Unlike the others' shock, Katakuri, Perospero, and the other children were used to Big Mom's behavior.
They knew better.
When Big Mom encountered children under ten, she often acted like this.
She'd show a rare 'maternal glow', her temper, even her voice and demeanor, softening.
Of course, they never got to experience it.
Just then, a white-haired woman in the crowd grinned and picked up her club, about to move forward.
Fortunately, two people stopped her.
"Hey, you idiot. Are you trying to ruin Naruto's wedding?"
Sasuke knew without looking that Yamato wanted to provoke Big Mom, like she had with Shanks.
"Even if you don't care about the atmosphere, think about us 'ordinary' people!"
Baby 5 clung to one of Yamato's arms with both hands.
She wasn't wrong. Compared to the monsters, an 'ordinary' Devil Fruit user like her was nothing.
"Besides, didn't you just fight? Take a break."
Sasuke's words calmed Yamato.
She put down her club and clicked her tongue.
"Fine."
Remembering that fight, she felt irritated.
Shanks's fighting style was too strange. Before she could react, he'd sent her flying with one slash.
Her club couldn't block his strikes. That bizarre swordsmanship was hard to handle.
Yes, the other unfortunate soul Yamato had targeted was Shanks.
Unlike Kaido's brute-force style, Shanks's fighting was more technical.
No matter what Yamato did, Shanks would act first, dodging and striking with precision.
And [Divine Departure's] special nature rendered Yamato's durability useless.
If Shanks hadn't held back, Yamato would have been scarred.
Sensing Yamato had calmed down, Naruto sighed in relief.
He wasn't worried about Big Mom causing trouble. She'd come willingly… she'd consider her reputation.
But Yamato, the hothead, was different.
Anyway, no news was good news.
Naruto turned back to watch Big Mom gently take Adam from Stussy.
Big Mom expected the delicate baby to be scared, but Adam didn't seem afraid. He smiled at her.
That pure, innocent smile was like a warm breeze, blowing away Big Mom's innate cruelty.
"Such a cute baby. Here, take this. It's all yours~"
Big Mom, like a grandmother meeting her grandson, was smitten by Adam's smile. Seeing him interested in her sparkling pink ring, she took it off and placed it in his hand.
If Adam could talk and wanted the Queen Mama Chanter, Big Mom would likely give it without a second thought.
The ring, sized for Big Mom's finger, was bigger than half of Adam's body. He could fit through the band.
"Oh, Linlin, don't give him such things. He can't hold it."
"Just give him a little toy."
Stussy could feel Charlotte Linlin's unguarded affection for her son. Thinking, 'He is my son, after all,' she returned the ring to Big Mom.
"Right, right. You're right!"
Reminded, Big Mom took back the ring. Then, she activated her Soru Soru no Mi, tearing off a tiny piece of her own soul and putting it inside.
The next moment, the ring came to life, becoming a small, translucent, pink fairy.
Even Stussy was surprised.
She knew the Homies Big Mom made didn't have to use her own soul.
Aside from powerful ones like Zeus and Napoleon, she usually used others' lifespans.
Using her own soul, even a sliver, was a strain.
It showed how much she liked Adam.
"Adam-chan, this is Eve~ She's yours now~"
Slightly weakened from the soul tearing, Big Mom ignored the pain and smiled at Adam.
The jewel Homie, named Eve, flew around Adam, giggling, making him laugh.
"Thank you for the gift, Auntie Linlin."
As the father, Naruto expressed his gratitude.
"Tch, it's not for you. I just like the child."
Big Mom wasn't one to be polite.
"Haha, regardless, thank you for liking Adam."
"Hmph… I don't know how a guy like you could have such a cute child. It must be Stussy's doing!"
Stussy just smiled. The others relaxed.
But just as the mood lightened, a thick cloud appeared in the sky.
All the strong people present immediately turned their attention to it.
"That's…"
Crocus squinted at the rapidly descending cloud, murmuring.
No one answered.
—He didn't have to wait long. Soon, the answer revealed itself.
"Worororo!"
"Who's this? He seems on par with that giant captain."
B rubbed his chin, watching the shadow of a dragon appear, speaking to Gyuki.
"All of Naruto's friends are something. They're all tough guys."
Even Gyuki seemed to sense the pressure from the [World's Strongest Creature]. Though he was just a mass of Chakra, Natural Energy gave him a beast's instincts.
Those instincts now warned him that the creature in the sky was the king of all 'beasts'.
Unlike the Ninja World contingent, the other strong pirates recognized the newcomer.
The unmistakable laugh and the massive figure writhing in the clouds announced his identity.
Governor-General of the Beasts Pirates, Kaido!
"Naruto, you invited Kaido too?"
Big Mom glared at Naruto. She hadn't known Kaido was invited.
'Did he not know we were at war?!'
"Haha, we're all friends~"
Naruto just scratched his head, laughing.
Ignoring Naruto, Big Mom noticed Adam had stopped laughing. She looked down.
The little guy's eyes were wide, fixed on the now-visible Kaido.
Eve, the jewel Homie, had transformed into translucent shields, floating around Adam, blocking the sound waves from above.
Big Mom's anger flared.
She gently placed Adam back in the stroller, then, wordlessly, rode Zeus into the air.
She grabbed Napoleon, transforming it into a blade.
Prometheus burst into flame, engulfing the sword.
"Damn Kaido!! You scared the baby, you know that?!"
Big Mom roared, ascending rapidly.
"Cognac!!"