After hearing Stussy's report—
Leno was clearly taken aback for a moment.
Kaido? Blackbeard? Aokiji? All gathered here?
After recovering, he actually found it a bit amusing.
"Very well. Should I feel honored? From an unknown little Marine… to a newly crowned Yonko worthy of such serious attention from two Emperors and a Marine Admiral?"
With that thought, instead of feeling nervous, Leno let out a relaxed chuckle.
"It's fine."
He spoke into the Den Den Mushi, his tone calm.
"Just proceed according to the plan."
On the other end, Stussy froze.
Her face filled with shock and confusion.
Why?!
She had made it so clear!
Kaido, Blackbeard, Aokiji—and possibly Big Mom joining in—
This was practically a death trap!
Why would he still walk straight into it?
Stussy didn't understand—she almost wanted to curse.
She had some familiarity with Linlin and knew very well about the deep ties between Kaido and Big Mom.
If a fight broke out, Big Mom would almost certainly side with Kaido!
For her, there were only benefits—
She could both repay Kaido a huge favor and eliminate Leno, a rapidly rising Yonko.
"Lord Leno, please reconsider! This is too dangerous!" Stussy couldn't help but urge again.
She truly didn't want to die.
"Just do as I say. Don't worry—I won't let you die."
Stussy opened her mouth, wanting to say more—
But ultimately swallowed her words.
A trace of unwillingness and helplessness flashed across her face.
"…Hai. I understand."
She knew her position.
Partner? Maybe in name.
But in reality, her life was completely in Leno's hands.
No different from a slave.
She had no right to question him.
At the end of the day—
She just didn't want to die. Was that so wrong?
Leno didn't bother avoiding Katakuri and the others during the call.
Katakuri was curious, but he wouldn't dare use Observation Haki to eavesdrop at a time like this.
That would be blatant provocation.
So he only caught fragments like "proceed as planned" and "it's fine."
He had no idea who Leno was speaking to.
Katakuri, Smoothie, and Galette exchanged glances.
Their vigilance toward Leno increased.
"This Leno… still talking about a 'plan' at a time like this? What exactly is he intending to do at Mother's tea party?"
Katakuri pondered inwardly.
"We must keep a close eye on him. We absolutely can't let him disrupt Mother's tea party," Smoothie thought similarly.
Galette frowned, her already cold face turning even colder.
If the tea party was ruined—
It would be a slap in the face of the Big Mom Pirates.
They hadn't heard clearly—
But Hancock, Domino, Robin, and the others standing beside Leno had heard everything.
A trace of concern flashed across their faces.
Because what Stussy said was true.
However—
They had absolute trust in Leno.
They believed he wouldn't bring them here to die.
Since he said so, he must have his reasons.
Besides—
There were still so many delicious dishes they hadn't tasted yet.
How could he possibly be willing to die?
Thus—
None of them questioned him.
They simply adjusted their condition silently—
Preparing for battle at any moment.
Soon, the group arrived at the main venue of the tea party.
They saw Big Mom seated at the head—
Along with Kaido, Blackbeard, and Aokiji, who had already arrived.
As for the others—
Just background decoration.
Leno's gaze swept across these familiar faces, and he grinned.
His tone carried a hint of mockery.
"Oh? Didn't expect the three of you to be here too. How interesting."
The moment Kaido, Blackbeard, and Aokiji saw Leno—
They all stood up almost simultaneously.
Three—no, four—pairs of eyes locked onto him.
"Worororo!! Brat Leno! You finally showed up! I've been waiting for you!"
After laughing, Kaido lifted his Hassaikai, ready to strike.
"Zehahaha! Leno! Didn't expect to meet here, did you? Let's settle the score from Marineford today!"
Blackbeard grinned viciously.
Aokiji's body began emitting a chilling cold aura.
The hatred in his eyes was even stronger than Kaido's and Blackbeard's.
"Leno… you've caused enough trouble. Your life ends here."
The three spoke almost at the same time.
Their overwhelming auras merged—
Pressing down toward Leno.
"Mm, you're right."
Leno remained calm.
"But that doesn't change the fact that Yamato wants to be Kozuki Oden, that I took the Tremor-Tremor Fruit…"
"…and that you're all my defeated opponents."
Hearing this—
Their expressions turned even darker.
"Oh, and Blackbeard—drink more milk. Fix your teeth."
"You bastard!!!"
Infuriated, the three were about to attack immediately.
At the head seat—
Big Mom was briefly stunned, then her face darkened.
Her fat face twisted into a sinister smile.
"Mamamama~!"
Her laughter carried clear anger.
"You brats! Behave yourselves!"
"This is MY territory! Whatever you want to do—wait until my tea party is over!"
Hearing this—
Kaido and Blackbeard exchanged a glance.
They forcibly suppressed their urge to attack and gave Big Mom some face.
After all—
This was her territory.
And Kaido still owed her a favor.
"Linlin, I'll give you face this time!" Kaido sat back down.
But his eyes remained locked on Leno—
As if he wanted to tear him apart.
Blackbeard also sat down with a fake smile.
They gave face—
But Aokiji wouldn't give face to pirates.
He had been waiting for this chance to capture Leno.
And Leno's words had just added fuel to the fire.
He didn't want to wait another second!
"Ice Time Capsule!"
Without warning, Aokiji attacked—
A surge of freezing energy shot toward Leno.
But Leno didn't even glance at him.
Just as the cold was about to reach him—
"Gigante Fleur!"
Robin's calm voice rang out.
A giant arm formed from countless petals burst from the ground—
Coated in Armament Haki—
And forcefully blocked Aokiji's attack!
"Boom!"
The icy force collided with the giant arm, sending shards of ice flying.
For the first time, shock appeared on Aokiji's face.
"Nani?! Nico Robin?! How could she block my attack?!"
"When did she become this strong?!"
If Leno had blocked it—
He wouldn't be surprised.
But Robin?!
Kaido and Blackbeard, seeing that one of Leno's subordinates had blocked an Admiral's attack—
Were stunned for a moment—
Then burst into laughter.
"Worororo!! It's started! Linlin, this isn't us disrespecting you!" Kaido roared excitedly.
He immediately stood up, grabbing his Hassaikai.
"Zehahaha! That's right! They made the first move—don't blame us!"
Blackbeard also stood, grinning viciously as darkness began to spread around him.
The two unleashed their overwhelming auras—
And without hesitation—
Charged into the battlefield.
Their target—
Leno.
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