"Of course."
Katakuri didn't slow his pace. His voice remained calm, yet there was unmistakable respect in it.
"The waves you've stirred in the pirate world these past few years have been enormous. You dismantled the Beast Pirates and firmly established yourself in the New World. Right now, no one's reputation carries more weight than yours. Mother often mentions you in front of us—she holds your strength and resolve in very high regard."
"You flatter me," Shiro said quickly, waving his hands with a modest smile. Then he lowered his voice and leaned closer to Katakuri, curiosity clear in his tone.
"But still, Katakuri… I can't help but ask—why did your mother specifically summon me to Totto Land this time? Surely it's not just to treat me to sweets, right?"
"Well…"
Katakuri glanced sideways, a faint, enigmatic smile forming at the corner of his mouth.
"You'll find out once we reach the castle. Saying it now would spoil the surprise."
He offered no further explanation, keeping the matter wrapped in mystery.
Shiro frowned helplessly. Though questions swirled in his mind, he knew pressing further would get him nowhere. All he could do was follow Katakuri toward the magnificent cake-shaped castle in the distance.
Along the way, the crew of the Virtue were utterly stunned by the sights of Totto Land.
The roads were paved with colorful chocolate. Streetlamps were cookies coated in frosting. Even the rooftops of distant buildings were piled high with cream and fruit. Winged Homies fluttered overhead, laughing cheerfully as they passed.
The crew slowed to a stop, unable to hide their amazement. Some even reached out to touch the candy decorations, eyes wide with wonder.
In all the seas, only Totto Land could look like this.
Before long, Shiro and his group arrived at the banquet hall inside the Cake Chateau.
A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, refracting light into brilliant colors that spilled across long tables draped in white cloth. Vibrant flowers adorned the walls, and the air was thick with the rich scent of desserts.
At the head of the hall sat Charlotte Linlin.
Her body was even larger than it had been six years ago, wrapped in an extravagant gown. Her children stood neatly at her sides, all eyes fixed on the entrance.
Shiro subtly studied Big Mom, a trace of emotion stirring in his heart.
Compared to six years ago, she was far more obese. The breathtaking beauty of her youth had vanished completely, replaced only by the marks of time and unchecked indulgence.
"Mamamama!"
Big Mom's signature laughter thundered through the hall as she rose from her seat. She lumbered toward Shiro step by step, her massive body making the floor tremble faintly with each movement.
"Shiro! You finally made it! I thought you might be late!"
"Lady Linlin," Shiro said, bowing slightly with one hand over his chest, his tone respectful yet composed.
"Thank you for personally inviting me to your tea party."
"Shiro, it's been so many years," Big Mom said, stopping in front of him and staring intently. As she spoke, her thick tongue slid across her lips, her gaze taking on an unsettling gleam.
"You've grown even more handsome."
Shiro coughed awkwardly and looked away, unease creeping in.
Wait… she's not actually interested in me, is she?
If that's the case, I'm in serious trouble… Who could survive a 'steel balloon' like her?!
The more he thought about it, the worse it seemed. A faint chill ran down his spine.
Forcing himself to refocus, Shiro quickly smiled and smoothed things over.
"You're too kind, Lady Linlin. Compared to me, you've only grown more… prosperous. And your children—each one of them is capable and impressive at a glance."
"Mamamama!"
Big Mom burst into laughter, clear approval flashing in her eyes. She waved her hand casually, her voice carrying a hint of sentiment.
"Not only has your strength grown, Shiro—your tongue's gotten smoother too. But honestly, compared to you, my children still fall short."
"Oh, not at all," Shiro replied modestly.
"Everyone has different talents. If we're talking about things like dessert-making or territory management, I couldn't possibly compare to them."
"Mamamama! You've really matured," Big Mom said warmly. She gestured toward the seats lining the hall.
"Go on, you and your crew—take your seats. The food will be served shortly. I guarantee you'll eat your fill!"
"Alright!"
Shiro turned and motioned for his crew to sit.
The Virtue Pirates had already been tortured by the sweet aromas filling the air. The moment they heard Big Mom's words, they hurried to their seats, eyes glued to the entrance in anticipation.
Soon, several Homie soldiers in neat uniforms entered, carrying trays piled high with desserts—layered cream cakes, delicate pastries, and steaming bowls of sweet soup.
Each dish radiated an irresistible fragrance.
Just looking at them made mouths water.
The Homies placed the food along the long tables with crisp, practiced movements. In an instant, the banquet hall was flooded with sweetness.
The Virtue Pirates wasted no time.
They grabbed utensils—or simply used their hands—shoveling cake and sweets into their mouths without the slightest restraint. Bowls of sweet soup were lifted and drained in great gulps.
The air filled with rich aromas and satisfied chewing sounds, every face lit with pure enjoyment.
Shiro, however, stood apart from the frenzy.
He had never cared much for sweets. He took only a small piece of cake, tasting it politely before setting his fork down. After that, he nibbled on a bit of fruit, his expression calm and distant amid the lively chaos.
On the other side of the table, Zeff was completely absorbed.
Plate in one hand, spoon in the other, he savored each bite carefully. His eyes narrowed slightly with every taste, fully analyzing the texture and flavor.
From time to time, he'd pause to comment.
"This chocolate cake's cocoa flavor is rich, but the sweetness is a bit excessive."
Or—
"The tart shell on this fruit tart is crisp, and the fruit's fresh. A refreshing balance."
He looked every bit like a professional food critic at work.
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