As soon as Katakuri spoke, the Charlotte Family Officers fell silent.
The Twelve Zodiacs.
Even now, they still felt that the existence of this organization was like a strange dream.
Initially, this little-known organization seemed to them to be nothing more than a somewhat capable yet recklessly arrogant 'foolish organization.'
However, their brother Snack, one of the Four Sweet Commanders, had died at the hands of Zishu from the Twelve Zodiacs, prompting the Big Mom Pirates to launch a frenzied manhunt for him.
That was all.
As previously mentioned, the Charlotte Family are pirates. Charlotte Linlin's eighty-five children had forty-five different fathers.
Blood was the only bond that connected them.
Most of them did not have particularly deep feelings towards Snack. They pursued Zishu merely because he had offended the flag of the Big Mom Pirates.
As for The Twelve Zodiac, they had never paid much attention to it.
But as time passed, things began to change.
More and more terrifyingly powerful members of the Zodiac appeared.
Then, not long ago, the Marines released wanted posters for the members of the Zodiac.
Even as officers serving under a Yonko, they had to admit it:
The organization had already become a colossal force upon the seas.
While it was still not enough to make a Yonko fear them, they were undoubtedly an opponent worthy of caution, no longer some insignificant group that could be crushed at will.
"Katakuri, I know you don't support going to war with The Twelve Zodiac. But this is Mother's decision... we cannot go against it."
At that moment, a woman with extraordinarily long legs spoke softly.
She was Charlotte Smoothie, the second-ranked Sweet Commander.
And what she said was a fact everyone present understood.
At this Tea Party, BIG MOM would use the broadcasting Den Den Mushi network across the entirety of Totto Land to announce to the world that she would declare war on The Twelve Zodiac and that she would obtain Dreamland Island no matter what.
As for this decision, there had actually been differing opinions within the Big Mom Pirates.
Officers such as Perospero, Katakuri, and Smoothie, who were generally more calm and rational, did not believe it was a good choice.
Especially Katakuri.
To him, Snack's death deserved revenge, and he had indeed led forces in pursuit of Zishu for a long time. But it was precisely because of that pursuit that he understood how bizarre Zishu's abilities were and how mysterious The Twelve Zodiac truly was.
He did not think it was rational for his mother to declare war so publicly against such an enemy.
In the end, this was merely another one of BIG MOM's impulsive decisions.
Katakuri could almost "see" the harm that this war would bring to the younger brothers, younger sisters, and family he cherished.
However…
"I have never once thought of defying Mother, Smoothie." Katakuri spoke calmly.
As the second-in-command of the Big Mom Pirates, he had long since become accustomed to his mother's selfishness and recklessness.
He knew he could not stop Mother's decisions… or, more accurately, he had once tried long ago, and the result had been that he had nearly been killed.
BIG MOM's decisions were absolute.
Therefore, the reason he brought up The Twelve Zodiac now was actually…
"There are still three days before the Tea Party. Starting the day after tomorrow, large numbers of guests will begin arriving in Totto Land. During that period, we must guard against any movements by members of The Twelve Zodiac."
He swept his gaze across the room and spoke in a deep voice.
This was his true purpose.
He could not change Mother's mind, but he could do his best to protect his brothers and sisters.
"Katakuri, are you saying that The Twelve Zodiac would actually dare take the initiative to attack us?" At this point, the short-statured Dosmarche spoke in a low voice.
"Impossible, right? We're the Big Mom Pirates…"
"They are not the kind of organization that cares about things like that." Katakuri looked at his younger brother while speaking.
"My suggestion is to activate the 'Highest Sugar Alert.'"
The moment those words were spoken, all of the Charlotte Family Officers widened their eyes.
"The... Highest Sugar Alert?" × N
"Katakuri, is that really necessary?" Among everyone present, Perospero, the only one older than Katakuri, furrowed his brows tightly.
He naturally knew what the Highest Sugar Alert meant.
It meant that even during the Tea Party, every member of the Charlotte Family would have to remain in a state of wartime readiness at all times.
The seas surrounding Totto Land would be placed under complete martial control.
At the same time, every Homie throughout Totto Land would be fully activated.
All warships would be ordered to dock at the ports, ready to set sail and engage in battle at a moment's notice.
