Shrill alarm bells tore through the joyful atmosphere of the birthday banquet, instantly plunging the grand hall into confusion. Conversations faltered, laughter died out, and countless guests looked around in alarm.
Some of the younger members of the Charlotte Family began whispering among themselves.
"Is this just a drill?"
"It's so loud, who triggered it?"
"My ears hurt, turn it off already!"
Before anyone could calm the situation, a clear and urgent voice echoed across Cake Island through the island wide broadcast system. It was Charlotte Laurin, one of the Charlotte Family members responsible for island security.
"Attention to all members of the Big Mom Pirates. Ten Marine warships have been confirmed approaching rapidly from the five o'clock direction. Leading them are Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, Vice Admiral candidates Momousagi and Tokikake, as well as members of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. All personnel are to enter full combat readiness immediately."
The moment her words ended, the atmosphere turned heavy.
The expressions of the Big Mom Pirates darkened instantly. Today was Mama's birthday, a day meant for celebration, yet the Marines had chosen this moment to strike. Worse still, the Big Mom Pirates were currently allied with the Phoenix Pirates and the Beasts Pirates. For the Marines to act so boldly now was nothing short of a direct provocation to the Three Emperors Alliance.
Charlotte Linlin's voice thundered across the hall, overflowing with fury. "The banquet is suspended immediately. All members of the Big Mom Pirates, prepare for battle. We will show these ignorant Marines what it means to make an enemy of us."
"Ohhhh!"
A furious roar erupted from the pirates. Their feast had been interrupted, and rage burned fiercely in their hearts.
In contrast, the invited guests turned pale. They had come only to attend a birthday banquet, never expecting Totto Land to become a battlefield today. Many of them were influential figures from the Underworld, accustomed to dealing in shadows rather than standing on the front lines of a war between the Marines and a Yonko crew.
Several of them stood up at once and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, since the Marines have arrived, please allow us to take our leave first."
Charlotte Linlin's expression was grim, yet she still forced a broad smile. "Mamamama! What is there to fear? They are just Marines. No one is allowed to leave. Once this old woman finishes dealing with them, the banquet will continue as planned."
Her words only deepened the unease among the guests. The Fleet Admiral himself had come in person. That alone showed the Marines' absolute determination. Even the Big Mom Pirates would not find this easy to handle.
Charlotte Compote was the first to regain her composure. She raised her voice sharply. "Where are Amande and the others? Why have the Marines already pushed in this far without any warning from the outposts?"
Someone quickly replied, panic evident in their tone. "Sister Compote, Sister Amande and the others haven't returned."
"The front line units have lost contact as well," another added, repeatedly attempting to reach the outpost via transponder snail, only to be met with silence.
At that moment, the transponder snail at Katakuri's waist rang sharply. He answered at once, only for an urgent voice to shout from the other end, "Something terrible has happened. The Marines are here, they're attacking us…"
Before the message could finish, a scream rang out and the call was abruptly cut off.
The faces of the Big Mom Pirates present changed drastically.
Although most of the crew's strength had gathered on Cake Island for the birthday celebration, significant forces were still stationed across the outer islands. For those defenses to collapse so quickly meant only one thing. The scale of this Marine assault was far beyond normal.
As the news spread, restlessness rippled through the banquet hall.
At one table, Sak, Fossa, and Blenheim sat in silence, their expressions heavy. None of them had expected a joyous celebration to turn into a battlefield in the blink of an eye.
Smoothie approached Fossa, her voice tinged with urgency. "Fossa, the Marines attacked suddenly, and there are likely many of them. You will help us, won't you?"
Fossa smiled calmly, his tone firm and reassuring. "Of course. You're my wife. Protecting you is my responsibility."
Smoothie nodded, a faint smile appearing. "Thank you."
Blenheim spoke next, his expression resolute. "If that's the case, I'll stay and help as well."
Sak let out a short laugh, his eyes sharp with determination. "I'm staying too. I won't stand by while my companions are in danger. We should notify Captain Marco and Kaido as soon as possible. After all, this is a Three Emperors Alliance."
Ulti crossed her arms, snorting lightly. "I don't care about the Big Mom Pirates' lives or deaths, but I'll stay. I'm here to protect my brother."
Smoothie looked at them and nodded sincerely. "Thank you all. Your support means a great deal."
With these powerful allies choosing to remain, they could at least hold back several Vice Admiral level opponents and ease the pressure on the Big Mom Pirates' main forces.
Just then, another urgent broadcast rang out across Cake Island.
"Emergency report. Fifteen Marine warships have been confirmed approaching from the twelve o'clock direction, led by Marine Admiral Aramaki. From the three o'clock direction, twelve warships are approaching under Marine Admiral Fujitora. Additional Marine forces are converging from a distance. Cake Island has been completely surrounded."
A heavy silence fell.
The Marines were clearly intent on total annihilation. Admirals, the Fleet Admiral, and the Shichibukai had all been mobilized. This was an unprecedented crisis.
The guests could no longer remain calm. Regret filled their faces as they realized how disastrously unlucky they had been. Staying any longer meant certain doom.
One by one, they bowed deeply to Charlotte Linlin. "Your Majesty, we truly have urgent matters to attend to. Please forgive us."
Others followed immediately. "Yes, Your Majesty. We must take our leave as well. We apologize."
Without waiting for a response, they hurriedly departed.
This time, Charlotte Linlin did not stop them. Her full attention was now focused on the Marines. Those who wished to leave were free to do so.
Katakuri fell silent for a moment before speaking carefully. "Mama, we should immediately notify all forces across the thirty four islands. Have them rely on terrain advantages and prepare defensive positions. If holding becomes impossible, we must decisively abandon the territory and retreat to the Beasts Pirates' or Phoenix Pirates' lands."
Charlotte Linlin's eyes widened, fury flashing across her face. She glared at her most outstanding son.
"What?" she roared. "Katakuri, are you suggesting that this old woman abandon her territory?"
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