After the Three-Color Islands' Mixed Town fled in panic and was successfully forced to surrender by the overwhelming superiority of some brat's "Brat Ship" golden flagship, the brat alliance had already taken fifteen of the Totto Land Big Mom Pirates' thirty-five islands—including Cake Island—in less than ten days.
But for some reason, the Big Mom Pirates' main fleet still hadn't appeared, nor had there been any organized resistance or counterattack. While the higher-ups of the Brat Pirates continued their triumphant advance, puzzled by the situation, they couldn't help but remain secretly on their guard.
Of course, staying alert and watching out for enemy schemes were such boring little matters that there was no way anyone would expect that troublesome brat to worry about them.
In fact, she might not have given them a second thought at all.
"La la~?"
??(′?｀?)???
See?
Taking advantage of the golden flagship's stop at the Three-Color Islands for repairs today, she'd skipped work again and gone for a stroll through the beautiful Golden City she called home. She didn't have the slightest intention of staying in the palace or the war room to keep watch and prepare for battle.
(...)
(●￣?￣●)
And while the troublesome brat was strolling along Golden Street, at the corner of another street in the direction she was headed, inside a fruit shop with its door open, the shopkeeper, a native of Golden City, was secretly conferring with several sailors whose origins were unknown.
"Well?"
"Are you sure she'll pass by here today?"
"Yes!"
"Boss, we just saw her heading this way. Judging by past experience, there's a good chance she'll take this route!"
"Why?"
"Because it's nighttime, and this street is wider and better lit!"
"All right!"
"Have you got the stuff ready?"
"Ready. It's right here. Take a look!"