"Another one!"
Nami stood beside Xiano, letting out a strange chuckle:
"Ever since we entered Totto Land's waters, they've been clinging to us one after another. This is the fourth one already, big bro. You're really quite the hot commodity."
"Let them be."
Xiano remained expressionless. "Just respond politely. No need for unnecessary words."
"Not a single one catches your eye? I think that purple-haired sister down there looks pretty good."
Nami gave him a sidelong glance. "If you can't decide, I can call Bellemere and have her pick for you—"
Splash!
The Pet-Eating Demon screamed as it plunged into the sea.
Xiano clapped his hands together before glancing at Custard.
This one seemed to be the sixth daughter—he couldn't recall her reputation—but he had to admit, she was indeed quite cute.
Just a bit older, probably a few years senior to Bellemere.
BIGMOM had 46 sons and 39 daughters, most of whom were... less than appealing. To dig out these few decent ones from the bunch to curry favor, she must have really gone through some trouble.
Not that Xiano had any interest.
At most, he only somewhat admired Katakuri. He held no goodwill toward BIGMOM herself.
Not taking action against Totto Land was a strategic necessity—it didn't mean he was particularly close to them, much less willing to become BIGMOM's son-in-law.
Once the ship docked, he was the first to descend the gangway.
Custard mustered her courage and stepped forward, cheeks slightly flushed as she bowed:
"Lord Xiano, welcome to Biscuit Island. I am Charlotte Custard, here to escort you and your crew to Whole Cake Island."
"Much obliged."
Xiano gave a slight nod. "Do we need to register or undergo inspection?"
"Not at all!"
Custard hurriedly waved her hands. "That's only for ordinary guests. You're Mother's most esteemed VIP—such formalities are entirely unnecessary..."
She stole a glance at Xiano, her heartbeat quickening involuntarily.
Up close, he was even more handsome.
Her smile grew more sincere:
"If you're willing, my lord, I can take you directly to Whole Cake Island right now. Your accommodations there have already been prepared."
"However, if you'd like to rest for a while, I could... act as your guide and show you around Biscuit Island? J-just the two of us..."
Well done!
Cracker, who had been hiding inside a Biscuit Soldier to eavesdrop, mentally cheered for his sister.
That's it, Custard!
Keep it up! Stay sharp—don't embarrass yourself!
"A tour of Biscuit Island?"
Just as Xiano was about to respond, he suddenly felt gazes burning into his back. He turned to look.
Smoothie had set down her soda glass at some point and was now squinting at them; Garette wore an unpleasant expression, as if she wanted to swallow Custard whole.
Further away, Myukuru had even pulled out a compact to touch up her makeup...
Xiano shook his head helplessly.
What was with this bizarre atmosphere?
He had no real interest in these Charlottes who kept throwing themselves at him, nor had he established any relationships with them. Yet here they were, staging some sisterly rivalry drama?
"Uh..."
Custard also noticed the predatory gazes of her sisters, beads of cold sweat forming on her forehead, but she steeled herself and said:
"Anyway, it's still early, and we have plenty of time. Biscuit Island has the largest garrison of Biscuit Soldiers in all of Totto Land's waters. It's quite unique…"
"Forget it."
Xiano rejected her coldly. "Let's just head straight to Whole Cake Island."
Three women make a drama—he couldn't be bothered to get involved.
"Huh?"
Custard was clearly taken aback, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face, but she quickly forced a sweet smile. "O-Of course, my lord. I'll lead the way right away…"
...
Whole Cake Island.
This was the heart of Totto Land's waters and the location of BIGMOM's Whole Cake Castle.
Due to the upcoming Tea Party, the entire route from the port to the castle had been freshly decorated.
The main avenue was lined with a red carpet, flanked by singing Candy Streetlights, while the roadsides were packed with residents dressed in festive attire, waving small flags bearing the Charlotte Family's emblem.
At the dock's exit stood the most grandiose welcoming party Totto Land had ever assembled.
Over twenty of the Charlotte Family's younger children stood in two rows, with Katakuri at the forefront, arms crossed, silently waiting.
