The massive ship, "Conqueror," docked at a special pier constructed entirely from sturdy biscuit soldiers. Smoothie was the first to step onto the shore, which was paved with smooth, glistening chocolate slabs. She tilted her head slightly, a hint of host-like pride coloring her voice as she introduced the surroundings to Takuro. "Welcome to Cake Island, the heart of Totto Land," she said, gesturing toward the horizon. "Mama's castle is right in the center of the island".
In the distance, a magnificent castle towered into the clouds. It was a surreal sight, built from layers of various cakes, colorful candies, and biscuits. Surrounding the fortress was a fantastical landscape where rivers of sweet cream flowed freely and marshmallow trees grew from the sugary soil.
Whitebeard surveyed the vibrant, almost dreamlike scenery and let out a low, rumbling chuckle. "Kura la la la... It's been a long time since I set foot here," the legendary pirate remarked. "It's still the same—sickeningly sweet. I wonder if that old hag, Charlotte Linlin, is still as crazy as she used to be".
Nearby, Nico Robin's gaze was drawn to an abstract teacup Homie that hopped and sang as it passed them by. A flicker of scholarly curiosity and a touch of affection crossed her eyes as she murmured to herself, "Objects infused with souls... what truly wondrous existences".
Gion, however, did not share the same sense of wonder. As a Marine Vice-Admiral, she instinctively tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword, Konpira, at her waist. Her purple eyes were sharp and filled with vigilance. Stepping into the core stronghold of one of the Four Emperors—the Yonko—was no small matter. To her, the fairy-tale surroundings were merely a mask for the extreme danger lurking in every corner. Every smiling Homie and every passing member of the Charlotte Family was a potential enemy, and her nerves were stretched to their absolute limit.+4
Takuro walked with his hands in his pockets, his crimson pupils examining the strange world around him. He saw singing flowers, tables and chairs that moved on their own, and clouds that seemed to smile down at him. This was a massive contrast to the harsh, violent pirate world he was familiar with, where raw strength usually dictated the atmosphere.
"I've been meaning to ask," he said, pointing toward a biscuit guard that was currently saluting them. "What are these things with human faces that move and talk?"
"Those are Homies," Smoothie explained calmly. "They are created by Mama's unique Paramecia ability—the Soul-Soul Fruit. Mama can extract lifespans from others or use souls found in nature. By injecting them into objects or even natural phenomena, she gives them life and consciousness so they obey her every command".
"Soul?" Takuro raised an eyebrow, a look of genuine interest appearing on his face. "She has the ability to control the soul?"
In his experience, the soul was a mysterious and ethereal concept, something invisible and tied to the deepest mysteries of life. The idea that the "fat old hag" Charlotte Linlin could manipulate such a force was unexpected. He stroked his chin, falling into thought. 'Soul... if it can be extracted and moved, then I wonder if the Netherworld exists in this world too?'
He recalled the logic of the Dragon Ball world, where souls travel to King Kai's planet or down to Hell after death. 'If a place like that exists here, I wonder if my current power is enough to break the boundary and go see it for myself'. This thought made him pay more attention to Big Mom's abilities; he no longer saw her as just a business partner or a potential "sandbag" to punch, but as someone with a very interesting power.
The group continued walking along a road paved with chewy gummies. Suddenly, a tall figure appeared in the middle of the path ahead, standing silently as if he had been waiting for them for a long time. He wore a thick scarf that covered the lower half of his face, and his arms were crossed over his chest. Even just standing there, he exuded a powerful aura that naturally kept others at a distance.
"Brother Katakuri," Smoothie greeted him.
"Yo," Takuro added, casually raising a hand in greeting.
The moment Katakuri saw Takuro, his body tensed for a fraction of a second. He immediately uncrossed his arms and gave a respectful, slight bow. "It has been a long time, Takuro-sama," he said. "Mama ordered me to welcome you here. The tea party is ready".
Katakuri's gaze shifted toward the massive figure of Whitebeard standing behind Takuro. The crescent mustache and the sheer physical presence of the man sent a shock through his heart. 'Whitebeard... he really is here...' Even though Big Mom had warned him, seeing the former "World's Strongest Man" following Takuro like an attendant was a massive shock to his system. However, he quickly regained his composure.
"Mm," Takuro nodded, used to the respectful treatment. "Lead the way. I'm actually a bit hungry". The aroma of food in the air was making him crave a massive meal.
"Yes, please follow me." Katakuri turned and led the way with steady, precise steps.
The group followed him through the strange kingdom, passing through a landscape that felt like a dream but was filled with hidden soul-creations. They eventually arrived at the Cake Castle, the ultimate symbol of Big Mom's absolute power. The heavy castle gates, which looked like they were cast from a mix of giant candies and biscuits, were slowly pushed open by two tall Homie guards.
Inside, the lights were bright and the air was thick with the scent of sugar. A long banquet table stretched through the hall, lined with the elite children of the Charlotte Family. They all exuded fierce auras, and their gazes—whether curious, indifferent, or wary—locked onto Takuro as he walked in with his hands in his pockets.
Whispers began to ripple through the hall like a tide. "Is that him? Takuro?" "He looks so young..." "Is he really the one who made Brother Katakuri so nervous?" "I don't feel anything special from his aura".
Takuro felt the weight of these probing gazes, enough to make any ordinary person sweat, but his crimson eyes simply swept over the room. Instead of getting defensive, he let a smirk play on his lips. "Ho, such a grand display? This is getting interesting," he murmured.
His voice wasn't loud, but it somehow cut through the chatter of the room, reaching everyone's ears. His calm and composed attitude caused some of the more arrogant family members to stiffen in surprise.
At the far end of the hall, sitting on a throne-like chair, the mountain-sized Charlotte Linlin stood up. Her massive body cast a long shadow over the guests as she let out a booming laugh.
"Mamamama~~~!!!"
"Welcome! Welcome to my Cake Castle, little brother Takuro!!!"
She spread her arms wide in a welcoming gesture. Her face was covered in a wide smile, but her eyes held a sharp mix of a greedy merchant and a powerful emperor. "I have prepared the finest black tea and the most delicious desserts just for you! Come, sit down. Let's have a good chat! Mama!!"
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion