An uninhabited island.
Deep within the island's jungle, towering trees stood sentinel.
On the rocky, reef-strewn shoreline, waves crashed and frosted the rocks with white spray, while a makeshift wooden raft—crafted from candy—bobbed with the sea's rhythm.
"Let's rest here for a while," Perospero declared, jumping off the candy raft onto the beach. He balanced a recalibrated candy staff and surveyed the island, nodding with satisfaction.
He glanced at Daifuku, who stumbled off after him, then said, "Your injuries are serious. Though I used candy to stabilize your broken bones, your internal wounds still ache. We should recover here for a few days before moving on."
"I told you… I'm fine, Perospero," Daifuku replied hoarsely, his dull eyes glaring. "I'm fine."
Perospero sighed.
Though they had journeyed with Mom—Big Mom—across the New World, conquering islands for Totto Land, true battles against top-tier opponents were rare.
The New World was chaotic and dangerous, yet even among powerful crews like Big Mom's, there existed an unspoken understanding.
Territories were respected—there were no needless invasions. Instead, expansion tended to target small, neutral islands and kingdoms.
Facing Big Mom's overwhelming might, those nations crumbled before her like paper—either kneeling in humiliation or offering alliance through marriage.
It made conquest seem effortless.
This unbroken string of victories instilled arrogance within every member of the Charlotte family, making them believe nothing could stand in their way.
Perospero and Daifuku shared that belief.
They thought the Big Mom Pirates were invincible—the strongest force on the seas.
But this mission forcibly reminded them just how vast the ocean truly is.
One strike.
A single blow from Admiral Sengoku shattered their pride and confidence, turning all their illusions into nothing but fragile bubbles.
If Perospero hadn't barricaded himself with candy to block the worst of the impact, Daifuku would have suffered far worse than just broken bones.
Perospero's mind replayed the memory of that golden Buddha's oppressive force—before that palm, his own strength felt as fragile as an ant, and terror flickered in his eyes.
"Stop pretending you're fine, Daifuku."
Perospero licked his cracked lips and sat on a nearby reef, retrieving a pocket compass to check their bearings.
"We'll pause here for two or three days, then resume."
"This island is close to Whole Cake Island—no way the Marines will track us here."
Daifuku gritted his teeth, his dead fish eyes burning with murderous intent: "Damn Marines, trying to wipe out every pirate on the island!"
"Sengoku's attack… and even some Lieutenant who popped up out of nowhere dared to target us—trying to detain us!—They've got no idea what they're doing!"
He growled, his tone icy.
Perospero observed him thoughtfully.
As eldest son of the Charlotte family, Perospero was naturally disciplined and tactful—a strategist within the crew. He understood his brother deeply.
Cold, ruthless, and decisive—Daifuku had never tasted real defeat. Now, his mind overflowed with stifled anger and humiliation.
"Don't worry. That Marine kid is as good as dead. Being wrapped in my candy means he'll suffer a far worse death."
Perospero patted Daifuku's marshmallow-like shoulder, a cold smile curling on his lips.
Daifuku clenched his mouth, silent.
Perospero shook his head, then pulled out a Den Den Mushi to contact Whole Cake Island and report their mission.
He stared at the device, inhaling deeply as if steeling his nerve—his eyes flickering with dread.
Mom's orders could not fail.
It was an absolute rule within the Big Mom Pirates.
Failure meant severe punishment—soul retribution.
At worst, death; at best, years stripped from one's lifespan.
Though this failure wasn't entirely their fault…
Even Perospero felt a chill down his spine at the thought of Mom's unpredictable, unstable temperament and her merciless wrath when her emotions flared. The terror of her losing control was etched into every member of the crew—forever.
Daifuku, realizing the gravity of the situation, swallowed and paled. He ground his teeth: "Brother, if Mom blames us, we'll take the fall together."
Perospero forced a weak smile and lifted his hand to the communication device.
"Purupuru… purupuru…"
The Den Den Mushi's call rang out—a death knell to both their anxious hearts.
"Gacha!"
The connection clicked. On screen appeared a feminine visage—pink hair, long lashes, red lips.
"Mamamama… my dear sons, did you get the More-More Fruit?" Mom's slightly hoarse voice carried a commanding power.
Both Perospero and Daifuku froze stiff. Perospero took a deep breath and croaked, "Mom… the mission failed."
"Sengoku led the Marines… Golden Lion got to Coin Island… we didn't get the Fruit. Please—"
Before he could finish, both brothers stiffened. They couldn't ignore the sudden wave of cold that surged down their spines—tension snapped tight in their muscles.
A sharp, ear-splitting crack tore through the air.
A black slash of light hurtled across the sky, vanishing into the ground in an instant.
What was that!?
A flying sword!?
The brothers' pupils shrank to pinpricks.
"Candy barrier!!"
Boom!!
In the next moment—
A tremendous roar burst across the coast. A vast wall of energy spread outward, sending sea spray towering tens of meters high.
---
To be continued…