Charlotte Linlin was furious after hearing Ash's reply, so she vented her anger the only way she knew how, by devouring several large cakes. That was to be expected from someone obsessed with sweets and building a massive family.
Although the Dawn ship had been confirmed to be in the New World, its route passed through the territories of Shanks and Edward Newgate, far from Totto Land. No one could say for sure what those two Emperors intended.
If Big Mom rashly made a move like Kaido and went after the Dawn ship, only to be intercepted by either Shanks or Whitebeard, it would complicate matters.
Did she care about her reputation?
Not at all.
As long as there were cakes, everything else was secondary.
Half a year earlier, Prince Loki of the Giants had come to Totto Land and fallen in love with her 23rd daughter, Charlotte Lola. But Lola fled before the wedding, enraging Big Mom so much that she placed a bounty on her own daughter.
Lola's escape shattered her political ambitions, and Prince Loki left heartbroken.
Even so, after eating the wedding cake prepared for that occasion, her anger gradually faded. A few more fruit cakes later, she had already forgotten most of it.
The World Government likely never expected that after being rejected, Big Mom would simply grumble, eat more desserts, and move on.
---
For the next month and a half, the seas remained calm on the surface, though tension quietly brewed underneath.
Ash did not remain idle during this time.
Aware that the Marines or the World Government might be waiting for him on Gourmet Island, he changed course and headed toward the Boin Archipelago instead.
After all, good food could be found anywhere.
Meanwhile, Dracule Mihawk, who had been suspected of having ties with Ash, appeared in Shanks' territory in early October. Soon after, violent tremors shook the surrounding seas for days, and massive sword slashes tore across the sky.
It didn't take long for everyone to understand why Mihawk had entered the New World.
After an intense battle with Mihawk, Shanks learned that Silvers Rayleigh had been defeated and captured by the Dawn ship.
Shanks could not ignore the fate of his former crewmate. Without hesitation, the Red Hair Pirates set sail, following the wind and carrying the scent of alcohol, determined to find Ash.
However, they never found the Dawn ship.
Instead, Shanks encountered Prince Loki, who was in a terrible state after his failed wedding.
Because of his long-standing friendship with the Giants, Shanks could not ignore the situation. After a fierce battle, he subdued Loki, but not without sustaining injuries himself.
Looking at the captured prince and his own condition, Shanks knew he could not continue the pursuit. With a sigh, he could only hope Rayleigh would endure a little longer.
The Red Hair Pirates then turned toward Elbaf.
---
Ash remained completely unaware of these developments.
Morgans, having failed to secure Ash's attendance, had already gone into hiding and had no time to spread such news.
Thus, time passed quietly until November 20th, in the year 1518 of the Sea Calendar.
The Dawn ship, the White Sage Beast ship, and the Thunder Dragon Gaya, advancing along separate routes, finally regrouped near the waters of Wano Country.
Kaido was delighted by the arrival of the Dawn faction and wanted to immediately host a grand banquet.
Only after being reminded by his subordinates did he recall that such a celebration should come after he subdued these powerful opponents.
---
Ash did not choose Wano itself as the battlefield.
The noise of battle would attract unnecessary attention, and he had no intention of involving innocent people.
Most nearby islands had already been reduced to ruins by Kaido's reckless destruction, so Ash chose Onigashima instead, specifically the side facing away from Wano.
With the massive skull structure acting as a barrier, the sounds and shockwaves of battle would remain contained.
Kaido had no objections. In fact, he welcomed it.
---
The Beast Pirates assembled in full force.
Led by Kaido, along with his three All-Stars, King, Queen, and Jack.
The Flying Six, Who's-Who, Black Maria, Sasaki, Ulti, and Page One.
And numerous Headliners such as Babanuki, Daifugo, Holdem, Speed, and others.
Nearly every executive was present.
On the opposing side, Ash stood at the center, accompanied by Pini, Youki, Tsuki, Kirk, Saff, Nojiko, Nami, Robin, and Carina.
From the White Sage Beast ship came Sali and his crew.
From the Thunder Dragon Gaya came Wyper and the warriors of Skypiea.
In terms of numbers, both sides were evenly matched.
---
The battle began at the edge of Onigashima.
Kaido, ever the battle fanatic, wasted no time.
"Ugororororo! Join me and become my subordinates!"
Before anyone could respond, he swung his massive kanabo, aiming at the entire Dawn faction.
Ash had no intention of negotiating.
His goal was simple, to use this battle to temper his crew.
He sat atop the dragon head at the front of the ship, calmly observing.
The others moved without hesitation.
They left Kaido to Sali.
---
Sali did not underestimate his opponent.
He immediately entered his hybrid form and drew his massive golden blade, launching himself into the sky to intercept Kaido.
Their clash echoed like thunder.
At the same time, Youki and Pini rushed forward, targeting King and Queen.
Seeing this, Wyper stepped up to face Jack.
Tsuki, eager for a real fight, charged in alongside his allies to confront the Flying Six.
The remaining Skypiea warriors had no choice but to deal with the Beast Pirates' lower-ranking fighters.
---
Back on the ship, Saff pulled Lanchi away from the battlefield.
Only then did Lanchi notice that Ash had already settled into a lounge chair, watching everything unfold.
Beside him, Nojiko and Nami calmly enjoyed tea, while Robin and Carina observed with interest.
Saff smiled and said, "Let them have this opportunity. Try these new lemon mini cakes."
Ash's expression stiffened slightly.
Saff, once a perfectly capable chef, had taken a strange turn toward experimental desserts.
At that moment, Kirk appeared with a tray.
Seizing the chance to divert attention, Ash spoke, "Kirk, not joining in?"
Kirk glanced at the battlefield and shook his head. "Aside from Kaido and the All-Stars, the rest aren't worth it. King is decent. Queen is all show. Jack is barely passable."
He paused before continuing, "And those three already have opponents. What would I do, clean up the leftovers?"
Ash chuckled. "There will be a chance. Once they start to tire, you can step in."
Kirk rolled his eyes and disappeared again, heading back to the kitchen.
For him, the battlefield was the kitchen.
As long as the fight continued, he would be responsible for feeding everyone.
---
Ash turned his attention back to the sky, watching Sali clash with Kaido.
At that moment, a glass of green juice was placed in front of him.
"Ash, try this. I adjusted the lemon juice recipe."
"..."