Chapter 232: Landing on Cake Island
In the Whole Cake Island, a territory built around Big Mom's Cake Island, it was considered a nation, also known as the Totto Land Kingdom, and Big Mom was the queen who ruled over this nation.
She aimed to create a utopia that unified all the races in the world.
From a young age, she had admired the idea of living in such a country. Even as she grew up, she never forgot the beautiful description the nun gave her—a world where all races lived together in harmony, a utopia. In this world, there were only three races unknown to her - the Giants, the Dragons, and the members of the Hundred Beasts Pirates.
From a distance, Cake Island looked just like a giant cake, composed of numerous creamy layers. The waters beneath had turned into sweet juice. Rodney sniffed the air, detecting an overwhelmingly sweet scent. It wasn't that he disliked desserts; it was just that consuming too many sweets could become tiresome.
"Sanji, Lester, what do you guys think of this place?" Rodney inquired aboard the Black Pearl. Lester replied, "I don't have much expertise in desserts. Sanji, what do you say?"
When he was in the City of Gourmet, Sanji specialized in main courses rather than desserts. Besides Perona, who had a sweet tooth, the rest of the crew members weren't particularly fond of sweets. Their knowledge of dessert preparation only went as far as making them edible.
Sanji took a drag of his cigarette and said with interest, "The flavor here is truly exceptional. The appearance and aroma are top-notch desserts. Rodney, if I remember correctly, you mentioned that all the buildings here are edible?"
"Yes, the structures in Totto Land are made of sweets, at least that's what I know. These dessert buildings are quite resilient. However, ordinary people wouldn't eat their own houses," Rodney replied, shaking his head. In fact, he didn't know much about Cake Island; this blond chef was the main attraction.
"Oh, by the way, Sanji, if you're interested in chocolate, you should visit Chocolate Town over there; their chocolates are quite famous," Rodney hinted, "Oh, and you can take it easy here. If there are any special situations, you won't be able to escape."
"Is something terrifying going to happen?" Sanji asked, taking a drag from his cigarette. He had learned to shave, but he knew that in front of real experts, he was no match. Just like that Whitebeard guy, even though he was a rascal, he was incredibly powerful. There was also that skeletal fellow; however, he had recently gone off to hold a concert, and nobody knew when he'd be back.
Sanji followed Rodney, along with two other chefs who had come along. Perona had stayed behind to look after things. Without a strong person overseeing Avileon, Rodney was genuinely concerned. While Ryo's combat abilities might not be strong, her toxins were always a potent asset. Furthermore, with her and Robin's abilities, managing Avileon shouldn't be a problem.
"Terrifying things may or may not happen, but at least this place isn't as safe as Avileon. Moreover, BIG MOM calling me over for the tea party probably isn't as simple as it appears."
People invited to BIG MOM's tea parties were all prominent figures in the world. His arms trade business had gained prominence in the underworld due to Tazolo and Doflamingo, making him a notable figure. Did BIG MOM invite him because of the weapons factory? Interests were always persuasive.
However, even when facing BIG MOM, he wouldn't be afraid. She was just a powerful giant baby. What was there to fear?
The Black Pearl docked at the shore, and a welcoming party awaited them. A man with a red-striped tall hat adorned with lollipops, a long nose, and a long tongue that hinted at his long-tongue tribe heritage stood there. He was tall and skinny, like a stick standing in place. He held a candy cane-like scepter in his hand, seemingly made of candy.
Charlotte Perospero, BIG MOM's eldest son and the Candy Minister of the BIG MOM Pirates, was his name.
"Welcome to Cake Island, Destroyer Rodney," Perospero said with a light laugh. However, his laughter had a distinctive tone.
After "Red-Eye" and "Magician," another nickname had emerged: "Destroyer." He had demolished Enies Lobby, defeated the former Admiral Aokiji, and was known as the Emperor of the Underground World. Even in comparison to Avileon, he had some interactions with Totto Land, making it a prominent presence.
This was why Perospero, the Candy Minister, personally came to welcome him.
"Perospero, they are in your hands," said the cold and aloof Katakuriko, nodding to Perospero. It was a kind of greeting before he left alone.
"Such a rush, are you heading back to report to Mother?" Perospero chuckled, though his laughter was unusual.
From "Red-Eye" to "Magician," now another name had appeared - "Destroyer." He was the man who had destroyed Enies Lobby, defeated the former Admiral Kuzan, and was a powerful figure in the Underground World. Even compared to Avileon, he had some dealings with Totto Land, making him quite a notable presence.
"Perospero, I'll leave them to you," Katakuriko said coolly before nodding and leaving on his own.
"Welcome to Cake Island, Mr. Rodney," Perospero said with a smile. His laugh had a unique tone.
"Perospero, you know, Rodney, my men are first-rate chefs. During our stay here, could you arrange for a few chefs to teach them the art of dessert making? After all, the sweets in Totto Land are world-renowned," Rodney smiled.
"Perospero, there's no problem with that. Totto Land has an abundance of sweets. It won't be possible to learn everything in a few days."
"Haha, they'll only need to learn a few recipes; if they learn them all, they probably won't be able to leave," Rodney chuckled.
"How could that be? Perospero, Mr. Rodney, we wouldn't hold your people hostage," Perospero replied with a smile.
"Alright, then. Sanji, Lester, and Jiraiya, you guys can go explore the city. Lester, please keep an eye on them; don't follow the ladies around."
"Ah? Me?" Lester wondered how he could keep up with them.
These two, along with Brook, had formed the perverted trio in Avileon. When the ladies of Avileon saw them... mainly Brook and Jiraiya... Sanji, with his decent looks and chivalrous spirit, was relatively fine. However, hanging out with these two had tarnished their reputation.
Lester couldn't possibly stop these two. Looking at the duo, he realized that the captain had given him a really tough task.
(End of this chapter)