Naturally, Lati's hundred-day celebration required comprehensive preparation.
When it came to tea parties and weddings, the Pirate Queen possessed an industry-leading, professional-grade team.
Although Reid's relationship with Charlotte Linlin was not as close as his dealings with the Five Elders, there was one undeniable fact.
Reid had made many former husbands disappear, neatly removing the potential threat of ex-husbands showing up with children to claim property. In that sense, Reid and Charlotte Linlin stood firmly on the same side.
Before visiting Kaido's territory, Reid had not prepared much. After all, Kaido was just some roadside… no, no, no, he was an older brother.
This time, however, Reid intended to bring everyone.
Wahahaha!
Sure, I killed your ex-husbands, accidentally put half your kids to sleep, and visited Captain Roger's ship more than once, but we are still good friends.
As Reid's fleet entered the waters surrounding Whole Cake Island, the flag of the Big Mom Pirates appeared on the distant horizon.
Katakuri and Perospero stood at the bow of the lead ship, with a massive fleet arrayed behind them.
"Looks like we are in for a tough battle, everyone," Reid said calmly.
Blood mist spread across the sea.
Katakuri crossed his arms over his chest, scarf fluttering in the wind, his gaze fixed steadily on Reid as he approached. Perospero licked his candy cane and smiled meaningfully.
"…What a rare guest, Captain Reid."
Reid stood on the deck as blood mist flowed lazily around his feet. A playful curve lifted the corner of his lips.
"Well, if it isn't Katakuri and Perospero. What, did Linlin send you two to greet me? You really think you can stop my Crimson Dawn?"
Perospero chuckled softly. "Mama said that since an 'old friend' is visiting, we should naturally provide the highest level of hospitality."
Reid had expected a tense confrontation. He had not expected this outcome. Then again, thinking carefully, it made perfect sense. No ruler started a meaningless war for no reason.
Katakuri nodded slightly, his voice calm but cautious. "Captain Reid, please follow us to Whole Cake Island."
Reid tilted his head, a glint of cunning flashing through his crimson eyes. "So warm and welcoming? This is not a banquet trap, right?"
Perospero spread his hands. "How could it be? Mama personally prepared the finest desserts for you."
Reid laughed loudly. "Alright, then I will enjoy them properly. But if there is anything extra mixed in, I will be upset. You know how I get."
Katakuri's Observation Haki rippled faintly, though his expression remained composed. "Please rest assured. Mama is always a gracious host."
Reid waved his hand, the blood mist stirring into a light breeze. "Lead the way. Let me see what kind of 'surprise' Linlin has prepared this time."
We came here to recruit them.
Wait.
Reid suddenly remembered something.
"Boss Tesoro, do we still have a place that produces particularly good food?"
"Yes, Captain. We accidentally discovered an uninhabited island."
"Send some over to Katakuri and Perospero as well. The taste should feel very familiar to them."
"Understood, Captain."
Katakuri and Perospero's expressions darkened slightly.
"Thank you, Captain Reid."
Translation note, unspoken meaning:
"I took your island. You mean nothing to me, so stop acting superior."
As the fleet slowly sailed into the port of Whole Cake Island, the Crimson Dawn Pirates finally saw the full view of this sickeningly sweet island.
"Wow!" Perona floated into the air and spun happily. "These buildings are actually made of biscuits and cream!"
Moria poked the dock with his shadow and dug out a chocolate brick. "Hehehe… delicious."
As the Blumarine Jackson docked, Reid stood at the bow, blood mist coiling around his fingertips. A look of careless amusement flickered through his crimson eyes.
Katakuri leapt onto Whole Cake Island. "Welcome to Whole Cake Island, Lord Reid. What a coincidence. Mama happens to be holding a wedding today. Perororin."
"Mama mama! Isn't that brat Reid?"
Charlotte Linlin's voice echoed from afar. Though she smiled, the coldness in her eyes was impossible to hide.
Reid raised an eyebrow, a meaningful smile spreading across his face. "Oh? A wedding? Seems my timing is perfect."
Tesoro leaned closer and whispered, "Captain, something feels off."
Reid raised a hand, signaling everyone to remain silent, then strode toward Charlotte Linlin.
"Charlotte Linlin. Long time no see. Has your last injury healed?"
Linlin's pupils contracted slightly before returning to normal. "Mama mama."
Perospero quickly interjected, "Lord Reid, Mama specifically instructed us to escort you. Please follow us to the wedding venue. Perororin."
Reid shrugged as the blood mist beneath his feet spread like a crimson carpet. "Lead the way. I am curious who is lucky enough to marry Charlotte Linlin."
Along the way, the residents of Whole Cake Island hid behind buildings, secretly observing the uninvited guests. The notoriety of the Crimson Dawn Pirates had long spread across the seas, especially after they had defeated the joint forces of Kaido and Big Mom.
The wedding venue was extravagantly decorated. Desserts were piled high, and the band played cheerful music. Charlotte Linlin sat at the main seat, with a towering, unfamiliar man standing beside her.
From Totto Tatas?
He appeared. A figure said to rival my supreme Lord Gaban in Pirate King lore.
"Mama mama! Reid, you came at just the right time!" Linlin raised her wine cup with a grin. "Come, have a drink and celebrate my wedding!"
Reid glanced at the "groom" and noticed the dull emptiness in his eyes. Clearly, he was a puppet controlled by the Soul-Soul Fruit.
Reid sneered inwardly but kept his expression neutral.
"Congratulations, Linlin. However, attending the wedding is only incidental. I need you to prepare a banquet for me. Three months from now, I plan to host a hundred-day celebration for my niece."
Linlin's smile instantly turned cold. "Oh? All of you came to Totto Land just to ask for help?"
"Yeah. Otherwise, why would I come? Of course, to eat cake."
Linlin stared at Reid for several seconds before suddenly bursting into laughter.
"Mama mama! You little brat, you really know how to pick your timing!"
She gulped down an entire barrel of sake, wiped her mouth, and laughed again.
"Fine. It is just a hundred-day celebration, right?"
Reid grinned. "Now that is more like it. Old friends should help each other."
Linlin narrowed her eyes, her smile tinged with danger. "But remember this, Reid. This is cooperation, not charity."
"Of course," Reid shrugged. "I value fairness above all else."
Fairness?
Crimson Dawn's so-called fairness had always meant one thing. Reid decides.
But for now, both sides tacitly avoided bringing up past grudges.
After all, profit was the eternal theme of the New World.