Brook stepped into Charlotte Linlin's princess room, which was so massive it made even her towering frame seem small in comparison.
At that moment, Linlin was twirling in a radiant, eye-catching dress that shimmered in the light. Her curves swayed with each motion, and as she spotted Brook entering, she rushed forward like an avalanche of joy.
"Brother Brook! You're finally done teaching Stussy and the others? Great! Tell me, how do I look today?" she asked, doing a full spin with her skirt swirling like frosting in a whirlwind.
Brook, despite being shorter, got quite the view. He respectfully averted his eyes—at least, for a second.
"You look stunning, Linlin. Truly, a rare beauty of the seas," he said sincerely.
Even in the original timeline, it was said that Gol D. Roger himself had once praised a young Charlotte Linlin's beauty. And Brook, now her captain and companion, didn't hesitate to confirm it.
"Then it's settled!" she grinned. "This is the dress I'll wear for my birthday!"
Without a care in the world, she peeled off the gorgeous dress right in front of Brook and folded it neatly, storing it away for tomorrow's party. Brook, momentarily frozen, felt like he had been struck by the Devil Fruit version of lightning.
His pirate instincts saluted. His soul nearly launched itself into the Underworld and back.
"Hold it together… Hold it together…" Brook muttered under his breath. "I need to activate my new technique for this battle."
His imagination ran wild: charging into the abyssal forest of temptation, unlocking the fortified gates of the steel balloon, navigating bloodied swamp traps, tunneling through caves, and finally storming the heart of the enemy fortress to bring light to the shadows of hell.
But Linlin had already put on her original clothes and wrapped Brook in a warm, joyful hug.
"Brother Brook," she whispered, "we have Cake Island, the Hell Pirates are strong, and I'm already eighteen. It's time. I want to fulfill Mother Carmel's wish—let's have a baby!"
Her cheek brushed his, and her face was pure happiness.
"These are minor details," Brook replied with a chuckle. "But Linlin, you have to promise me something. No overeating. I'll find Pure Gold and make sure you stay young forever!"
He wasn't joking.
Children and sweets—those were the two culprits behind Linlin's future weight gain. Brook estimated her youthful beauty would hold strong until around age twenty-eight. Within those ten years, he had to locate the legendary giant lantern fish and retrieve the Pure Gold.
As for having children?
Failure never even crossed his mind.
They said a girl who laughs and eats well always has a smooth pregnancy.
And Linlin? She was practically a walking fertility miracle. Her pregnancy stats were legendary. She had given birth to powered offspring before. If dwarves could be pregnant just by exposure, then surely Linlin could raise a whole generation of mighty Underworld descendants.
"As long as Brother Brook is happy, I'll try to eat less!" she said with a sweet, innocent smile.
Brook mentally noted her words.
If he ever went back on this, he was so dead.
Then his mind wandered. Which offspring would be stronger—the ones conceived when he was in his Underworld State, or his Normal State ?
He also realized something strange—he didn't have a surname.
Would the kids all be Charlottes? Or should he come up with something new?
Maybe the readers could help. Brook shrugged to himself.
No need to overthink it. He hadn't even written his horoscope yet.
---
Brook sat on Linlin's shoulder as she carried him out of the princess room and into the great hall, where party preparations were in full swing. He left the finishing touches to the others.
Now it was time for a phase report.
The Hell Pirates were holding a high-level meeting to review their progress.
They discussed the Conqueror's Haki Infusion status of their top fighters, advancements in Armament Haki (Ryuo), and Observation Haki awakenings among the newcomers.
Redfield had made the first noticeable breakthrough in Conqueror's Infusion—just ahead of Newgate. Though the effect wasn't impressive yet, it was a start. His attack boost from the Haki wasn't as strong as Ryuo, but it would grow.
All things take time. The stronger the spirit, the more fierce the infusion.
Shakky and Stussy had made considerable strides in Observation Haki, while Hiruba and Tom showed steady progress in Armament Haki.
As for newcomers Kaido and Fisher Tiger—they hadn't awakened their Haki yet, but their progress in Elbaf Martial Arts and Fish-man Karate was promising.