"Big Brother Perospero." After hearing Perospero's objection, Katakuri glanced at him. "This is my intuition."
"..."
Perospero immediately fell silent.
He naturally understood the ability his younger brother possessed.
Because Katakuri had trained his Observation Haki to an extreme degree, he could even "see the future" for brief periods of time.
Beyond that, his instincts and premonitions outside of battle had also become extraordinarily accurate, much like a wild beast that could keenly sense invisible dangers lurking in the air.
Therefore, when it came to Katakuri's intuition, Perospero naturally respected it.
And it was at that moment that…
"I support Brother Katakuri's proposal! When dealing with people like The Twelve Zodiac, staying vigilant is only natural!" A voice suddenly rang out from the crowd.
"Cracker?" Perospero looked over in surprise.
The speaker was none other than one of the Three Sweet Commanders…
Charlotte Cracker.
"Big Brother Perospero, I think Brother Katakuri is right." Cracker spoke righteously.
"The Twelve Zodiacs are indeed an extremely dangerous and powerful group. Mother's Tea Party must not be disturbed. Being a little more cautious won't hurt anyone."
After speaking, he immediately volunteered himself.
"Now that Lola has left, Chocolate Island, as the welcoming island for this Tea Party, is the place most in need of powerful defenders. I think Brother Katakuri and Smoothie are the most suitable people to be stationed there."
"'Major Undertaker' will arrive tomorrow. According to our agreement, he will bring Zishu's corpse as Mother's declaration of war against The Twelve Zodiac."
"So I will remain stationed on Cake Island and handle the handover."
"If enemies attack, the Biscuit Soldiers stationed on Cake Island will also be able to respond immediately."
Upon hearing this, Perospero unconsciously nodded.
Katakuri, however, frowned.
To be honest, he had never truly believed that Major Undertaker would be able to deliver Rat's corpse. But since the man actually dared to come to Cake Island this time, and as far as Katakuri knew, Zishu had indeed stopped accepting missions recently…
It made Katakuri wonder whether he had underestimated the King of Assassins.
Of course, setting that issue aside…
Katakuri had to admit that Cracker's reasoning was sound.
If The Twelve Zodiac really intended to enter Totto Land during this Tea Party, then the two most critical locations would indeed be Chocolate Island and Cake Island.
As the welcoming island for the Tea Party, Chocolate Island would be where all arriving guests gathered, making it the most crowded and complicated location.
Meanwhile, Cake Island was naturally another crucial point.
As the Minister of Biscuits and one of the Three Sweet Commanders, Cracker's Biscuit Soldiers were originally responsible for the defense of Cake Island.
Entrusting its protection to him could not have been more appropriate.
"But your injuries..." Perospero looked at Cracker hesitantly.
He naturally knew that after Cracker's battle against the "Lizard King" Hanafuda, his injuries had still not fully healed. Even the Biscuit Soldiers he created were noticeably weaker than before.
"It doesn't matter." Cracker spoke with unwavering conviction.
"My injuries are almost completely healed. Protecting Mother is my duty! And I don't think The Twelve Zodiac would actually attack Cake Island. After all, not only is Mother there, but the 'Pirate Patriarch' is also on that island."
"Besides, Cake Island lies deep within the core region of Totto Land. If they appear there, all of you can immediately come to reinforce us, can't you?"
At that point, he looked around at the others.
"Furthermore, I never said I'd defend Cake Island alone."
"Big Brother Oven, Big Brother Daifuku, Big Brother Mont-d'Or..."
He named several people in succession.
"I think they should stay on Cake Island with me and help defend it."
Hearing such precise and detailed arrangements from Cracker, Perospero was momentarily stunned.
Since when had his younger brother become so strategic?
Had being injured given him enough free time to study and improve himself?
Yet at the same time, he had to admit… Cracker's proposal made perfect sense.
Moreover, the people Cracker had selected were all powerful members of the Big Mom Pirates and among the strongest supporters of declaring war against The Twelve Zodiac.
"Katakuri?" Perospero turned to look at Katakuri.
"..."
Katakuri continued tossing the ball of mochi in his hand, narrowing his eyes as he pondered for a moment.
