Totto Land, Whole Cake Island.
Even though they were given the green light all the way, Bazel didn't let his guard down.
Instead, he observed the appearance and terrain of the islands they passed.
The current Whole Cake Island wasn't the one from 29 years later. Although the 34 islands were beginning to take shape, most were still under construction.
Except for their destination, Whole Cake Island.
According to Perospero, the island where Big Mom resided year-round had been completed several years ago.
The builders included not only those craftsmen but also a former Rocks Pirates' Great Pirate who followed Big Mom.
The Gourmet Knight, Streusen.
A man of little fame, yet one who had followed Linlin for decades without dying.
This achievement alone was enough to prove Streusen's combat prowess.
One must know, Linlin caused an uproar in the village in Elbaf at the age of six and even killed the Giant's elder, Jorul!
While part of it was due to Jorul's old age and inability to withstand a fight, it's undeniable that as a human, Linlin possessed the most outstanding physical talent among humans!
"Do you like it here?"
Taking advantage of Kaido not being nearby, Perospero walked up to Bazel, deliberately lowering his voice.
"If you like it, stay. Mom said if you're willing to join the Big Mom Pirates, she can personally intervene to stop Kaido-sama."
Bazel glanced at Perospero with alarm, "Please think before you speak. Kaido sees me as a brother. Do you think I'm the kind of person who would stab my own brother in the back?"
'But Mom sees you as a husband...'
Thinking about the task Mom gave him, Perospero felt a headache coming on.
What Big Mom had her eyes on wasn't just Bazel, but also the special race member, King.
Persuading them to join the Big Mom Pirates was Perospero's hidden mission.
But...
Looking at Bazel, who didn't seem interested at all, Perospero sighed inwardly.
'Indeed, if it were me, I wouldn't want to defect from the Beasts Pirates either.'
Although it had only been a few hours of interaction, Perospero quite liked the atmosphere of the Beasts Pirates.
Unlike the cautiousness in Big Mom Pirates.
This pirate crew was truly one where members called each other brothers.
The top executives roughhoused with each other, and the attitude of the crew members towards the captain and executives wasn't one of fear, but full of respect and admiration.
Some pirates would even proactively ask Bazel or Hanafuda for advice on Haki.
In contrast, the Big Mom Pirates...
Thinking of that whole family of nutcases, Perospero couldn't help but massage his temples, feeling secretly relieved.
'Thankfully Katakuri helped me discipline the younger ones, otherwise just watching those brats would exhaust me to death.'
Watching Perospero rub his temples with a pained expression, Bazel didn't say much.
He would rather jump from here and swim back to Marine Headquarters, even if it meant never being a pirate again, than join the Big Mom Pirates!!!
Putting aside the adorable Kaido's classes that allowed him to cheat to get stronger, and putting aside the lively atmosphere…
Just compare the two captains alone.
Although Kaido couldn't hold his liquor well and wasn't gentle during extracurricular tutoring sessions, overall he still had a sense of proportion and knew his limits.
In contrast, Big Mom...
Bazel suspected her reason for wanting him to join was probably only one...
His stomach was strong, his 'Holy Sword' was sharp, but that wasn't a reason for him to face Big Mom head-on!
Joining the Big Mom Pirates was just a pretext… going over to father several dozen sons was the real goal.
If it were before Linlin gave birth to Perospero, Bazel might have considered it.
But once he remembered the other party started transforming into a truck after her 40s, and was blessed with many children, Bazel couldn't muster even the slightest bit of interest.
And, to be honest, Bazel didn't understand what mindset those brave souls who dared to marry the future Big Mom had.
One must know Big Mom's height was 8.8 meters, two meters taller than Whitebeard's 6.66 meters.
Add to that her figure gradually becoming more and more...
"Ohohohoho, welcome, welcome!"
"Kaido, the last time we met was on Rocks' ship, right?"
Unconsciously, the two ships of the Beasts Pirates began to slow down and enter the port.
A short man jumped onto the ship's rail, walked up to Kaido, and looked up at him.
"It's you, Streusen."
Facing his former companion, Kaido lost his desire to rest further. He sat up straight, his joints cracking as he moved.