Meanwhile, Moore Thomas brought back scouting reports from various unique islands:
Carnival Island in the Grand Line housed the mystical Lily Carnation, a flower of life and death that could generate "Leaf People" infused with memories.
Beast Island (Melvi Island) was rich with IQ Plants, capable of evolving beasts into lightning or fire-based forms. It even had flying chiropterans.
Boin Archipelago (Baron Stomach) were packed with exotic seed plants and delicious foods that could boost combat abilities. Brook had plans to transplant gourmet plants there for Sky Island farming.
Kuraigana Island, home of the baboons that mimicked human sword styles—potentially dozens of Zoro clones in training.
Torino Kingdom's Giant Bird Island in the South Blue featured a massive ancient library, perfect for studying medicine and pharmaceuticals.
As for the Kamabakka Kingdom, the mysterious Vitality Menu had yet to be developed. No confirmation on whether the island was fully established yet. But with Vegapunk's genius, that wasn't a pressing issue.
Currently, Vegapunk was still analyzing the ES Drug from Fishman Island. He theorized it could lead to even stronger versions—such as a Berserker Pill. All he needed now was time to refine the formula and reduce side effects.
But the island that intrigued Brook the most now… was Mist Island.
An "Ability-Sealing Island" deep in the New World, said to contain seaweed vines that could neutralize Devil Fruit powers—functioning like living Seastone.
That was worth studying.
What kind of plant could evolve to counter Devil Fruit users?
Could it be cultivated?
Could it be used defensively?
It wouldn't help against Haki users, but for Devil Fruit combat—it was a game-changer.
Brook made a mental note to dispatch a specialized team to investigate.
---
After handing out assignments for the next phase, Brook gave the order for Sky Island to enter vacation mode.
Preparations for Charlotte Linlin's birthday party kicked into high gear.
----------------------------
February 15, 1472 of the Kaien calendar marked a monumental occasion—Charlotte Linlin's 18th birthday.
According to the original timeline, her first child, Perospero, would be born on March 14—less than a month from now. But here and now, Charlotte Linlin remained a vibrant young woman in her prime, awaiting the moment to conceive with her chosen partner.
From the early hours, Cake Island came alive.
Laughter echoed from every corner as Homies bustled about, animated utensils whirling through the air. Members of rare races began arriving from O'Hara and the floating Sky Island, settling into their new home as full citizens of Cake Island. With that citizenship came rights, duties, and invitations to this grand celebration.
In Linlin's tower, Shakky and Stussy arrived early to do her makeup. Both wielders of Mythical Zoan Fruits had sprouted wings—Shakky's were leathery bat wings, while Stussy's were soft and white, like an angel's.
The two circled Linlin like fairy tale sprites, brushing her hair and adjusting her makeup with meticulous care. Beside her colossal frame, they looked like mischievous elves fluttering through a giant's dream.
Meanwhile, in the castle's great hall, a group of dignified pirates sat puzzled.
Golden Lion Shiki raised an eyebrow. "Why's Captain Brook throwing such a huge party for Linlin? We didn't get this kind of celebration on our birthdays."
Newgate leaned back, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
"Gurarara~ maybe it's because she's already secured the title of captain's wife," he teased with a smirk. "Wouldn't be surprised if we're rocking baby booties next year!"
The mention of children sparked quiet musings among the older pirates. Despite their legacies, none had offspring. Whitebeard, in the canon timeline, took in sons instead of siring them. Even Shiki and Redfield had no heirs.
Had the strongest men on the seas chosen solitude over legacy?
---
Back in the decorated hall, the celebration began in full force.
Winged angelic dancers twirled in formation, while Brook's self-composed melodies echoed through the space. Though the event wasn't as large as Big Mom's infamous tea parties in the original story, it carried its own grand magic.
Leaders and nobles of the 40 affiliated islands hadn't been invited—this party was for the family, the Hell Pirates themselves. Every core officer was present, even the reclusive genius Vegapunk, along with the Moore Thomas family and the entire news agency staff.
