Arrival at Whole Cake Island – The Sweet City
Just as Charlotte Linlin was lost in thought—
"Report!"
A subordinate in a black suit pushed open the door.
"Big Mom, we have arrived at Whole Cake Island's Sweet City."
Hearing this, Charlotte Linlin exhaled.
"Linlin-sama, shall I arrange for some people to treat him?"
"I'll arrange it now."
Charlotte Linlin turned and left. She couldn't simply kill Douglas Bullet without cause.
After all, some crimes had yet to be committed.
She couldn't predict his future choices, so she let it go.
Stepping out of the medical room and onto the deck, she took in the sight before her.
Pirate ships of all sizes passed by, resembling koi swimming upstream, filling the waters of Totto Land.
Her subordinates carefully maneuvered their ships through the bustling port, heading toward the riverside dock.
Charlotte Linlin was momentarily awestruck by the grandeur of Sweet City.
It was the first time she had seen it in such detail, even though she ruled this land.
Of course, her crew—many of whom had never ventured beyond the sea—looked around in amazement.
The lively atmosphere was intoxicating.
"Big Mom, this place is truly spectacular!"
For once, Linlin found herself agreeing with her crewmate Beta.
Her mood improved, and with a sudden thought, she asked:
"Beta, why do you think this place is so lively?"
Beta answered without hesitation, "Lots of people, lots of ships, and lots of buildings."
Lina chuckled softly nearby.
Charlotte Linlin glanced at Beta with a half-serious expression.
"Good grief, are you stating the obvious?"
She mused internally—Did eating a Devil Fruit make Beta slightly more perceptive?
Could it be that Devil Fruits also enhance intelligence?
She sighed and responded flatly, "You're just stating the obvious."
The ship moved steadily along the river, and soon, the enormous port came into view.
The constant flow of ships in and out created a scene of pure chaos, yet there was an underlying order.
Following the lighthouse staff's guidance, their ship smoothly docked at the port.
"Let's go!"
Charlotte Linlin ordered some of her subordinates to remain behind while the rest disembarked, stepping onto the vibrant streets of Sweet City.
Dressed in a commanding yet stylish outfit, she made an imposing entrance—but it went unnoticed.
The crowd was full of eccentric figures, all part of various pirate crews.
Though Charlotte Linlin's entourage clearly belonged to a single force, their presence was just another drop in the ocean of chaos.
The Heberfil Family was an unknown name here. In Totto Land, only those who were significant had any weight.
Linlin was pleased by this anonymity.
She smirked and declared, "Disperse and enjoy yourselves!"
Her crew cheered, eager to explore.
Only Lina remained by her side, the two of them strolling through the lively streets.
It was rare for Linlin to set foot outside her main castle, and the overwhelming sense of security in her own domain allowed her to truly enjoy the experience.
Pirates from all over the world…
Accents blending together…
Strange and elaborate weapons displayed at every corner…
A myriad of extravagant outfits—some towering, some diminutive, some bizarre…
It was a spectacle unlike any other.
For the first time since her birth, Charlotte Linlin saw the world in such vibrant detail.
She couldn't help but wonder—
"When I rise to absolute power, will Whole Cake Island shine even brighter?"
The thought filled her with anticipation.
"Linlin-sama, this place reminds me of my homeland… It was once just as prosperous."
Lina's voice carried a hint of sorrow.
"Do you miss home?"
Charlotte Linlin asked, her tone uncharacteristically gentle.
Lina hesitated before shaking her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"My home is wherever you are."
War had long since erased the place she once knew. The new kingdom that stood in its place was no longer her own.
All she had left were memories.
From the moment Charlotte Linlin saved her from despair, she had never wanted to leave her side.
Linlin paused, momentarily caught off guard.
But then, a rare, genuine smile spread across her face.
"Then let's make this place our home."
"In the future, Whole Cake Island will be the most prosperous, peaceful, and unshakable empire in the New World."
Lina wiped her tears, looking at Charlotte Linlin's resolute expression.
Her heart swelled with confidence.
"Yes! I believe in you."
Linlin smirked and added, "Now, stop crying. You don't look good when you cry."
Lina blushed, flustered by the unexpected remark.
"Linlin-sama, that's embarrassing!"
Linlin tilted her head, confused.
"Did I say something strange?"
But seeing Lina's cheerful expression, she let it go.
"Alright, let's go. I'll treat you to some delicious food!"
With a carefree laugh, Charlotte Linlin grabbed Lina's hand and led her towards the most popular food stalls in Sweet City.
---
Back on the Ship – Medical Bay
Meanwhile, in the ship's medical bay…
Douglas Bullet stirred.
His sharp gaze flickered across the unfamiliar surroundings, taking in the white gauze wrapped around his wounds.
"Am I… alive?"
"Ah! You're awake!"
A female medical assistant gasped in surprise as she approached to check his injuries.
"Lie down! You're still in bad shape!"
She spoke with urgency, but Bullet didn't resist.
Instead, he quietly followed her instructions, lying back down.
As she carefully examined him, she muttered in astonishment,
"Unbelievable… Your injuries were severe, but you've already recovered more than half."
She then introduced herself with a bright smile.
"My name's Jillian. What about you?"
Bullet hesitated.
Strangely, he didn't feel the usual irritation towards this overly friendly person.
After a moment, he answered stiffly, "Douglas Bullet."
Jillian's eyes lit up.
"Wow! That's such a cool name!"
Bullet blinked.
"What's with this girl?"
"Did you save me?" he asked cautiously.
Jillian shook her head, then nodded.
"Yes and no!"
She then clasped her hands together in a thoughtful manner before explaining,
"Beta fished you out of the sea while you were unconscious."
"Big Mom ordered us to treat you completely."
"As for me—" she grinned, "I was just the last one to take care of you!"
Bullet listened in silence.
For a moment, he wasn't sure how to respond.
"Then… what kind of people are they?"
He finally asked.
Jillian beamed.
"They're good people! Big Mom and the crew saved me from a slave ship, you know?"
Bullet stiffened.
"A slave ship…?"
As Jillian continued chattering away like a carefree child, Bullet found himself unexpectedly at ease.
For the first time in a long while, he let himself listen.
And just like that, the two of them began talking—one cheerful, the other reserved—but both, unknowingly, finding comfort in the conversation.