Currently, in Totto Land, with Big Mom revived, the Pirates who had come to plunder resources retreated like the ebbing tide, leaving the islands free from war.
Thanks to Big Mom's Soul-Soul Fruit powers, all buildings damaged during the conflict were completely restored by her Homies. Pedestrian traffic was only slightly reduced, and for all appearances, the islands had returned to their original, flawless state. Such speed of repair would be astonishing anywhere.
All members of the Big Mom Pirates who had previously aligned with Kaido after Big Mom's death had now returned. Seeing them safe, Big Mom's hatred for Kaido softened slightly, at least temporarily. Katakuri, Smoothie, and the others were preparing a grand banquet to celebrate her return.
Totto Land once again felt alive, like a great bird spreading its wings, ready to soar.
"Mama, Kaido is calling," Perospero announced, approaching with a Den Den Mushi.
Big Mom, still exhausted, did not respond immediately. She was injured from her last battle with Rolan and had expended massive energy creating Homies to repair the entire territory. She had no patience for interruptions. Could Kaido be calling to demand her submission?
Taking the Den Den Mushi out of politeness, she growled, "Mama, you brat, what is it? I'm not in a very good mood right now."
"Wororororo, old woman! You're not going to sulk just because you lost once, are you!" Kaido's voice carried over the Den Den Mushi, sharp and irritating.
Big Mom's irritation surged, and she snapped, "What! Do you want to die, you brat! You're far too green to lecture me. Speak quickly! If you have nothing, I'm eating cake."
Saliva flew as she shouted, causing the Den Den Mushi to nearly squint in fear. Kaido sounded stunned by her audacity.
"Wororororo, old woman… seeing your spirit still intact, I am relieved," Kaido said cautiously.
Though Big Mom had not reached the age of menopause, her temper was exceptionally sharp. "Speak clearly. I'm in a terrible mood!"
"I think it's time for us to form an alliance," Kaido stated.
Big Mom froze. "NANI?!" She couldn't believe what she had heard and repeated herself instinctively, "What did you say?"
"Let's form an alliance," Kaido confirmed.
The silence that followed spoke volumes. Kaido had expected Big Mom's shock, and the Den Den Mushi now carried a faint, melancholic expression.
"Ah… yes. You haven't forgotten the dreams we had when we first formed our crews, have you?" Kaido continued.
Big Mom's mind wandered. After the Rocks Pirates' defeat, their crew had scattered across the world of One Piece. Some became tavern owners, some returned to peaceful lives ashore, some opened clinics or shops, yet most continued as Pirates. Kaido, Big Mom, Whitebeard, and Wang Zhi had all formed new crews and kept sailing.
Decades had passed. She, Kaido, and Whitebeard had all become Yonko, each one step from the great treasure. But to claim it, all four Road Poneglyphs were needed. Three were already held by the Yonko, while the location of the fourth remained unknown. Life repeated itself, day after day, yet their original dreams remained alive.
Big Mom laughed, sharp yet contemplative. "Mama isn't senile yet. I remember perfectly. You haven't forgotten, have you, Rolan Boy?"
"You old hag! How could I forget?" Kaido retorted.
"What did you mean by forming an alliance just now?" Big Mom asked, narrowing her eyes.
The Den Den Mushi's tone grew serious. "It means you and I gather the four Road Poneglyphs together, then reach the Final Island. The final winner… we can decide there."
Big Mom paused, lips curving into a sly smile. "Interesting proposal. But why form an alliance? How do I know you won't trick me?"
Kaido sighed slowly. "As you've seen, the New World was meant to be the battleground of the Yonko. But that Rolan Boy arrived and turned calm waters into chaos. His strength is formidable, stronger than both of us, and he will inevitably block our paths. Even if we are cautious, he could defeat either of us."
"Old man Whitebeard may be frail, yet his strength is unmatched. Red-Haired Shanks is in his prime, carrying the aura of Gol D. Roger himself. But with our alliance, taking down these three will be no problem. Once we do, the New World and the great treasure will be ours."
Hearing this, Big Mom's interest piqued. "Mama, that Rolan Boy… I didn't expect him to be so clever. You're not trying to trick me, are you?"
"Worororo, of course not. The details can be discussed when we meet," Kaido assured.
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Wano Country, New World – Onigashima
Kaido ended the call, excitement flickering across his eyes. "King, ready the ship. We're heading to Totto Land."
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Peach Garden
"Husband, I… I can't…" Hancock's body shivered, flushed and trembling as she collapsed softly beside Rolan, her eyes half-lidded with desire. She seemed to float, as if she had ascended to the heavens.
Rolan lay beside her, gently holding her delicate form, her fragrant sweat clinging to his palm. After a long moment, Hancock finally relaxed, burying her face in his chest.
"Hus… Husband, rest assured. I'll handle Sky Nation while you're away," she whispered.
Rolan's hand trailed down her smooth, jade-like back. Unmarked by Celestial Dragon scars, her skin was soft as silk, flawless to the touch.
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The Next Day
Under the reluctant gazes of all, Rolan and Nami boarded the Breaking Sky, lifted by the island cloud, and flew toward the horizon.
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