Big Mom

Charlotte Linlin.

Captain of the Big Mom Pirates, queen of the Totto Land Kingdom.

One of the Four Emperors of the New World, with a bounty of 4,388,000,000 Beli.

Even in the pirate world, where strength reigned supreme, she was the only woman to have reached such heights.

And Lofan had only one true purpose in cooperating with her: the Soul-Soul Fruit!

A Soul Reaper's power came from the soul, and Hollowfication likewise acted upon the soul.

Whatever plans he might have afterward, he had to understand the power of souls in this world.

And there was only one person who had developed the Soul-Soul Fruit to such an extent: Charlotte Linlin.

Only her profound understanding of souls could give Lofan a glimpse into the depths of souls in this world.

Perospero did not dare let Lofan enter Whole Cake Island.

But circumstances forced him to contact Big Mom and let the two talk to resolve the situation.

Lofan had known it would turn out this way. Earlier, he had merely needed to make his stance perfectly clear.

Big Mom and Kaido's relationship went back to their days with Rocks.

Even Kaido's Fish-Fish Fruit had come from Big Mom, so Lofan also needed this opportunity to thoroughly ascertain where she stood.

Would the Road Poneglyph in Wano Country tempt Big Mom enough to disregard her friendship with Kaido?

But she was a pirate, after all. Lofan knew Big Mom would have designs on it.

Besides, he had tied down Kaido, and all three All-Stars were absent.

Under such circumstances, could Big Mom really remain unmoved?

As long as greed swayed Big Mom into seizing the Poneglyph, her relationship with Kaido would inevitably deteriorate.

The two sides might even come to blows.

He represented the Marines, and all he needed to do was support Big Mom in suppressing Kaido.

Then, on the surface, a crack would appear in the Four Emperors' reign over the New World.

"Kid, are you the one who wants to work with me?!"

The Den Den Mushi's thick, rosy lips moved, and Big Mom's loud voice rang out.

"That's right. Onigashima's defenses are depleted, and the Road Poneglyph is ripe for the taking. Aren't you tempted?"

"Mamamama!!! Kid! Are you asking me to make an enemy of Kaido?! Huh?!!"

Big Mom's sudden fury caught Perospero completely off guard.

But Lofan was not frightened. Instead, he continued as calmly and mildly as ever:

"There can only be one Pirate King. Once you obtain the One Piece, Totto Land's future will be in the palm of your hand."

Lofan casually turned his palm over.

Though Big Mom could not see Lofan, she clearly sensed his composure.

Her fury vanished outright, as though it had never existed.

She continued, perfectly composed:

"Even if I get the Road Poneglyph now, what comes afterward?

How do we deal with Kaido? Remember, you're a Marine!"

"Heh, this is a personal partnership between you and me."

"As long as this cooperation goes well, I'll also offer you Zou's Road Poneglyph with both hands."

"..."

Big Mom fell silent. This time, she truly was tempted.

Having three Road Poneglyphs meant Laugh Tale would practically be within reach.

"Dreams are the finest desserts, prepared for those willing to risk everything.

That incomparably sweet cake called Totto Land is right before your eyes!

Don't you want to taste it yourself?

Don't you want everyone to be your family?"

You're tempted.

That silence was the best proof.

The pirates who sailed out to sea for their dreams were merely greedy souls who surrendered to those dreams.

"What do you want?"

Lofan immediately chuckled.

"All I want is your insight into the Soul-Soul Fruit, and one Homie born from your own soul!"

"How insolent!"

Perospero was instantly enraged.

But since Lofan was speaking with Mama, he did not dare interrupt.

Otherwise, even if it cost him his life, he would have told Lofan that the prestige of the Four Emperors could not be trampled upon!

"Granted! Also-right, you'll have to marry one of my daughters!

Come to the island and choose one yourself when the time comes. And Perospero!

Keep an eye on the battlefield and tell me when it's over.

