Whole Cake Island.
Over the past year, as her territory rapidly expanded, BIG MOM had been in such high spirits that she devoured two extra slices of cake. Her former appearance was long gone—now, as she sat on the throne in her castle, she resembled a literal mountain of flesh.
Perospero strode into the castle gates, his voice brimming with excitement.
"Mama, there's still no sign of Golden Lion. The forces he left behind to guard his territory are beginning to flee. Also, Doflamingo has sent some valuable information, perorin!"
"Ma-ma-ma-ma, it seems Golden Lion really has suffered an unprecedented blow. What good news has my dear son-in-law brought?" A gleam of red flashed through BIG MOM's eyes.
"The Marine branches in the New World—G1 and G5—are mobilizing to sweep through Golden Lion's waters, perorin."
"Ma-ma-ma-ma! My dear son-in-law is truly impressive! Set sail for Berry Island in Golden Lion's territory!"
BIG MOM rose from her throne—how could she possibly miss such an opportunity?
Across the island, everything made of mochi—like the half-formed, goblin-like creatures from Journey to the West—began to cheer alongside her. Whether it was cake, desserts, jam, or even trees and buildings, they all joined in the chant:
"Berry Island! Berry Island!!"
...
From the East Blue, across the Calm Belt, through the accelerated currents of the Gate of Justice at Enies Lobby, many of the Marine forces had returned to headquarters.
Sakazuki exited the hospital alongside several Vice Admirals, his face dark with frustration.
Meanwhile, in the conference room, Kong's expression was grave. The outcome at Loguetown had been far from ideal for the Marines, and the World Government's authority had taken a severe hit. As a result, they were now pushing a new directive...
Moments later, all officers of Vice Admiral rank and above gathered.
Kong began issuing new orders.
"Sengoku, G1 and G5 are assembled. You are to lead the force immediately! This time, we must clip Golden Lion's wings for good. The World Government has already begun a worldwide search for any trace of his movements. Next time, we will use his blood to instill fear into those foolish enough to challenge us."
"Sakazuki, Borsalino, Chaton, Onigumo, and Doberman—you're all going as well."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral Kong!!" The previously dejected Vice Admirals immediately stood at attention, spirits renewed.
"Sakazuki, the rest of you, go prepare," Kong said, rubbing his temples as he considered their next move.
Seeing Kong's reaction, Tsuru and Sengoku exchanged uneasy glances.
A moment later, only the highest-ranking officers remained in the room.
As per routine, Tsuru began listing the dangerous individuals who had appeared in Loguetown, preparing to determine their new bounties.
"Doflamingo and his subordinate with the Rumble-Rumble Fruit… Gecko Moria from the West Blue… the Marine Hunter, Hawkeye… Crocodile, the Sandstorm… as well as crew members from the Roger Pirates…"
"Hold it, Tsuru!" Kong suddenly interrupted, passing copies of a document to the four officers.
"This is the World Government's latest decree. Read it carefully."
The Seven Warlords of the Sea?Pirates… in official positions?Legalized pillaging?
Had the World Government lost their minds?
BANG!
After nine years of suppressing his temper, Zephyr finally exploded. His still-intact right arm shattered the document—and the wall behind it—into dust.
His entire family had been slaughtered by pirates.
Now, instead of strengthening the Marines in response to the worsening situation at sea, the World Government was recruiting pirates?
What kind of nonsense was this?!
Zephyr's entire body shook with fury, his hair and beard bristling as his bloodshot eyes locked onto Kong.
After a long breath, he clenched his fists and forced out a hoarse voice, thick with rage.
"Kong! Tell me this isn't real!!!"
"What do the Five Elders take the Marines for?"
"What is a pirate we can't arrest? Another breed of Celestial Dragon riding on our backs?!"
"They even included Doflamingo among the invitees—are they trying to reinstate his Celestial Dragon status? His actions in the North Blue, the secret drugs he circulates across the world—his connections run deep."
"And Kuzan is still in the hospital. This is nothing short of raising an enemy that will one day bite us!!!"
...
At the harbor, Sakazuki and the others turned toward the source of the explosion, exchanging glances.
"What the hell are the big shots up to now?"
...
Wano Country, Onigashima.
Inside Queen's Funk Laboratory.
"Fuhuhuhuhu!"
"There's nothing better than red bean soup."
After replenishing his energy, Queen—dressed in black-and-white suspenders—lifted the battered prisoner at his feet with his mechanical arm, while rubbing a red object between his fingers.
"Oi! Tell me where this thing came from!"
Queen's curiosity burned fiercely.
Three days ago, he had assumed it would be an uneventful patrol. After all, barely any pirates could even reach Wano.
But then, he encountered a ship full of lucky fools.
Even more unexpectedly, when this brat was the only one left standing after his crewmates had been wiped out, he swallowed this so-called 'miracle drug'—and entered a partial awakening.
That changed everything. The value of this discovery to the Beasts Pirates was immeasurable.
"Cough… I… I can't breathe…"
Nick clawed desperately at the mechanical arm gripping his spine, eyes bulging as his vertebrae creaked under the pressure.
"Spare me… I'll talk…"
Darkness crept into his vision. Queen's grotesque face blurred, his consciousness slipping away.
BAM!
"Huff… Huff…"
"Alright, spill it, kid."
"They're available in both the Grand Line and the New World. In the New World, the Charlotte Family sells them—you can buy them with gold."
"What did you say?! That easy?!"
Queen's monocle nearly popped off in shock.
A drug that could awaken Zoan users had already spread across the seas?
Had the world changed?
Or had Wano simply fallen behind???
"Yes, Lord Queen…"
...
Flower Capital, Red-Light District—Inside the Largest Pleasure House.
A courtesan swayed atop Kaido's massive body.
"Guhuhuhuhu."
Kaido looked down at one of his subordinates outside the window and bellowed.
"Is Oden dancing again today?"
Even without malice, Kaido's volatile temper put immense pressure on the waiting underling, who feared being clubbed to death at any moment.
Trembling, he answered,
"Yes, Boss! That idiot's at it again!"
"Urorororo! How delightful!"
If Kozuki Oden didn't keep making a fool of himself, how could Wano begin its descent into chaos?
BOOM!
A six-meter-tall, round-bellied figure came rolling in.
Queen, oblivious to the situation, shouted excitedly.
"Boss! Big news!"
"I'm in the middle of something, you idiot!!!"
Kaido's good mood instantly evaporated. Black-red lightning crackled through the air. The guards outside collapsed like wheat being cut down.
As Kaido grabbed his spiked club, Queen's tongue trembled in horror.
He had picked the wrong moment.
With a swing—BANG!—Queen's rotund body smashed into the ground, sending shockwaves through the room.
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+220 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg