Totto Land waters, Totto Land.
In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed since the great battle came to a close.
On this day, the sun shone brightly over Whole Cake Island, with a gentle sea breeze blowing.
At the shipbuilding docks, workers under Smoker's leadership were busily repairing ships damaged in the war, the sounds of hammering and chants filling the air.
Chopper and Bepo squatted side by side at the edge of the dock, munching on cotton candy while watching Smoker work tirelessly.
"Senior Smoker is really something, huh?" Chopper remarked with admiration. "Just two days ago, he was still unconscious in bed, and today he's already doing heavy labor like this."
After defeating Sweet Commander Snack, Smoker's bounty had skyrocketed to 830 million Berries.
Not only had he risen to become the strongest beneath the Curtain Closer's top executives, but his reputation had also spread worldwide, with the name "White Hunter" striking fear across the seas.
But the cost had been severe.
Though he had won that battle, it had been a true "hard-fought victory."
Smoker had been drenched in blood by the end, falling into a long coma, and both his ears had been severed by Snack's katana, leaving him permanently disabled.
Chopper had been helpless to treat him, but fortunately, the Curtain Closers had Law, a skilled surgeon, who performed ear reconstruction surgery.
At least outwardly, there was no visible difference—no trace of stitches could be seen.
But his hearing had suffered greatly.
In daily life, without using Observation Haki, it was difficult for him to determine the source of sounds.
Like right now—
"Senior Smoker!"
Tashigi hurried over, bowing slightly to a female shipwright:
"The Garrison Corps headquarters has officially relocated to Whole Cake Island. We need to collect and consolidate data from all industries in the new territory. Since you're in charge of the first dock, please organize the documents and submit them as soon as possible."
"Got it."
Smoker glanced at the female shipwright. "Easy enough. I'll head to the Garrison Corps tomorrow... Huh, why does your voice sound so young?"
She looked to be in her forties, but her voice was like a teenage girl's?
"?"
The female shipwright looked utterly confused.
What was up with these two executives? Why were they talking to her as if she were some kind of signal relay?
"Pfft—HAHAHA!"
Chopper burst out laughing, then quickly covered his mouth, feeling guilty for finding it so funny. But his shoulders still shook with suppressed laughter.
Bepo's face also turned red from holding it in.
Only after watching Tashigi walk away did the little chubby bear and reindeer manage to calm down. Chopper plucked off a piece of cotton candy and happily popped it into his mouth:
"330 million Berries... Tashigi's bounty went up a lot too, almost..."
"Almost caught up to yours, is that what you wanted to say?" Bepo smirked. "Tony Tony Chopper, the troublesome battlefield doctor who saved over a hundred people in one go, now with a bounty of 375 million Berries?"
"I-I wasn't trying to brag!"
Chopper held his cheeks, his body wriggling like noodles, "Bastard, don't call me that! No matter how much you praise me, I won't be happy!"
"You're clearly happy!"
Bepo bared his fangs and roared, "Even Law's bounty only increased to 350 million! You jumped straight to the top of the Supernovas in our batch!"
"Eh? Number one? Bastard, even if you say that, I still won't be happy!"
"Cut it out already!"
...
Why were these two little guys arguing too?
Agin passed by with an empty strawberry milk carton dangling from his mouth, squinting sideways at the commotion. Looks like they were discussing bounties?
Hmm, what was my latest bounty again?
Agin racked his brains and recalled it was around 700 million Berry—just 20 million less than Nojiko's after she defeated Perospero.
After taking down Baron Tamago and sending over a dozen Pirates with bounties exceeding 100 million Berry flying, his threat level at Marine Headquarters had shot up again.
What a headache. With this, wouldn't even more troublesome guys come after him next time?
Sigh, if he got seriously injured, how could he enjoy sunbathing while drinking milk?
He tossed the empty milk carton into the trash, flicked his tail, and trotted away from the docks, too lazy to listen to Chopper and Bepo's bickering.
The wind rushed past his ears as Agin picked up speed, darting through the wilderness and into the bustling town.
Residents along the way waved and smiled at him, and some children even playfully gathered around him.
So, he was really being accepted now?
Agin keenly sensed the shift in atmosphere.
Ever since settling in Whole Cake Island, he'd made it a daily routine to lounge by the coast, basking in the sun while sipping strawberry milk before heading back.
