A small island was moving through the sky toward Whole Cake Island.
Viola stood at the edge of the island, facing the cold high-altitude wind as she focused on scanning the area ahead.
This was not the real Viola, of course, but a clone.
Don't ask—it definitely wasn't because Reddy had copied the original without any modifications to satisfy his own desires.
This clone hadn't consumed much energy and was only created as a tool.
A surveillance range with a radius of 4,000 kilometers was undoubtedly a bug-like ability.
"Smoker has been spotted on Whole Cake Island?"
After hearing the clone's report, Reddy was momentarily stunned before a meaningful expression appeared on his face.
He didn't know why Smoker was on Whole Cake Island.
But he knew Smoker's presence definitely wasn't a good thing—it was most likely aimed at him.
Soon, he gathered more information through the clone's surveillance.
"Black Cage Tina."
"Future pirate supernova X. Drake."
"That guy with the long hat brim is probably Prince Grus?"
"The beauty with the whip must be Peacock."
"Are they from SWORD?"
Reddy found it increasingly interesting.
Aside from Smoker and Tina, Drake, Prince Grus, and Peacock were all members of the SWORD unit in the original story.
"They're definitely here for me."
Reddy confirmed that Smoker and the others had come specifically for him. Otherwise, they wouldn't have violated the Navy's current strategy by rashly entering Totto Land.
Thinking this, he ordered, "Monitor their every move. At the same time, don't forget to track Brulee's movements."
Using the far-sighted powers of the Glare-Glare Fruit to record Brulee's movements on Whole Cake Island had been part of the plan from the start. Now, it was just a matter of adding a few more surveillance targets.
This wasn't difficult for the Glare-Glare Fruit's abilities.
About a few hours later, a cake-shaped island appeared on the horizon.
Reddy walked to the edge of the island, gazing at the approaching Whole Cake Island as the corners of his lips curled into a faint smile.
If Amazon Lily was a rudimentary template for an ideal utopia, then Totto Land was undoubtedly closer to his envisioned ideal utopia.
The residents of Totto Land only had to pay one month of their lifespan every six months.
In return, they received food and shelter without worry, free from threats like racial discrimination or pirate attacks.
To be fair, Reddy believed the Totto Land model was far superior to other kingdoms in the world.
Of course, this was from the perspective of commoners.
For nobles, the egalitarian Totto Land was nothing short of hell.
However, the Totto Land model was only that much.
What Reddy criticized the most was that the residents of Totto Land were essentially pets raised by the Big Mom Pirates.
They didn't need to work hard to live comfortably.
Every island in Totto Land had nearly endless food.
To Reddy, this was highly abnormal.
But in the dumpster-fire world of pirates, Totto Land could only say it thrived because of its even worse competitors.
At the same time, Whole Cake Island had entered a state of high alert.
Katakuri looked up at the small island flying in from the distance, his expression dark.
Totto Land's supposedly perfect defense system revealed a fatal flaw at this moment—its inability to monitor the skies.
Dr. Reddy had flown almost all the way to Whole Cake Island before being detected.
What if this wasn't for the tea party but a sneak attack?
The thought sent a chill down Katakuri's spine.
Hopeless.
Totto Land absolutely couldn't defend against a surprise attack from the sky.
Perospero walked up behind Katakuri with a grim expression. "Katakuri, it's like they planned it. They're all arriving at Whole Cake Island at the same time."
Just three hours ago, the Queen of the Pleasure District, Stussy, had arrived on Whole Cake Island.
Shortly after, Loan Shark King Du Feld, Shipping King Umit, and World Economic News Agency President Morgan arrived one after another.
Reddy was the last VIP guest for the tea party.
"It's fine. Just proceed with the plan as scheduled."
Katakuri didn't care much about Stussy and the other underworld big shots. After all, their role was just to spread the news.
Perospero nodded. "Mom asked me to tell you that the tea party might be delayed by one or two days."
"Huh?"
