Rolan was slightly confused, unsure of what Big Mom had planned.
However, he didn't worry; in the presence of absolute strength, all conspiracies were little more than paper tigers.
As Rolan and his crew slowly took their seats, the hearts of the audience gradually settled.
Had a fight broken out here, the innocent bystanders would have suffered.
This was clearly an Emperor-level greeting, something few had witnessed.
Rolan noticed the thoughts of the crowd and couldn't help but smile faintly. He recalled that in the original stories, the Four Emperors truly split the sky upon meeting, and perhaps this was just their way of acknowledging each other.
Fourth Gear Luffy had not withstood Kaido's greeting and was floored with a single blow.
Enel, however, looked displeased. He had anticipated a fight, yet now everyone sat peacefully. Irritated, he grabbed a cake from the table and took a large bite.
Big Mom also returned to her seat.
The surrounding murmurs resumed.
"You scared me! I thought an Emperor-level battle was about to erupt."
"This Rolan is truly unfathomable. Such strength at this age—his future achievements will be legendary."
"I wonder what gift this Five Emperors-level pirate will offer Big Mom."
"Now that you mention it, I'm curious too."
Rolan glanced at Big Mom. "Sorry, I left in a hurry. Didn't bring any gifts."
Big Mom remained calm. "Mama, that doesn't matter." She then cast Robin a meaningful look. "We can talk about gifts later."
Rolan noted her gaze and frowned slightly, wary. That look toward Robin was… unusual. "Why am I the protagonist of this Tea Party?"
Big Mom chuckled softly. "Mama, how about joining our pirate crew, Rolan, you brat?"
Rolan stiffened; he had anticipated this. The crowd watched expectantly, curious about his answer.
Some grew concerned. Should the Big Mom Pirates gain Rolan and his crew, their combined strength would surpass even the other Four Emperors. With Big Mom's ambitions, conflict with the remaining Emperors could throw the New World into chaos.
All eyes remained on Rolan.
Before he could respond, Crocodile, seated beside him, spoke:
"Hey, old hag, look at yourself. Ugly and fat. Why would we ever join you?"
The venue, previously noisy, fell silent. No one expected such insolence. They were in the presence of a ruler of the New World, not a petty villain.
Big Mom's face darkened. "Crocodile, mind your words. I know your secret." Her tone carried mockery alongside warning.
Crocodile snorted, silent after that.
Another voice arose. "What are you? We hunt gods, and no one can make us join them."
Big Mom's gaze fixed on Enel, the long-eared man with a bare torso.
The audience gawked. Only ten members in Rolan's crew, yet such audacity to disrespect Big Mom?
Crocodile's arrogance was expected; he was famously prideful. Yet another outspoken individual here was surprising.
Zoro could not resist teasing: "Slaughter what god? Aren't you a god yourself? Planning to commit suicide?"
Lina stifled a soft laugh, clearly amused.
Nami and Robin held back their laughter thanks to discipline, but a smile threatened to escape.
Enel snapped, "Zoro, stop undermining me, okay?"
Compared to the shocked crowd, Rolan's crew seemed utterly relaxed.
Big Mom's anger deepened as she watched them provoke her. She looked at Rolan.
"Is this your intention as well?"
Rolan shrugged, spreading his hands. "Of course. We are partners."
Big Mom's face flushed with a mixture of green and red, but her gaze softened when she caught sight of Robin.
Rolan recalled the traditional face-changing techniques of Earth in his previous life. Big Mom's performance was sure to impress in Panda Province.
"Mama, I knew you wouldn't agree. The main purpose today… is to propose a marriage alliance with you."
Rolan's eyes widened. "Marriage alliance? With you?"
Big Mom laughed heartily. "Mama, even a marriage alliance with me is fine. You're not bad-looking; Mama agrees."
Rolan assessed her top to bottom, his stomach churning. Even if she were young, he felt nothing, let alone desire.
Seeing his reaction, Big Mom explained, "It's okay, I can still bear children."
Law, nearby, gagged uncontrollably. Zoro patted his back.
Rolan gritted his teeth, "No! I refuse!!"
Big Mom remained unfazed. "Today's protagonists are you and Gala."
A woman in a white wedding dress slowly emerged from the cake house behind her.
All eyes turned to her.
Gala, with pink hair, yellow eyes, and flawless skin, appeared even more beautiful in person than in the original stories. She was one of the few truly stunning daughters among Big Mom's many children.
Lina and Nami, beside Rolan, instinctively gripped his arm, fearful he might consent to the proposal out of lust.
Rolan quickly averted his gaze, mouth twitching. A hand had already grown on his inner thigh, but he wasn't looking at Gala in that way—his focus was merely recalling the original plot.
"I refuse!"
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