Chapter 73: 73. Complicated Family Relationships

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- The World Government and Marines had also begun to scrutinize this incident closely. They were eager to suppress Alex, but if he were truly aligned with—or worse, had joined—BIG MOM, the implications would be profoundly different. Coincidentally, another Marine reported that the Moby Dick was headed toward an area where Kaido was active, seemingly with a dark purpose in mind. The Marines suddenly found themselves in a difficult position, burdened with a collective headache. Thus, a period of heightened newspaper circulation ensued and the New World had once again entered a fever pitch of activity. Now, power in the New World was split between two forces: on one side, Whitebeard, who appeared to be seeking a confrontation with Kaido; on the other, the flying admiral Alex, attending BIG MOM's tea party. Both events were the most captivating spectacles in the New World today. The weak were filled with fear, while the strong felt a complex blend of anticipation and unease, facing the second wave of terror since the Great Pirate Era. Upon confirming that Whitebeard was indeed moving against Kaido, and with the tea party fast approaching, Alex set off for the waters of Totto Land. In the New World, across all nations... While the Charlotte Family's domain was called Totto Land, or All Nations, the actual territory spanned 34 islands surrounding Whole Cake Island. These islands had the titles of "nations" because Charlotte Linlin aimed to create a land where all races could live and communicate as equals. Here, nearly every race from around the world lived together, though whether they were truly happy was another matter. The structure of the entire Charlotte Family revolved around this ideal, with family members managing the islands in various ministerial roles. At this highly anticipated tea party, the Charlotte children could be seen welcoming guests from far-off lands on each of their respective islands. As long as one brought a gift and was neither aligned with the World Government nor the Marines, they would be warmly welcomed into Totto Land. Until the day of the tea party, guests were escorted by ministers from each island to Whole Cake Island in the heart of the territory. Among the notable guests were the Six Emperors of the Underworld, influential figures allied with the Charlotte Family. These included Big News Morgans, president of the World Economy News Paper; Queen of the Pleasure District, Stussy; God of Fortune, Du Feld; Deep-Sea Currents, Umit; The Concealer, Giberson; and Major Undertaker, Drug Peclo. These figures were long-time associates of the Charlotte Family and had been treated to lavish gifts by Perospero and other senior ministers. "Mamamama! Every tea party is always so thrilling and full of life!" On the top floor of Whole Cake Chateau, in the grand open-air hall, BIG MOM reclined on a massive, custom-made sofa, watching as guests poured into the hall below, her booming laughter echoing across the castle. "Amande!" After stepping out of her room, Charlotte Linlin turned her head and glanced at her third daughter, who stood respectfully outside the bedroom door. With a gleeful expression, she asked, "So, have all the invited guests arrived? Are we ready to start the tea party?" "Almost, Mama," Amande replied with a calm demeanor. The eldest daughter, Compote, whispered to Amande, "Most of the guests are here, but the star of this tea party, the flying admiral Alex, hasn't shown up yet." "That little brat dares to keep me waiting?!" Charlotte Linlin's face twisted with irritation, and her presence grew heavy, making her daughters shiver with cold sweat. Despite their shared blood, the bonds within the Charlotte Family were warped by Linlin's absolute control. Her children, though bound by blood, were expendable in her eyes, and her affection was conditional. Even Katakuri, her favorite, would face her wrath if she were displeased. And for the rest of her children, their lives could be at stake if her temper soured. "Mama, please, don't be angry!" Brûlée, standing nearby, rushed forward to try to soothe her. "Big Brother Katakuri has already gone to welcome Alex!" "Well, now that's good news, Brûlée." Linlin's face softened back into a smile, and, surrounded by her daughters, she made her way out of the castle. "Stussy! You're here at my tea party!" Charlotte Linlin called out, spotting Stussy among the guests. With a sweet smile, Stussy approached, swaying her hips gracefully. "Linlin, I wouldn't miss one of your tea parties for anything. This time, I've brought you a special gift—a famous dessert from Fish-Man Island." Seeing Stussy's warm greeting, the other Underworld Emperors, eager to make an impression, stepped forward with gifts that instantly delighted Linlin. Grinning broadly, Charlotte Linlin led her distinguished guests to the main table. As they walked, Stussy casually asked, "Linlin, I heard this tea party is held specifically for that flying admiral, and I must admit I'm curious about him." "Oh, that brat hasn't arrived yet," Linlin replied dismissively. Then she glanced at the others. "What, you're all curious about him too?" "Of course," Du Feld chuckled. "The guy's making waves in the New World, after all." The others nodded in agreement. "Ah, and Wanokuni is a land of untold potential," Stussy added. "If I could open a branch of Pleasure District there, the profits could be quite considerable." Hearing this, Linlin chuckled and then turned to Morgans. "So, Morgans, you've been in contact with Alex, haven't you? The invitation came through you, after all." "I don't know how he got my Den Den Mushi number, but he only mentioned coming to your tea party. There wasn't any other contact." Morgans quickly clarified, his feathers ruffled. "Relax, Morgans, I'm just want to know," BIG MOM said dismissively, waving her hand. Just as she was about to continue, something caught her eye in the distance. Her face lit up, and she turned, staring intently at the sky. With a broad grin, she announced, "He's here!" At her words, the Underworld Emperors turned to follow her gaze. In the distance, a floating Sky Island was slowly approaching. To arrive with such a grand display—there was only one person in the New World who could make an entrance like that.