At 9:40 AM, there were still twenty minutes left before the Tea Party would officially start.
The titans of the Underworld had already gathered at the base of Whole Cake Chateau, and among them stood none other than Morgans, President of the World Economy News Paper—the "King of News."
"Ah~ I'm absolutely thrilled to have received an invitation this time~!"
Morgans' sharp eyes, gleaming with journalistic fervor, seemed to be sweeping the crowd for potential headlines. But when his gaze landed on a short-skirted woman carrying a small purse and wearing a flower-adorned hat, his pupils shrank slightly.
"Mm~ President Morgans, it's been such a long time~ Have you been... well, lately~?"
It was Stussy—the "Queen of the Pleasure District," whose true identity was a secret agent of Cipher Pol "Aigis" Zero, the World Government's covert intelligence branch!
Having once collaborated with the World Government, Morgans was well aware of Stussy's real identity.
Still, if she dared to show up here openly, Morgans wasn't about to be intimidated by just one CP0 agent.
"Hehehe... Lady Stussy, it's been quite some time since I last reported on your... 'activities.' My sincerest apologies, hahaha!"
Stussy narrowed her eyes slightly and offered him a dazzling smile.
"Hehe... We're all guests today. It would be terribly rude to arrive late, wouldn't it~? Let's get moving~."
"But of course! Big Mom absolutely loathes tardiness, kuwahahaha..."
As their eyes met, it felt as if a bolt of lightning flashed silently between them. Smiling politely, they both stepped onto the candy elevator crafted by the Minister of Candy, Perospero, ascending toward the top of Whole Cake Island—toward the venue of the Tea Party.
...
Marine Headquarters—Marineford.
"How's everything looking?"
Standing atop the newly constructed Oris Plaza's central podium was Wright, Fleet Admiral of the Navy. Before him, stretching across the grand plaza, stood twenty thousand handpicked Marine officers and soldiers. Flanking Wright on either side were the Marine Admirals: Sakazuki, also known as "Akainu," and Issho, better known as "Fujitora."
At the very front, leading the troops, were ten Vice Admirals.
Aside from Smoker, stationed firmly on the New World frontlines, and Rosinante, currently operating in Wano, even the New World G-1 Branch's Vice Admiral Momonga and G-10 Branch's Vice Admiral Hina had gathered here.
Among the elite Commodores and Rear Admirals standing behind them, the only notable absence was "Skyblade" Kuina. Nevertheless, "Fire Fist" Ace, "Nine-Tailed Fox" Tashigi, "Ship-Cleaver" T Bone, and "White Horse" Cavendish were all present.
Pato perched comfortably on Wright's shoulder—by now, everyone in Marineford knew that their Fleet Admiral kept a tanuki as a pet...
In front of the podium stood four grand Lightforged Beacons, radiating dazzling golden light—since the recent upgrades to the beacons, now fully powered by Lightforged Sigils, any previous interference issues had been thoroughly resolved.
The Marines gazed at the glorious beams of light with fervent excitement in their eyes.
"Are you ready!?"
"Ready!"
"Good…"
Wright gave a slight smile as his "Justice" cloak billowed majestically in the sea breeze.
"During the Summit War against Whitebeard, we deployed 100,000 elite Marines, five Admiral-level forces, and the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
"But now, we have only twenty thousand men. Tell me—do you have the confidence!?"
"Yes, sir!!"
Their unified roar shook the plaza. After two years of intense training and discipline under Sakazuki's command, the Marine forces had grown stronger than ever.
This time was different from the Summit War. No matter how formidable Big Mom was, she could not rival Whitebeard at his peak.
Moreover, the collective strength of the Whitebeard Pirates far exceeded that of the Big Mom Pirates.
And unlike the open clash against Whitebeard's crew, this operation was a surprise assault led by the Marines!
With no need to defend Marineford, the Admirals could focus solely on offense. Even though only two Admirals would participate, the Fleet Admiral himself would be leading the charge.
Most importantly—this was a decapitation operation!
"Everyone attending that Tea Party... they're either pirates or the filth of the Underworld."
Sakazuki bit down on his cigar and spoke in a low, commanding tone.
