Inside the Candy Castle, Charlotte Linlin's legendary rage did not last long. She felt a flicker of curiosity regarding Whitebeard's purpose for this sudden visit and temporarily suppressed her urge to destroy him immediately.
"Mamamama~ That old geezer Whitebeard should be staying in his own territory instead of coming to my Totto Land..." Her massive body shifted on the candy throne. She looked down at one of her tall daughters, who stood below carrying a massive spiral longsword. "Smoothie! Go see what Whitebeard wants! If he can't give me a satisfactory reason, don't blame Mama for being impolite!" +2
"Yes, Mama," Smoothie replied, her expression remaining cold and alluring. She gathered a squad of Homies soldiers, boarded a colorful candy ship, and sailed toward the port to intercept the intruders.
Soon, the Conqueror and the battle-scarred remains of the Moby Dick came into view. Smoothie's sharp gaze swept across the deck, first spotting the towering figure of Whitebeard. Her eyes grew serious; she knew he was a world-class power. However, when her gaze landed on the black-haired, crimson-eyed young man standing beside the old emperor, the coldness on her face instantly vanished.+1
"Takuro?" she whispered in profound astonishment.
She lightly leaped from her vessel, her long legs allowing her to easily board the deck of the Conqueror. She completely ignored the Whitebeard Pirates, who were on high alert, and walked directly toward the young man.
"Why are you here?" Smoothie asked, her tone incredulous even though her body had completely relaxed.
Takuro crossed his arms and offered a casual greeting. "Yo, long time no see, long-legged girl. Is there a problem?" +1
Two of Smoothie's younger sisters followed behind her, whispering curiously:
"Is this Takuro? Is he the man Smoothie-sister can't forget?"
"He seems to be nothing special, except for being exceptionally handsome and having a very... unique Aura..."
"Shh! Keep your voice down! How could a man remembered by our sister be simple?"
Smoothie ignored the chatter. She looked at Takuro with a hint of quiet reproach. "You didn't even give a heads-up before coming?"
"No need," Takuro replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "I come when I want to".+1
Smoothie shook her head helplessly, accustomed to his blunt style. She glanced at Whitebeard once more before returning her focus to Takuro. "What are you doing in Totto Land this time? And why are you with Whitebeard?"
"There are some things I need to discuss with your Mama face-to-face," Takuro stated.
Hearing that Takuro wanted to see the Empress, Smoothie's face showed a meaningful smile. "Mama will be very 'happy' to know you've come". She emphasized the word "happy". In recent years, the Big Mom Pirates had acquired massive capital and scarce resources through cooperation with Takuro's Golden Group. Big Mom was quite satisfied with such a high-quality partner.
"Then lead the way," Takuro said.
"No rush." Smoothie did not move immediately. Her eyes narrowed, becoming seductive and aggressive as she looked Takuro up and down. She licked her lips. "It's been so long... I wonder if your 'strength' has declined?"
Takuro saw the burning desire in her eyes and instantly understood her meaning. A provocative smirk appeared on his face. "What? Have you forgotten that night when I taught you a good lesson and you ended up begging for mercy?" +1
A blush appeared on Smoothie's pale cheeks, but she snorted defiantly. "Hmph! Don't get ahead of yourself! I haven't neglected my training; my strength is far beyond what it used to be!" Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Takuro's wrist. "Come! Follow me inside!"
She pulled him toward the ship's cabin. Takuro seemed amused and didn't resist, letting her lead him away.
Watching this, Nico Robin closed her book and shook her head helplessly. Whitebeard was stunned for a moment before bursting into a hearty laugh. "Kurararara! Young people indeed have boundless energy!" +2
Gion was confused at first, but when suggestive sounds and vibrations began to emanate from a nearby room, she froze. Her face turned a deep crimson. "Shameless! Utterly shameless!" she muttered, turning her head away and gripping the hilt of her sword, Konpira.
The rest of the crew and the Big Mom Pirates at the port remained in a state of bewilderment. The intense confrontation everyone expected had been put aside in a very peculiar way.
Inside the cabin, the fierce "battle" finally subsided, leaving the air thick with the scent of sweat. Smoothie lay sprawled on the messy bed, her wheat-colored skin flushed. She was too weak to move a finger. She glanced sideways at Takuro, who still seemed full of vigor as he casually put on his pants.
"So..." her voice was hoarse, "when do you think our wedding would be most suitable?"
Takuro paused, turning his head with an expression of pure confusion. "Wedding? What wedding?" +1
Smoothie propped herself up, her confusion matching his. "You specifically came to Totto Land to see Mama... isn't it to propose to our Charlotte Family?" In her mind, their intimacy and his formal visit to her mother could mean nothing else.
Takuro realized there had been a massive misunderstanding. He waved his hand dismissively. "No. I came to see Charlotte Linlin to discuss cooperation".+2
The light in Smoothie's eyes dimmed, replaced by disappointment and resentment. She lay back down and turned her back to him. "...Stinky man," she mumbled.
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