Then…
"Let's do it that way."
He slowly nodded, approving Cracker's proposal.
"In that case, Brûlée, use your ability to transport us. We'll depart tonight and return to Cake Island."
Hearing that, Cracker immediately spoke up.
"No problem, Brother Cracker!"
Charlotte Brûlée nodded without hesitation.
With that, the arrangements for the security and defense of the Tea Party seemed to have reached a "perfect conclusion." The Officers of the Charlotte Family began discussing among themselves, dividing up responsibility for the various islands.
However…
"Big Brother Perospero, ." Katakuri suddenly called out softly to Perospero beside him.
"Hm?"
"How is the situation with that photograph?"
Katakuri asked in a low voice.
"Kururururu... Naturally, it's completely safe."
Perospero replied quietly.
"It's stored in the deepest part of the Treasure Vault. Homies patrol the area every day. It can only be taken out on the day of the Tea Party. Other than that, even we are only allowed to view it, not remove it. Any unauthorized attempt would trigger the highest-level alarm. Don't worry."
He naturally knew which photograph Katakuri was referring to.
It was BIG MOM's one and only weakness.
"I see. That's good."
Only after hearing that did Katakuri nod.
Yet…
The ball of mochi was still clenched tightly in his hand.
Crack!
Even after the blackened mochi ball shattered in his grip, he still did not loosen his hand.
Something still felt wrong.
No, more accurately, he had felt this way for a long time. Ever since a certain point, he had constantly sensed a subtle feeling of discord throughout Totto Land.
The problem was that even with his Observation Haki, honed to the absolute limit, he could not determine exactly what was wrong.
"Hmm..." Katakuri looked at the brothers and sisters gathered in the room.
"Perhaps it's just my imagination."
He silently reassured himself.
Not long afterward.
"We've arrived, Brother Cracker. This is the mirror leading to Cake Island."
Inside the Mirror World.
Charlotte Brûlée led Cracker before a gigantic mirror and smiled.
"Mm... Was this mirror specially made for the Tea Party?" Cracker looked at the enormous mirror and patted Brûlée's shoulder as he asked.
"That's right. It's not only huge, but also extremely durable. We need to ensure smooth transportation between all the islands."
As she spoke, Brûlée proudly lifted her chin.
As the user of the Mirror-Mirror Fruit, she possessed the ability to freely travel through mirrors. Whether it was gathering intelligence, strategic transportation, or moving supplies, her power was extraordinarily valuable.
"Indeed... We absolutely have to ensure smooth transportation."
Then Brûlée heard Oven, the Minister of Baking, speak from behind her.
"Though things have gone surprisingly smoothly this time. Most of our opponents have now been scattered across the various islands."
The usually hot-tempered, burly man spoke in an unusually gentle voice.
"...Huh?" Brûlée's body stiffened.
"Oven, Big Brother, what are you talk…" She instinctively turned around, wondering if she had misheard.
But in the next instant…
"Exactly. After all, our opponent is BIG MOM. We'd prepared for the worst, but ensuring she remains isolated without support is still very important."
Beside Oven, Daifuku, the Minister of Beans, also spoke.
"Y-you all..."
By now, Brûlée had realized something was terribly wrong.
But she had no time to say anything else.
The next moment, she felt something furry strike the back of her head.
Then she collapsed.
"Hmm, as expected. The Mirror World is slightly distorted. I'll need to make a few adjustments with that... Ah, there we go."
Through her fading consciousness, Brûlée felt herself being tied up with a rope.
Yet her remaining vision could still see what was happening before her.
A figure stood there.
Behind that figure, a massive tail swayed gently before transforming into another "Brûlée."
And upon that figure's head… Was a dog-faced mask.
"Who... are you?" Brûlée asked weakly, her voice hoarse.
"Me?" The figure smiled and asked in return.
At the same time he spoke, Oven, Daifuku, and Cracker beside him also opened their mouths.
"I am Cracker."
"I am Oven."
"I am Daifuku."
"I am Mont-d'Or."
Different voices echoed through the Mirror World.
Yet in the end, those different voices overlapped and merged into one identical answer.
"We are The Twelve Zodiac."
"We are… Inu."
(End of Chapter)
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