[157] : The Tea Party Begins!

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"I admire your spirit, Thunder God." Big Mom's voice was low, menacing, a hint of corrosive saliva dripping from her lips, sizzling on the chocolate floor.

"But two big forces meeting like this… It's bound to create fireworks!"

Their first encounter had ended with a clash of Conqueror's Haki—a taste of things to come.

"Big Mom, I'm curious… Why tolerate my taunts? What's your game?" Arthur didn't bother hiding his curiosity. He was a direct man. He wanted answers.

They stood facing each other in the vast hall of the Cake Palace—a hundred yards separating them, the air thick with tension.

"Mamamama! You want to know? We'll discuss it after the Tea Party. I have a proposition for you, Thunder God."

——

Whole Cake Island was a whirlwind of activity, the atmosphere festive, music echoing through the air.

"The Tea Party—is starting~"

"Mama's wedding cake—It's ready~"

Everything—the tables, chairs, even the walls, the doors, the plants in the garden, a miniature sun and a perpetually frowning cloud homie—sang, their voices cheerful, their movements a bizarre, synchronized dance.

Big Mom's power had given life to inanimate objects, transforming them into a chorus of singing, dancing…things.

"Black tea~ Green tea~"

"Cake~ Pastries~"

"Eat me~ Drink me~"

Teacups and plates of sweets danced across the tables, their tiny voices urging the guests to partake.

The garden surrounding the Cake Palace was filled with tables laden with food and drink. Representatives of various underworld organizations sat, discussing business deals, waiting for Big Mom's arrival.

"Hey, King of Shipping! I have a shipment of weapons for a country at war. Are your routes secure?"

"Hehehe! This unrest in the New World is good for business! My loan sharking profits are through the roof!"

"War! More war! My funeral parlors are waiting! Organs are a hot commodity these days! Hahahahaha!"

"Chaos is a ladder. Refugees mean profits!"

Not a single legitimate business deal among them—These were the movers and shakers of the New World's underworld.

They negotiated, they schemed, and... they waited for Big Mom.

Despite their own influence, their vast networks, they wouldn't be disrespectful to Charlotte Linlin.

Most of the New World's territories were controlled by the Emperors. These underworld figures, seeking safe passage or protection, had come to pay their respects. Those who hadn't…well, they wouldn't be in business much longer.

"Kwahahaha! When is this Tea Party starting? My news agency has thousands of stories waiting to be published!" A large bird, dressed in a suit and top hat, squawked, its voice human.

It was "Big News" Morgans.

"I heard Big Mom is entertaining a rookie pirate."

"Does she even respect us? Am I, the King of Shipping, less important than some two-bit pirate?"

Their grumbling and petty jealousies were interrupted by Morgans, who'd fallen silent, a thoughtful expression on his bird-like face. His extensive network had already informed him of Arthur's exploits.

He was glad he'd given Arthur that news scoop.

"Mama's decisions are not yours to question! Remember your place!" Katakuri's cold voice silenced the other Charlotte siblings, who were seated at a nearby table.

"We're here. We wait. We keep our mouths shut. Loose lips sink ships."

The air crackled with the barely contained menace of Big Mom's children, silencing the other guests.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

The castle shook as Big Mom, accompanied by Arthur, emerged.

"Your children are quite impressive, Big Mom," Arthur said, his gaze sweeping over the assembled Charlotte siblings, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Not as impressive as you, it seems."

They took their seats, Arthur claiming the head of the table, lounging back, pouring himself a cup of tea from a talking teapot, sampling a pastry with casual disregard for the other guests, his arrogance undeniable.

Big Mom's children bristled at his behavior, but their mother hadn't reacted. They held their tongues.

The underworld figures, the New World's elite, watched—a mixture of shock and amusement on their faces.

How would Arthur face Big Mom's wrath?

Big Mom, however, seemed unfazed—almost as if acknowledging Arthur as an equal—A dangerous message.

The underworld figures exchanged glances, committing Arthur's face—and his audacity—to memory.

"A rising star in the New World?"

"Isn't that the pirate who killed Whitebeard's son?"

"He's earned Big Mom's favor?"

They were more shocked by this display than by Shiki's attack on Whole Cake Island. The New World's territories were vast, but the Emperors remained the same, their power absolute. To challenge them—to claim their place—it was a monumental task.

And to earn their respect? Even more so.

Their minds raced, plotting and scheming.

....

Big News Morgans waddled over, his large bird-like body surprisingly agile. "Thunder God Arthur—I'm Morgans! I'm the one who spread the news of your exploits! The whole world knows your name now!" He gestured towards himself with a wing.

"Get to the point, Morgans," Arthur said, his fingers drumming on the table, swirling the tea in his cup.

"I'm thinking... perhaps we could collaborate in the future."

"Collaborate?" Arthur set down his cup, raising an eyebrow, his gaze meeting Morgans'. He didn't respond.

Morgans dealt in information, not territory. They had no direct conflict. If Morgans wanted to expand his influence, a partnership with Arthur would be mutually beneficial.

But Arthur understood the underlying message: "If you survive…"

Morgans believed his chances against Whitebeard were slim.

"Roger is on his way out. Shiki, too. Redfield, alone, with no crew, no territory, he'll be swept away by the changing tides. Captured, or killed. And Whitebeard… Once Roger is gone—Whitebeard will crumble." Arthur mused, taking a sip of tea.

But he needed to face Whitebeard—to experience his power firsthand.

"Mamamama! Now that everyone's here… Let the Tea Party—BEGIN!" Big Mom's booming voice echoed through the hall.

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