Katakuri was slightly surprised and turned to look at Perospero.
Perospero gave a meaningful smile. "A little rat has snuck onto the island. Mom wants to catch him before holding the tea party."
Totto Land was Big Mom's territory, a place shrouded in mystery to the outside world.
Smoker had no idea that the moment he infiltrated Whole Cake Island, he had been spotted by the Homies on the island. Now, with the tea party approaching and the matter involving Reddy, one of the Yonko, the island was already on high alert.
The Homies who discovered Smoker immediately relayed the information.
"Let me handle it."
Katakuri didn't want the tea party to be delayed and volunteered to capture the intruder.
Perospero stopped him. "You need to properly receive that man."
He gestured with his chin toward the slowly descending island, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.
Among all the siblings, Katakuri was the one Big Mom valued the most.
For example, this time, he had volunteered to represent the Big Mom Pirates in welcoming Reddy, but Big Mom insisted that Katakuri handle it.
The implications behind this decision made him, the eldest son, very uncomfortable—but there was nothing he could do.
"I understand. Then I'll leave it to you, brother."
Katakuri earned Big Mom's favor not just because of his strength but also his intelligence. With just one sentence, he eased most of Perospero's dissatisfaction.
Welcoming Reddy was important to Big Mom, but catching the intruder was equally crucial.
Otherwise, Big Mom wouldn't have decided to postpone the tea party.
This had never happened before.
"Leave the little rat to me."
Perospero patted Katakuri's arm with a friendly look before twirling his candy cane and walking away.
A while later, the small island stopped about a hundred meters above the sea.
Soon, a flying carpet descended from the island.
When Reddy stepped onto the land of Whole Cake Island alone, Katakuri expertly concealed the flicker of emotion in his eyes and quickly stepped forward to greet him.
"Dr. Reddy, welcome to Whole Cake Island."
This was Katakuri's first time meeting Reddy up close, and he couldn't help feeling a little nervous.
It wasn't because he was timid.
Anyone who had witnessed Reddy's clones repelling four Yonko/Admiral-level monsters would feel an invisible pressure standing before him.
"Is this a show of weakness or a display of strength?"
Katakuri couldn't figure out why Reddy had come alone, but it made him believe the rumors about Reddy being a Devil Fruit user even more.
Only a Devil Fruit user would be fearless in taking such risks.
"When does the tea party start?"
Reddy glanced around with a gentle smile, showing none of the oppressive aura expected of a Yonko. Instead, he seemed like an ordinary tourist.
"Apologies."
Katakuri pushed aside his thoughts and said regretfully, "The tea party might be delayed. Please forgive us."
Reddy waved his hand. "It's fine. Do you mind if I take a look around the island?"
Katakuri hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I'll arrange a suitable guide for you. I hope you don't mind."
With that, he clapped his hands.
Soon, Pudding walked over, surrounded by a group of Chess Soldiers.
Pudding wore a pink princess dress and looked utterly well-behaved—the kind of girl anyone would instinctively like.
"My sister, Pudding."
Katakuri gave a brief introduction before adding, "She knows the island very well, so..."
Reddy smiled and waved his hand. "There's no need to trouble a princess to guide me around. I'm just curious and want to take a casual look... Hmm, how about him?"
He randomly pointed at one of the Chess Soldiers.
Katakuri frowned slightly.
Why aren't you following the script?
At that moment, Pudding lifted the hem of her skirt, puffed out her cheeks, and kicked at Reddy's leg.
Reddy naturally avoided the kick by stepping back, his face showing a meaningful expression as he apologized, "My mistake. Please show me around, lovely princess."
"Pudding!"
Seeing Reddy relent, Katakuri relaxed and pretended to scold his sister, silently praising her for cleverly salvaging the situation.
"Sorry."
Pudding lifted her skirt in a half-hearted apology before walking ahead.
Reddy followed behind her, hands in his pockets, the corners of his lips curling slightly.
Girl, you're digging your own grave!