"Show no mercy—full force assault!"
"Heh... In that case, I won't have to worry about holding back," Fujitora chuckled lightly.
"Exactly. Then—!"
Wright gave a nod, casting a glance toward the Lightforged Beacons, now blazing brightly.
"Commence the operation!"
"Move out, everyone!"
"Justice will prevail!"
"Justice will prevail!"
...
Whole Cake Island — The Tea Party Begins.
The air was thick with the rich aromas of confections and desserts, filling the entire venue. Guests were raising their glasses in toast after toast to Big Mom.
The Homies, infused with fragments of souls, were buzzing with life—teapots, teacups, wine jugs, fruit platters, and even many of the desserts themselves had personalities of their own.
Seated at the head of the table was Big Mom herself, flanked by her three most powerful Homies: the bicorne hat "Napoleon," the sun "Prometheus," and the thundercloud "Zeus."
"Mamama~!"
"Welcome, everyone! Welcome!"
"We have more than enough sweets here—eat and drink to your heart's content!"
"Make sure to enjoy everything today to the fullest—Mamama~!"
First Son, "Minister of Candy" Perospero.
First Daughter, "Minister of Fruits" Compote.
Third Son, "Minister of Beans" Daifuku.
Fourth Son, "Minister of Baked Goods" Oven.
Sweet Commander, Second Son, "Minister of Flour" Katakuri.
Sweet Commander, Fourteenth Daughter, "Minister of Juice" Smoothie.
Sweet Commander, Tenth Son, "Minister of Biscuits" Cracker.
And countless more monstrous children and officers... the forces under Big Mom's command were simply overwhelming.
Just thinking about standing against these terrifying forces was enough to make one's blood run cold.
At that moment, Capone "Gang" Bege—responsible for overseeing the security of the Tea Party—flashed a sinister smile. The Straw Hat Pirates had successfully infiltrated the venue and were now gorging themselves on food.
They were fully prepared.
But… the president of the World Economy News Paper seems very interested in the Straw Hats. He's been hovering near them this whole time...
Could he have recognized the Vinsmoke family? That's right... rumor has it that the World Economy News Paper once had deep ties with Germa...
Damn it, I overlooked that... Still, that old bird hasn't made any suspicious moves. Let's hope he keeps it that way!
Bege took a deep breath—just as a chess soldier, carrying a massive picture frame, approached Big Mom's throne.
Finally… it's here.
But…
Glancing subtly toward Katakuri, who was seated nearby tossing jelly beans, Bege quickly averted his gaze.
That monster, who trained his Observation Haki to the point of "foreseeing the future," remains the greatest obstacle to the plan.
Click!
The chess soldier placed the picture frame opposite Big Mom, and she burst into delighted laughter.
"Ooh... Mother Carmel!"
"Yes... this is our... Mother!"
"Mother, you are the light of the world!"
Bege silently slipped deeper into the crowd, finding a secluded corner where he could observe unnoticed, a smirk creeping onto his lips.
"Alright, get ready—that's the photo we need to target!"
"When the 'Tea Party Cake' is unveiled, and everyone's attention is focused—strike!"
From the small hatch in Bege's chest, Usopp poked his sweat-drenched head out nervously.
"Bring it in—the centerpiece of the festival—the 'Tea Party Cake'!"
At the order of Streusen, the head chef, a gigantic and stunningly decorated cake rose slowly from the center of the venue.
"Amazing!"
"Incredible, Chef Streusen!"
"What a masterpiece!"
The waves of admiration and the sight of the towering cake sent Big Mom into a frenzy of pure joy. Even Luffy and the others stared in awe—this was a spectacle unlike anything they had ever seen!
"I want to eat it so badly..."
"Focus on the mission!"
Meanwhile, Reiju and her three Vinsmoke brothers weren't sitting; instead, they wandered around the venue with wine glasses in hand, gradually moving to the venue's four corners.
In perfect synch, they each removed the rings from the index fingers of their right hands—and tossed them onto the floor.
Katakuri, who had been silently observing, suddenly widened his eyes. With a swift flick of his right arm, he launched a mochi wall toward Big Mom's throne.
"Mama! Danger!"
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