It's only right."
"If only your brothers and sisters were more like you!"
BIG MOM nodded in satisfaction, then sighed.
"Too bad that brat wasn't interested in Smoothie. Otherwise, we'd have gained another incredible warrior in the family and locked down our status as the strongest pirate force in the New World."
Smoothie, leaning against a pillar and sipping red wine, froze when she heard this. She turned away, lips curling.
—Hmph, that man... If she hadn't been unable to beat him, she would've knocked him out and dragged him home long ago!
BIG MOM didn't notice Smoothie's look. Her eyes rolled, struck by a new idea.
"Hey, Katakuri! Spread the word. Double the size of the tea party! I want that upstart brat to see the true power of a Four Emperor!"
She stood abruptly, grinning.
"And have Galette, Myukuru, and Pudding all ready to entertain Shano at the castle. I don't believe not a single one of my beautiful daughters can charm him!"
If Shano became her son-in-law, the Charlotte family could surpass even the Beasts and Whitebeard Pirates.
The temptation was simply too great. Even the slimmest chance was worth seizing.
"Forget Pudding, Mom."
Katakuri frowned slightly. "She's too young. Lola's home though—she could substitute..."
"Lola? Are you serious?"
BIG MOM glared. "Katakuri! You really think Shano would be interested in her?"
Why not?
Katakuri was puzzled. Lola was the right age, gentle and considerate. What was wrong with her?
As for looks... he couldn't tell. In his eyes, all his sisters were cute.
"Yes, Mom! We'll arrange it!"
The other children quickly cut him off and responded in unison.
BIG MOM sat back down and stuffed more cake into her mouth, mumbling through full cheeks, "Shano, Shano... Mmm... I hope you don't disappoint me..."
Across the New World
News of BIG MOM's tea party spread like wildfire.
Unlike previous years, this event stirred immense interest because of one bombshell detail released by Totland—
"BIG MOM invited Shano!"
"Seriously? The same guy who just defeated a Navy Admiral?!"
"Who else could it be! We've got an invitation too. I can finally see this guy with my own eyes!"
...
Pleasure Street
"Yes, I understand."
Stussy, dressed in white, smiled into her transponder snail. "Don't worry, I'll attend the tea party. If there really is some private deal between Linlin and that boy, I won't miss it."
She hung up.
"Shano, huh?"
She whispered to herself. "Perfect. Besides the World Government, he is also very interested in you. I might as well help him investigate."
Queen of Pleasure Street, Charlotte Linlin's best friend.
A hidden top CP0 agent.
And even more...
Stussy smiled in the mirror, reapplied her lipstick, then stepped gracefully into the carriage waiting outside.
World Economic News Agency Headquarters
Morgans was floating in the air, buried in green banknotes. Opening his eyes, he roared with laughter.
"What? You're asking if I'm going to the tea party? Of course I am!"
"Look at this! Last year's revenue doubled! How could I not go meet the man behind it all!"
From north to south, east to west,
All eyes in the New World were now focused on a single name.
Shano.
The man who defeated a Navy Admiral head-on, held a bounty of 2.86 billion berries, and forced the World Government to compromise.
He was now entering Totland as a VIP guest—invited by BIG MOM herself.
This tea party was no longer just another social event.
It was the calm before the storm that would shake the entire New World.
The Four Emperors, the Navy, the underworld, and ambitious rising stars—every eye was fixed on Cake Island.
Waiting for the tea party to begin.
Waiting for Shano to appear.
Three Days Later
The new year had arrived. The festive atmosphere in Dressrosa was gradually fading.
Having rested, the Enders once again set sail toward the deeper waters of the New World.
Golden morning light bathed Dressrosa's harbor.
On the Enders' deck, Shano stood at the bow, watching the fading silhouette of the kingdom, the waving people, and the endless sunflower fields.
"What a beautiful place, Captain."
Xiong spoke softly behind him. "King Riku, Princess Violet, and the others... they're all good people. With Rebecca and Mansherry as playmates, I feel comfortable leaving Bonnie here."