Lofan, you know I'll only act if you survive.

So if you want me to choose you, remember: you're only worth something alive. Mamamama."

Click!

With that, Big Mom hung up the Den Den Mushi. In the end, she was someone who had risen to the position of Emperor.

No matter how tempted she was, she would not act on a moment's impulse.

"Hmph! Remember, it's an honor for Mama to choose you. I'll be watching you, so don't try anything funny!"

With that, Perospero hoisted the enormous candy and ran off in an instant.

Smiling faintly, Lofan stepped through the air above the island, his gaze deep as he watched Perospero's ship set sail and move away.

"No, you didn't choose me. I chose you."

Then he flew toward his base without looking back.

Kaido would likely arrive within a day or two, but the Marine branch could not become the battlefield.

Lofan needed to choose a suitable location to avoid involving his base.

That, too, was one of the merits he could earn in this operation.

They were now less than a day's journey from Impel Down and would soon enter the Calm Belt.

This final opportunity was fleeting, and the tense atmosphere froze the air aboard the surrounding warships.

Everyone hoped the All-Stars would fail to catch up.

After all, the ultimate goal of this operation was to imprison Jack in Impel Down, not defeat the All-Stars.

"They're here."

Kizaru sat in his cabin, sipping tea with narrowed eyes, but his Observation Haki had already sensed their arrival.

And they were coming in strong. It looked as though he would have to put a great deal of effort into this fight.

"Damn Marines! Let Jack go!!!"

The voice that burst from Queen's massive body carried tremendous force, echoing across the sea.

Then he transformed directly into his Brachiosaurus Form. A machine gun emerged inside his enormous, sharp-toothed mouth, and he wildly strafed the warships with his laser cannon.

The Marines' policy of keeping a low profile and biding their time certainly had practical reasons behind it.

But the consequence was that pirates everywhere believed the weakness the Marines displayed was real.

For the same reason, people everywhere had little trust in the Marines.

Those collecting taxes could not protect the taxpayers.

If that's the case, what difference does it make who I pay? I might as well pay someone who can actually protect me.

It was also this fertile ground that gave the Revolutionary Army a foundation on which to grow.

"Ah... what a nuisance."

Kizaru's entire body turned into particles of light as he rose high above the sea.

Countless lasers shot down the laser cannon blasts with unerring precision. That accuracy bore none of the flair of his scattered shots during the Paramount War.

"Admiral Kizaru..."

King used the enormous wings on his back to fly up and confront Kizaru in midair.

Only he, with his aerial advantage, could hold Kizaru in check. There was no question about it.

At that moment, more than a dozen pirate ships pulled directly alongside the warships, and countless pirates swarmed aboard.

They howled wildly, shouting:

"Lord Jack, we're here to save you!"

Seemingly overwhelmed by their momentum, all the Marines were somewhat flustered as they formed ranks to meet them.

But a moment later, a tremendous wave of heat surged skyward from a warship.

A gigantic fist wreathed in red magma slammed into the nearest pirate ship, sending the enormous vessel straight to the bottom of the sea.

The pirates froze momentarily at the sight.

"Don't panic! The war has begun!"

Akainu adjusted the white Marine cap on his head, and his imposing figure shot skyward, hurtling toward Queen's Brachiosaurus Form.

The Admiral's words and actions rallied the soldiers present.

Shaking off their dispirited state, the Marines fought back fiercely aboard their own warships.

The Flying Six, Shinuchi, Pleasures, and Gifters all surged forward together.

The Vice Admirals resisted while directing the other Marines against the enemy. Yes, the war had begun.

After lying low for years, the Marines had finally decided to announce to these seas: the age of justice would come at last.

Hearing the chaotic sounds of battle outside, Jack struggled desperately, hoping someone would discover where he was.

He had to get out!

As one of the Beasts Pirates' All-Stars, he should have been facing a Marine Admiral head-on! Not waiting here to be rescued!