Chapter 60: Chapter 60
Seeing the strange expressions on Katakuri and Kaido faces, Caesar was puzzled.
"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"
Katakuri quickly shook his head.
"N-no, it's just... Father, you might not know this. This newly appointed Yonko, Buggy the Clown—his strength is, how should I put it... If he's not hiding his true power, then he's just an ordinary Devil Fruit user, probably only at the level of one of Uncle Kaido average Headliners."
Caesar was taken aback. "Oh? Then how did he become a Yonko? The Marine's standards for evaluating these so-called 'Emperors of the Sea' can't be that low, can they?"
Kaido was also somewhat confused.
Buggy had only ascended to the Yonko throne in the past few days, largely because Kaido and Big Mom's defeat had vacated the positions for Luffy and Buggy.
But worse off than Buggy was Luffy, who hadn't even warmed his seat as a Yonko before being ousted by Caesar.
To this day, no one knew whether he was dead or alive.
Katakuri chuckled. "Well, it's like this. This guy has pretty good luck. During the war two years ago, he gained quite a few followers among escaped prisoners. Combined with his status as a former crew member of the Pirate King, he managed to secure a Warlord title. Recently, though, the Marine suddenly announced the abolition of the Warlord system and launched attacks against these individuals. That forced several of them to band together for survival and they unanimously elected this clown Buggy as their leader. And just like that, he became a Yonko."
Caesar was dumbfounded.
You could actually do that?
Though Caesar was somewhat clever, he had always adhered to a worldview where strength reigned supreme.
Since his debut, he had fought countless battles and knew full well that status on the seas was earned through sheer power.
But today, Buggy luck has shattered Caesar understanding.
"So he's just a fraud, huh? How boring. Never mind, I'll go find Linlin and take a stroll outside."
Caesar felt his enthusiasm waning when he suddenly noticed Yamato still hiding behind Kaido, eavesdropping on their conversation with perked ears.
He couldn't help but find it amusing.
Pointing at Katakuri, he said to Yamato.
"Yamato, since you refuse to have your memories erased, you'll go with your cousin to that island or whatever and bring back the troublemakers. If you fail, you won't be so lucky next time to have this foolish brother of mine protecting you. Katatakuri! I leave this to you. If there's an emergency, contact your Uncle Kaido."
"Understood, Father!" Katakuri quickly responded, turning to look at Yamato, the cousin he had never met before.
Hearing Caesar's words, Yamato felt a small surge of excitement.
After the earlier commotion, the gloom that had weighed on her for days seemed to have dissipated somewhat through her earlier outburst.
Having spent over twenty years confined in Wano, Yamato deepest desire wasn't actually to become Kozuki Oden—it was to set sail, to leave Wano behind and to embark on thrilling adventures across the vibrant seas, just as Oden once had, to become free.
Yamato reverted to her usual boisterous self, striding out from behind Kaido.
Her steps were uneven—one of her high heels had broken when she kicked Caesar earlier.
Yamato casually kicked off her high heels and walked barefoot in her white stockings, looking up at the towering Katakuri.
Over the past few days, she hadn't really taken the time to observe her cousin closely.
Though she had been in a daze before, Yamato still knew that this cousin of hers had recently defeated a Marine Admiral, becoming the fourth god member of the Beast Pirates, earning the epithet "God of War."
She scrutinized Katakuri without reservation.
Standing six meters tall, Katakuri was clad in his signature heavy metal attire, his gleaming knee-high boots adorned with silver spikes.
Stitch marks were visible on both sides of his mouth, sharp fangs protruding from his lips and two long horns sprouted from his head.
Yamato curled her lips and muttered.
"Hmph! Just like that guy—spitting image. No surprise, given they're father and son."
"Heh, shall we get going, Yamato?" Katakuri chuckled.
Though his grin was menacing, his voice carried a warmth tone.
Kaido watched as the two departed one after the other before settling back at the round table and picking up a jug of sake.
***
Pudding soon left the hall and returned to her room.
Her standing among Linlin many children had risen significantly lately, thanks to Caesar's favor.
Back in her room, Pudding sat on her bed, lost in thought.
She reached up to her head and a long, illusory strip of film materialized in her palm, playing scenes of Sanji bustling around a massive cake, with several chefs assisting him.
Sanji was wholly absorbed in his cooking, exuding a unique charm.
He would clutch his head and wail over minor flaws in a dish.
He would also cheer like a child when a dish turned out perfectly.
And from time to time, he would turn back to share his joy with Pudding.
Watching these familiar memories, Pudding bit her lip, tears streaming uncontrollably.
The footage continued, returning to the wedding—when Pudding revealed the third eye she had always deemed ugly and raised her gun toward a stunned Sanji.
In the scene, Sanji eyes glazed over before he suddenly exclaimed in admiration.
"You have a beautiful eyes, Pudding!"
"Wahhh… Sanji…" Pudding replayed the moment over and over, her vision blurred by tears.
***
At the top of the cake tower, Caesar wrapped an arm around Linlin, preparing to leave Whole Cake Island and explore parts of Totto Land.
Without battles to fight, Caesar found himself restless, always itching for something to do.
"Puru puru puru."
Suddenly, a Den Den Mushi rang from Linlin bosom.
"Hmm? Whose call is this?" Linlin was surprised.
This particular Den Den Mushi was usually for outgoing calls only, with only a handful of key figures—like Katakuri, Kaido and Morgans—having her contact number.
Caesar paused and looked at Linlin.
Click.
The snail connected, its features morphing into the face of a middle-aged man.
Linlin frowned—there was something familiar about him.
"This is Fleet Admiral Sakazuki. Charlotte Linlin? Is Caesar there? Put him on."
Caesar was taken aback for a moment before taking the Den Den Mushi and casually saying.
"Ah, it's you, Akainu, right? What do you want?"
On the other end of the line, sitting in the Marine Headquarters office, Akainu gritted his teeth, barely able to suppress the rising killing intent in his heart.
"Sakazuki, calm down. Explain the situation—this concerns Sengoku dignity, the Marines' dignity."
In the office sat several stern-faced individuals.
Garp, Tsuru, a bandaged Kizaru, Fujitora and a man with a white pigeon perched on his shoulder.
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