Time passed steadily in the New World. The Straw Hats had been stationed on this unnamed spring island for nearly a month. On this particular day, a banquet began much earlier than usual to celebrate a significant milestone: every member who participated in the training had officially achieved the goal set by Carl and awakened their Haki.
This success was not merely a matter of natural talent. The crew had benefited immensely from a long-term regimen of specialized medicated baths. As long as an individual's physical fitness reached a certain threshold—combined with mastery of the Marine Six Styles—awakening Haki became a much smoother process. Furthermore, Zoro, Sanji, and Law had made excellent progress in their advanced techniques.
There was no longer any reason to remain on the island. In fact, if the Straw Hats stayed any longer, the local striped pigs would likely face extinction due to Luffy's insatiable appetite. While Luffy was reluctant to leave his daily all-you-can-eat pork, the promise of new adventures in the New World eventually won him over.
During the banquet, the crew caught up on the latest news. Usopp and Chopper burst into laughter as they read the reports about Kaido. The "Best Teacher in the Sea" article had caused such a sensation that Kaido was now being hounded by challengers every single day. The situation had become so unbearable for the Yonko that he had reportedly fled his own base in Wano just to find some peace. The crew gave Carl a thumbs-up for the brilliant operation; Kaido had harassed them once, and Carl had responded by making the Emperor's life a living nightmare.
After the festivities ended, the crew prepared for a final night of rest before setting sail. The month of intensive training had left everyone physically and mentally exhausted. Zoro and Usopp fell asleep the moment they hit their pillows.
Early the next morning, Carl stood at the bow of the ship, yawning and sporting dark circles under his eyes. His gaze was fixed on a vessel appearing on the horizon. It was a pirate ship adorned with a pink-haired, red-lipped skull: the flag of the Big Mom Pirates. Usopp, who was on lookout duty, quickly alerted the rest of the crew. By the time the Big Mom ship pulled alongside the Thousand Sunny, the Straw Hats and the Heart Pirates were already lined up on the deck.
Carl recognized the two figures standing at the opponent's bow. One was Baron Tamago—an eccentric man in a red coat and hat, his legs resembling a compass protruding from an eggshell. Beside him stood Pekoms, a combatant from the Lion Mink tribe.
"Greetings, Captain Straw Hat," Baron Tamago said, bowing politely. He was careful with his tone, well-aware that the Straw Hats were now considered a world-class power. "I am Baron Tamago, and this is Pekoms. We are combatants for the Big Mom Pirates."
Luffy stood with his arms crossed and his captain's cloak draped over his shoulders, exuding the calm authority of a true Emperor. He remembered Carl's advice: when dealing with other Yonko crews, the Straw Hats needed to show maximum Haki and presence.
"What does Big Mom want with us?" Luffy asked, his voice low and serious. "Are you planning to plot against us? Perhaps you've made a deal with the Germa to threaten our cook?".
Baron Tamago and Pekoms broke into a cold sweat. Luffy's bluntness and his accurate guess about the Germa 66 involvement terrified them.
"Captain Straw Hat, you must be joking!" Tamago stammered. "Mama wishes to befriend your crew. She has noted that your chef, Black Leg Sanji, is a young man of great promise. She wishes to propose a marriage between him and her 35th daughter, Pudding. Pudding is 16 years old and as beautiful as Nami. It is a perfect match".
The Straw Hats grew angry. The situation was unfolding exactly as Carl had predicted. It was clear that the Vinsmoke family and Big Mom were colluding to use Sanji for their own political ends.
Sanji stepped forward, his eyes narrowed with killing intent. "Listen here, Baron Compass. Don't hide behind pretty words. Just say it—is this my 'father's' idea?".
"Baron... Compass?" Tamago winced at the nickname but maintained his composure. "Mr. Sanji, your father only wants what is best for you—".
"That's enough!" Sanji barked, interrupting him. "I severed my ties with the Vinsmoke family a long time ago. That man is not my father, and I am not his son! Your little plan is a waste of time!".
The intensity of Sanji's anger left the Big Mom representatives frozen in fear. Sensing the rising tension, Pekoms quickly turned toward Bepo of the Heart Pirates to try and lighten the mood. "Bepo! It has been a long time, brother. How have you been?".
Bepo nodded in his usual simple manner. "I am fine, thank you for asking. But Pekoms, I didn't think you would actually stay with the Big Mom Pirates".
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