The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Yamato stepped out onto the roof of Whole Cake Castle. Before them lay the sprawling venue for the Tea Party, enclosed by high walls made of various colorful snacks and hardened sugar.
A long line of people stretched toward the main gate. To Yamato's surprise, it wasn't just flamboyant pirates and underworld brokers waiting to enter.
"Oh my, even the common folk are here? That's actually quite nice," Yamato remarked. She had assumed a Yonko's Tea Party would be a strictly exclusive affair for the family and high-ranking guests.
"Mama likes her Tea Parties to be lively and grand," Katakuri explained, walking beside her. "She allows a select portion of the residents of Cake Island to participate so the atmosphere remains festive."
As they moved closer, the crowd began to murmur.
"Look! It's Lord Katakuri!"
"It really is him! He looks as imposing as ever!"
"So handsome..."
The local women were practically swooning. Yamato let out a boisterous laugh, nudging Katakuri with her elbow. "You're quite the celebrity here, aren't you?"
Katakuri remained silent, though a faint, stoic smile touched his eyes as he continued toward the gate. The curiosity of the crowd soon shifted toward the two women accompanying the Sweet Commander.
"Who are they? I've never seen those outfits before."
"Lord Katakuri is personally escorting them... their status must be incredible."
At the main gate, a security detail of men in sharp black suits stood guard. Their leader, a short, stout man with a constant cigar clamped between his teeth, narrowed his eyes as the group approached. This was Capone "Gang" Bege, a member of the "Worst Generation" and a mob boss from the West Blue who had recently married into the Charlotte family.
As Bege caught sight of the woman behind Katakuri, his cigar nearly slipped from his mouth. Onihime Yamato?! Why is the crown jewel of the Beasts Pirates here? Panic flared in his chest, but years of underworld dealings allowed him to mask it instantly.
Bege's subordinates stepped forward, blocking the path. "Before entering the venue, guests must submit to a full inspection. No weapons are permitted inside."
"It's fine. They are special guests under my protection," Katakuri said firmly.
"But—" The subordinate glanced back at Bege, seeking a final call.
Bege stepped forward, his eyes flickering with calculation. "Katakuri, Mama gave me total control over the security of this venue. I can't make exceptions, even for guests you personally invited."
Katakuri's expression darkened, but Yamato stepped in before the tension could escalate.
"No problem at all! It's only fair to cooperate with the security staff," Yamato said with a breezy smile. She reached for her weapon, handing it over without hesitation. Haruko followed suit, unbuckling her two kodachi.
"Thank you for your cooperation," Bege said. A female subordinate performed a quick body search on both women. Finding nothing else, Bege waved his hand. "Open the gates. Let the guests through."
As the trio disappeared into the venue, Bege's expression soured. Why now? Why her? The Four Emperors were supposed to be in a state of cold war. If the Marines were doing their jobs, Kaido's daughter shouldn't be wandering around Totto Land.
"I hope this doesn't ruin everything," Bege whispered to himself. The plan was already in motion; there was no turning back.
Deep within his own body—thanks to the powers of the Paramecia-Type Castle-Castle Fruit—Bege projected his image to the group hidden inside him. The Straw Hat Pirates and their allies looked up as his miniature figure appeared.
"I have some complications to report," Bege stated flatly. "A major player from the Beasts Pirates has just entered the party."
"A big shot from Kaido's crew?" Nami gasped, her eyes wide with terror. "Who?"
"Onihime Yamato. Kaido's daughter," Bege replied.
"WHAT?!" The Straw Hats shouted in unison.
"Kaido's daughter? Is she pretty?" Sanji asked, his eyes immediately turning into hearts despite the dire situation. "I wonder if she's as beautiful as they say a princess of the sea should be, yo-ho-ho!" Brook added, leaning in.
Bege ignored them. "Listen to me. She is essentially another Big Mom, but with a high IQ and none of the insanity. If she decides to interfere, our plan is dead in the water."
Nami, Chopper, and Carrot huddled together, shivering at the thought of facing another monster on the level of a Yonko.
"Everyone, stay calm," Jinbe spoke up, his deep voice acting as an anchor. "I know of Yamato. During the Marineford War, she intervened to keep the casualties of the Whitebeard Pirates low. Ace spoke highly of her—he said she is a person of principle, not a mindless killer. If we don't provoke her, she likely won't care about our quarrel with Big Mom."
The group let out a collective sigh of relief.
"Still, why would she be here?" Pedro asked.
"It wasn't an official invite from Mama," Bege noted. "Katakuri brought her in. They seem to have a personal history. Regardless, focus on the mission. Sanji, go get ready. You're the star of this show."
Inside the venue, Yamato gazed around in wonder. The area was a sugar-coated paradise, filled with exotic snacks and elaborate chocolate sculptures.
"Mama will join us once the rest of the guests arrive," Katakuri said, checking a pocket watch. It was 9:30AM; the party would officially start at 10:00 AM. "Take your seats. I have final duties to attend to, but I'll return to introduce you to the family."
"No problem, eldest disciple! Go do your thing," Yamato said, already pulling out a chair.
As Katakuri left, Yamato began devouring a plate of pastries. She remembered Haruko's warning about her public image and managed to eat with a semblance of decorum, though her speed was still impressive.
"Haruko, sit! Eat up," Yamato urged. "You'll want a full stomach before the 'show' starts."
Haruko paused, a tea cup halfway to her lips. "The show? Young Master, are you expecting trouble?"
"Oh, definitely," Yamato nodded, her mouth full of cake.
"Then why didn't you warn Katakuri?" Haruko asked in a hushed whisper.
"Because it's his mess to handle," Yamato said playfully. "Besides, if I told him, I wouldn't get to watch the excitement! Think of it as a master letting her student handle a surprise test."
Haruko sighed, realizing her master was just here for the chaos. "You really are something else, Young Master."
As the minutes ticked by, the venue filled with guests—underworld kings, famous chefs, and dozens of Big Mom's children. Many of the Charlotte siblings whispered among themselves, casting wary glances at the woman with the horns and the golden eyes. They knew her reputation: the "Onihime" with a bounty of
1,800,000,000
Berry.
"So that's her," Smoothie whispered to Oven. "She looks relaxed... but I can feel the pressure radiating off her even from here."
"Katakuri lost to her once," Oven muttered, his arms crossed. "Don't let the smile fool you. She's a monster."
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