The money?
Fujitora set down his wine glass with a sigh:
"Before coming here, I rescued two children near the edge of the Calm Belt and returned them to their hometown in the West Blue."
"That place was practically in ruins, filled with starving and homeless people. So, I planned to go back and use this money to provide medical treatment and help rebuild their homes..."
"What? After losing so badly and finally earning this money back, you're just going to throw it all away like that?"
Xiano cut him off, displeased. "Hey! Don't make such an incredible act of charity sound as simple as drinking a glass of wine, Issho!"
As he spoke, he casually took out a bag and tossed it in front of Fujitora.
"This is?"
Fujitora was momentarily stunned.
"Money. Just squeezed it out of the World Government—more than I can spend."
Xiano cheerfully poured himself another glass of wine. "Rebuilding an entire town—three hundred million Berry probably isn't enough, right? Add mine to it!"
Fujitora instinctively weighed the bag in his hand... it was even heavier than the one in his suitcase, easily four or five hundred million Berry.
They had just met, with no prior connection, and he was handing this over so casually?
He couldn't help but smile wryly. After carefully storing the money bag, he raised his glass:
"Lord Xiano, this... is far too generous. You place far too much trust in me."
"Doesn't matter. It's free money from the World Government anyway."
Xiano waved it off, clinking glasses with him and downing his drink in one go. Then, abruptly changing the subject, he said:
"But, Issho, have you ever thought that relying solely on you running around helping people like this is just patching up holes? It's a temporary fix, not a real solution."
"..."
Fujitora fell silent, setting down his glass before speaking gravely:
"You mean to say..."
"This world is already rotten to the core."
Xiano mused. "Since setting sail, I've been the same as you—helping wherever I can. But then what?"
"After we leave, nothing changes. Pirates will keep flooding into the Grand Line from the four seas, the Celestial Tribute will keep suffocating people, and the common folk, caught in the middle, will remain powerless to resist—just like this fragile glass..."
Crack!
The wine glass shattered into pieces.
The boss lady, who had been kneeling on the floor diligently scrubbing, froze mid-motion before turning to glare resentfully at Xiano.
"Ah, sorry! I'll pay for it when we settle the bill!"
Xiano scratched his head awkwardly.
Once the boss lady turned back around, he looked at Fujitora again and spoke earnestly:
"Without fundamentally changing the way this world works, tragedies like this will keep repeating in a vicious cycle. No matter how much patching up you do, it'll only be a temporary relief, not a lasting solution."
"The truth in your words is not lost on me, my lord."
Fujitora hesitated but ultimately shook his head with a sigh. "But saying it is one thing—doing it is another. Anyone who takes on such a grand ambition would have to face that behemoth known as the World Government!"
"In this world, there have already been too many heroes and great men. Some, after witnessing the strength of the World Government, shrink back in fear. Others, after expanding their own power and dominating their territories, gradually lose their original aspirations. Take Emperor Kaido, for example..."
"Kaido?"
Smoker, standing nearby, was taken aback.
What does that guy have to do with this?
"Indeed, that man. Though he now occupies Wano Country and has degenerated into a pure tyrant and villain..."
Fujitora's expression turned nostalgic. "But in his youth, he possessed a spirit similar to Lord Xiano's. He even once declared he would use his own strength to change this world..."
"And what of it?"
Xiano burst into laughter, his voice brimming with arrogance:
"Do you think I'll become the next Kaido? Don't joke around! What kind of level is he at? Don't compare me to that kind of guy!"
"At nineteen, I'm already nearing the pinnacle of this world. What about Kaido at nineteen? Forget about being an Admiral—could he even beat Smoker?"
Hey, boss, don't use me as a measuring stick!
Smoker twitched at the corner of his eye.
Fujitora, meanwhile, was left speechless. The statement was true... he couldn't find a way to refute it.
"Anyway."
Xiano grabbed a new wine glass and continued:
"Since I was a child, my favorite thing has been overcoming challenges. Dreams like this are worth pursuing precisely because they seem impossible!"
He downed the glass in one gulp, his voice brimming with boldness:
"Hey! Issho, I promise you this: join us, and not only can you continue being a righteous warrior, but you'll also witness—no, participate firsthand—in creating a brand-new era alongside like-minded comrades!"
