In recent days, the waters of Totto Land had been continuously traversed by pirate ships.

Most of these vessels flew the flag of the Beast God Pirates.

Onboard stood pirates wielding telescopes, constantly scanning the surrounding seas.

The moment an unfamiliar ship appeared, they would immediately approach to investigate.

If the ship was invited to the Tea Party, it would be swiftly escorted towards Whole Cake Island.

Now, across the vast ocean, a massive sailing ship cut through the waves, heading straight into Totto Land's waters!

On its enormous white sails was emblazoned a giant skull, crossed by two long swords, with a red sash slanted across the left eye socket.

The Gifters patrolling the seas quickly spotted this colossal pirate ship and hurriedly moved to intercept.

As they got closer, the fat Gifters suddenly froze, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.

"It's... it's the Red Force! The Red Hair Pirates—one of the Four Emperors!"

Several figures leaned over the towering ship's deck, looking down below.

Lucky Roux, a fatass holding a large chicken leg in his hand, stared at the shivering Gifters in surprise.

"What's up with that guy? Why does he have a gorilla growing out of his hand? Did he get some kind of surgical modification?"

"Oh? Let me see." Shanks, with three distinctive scars over his left eye, showed a curious expression as he eagerly pushed forward for a better look.

"Oh! Really, what kind of form is that? Do creatures like that actually exist?" Shanks exclaimed in amazement, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Why don't we invite him onto our ship?"

Beckman, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, looked utterly exasperated.

He raised his short gun and knocked it against Shanks' head without hesitation, saying calmly, "Stop joking around, you idiot. That's a Gifter from the Beasts Pirates, one of those guys created by artificial Devil Fruits. Their bodies are all kinds of messed up."

Shanks immediately looked disappointed. "Ah, so they're subordinates of our enemies. Guess there's no hope of inviting them aboard."

"Who in their right mind would want someone like that on their ship? Are you an idiot?" Beckman retorted mercilessly.

"Buggy made the right call staying at the base. That brainless subordinate of his, Weevil, apparently killed one of Caesar's sons. Caesar blasted him—along with the entire island—into dust," Shanks said seriously, his gaze drifting into the distance.

Yasopp, who had been polishing his long-barreled flintlock, made an exaggerated face.

"He destroyed an entire island? Damn, that's brutal! Boss, are we really heading to their stronghold? I don't think this is a good idea."

Shanks' eyes grew distant. "This is a good opportunity. If we come at any other time, we won't be treated as guests. That guy Caesar has big ambitions. I suspect he's making such a grand show of inviting countless pirates from across the seas because he's planning something. Even though Luffy was badly hurt by him, as fellow Emperors, we can't let them look down on us!"

With a confident grin, Shanks raised his voice. "Alright, men! Show them the bearing of true power! Don't lose to those bastards from the Beast God Pirates!"

"Hah, who's scared of them? We're the Red Hair Pirates!"

.....

Meanwhile, on Sweet Island, Katakuri received the frontline report immediately.

"The Red Hair Pirates have arrived? Understood. Cola, escort them to Whole Cake Island. I'll arrange the welcoming party."

Beneath the Red Force, a Gifter with a gorilla growing from his wrist suddenly became ecstatic.

"Woo-hoo! The War God actually knows my name! I, Coca Cola, am gonna be famous! The first to arrive is actually one of the Emperors—Red-Haired Shanks!"

Cola immediately shouted up at the ship, "Red Hair! Our boss Caesar invites you to rest on Whole Cake Island while waiting for the Tea Party to officially begin in two days. Many others are still on their way. For now, please follow me to Whole Cake Island, where we've prepared endless delicacies, beautiful women, and all the entertainment the New World has to offer!"

"Oh! Much obliged, Gorilla-chan!" Shanks called down with a wave.

Lucky Roux nearly spat out the chicken leg he'd just stuffed into his mouth.

Gorilla-chan?! Seriously?!

....

On Whole Cake Island, King, who had been lounging under a parasol, pulled out his Den Den Mushi.

After listening for a moment, his relaxed expression vanished.

He stood up immediately and strode to the center of the plaza.

"Attention, all personnel! One of the Emperors—the Red Hair Pirates—are about to arrive on Whole Cake Island! All non-essential personnel evacuate immediately! The welcoming team's beauties, head to the port at once and prepare with me to receive our distinguished guests!"

Queen, who had somehow produced another ice cream in his hand, curled his lips and muttered.

"Hmph! Just a mere Emperor, as if we haven't seen one before? Why all this fuss? Our Beast God Pirates have three Emperors among us. King, you're really treating Red Hair like some big shot, aren't you?"

King's mouth twitched as he stared coldly at Queen without a word.

"W-what are you looking at?" Queen shuddered under his gaze, his wig tilting to one side and one strap of his overalls slipping off unnoticed.

King's eyes suddenly widened as he pointed behind Queen.

"Caesar..."

"Huh? Caesar-sama?" Queen quickly turned around.

Whoosh!

A black shadow flashed by.

Queen stared blankly at his now empty hand before erupting in anger.

"King! You bastard, you tricked me again? My ice cream..."

"What ice cream? Don't make false accusations, or I might sue you for slander."

King casually wiped the white cream from the corner of his mouth, his voice turning serious again.

"Queen, listen to me. If you dare mess around and ruin Caesar-sama plans, I won't let you off easily. Caesar-sama and the others take this gathering very seriously. Do you really think it's just like before, where everyone comes to Totto Land to eat sweets and socialize?"

Queen immediately deflated like a punctured balloon, hanging his head dejectedly.

"Got it."

Shortly after, at the port of Whole Cake Island, twenty tall and beautiful women stood in two rows, holding welcome banners for the Red Hair Pirates.

King, accompanied by Queen, Pica and others, stood straight at the harbor, waiting for the arrival of the Red Force.

On the distant sea, a massive two-masted sailing ship gradually approached, making the lead vessel in front appear exceptionally small in comparison.

The large ship slowly docked without lowering any gangplank.

On the deck, a row of imposing figures appeared at the bow.

"Red Hair Shanks, Ben Beckman, Yasopp, Lucky Roux, Bonk Punch, Monster, Limejuice, and Howling Gab. As expected, the entire combat force of the Red Hair Pirates has arrived!"

The indifference on King's face instantly melted away, replaced by a warm smile as he extended a welcoming gesture.

"Welcome to Totto Land, Red Hair Pirates."

At the ship's bow, Shanks leaped down first, landing before King.

His height was ordinary, nowhere near as intimidating as King's six-meter-plus stature.

Yet Shanks' small frame radiated an invisible, powerful presence.

The moment his feet touched the ground, it felt as though all of Whole Cake Island had suddenly centered around him.

"So it's you, King. Hahaha, want to join my crew?" Shanks let out a hearty laugh.

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