Big deal! Marco immediately caught two words in Kaito's statement. A surge of anticipation ran through him; this guy won't be making any bold moves again.
Although Kaito had helped Ace, the relationship between the two pirates was friendly, but not yet like family. Especially after Kaito had conquered the Beasts Pirates and defeated the Red Hair Pirates, who knew who might challenge their crews next. A major event made Marco's mind race with strategies and contingencies.
Watching Marco's expression, Kaito shook his head and smiled. This guy really was something.
"Everyone, welcome to Mom's Tea Party!"
On the red carpet of the palace, Charlotte Linlin's eldest son, Perospero, held the microphone confidently, clearly experienced at hosting such events. His voice carried across the crowd, drawing everyone's attention.
"Finally, I announce that the tea party officially begins!"
With the tea party underway, the next step was the treasure presentation. Regular attendees were already accustomed to the custom.
"Linlin! Happy tea party! Here's my gift for you!" Stuzy stepped forward, holding a box. Charlotte Linlin's heavy-lidded eyes lit up at the sight.
"Well! My favorite treasure chest!" Linlin exclaimed, though she didn't open it publicly, placing it aside instead.
One by one, other guests presented their gifts. Refusing to give a gift was risky—next time, your family might be wiped out by the Big Mom Pirates. This was the law of the Big Mom Pirates.
Soon, all gifts had been given, leaving only Marco and Kaito. Though standing to the side, every move they made was being closely observed.
The crowd murmured with excitement:
"Only Mr. Marco and Mr. Kaito remain! I can't wait to see what they'll give!"
"Linlin's so fortunate—the captain of the first division of the Whitebeard Pirates and the captain of the Thunder-Eye Pirates are here in person! Truly the Four Emperors!"
"What kind of treasure will they present?"
"Something extraordinary, no doubt! Nothing else can compare!"
Marco didn't care; he was used to this. Kaito, however, felt slightly uncomfortable. If not for surprising Charlotte Linlin, he wouldn't even attend such a banquet.
"I'll go first."
Marco walked directly to Linlin, holding a palm-sized box. "This is a gift from Pops," he said plainly.
"Whitebeard! An old friend! Please thank him for me!" Charlotte Linlin responded, but without her usual enthusiasm, she placed the gift aside casually.
The crowd whispered and speculated, but Perospero knew the routine. Every time Big Mom held a tea party, the Whitebeard Pirates attended, ate, drank, and left gifts—sometimes absurd ones, like tiny iron figurines, gold-dyed objects, or even shards of diamonds. Once, Whitebeard himself had arrived in person after not receiving an invitation, sparking a fight with Linlin. After that, Perospero realized the Whitebeard Pirates could not be underestimated.
Marco returned to his place, indifferent, while the crowd's eyes stayed on Kaito, even Charlotte Linlin's showing a hint of excitement.
Kaito smiled faintly, glanced around, and said, "My gift is quite large; it might take a moment, please be patient."
"Big treasure? Wonderful! I love big treasure chests the most!" Linlin cheered, straightening her bloated body and bouncing with excitement. Nearby, the Hormiz dancers jumped along, creating a chaotic scene of teapots and biscuits flying about.
Kaito's mouth twitched at the sight, but the people around him gushed with praise.
Suddenly, panicked footsteps echoed from a distance. A figure came running toward Linlin, face pale with horror.
"Mom! Something terrible!" shouted Owen, Linlin's third son.
His eyes widened at Kaito. "You! How are you here?"
Linlin had delegated the red-haired letter matter to Katakuri, who ordered Owen and others to defend that area. Owen didn't expect Kaito to show up at the tea party.
"Owen, you must explain this today, or there will be consequences, even for my son," Linlin said sternly, her mood darkening.
Owen swallowed hard. "Mom! Someone has attacked our territory, and it's brutal! One-third of the Ten Thousand Kingdoms is lost, and even Katakuri has been defeated. Right now, we can only defend passively!"
The hall went silent. Shock and fear filled the eyes of everyone present, realizing the audacity of an attack during the Four Emperors' confrontation.
Morgans, ever alert, appeared before Owen, holding a camera to record the shocking scene. This was news that would sell for a fortune tomorrow.