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After the Fire Festival, Wano Country immediately entered war footing. The Beast Pirates' two-hundred-thousand-strong crew was about to embark on a distant expedition, requiring an astonishing amount of manpower and resources.
Warships, weapon supplies, food.
Every day, massive quantities of materials were transported to Hakumai's hidden port.
At the same time, the Groudon left Wano Country.
"Pluton."
Daichi stood at the bow, looking out at the waterfall surrounding Wano Country, contemplating whether or not to bring out the Ancient Weapon Pluton.
According to the information he had, Pluton could destroy an island with a single shot. Its power should be very close to the Heavenly King, and there was a high probability it could also be powered by Mother Flame.
However, transportation was a major problem.
If he remembered correctly, the elephant Zunesha of Zou was the means of transporting Pluton, but he couldn't control Zunesha.
That fellow was devoted to its master, only obeying the commands of Joy Boy and the Kozuki Clan. It was punished for its mistakes and could only walk—even worse than a slave.
"And Shirahoshi."
Daichi's mind churned.
Poseidon, also known as Shirahoshi.
She could command Sea Kings in battle. Her ability should've awakened by now, but he hadn't found a good way to use it yet.
No matter how strong Sea Kings were, they couldn't fight on land.
Several days passed in a flash.
Totto Land, Totto Land Archipelago.
The Tea Party had ended. Katakuri becoming the ruler of Totto Land had shocked the world while also raising questions about Mama's condition.
Could "Big Mom" Charlotte Linlin still hold the title of Yonko!
The core area, Whole Cake Island!
"Welcome, Daichi-san!"
The ministers, accompanied by guards, nervously arrived at the port to greet him.
Time had passed. The small friction from back then had long become a thing of the past. Even Oven, the person directly involved, had let go of his hatred.
Even if he was angry, he couldn't show it!
"Form ranks!"
The soldiers straightened their backs and saluted.
"A fairy tale world indeed."
This was Daichi's first time in Totto Land. Everywhere he looked was like a fairy tale, with a dazzling array of delicious candies and desserts.
Moreover, the faces of the passing residents almost all bore smiles, which was enough to show that Totto Land was well governed. The managing ministers had put their hearts into it.
It was a pity, however, that this prosperous scene was built on bloodshed. "Careful selection and brazen plunder" were Totto Land's labels.
After Katakuri took over, he wondered if Totto Land would change.
Below Whole Cake Chateau.
Katakuri waited with his brothers and sisters.
"They're here!"
Katakuri suddenly spoke, then walked out alone, his trident emerging from his arm and landing in his hand.
Almost simultaneously, the carriage stopped.
Daichi stepped down from the carriage and strode toward Katakuri, simultaneously reaching out to take the greatsword offered by his subordinate.
No words were needed.
The two simultaneously swung their weapons!
"Clang!"
Wind surged. Black lightning exploded!
The sky habitually split open.
The two touched and then separated.
The collision just now was merely a greeting, confirming each other's strength.
Daichi's smile bloomed.
"You kept your promise, Katakuri."
"I'm just walking my own path."
Katakuri replied calmly.
Without Daichi's provocation, he'd most likely be the same as he was years ago. In a sense, he really should thank Daichi.
"Come with me. It's just in time for afternoon tea."
Katakuri turned and entered the castle, quickly arriving at the banquet hall. However, his other siblings didn't follow, and Daichi's entourage was also stopped.
Only Katakuri and Daichi were in the room.
Katakuri took off his scarf, revealing his eel-like large mouth. His slightly apologetic smile was quite unsettling.
"Sorry, I don't want my younger siblings to see me like this."
Daichi's face was covered in black lines.
This guy cared way too much about his image.
Fine wine and delicacies were already prepared, along with numerous donuts.
Katakuri picked up a donut smeared with candied fruit and covered in chocolate, offering it to Daichi, his eyes full of anticipation.
"Want a donut?"
"No."
Daichi refused decisively.
He had no prejudice against sweets and liked ice cream and the like, but the ingrained thought in his bones told him he had to exercise restraint.
This donut was at least two meters in diameter and looked sickeningly sweet. Eating it would definitely cause high blood sugar.
"Suit yourself."
Katakuri lay back in his chair, opened his large mouth, and bit off half a donut, then poured himself some black tea.
"Ah, delicious donut!"
"Eating a donut while lying down—this is the ultimate happiness!"
A very unrestrained demeanor.
Daichi picked up a bottle of wine, sat down at the dining table, and quipped. "Aren't you afraid I'll tell others about your appearance?"
"Do whatever you want."
Katakuri was extremely relaxed at this moment.
Constantly maintaining the image of a perfect older brother was truly too exhausting. Only during afternoon tea could he completely relax.
Furthermore, unlike his family, the man in front of him could be said to be his only "friend." He wanted to show his truest self in front of him.
Friends should be honest with each other!
Daichi shook his head helplessly.
"You defeated Linlin?"
"Yes."
Katakuri nodded, recalling the battle in the Mirror World.
That battle was the most difficult he'd ever fought, but throughout the entire process, he'd maintained the initiative.
Until the very end, he saw fear on Mama's face. At that moment, he knew he'd won.
Katakuri didn't want to talk about it much and changed the subject. "Daichi, you're here for the Poneglyph, aren't you?"
"That's right."
Daichi nodded.
Totto Land had two Poneglyphs. One was shared with the Beast Pirates, and the other the Beast Pirates didn't have.
Katakuri pulled out a rubbing of a Road Poneglyph from his body, clearly prepared in advance. It seemed he'd secretly made the rubbing—otherwise, he wouldn't have hidden it on his person.
"Take it."
"Huh?"
Daichi was very surprised.
"You're just giving it to me like that?"
"I'm not interested in the great treasure, and we're friends."
Katakuri waved his hand.
He wasn't completely uninterested in the great treasure, but his biggest goal in life was to protect his younger siblings. Compared to that, the great treasure wasn't that important.
Besides, Totto Land would likely have to rely on the man in front of him in the future.
"Thanks."
Daichi took the rubbing and glanced at it.
It was the one the Beast Pirates didn't have.
Daichi put away the rubbing and asked. "Katakuri, I'd like to see Linlin and say hello on behalf of Kaido."
"Mama..."
Katakuri was silent for a long time.
"Come with me. Mama's in the Seducing Woods on the east side of the island."
East side of the island, Seducing Woods.
The forest was filled with traps and various strange creatures, as well as countless desserts and fruits.
Trees, berry bushes, mushrooms...
All the plants were related to food.
Deep in the forest.
Katakuri stopped and pointed to the wooden house ahead.
"Mama lives here now."
Daichi looked at the wooden house. He could feel a familiar aura inside, but the aura was very weak, like that of an ordinary person.
"Creak~~"
The door of the wooden house was pushed open. Then a short old woman with a face full of wrinkles and a hunched back walked out of the house, a bamboo basket hanging on her arm.
"This?!"
Daichi was stunned.
It was Linlin!
However, Charlotte Linlin, the Yonko who'd dominated for decades, now looked like an old woman on the verge of death, picking berries and mushrooms in the forest.
Daichi was silent for a long time, then sighed.
"Let's go."
It was better not to disturb Linlin.