Chapter 71: 71. Let Her Jump For A Few More Years

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- In the bustling city. With his feet propped up on the desk, Alex hung up the Den Den Mushi and allowed a playful smile to spread across his face. It wasn't the mere coincidence of timing that amused him, nor the dealings of a single man and an Emperor. It was Kaido's cautious maneuvering that entertained him—Alex could already infer much without a direct conversation. Kaido likely assumed Alex was unaware of his "amicable" relationship with Charlotte Linlin. If Alex agreed to help him deal with Big Mom, Kaido would probably stand by, settling his debt, and possibly even betray him when the time was right. And as for the incentive, Kaido would no doubt offer the prized SAD research team. As for Alex's own activities on Punk Hazard, anyone with knowledge of the island's conditions could guess his involvement. If Kaido did engage Big Mom, it would undoubtedly allow the Beast to wring out every advantage he could. The enemy had his sights set on the artificial Devil Fruits. To be safe, Alex would arrange for Whitebeard to keep Kaido occupied. In doing so, he'd also have freedom to deal with Charlotte Linlin down the line. This so-called "alliance" with Kaido could easily crumble under the impact of greater forces. Alex had no illusions about its stability, especially given Kaido's self-serving nature and ruthless pragmatism. Even the World Government's commendation didn't carry much weight with him. But if they could really keep Charlotte Linlin at bay without losing ground, the situation might shift. Time had passed, and nearly a year since that clash with Kaido. He was no longer fighting at that same level. "Are you really planning to confront Totto Land?" Toki, by his side, asked nervously. She understood both Totto Land's power and the strength of the Charlotte Family. "No need to worry," Alex replied with a reassuring nod. "I'll be taking on Big Mom myself. I won't let this fight spill over into Wanokuni." Hearing this, Toki clutched his arm anxiously. "Going alone again... this isn't like your last battle with Kaido!" Alex gave her a confident smile. "Relax. The difference now is my own strength. I have absolute confidence that Big Mom won't put me at a disadvantage." "But this battle, I want to avoid an all-out war with the Charlotte Family. Now isn't the right time to annex Totto Land in one swoop. Whatever happens, that would only make things easier for others." "So let Linlin's empire hold its place a bit longer. Once my retainers and Wanokuni's reserves reach full strength, then we'll talk." Whether it was Totto Land's resources or the unique powers of the Charlotte Family, Alex was intent on claiming them eventually. It was one of his major goals in the New World. With a few reassuring gestures to Toki, he continued issuing orders: "For now, hold off on any news regarding Big Mom. But spread word of other incidents. Let's make sure the country stays vigilant, as other pirates are bound to see Wanokuni as ripe for the taking." "Notify everyone to prepare for wartime conditions. Only those with mastery of Haki will take part. Even if they're just intruders from overseas, it'll be a chance to show our elite strength to the world." Toki accepted the orders, taking Robin, who had just started an apprenticeship in governance, to relay Alex's instructions. Once they left, Alex stood, preparing his strategy for the confrontation with Big Mom. The following week, the papers brimmed with sensational news. During that time, countless pirate ships, eager for spoils, set their sights on Wanokuni. But all of them met the same fate—complete obliteration. In the perilous waters around Wanokuni, many ships had already been swallowed by the deadly whirlpools and rising waterfalls. The few that survived the treacherous journey were met by Wanokuni's warriors, who tore them apart one by one. In the spotlight of the New World, Wanokuni continues to capture attention, with reports of its developments appearing daily in newspapers. The latest news is of particular interest—pirate ships brimming with Grand Line veterans and even some New World legends, whose bounties rival those of elite captains, have attempted to breach its borders. Even without Alex lifting a finger, the nation of warriors has left an indelible impression on the sea's collective memory. Many in the New World, including the Charlotte Family on Whole Cake Island, are carefully watching for updates on Wanokuni. The Charlotte Family, however, is in no rush to launch an assault. Much like the other veteran pirates, they plan to let these bold newcomers test the waters, hoping they might force something valuable to surface. "So it seems Wanokuni's strength runs even deeper than expected," Perospero muttered, frowning as his long tongue curled in thought. "Indeed," nodded Katakuri, his mouth hidden behind his scarf. "Wanokuni is a tough nut to crack. To seize it, we'll need to pay a high price." "Mamamama!" Charlotte Linlin laughed, unconcerned. "Wanokuni is formidable, but capturing it would get a big supply of weapons and Seastone, enough to make Totto Land the richest in the New World!" "Besides, once we capture Alex, Wanokuni will fall. Do you really think I would lose to that brat?" In such confrontations between powerful forces, the overall outcome often hinges on the core battle between their leaders. Charlotte Linlin's confidence reflected her experience as a Pirate Emperor, one who could stand alongside legends like Golden Lion and Whitebeard. "Katakuri, you'll stay here to guard Totto Land," Linlin commanded, trusting her strongest child to protect their base. "As for the sea's useless rookies, Perospero," she continued, grinning, "spread the word. I want the whole world to know that I'm coming for Wanokuni! Let's see if that boy keeps 'running away in disgrace!'" Charlotte Linlin was counting on this open declaration to force Alex into a corner. It was exactly as the highest echelons of the World Government anticipated—whether Alex chose to fight or flee, either choice could tarnish his reputation across the New World. Just as Perospero was about to carry out his mother's order and mobilize her underground network to spread the news, a fresh piece of intel arrived from outside. Charlotte Mont-d'Or, the family's nineteenth son and clerk, rushed in to report. "Mama! We just received word—the so-called 'Flying Admiral,' Alex, has accepted your invitation. He plans to attend your tea party in three days!" The room fell silent, and Charlotte's children looked on, stunned. Even Big Mom herself showed a flicker of surprise. Charlotte Linlin hadn't even broadcast her plan for Wanokuni to the world; she had only just made her decision, and already Alex had accepted her invitation. After a moment's pause, she quickly connected the dots. "So, it was Kaido who tipped him off!" she muttered. "Mama, do we still move forward with our plan to attack Wanokuni?" Perospero asked, glancing at his mother seated on her throne. "What nonsense, Perospero!" Linlin snapped. "Of course, we go forward with the tea party!" "But Mama? Didn't we just finish preparing for a tea party not too long ago?" Murmurs of surprise rippled among her children. Just moments ago, they'd been discussing an invasion of Wanokuni, and now, simply because Alex planned to attend, they were pivoting to a tea party. "The boy is respecting Mama's authority," Katakuri explained to his confused siblings. "And if Alex is coming to us, it saves us the effort and gives us the advantage of home turf." There was another unspoken truth that Katakuri didn't mention—if any unpleasantness were to arise at the party, and if his mother managed to defeat Alex, plundering Wanokuni afterward would be all the more rewarding.