In the beginning, the residents of Totto Land had been wary of the Curtain Closer, trembling at the sight of him and keeping their distance.
But now, even children dared to approach him.
As expected of my master.
Agin mused lazily.
Those things humans called "government affairs" were the most tedious and bothersome matters in the world. He couldn't make sense of them, nor did he want to.
All he knew was that after his master took control of Totto Land, he swiftly implemented a series of new policies.
For instance, without raising any taxes, he abolished the "soul tax" that had to be paid every six months.
Or how he reinforced policies ensuring equal coexistence among all races, allowing free migration and settlement across all islands.
Or how he rigorously screened former members of the Charlotte Family, retaining those willing to serve and without notorious records as ministers to assist in managing Totto Land's affairs.
These measures quickly reassured the anxious residents of Totto Land, even fostering genuine gratitude and loyalty toward their new ruler.
After all.
Life in the old Totto Land had been happy, but it came with many hidden worries.
Compared to that volatile, life-draining fat woman, his master Lord Xiano was just as powerful—capable of protecting a nation in this chaotic era—yet far more benevolent and generous.
By any measure, he was undoubtedly the better ruler!
"Lord Agin!"
A little girl with pigtails timidly handed over a freshly opened carton of strawberry milk, "I heard you like this... here, this is for you..."
Agin glanced down. Hmph, not even its favorite brand.
What's the difference between this and toilet cleaner? Still, considering the kid's sincerity, it reluctantly took the carton and began drinking.
"Thank you, Lord Agin!"
Seeing its acceptance, the girl immediately jumped for joy, and the surrounding children erupted in cheers. The bolder ones even stepped forward, eager to touch its silvery-white fur.
Hey now, don't push your luck, brats.
Agin rolled its eyes but didn't actually dodge, focusing instead on lapping up the milk while letting the little ones pet it.
Having been tormented by a certain orange-haired devil since childhood, it had always been lenient with kids. Its fur was thick anyway—let them touch all they wanted. It wasn't like it'd lose a chunk of flesh.
Out of the corner of its eye, it caught sight of a Mosshead and a Curly Brow wrestling and cursing as they passed by in the distance.
Those idiots are still at it? They've been fighting nonstop since the bounties were announced—over ten days now. Every time they meet, it's the same...
Agin spared them only a glance before looking away.
It couldn't be bothered to care. Instead, it lazily flopped down, basking in the sunlight and the children's playful noise.
Now this was the good life.
Meanwhile...
Heh. Its master was probably still stuck in the castle, buried under a mountain of work and pulling his hair out in frustration.
...
Whole Cake Castle.
The overly sweet, fairy-tale decorations had been stripped away, leaving only the castle's main structure.
Now serving as the headquarters of the Garrison Corps, it had also become the new administrative center under Xiano's rule.
The hall that once housed BIGMOM's throne had been repurposed into a grand assembly chamber.
Departments for finance, trade, agriculture, industry, shipyards, personnel, and more had all set up offices here. Every day, swarms of staff bustled about, processing and approving countless documents.
Xiano stood alone on the balcony, leaning against the railing with a cup of coffee in hand, looking utterly at ease.
Contrary to Agin's imagination, he was actually quite relaxed this time.
Through this war, the Curtain Closer had swallowed Totto Land whole, gaining control of thirty-four islands spanning the entire sea and a population numbering in the millions.
Logically, this should have been far more overwhelming than when he first took over the Galaxy Sea.
But times had changed!
Xiano took a sip of coffee, his gaze sweeping over the orderly departments inside the hall.
Unlike the chaos of his early days in the Galaxy Sea, the Curtain Closer had now, after months of expansion, established a mature administrative system.
As for Totto Land, the Charlotte Family's existing management framework remained intact.
With some minor integration, the transition had gone smoothly, and there was no shortage of capable personnel.
Apart from major decisions requiring his approval, his schedule was surprisingly free.
As the ruler of these territories, admitting he was an amateur in many areas wasn't shameful.
Insisting on micromanaging—like ordering frontline machine guns to shift five meters left every day—would only cause more trouble.
"Hmm?"
Xiano suddenly sensed something and looked up. "Already here?"
He set down the black coffee in his hand and flashed away.
Whoosh!
