Beside the projected "pyramid" stood the flag of the Big Mom Pirates — still a variation of the classic black background with a white skull.
However, the crossed human bones beneath the skull had been replaced by sea waves and wind, and the skull itself wore a hat and heavy lipstick.
Within the layers of the "pyramid," names were embedded — each representing the members at their respective levels.
Alvida held up a long, slender pointer and tapped the whiteboard.
"This is the Big Mom Pirates' power structure. Most members are children of Charlotte Linlin herself — only a few have no blood relation to her."
"At the pinnacle of this pyramid stands none other than Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin."
"'Soul-Soul Fruit' user, master of all three types of Haki, and possessing the physiology of a giant — these are her defining traits."
"The second level belongs to her second son, Katakuri — the foremost of the 'Three Sweet Commanders,' and a user of the 'Mochi-Mochi Fruit.'"
"His Conqueror's and Armament Haki are top-tier, while his Observation Haki is said to be supreme — allowing him to see a few moments into the future. That's an exceedingly troublesome ability."
Any ability involving time was inherently formidable — unless its user was a complete fool.
Katakuri, clearly, was no fool.
Charlotte Linlin and Katakuri's power needed no further proof — both were indisputably in a league of their own. The others nodded repeatedly, showing no doubt in Alvida's intelligence.
"On the third level," she continued, "are the remaining two Sweet Commanders: Smoothie and Cracker."
"The former wields the 'Wring-Wring Fruit,' while the latter commands the power of the 'Biscuit-Biscuit Fruit.'"
"Next, the fourth level — Perospero, Daifuku, Oven, Compote, and the chief cook, Longarm."
"The first four are Linlin's children. Only the head chef, Longarm, is not related by blood."
"However, his strength is not to be underestimated. He's been with Big Mom the longest — it's said they knew each other even before the formation of the Rocks Pirates."
"One more thing: the Big Mom Pirates' fleet has already set sail and is heading our way. The one left behind on Whole Cake Island is the eldest daughter, Compote."
"Alongside Compote remain the 35th daughter, Pudding, and the 36th daughter, Flampé — the younger children tasked with holding down Totland's rear."
Crocodile sighed in mild regret.
"If we had enough manpower, we could send a detachment to strike directly at the now lightly guarded Whole Cake Island. As long as we can hold them off on the front, we'd win."
Alvida shook her head.
"Even if we had the numbers, it wouldn't be that easy. I've heard that Big Mom has formed an alliance with Kaido — he's agreed to help defend Whole Cake Island."
Crocodile let out a low, humorless laugh and waved the golden hook of his left hand.
"Kaido is an utterly greedy pirate with no sense of loyalty. The moment the situation shifts, he'll tear up that alliance without hesitation. Wano Country proved as much."
During the "Coup of the Serpent" in Wano — the power grab by shogun Orochi — Kaido had conspired to deceive "that fool" Oden for five long years, buying himself ample time to prepare.
Then, Orochi broke their agreement, and together they killed Oden.
That plan could not have succeeded without Kaido's consent — he must have approved it personally.
Not wanting to linger on that topic, Alvida steered the discussion back.
"Now then, the fifth level — this one mostly consists of those who bear the title of 'Minister.'"
"The strength of this layer varies greatly: among them are Devil Fruit users, Haki users, masters of martial arts, swordsmen, sharpshooters — a mix of all kinds."
"The sixth and final level includes Linlin's lesser-known children and unrelated combatants without official titles."
"I've gathered as much information as possible on their abilities and compiled it into these handbooks. The battlefield will be chaotic — no one can predict which enemy they'll face. Please read these carefully and memorize the profiles. Thank you."
As Alvida stepped down to applause, Kuro took the stage next. Famous for his cunning and scheming, he would lead the planning of their upcoming operation.
While Kuro spoke fluently on strategy and deception, the pirates below offered their insights, analyzing strengths and weaknesses from every angle.
Marco, sitting quietly, listened while flipping through the thick booklet Alvida had distributed.
Each page contained information on nearly every known member of the Big Mom Pirates — one or two pages devoted to their powers and personalities.
As Marco scanned the photos and notes, he felt his skin crawl. His eyes flicked to Alvida's back as she continued handing out copies.
The Whitebeard remnants, still struggling to survive amid circling predators, knew better than anyone how crucial good intelligence was.
Though incomplete, these reports outlined the Big Mom Pirates' overall picture — enough to gain an edge in the chaos of battle if committed to memory.
Marco then looked toward Davy Jones, seated in the front row.
If Davy Jones can stand toe-to-toe with Charlotte Linlin, and we can tie down the Sweet Commanders, then perhaps… we might actually win this war.
"Ahh— finally, I'm out of that cage."
Morgans covered his long, curved beak with a feathered hand and let out a huge yawn.
"I thought that would never end."
The president of the World Economic Newspaper, long unseen, stretched under the blazing sun.
"President Morgans, please mind your words," said a blonde woman in business attire walking beside him. Her tone was polite but firm.
"Yeah, yeah, I know, Secretary Stussy…" Morgans muttered, shaking his head. "The condition for letting me out — no more reckless talk, and every article I write has to pass your review before publication."
He clearly wasn't happy about it — his freedom of speech was gone, and now every move he made would be monitored by Stussy, an agent assigned by the World Government.
Still, he had no desire to return to that cell. The torture had been unbearable… and strangely enough, he bore no visible wounds — only a spirit drained of vigor.
Stussy wore a soft white hat adorned with a bright flower.
Her mood, in contrast, was excellent.
She rather liked this "job." As an agent of CP0, the World Government's top intelligence division, she had only two career paths:
Either serve as a "nail" planted beside Morgans — or head to the Pleasure District, living among the underworld through drink and indulgence.
The choice was obvious — the former was far more comfortable.
Hearing Morgans' complaints, she covered her mouth and laughed lightly.
"Tell me, President Morgans — what will your first article be about now that you're back?"
Morgans' face stiffened. He couldn't tell whether she was genuinely curious or subtly threatening him.
"What else?" he said at last. "Naturally, I'll be praising the World Government and the Navy Headquarters — giving grand coverage to their 'World Military Conscription Order.'"
Stussy chuckled sweetly.
"But isn't there a far more pressing event happening right now? You're the King of News — surely you won't miss it?"
The title "King of News" stroked Morgans' ego, making him puff up slightly — though he quickly sobered.
"You mean the upcoming clash between the Big Mom Pirates and the Davy Jones Pirates — the so-called 'War of the New and Old Emperors,' right?"
Since agreeing to the World Government's conditions, he'd been under soft confinement — but they hadn't stopped him from receiving information.
"They haven't started fighting yet," Stussy said with a faint smile. "But Big Mom's fleet is already on the move, and the 'Demon of the Deep' has begun to stir. With a little push from you, Mr. Morgans…"
Morgans suddenly understood.
"Ah… so you want to make sure this war between the Emperors goes all the way. Makes sense. Akainu's dead, Aokiji's gone, and after the Marineford War, the Navy needs a year or two to recover."
Stussy hugged her file folder to her chest, smiling as her eyes narrowed.
"So, dear President — who do you think will have the last laugh in this 'War of the New and Old Emperors'?"
"Probably Big Mom," Morgans said as he strode forward, his taloned feet stepping rhythmically on the ground. "The old Emperors always have the deeper coffers and more experience in war."
"No," Stussy replied, shaking her head with a coy smile. "My dear president, the ones who'll be laughing in the end… will be the World Government."
Morgans froze for a moment — then gave a dry, awkward chuckle, joining her in laughter.
He had a feeling that working alongside Stussy from now on was going to be… far from pleasant.
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