Chapter 207 – Conversations that Promote the Times
One day later, Ace boarded Katakuri's ship, the "Mochi", and traveled alone with him into the territory of the Big Mom Pirates — the sea known as Totto Land, the domain of the Yonko Charlotte Linlin.
Inside the ship's cabin, Ace and Katakuri sat facing each other across a wide table.
Dancing teapots, cups, and pastries hopped around, singing in playful tones —
> "Come and eat me! Come and eat me!"
Ace took a donut that had leapt into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully before speaking.
"You really can't tell me what Big Mom's prepared that's supposed to interest me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
To be honest, Ace was curious about the "thing that would definitely interest him" Katakuri had mentioned. He'd guessed at many possibilities — something related to Gol D. Roger, perhaps.
He had even wondered if it could be the Yami Yami no Mi, the Dark-Dark Fruit, resurfacing after Blackbeard's death. But he quickly dismissed that idea.
No one who'd managed to obtain the Dark-Dark Fruit would casually let it fall into someone else's hands — and since Blackbeard had died not long ago, it was far too early for that fruit to reappear.
Still, with Big Mom involved, even the impossible could never be fully ruled out. After all, her idea of "normal" rarely matched anyone else's.
"Sorry," Katakuri replied with a shake of his head. "I don't know either."
"Fine then, let's change the topic." Ace lifted his teacup, took a sip, and smiled.
"I've heard your strength is said to rival Big Mom's. Is that true?"
"That's just a rumor," Katakuri said calmly. "My strength is far below my mother's."
"Really?" Ace smiled faintly, eyes narrowing with interest. "After the war, Pops — Whitebeard — mentioned he was thinking about retiring. He wanted me to take over his mantle. I refused. Do you know why?"
Katakuri's gaze flickered slightly. "Why?"
"Because I believe the time hasn't come yet." Ace stood, his expression growing more serious. "But I have a feeling that very soon — the old generation of powerhouses will begin to fade away. And new forces will rise to challenge the kings who've ruled too long."
He looked out the porthole toward the endless sea.
"This won't take long. Maybe a year… maybe two. But what I can say for sure is that the next Pirate King won't come from this generation — not from Big Mom, not from Kaido, not from any of them."
"The world is about to change. The new era is already gathering strength beneath the surface. And when the great wave comes, it will sweep away the remnants of the old age. Only those who survive that wave will be worthy to compete for the final throne."
Ace turned back toward Katakuri, smiling faintly.
"Katakuri, your Observation Haki lets you see glimpses of the future, doesn't it? Then tell me — can you see it? Can you see your mother, Big Mom, being pulled down from her throne as a Yonko?"
"My Observation Haki only lets me see the near future," Katakuri answered, his tone steady. "I can't see the 'new era' you're talking about. But…" He stood, his gaze firm and proud.
"Mother is invincible. No one can defeat her. As the pillar of the Charlotte Family, I'll make sure she reaches the throne of the Pirate King."
"Really?" Ace studied him for a long moment, then sighed softly.
"What a shame… if you can only see such a short future."
Katakuri frowned slightly. "What do you mean by that?"
Ace leaned back, folding his arms. "Right now, among the Four Emperors, Whitebeard already plans to step down. Kaido of the Beasts still lives under the shadow of Kozuki Oden. Big Mom's twisted childhood has left scars that will always hold her back. And as for the Red-Haired Shanks…" Ace shook his head slightly. "He's too wrapped in mystery to read."
"Whitebeard has already chosen me as his successor. If I wished, I could inherit his title and power at any time — and take the seat of a Yonko."
"Kaido's case is different. The son of Kozuki Oden may be dead, but the bloodline of the Kozuki Clan survives. One day, Wano will erupt in rebellion. Whether or not Kaido falls, the Beast Pirates will suffer massive losses — it's only a matter of time before he's pulled down."
"As for you…" Ace's gaze sharpened. "Big Mom's unstable mental state has already turned many of your brothers and sisters against her. It's fine while she remains in control — but if she loses herself again, the chaos that follows will tear the Big Mom Pirates apart from the inside."
"Mother will never fall into chaos!" Katakuri said coldly.
"Big Mom is already unstable," Ace countered. "And you know it. You're not the only one in your family who does."
He looked directly into Katakuri's eyes.
"According to my sources, many of your siblings are already disgusted with Big Mom's rule. It's only a matter of time before she's overthrown."
"Don't deny it, Katakuri. You understand your family's situation better than anyone. Big Mom would kill her own children when she loses control, wouldn't she?"
Katakuri's fists clenched slightly, but he remained silent.
Ace sighed again. "I thought you'd be one of the forces leading the new era. But it seems you're not — and that's what disappoints me."
Katakuri's eyes hardened. "What are you really trying to say, Ace?"
"That look…" Ace smiled faintly. "Yeah, that's the one. You're not the type to accept being beneath anyone, are you?"
"Then I'll be direct."
He straightened, his fiery aura flaring faintly.
"The balance of the Four Emperors — the old generation — will soon collapse. Even if the new generation can't yet do it alone, I'll make sure the fire spreads."
"I have no intention of fighting for the Pirate King's throne with the old guard."
"In two years at most, I'll complete my own rise. I'll inherit Whitebeard's power and territory, and take the position of Yonko. Then, I'll push forward the strength of the new generation to overthrow the remaining Emperors — to end the old era completely, and usher in a new one."
"The seas will become the stage of the new generation."
Ace smiled, his gaze fierce and resolute.
"So, Charlotte Katakuri…"
"Do you intend to remain in Big Mom's shadow?"
"Or will you seize the chance to become one of the New Emperors yourself?"
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