Chapter 104: The Uninvited Guest!
[New World - The Deck of the Heavy Cruiser Pola]
The tension on the steel deck was palpable, a thin wire stretched to its breaking point, humming with the silent clash of wills.
Charlotte Katakuri stood tall, his trident Mogura resting against his shoulder. He looked down at Suzaku, his scarf masking his expression, but his sharp, crimson eyes betrayed a deep, calculating wariness.
He nodded solemnly.
"Yes, Captain Suzaku," Katakuri said, his voice deep and resonant, vibrating through the deck plates. "Mama has always shown... great respect for the strong. Hearing that the Suzaku Pirates have entered the New World and shaken the Marines so thoroughly... she immediately sent me here. This invitation is a sign of her sincerity."
He held out the pink envelope sealed with the Yonko's emblem.
Suzaku heard this and sported a playful, knowing smile. He swirled the tea in his cup, watching the liquid vortex.
Sincerity?
He mentally scoffed. It's a test. A probe. A honey-coated trap.
Big Mom didn't make alliances; she made subordinates. She absorbed crews through marriage, bloodlines, and soul intimidation. The "Respect" Katakuri spoke of was likely just Mama's appetite for a new collection piece.
But what does that matter?
Suzaku glanced at the 'companions' standing behind him.
Albedo, whose black wings twitched with the suppressed desire to slaughter anyone who looked at him wrong. Madara, leaning against the gun turret with his arms crossed, looking bored by the lack of bloodshed. Ulquiorra, standing silent and efficient as a shadow.
A heroic spirit surged in Suzaku's heart.
With his current strength and this crew of monsters, where in the entire New World could he not go?
Forget a mere Tea Party; even if he were to sail straight back into Marineford right now, he would do so with a smile on his face!
Moreover, Suzaku thought, his eyes glinting with ambition. If the Big Mom Pirates truly harbor ill intentions... then that's even better.
It would be the perfect opportunity. He would use this highly anticipated stage—the Tea Party where the Underworld Emperors gathered—to create an earth-shattering headline. He would let the name of the Suzaku Pirates resonate loudly right from their first major social event in the New World.
"Fine!"
Suzaku leaned back in his deck chair, crossing his legs casually. He waved his hand lazily, signaling acceptance.
"Since you show such sincerity, Katakuri, I accept this invitation. Tell Mama we will participate on time when the day comes. We look forward to the cake."
"Lord Suzaku."
Albedo stepped forward immediately. Her gentle voice carried a trace of subtle seriousness and deep concern.
"The Tea Party... it is fraught with unknown dangers. To agree so rashly to enter her territory, the heart of Totto Land... is that wise? It could be an ambush."
Before she could finish her sentence, Suzaku raised his hand to stop her.
"It's fine, Albedo," Suzaku's voice was calm, yet carried an authority that allowed no rebuttal.
"Since they sent their most important son—the strongest Sweet Commander—to visit in person, we have no reason not to accept this 'courtesy.' Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Katakuri?"
He deliberately emphasized the word "courtesy," his eyes locking with Katakuri's.
Katakuri's left eyelid twitched visibly. He understood the subtext: 'I know you're assessing me. And I'm letting you.'
Hearing Lord Suzaku's words, Albedo bowed her head deeply. "As you command."
Katakuri could only nod again, saying in a deep voice:
"...Yes. This will be a friendly banquet. Please rest assured, we bear absolutely no ill will."
Although he said this, his internal monologue was screaming a warning. Having witnessed the other party in person—seeing the casual arrogance of Suzaku and the lethal, restrained aura of his crew—Katakuri realized a terrifying truth.
We are inviting a tiger into our living room, Katakuri thought, sweat beading under his scarf. The danger level posed by the Suzaku Pirates must be re-evaluated immediately. This man is not a subordinate type.
However, just as this subtle diplomatic atmosphere was taking shape...
RUMBLE...
The sea began to vibrate.
