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Totto Land, Totto Land!
This nation was not originally known as Totto Land.
In fact, even now, it still seems rather strange.
It has no fixed territory. Instead, it is a collective name for thirty-four scattered islands across the sea.
Under normal circumstances, a 'nation' formed from such a vast number of independent islands would never last long, the distances across the sea would make administration, military deployment, and transporting supplies extremely difficult.
But Totto Land was different.
This country experienced no internal rebellions, discrimination, or oppression from multiple rulers.
The reason for this was not that its rulers were especially benevolent.
It was simply because the country only permitted one greatest oppressor.
Everyone, from commoners to ministers governing the islands, lived under her will.
That person was the Queen of Totto Land: the Yonko, 'Big Mom' Charlotte Linlin.
Within the seas of Totto Land, her will was absolute.
The Homies she had created wandered everywhere.
They never grew tired or required supplies; they were absolutely loyal and existed in countless varieties.
Clouds, wind, trees, fire, and even the sea itself were extensions of her rule and were nearly omnipresent.
As long as Big Mom wished it, everything in Totto Land had to conform to her desires.
The sea could become juice at her bidding.
Trees had to dance.
Clouds had to laugh.
Houses had to be made of chocolate or sweets.
If she wanted people to be happy, they had to sing.
If she desired equality, discrimination was forbidden.
If she invited someone to a tea party, they had to come.
If she wanted a family, anyone who joined Totto Land was banned from leaving.
Otherwise, people would die.
This was 'Totto Land.'
Calling it a dreamland or a utopia would both be inaccurate.
This country itself was born from a monster's childhood dream.
And at this moment...
On Totto Land's welcoming Chocolate Island.
"Well then, let's begin—kukukuku~"
The caretakers of this dream were holding a meeting. The man with an extraordinarily long tongue who announced the beginning of the meeting was holding a candy cane staff.
He was the eldest son of the Charlotte family and the 'Candy Minister', Perospero.
At that moment, in the conference room made entirely of chocolate before him, the Charlotte Family's officers had gathered.
"Of all times to run away, this is seriously troublesome. I heard the Giants have already decided not to send anyone to the Tea Party after hearing the news. They must be furious."
As he spoke, his stretched tongue made it seem as though he were smiling.
But, in reality, that was clearly not the case.
"That idiot Lola, running away at a time like this, is she trying to get us killed?"
"It's confirmed she escaped towards Paradise. Use our connections in the Underworld to capture her and bring her back. Hasn't the 'Major Undertaker' already set off ahead of schedule? I heard he's almost here. Make him investigate!"
"Exactly. While Mama is busy catching up with old friends and hasn't noticed yet, we need to hurry!"
"Hey, Chiffon! You're Lola's twin elder sister. You definitely know where she ran off to, right? Otherwise, once Mama finds out, we're all dead!"
"Hey, Brûlée! Haven't you checked the mirrors yet?"
As soon as Perospero spoke, the entire room erupted into a commotion.
Ten siblings with nearly identical appearances and clothing were shouting noisily.
A slender female swordswoman wearing a sun hat and carrying a blade at her waist also spoke, her tone cold, but without question, none of them could remain calm right now.
Because just as Perospero had said, not long ago, a major incident had occurred in Totto Land.
Charlotte Lola, the Minister of Chocolate of Totto Land and Warden-class Officer of 'Chocolate Island', had fled because she refused to marry the Giant race's prince.
This was an extremely serious matter.
Although Totto Land was home to many different races, there had never been any giants living there due to Big Mom's long-standing grudge against the giant race.
BIG MOM had therefore been very excited to announce the marriage alliance with the Giants during this Tea Party.
This was also the reason why the Charlotte Family officers present were reacting so intensely.
Without question, if their mother learned about this matter, none of them would escape punishment. Someone might even be killed because of it, despite being Big Mom's children, she would never hesitate to strike them down when she became enraged.
But just as emotions were running high and the situation was on the verge of spiralling out of control...
Tap.
Seated beside Perospero, a tall man with short crimson hair and a scarf slowly crossed his legs.
The tapping sound of his black leather boots, studded with spurs, was not particularly loud.
Yet the instant it rang out, the noisy discussion in the room abruptly fell silent.
Everyone turned towards the man, their expressions solemn.
Clearly, compared to Perospero, the eldest of the Charlotte Family children, this man commanded far greater respect from those present.
Naturally, this was to be expected.
After all, they were pirates, and the Charlotte Family was a 'pirate family'.
Pirates have always revered strength and powerful individuals. In the eyes of the Charlotte Family members, this man was the embodiment of strength and perfection, second only to Big Mom herself.
He was the leader of the Sweet Commanders and the Minister of Flour, as well as the Charlotte Family's second son.
His name was... Charlotte Katakuri.
At that moment, the man whose prestige within the Charlotte Family was second only to BIG MOM casually tossed a mochi bean into the air.
"Lola's matter can wait."
As the bean rose and fell between his fingers, he spoke in a deep voice.
"Wait?"
But upon hearing that, someone immediately became restless.
"But Brother Katakuri, that's an alliance between Mama and the Giant race..."
The speaker was a fat man whose body constantly oozed cream; his tone was filled with obvious timidity.
"Opera, the alliance is important, of course."
Katakuri glanced at his usually cowardly younger brother, his voice remaining calm.
"But don't forget, the "Pirate Cult Leader" arrived on the island two days ago, and his talks with Mama seem to be going very smoothly. If nothing unexpected happens, we'll form an alliance with 'Pirate Island' first."
"In that case, the Giant race matter will naturally have to be dealt with later."
As he spoke, the others listened quietly, finding his reasoning convincing.
That was right.
Although there were still three days left before the Tea Party officially began, one of the most important guests, the 'Pirate Cult Leader' Wang Zhi (Ochoku), had arrived unexpectedly at Cake Island two days earlier.
One had to know that this Pirate Cult Leader was one of the few surviving, active members of the legendary Rocks Pirates still roaming the seas today.
He belonged to the same legendary generation as Big Mom, Whitebeard, the Golden Lion, Roger, and Kaido, and had a bounty of 3.1 billion Beli.
Following the disbandment of the Rocks Pirates, he had occupied Hachinosu, the Rocks Pirates' former headquarters, also known as 'Pirate Island', ever since. In terms of both personal strength and military power, his might was unquestionable.
Ordinarily, a figure of such stature would never have attended Big Mom's Tea Party.
And, in truth, that had indeed been the case.
Over all these years, Big Mom and Wang Zhi had never been seen interacting in public.
Yet this time, he had not only come but also arrived several days early and adopted an unusually humble attitude.
Rumor had it that he was there to form an alliance.
The Charlotte Family members were uncertain why this great pirate suddenly wanted to ally himself with BIG MOM, though they had heard it was related to 'Dreamland Island.'
In any case, over the past few days, Big Mom had been constantly reminiscing with this old companion from the same pirate crew, and the two appeared to be getting along splendidly.
After hearing Katakuri's analysis, the Charlotte Family officers also felt that it made perfect sense.
"Compared to Lola's issue, what's more important right now is the Tea Party itself."
Katakuri swept his gaze across his brothers and sisters.
"You all know this already, during this Tea Party, Mama intends to announce to the entire world..."
"…that she is going to declare war on 'The Twelve Zodiac'."
"That is what this meeting is truly meant to discuss!"
(End of Chapter)