[156] : Big Mom—At Last!

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Arthur couldn't fathom Big Mom's motives. He gave up trying to understand, a cold smile playing on his lips.

True strength rendered schemes and plots meaningless. He was confident in his power—his ability to overcome any challenge.

And besides... wasn't the uncertainty, the not knowing what lay ahead, part of the thrill of the sea? A life without surprises—what was the point? It was the unknown—the unexpected—that made life worth living.

Arthur thrived on uncertainty.

——

His stolen ship, sailing smoothly, entered the bustling harbor without incident.

Dozens of ships, bearing various flags and markings, were already docked—a veritable who's who of the New World's underworld.

Big News Morgans' News Coos, the Giberson Family's warehouse ships, deep-sea transport vessels, black market organ and weapons dealers—even a few notorious pirate crews.

They were all here for Big Mom's Tea Party...

Arthur docked, leaping from the ship onto the chocolate-covered ground.

The air was thick with the sweet, cloying scent of candy and pastries, cotton candy clouds drifting overhead, rivers of juice and molten chocolate flowing, buildings shaped like giant desserts—a bizarre, edible landscape. It was truly a sight to behold!

"Seabury D. Arthur! Over here!" Perospero called out, waving, a group of Big Mom's children emerging from the Queen Mama Chanter.

The spectacle drew the attention of the island's residents, a diverse assortment of species peering curiously from the windows of their candy-coated houses.

"Well, well, well…Look who it is." Arthur adjusted his hat, his eyes narrowed.

"You lot…Isn't Big Mom worried I'll kill you the moment I see you?"

Even on her territory, his arrogance wouldn't be contained.

He was increasingly curious about Big Mom's motives.

"OI! Just because Mama sent us to welcome you doesn't mean we're afraid of you!" Oven snapped, his temper flaring. He couldn't stand Arthur's condescending attitude, especially from someone younger than him. He'd never been so humiliated.

Katakuri, ever the composed one, intervened, placing a hand on Oven's arm, his voice calm. "The Tea Party is about to begin. If you're looking for a fight, you can wait until after."

"Oh? Makes me even more curious about what Linlin's planning." Arthur grinned, pulling a blood-soaked bundle from his storage bracelet.

"Snakehead Gram's head. A little wedding present for your Mama. Don't mention it. Hahahahaha!" His laughter echoed through the air.

The atmosphere instantly chilled, the onlookers quickly retreating inside their candy houses, sensing the rising tension.

The Charlotte siblings, remembering their mother's orders, their faces grim, suppressed their fury.

Perospero accepted the gruesome package, his hand trembling slightly, then, along with the others, escorted Arthur towards Whole Cake Island.

"They're actually holding back? How boring." Arthur's excitement waned.

Their restraint—despite his repeated provocations—spoke volumes about Big Mom's intentions.

She wanted something from him.

——

Whole Cake Island.

The sound of singing, led by Big Mom and a chorus of female singers—their voices powerful and melodic—filled the air, as homies danced merrily.

"Aaaaaahhhh!~"

"Mamamama!~"

"How much longer until the Tea Party?"

"Two hours, Mama~"

"Shooshooshoooo~"

"Is that so? And when will that Thunder God brat arrive?~"

"He's here~"

"Time for my wedding~! Is the cake ready?"

"It's ready~"

"..."

"Trick or Treat~"

"Aaaaaahhhh~"

Big Mom, her massive form spinning gracefully, her voice booming, led the singing and dancing.

From a distance, Arthur heard the music echoing from the palace gardens. It was…surprisingly pleasant.

"I'll have to find myself a singer and some dancers for my crew," he thought.

Music, like Jessica's cooking, could lift one's spirits.

He followed Big Mom's children towards the palace, the music fading as they entered.

Moments later…

Thump! Thump! Thump!

The castle shook as a massive figure approached, the sound of her heavy footsteps echoing through the halls.

A pair of massive doors swung open, revealing a figure so large she dwarfed even the tallest of the Charlotte siblings. Her presence was overwhelming, her aura radiating power and a barely contained madness.

A pink, bicorne hat adorned her head, framing her long pink hair. Her eyes, magnified by thick purple eyeshadow, were bloodshot, her lips painted a garish red, corrosive drool dripping from her massive mouth. She wore a voluminous pink dress.

Charlotte Linlin—Big Mom—stood before him.

She was like a wall of flesh, her grotesque makeup the stuff of nightmares, her name whispered in hushed tones throughout the New World, her reputation as a ruthless and unpredictable pirate preceding her.

Second only to Shakky as the most infamous female pirate—her power rivaled the Four Emperors, feared throughout the New World.

"Mamamama! We finally meet, you little brat!" Her voice boomed, shaking the very foundations of the castle.

"I've been looking forward to this, Charlotte Linlin," Arthur said, his voice calm, his gaze steady, unfazed by her imposing presence.

Hummmmm!

The air crackled, the candles in the hall flickering and dying, a sudden gust of wind sweeping through the palace.

"Get out! Now!"

Perospero and Katakuri, shielding their younger siblings, quickly retreated.

They were no match for this clash of titans.

"That's your big entrance, Linlin? How disappointing."

Arthur's voice dripped with disdain, his head held high, his own Conqueror's Haki flaring as he sensed Big Mom's challenge.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!

Though separated by hundreds of yards, their Haki clashed, red tendrils of energy, like lightning bolts, snaking through the air between them, the force of it cracking the castle walls.

"Mamamama! So, the rumors are true. You do have a strong will, Thunder God." Big Mom chuckled, surveying the damage to her castle, then withdrew her Haki.

"It wouldn't be a proper greeting otherwise, would it, Big Mom?" Arthur's laughter echoed through the hall as he, too, withdrew his Haki.

Their gazes locked—a silent challenge.

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