It wasn't the vibration of an engine or a wave. It was a brutal, savage aura that surged without warning from the distant horizon. It felt like a physical wave of violence, crushing the air itself.
"Hmm?"
Suzaku and Katakuri simultaneously turned their heads, looking toward the direction the aura was coming from.
They saw a massive warship tearing through the waves.
It wasn't elegant like the Pola. It wasn't whimsical like the Queen Mama Chanter.
It was a floating fortress of iron, rust, and dark wood, scarred by countless battles. Its figurehead was carved into a ferocious, tusks-forward Mammoth head. The ship didn't ride the waves; it smashed through them with brute force.
Flying from the main mast was the pirate flag of another Sea Emperor—the skull with curved horns.
The Beasts Pirates.
"Lord Jack!" a lookout shouted from the mammoth ship, his voice amplified by a horn. "We've found the Suzaku Pirates! But... it looks like the Big Mom Pirates' ship is there too! That's Katakuri's ship!"
"WHAT IS THERE TO FEAR?!"
A coarse, thunderous roar came from the mammoth ship, drowning out the wind and the ocean.
"Lord Kaido's order is an invitation, not a negotiation! Even if Big Mom's people are there, they still have to step aside for me! Who do you think I am?!"
"Bring the ship closer! Ram them if you have to!"
On the deck of the Pola, Katakuri's expression instantly darkened. His Haki flared defensively.
"The Beasts Pirates..." Katakuri muttered, his tone filled with disdain for an opponent who lacked elegance and tact. "'The Drought' Jack. Why is that brainless idiot here?"
"It truly is lively today," Suzaku laughed, leaning back in his chair. His fingers resumed their rhythmic tapping on the armrest. He seemed quite interested in this unexpected "visitor," treating the approach of a Calamity like a street performance.
"We just had a 'polite' messenger, and now we have a 'fierce' guest. The Yonko are certainly eager to meet me."
Katakuri took a deep breath. As a guest (and a rival Emperor's commander), he felt it necessary to demonstrate the attitude of the Big Mom Pirates.
He proactively stepped forward, his trident hitting the deck. "Captain Suzaku, there's no need to trouble yourself. As subordinates of the Yonko, I will go make him leave. Jack is... difficult, but he understands strength."
"No need," Suzaku shook his head, his smile returning to its lazy state.
"I am quite curious," Suzaku said, looking at the mammoth ship closing in. "Who gave him the guts to charge over like this after seeing my ship? Does he think wood beats steel?"
Before he finished speaking, the massive mammoth ship had rudely squeezed its way over.
SCREECH!
Its hull ground against the Pola's steel side, stripping paint and shaking the vessel.
THUD!
A burly giant leaped directly from the ship. He didn't use a rope or a ramp. He jumped.
He was over eight meters tall, wearing a metallic jaw guard and draped in a thick coat made of mammoth fur. Two massive ivory tusks curved from his shoulders. His braid swung behind him like a tail.
With a loud CRASH, he landed heavily on the deck of the Pola. The impact cracked the steel plating and caused the entire 10,000-ton ship to shake violently.
The newcomer was none other than one of the Beasts Pirates' "Three Disasters" (All-Stars).
Jack the Drought. Bounty: 1 Billion Berries.
He stood up, dusting off his hands. A foul smell of dried blood and dust radiated from him. He scanned the area with small, cruel eyes. His gaze briefly rested on Katakuri, dismissing him with a sneer.
Then, full of contempt, his eyes fell upon Suzaku.
"Hey," Jack barked, pointing a massive finger. "Are you the Suzaku Brat?"
The silence on the deck was absolute.
"Impudence!"
The moment Jack's words fell, a bone-chilling killing intent erupted!
Albedo's golden pupils instantly turned scarlet. Her black wings flared open, casting a shadow over Jack. The air around her twisted. She looked ready to tear the disrespectful ant before her into shreds the next second.
"You dare address the Supreme Being as 'Brat'?!" Albedo hissed, her hand forming a claw. "I will rip your tongue out!"