"Yeah."
A hot pink-haired beauty chimed in with hands on her hips, "Everyone's so, so nice. I cried the last two days—I didn't want to leave."
"Me too..."
Xiong turned, smiling—until he saw the pink-haired girl.
"Bonnie?!"
His eyes popped. "I thought that was Nojiko or Nami! Why are you on the ship? Didn't I ask you to stay in Dressrosa?!"
"Nope~ Nope!"
Bonnie stuck out her tongue, then transformed back into her child form and hid behind Shano.
"Xiong Xiong, you always try to leave me behind. Not this time!"
"You—!"
Xiong clenched his fists, but with Shano there, he couldn't yell. He took a deep breath.
"Bonnie, be reasonable. The deeper we go into the New World, the more dangerous it is. Dressrosa is safe. King Riku promised to take good care of you, and—"
"And what?"
Bonnie peeked from behind Shano's knees.
"I just reunited with you—I'm not leaving now! And if it's dangerous, why would I not go with you? It's safer with Shano around! He beat a Navy Admiral!"
As for playmates?
Mansherry was nice, but everyone on this ship was fun too! There was a gentle, beautiful older sister, a chef who spoiled her, adorable pets, and Nami, who liked the same things she did!
She wasn't going anywhere!
"..."
Xiong was speechless.
He looked to Shano, hoping for help—but Shano just watched with a smile, arms crossed.
"Captain..."
He started, but Shano raised a hand.
"It's fine, Xiong."
He rubbed Bonnie's head.
"She came aboard on her own. Let her stay. We'll need her around."
"But—"
"No buts," Shano said calmly. "She's smart. As long as we keep her away from battle, she'll be fine."
Then his voice turned serious.
"You're one of my crew now. I decide these things."
Xiong was silenced.
He looked around. Everyone was watching with amusement. Bonnie looked smug.
Finally, he sighed.
"Xiong~"
Bonnie hugged him. "Don't be mad. I swear I won't cause trouble!"
"You…"
Xiong rubbed his temple. "I really can't deal with you."
But a trace of relief flashed in his eyes.
She was growing up.
She knew how to care for herself.
"So you agree?"
"Yes," Xiong nodded. "But no fighting—Shano's orders."
"Yay!!"
Bonnie cheered and high-fived Nami. "Boarding Operation PLAN A: Success!"
Did they have other plans too?
Robin, reading nearby, smiled faintly. "Bonnie, your ability... you can change not just yourself, but others too?"
"Yup!"
Bonnie puffed out her chest. "I've been practicing! Wanna see, big sis?"
She tapped Nami's knee.
Snap!
A flash of pink, and Nami grew taller, more mature.
"Whoa!!!"
Nami gasped. "Brother, look! I'm just like Sister Robin now!"
Shano gave her a glare.
She clutched her head.
Shano rested his chin in thought.
She's grown so tall...
Well-fed, carefree, not having to run for her life like in the old timeline...
That explained a lot.
"I'm amazing, right?" Bonnie beamed. "Big sis Robin, you wanna try?"
Robin closed her book. "Sure."
Bonnie touched her arm.
A pink light enveloped Robin. Her figure shrank, skin smoothed...
She turned eighteen again.
She looked at her hands—at her face. Her voice softened.
"This feels..."
Robin whispered. Her tone was lighter, gentler.
Bonnie grinned. "Pretty cool, huh? I call this move... Rejuvenation!"
Robin didn't answer right away. She glanced at Shano, eyes thoughtful.
Eighteen...
Her most helpless age. Alone in a cruel world, surrounded by betrayal and fear.
But now, standing here—on this deck, with friends and a future—
Why did she feel regret?
"Turn me back, Bonnie," she said gently. "I'm more comfortable as I am."
"Tch, hypocritical," Smoker scoffed from nearby. "You get young again and act all modest."
Robin narrowed her eyes.
Boom!
A giant arm slammed him into the sea.
"Help... I can't swim!!"
No one moved.
Shano sighed and kicked awake the ship's lifeguard, Ah Yin.