"And even if we fail in the end, so what? History will have been written. Future generations will remember us!!!"
Be tempted, Fujitora!
He refused to believe this man had no ambitions of his own—that he was content to remain a lone wolf forever.
Those who reach the pinnacle of the world all possess their own convictions.
Otherwise, Fujitora wouldn't have actively participated in the World Military Draft, competing for the position of Admiral!
But back then, this man who dared to defy the Celestial Dragons to their faces had no other place to realize his ambitions except by joining Marine Headquarters six years later.
Now, however, things were different. With Xiano here, the Curtain Closer could undoubtedly become a better home than Marine Headquarters ever was.
"..."
Fujitora fell into a long silence.
He rubbed the bag filled with a fortune, his mind flashing with images of children weeping in ruins, the countless injustices he had witnessed over the years...
Finally, all those images faded, replaced by the figure of the man before him—laughing wildly as he extended his invitation.
He wasn't the type to be easily swayed by mere words.
But before meeting Xiano, he had already thoroughly researched and verified the man's past, gaining a deep understanding of him.
Otherwise, someone as staunchly opposed to evil as him wouldn't have bothered sharing a drink with a man branded a Pirate by the World Government.
Xiano, the World's Greatest Swordsman.
His character? Trustworthy.
His strength? Undeniable.
And tonight, he had clearly sensed from Xiano himself that indomitable will—one that scorned all obstacles and burned with the determination to chase his dreams...
This man might truly be worth following.
"I have one condition," Fujitora finally spoke.
"Go ahead."
"Please keep your words today firmly in mind. If one day you break your promise and tread a path similar to Kaido's..."
Fujitora raised the wooden staff in his hand, fully opening his hollow eye sockets for the first time to reveal those terrifying white eyes. The invisible pressure made Smoker's hair stand on end:
"Then don't blame me for using this Supreme Grade Sword to personally send you to hell."
"No problem."
Xiano agreed cheerfully, "If that day ever comes, believe me, you won't need to lift a finger. The others on the ship—Robin, Kuma, Smoker—they wouldn't let me off either."
Is that so? Fujitora glanced at Smoker with slight surprise.
But Smoker's attention was entirely elsewhere. He even forgot to smoke his cigar, staring dumbfounded at Fujitora's staff...
Huh?
Seriously? That shabby wooden stick is actually one of the Supreme Grade Swords of the Twelve Craftsmen?
On the same level as Hawkeye's and Whitebeard's blades...
I can't tell at all!
"It seems as you said earlier—your ship truly has many like-minded individuals. The thought of fighting alongside them... fills me with anticipation."
Unaware of Smoker's thoughts, Fujitora sheathed his staff and solemnly declared:
"In that case, from this moment onward, you shall be my Captain, Lord Xiano!"
"However..." He hesitated, "Please forgive me, but I still have some matters to settle. I'm afraid I cannot set sail with you immediately."
"Need to return to the West Blue to wrap up your lone wolf days?"
Xiano had anticipated this, glancing at Fujitora's suitcase before grinning. "No problem, go handle your business. We can wait. How long will it take?"
"Not too long—less than half a year. Three or four months at most."
Fujitora apologized, "I'll resolve matters there as quickly as possible. Also, before formally joining the Curtain Closers, I wish to speak with an old acquaintance who once invited me to join the Marines."
An old acquaintance?
Who?
Smoker's curiosity instantly flared, wanting to ask for details, but Xiano seemed utterly unconcerned, simply grabbing the wine bottle to refill their glasses:
"No problem, it's settled then. We'll hold a proper welcome banquet for you in a few months. As for tonight..."
He laughed heartily, "Let's keep it simple—just the three of us sharing a toast!"
Clink!
The crisp sound of their raised glasses meeting echoed clearly through the silent tavern...
————
That night.
Fujitora bid farewell to Xiano and hastily departed the gambling city.
The rest of the crew enjoyed a night of complete relaxation.
By noon the next day, after replenishing supplies, the Sunset finally sailed from the harbor, continuing its course toward Totto Land.
Not much of the journey remained.