The lazy smile on Suzaku's face vanished completely the instant Jack spoke.
He raised his hand again, stopping the nearly rampaging Albedo with a gesture. But there was no warmth left in his pitch-black eyes. They were voids.
Seeing this, Katakuri inwardly thought, This is bad. Jack is going to start a war right here.
He immediately stepped forward, his voice booming. "Jack! Mind your words! This is Captain Suzaku of the Suzaku Pirates, and he is currently in talks with the Big Mom Pirates! Show some respect!"
"Huh? Friend?" Jack grinned widely, letting out a harsh, mocking laugh that sounded like grinding rocks.
"What does that have to do with me! I came here on the command of Governor-General Kaido!"
Jack ignored Katakuri and glared at Suzaku, looming over him.
"Listen up, Suzaku Brat! Lord Kaido greatly appreciates you! He thinks you have guts for hitting the Marines!"
Jack spread his arms wide, as if offering a gift.
"He has decided to grant you a huge honor! He is inviting you and your subordinates to join the Beasts Pirates! You can be a Headliner! Maybe even a Tobi Roppo if you're strong enough!"
"How about it? Get down on your knees and thank him profusely for his mercy!"
In Jack's twisted worldview, this was the ultimate offer. For a newcomer who had just entered the New World to receive the appreciation of Kaido, the "World's Strongest Creature," was a gift from the heavens. Submission was the only logical response.
The air on the deck seemed to freeze at that moment. Even the waves seemed to stop moving.
Suzaku expressionlessly assessed the behemoth standing before him. He looked at the tusks. He looked at the jaw guard. He looked at the dull intelligence in Jack's eyes.
In his mind, he wasn't thinking about the threat. He wasn't thinking about Kaido.
He was pondering a very serious, very cynical question.
One billion Berries... Suzaku thought, tilting his head slightly.
How much of this guy's bounty is actually for his strength?
And how much is just inflation because he's a catastrophic idiot with giant ivory tusks who destroys everything he touches?
Probaby 900 million for the tusks and the destructive attitude. 100 million for the brain.
"His thought process is certainly unusual," Suzaku mused internally.
"Never mind. Since he doesn't know how to behave, he might as well be taught. We need to set boundaries early in the New World."
From Suzaku's frighteningly calm gaze, Katakuri foresaw the terrifying events about to unfold. His Future Sight flashed with images of violence.
He was about to speak again to mediate, to prevent a clash between two Emperors' interests.
"Suzaku, wait—"
But he met a look cast by Suzaku.
It was a cold gaze, yet filled with absolute dominance. It wasn't a request. It was a command.
Stay out of this.
All of Katakuri's words were instantly stuck in his throat. He stepped back, his instincts screaming at him not to intervene.
Suzaku withdrew his gaze from the Sweet Commander and finally spoke slowly. His voice was soft, but clearly audible to everyone present in the silent tension.
"Akame."
Swish.
A red and black figure appeared beside Suzaku without warning. It was as if she had been standing in his shadow all along, waiting for this moment.
The young woman held her cursed sword, Murasame. Her delicate face was devoid of expression, save for her ruby-like eyes which were quietly watching Suzaku, awaiting her companion's command.
She didn't look at Jack. She only looked at her Captain.
"You ate quite a bit today," Suzaku said to her, his voice carrying a hint of nonchalance, as if discussing the weather. "You should get some exercise and digest it. You don't want cramps."
He stretched out his finger and casually pointed toward the giant who was still laughing maniacally on the deck.
"Rem. Ram. You two go as well."
"Yes, Lord Suzaku!"
The twin maids stepped forward from behind the chair. Ram crackled with blue electricity, her pink hair floating. Rem floated slightly off the ground, her morningstar flail appearing in her hand with a heavy clank.
Suzaku leaned back in his chair, picking up his tea again. He didn't even stand up to face the Calamity.
"Go," Suzaku ordered calmly.
"Go and 'play' properly with this... guest who doesn't know his place."
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