Chapter 194: Linlin’s Domain

Hearing this, Shin merely sneered. "The Homies here aren't just amusing. Violet, you should ask Ulti and Page One—they know more about them."

Before Violet could respond, Ulti chirped, "These Homies aren't only interesting to look at; they're also formidable in strength, comparable to the artificial Zoan-type Devil Fruit users in Kaido's army!"

"And unlike Kaido, who requires funds, raw materials, and various technologies to create artificial Devil Fruits with uncertain effects, these Homies only need to collect souls and lifespans!"

"Souls and lifespans!?" Violet exclaimed, surprised.

Ulti waved a hand dismissively. "Yes, the Soul-Soul Fruit owned by Charlotte Linlin allows her to extract souls from those who fear her. Every island under her protection in Totto Land must pay a 'soul tax' of about a month of their lifespan every six months."

"This…doesn't anyone resist?" Violet asked incredulously.

Ulti gave Violet a bemused look. "Who would resist? And who could resist? Besides, Totto Land's standard of living is among the best in the New World."

"Though it sounds cruel to surrender one month of your lifespan, in reality, people in regions without the protection of the Four Emperors rarely live one-third of their natural lifespan."

"Most people don't die because of pirates but due to brutal kings or the crushing taxes imposed by the World Government!"

"Take the Beast Pirates, for instance. They used to be even harsher on the islands under their protection. Any young and able-bodied people would be drafted, while the old and weak would labor in mines or grow food for the Beast Pirates."

"Even so, Kaido's flag was highly coveted on the seas. Many island nations without Four Emperors' protection longed for it, as it guaranteed safety from pirate harassment and the World Government's burdensome taxes."

"Frankly speaking, Totto Land doesn't conquer those nations—they seek its protection!"

"If a country doesn't have special resources or food that can satisfy Charlotte Linlin's appetite, Totto Land won't even glance their way."

Violet fell silent, seeing the harshness of the outside world for the first time.

She had thought Dressrosa's suffering under Doflamingo was among the worst, but now she realized that suffering was relative. Compared to most countries in the New World, Dressrosa, at least on the surface, was practically a paradise.

Shin was unfazed. He knew well that even the Whitebeard Pirates taxed the nations under their care. After all, they couldn't survive on treasure hunting alone with their many pirate affiliates.

The Whitebeard Pirates were the only exception to the norm, as they exploited far less than the other emperors.

Only the Red-Haired Pirates required no taxes from their affiliated territories; given their small size and elite crew, they lived off treasure hunts, similar to Luffy's Straw Hat Pirates.

However, such a small group cannot protect multiple countries. The Red-Haired Pirates only sheltered a few allied nations, often those with prior ties.

As they talked, Shin and his group arrived at Whole Cake Island, the Big Mom Pirates' base. Security was tight, with numerous Homies watching. Without specific Devil Fruit abilities, infiltration here would be nearly impossible.

Thanks to Shin's control over Charlotte Compote, the eldest daughter of the Charlotte family, they easily brought in a few extra people.

After learning about Whole Cake Island, Violet's excitement had dimmed.

Big Mom's birthday celebration was set for the next day, so Shin and his team planned to rest for the night.

After entering their assigned quarters, Shin used his intangibility to quietly find Violet.

It was late, and Violet was about to bathe and sleep when she heard a sound behind her.

Being in enemy territory, Violet's vigilance was high; despite being half-dressed, she immediately spun around.

"It's me," Shin said, materializing from the shadows. He quickly glanced at Violet, noting she was only wearing her underwear.

Such attire wasn't unusual in this world, so Shin felt no discomfort.

"Sir, is there something you need?" Violet's face flushed slightly, though she held her composure. Anticipating what Shin might ask, she prepared herself. He then cut straight to the point. "I need you to locate two individuals using your Glare-Glare fruit."

Shin used an illusion to project the likenesses of Charlotte Brûlée and Charlotte Pudding.

In Shin's memory, three Devil Fruits from the Charlotte family were especially notable: Brûlée's Mirror-Mirror Fruit, Pudding's Memory-Memory Fruit, and another fruit whose wielder's name he'd forgotten but whose Book-Book Fruit made an impression.

Shin clearly remembered Charlotte Pudding, a distinctively dressed member of the Three-Eye Tribe. These were the two targets he intended to seek out tonight.

As for the user of the Book-Book Fruit, Shin had forgotten his name and hadn't asked Compote during the day, so he planned to investigate tomorrow.

Upon receiving her orders, Violet regained her focus, though her brow furrowed.

Violet's Clairvoyance allows her to expand her vision over a radius of 4,000 kilometers, allowing her to gather information or track enemies as though through a bird's-eye view.

In practice, it's like seeing the Earth through satellite imagery, providing a broad overview rather than precise details. Spotting someone hidden indoors or under cover remains challenging. 

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