"The world's greatest dessert?" Big Mom's eyes widened.
Setsuna picked up his teacup, smiling as he described it. "Legend says deep at the ocean's floor lies a dormant [Dessert Volcano]. Every time the volcano erupts, scorching lava carries sugar crystals accumulated over millions of years, condensing into perfect spheres within the sea's whirlpools."
"After centuries of sedimentation, these sugar crystals continuously self-purify, eventually solidifying into a perfect dessert called [EARTH]."
"Just smelling its fragrance causes all creatures within ten miles to fall into a blissful daze. Take one bite, and every cell in your body rejoices, as if transported to a universe of taste. [EARTH] is the undisputed world's greatest dessert."
The above was entirely fabricated by him. However, [EARTH] was real.
The precious gift given to him by the Snake King, Mother Snake, was finally ripe.
Just hearing Setsuna's description made Big Mom drool uncontrollably, her eyes glazing over.
"Then where can I get this [EARTH]?" Big Mom's infatuated appearance frightened the Charlotte Family.
'If she couldn't obtain this [EARTH], would Mother's [Craving Rampage] trigger?'
"Your luck is good. I happen to have one here," Setsuna snapped his fingers. "Titan."
Upon hearing Setsuna's call, the sea near Whole Cake Island suddenly churned violently. A snake's head, large as a mountain, emerged from the water, rising above the island.
Titan's cold pupils looked down upon all living beings. Just revealing part of its body threw the entire island into turmoil.
"Comparable to a Super Sea King? Truly as terrifying as the rumors!" Perospero's expression was grave. In a sense, this giant serpent was the Gourmet Navigation Group's second-in-command in terms of combat power.
'This giant serpent... when Setsuna first set sail, it seemed only a kilometer long. Its growth rate is simply as astonishing as Setsuna's,' Stussy sighed with emotion. As a CP0 agent, she naturally knew Titan's 'initial data'.
Under countless horrified gazes, Titan slowly opened its mouth. A fruit, dazzling as a star, flew out, hovering above the tea party.
An indescribable fragrance instantly swept through the venue. Just a whiff made everyone's taste buds feel like they were exploding. Saliva flowed uncontrollably.
If not for the presence of two Emperor-level powerhouses, someone would have surely rushed forward to snatch it.
"Can I have a taste?" Big Mom's voice carried a rare note of anticipation, looking at Setsuna like a little girl begging for candy.
Setsuna chuckled lightly, waving a hand. The fruit divided evenly into ten portions.
"My teacher taught me that sharing is the true essence of gourmet food."
Setsuna took one portion, letting his seven executives each take one. The final two portions floated towards Big Mom and Katakuri.
Big Mom eagerly took a bite… her eyes bulged wide, the corners of her mouth twitching upwards uncontrollably. Tears welled in her eyes.
"This... what is this? In this world... there exists such a wondrous taste?"
Her voice trembled. An unprecedented expression of happiness and peace appeared on her face.
Big Mom's portion was quickly devoured. She licked her fingers longingly, sitting down peacefully under her children's astonished gazes. "So delicious!"
"Impossible!" Smoothie stared at her Mother in shock. "Mother clearly isn't satisfied, yet the [Craving Rampage] didn't trigger!"
"Sweetness is the taste of happiness. Truly top-tier desserts don't cause addiction but soothe the heart," Setsuna said calmly.
The Charlotte Family's children were all thrilled. If their mother's [Craving Rampage] could be cured, wouldn't they no longer have to fear being eaten?
"Mamamama!" Big Mom laughed, slapping the armrest. "To think you could cure my illness! To express my gratitude, I can give you all my unmarried daughters."
The words left everyone in disbelief.
'Was Big Mom being this generous?'
If Setsuna agreed, it would be akin to inheriting most of the Big Mom Pirates' power.
Combining two such top-tier forces would make the entire world take notice.
Setsuna's face darkened. Though a few of Big Mom's daughters were indeed decent-looking, he'd have to decline.
Hancock and the other two glared angrily at Big Mom.
'What's with New World's people? Why do they keep offering their daughters at the drop of a hat?'
As for the Charlotte Family's daughters, while surprised by their Mother's decision, few resisted. Instead, they blushed, sizing up Setsuna.
This Gluttony King was not only incredibly strong but had also cured their Mother's illness. Most importantly, compared to most ugly-looking pirates, this Gluttony King was too handsome.
"That won't be necessary. Of course, it's not that I look down on your daughters. It's just... not quite appropriate," Setsuna politely refused. "If you truly wish to thank me, then let Totto Land contribute to IGO's development."
"IGO? What's that?" Big Mom asked, puzzled.
Setsuna explained seriously. "It's the International Gourmet Organization I plan to establish. Its goal is to raise the nutritional standards of people worldwide, improve agricultural production and distribution... ensure no one goes hungry."
The pirates present looked at each other, 'Such words coming from a Warlord?'
"Mamamama! How wonderful!" Big Mom danced excitedly. "A world where everyone is full, without hunger! That's just too wonderful!"
Setsuna glanced at Big Mom with some surprise, 'Had she merged with her childhood self, Charlotte Linlin?'
If even he was surprised, others were even more so.
Perospero's candy cane snapped with a crack. He muttered in disbelief, "Mama... is actually concerned about whether ordinary people can eat their fill?"
Loan Shark King Lu Feld slapped his own face hard. Was he going crazy, or was the world?
Just as the atmosphere was harmonious, Setsuna suddenly changed his tone. "Since you agree to promote IGO, let's also put an end to that practice of levying confiscatory dessert taxes."
Big Mom's smile instantly froze. She seemed to revert to the Emperor reigning over the Grand Line. "Brat, are you telling me how to run my business?"
Suffocating pressure filled the venue. The air seemed to solidify.
The underworld kings broke out in cold sweat. Their breathing involuntarily grew shallow.
Stussy's wine glass trembled slightly. Morgans nervously protected his camera… such a once-in-a-lifetime scene, he couldn't miss a single detail.
"Correct. I am telling you," Setsuna met Big Mom's gaze without backing down. "Gourmet progress must be driven by humanity. Fear cannot nurture true gourmet food. Did the Nun teach you to steal others' food?"
"You know about Mother Carmel?" Big Mom's expression suddenly grew dazed. The violence in her eyes gradually faded.
She remained silent for a long time, finally nodding slowly. "Alright. Let's do as you say."
Katakuri felt like all the shocks in his life combined couldn't compare to today. He never expected his mother to actually agreed to Setsuna's demand.
Equally shocked was Ace. "Captain didn't fight Big Mom?"
He thought for sure Setsuna would fight all the Emperors after coming to the New World. Yet today actually ended peacefully?