Many guests couldn't help but take notice, murmuring among themselves.
"Hey, isn't that Katakuri, the leader of the Sweet Commanders?"
"For him to personally welcome someone? Who could possibly deserve such treatment? Even when Morgans, the head of the World Economic Journal, arrived yesterday, he was only greeted by a minister!"
"Idiot, keep your voice down… It's that man. Haven't you heard the rumors?"
"What rumors?"
"That BIGMOM intends to recruit 'the World's Greatest Swordsman,' Xiano, even going so far as to offer several of her daughters in marriage!" someone whispered mysteriously. "They say this Tea Party is being held on such a grand scale specifically to facilitate their union!"
"Huh? Seriously?"
The onlookers gasped. "That's a monster with a bounty exceeding 2.8 billion Berries! If the marriage alliance succeeds, Totto Land's power would…"
The chatter abruptly ceased.
Because at that moment, the sea beyond the port suddenly stirred.
The Sunset cut through the waves, emerging from the mist, and the striking figure standing on its deck instantly drew countless gazes.
"He's here!"
"It's the Curtain Closer's flag!"
"The rumors were true—it really is Lord Xiano!"
The crowd erupted in excitement.
"Get ready," Katakuri murmured, raising a hand to signal those behind him.
The spectators cheered and waved their flags, while the Charlotte children, well-prepared, brought out various instruments and began to play.
For whom?
For the streetlights, of course—the ones imbued with souls!
—The Homies cleared their throats and, swaying their bodies, began to sing in unison:
"The candy gates swing open wide~"
"A sea of cream steps to guide~"
"Welcome, noble Master Swordsman"
"Totto Land opens its heart with pride!"
~
"Mama's laughter sweet as pie"
"Lord Katakuri stands nearby"
"For you who felled both magma and light"
"Even Kizaru fled in fright!"
~
"Boyo boyo~ dance away~"
"Biscuit Soldiers line up in a row~"
"If you love this sweet and lovely land~"
"Why not stay forever, stay forever~"
...
On the deck.
Listening to the deafening chorus, Xiano felt a vein bulge on his forehead.
He remembered the Whole Cake Island arc being quite dreamlike and fairy-tale-like, with frequent singing and dancing, but witnessing it firsthand was still a bit hard to swallow.
The scale of this welcome was just too extravagant!
With tens of thousands of citizens lining up to greet them, he almost felt like he was the sun of Totto Land.
Glancing behind him.
Smoker, Robin, Kuma, Kuina, and the others wore similar expressions, all massaging their temples in exasperation. None of them were the type to handle such overwhelming hospitality.
Bonney, however, was wide-eyed with excitement. She was the first to dash off the ship, eagerly examining the singing Homies, touching them left and right.
"Wow! They move! Kuma, come look—they all move! Are they edible? Never mind, I'm taking a bite first!"
One of the Homies let out a shrill scream.
Normally, Nami would have cheered and followed Bonney off the ship, but she had just been fished out of the sea, soaking wet. She was currently wringing out her clothes while glaring daggers at Xiano.
Xiano ignored her. Once Jack had anchored the ship, he led the crew ashore.
Katakuri strode forward to meet them, bowing slightly and extending a hand. "Long time no see, Lord Xiano. Welcome to Whole Cake Island."
"Long time no see."
Xiano nodded, scanning the curious and eager gazes around them before returning his attention to Katakuri with a smile. "Isn't this welcome a bit... excessive?"
"You flatter us," Katakuri replied, shaking his head. "In the eyes of the world, you are nearly on par with the Four Emperors themselves. For you to grace our family's Tea Party, no welcome could ever be too grand."
"The song was a bit too blatant, though."
Katakuri coughed awkwardly. "The lyrics were written by my younger sister, Brulee. She's only thirteen or fourteen and doesn't know better... Please don't take it to heart."
"The Tea Party officially begins the day after tomorrow, but tonight, a small welcoming banquet has been prepared in the castle in your honor."