When the banquet commenced, those unfamiliar with Homies were both startled and fascinated. Sentient food Homies waddled across the tables shouting "Eat me!" with enthusiasm. Brook, as always, kept order with a gentle hand and a beaming smile.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for—
Charlotte Linlin's grand entrance.
She walked into the hall with elegance and power. Her brows were finely shaped, her eyes sparkling with youthful light. Her nose was straight and delicate, cheeks dusted with a gentle flush, and lips pink as cherries. Her oval face glowed like sculpted jade, her skin smooth as ivory snow.
Aside from her towering stature, everything about her radiated perfection.
To celebrate, Brook sang a new ballad in her honor, presenting her with two carefully crafted gifts: a colossal puff cake—baked in collaboration with Chef Streusen—and a majestic blade forged by Vegapunk himself.
The sword was dubbed Napoleon.
Linlin, with radiant joy, infused part of her soul into it, giving life to a high-level Homie—the third of her elite trio.
Now standing at her side were:
Thundercloud Zeus
Sun Prometheus
Emperor Blade Napoleon
Her arsenal was complete.
Stussy and Shakky watched from afar, envy shimmering in their eyes.
"Tch… I wonder if that bastard captain will go all-out for our birthdays too," Shakky muttered under her breath.
After Linlin cut the cake, the real party began. Kaido, who had already devoured half a mountain of food, collapsed beside several empty wine barrels. Shiki and Newgate were roped into a drinking contest with Tom and Scaredo, eventually joined by Kaido himself. Bonds were forged in alcohol and roaring laughter.
The festivities stretched into the night, until the crowd slowly dispersed.
Redfield and the others returned to their personal quarters—none of the higher-ranking fighters chose to stay on Cake Island overnight. Even Stussy and Angel peft after the last dance.
Only Shakky stayed.
She loitered, watching Brooke like a hawk.
She wasn't about to let Linlin "deliver dessert" behind her back. She even asked to sleep in Linlin's room—but was swiftly denied.
With no other option, Shakky finally left the island... or so it seemed.
In truth, she hovered just outside, hiding in the clouds like a bat ready to ambush. Linlin had been clear: she planned to marry Brook the moment she turned eighteen.
Minutes turned to hours. Shakky grew sleepy. Then music began to drift from the castle—soft, hypnotic, almost dreamlike.
She yawned.
And collapsed mid-air, gently caught by an invisible Homie and tucked onto a cloudbed.
---
Not far away, Stussy pouted.
"Brother Brook, you'd better make it up to me properly…"
"I know. Tomorrow night is all yours," Brook said with a smile, brushing her hair aside and kissing her forehead.
He lifted the sleeping Shakky and passed her to Stussy to relocate. He didn't want to be doing this… but Charlotte Linlin had made it clear:
If tonight didn't go as planned, the entire island might get obliterated in her frustration.
So, for the sake of everyone's safety—and the sanctity of Cake Island—Brook braced himself for the most intense "sparring session" of his life.
He'd been preparing for months. Drawing inspiration from Gekko Moriah's shadow-giant technique, Brook developed his own version—Soul Expansion, absorbing ghost generals to increase his size.
Now, he stood at over nine meters tall.
Giant Brook, fully powered and fully focused, stepped into the princess suite. Instantly, every Homie in the castle reacted. Doors sealed, windows locked, curtains snapped shut.
"Brother Brook, you're here~" Linlin's voice was like whipped cream mixed with dynamite.
She stood in a pink silk gown, her cheeks flushed, her curves soft yet powerful. Her bare legs shimmered in the moonlight.
Brook gave a nervous laugh.
"Linglin, I hope my… enhanced state meets your expectations."
Without hesitation, she leapt at him.
What followed was less a love scene and more a battle royale between a living soul and a high-speed iron balloon.
The entire Cake Castle trembled.
Brook's soul nearly left his body—twice. But he held on.
This was what he had trained for.
At the peak of their "exchange," Brook unleashed the long-prepared technique he called Frozen Stalactite Dew—directly into the core of the steel balloon.
And that night, under the silent stars and the watchful gaze of a thousand Homies…
A legend was born.
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