Chapter 197

**Chapter 197: Charlotte Linlin**

Compared to Roger, gathering intelligence on Big Mom was far easier. It didn't take long for reports of the *Oro Jackson* nearing Whole Cake Island to land on Carl's desk, along with a log pose to the island.

With the intel in hand, Carl didn't wait for further instructions from Kong. He stepped to the window of his office and leaped out.

Mid-air, his form shifted—dark bat wings unfurled, and he shot across the sky like a crimson comet, vanishing beyond the horizon.

---

Meanwhile, aboard the *Oro Jackson*, Roger stood at the bow, gazing at the looming silhouette of Whole Cake Island.

Rayleigh approached, his voice low. "Roger, Charlotte Linlin isn't the type to negotiate. Are you sure she'll hand over the Poneglyph?"

Roger's expression was resolute. "Regardless, we have to try. My time is running out, Rayleigh. You know that."

Rayleigh's jaw tensed. "Maybe if you rested, there'd still be hope…"

"No, Rayleigh." Roger shook his head. "Crocus has already told me—this illness has no cure."

With a grin, he clapped Rayleigh's shoulder. "Don't look so glum. I've lived a full life. Death doesn't scare me."

Rayleigh clenched his fists. He understood Roger's words, but it didn't make them any easier to accept.

"I know, Roger. I'll be with you to the end."

As Whole Cake Island drew closer, Roger fell silent, watching as figures lined the shore. Among them stood Linlin's younger children, along with an elderly, small-framed man standing at the front.

Roger recognized him immediately—Nusjuro, one of Linlin's strongest subordinates and a former member of the Rocks Pirates.

When the *Oro Jackson* docked, Roger led his crew ashore. Linlin's husband stepped forward with a polite smile.

"Roger, welcome to Whole Cake Island."

Roger returned the smile. "Is Linlin here?"

"She is, but she's… preoccupied at the moment."

Roger's eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh? What's keeping her busy?"

The husband chuckled lightly. "I'm afraid that's confidential."

He motioned for them to follow. "Please, come with me. By the time we reach her, she should be free."

Roger gestured for his crew to proceed, and they followed toward the island's grand pink castle.

Before they could enter, Nusjuro halted at the doors, glancing back. "Apologies. Linlin may still be occupied. Please wait here a moment."

Roger nodded but quietly activated his ability to hear the *Voice of All Things*.

His expression shifted. Rayleigh, noticing, leaned closer.

"Roger, did you hear something?"

Roger raised a hand to silence him, speaking softly. "…Hold on. Someone inside sounds like they're about to collapse."

"…Eh?"

Just then, the doors burst open with a thunderous bang.

A massive woman emerged in a pink nightgown, her hair wild, her expression fierce.

The veteran members of the Roger Pirates froze.

Roger hesitated before asking cautiously, "…Linlin?"

Charlotte Linlin's face flushed slightly as she adjusted the strap falling from her shoulder.

"Roger, long time no see. What brings you here?"

Roger took a moment to process the sight before him.

Back at God Valley, Linlin had been a towering force of both beauty and brutality—once considered a rival even to Amazon Lily's former Empress, Gloriosa.

Now…

Now, she was even more massive, her face hardened, any former elegance completely gone.

Shanks peeked out from behind Roger, eyes wide. Behind Linlin, he spotted a giant pink bed, where a man lay sprawled, his eyes dull and lifeless.

Shanks nudged Buggy. "Hey, Buggy… look at that guy lying there. He's out cold in the middle of the day."

Buggy gave him a look. "Out cold? That's not sleep, you idiot. He's been—"

"Mmph!"

Rayleigh swiftly clamped a hand over Buggy's mouth, laughing nervously. "Buggy, be careful what you say."

Meanwhile, Linlin glanced back at the man on her bed and sighed. She absentmindedly patted her stomach.

"…What a disappointment. Worse than the last one. Guess the child won't be anything special either." She clicked her tongue. "I'll have to try again soon."

Roger wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, forcing a smile. "Linlin, I—"

Linlin waved dismissively. "Talk later! I'm starving! Bring me something to eat!"

Nusjuro's expression stiffened slightly. Without hesitation, he unsheathed his sword and slashed at the ground.

To the astonishment of the younger crew members, the stone pieces he cut merged together, forming a massive, multi-layered cream cake.

Linlin's husband heaved the enormous cake to her.

Linlin bent down, grabbed the cake with both hands, and devoured it in one bite, smacking her lips in mild dissatisfaction.

"…No flavor. Bring me something better!"