While "Aunt Linlin" and her beloved son shared their motherly warmth inside the restaurant—
Outside the very same building…
"Looks like Mama really has poured all her love into that kid," said Charlotte Perospero, the eldest son of the Charlotte family, in a strangely subdued tone.
Even he, the eldest child, had never enjoyed such treatment!
He was the firstborn of the family, and yet his mother had barely paid him any attention—too busy, perhaps, as more and more siblings were born year after year.
The Charlotte family's size grew constantly, while their mother's love only grew thinner with time.
"Brother Peros," said Katakuri, the family's second-in-command, speaking calmly at his side, "you're already an adult. Don't tell me you plan on competing with a six-year-old for Mama's affection?"
"I just can't help feeling a little… unwilling to accept it."
Perospero said, "Katakuri, don't you feel frustrated? Every time that child comes over, even when he's just playing, you have to watch him closely. And during meals, we have to guard him the entire time."
"This is Mama's order."
Katakuri said calmly, "Brother Peros, if you have any complaints, you can bring them to Mother."
Perospero fell silent instantly.
He only dared to complain in front of Katakuri; there was no way he could speak recklessly to Linlin. Linlin would really kill even her own son.
"Sigh."
Perospero sighed, "It seems Mama is determined to have this child inherit the family business."
"That child possesses a talent none of us have ever had."
Katakuri said, "When he grows to his peak, indeed, no one will be more suitable to lead the Charlotte family."
But…
His gaze darkened slightly.
It would still take at least twenty or thirty years for that child to fully grow.
By then, what would this world even look like?
What would Ian and his Beasts Pirates do to this world?
"Hmph," Perospero snorted softly, lowering his voice, "Even if Mama wants him to inherit the family, that kid might not be willing!"
Katakuri was momentarily taken aback.
Ah, right.
He had almost forgotten that.
That child, compared to the Charlotte family, actually leaned more toward the Beasts Pirates.
"Since this kid is so talented, that bastard Ian definitely won't just let us control him," Perospero's voice carried a hint of glee, "Mother's perfect plan might not be so easy to carry out."
Katakuri lowered his head and shot this elder brother a sidelong glance.
This good brother's strength and ability weren't impressive, but his ambition was enormous.
Katakuri knew that Brother Peros had always wanted to become the family's heir.
But he didn't really care.
No matter who inherited the family, it didn't matter; what Katakuri cared about were his brothers and sisters.
As long as everyone remained safe, it didn't matter who inherited the family business.
"Huh?"
Suddenly, Katakuri snapped his head up, staring at the sky in shock.
"How is this possible?"
Above, a bubble was rapidly flying through the air.
Perospero immediately noticed it too, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Is that… Kuma? But it's not the agreed time yet."
The plan was for one person to take care of the child for half a year, and the next rotation was still a long way off!
"It's not just Kuma!!"
Katakuri's voice was icy and sharp. "Go notify Mama immediately! Things are about to get complicated!"
The enormous bubble swept over the islands below.
Ian observed the sweet-themed buildings beneath him with interest, smiling as he commented, "Auntie Linlin's sense of aesthetics hasn't changed a bit in decades."
"That old woman probably wishes she could drown herself in a sea of desserts."
Kaido sneered.
Though he considered her like a sister, he still couldn't accept how she wasted her talents.
"But I heard Auntie Linlin has been dieting," Ian said with a smile.
It seemed to have started after he broke through her defenses on Hive Island that one time.
"There's definitely been some change over the years," Kuma, who visited this country roughly every six months, remarked, "But she still loves her sweets."
"I'm curious now—what's Auntie Linlin like these days?"
Ian chuckled. "Hurry up and let me see her!"
The bubble reached the air above the palace, then suddenly stopped before plummeting straight down.
The three of them were caught inside it and smashed directly into the palace courtyard. A sizable dent formed in the ground from their impact—marking their official arrival.
"Finally here."
Ian exhaled and stepped out of the crater. "I'm starving. Aunt Linlin, how about preparing a welcome feast for us first?"
"Ian!!"
A furious roar erupted from ahead.
Aunt Linlin burst out from the palace, her eyes fixed fiercely on Ian.
"What the hell are you doing on my turf!"
Behind her were Katakuri and Perospero.
And a child who ran out cheerfully.
"Big Brother Ian!"
The child, wearing a simple crew cut just like his father did as a boy, waved happily at Ian.
Of course, this wasn't their first meeting—he had seen this child countless times before. After all, the boy was truly talented.
"Yo, Bill, having fun here?"
Ian greeted the child with a cheerful smile.
The boy's name was Bill. No one knew why Kuma had chosen such a name.
"Yes! Mom is really nice to me!"
Bill nodded happily.
Ian was not the least bit surprised.
With this boy's talent, Aunt Linlin probably dreamed of having him obey her every command.
"Bill, step back."
Aunt Linlin held her beloved son close to her chest, then glared at Ian with a vicious look.
"Ian! What exactly are you here for!"
This brat hadn't left Wano for years, and now he suddenly appeared at her stronghold. Something about this just didn't feel right.
"Don't get worked up, Aunt Linlin," Ian said with a smile.
"This time, we're here to discuss cooperation."
However, compared to the last time he saw her, Aunt Linlin had indeed lost far too much weight.
Completely free from the word 'fat,' she was now a strong, sturdy older woman. Even her arms, which the dress couldn't fully cover, showed clear traces of muscle.
"Cooperation?"
Aunt Linlin frowned.
At this point… what kind of cooperation was he talking about?
**********
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