"It has been a long time. Where's Linlin?"
"She's still washing up and getting dressed. She said it's been a long time since she's seen you, so she can't be sloppy."
Streusen let out another round of his strange laughter.
"And this must be your vice-captain?"
Bazel couldn't be bothered to correct the difference between vice-captain and All-Star, forcing a smile.
"Bazel, an All-Star of the Beasts Pirates."
"All-Star..."
Streusen glanced at Bazel's face, then expanded his Observation Haki to observe him. Unlike Marlon, he didn't burst into exaggerated laughter.
He calmly invited them to the Whole Cake Chateau to enjoy the lunch being prepared.
"Please, come inside. Perospero, use your Candy Elevator to escort our honored guests onto the island."
"Understood."
Jumping off the deck, Perospero activated his ability, wielding pale blue syrup.
"Candy Elevator!!"
The originally soft and sticky syrup quickly hardened, then transformed into an exquisitely crafted long staircase that shot towards the distance.
"Please board the Candy Elevator. It will take you directly inside the Whole Cake Chateau!"
Inside Whole Cake Chateau.
"Mamamamama~~"
Joyful laughter echoed within the castle. Charlotte Linlin pursed her lips. S is 'just' 39 years old now, so her figure and appearance not yet fully transformed.
Bright fire-red lips, small crow's feet concealed by foundation.
Towering peaks coupled with a slender waist.
"Zeus, does my makeup look good today?"
A fluffy white cloud, like cotton candy, floated nearby.
"Mom, aren't you always this beautiful?"
Another round of 'Mamamamama' laughter ensued.
"Your mouth is still so sweet, Zeus. Kaido and the others have already entered the castle. It's been so long since I've seen him."
"It has been a long time since we've seen Kaido too, right, Prometheus?"
The sun nodded in agreement beside her, "That's right, Mom! You are as stunningly beautiful as ever today. Kaido will surely be dumbstruck just like before!"
Picking up Napoleon to cover her pink wavy locks, Linlin walked out of the room with the sun and the cloud.
"Let's go!"
"Kaido!!"
Not long after entering the Whole Cake Chateau, a voice that sounded quite urgent called out from deep within the castle.
"Long time no see!"
As soon as they met, Linlin boldly offered a hug.
Ignoring Kaido's resistance, she pressed his horned head against her chest.
"Hey, Linlin, I'm all grown up now!"
Pushing Charlotte Linlin away, a faint pink hue unusually appeared on Kaido's bronze face.
Witnessing this, Bazel nearly dropped his jaw in shock.
'The Great Kaido-sensei… is blushing?!'
"Hahaha~ You're still so shy, kid! Back in the day, you often…"
"Enough, Linlin! I didn't come here so you could tell stories about my youth!"
At this critical moment, Kaido even forgot his usual tone in his haste to stop Linlin from spilling stories about his younger days.
Linlin tactfully didn't press further, her eyes scanning behind Kaido.
When she saw the Tontatta standing on Bazel's shoulder, her eyes noticeably brightened.
"I never thought you'd have a Tontatta on your ship, Kaido! What a pleasant surprise!"
"This Tea Party is the first one I'm hosting. It's an absolutely grand banquet. It would be even better if more races could attend!"
"Hey hey~~"
Charlotte Linlin pushed past Kaido, walked up to Bazel alone, and crouched down.
Her face, which still retained some of its youthful charm, leaned close to Bazel's.
"I am Charlotte Linlin. You can call me Linlin. I really like your scent, Bazel."
Bazel wasn't surprised she knew about him.
It would be strange if she didn't.
But before he could offer a polite response, Linlin's next words made the hairs on Bazel's neck stand on end.
"How about having a son with me before the Tea Party starts? For Kaido's sake, I'll specially allow you to marry me a bit later."
"Hey, Linlin!!"
Kaido covered the distance in two or three large strides, quickly stepping in front of Bazel to shield him.
"Bazel is my brother! Do you want to start a war with me?!"
Faced with the threat of war, Linlin wasn't the least bit concerned. Instead, she plopped down, playing with the ends of her pink hair.
"Just a joke, Kaido. Don't be so tense."