The group returned to Tesoro's Golden City. This Golden City was even larger than the one in the manga. They had more money now, so they built it bigger.
"We promised to throw a hundred-day celebration for little Rati. Let's not break that promise."
Perospero's Den Den Mushi was ringing in Rhett's hand. He answered lazily.
"Perospero, what is it?" Rhett's voice had its usual mocking tone.
The Den Den Mushi mimicked Perospero's signature lisp. Rhett considered the Den Den Mushi to be One Piece's greatest invention. Its tone was respectful but probing. "Lord Rhett, Mama wants me to ask where the hundred-day celebration will be held? We've prepared our top dessert team. We can leave anytime Peroperopero"
Rhett chuckled. His gaze swept over the giant banquet hall in the center of the Golden City. "Tesoro's Golden City. I'll trouble you to make the trip."
"Not at all." The Den Den Mushi's expression looked surprised. "The Golden City? Okay, I'll make the arrangements right away..."
Rhett cut him off, his tone casual. "Just send the desserts. Tesoro will handle the rest."
The Den Den Mushi was silent for a moment. Then Perospero's voice came again, more cautious. "Understood, Lord Rhett. We will deliver the desserts on time."
After hanging up, Tesoro walked over. "Do we need to make any other arrangements? I know Charlotte Linlin and Kaido probably won't come, but should we save seats for them?"
Rhett shrugged. "Whether she comes or not, the desserts will arrive. There's no need to save seats for them."
He paused, the corner of his mouth curling into a playful smile. "Besides, if she actually came, the Navy wouldn't be able to sleep. That would be interesting. But it's probably better if she doesn't come. If she has an episode, it might ruin the mood."
Tesoro imagined that scene. His mouth twitched. "...That makes sense."
This was simple. If it were Rhett's birthday and they had a good relationship, they would probably come. It was about status. Like a state visit. Positions had to be matched.
---
On a small island not far from the Golden City, at the same time.
Perospero put down the Den Den Mushi and turned to look at Katakuri and Pudding behind him. "Rhett chose the Golden City. Tell the sisters to get moving."
The corners of Katakuri's mouth beneath his scarf curled up. "That's fine."
Pudding blinked her three eyes and asked quietly, "Then... are we going?"
Perospero licked his candy cane and gave a meaningful smile. "Of course we're going Peroperopero This is a great opportunity to get closer to the Blood Dawn."
Katakuri glanced at him. "I hope it goes smoothly."
Perospero spread his hands. "Don't worry. I'm just delivering desserts~"
The Golden City's lights shone brightly against the night sky.
The moment Perospero's Den Den Mushi hung up, Tesoro stood at the highest point of the Golden City, looking down at the kingdom that belonged to him. The corner of his mouth curled into a confident smile. "Captain, it seems our hundred-day celebration is going to be the focus of the New World. Oh, and it seems Mr. Roger's former crewmate, Mr. Barrett, has been restless. Should I send someone to handle it?"
"My information is that he's appeared with Festa. Oh, and Festa is a somewhat famous party planner."
"Festa???"
Rhett frowned. The timing didn't match. Neither did their purpose. But this pair had come together.
Rhett lounged lazily on a gold beach chair. "Don't worry about him. If he causes trouble, plenty of people will deal with him. Did Barrett start his own pirate crew?"
"No. Instead, he's destroyed quite a few."
"Do you think he might be preparing a gift for us?"
"If he backed down without a fight, he wouldn't be Barrett." Rhett waved his hand, ending the topic. Just then, a very energetic voice came from a distance.
"Lord Rhett~ Lord Tesoro~"
Perona floated in the air, spinning excitedly. "I've already thought about how to decorate the venue! How about a ghost theme? Cute and mysterious!"
Moria clicked his tongue. "Kishishishi... It'll be very memorable."
Enel snorted. "Boring."
Lena put her hands on her hips and glared at him. "That's really rude!"
Enel: "...This god never said he wasn't coming."
Rhett: ??? Why is Lena so aggressive today? Oh, she's still on the ship. That's fine.
Everyone: "..."
Tesoro clapped his hands. A holographic map of the Golden City rose from the gold floor. Every corner of the city was clearly marked. "I've already made arrangements. The main venue will be in the central plaza. The dessert area will be handled by the Charlotte family. The entertainment area will be handled by my team. As for security..."
Rhett waved his hand. "Don't worry about security. If anyone causes trouble at Rati's banquet, I'll show them the Blood Dawn's version of hospitality."
His tone was light.
Just then, BT's mechanical voice came from behind. "Large fleet detected approaching. Identification signal: Big Mom Pirates."
Rhett raised an eyebrow. "Oh, they're fast."
Everyone walked to the port. On the distant horizon, a fleet of dozens of cake-shaped warships was slowly approaching. Katakuri and Perospero stood at the bow. Behind them were countless members of the Charlotte family.
Perospero licked his candy cane and shouted, "Peroperopero! Long time no see, although we just spoke on the phone. Captain Rhett, we've arrived as promised! Peroperopero~"
Katakuri was as steady as ever. His scarf fluttered in the wind. "The desserts for the hundred-day celebration are ready. Please inspect them. They will stay fresh for thirty days."
Rhett: What kind of technology or chemicals keeps them fresh for thirty days??
As the fleet docked, the Homies happily jumped off the ships and started carrying boxes of exquisite desserts. Cakes, chocolate fountains, cotton candy clouds... Everything was there. The air was filled with the smell of sweets.
Tesoro nodded with satisfaction. "As expected of Totto Land's desserts. Top quality."
Perospero raised his chin proudly. "Of course. Mama personally oversaw their creation!"
Evil Rhett glanced at the desserts and suddenly asked, "Did Charlotte Linlin not come?"
Katakuri was silent for a moment. He lowered his voice. "Mama is still... recovering."
Perospero quickly tried to smooth things over. "Let's not talk about that! When does the banquet start? We can't wait! Peroperopero~"
Rhett shrugged. "Seven days from now. Golden City: Stampede."
---
The night grew deeper. But the lights of the Golden City grew even brighter. The preparations for the hundred-day celebration were in their final stage. The entire city was immersed in a festive atmosphere.
At the highest point of the Golden City, Rati sat in BT's cockpit. Her small hands curiously patted the railing. Her green-and-gold eyes reflected the golden city below.
BT's mechanical eyes flickered gently. "Protocol 3: Protect Rati — in progress. Hundred-day celebration preparations complete, pilot."