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Just as Alex's statement circulated through the New World, a ship flying the Whitebeard Pirates' flag sailed into Wanokuni, instantly drawing significant attention. Whitebeard's interest in the movements within Wanokuni rippled through the seas, causing waves of speculation and excitement.
However, the ship's visit was brief—Whitebeard's vessel departed from Wanokuni after just one day. What transpired during that time remained a mystery, but one thing was certain: the New World was abuzz with rumors and intensified tensions in the wake of this event.
Rewind to the days leading up to this moment.
As Alex had anticipated, news of his new position as Shogun of Wanokuni would likely attract a visit from Whitebeard. And sure enough, Izo, a former Wanokuni resident, retainer of the Kozuki family, and now one of Whitebeard's commanders, had come ashore to investigate.
Alex welcomed Izo without hesitation, knowing that Whitebeard's presence could serve as a counterbalance to Kaido. He didn't need to explain much; the changes within Wanokuni spoke for themselves, with locals openly discussing Alex's influence and the rapid transformations occurring under his rule.
For Izo, the visit was deeply personal. As Whitebeard's "son," Kozuki Oden's former retainer, and a citizen of Wanokuni, he had complex ties to his homeland. After gathering information and meeting with Kozuki, he gained a clearer understanding of the events that had unfolded. Once satisfied with what he had learned, Izo and his crew returned to the Moby Dick.
Everything was falling into place according to Alex's plan.
Yet, as Izo departed, despite his respectful demeanor, Alex could read the underlying tension in his words. Izo may have no qualms about Alex's rule at present, but he couldn't ignore the possibility that, should the Red Scabbards return, Izo's loyalty might shift.
If Momonosuke, the rightful heir of the Kozuki family, sought to reclaim the title of shogun, Izo would likely back the Kozuki bloodline in restoring Wanokuni's legacy.
Alex couldn't help but feel disdain. Under his leadership, Wanokuni had experienced unprecedented development and transformation.
According to Alex's vision, within the next decade, Wanokuni's strength and economy would undergo a dramatic transformation, far beyond anything seen in the past or even the present—a level of progress that words alone might not capture.
As for the Kozuki family, after his succession to shogun, they'd already faded into history alongside the disgraced Kurozumi Orochi. Even Sukiyaki, once the former shogun, had faded from memory, living on merely as an ordinary craftsman, now nearly forgotten by Wanokuni's people.
As for Momonosuke, Alex found the notion of him sitting back and inheriting Wanokuni downright laughable. Did that brat truly think he was destined to reclaim the throne without proving himself? If Momonosuke wanted to reap the rewards, it would only be if fate allowed him to claim such a seat.
Had Whitebeard not been part of his larger plan, Alex would never have let Izo leave Wanokuni unharmed, despite harboring unspoken disdain for him. Alex's malicious intent remained hidden, especially from Toki, who had no idea of Izo's thoughts as he departed.
Toki seemed troubled recently, their last conversation stirring reflections on Wanokuni's future. The talk of those who'd traveled through time had inevitably brought to mind the uncertain fate of the land. Alex could sense Toki's mixed emotions but refrained from pressing her; he knew that time could slowly shift her loyalty. Even if the Kozuki bloodline ran deep, he'd use these years to entrench his influence, breaking down her resistance piece by piece.
Already, she'd grown more comfortable with him. In the daylight hours, Alex could wrap an arm around her waist without outright rejection, her initial shyness beginning to fade. Someday, he mused, there would surely be a twist in this relationship—a thought he savored with a wicked smirk.
While Alex enjoyed his current respite, the New World had fallen into a state of quiet but fierce upheaval.
The announcement of a grand tea party in honor of Alex by the Charlotte Family sent shockwaves across the seas. This event would break Big Mom's usual annual cycle, held only half a year after the last tea party—a move that spoke volumes.
Everyone understood the significance of this invitation. The power that Wanokuni now wielded, bolstered by Alex's mighty Devil Fruit abilities, undoubtedly intrigued the Charlotte Family. Most observers, unaware of the Charlotte Family's initial plans to invade Wanokuni, speculated that the event would mark an alliance—or even a merging of forces.
"It's only been half a year since the last tea party…" murmured the loanshark Du Feld, one of the Underworld's kings. Standing by a vast manor window with a cigar, he squinted into the bright sunlight. "But with news , I can't afford to miss it. The only question is… what gift to bring?"
In the world's largest economic newspaper headquarters, Morgans, the president of the Big News Agency, reclined in a soft chair, scanning a classified intelligence report. A sly grin spread across his face.
"So Linlin is hosting another tea party, and at such a… sensitive time," he chuckled, catching the weight of the moment. "This could be the BIG NEWS! Looks like I'll be attending this one as well."
Across the New World, a shared feeling rippled through the Underworld's circles. The powerful figures of the seas were making plans to attend Big Mom's second tea party this year, each well aware that the event would bring a defining shift to the power structure in the New World, for better or worse.