Time moved steadily forward in the Land of Wano. Four days had passed since Kaido began his intensive training with the pirate captains, pushing them to their absolute limits. Meanwhile, Jack and the other lead performers had already spent seven days enduring the extreme heat of the volcano. While the seas outside were in a constant state of flux, the Beasts Pirates' territory had settled into an unusual calm—save for the growing crowd of outsiders flocking to the country.
The reason for the excitement was clear: tomorrow, the Flower Capital would host a grand gladiatorial contest. The stakes were incredibly high. The winner would be awarded an Artificial Devil Fruit—specifically a Zoan-type, Ox-Ox Fruit, Rhino Form—and be promoted to the captain of the Beasts Pirates' Thirteenth Division. While not a rare Logia or a versatile Paramecia, the Rhino Form promised immense physical power, making it a dream for any brawler. This was a one-time shortcut to an executive rank; in the future, one would have to challenge an existing captain to take their spot.
As night fell, a weary Reiju and Pudding returned to their residence in the Flower Capital. Since joining the crew, Pudding had found a true friend in Reiju. Both were young, beautiful, and felt like outsiders within the massive organization, leading them to bond quickly for support.
Thanks to the advanced Lineage Factor technology of her father, Judge, Reiju's endurance was far superior to that of a normal human. Despite the brutal four-day training session, she appeared relatively fine, while Pudding was exhausted and covered in minor injuries. Kaido hadn't been intentionally cruel, but as the youngest and weakest among the trainees, Pudding had struggled the most.
"Thank you, Sister Reiju," Pudding whispered, her voice weak. "If it weren't for you, I don't think I could have made it back."
Reiju looked at her with a gentle smile. She much preferred the company of a sweet girl like Pudding over her arrogant brothers. "Don't mention it. Let's get inside so I can help you with those wounds."
Pudding nodded, her three eyes twinkling with gratitude. However, their peaceful evening was cut short. Standing at the entrance of her home was Pekoms of the Mink Tribe, a member of the Big Mom Pirates. Seeing him there filled Pudding with an immediate sense of dread.
"Pekoms? Why are you here?" she asked nervously. Pekoms looked uncomfortable, glancing at Reiju before speaking. "Pudding... it's a call from Mama. She's on the Den Den Mushi."
Inside her room, Pudding's hands trembled as she took the Den Den Mushi from Pekoms.
"Pudding! It seems you're enjoying yourself with the Beasts Pirates," the booming, cruel voice of Charlotte Linlin erupted from the snail. "Have you already forgotten about your own Mama?!"
Fear gripped Pudding's heart. The familiar coldness of her mother's voice brought back memories of a life filled with manipulation. Ironically, in just a few days, the Beasts Pirates had started to feel more like a home than Totto Land ever had. Here, she had Reiju and a version of Kaido who was surprisingly patient compared to the legends.
"No... it's not that, Mama," Pudding stammered, trying to find the words to explain her absence.
"Enough nonsense!" Big Mom barked. "Tell me everything that has happened. Don't leave out a single detail."
For the next half-hour, Pudding recounted her training and the events in Wano. Big Mom listened, eventually letting out a chilling laugh. "Mama-mama! It seems Kaido is wasting his time personally training you brats. What a ridiculous use of his energy."
Pudding stayed silent, but Big Mom wasn't finished. "Pudding, go find Kaido right now. Ask him if he's forgotten the promise he made to this old woman!"
Pudding froze, her body aching from the day's exertion. Before she could protest, Big Mom's voice rose to a furious roar. "What? Are you disobeying me now that you're under Kaido's roof?!"
"No, Mama! I'll go right now!" Pudding cried, hanging up the snail and struggling to stand. Seeing her pain, Pekoms offered his arm. "Let me help you, Pudding."
With Pekoms's support, Pudding reached the Governor's residence. The guards, recognizing her as an executive, lowered their spears.
"Lady Pudding? It's quite late for a visit," one guard noted.
"Please inform Lord Kaido that Mama wishes to speak with him," she requested.
The guards looked confused. Since the alliance between the two Yonko hadn't been made public, they had no idea who "Mama" was. Still, they treated her with respect. "Wait here, Lady Pudding. We will check if he is available."
A few minutes later, a ninja clad in black appeared. "Lady Pudding, I am Shadow, a member of Lord Kaido's personal guard," he explained. "The Governor is currently out, but he will return in about an hour. He will contact Lady Linlin personally once he is back."
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