At three in the morning.
Dressrosa was quiet at night. In the boulder-strewn area, pirates sat around bonfires in groups of three or five. Their eyes were lifeless, and most of them were injured.
The moans of the wounded drifted faintly through the air. Dozens of meters from Dressrosa, several large ships lay side by side on the sea. Inside the cabin of one of them—
"Mom, what is it?"
Katakuri held a Den Den Mushi. Since there was no one else in the cabin, he had already pulled down his fur scarf, revealing the lower half of his face.
Judging from his features alone, Katakuri could definitely be called handsome. However, his mouthful of shark-like fangs made him look somewhat ferocious, especially his four sharp canine teeth.
"Katakuri."
Big Mom's voice was fairly calm. She paused for a moment, but just as she was about to continue, Katakuri spoke first.
"I understand, Mom. I'll send people to surround Dressrosa until we're satisfied with the results of the negotiations."
"Mm."
When Big Mom spoke with Katakuri, she was not as overbearing as usual.
"But... I have to give the men who died an explanation. And Cracker died right in front of me."
"..."
Big Mom fell silent for a moment.
"Has the situation already deteriorated this badly?"
Katakuri keenly sensed the abnormality in Charlotte Linlin. In the past, Charlotte Linlin would never have given up attacking Dressrosa, especially after Cracker had died there.
"Cracker's death won't be let go just like that, but the war ends here. Return to Whole Cake Island as soon as possible."
"Understood, Mom."
Katakuri hung up the Den Den Mushi. He rose and looked through the window at the brightly lit Dressrosa. Given one more day, he could have taken the island.
"Doflamingo, Byakuya, Jack..."