Compared to the elusive movements of Gol D. Roger's crew, gathering information about Charlotte Linlin and her domain was far more straightforward. News that the Roger Pirates had entered the seas around Cake Island soon appeared among the naval intelligence reports delivered to Lloyd's desk, complete with a log pose pointing toward the island of the Yonko.
Without waiting for orders from Fleet Admiral Kong, Lloyd stood, walked over to the office window, and leaped out without hesitation. In mid‑air he shifted into a half‑beast form, black bat‑like wings unfurling from his back as he shot through the sky like a crimson meteor, vanishing toward the distant horizon.
…
Aboard the Oro Jackson, Gol D. Roger stood at the bow, watching Cake Island grow steadily closer on the horizon.
Silently beside him, Silvers Rayleigh spoke with gravity, "Roger, Charlotte Linlin is not a woman easily reasoned with. Will she share her poneglyph with us?"
Roger's expression was calm but resolute.
"No matter what, we must see the poneglyph this time. My remaining days are too few to waste."
A hint of sorrow softened Rayleigh's features, and he said gently, "Perhaps if you rest…"
Roger smiled, reaching out to pat Rayleigh's shoulder. His voice was firm despite the weight of his words.
"I know my body well. Whoever told you it was curable was wrong. That said, I have lived well. Death does not frighten me."
Even as he spoke optimistically, a glimmer of tears appeared in Rayleigh's eyes. Quietly he vowed, "Roger, that final journey, I will walk it with you."
At that moment the Oro Jackson was docking at Cake Island's port.
Roger did not speak further, turning to regard the shore once more.
Arrayed upon the docks were members of the Big Mom Pirates. Apart from a throng of children and subordinates, the figure closest to the front was a short, stout man.
Roger recognized him immediately.
It was Long Bread, a veteran of the Big Mom Pirates who had once served under the infamous Rocks Pirates during the God Valley incident alongside Linlin.
After the Oro Jackson came to rest, Roger and his crew disembarked. Long Bread approached with a courteous smile.
"Captain Roger, welcome to Cake Island."
Roger returned the greeting simply, his eyes scanning the crowd.
"Is Linlin on the island?"
"Yes," Long Bread replied, "but she is preoccupied at the moment. It's not convenient for her to come out yet."
Roger nodded, "If I may ask what occupies her time?"
Long Bread laughed wryly, "I am sorry, but that is not something I can divulge."
He then gestured toward the island's center and said, "Please, follow me. She should be finished soon."
Roger motioned to his crew, and they began walking toward the heart of Cake Island.
When they reached a towering pink castle, Long Bread suddenly stopped. He turned to Roger and his entourage, blocking their path with a raised hand.
"My apologies, but Linlin is not finished yet. Please wait here."
Roger outwardly gave a simple nod, but he discretely activated his Voice of All Things ability, listening beyond the doors. As realization dawned, his expression shifted into something unreadable.
Rayleigh, noticing this change, leaned near and whispered, "Roger, did you hear something? Inside…"
Roger placed a hand out, motioning Rayleigh to stay silent.
"The man within," he said quietly, "is on the brink of collapse."
Before Rayleigh could respond, the massive doors burst open with a sudden crash.
Out stepped a stout woman in a pink nightgown, her figure far removed from the fierce pirate captain Roger once knew.
Everyone present, including Roger and long‑time crew members like Shanks, froze for a moment in disbelief.
After a brief pause, Roger asked carefully,
"Linlin?"
The woman's cheeks bore a faint flush. She adjusted the strap that had slipped from her shoulder and spoke with casual indifference,
"Oh, it's Roger. Long time no see. Do you need something from me?"
Only then did Roger fully recognize Charlotte Linlin — though her current appearance was shockingly different from how she had looked during the God Valley days.
Back then Linlin had been tall, striking, and imposing, considered one of the strongest members of the Rocks Pirates alongside names like Xebec and other future legends. But now, her figure was distorted, her features softened and bloated, a visual departure so profound that even those familiar with her found it difficult to reconcile.
Shanks leaned forward and whispered to Buggy, "Is that really Linlin?"
Buggy blinked at the sight, his expression vacant, and muttered foolishly, "Is he napping? In broad daylight?"
Rayleigh quickly covered Buggy's mouth and hissed with a faint smile,
"Buggy, do not speak nonsense here."
Linlin, however, had already turned toward a large pink bed visible behind her. A man lay sprawled upon it, eyes rolling unnervingly, the state of his life unclear.
Linlin's tone turned dismissive as she looked upon him. She reached toward her lower abdomen and muttered casually,
"Absolutely dreadful. Far worse than the last one. This child will be worthless. I need to give birth soon and get a replacement."
Roger felt a cold sweat trickle down his temple. He forced a polite smile and began to speak, but Linlin waved him off impatiently.
"What you came here for can wait. I am starving. Bring me something to eat, quickly."
Long Bread's face fell, and with a swift motion he drew his sword from its sheath. He struck the ground fiercely, slicing several large chunks of the stone floor.
Under the stunned gaze of Roger, Shanks, and others, the pieces began to shift and melt together through some arcane manipulation. Within moments they formed a massive cream cake that seemed almost too large for Linlin herself.
Long Bread carried the enormous cake to Linlin. She hungrily bent down, seized it, and stuffed mouthful after messy mouthful into her mouth, chewing with an alarming lack of decorum.
Finally swallowing a large portion, Linlin wiped cream from her lips, smacked them loudly, and declared with clear disdain,
"This tastes pathetic. Bring me something else!"