Big Mom sat at the head of the table, leisurely devouring an enormous cream cake.
But when she heard Zeff's sharp, methodical critique of the desserts—each point clear and well-reasoned—she finally paused, curiosity flashing across her eyes.
She set the cake aside and looked toward him.
"So," she said slowly,
"you're the Golden Chef of the Virtue Pirates… Zeff, the one who ate the Float-Float Fruit once owned by Golden Lion Shiki?"
Zeff didn't answer right away.
He calmly placed the final bite of strawberry cake into his mouth, chewed thoroughly, and swallowed. Only then did he wipe the corner of his mouth and look up at Big Mom, his posture neither servile nor arrogant.
"That's right," he said evenly.
"To be fair, your chefs are quite skilled. The texture and flavor of these desserts are well executed."
He paused, then added bluntly:
"However… an entire table of nothing but sweets is a bit monotonous. If there were some savory dishes to balance things out, it would be perfect."
The moment those words fell, Big Mom's expression barely changed—she only raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly unconcerned.
But her children seated around her froze.
They exchanged glances, then—almost in unison—nodded in agreement.
Clearly, many of them had already grown tired of nonstop sweets.
Though they were Big Mom's children, not all of them had inherited her near-fanatical obsession with sugar. Quite a few actually preferred salty or savory flavors, but none had dared voice it under her overwhelming authority.
Big Mom noticed everything.
Her eyes casually swept over her children's expressions before returning to Zeff.
"In that case," she said flatly,
"why don't you, famous Golden Chef, head to the kitchen and lend a hand? Prepare some dishes with different flavors. Let everyone see what your cooking can really do."
Zeff didn't immediately accept.
Instead, he instinctively turned to look toward Shiro.
After all, Shiro was the captain of the Virtue Pirates. Any decision like this required his approval.
Shiro caught Zeff's gaze at once and understood. He gave a small nod—silent permission.
Only then did Zeff gather his cooking tools and head toward the kitchen.
As Zeff's figure disappeared, Big Mom idly twirled an ornate spoon in her fingers. Suddenly, as if recalling old memories, she spoke again, her tone carrying a trace of nostalgia.
"Shiro… these past few years, you've truly made waves on the seas. Two of my old comrades—Kaido and Golden Lion—have both fallen at your hands. That level of strength… is impossible not to admire."
The moment she said this, the calm expression vanished from Shiro's face.
His hand instantly moved to the hilt of the Tetanus Fang at his waist, eyes sharpening as his body tensed—ready for battle at any moment.
No one could tell what Big Mom might do next.
"Relax, Shiro."
Big Mom waved her hand slowly, a meaningful smile spreading across her face.
"I merely saw you and was reminded of the past. Nothing more."
She continued casually,
"You know how it was back in the Rocks Pirates. We weren't united by loyalty—only by benefits. There was never any real bond between us."
Even so, Shiro knew the truth.
Big Mom may not have cared much for most of the Rocks Pirates, often clashing with them over those benefits—but Kaido was different.
When Kaido was at his lowest, she had supported him… even giving him the precious Fish-Fish Fruit, Model: Azure Dragon, granting him terrifying power.
After considering this, Shiro slowly loosened his grip on the blade—but his guard did not fully drop.
Looking straight at Big Mom, he spoke calmly, his words carrying quiet weight.
"That's good to hear. After all, on these seas, conflict between powers is inevitable. Pirate clashes are nothing unusual."
He paused slightly.
"Even now, though we're sitting together enjoying food in apparent peace, there's no guarantee we won't cross blades someday over something. When that time comes, today's courtesy won't matter much."
The meaning beneath his words was clear—a reminder, and a warning.
Big Mom listened without the slightest hint of anger. Instead, she nodded approvingly.
"You're right, Shiro."
She lifted a massive bowl of steaming sweet soup, drained it in one gulp, then wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
"That's precisely why I invited you here today. I want to discuss something important—something that concerns the future of both our pirate crews."
"Something important?"
Shiro frowned slightly, surprise flickering across his face.
"Yes," Big Mom said, lips curling upward.
"I went to all this trouble to bring you here because I want to propose something—"
She leaned forward, eyes glinting with calculation.
"A political marriage. An alliance by marriage between our two pirate crews. What do you say?"
Her grin widened.
"If our families become one, there will never be war between us. It benefits both sides, doesn't it, Shiro?"
"—?!"
Shiro sucked in a sharp breath.
His eyes widened in disbelief as shock crashed through his mind like a tidal wave.
So that's it?!
She didn't invite me here for diplomacy—she actually has her eye on me?!
This is insane!
That body… that age… a marriage alliance with me?!
I live on light meals—there's no way I can handle something this heavy!
He nearly felt dizzy.
And he wasn't the only one stunned.
The Virtue Pirates froze mid-bite, utensils hovering in the air. Every single gaze turned toward Shiro—filled with shock, curiosity, and unmistakable anticipation for drama.
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