After the Giant Axe Pirate Crew was completely subdued, left like a pile of garbage waiting to be recycled, the atmosphere aboard *The Rock* became very subtle. The Marine soldiers, while cleaning the battlefield and imprisoning the captives, unconsciously lightened their movements, their gazes occasionally darting towards Levi's cabin with a mixture of awe and bewilderment.
Vice Admiral Ghoumil stood on the bridge, his emotions complex and hard to describe as he watched his subordinates complete their work with high efficiency and unusual quietness. He picked up the Den Den Mushi (transponder snail), preparing to report this rather bizarre victory to Marineford.
"Moshi Moshi, this is Ghoumil..."
As soon as the call connected, a figure slowly shuffled to the entrance of the bridge; it was Levi. He looked sleepy, as if that single, world-altering word had consumed a huge amount of his energy—though everyone knew he had merely gone back for a second nap.
"...That's the situation. All targets have been subdued, with no casualties on our side," Ghoumil finished his brief report and then looked at Levi by the door. "Captain Levi, is there something you need?"
Levi yawned, a few physiological tears welling in the corners of his eyes, and slowly asked, "...Vice Admiral... didn't someone say... once the mission was complete... we could go to Whole Cake Island... to eat something?" His eyes held a hint of imperceptible expectation, much like a large, lazy feline waiting to be fed.
Ghoumil was taken aback for a moment, then remembered that Kizaru had indeed tempted this unique individual with cakes from Whole Cake Island before they set sail. He glanced at the sea chart; the island was indeed in the nearby waters, and a slight detour wouldn't significantly delay their return.
"...Alright," Ghoumil nodded, speaking again into the Den Den Mushi. "Fleet Admiral, we plan to make a brief stop at Whole Cake Island for rest and to replenish fresh water, then we will return immediately."
There were a few seconds of silence on the other end, then Sengoku's somewhat helpless voice came through. "...Approved. Keep a close eye on him. Don't let him cause any... 'unnecessary trouble'."
"Understood."
*The Rock* adjusted its course, heading towards the island permeated with a sweet aroma. The closer they got, the more intense the scent in the air became—a rich blend of cream, frosting, baked flour, and fermented fruit. Uncharacteristically, Levi didn't stay in his cabin but went to the deck, his nose twitching slightly, his usually vacant eyes showing a rare sparkle.
"Hmm... cream... strawberries... chocolate... and I think I smell caramel too..." he murmured to himself, as if deciphering a secret code in the air. Ghoumil looked at him and couldn't help but shake his head. It seemed the only motivation that could make this god of laziness voluntarily leave his bed was top-tier gourmet food.
The ship docked. Whole Cake Island lived up to its name; even the lampposts by the pier were shaped like lollipops, and the sweet aroma in the air was so pervasive it was almost enough to make one feel full.
"Two hours of free activity. Replenish fresh water. Absolutely no drinking or causing trouble!" Ghoumil issued the order. The soldiers let out a small cheer and dispersed in groups, eager to seek out sweet treats.
Levi, accompanied by his personal orderly Potts, headed purposefully towards the island's most famous dessert shop—"Frosting Heaven." His pace was even a bit faster than usual.
"Frosting Heaven" was not a large shop, but it was packed with food enthusiasts from all over. The cakes, puddings, and tarts in the window were like exquisite works of art. Levi looked at the long queue, and his brows instantly furrowed again.
"...So many people... So troublesome..."
A strong feeling of "not wanting to queue" began to spread from him. A peculiar thing happened. Several people in front of him suddenly yawned at the same time.
"Oh, I suddenly feel so tired..."
"Yeah, my legs are aching from standing..."
"How about... we go sit over there and have some coffee first?"
"Good idea..."
A few people agreed and left the queue to rest at a nearby café. Similar situations occurred one after another, and the line in front of Levi shortened at an incredible speed as people inexplicably felt fatigued, remembered other tasks, or simply found waiting too boring.
Potts watched from the side, dumbfounded and holding his breath. Soon, it was Levi's turn. The shop assistant looked at the young man with lazy eyes and slightly disheveled hair, and instinctively showed his most enthusiastic smile. "W-welcome! What can I get for you?"
Levi's gaze swept over the dazzling array in the display case, and without hesitation, he began to rattle off his order.
"...This strawberry mille-feuille... I want the biggest one..."
"...That chocolate lava cake... two of those..."
"...Matcha mousse... looks not too sweet... I'll try it..."
"...And that one... yes, the berry-covered cheese tart..."
"...Hmm... that rainbow macaron... one of each color..."
He ordered at a leisurely pace, but the quantity was astonishing. Potts's hands were quickly filled with boxes of all sizes. Finally, Levi, content, emerged from the shop, directing Potts who was carrying a small mountain of desserts.
He found a sun-drenched bench by the sea and sat down. "Alright... you can go explore on your own now..." he waved to Potts, then eagerly opened the first box.
For the next while, Levi was immersed in a sea of sugar. He scooped a large piece of strawberry mille-feuille. The crisp sound of the pastry crumbling, the fresh strawberries, and the smooth cream brought an ultimate sense of happiness. He narrowed his eyes in satisfaction, like a cat thoroughly warmed by the sun. Next was the rich chocolate lava cake, its warm filling flowing out. The matcha mousse had a delicate texture, and the cheese tart was rich and dense. The macarons had crisp shells and soft fillings, a rainbow of flavors blooming on his tongue.
He ate with extreme focus and enjoyment, his movements unhurried but imbued with a sense of sacred ritual. All surrounding noise seemed to fade; his world contained only him and the delicious food before him. The warm sunlight, the gentle sea breeze, and the sweet aroma of desserts brought an unparalleled sense of satisfaction and... a deep sleepiness.
When Potts returned, he found Levi leaning on the bench, fast asleep. Several empty dessert boxes lay before him, a bit of cream still at the corner of his mouth. His expression was peaceful and content, as if he were having an incredibly sweet dream.
Potts looked at the scene, unsure if he should wake him. Finally, he cautiously called out, "Captain Levi? It's almost time, we should head back..."
Levi smacked his lips in his sleep and mumbled, "...Hmm... cheesecake... next time..."
On the way back, Levi slept soundly, a faint smile on his lips. For him, the ultimate goal of this business trip had been perfectly achieved. As for capturing pirates? That was just a minor, unpleasant "trouble" he happened to resolve along the way. *The Rock*, carrying its satisfied (and sleeping) special consultant, slowly sailed away from the sweet sea, returning towards Marineford. Meanwhile, the staff at "Frosting Heaven" would long wonder why the queue outside their shop that afternoon kept mysteriously dispersing.