Chapter 21 - Big Mom's Interest -19
The defeat of one of the Shichibukai is a globally significant event. It's not only the government and the navy whose prestige is at risk — even the major pirate factions and the Revolutionary Army have paid close attention to this incident.
But for the truly powerful pirates, such as the Four Emperors — Kaido, Whitebeard, and "Red-Haired" Shanks...
Dealing with a loser who lost his pride and fled to the first half of the Grand Line to act arrogantly was not something worth worrying about.
At most, this incident simply let them learn the name "Peter," and gave them another reason to laugh at the incompetence of the World Government.
Yet there was one person in the world who looked at Peter with a very different gaze...
...
In the New World, on Whole Cake Island.
Charlotte Linlin, who had just woken up, was staring at the man's photo in the newspaper with blazing eyes.
Due to how small the newspaper looked in comparison to her enormous body, her wrinkled face seemed to be pressed directly against the paper.
If Peter were there to witness this scene, he would have probably gotten goosebumps — and maybe even vomited from sheer disgust.
Charlotte Linlin, 66 years old, had long since lost the beauty she once flaunted in her youth due to years of overindulgence in food and reckless childbirth.
Now she resembled a walking tank, her entire body cloaked in thick layers of fat.
Wearing pink pajamas, she sat on her massive bed holding the newspaper in her oversized hands, glancing left and right, before turning to her eldest son, Perospero — who had brought her the paper — and asked:
"Hey, Perospero... this man has a tail, doesn't he?"
Perospero stuck out his long tongue, licked the corner of his lips with a sly smile, and replied:
"Of course, Mama. I confirmed it directly with Morgans.
That man, Peter, belongs to a rare species — and yes, he has a tail."
Linlin laughed in delight as she nodded:
"Mmm, a completely new race... different from the Mink Tribe.
Maybe, like Jin, he's the last of his kind.
I can't let such a rare treasure slip through my fingers.
Perospero, go and bring Mr. Peter back to Totto Land safely and respectfully, understood?"
Having expected this command, Perospero placed a hand on his chest and gave a formal salute.
"Don't worry, Mama. I'll be polite and invite Mr. Peter personally. Just wait for my good news."
Linlin gave a slight nod, her eyes still fixed on Peter's image.
Seeing this, Perospero didn't speak further. He turned and quietly exited the room.
He was in a great mood — having pleased his mother and been entrusted with such an important mission.
But his smile quickly faded when he turned a corner and spotted Katakuri leaning against the wall with his arms folded.
"Yo, Katakuri. I'll be away for a few days. I'm leaving Pankoko in your care," he said with confidence, despite his lingering jealousy over his younger brother's favored status.
Still, the bond between the two brothers was strong, and he trusted Katakuri completely.
Katakuri simply uncrossed his arms and looked calmly at his brother, his face hidden behind a scarf, then spoke:
"Are you going to capture this man, Peter?
Perospero, this opponent isn't ordinary. Be careful, and make sure you come back safely."
Perospero dismissed his warning with a casual wave.
"I'm not capturing him — I'm inviting him. Mama wants him alive and intact. If I hurt him, she'll be furious.
As for danger? Unless he's completely insane, he wouldn't dare reject an invitation from a Yonko."
He added with a smirk:
"Who knows? He might end up being our new father... or another brother-in-law, eh?"
He was clearly joking, taking Katakuri's words lightly.
Katakuri didn't press the issue further. He simply said:
"Safe travels."
Then silently watched his brother's back as he disappeared down the hall.
"He wouldn't dare reject it? This is a man who took down a Shichibukai without flinching. You think he'll quietly let himself be brought to Totto Land?"
Katakuri remained skeptical — and could only pray that Perospero's journey would be a safe one...
.....
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, in the first half of the Grand Line...
Thanks to Robin's support, Peter had taken full control of Crocodile's entire empire within just a few days.
Most notably, the luxurious pyramid-shaped casino: Rain Banquet.
As for the rest of Crocodile's assets, Beats Corporation had sold them off, and the money was given to Mikita to fund the opening of "Fun Street."
Meanwhile, the duo Mr. 1 and Miss Doublefinger had sent good news days ago...
They had successfully captured Nefertari Vivi and were on their way back!
.....
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Mr. 1! Miss Doublefinger! Please, let me go! You've got the wrong person!
How could a princess just walk up to you and volunteer as a spy?!"
Inside a familiar wild turtle carriage, Vivi — her head covered and limbs bound — was slamming herself against the sides, desperately struggling.
Initially, the two had no intention of treating her like this, but her constant noise, complaints, and repeated escape attempts forced them to resort to some gentle restraints.
Even now, with her arms and legs tied, Vivi hadn't stopped talking.
Zala, staring idly out the window, sighed and turned her head, speaking dully to the girl lying on the floor:
"We already told you: Crocodile is dead. We're now a legitimate bounty hunting organization.
Our new boss just wants to meet you. He doesn't hold any grudges against you, so relax."
Vivi mumbled quietly under her hood:
"Like I'd believe that... If that's true, then I should have the right to refuse.
Why don't you let me go back to Alabasta first? I'll arrange a meeting myself later."
Zala, exasperated, lit a cigarette.
"Too late for that now." She took a puff, exhaled a ring of smoke, and reached down to pull the hood off Vivi's head.
Then she turned toward the window, lifting her chin.
"Besides... we've already arrived at Rainbase."
------------------------------------------
Whoever didn't send the stones and shoved the book in the library... congrats,
You're marrying Big Mom in the future!
😏💍🍰