Zoro pushed aside the guard on Wado Ichimonji with his left hand, a sly grin spreading across his face. "A Yonko pirate crew, huh? I hope you don't disappoint."
Crocodile stretched his neck with a crack, eyes narrowing. "Charlotte Linlin, long time no see. I wonder if that old hag is still alive."
"Yehahahaha, let the name of the God of Thunder echo across the New World!" Enel twirled his golden staff, arrogance flashing in his eyes.
The crew buzzed with excitement.
Encountering a Yonko fleet immediately upon entering the New World was a rare opportunity.
These were not ordinary pirates.
If lesser crews knew a Yonko was present, they would flee like rabbits.
And this was Rolan and his Ion Tempest crew, each member exuding confidence bordering on arrogance.
Retreat was never in their vocabulary.
Kuro stood calmly at the bow, eyes scanning the approaching ship.
A strange-looking vessel with a wide mouth drew closer, and a voice called out:
"Are you Rolan's crew?"
Kuro and the others remained silent.
A rich aroma of chocolate drifted across the water as the ship neared.
"Smells amazing. Chocolate party? I hope there's some cola," Franky muttered, rubbing his nose eagerly.
The ship halted fifty meters , and a slender, middle-aged man appeared at its bow.
His long dark blue hair had lighter blue streaks, he wore a top hat, and clutched a candy cane.
Most striking was his long nose and a tongue that seemed to stretch to his chest.
This was Charlotte Perospero, Linlin's eldest son.
Kuro assessed the man carefully.
It wasn't Perospero's strength or appearance that surprised him, but the fact that Big Mom had sent him personally.
This indicated they were being taken seriously.
"You are Perospero?" Kuro asked.
Perospero licked his tongue around theatrically.
"Perorin~ So this is Mr. Kuro, the No.2 of Rolan's crew. Is your Captain here?"
"He's not on the ship at the moment. You can tell me whatever you wish," Kuro replied.
Perospero twirled his tongue, hesitating slightly.
He had been sent by Big Mom to invite them to the Tea Party, but Rolan himself was absent.
Kuro understood Perospero's position but chose not to interrupt.
Rolan would fight Big Mom when necessary, but now wasn't the time.
Any premature clash would spoil the plan.
Enel, however, couldn't hide his impatience.
"Long-tongue, just say what you want. Rolan will listen to me."
A ripple of laughter erupted from the opposing ship.
"Do you have the authority to speak for him?"
Enel's patience snapped.
He transformed into lightning and zipped to a small minion on the enemy deck.
"Ten Million Volts: Discharge!"
In a blink, the minion was charred black, landing on the deck with the smell of roasted meat wafting across the ship.
"Impossible!" Perospero hissed, biting his tongue.
"God of Thunder, are you trying to start a war with the Big Mom Pirates?"
Enel opened his mouth to reply, but Kuro raised a hand, stopping him.
"Perospero, just state your purpose. I'll handle it."
Perospero's gaze shifted, calculating.
Kuro was clearly Rolan's second-in-command.
Even without Rolan, negotiating with him would suffice.
He waved the candy cane, and a candy arm extended swiftly toward Kuro.
Kuro caught a card that materialized at its tip.
"What's this?" he asked.
"An invitation to the Tea Party," Perospero said.
"Mama wants Rolan to attend."
"Tea Party?" Kuro's brow furrowed.
The sudden encounter with a Yonko had caught them off guard.
Perospero explained, "The Tea Party is a grand banquet where Mama invites influential pirates and figures from the underworld. It's as much a display of her power as it is a meeting of alliances."
Understanding dawned.
Big Mom's banquet was both a symbol of her strength and a strategic gathering.
Her purpose was to impress, unite, and intimidate, extending her influence across the New World.
Inviting Rolan signaled respect—and perhaps a desire to recruit Ion Tempest into her fold.
Kuro frowned.
Such invitations often carried traps, but he knew Rolan would go regardless.
"I cannot decide on Rolan's behalf," he said firmly.
"Do you think the Big Mom Pirates are easy to manipulate? Since you won't decide, I will. He will attend the Tea Party," a booming voice cut in.
Kuro turned, eyes narrowing.
A towering man over three meters tall, with purple hair, a scar over his right eye, and an intimidating presence, stepped forward.
Even Kuro's calm demeanor faltered.
They really believed they could intimidate them.
Crocodile materialized in a cloud of yellow sand at the Breaking Sky's bow, disdain etched on his face.
"Consider yourselves lucky we spare you. Test our patience, and you won't leave this place alive."
Zoro and Franky joined him on the bow.
Enel appeared again on the opposing deck, lightning coiling above Cracker's head.
Cracker hadn't anticipated a direct attack.
He rolled, narrowly avoiding the bolt, looking frazzled.
Enel raised his head, voice booming.
"Yehahahaha, is this a Yonko crew? Nothing impressive."
Perospero's face twisted in fury, his tongue lashing wildly.
Big Mom's crew had never been so humiliated on their own ship.
"Kuro! Do you really want to go to war with the Big Mom Pirates?" Perospero demanded.
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