"A big shot?" Dracuul Piclow raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with disdain. "On these seas, aside from the Four Emperors, who could possibly be a bigger figure than us, the Six Underground Kings?"
His voice was sharp as he pressed the question.
Beside him, Gibson and Umit remained silent but nodded slightly, clearly agreeing with his statement.
The Six Underground Kings controlled the underworld order of the New World. In terms of influence, aside from the Four Emperors, no one could match them.
Faced with Dracuul's questioning, Katakuri remained calm and composed, replying steadily:
"This individual's status is indeed extraordinary. It is not an intentional slight to you all. Please be patient and wait a little longer."
His tone showed no sign of backing down, yet he maintained proper decorum—neither revealing weakness nor offending the Six Underground Kings.
Upon hearing this, Dracuul's expression grew even uglier. He opened his mouth, about to roar in anger once more.
But just as he was about to speak, a sonic boom tore through the sky.
In the next moment, a figure sliced through the air, descending upon the Tea Party with overwhelming presence!
Even without seeing the newcomer, the sheer intensity of the aura alone made everyone present hold their breath.
When they finally saw the newcomer's face, the entire venue fell into dead silence.
Dracuul swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue, his expression completely frozen, replaced by disbelief and shock.
The newcomer wore a black cloak, stood tall and straight, and exuded an intimidatingly powerful aura.
This presence alone surpassed that of most pirates, but what drew even more attention was the animal mask he wore.
It was a fox mask, reflecting a crystalline glow under the lights!
Upon seeing this person's appearance, someone couldn't help but exclaim, "It's actually Fox! I never expected him to attend Big Mom's Tea Party!"
The moment Fox appeared, the smile on Stussy's face instantly stiffened. Her hand, which had been resting on a pillar, clenched tightly, and her breath hitched for a moment.
Her red lips parted slightly as she trembled, "H-how could it be him? That big shot… is actually Fox from Shadow Garden?"
Compared to Stussy, Dufeld beside her wasn't faring much better.
His cigar fell to the ground with a clatter as he stared intently at Fox, muttering under his breath:
"Fox from Shadow Garden… it's really him!"
Both of them were inwardly roiling with shock. Everyone knew that every member of Shadow Garden who had been revealed so far was powerful enough to rival the Four Emperors!
And Fox, as the first core member of Shadow Garden to step into the open, was undoubtedly the face and representative of the organization.
In terms of influence, strength, and hidden deterrence, his status was indeed more prestigious and weighty than that of the Six Underground Kings.
It was only natural for Big Mom to wait specifically for him!
While the crowd was still buzzing and hadn't fully regained their composure, Morgans burst into hearty laughter.
He swirled his wine glass, his gaze sweeping over the other five kings with varying expressions, his tone full of smugness:
"Well, everyone? Surprised? Shocked? I told you it would be big news that would knock your socks off!"
Then, shifting his tone, he glanced playfully at Dracuul Piclow, whose expression had soured, and teased:
"Dracuul, weren't you dissatisfied earlier? Didn't you think no one was more prestigious than the Six Underground Kings?
Now that he's here, if you're still unhappy, go ahead and tell Fox yourself. See if he'll just kill you on the spot!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire venue fell silent again, with all eyes fixed on Dracuul.
Dracuul's face turned pale and then flushed red, the disdain in his eyes completely replaced by wariness.
He opened his mouth but couldn't utter a single word, only sitting awkwardly in place.
No matter how arrogant he was, he wouldn't dare provoke a member of Shadow Garden. Even as an underground king, offending Shadow Garden would mean being effortlessly crushed!
After all, Shadow Garden's target wasn't small fry like him—it had always been the World Government, which had ruled the world for eight hundred years!
Just then, heavy footsteps echoed from the distance.
The ground trembled slightly as a massive, mountain-like figure slowly approached.
This mountain of flesh was none other than one of the Four Emperors—BIG MOM, Charlotte Linlin!
Before she even drew near, her signature sticky, syrupy voice drifted over:
"Mamamama… What an honor to have such a distinguished guest! Fox, I've been waiting for you!"
With that, Big Mom had already reached the center of the venue.
Her face was plastered with an exaggerated smile as she stared brightly at Fox, her tone affectionate:
"Fox, oh Fox, I never thought you'd actually come! Mama is so happy!
Your presence at my Tea Party truly honors me!"
Faced with the praise from one of the Four Emperors, Fox gave a slight nod, his expression still steady, his tone polite but not fawning:
"It is my honor to be invited to Big Mom's Tea Party. I am also pleased to attend."
Hearing this, Big Mom laughed even more heartily, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes bunching up as her sticky laughter filled the entire venue:
"Mamamama! I never expected the legendary Fox to be so eloquent! With you here, today's Tea Party is sure to be even livelier!"
Then, she turned and swept her gaze over everyone present. Her previously affectionate tone instantly gained a touch of authority as she raised her hand and declared:
"Alright, alright! All distinguished guests have arrived!" Big Mom clapped her thick hands together, her voice booming. "I declare this Tea Party officially begun!"
As soon as Big Mom finished speaking, attendants began weaving through the banquet with trays.
The trays were laden with exquisite pastries and rich wines. As glasses clinked, a cheerful atmosphere began to spread.
Yet, for some reason, an indescribable tension lingered in the air.
After all, among them was a guest so important that even Big Mom had waited specifically for him.
No one dared to make too much noise, and even the usually flamboyant underground bosses had toned down their bravado.
And because this guest's identity was so extraordinary and his legend so profound, whether it was the Six Underground Kings or the members of the Charlotte Family, their eyes kept drifting toward Fox in the corner.
After a while, Big Mom noticed the stiffness at the gathering and immediately grinned widely:
"Mamamama! Everyone, relax! Don't be so tense! Fox is our friend!"
With that, she turned to Fox, her smile widening:
"Fox, Mama prepared a special gift for you. I'm sure you'll like it!"
Fox raised an eyebrow slightly, curiosity in his tone. "Oh? What gift?"
Big Mom flipped her thick palm, and a glowing white orb floated up:
"This is one hundred years of Life Span. Attach it to anything, and that thing will remain active as if alive for a century. I thought you might like it!"
Fox reached out and took the orb, a clear flash of delight in his eyes before he nodded solemnly:
"Thank you, Big Mom. This gift suits me perfectly."
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