Chapter 95: For the Happiness of the Crew, A Little Sacrifice

As one of the two most watched figures in the world,

Ozz's turbulent emotions had gradually settled somewhat after a long stretch of travel.

The elusive Oro Jackson slipped past the perimeter patrols of Totto Land with ease none of whom realized they were meant to be a welcoming committee and came to a quiet stop just off the coast of Whole Cake Island.

The trio from Ozz's crew moved silently across the lands of Totto Land.

"It's still as noisy as ever here."

Scattered laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air. Ozz casually plucked a small flower from the ground.

only to see a pained expression form on its petals, and it even let out a shrill "Ouch!"

Mihawk and Crocodile, both seeing this for the first time, looked around with fascination.

The flowers, the trees, even the rocks swayed and sang with eerie joy, watching passersby with a strangely sentient, almost spine-chilling energy.

Then

a surge of black-and-red lightning crackled violently across the space. Everything with a soul promptly fainted, twitching and rolling their eyes back.

"They can pass out like people too?"

With a snort of disdain, Little Croc kicked the wilting flower off the path.

"This is Big Mom's Devil Fruit ability," Ozz explained as they walked forward. He snapped off a chunk of the Candy Bridge and popped it in his mouth to chew. "She can give souls to inanimate objects… or take them away."

"If you really wanted, Little Hawk, your sword Night could probably be brought to life too."

"Napoleon, Big Mom's saber, is a blade with a soul inside it."

"Something like that…"

Ozz had spoken offhandedly, but Mihawk actually looked slightly intrigued.

To him, this could represent a new frontier in swordsmanship an extension of his will into the blade itself...

Crocodile, on the other hand, didn't look the least bit interested. What, was she supposed to give her hook a soul too?

Though Ozz seemed to find that idea quite amusing. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, gazing at Crocodile's right hand with an increasingly suspicious glint.

"Grr…"

"HEY!!! YOU DAMN PERVERT!! WHAT WERE YOU JUST THINKING?!"

Noticing that look, Crocodile's temple popped with several stress marks. Her sharp face twisted into a glare colder than the grave.

"Oh… nothing."

THAT FACE DID NOT LOOK LIKE "NOTHING"!!!

If they weren't deep in enemy territory right now and on the verge of a confrontation Little Croc would've already unleashed a sandstorm to express her fury.

News of Ozz and his crew's arrival on Whole Cake Island didn't stay secret for long.

With countless Homies and a population full of sharp-eyed residents, those three iconic silhouettes were soon spotted.

"Ozz?!"

The urgent report delivered by a subordinate actually put Big Mom in a rather good mood.

She swept up the rest of her desserts in just a few bites, leaned in close to the soldier, and asked:

"Are you absolutely sure? Ozz is really here?"

Even under the terrifying pressure of her gaze, the soldier nodded and stammered,

"Y-yes! Without a doubt! We also saw signs of Hawk Eyes and the Sand Crocodile!"

"Mamamama!"

Charlotte Linlin laughed gleefully, towering to her feet from her throne.

"Well then… let's begin!!! Time to welcome Ozz to the tea party!!! Mamamama! Don't forget the desserts and black tea!"

"It's our first meeting since that little clash with Roger, after all~"

As her command rippled outward, nearly all of Big Mom's important children and officers appeared at the tea party venue.

Even the not-yet-in-their-prime Sweet Commanders stood solemnly along the sides of the central path.

Katakuri, who had arrived early, stood at the front of the formation, arms crossed, with Perospero beside him licking his tongue in anticipation.

"Perorīn~ What a grand welcome. Guess that's what you'd expect from a legendary pirate, perorīn~"

Katakuri said nothing, his expression as cold and impenetrable as ever.

"Let's hope this all goes smoothly."

Moments later, the buzz of activity rose sharply.

Katakuri's eyes gleamed with red light. His body tensed.

"They're here!!!"

Seconds later, a shadow appeared at the far end of the road.

It was a guard formation made entirely of Homies shaped like chess pieces. Short but orderly, they marched in two columns, holding spears and blades, flanking the three guests as they advanced down the central path.

"…Weren't we supposed to be here to fight? What's with this vibe?"

Ozz had originally planned to draw his sword the moment these living chess soldiers approached. But to his surprise, before they got within striking distance, the Homies bowed and invited them to follow.

"That's probably because… you didn't clearly reject Big Mom when you talked on the phone," Little Croc said flatly, her eyes still full of existential disdain.

"They might think… you're here to fulfill the arrangement."

"Nani…"

Ozz's eyes narrowed with alarm.

Wasn't that "You'd better be ready for me!!"

followed by slamming the phone shut… clear enough?

Or did she hear it as:

"You'd better be ready for me… in bed?"

Ozz grimaced. He reached for his sword only for Mihawk to stop him.

"If they think we're here in good faith, then we might as well wait until Charlotte Linlin brings Night to life. We can start fighting after."

In other words.

Ozz, sacrifice your looks for the happiness of the crew. Flip the table after we get what we want.

Crocodile, hearing this, couldn't help but smirk something she very rarely did.

It was her first time seeing Ozz backed into a corner.

"A legendary captain like you can't seriously be unwilling to do this much, can you? Black Emperor, who spends every day slacking off."

Ozz scowled. He'd planned to beat Big Mom first, then demand she bring Night to life. More importantly.

"I do help out on the ship, you know!"

"You mean when you snap your fingers and use your Devil Fruit to cut corners?!"

"… …"

Yep.

The lazybones was caught red-handed.

And a moment later, Ozz… finally resigned himself to this ridiculous arrangement.