Inside the colossal mansion in the Flower Capital that now served as Kaido's primary residence, the Governor of the Beasts Pirates sat atop his grand chair. The air in the room was calm as Pudding and Pekoms entered, having been summoned to speak with the Emperor.
"Lord Kaido!" Pudding called out. After spending the last few days under his guidance, her initial terror had shifted into a deep sense of respect. She bowed earnestly, her three eyes shining with a warmth she rarely felt in her own home.
"Worororo…" Kaido chuckled softly. Instead of immediately asking about the call from Big Mom, he looked at the young girl with genuine interest. "Pudding, how are you feeling? Did you remember to apply the medicine after you returned?"
Pudding's face lit up, and her eyes blinked in delight. "Thank you for your concern, Lord Kaido. Reiju has already helped me with the medicine."
"That's good," Kaido replied, his tone surprisingly gentle for a man of his reputation. "You and Reiju should continue to spend time together. You should also get to know Otama and Baby-5; they are good girls, and I'm sure you will all become great friends."
"Mhm, mhm!" Pudding nodded vigorously, feeling a sense of paternal care she had never experienced from her biological family.
Pekoms, standing silently beside her, couldn't hide his shock. As a member of the Mink Tribe sent by Big Mom to protect Pudding, he had expected to find a ruthless tyrant. Seeing Kaido act as a supportive mentor was a side of the Emperor the world rarely saw.
"Alright, give me Linlin's Den Den Mushi," Kaido said, shifting his focus. Once Pudding handed over the snail and led Pekoms out of the room, Kaido pressed the call button. The snail rang twice before a familiar, furious voice erupted from the other end.
"Hello, Linlin!" Kaido greeted her, clearly in a good mood.
"Hey, you brat! Did you forget something?" Big Mom screamed.
"Worororo, how could that be? I don't remember forgetting a thing."
"Don't play games with me! Did you forget our alliance? You were the one who begged me for it!" she roared. "The territories have been seized just as we agreed, yet you haven't taken the next step! You also promised me that Queen, Caesar, and Judge would assist with my human gigantification experiments!"
Kaido's expression became more serious. "I haven't forgotten, Linlin. I'm still counting on your name to keep the Marines and the World Government at bay."
"Then why the delay?"
"Because I am waiting for the right opportunity," Kaido explained. "If we announce our union now, we simply become a massive target. Our crews are already the overlords of this sea. If we unite too soon, it will scare the world into a corner, and I hate having unnecessary trouble at my doorstep."
Big Mom paused, understanding his logic. If the world viewed them as the second coming of the Rocks Pirates, the World Government would likely launch an all-out war to maintain their absolute control.
"Then what is the plan?" she asked. "Are you canceling?"
"Of course not. But our alliance must appear to be in line with the righteousness of the sea. Doflamingo tells me the Marines are making big moves. They've started a World Military Draft and have already found two monsters capable of reaching the rank of Admiral."
Linlin's tone sharpened. "Mamamama! That is indeed a bit troublesome."
"Five Admirals is a terrifying amount of combat power, even for us," Kaido noted. "Plus, we still have to worry about Garp and Sengoku. Fortunately, Sengoku is resigning as Fleet Admiral. Until a new leader is chosen, the Marines are stuck in a period of transition."
"So that's why you're so desperate to train your children?"
"That's right," Kaido said bluntly. "To be honest, Linlin, your children are currently too weak. In your crew, only you can truly handle an Admiral. Katakuri is talented, but he is still too green. If another event like the God Valley incident happens, we would have to face five Admirals, Sengoku, and Garp on our own. Do you think we could win that?"
Big Mom let out an angry roar. "Do you think your own brats are so much better?"
"Worororo! Of course they are! That's why I'm pushing them so hard. I am buying time for them to grow. By my estimate, when the war truly breaks out, King and Enel will be able to handle an Admiral, while Queen and the others will at least be able to hold one off."
"You have a lot of confidence in them, Kaido."
"Of course I do. They are my family!" Kaido's words left Linlin speechless for a moment. After a brief silence, she asked when they would finally go public.
"The day after the new Fleet Admiral takes office," Kaido decided. "At that moment, we will become the greatest enemies the World Government has ever known. I will reveal the truth of what happened at God Valley and take direct action against the Celestial Dragons!"
Linlin was startled by the boldness of the plan. Kaido quickly clarified that he wouldn't attack the Holy Land of Mary Geoise directly—at least not yet. Instead, he planned to cut off their supplies. "Those Celestial Dragons are like pigs in a sty. If we stop the flow of resources, they will learn what it feels like to starve."
"Mamamama! A brilliant idea," Big Mom laughed, her displeasure completely gone. "Hunger is a terrifying thing. We have a deal, Kaido."
"Good. I'll find a suitable island to serve as the location for our future super nation. Once the details are set, I'll have Pudding inform you."
After hanging up, Big Mom looked toward her children. Her expression shifted from joy to a terrifying seriousness. "You heard what Kaido said, didn't you? It's time Mama gave you all a proper training session of her own…"
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