...
Even in late January, spring already flourished across Totto Land.
Biscuit Island.
This was one of the thirty-six islands in the Totland archipelago, located at the northwesternmost periphery.
It also served as the territory of one of the "Sweet Four Generals"—Cracker.
With the Tea Party approaching, the island had been designated as one of the reception outposts.
All guests arriving in Totto Land from the western side must register here. Only after their invitations and identities are verified will they be permitted to enter the heart of Totto Land—Whole Cake Island.
Charlotte Custard stood by the dock, her long purple hair swaying gently in the breeze, though her eyes carried a trace of unease and apprehension.
She was BIGMOM's sixth daughter and Cracker's younger sister.
Though she hadn't been appointed as a minister, having such an accomplished brother meant that Biscuit Island was practically half her territory.
Because of this, she had been stationed here to receive guests arriving from this direction.
Most guests were no trouble—just follow the usual procedures.
But this time, the most anticipated VIP of the Tea Party was also highly likely to arrive from this side.
This was really...
"Hey, Cracker."
Custard couldn't help but whisper, "Mom suddenly ordered me to take the initiative and interact with that person, but... I've never even been in love before. This is just too much..."
"Too much? This is an opportunity, you idiot!"
A deep voice came from behind as a towering Biscuit Soldier emerged from the shadows. Cracker's true body was hidden inside the armor, and he snorted, "Don't be scared off by his fearsome reputation. No matter how strong he is, he's still a man—and men are all the same when it comes down to it. And you? You're cute and beautiful."
"If you can win his heart and marry him, the Charlotte Family will gain an incredible top-tier fighter, and you'll earn a great merit. You might even earn Mom's favor like I have!"
"C-Cute...?"
Custard sat down on the grass, rubbing her cheeks fretfully. "Even if you say that, Cracker, I still don't have any confidence..."
She certainly looked the part of a youthful beauty—adorable and sweet, beloved by her younger sisters.
But in reality, she was already quite old. Next month would be her fortieth birthday.
At that age, she could practically be Lord Xiano's mother.
Would he mind that?
The worry weighed on her heart, making it impossible not to feel anxious...
"Shut up!"
Cracker snapped sharply. "If Mom hears you talking like that, you'll be lucky if she only takes a few years off your lifespan! Pull yourself together!"
He smacked her forehead in frustration.
"Besides, do you think you're the only one with a mission? Garette, Smoothie, even Brulee—Mom's given them all instructions. This Tea Party, she's dead set on securing that Xiano!"
"Compared to them, you're just as good in every way... at least in my eyes! Anyway, you have to seize this chance. Show me the confidence and dignity you usually have!"
Right—confidence, dignity!
Custard rubbed her reddened forehead, straightened her back, and finally managed to muster some spirit—just as the silhouette of a ship gradually appeared on the horizon.
At the top of its mast, a white flag embroidered with crossed swords fluttered proudly in the wind.
"He's here—that's the ship!"
Cracker's eyes lit up, and he shoved her forward. "Hurry, go stand at the shore ahead of time! I'll back you up and step in if needed!"
Custard stumbled to the end of the pier, watching as the renowned Sunset drew closer and closer, her nerves suddenly getting the better of her.
Closer and closer…
The legendary figure gradually came into view—
A strikingly handsome young man with black hair and dark clothes stood calmly at the bow. Though he merely stood there casually, the very light around him seemed to dim in his presence.
Hiss…
Custard's breath nearly stopped for a second.
So handsome. The wanted poster was already flattering, but experiencing his aura in person instantly elevated his charm to another level.
If she had only been going through the motions for Mama's mission before, now, she was genuinely starting to feel something.
Taking a deep breath, Custard tried to steady her pounding heart.
She took a few steps forward, ready to greet him with her sweetest smile—when suddenly, she froze, her eyes widening in shock.
There, on the deck—
The tall and slender Smoothie leaned lazily against the railing, holding a glass of orange soda, raising it toward her with a knowing smirk.
And beside her stood Garette, Myukuru, and several other sisters, all glancing her way.
How could this be?
Custard gritted her teeth.
Nearly everyone Mama had assigned the mission to… was already here.
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