Whole Cake Island — Big Mom Pirates' Castle
"Hmm… Baron Eggy should've arrived by now. I do hope Kaito comes soon," Charlotte Linlin murmured, a twisted smile curling across her crimson lips as she devoured another massive piece of cake.
That smile — grotesque and terrifying.
"Don't worry, Mama," said Perospero, licking his long tongue with a smirk. "With the offer you made, there's no way Kaito would refuse."
"Well then," Linlin hummed. "Make sure everything is prepared. When Baron Eggy brings Kaito back, we'll hold a grand banquet in his honor."
"Everything's ready, Mama! The preparations match your tea party standards perfectly."
"Good. Such a shame the tea party isn't for another half year. I would've made him the guest of honor." Her voice carried a mockery of disappointment.
Suddenly, a pale, trembling figure rushed into the room. "M-Mama! Bad news! Baron's life paper just burned out!"
The voice belonged to Charlotte Delcher, Linlin's forty-fifth child.
The moment he spoke, Linlin froze — then roared.
Layers of makeup and powder cracked and fell from her face as her fury erupted like a storm. "Who dares… who dares kill one of MY children?!"
"Mama, calm down," Perospero said quickly. "Think about it — the only one who could've done this is Kaito."
Linlin's eyes gleamed with unrestrained hatred. "That brat… killing Jack wasn't enough for him? Now he's killed Baron too?!"
The temperature dropped sharply. The once warm castle air turned icy, frost forming on the windows. Even Delcher couldn't stop shivering.
"Mama's angry…" Perospero whispered.
"What should we do?" another sibling asked nervously.
"No need to rush," Linlin growled. "Kaido should be after him right now. If Kaito can survive that monster… then we'll talk."
Her tone dripped venom — a demonic promise more terrifying than any scream.
"Yes, Mama. I'll keep watch."
---
East Blue — Loguetown
The noise in the bustling casino was deafening. Cheers, curses, and laughter filled the smoky air.
At the center of the commotion, a crowd had gathered around one man — their attention locked on him like moths to a flame.
A middle-aged man in a purple kimono, with a cross-shaped scar on his forehead and wooden clogs on his feet, sat calmly at a table, holding a bamboo cane.
It was Issho — the man Kaito sought. The future Admiral Fujitora.
"Ladies and gentlemen, place your bets!" called the dealer with forced enthusiasm. His face was tight with irritation. The man before him had already won nearly a hundred million Berries — an entire year's profit for the casino.
Issho smiled softly, his blind eyes untroubled. Observation Haki rippled subtly around him. "Let's see… I'll bet on big."
He pushed a towering stack of chips forward.
The dealer's expression darkened. He already knew what the dice would show — four, five, six. Definitely big.
But if Issho won again, the casino would be ruined.
Clenching his teeth, the dealer secretly pressed a switch under the table. A faint clicking noise came from within the dice cup.
Heh, not today, old man, he thought smugly.
Issho's ear twitched. He had heard it clearly.
But he simply sighed. Cheating, is it? Ah well. I've won enough to drink for a year.
The dealer lifted the cup dramatically. "One, two, three! Small!" he shouted triumphantly, sweeping Issho's chips away.
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"Ah, tough luck!"
"Knew he'd lose it all eventually."
"Serves him right — greed never pays."
Issho chuckled softly and stood up, taking only three small chips that remained. He made his way toward the exit.
"Exchange these for cash, please," he said politely at the counter.
"Yes sir! Three purple chips — that's three million Berries," the cashier said, handing over neat stacks of bills.
"Much appreciated," Issho said, bowing slightly before walking away.
---
The Alleyway
A few thugs who had been watching him in the casino followed quietly into a dim side alley.
Issho stopped, sensing their intent. "So… you've followed me all this way. I take it you're after my winnings?"
The men stepped out from the shadows, sneering. "That's right, old man. Hand it over and maybe we'll let you walk."
Issho shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't have the habit of giving away what's mine."
"Then don't blame us!" the leader spat, pulling a dagger. "Get him!"
His men charged.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
In an instant, every one of them was on the ground — unconscious.
Issho hadn't even moved from his spot, still wearing that calm, unreadable smile.
The last man's eyes went wide. Sweat dripped down his face. He dropped to his knees, trembling. "P-Please! I-I didn't mean to! Spare me!"
Issho ignored him. His expression turned serious as he raised his head slightly.
"Come out," he said quietly. "No need to hide. I can sense you."
"Oh? You found me that fast? As expected of the blind swordsman," a calm voice echoed from above.
A ripple in the air shimmered, and a man appeared — tall, sharp-eyed, and wrapped in faint spatial energy.
"I don't believe we've met," Issho said, tightening his grip on his cane. "Your name?"
"Kaito."
At that single word, the thug behind Issho's feet fainted on the spot, foam forming at his mouth.
Everyone in the East Blue knew that name.
Issho's brow creased slightly, the scar on his forehead seeming to twist. "So… you're the one shaking the world."
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The code will be active from that day until the end of the month.
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