After Catherine informed the others about the bounty, the ship erupted in joy and celebration. To them, the increased bounty was more important than the government's hostility towards them.
Since they are pirates, their increased value directly translates to a surge in their fame. In their eyes, nothing could be more gratifying than this, and all other things, such as being antagonized by the government and hating the Celestial Dragons, pale in comparison.
While they were immersed in joy and celebration, far away in Totto Land, a country in the New World directly under the jurisdiction of Four Emperors Big Mom, in the capital of the nation called " Totto Land Whole Cake Chateau ".
A chilling laugh echoed from a dark and gloomy room.
"Mmm... I can't wait! The tea party in two weeks! Not only will there be delicious cakes, but also the technological power from Germa in the North Sea. My Charlotte family will grow even stronger then... Mmm! ...
Charlotte Linlin, Four Emperors who had fought Luo Chen and was considered on par with Whitebeard, sat on her specially made sofa in the room, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she spoke.
"Yes, Mom, the most unforgettable and delicious cake will be served then! Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!" Three pirate captains who had pledged allegiance to her were kneeling in front of her, and she quickly raised her head to echo.
"Oh, really?! You all feel the same way, how exciting!!" This time, the Big Mom seemed to be in a good mood, showing no intention of turning them into longevity snacks, which secretly relieved the group. They continued to kneel there, forcing themselves to remain upright, and looked at her, saying, "Although this tea party is highly anticipated, there are still some less-than-ideal things that have happened!!"
"Ha~~" Hearing that her subordinates had something troubling to report to her, the Big Mom's face immediately darkened. She leaned over and stared at the men with fierce eyes, as if trying to find out what they meant by what they said.
"Mom, please look..." The three men, seeing the Big Mom's eyes widen, quickly handed her the newspaper, their bodies trembling, and spread their arms wide to show it to her.
" The Shura Pirates incident, that was back then, right? Perospero already showed it to me, didn't he? Is there anything else to add?!" Big Mom seemed a little unhappy after seeing the information recorded there, and loudly questioned the group.
"Yes, Lord Perospero has told you, Mother, about their rampage in Mary Geoise, but this is the latest news, obtained from that fellow Big News Morgans. He hasn't had time to report it yet; it's firsthand intelligence!!"
"Speak..." Upon hearing any words related to Luo Chen, the Big Mom couldn't contain her anger and said in a deep voice.
"Yes, it's said that Fleet Admiral Sakazuki of New Marineford decided to send Admiral Fujitora and Admiral Momousagi to pursue them after a meeting. They fought them half a day ago, but the battle was undecided, and they escaped. Moreover, it seems that the pirates' target is our Totto Land Kingdom!!" The group suppressed their fear and told them what had happened.
" Totto Land? Interesting. Those brats still want revenge on me, don't they?"
Wow, what a daring bunch of pirates! But don't think they can scare me like that. Come on then, I'm not afraid of these pirates. They think they've achieved something and become complacent, daring to challenge me. I'll make them taste Despair once again!!
"Mmm... mmm..." Hearing this news, the Big Mom wasn't frightened, nor did she take any other measures. To her, they were just a group of inexperienced pirates playing house. How could they possibly move her?!
"Tell me everything else you have to say, then get out of here. It's almost dessert time!!" At this point, the Big Mom shooed everyone away. For her, nothing was better than enjoying dessert. Even news about the Shura Pirates, with whom she had a blood feud, couldn't stop her desire for delicious food.
"Yes, there's one more thing I'd like to tell your mother. It seems there's some big commotion on Fish-Man Island. It looks like Fish-Man District is planning to usurp the throne. Should we get involved?!" After reporting the news to Luo Chen and the others, they then reported to the Big Mom about the treacherous actions of Fish-Man District, which belonged to them.
"Turning the throne?! We don't need to get involved in that. If they succeed, then make them exchange tribute for that flag's support, just like before. If they don't know what's good for them, then send someone to destroy them!!"
"Yes, Mother!!" the person in the middle replied respectfully, kneeling on one knee.
"Okay, push it down!" At this moment, the Big Mom waved her hand, indicating that they could leave.
"Yes, sir!!" The three men felt as if they had been granted a pardon, bowed, and then withdrew in an orderly fashion.
Onward to the Sabaody Archipelago.
After two years of training Straw Hat Pirates finally reunited. Under Captain Luffy's declaration, they boarded the already-prepared Thousand Sunny and began Straw Hat Pirates new adventure.
"What's wrong, Violet? Is something on your mind?!" Back on the Isel, Captain Luo Chen paid close attention to the subtle changes in his companions. When he saw Violet holding a newspaper with a blank stare, not even looking at the news, and looking preoccupied, he couldn't help but ask her.
"Uh, it's nothing, I just miss my father and his family after being away for so long!" Violet shook her head and replied.
"Your father, I remember you're a princess from the Dressrosa royal family, one of the member states of the government, right? Your father is King Riku. Are you worried about something happening in Dressrosa?!" Catherine knew Violet's identity. Seeing her like this, she guessed that she was probably missing her family and the people of Dressrosa. Under the rule of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Doflamingo, no one would be without worries.
"Yes, I am a little worried. Once Dofla finds out about me, he might very well attack my father and Rebecca, and they are no match for him..." Violet glanced at Luo Chen cautiously and continued.
"So you want to go back to your kingdom Dressrosa, right? In that case, let's go back together. If you can't stand that bastard Heavenly Yaksha, just attack him and bring him down!" Luo Chen naturally knew her little scheme—to use his companions to bring Doflamingo down and save the people of Dressrosa —but he didn't care. To him now, the other party was just a slightly stronger opponent, nothing to be afraid of. He replied immediately without hesitation after she finished speaking.
"Really?! Won't this harm the pirate crew's interests?! Delay the fleet's progress?!" Violet lit up with joy upon hearing Luo Chen's reply, and she asked him again for confirmation.
"Okay, let's focus on Dressrosa first. As for Totto Land, we'll deal with it later!" Luo Chen nodded to her and replied clearly. Then, he turned his gaze to George, who was in control of the ship's helm, and gave him instructions.
"Understood!!" George had also heard about Violet's situation and was very supportive of her. After receiving instructions from his captain, he immediately turned around and took out the Dressrosa nautical chart to compare with the direction on the Log Pose, slowly sailing in that direction.
The group headed towards the Dressrosa Kingdom, their target being Doflamingo, Shichibukai and the king there.