At the same time across the world, new bounty posters issued by Marine Headquarters and newspapers distributed by the World News Agency began circulating rapidly.
The New World, Grand Line (Second Half)
Totland – Cake Island
On a luxurious red sofa sat an unusually tall woman. Behind her, a giant cookie was embedded into the sofa's backrest. Despite her slightly plump figure, her towering height gave her a striking, commanding presence.
She resembled a grotesque witch — with a long, sharp nose, piercing cunning eyes, and an intimidating smile. Her vibrant pink hair flowed beneath a matching pink pirate hat, and she wore a pink dress adorned with frills and hearts.
Floating on either side of her were two clouds, one gold and one white — both anthropomorphic, with eyes, noses, and mouths. The white cloud wore a tiny cap and had a carefree, cheerful demeanor. The golden cloud, in contrast, bore a fierce expression, with eyes that mirrored the woman's own—cold and ruthless, full of judgment.
This towering woman was none other than Charlotte Linlin, known across the seas as Big Mom—the infamous captain of the Big Mom Pirates and sovereign of Totland. She was 44 years old.
In front of her sat a table piled high with cakes, chocolates, and various desserts. Clearly, she had an insatiable sweet tooth. Holding a newspaper in one hand and surrounded by wanted posters on the table, Big Mom burst into gleeful laughter.
"Mama~ mama~ Yahahaha! This is just too interesting! Reid… quite a handsome boy, shares the same Devil Fruit ability as Sengoku from Marine HQ, and even holds a secret greater than One Piece itself~ Mama~ mama~!"
She cackled with delight, her voice high-pitched and shrill, as she grabbed a massive piece of cake and devoured it. Her face showed complete ecstasy as she indulged in the sweet treat.
The subordinates standing below her kept silent, even though they were surprised by her interest in Reid's appearance. None dared to speak up.
Suddenly, a sinister voice spoke.
"Kukuku~ Mama, something about this feels off. I've never heard of this Reid before. Someone possessing a Devil Fruit like Sengoku's? Sounds too convenient. I suspect the World Government planted this information to lure pirates in, then ambush them."
The speaker was a tall, slender man with a creepy appearance—sharp nose, pointed chin, long tongue dangling down to his chest. His eerie laughter sent chills through the room. He wore a red and yellow tall hat and carried a candy cane staff. His hair, styled like a ship's hull, was striped with light blue.
He was Charlotte Perospero, the eldest son of Big Mom and the Minister of Candy, aged 26.
"Mama~ mama~"
Big Mom licked cake from her face and pondered the idea with a grin. Her expression showed she was evaluating the truth of the claim.
"Morgans doesn't work for the World Government. He wouldn't write propaganda for them. The article should be reliable."
Clearly, Big Mom had a good understanding of Morgans, the head of the World News Agency.
"So what now, Mama?"
A deep voice followed.
"Should we go after Reid? If the newspaper's right, his value is immense."
The speaker was tall and muscular, with light red and lavender spiked hair, a cold and stern face, a black-and-white layered scarf draped around his shoulders, and dark brown leather pants. In his hand, he held a trident taller than he was.
He was Charlotte Katakuri, second son, one of the Three Sweet Commanders, and Minister of Flour, aged 24.
Another man beside him nodded in agreement.
"I support the Second Brother. We should be the first to bring Reid to Totland. A secret more valuable than One Piece is not something we can let fall into another's hands."
This man had long, powerful legs, a muscular upper body, a distinct mustache, and piercing eyes filled with disdain.
He was Charlotte Daifuku, third son, Minister of Beans, also 24 years old.
"Mama~ mama~ According to the paper, he's human, right? We already have a few humans in Totland. He'd make a lovely pet—unless he misbehaves. In that case, I'll just extract his soul~ Mama~ mama~"
The moment Big Mom mentioned extracting souls, a chill ran through the room. Everyone present knew too well—this woman, even if she was their mother, would not hesitate to take their lifespan if they disobeyed.
Another voice spoke up, this time calm but serious.
"Mom, our intelligence reports that Reid is currently with the Roger Pirates. If that's true, we can't act too openly."
The speaker was a burly man with three-section fan-shaped yellow hair.
He was Charlotte Oven, fourth son, a triplet with Katakuri and Daifuku, and Minister of Baking, also 24 years old.
"Mama~ mama~ Gol D. Roger… I saw his strength back in the God Valley incident. A Pirate King with no Devil Fruit—and terrifyingly strong. Even if I went myself, I couldn't defeat him unless I teamed up with my little brother. Then maybe we'd stand a chance. Mama~ mama~"
"Brother? Mama, do you mean Kaido? The Governor of the Beasts Pirates?"
Perospero's sinister expression briefly showed rare surprise. As Big Mom's eldest, he was aware of some of her history.
Katakuri, Daifuku, and Oven exchanged confused glances. Even Katakuri narrowed his eyes—feeling the pressure of a monstrous power looming in the background.
"Mama~ mama~ I gave him the Fish-Fish Fruit. Kaido owes me. Back when we sailed with the Rocks Pirates, no one could be trusted. If it weren't for me, Kaido wouldn't have survived."
"Kaido is hiding in Wano now, preparing something big."
"Mama, what is Kaido planning?" Daifuku asked.
"Mama~ mama~ That guy… he wants to be Joy Boy. Yeah~ mama~ mama~!"
Big Mom gazed into the distance, laughing eerily.