In the next instant, he vanished from the balcony railing and reappeared on the rooftop terrace at the castle's highest point.
The sea breeze brushed past as Katakuri stood waiting in the distance, arms crossed. His towering figure cast a long shadow under the sunlight.
"Leaving?" Xiano looked at Katakuri, his tone calm.
Katakuri nodded, his gaze sweeping over the castle that once belonged to their family—now a place where everything had changed.
"Yes, sir. My younger siblings have already packed their belongings. It's time for me to go as well."
"Really not staying?"
Xiano chuckled. "This is the second time I've tried to persuade you. Someone as reliable as you—both in ability and character—suits my tastes perfectly. Join the Curtain Closers, and a seat among the highest-ranking officers is yours."
Katakuri fell silent for a moment before shaking his head.
"This is no longer my home. Those siblings who chose to stay have your protection, and I'm at ease with that. My duty now is to safeguard those who wish to leave."
"I must thank you for this opportunity."
Katakuri met Xiano's eyes solemnly.
"Thank you for your generosity, for giving my siblings the choice. Some chose to stay and serve the Curtain Closers, while others chose to leave… But at least, aside from those who died as enemies in the war, the rest are still alive."
"Nothing to thank me for."
Xiano shrugged. "I just did what best served the territory's interests. Not everyone in the Charlotte Family was wicked—some even had decent reputations among the people. Keeping them was also to ensure Totto Land's stability."
After the war, the question of how to handle the Charlotte Family became a dilemma, sparking heated debates among the Curtain Closers.
In the end, it was Xiano who made the decisive call—to assess each case individually, without blanket judgments.
Those with notorious reputations or deep hostility toward the Curtain Closers were imprisoned. The rest were free to choose their own paths.
Most ultimately chose to leave.
Smoothie, for instance, seemed deeply disheartened and listless, planning to retreat into seclusion somewhere in the South Blue.
Some of the younger Charlotte siblings, however, were brimming with ambition, feeling their mother had held them back, and eager to start anew on the Grand Line.
As for Katakuri, Perospero, and the other older brothers, their stance was unanimous—to protect their younger siblings until each found their own place in the world.
"Regardless, I will remember your kindness."
Katakuri bowed deeply.
"The Curtain Closers—or rather, your grand ambition—I've glimpsed a part of it. If that day truly comes in the future, and I can make it in time, I will do my part to repay this debt."
"Now that's something to look forward to."
Xiano blinked, slightly taken aback. "Talking with a smart person really is refreshing. Hey, you—saying that, it really seems like you don't hate me at all?"
"In the end, Mother's death was the consequence of her own actions. I can't blame you for it."
Katakuri let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head, exhaustion unmistakable in his eyes.
"Since long ago, I've exhausted myself trying to stop Mother's various whims... I knew this day would come, I just didn't expect it to arrive so soon."
Truly, I've been so tired since a very, very long time ago...
If not for my younger siblings, I would have long abandoned the Charlotte name and the title of the Undefeated Man.
"It's getting late."
Katakuri took a deep breath, concealing his emotions as he turned toward the terrace edge. "Then, this is farewell, Lord Xiano."
Xiano chuckled lightly:
"Safe travels. If you change your mind, you're always welcome back."
Katakuri waved without turning around and leaped down from the castle's peak.
Xiano walked to the edge, watching the tall figure land steadily on a small boat at the harbor.
The boat already held over a dozen children of the Charlotte Family, who waved in greeting upon Katakuri's return.
As the boat slowly departed from the harbor, gradually shrinking into a tiny black dot on the sea, Xiano kept his gaze fixed on the receding vessel until it completely vanished from sight.
Only then did he return to the terrace below.
The sea breeze remained gentle, the sunlight still bright.
Xiano stretched lazily and picked up his unfinished coffee when a deep voice suddenly spoke behind him:
"My lord, forgive my bluntness, but was it truly wise to let them leave like this?"
"What, worried they'll seek revenge later?"
Unfazed, Xiano took a calm sip of coffee. "That man is Katakuri. If he truly wanted revenge, he'd declare it openly. Besides..."
He turned to face the blue Fish-man who had appeared before him, smiling faintly:
"If I lacked even this much magnanimity, how could I talk about changing the world? And how could I ever forgive you, right, Jinbei?"
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