He gestured ahead. "Whole Cake Island is vast, and there's still some distance to Whole Cake Castle. Everyone, please follow me."
With that, Katakuri led the group down the red carpet, where enthusiastic residents continuously offered gifts—mostly sweets and snacks. At first, Xiano could manage carrying them, but soon the pile grew into a mountain, forcing Kuma and Jack to help.
By the time they reached the end of the carpet, a dozen of Totto Land's signature Pig Cars were waiting.
"There are plenty of seats—please choose as you like," Katakuri said, turning back with a smile. "As for the gifts you received, we can place them in the last car... Huh?"
His eyes widened in surprise.
Strange. He could have sworn he'd just seen Xiano's two towering crew members carrying armfuls of gifts. How had they suddenly vanished?
"I ate them all, y'know!"
Bonney rubbed her round belly and let out a contented burp. "Still far from full though. Hey, scarf-wearing uncle, when does that banquet you mentioned start?"
"Anytime now."
Katakuri's eye twitched.
Where did this little girl come from? How could someone so young have such an appetite?
Well, Mother always had a soft spot for children. Maybe these two would get along...
Once everyone was seated, the Pig Car set off, speeding through fields and forests toward the towering castle in the distance.
Katakuri narrowed his eyes, watching the dust settle before turning back with a serious expression. "Any progress, Cracker?"
"Ugh, none at all," sighed the hulking Biscuit Soldier as it approached. "I spent half the day observing Custard's ship. Not just her, but Smoothie, Garette... all our sisters tried their best, but that guy remains completely indifferent. Not a hint of interest."
"Tch. With so many cute and sexy beauties throwing themselves at him, and he stays this aloof?" The Biscuit Soldier leaned in conspiratorially and whispered, "Hey, Katakuri, you think maybe the World's Greatest Swordsman is actually—"
"Don't be ridiculous," Katakuri cut him off irritably. His brother was too old to be spouting nonsense like this.
"Hmm?" Katakuri suddenly frowned, noticing something. "Cracker, is this armor your real body?"
"Of course," the Biscuit Soldier replied, confused. "Why? Does it look different from the others?"
"No, the appearance is identical." Katakuri shook his head. "But you forgot to carry your sword. Anyone could tell at a glance that this is you. Aren't you the one who hates having your real body exposed?"
Sword? What nonsense was Katakuri spouting? I'm definitely carrying it.
The Biscuit Soldier skeptically reached behind with its right hand to check...
"WHAAAT?!" Cracker's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Wait, where's Pretzel?!"
Pretzel was the Sweet Commander's beloved sword, and the Biscuit Soldiers' blades were all modeled after it. Losing a sword on a Biscuit Soldier was no big deal—he could make as many as he wanted. But this time, it was the real Pretzel that had vanished!
A thief?
Katakuri's gaze sharpened as he scanned the surroundings. Just then, commotion broke out among the Charlotte siblings lining the red carpet in the distance—
"Hey, my pocket watch is gone!"
"My hat! Where's my hat?!"
"Brothers, sisters, has anyone seen my gemstone brooch?!"
Amid the rising exclamations, Katakuri's expression darkened. His powerful Observation Haki flared out, instantly covering the entire area.
Who was responsible?
His icy gaze swept over the spectators before settling on the other guests. The Tea Party always attracted a mixed crowd. With so many underworld factions invited, it was inevitable that some of their subordinates would be the thieving type.
In the past, the Charlotte Family might have turned a blind eye, given their vast wealth and influence, and simply let it slide.
But today…
With Lord Xiano's arrival—on such an important occasion, where even he had personally come out to greet them—someone still dared to harbor ill intentions, stealing so many guests' belongings right under their noses without anyone noticing!
What if the thieves had targeted the Curtain Closers? Or worse, what if they had been bold enough to steal from Lord Xiano himself?
The consequences would be unimaginable… It might even ruin Mama's grand marriage alliance!
A thorough investigation!
Katakuri's expression turned icy. This time, he had no intention of going easy. Today's incident had to be investigated thoroughly—starting with these shady underground guests!
(End of Chapter)