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Chapter 173 The Party and the Invitation
Chapter 173 The Party and the Invitation
The caramel speedboat sliced through the sea, and Cake Island came into view. Cake Island was surrounded by rivers flowing with honey, and the candy forests on the shore were lush and green. Even the air was filled with an intensely sweet aroma, and every breath felt like savoring the finest honey desserts.
As the speedboat slowly docked at the port, Robin and the others were surprised to see the talking plants and trees before them.
"How strange, these trees can actually talk."
Matsumoto Rangiku was the first to break down; it was the first time she had ever seen so many plants that could talk.
Seeing Kanna happily talking to the flowers, Smoothie explained, "Mom is a user of the Soul-Soul Fruit, so she can give these plants souls, making them able to talk like people."
After walking along the path to the Cake Castle and arriving in front of it, the ever-curious Kanna was completely awestruck by the sight before her.
The banquet hall at the top of the castle was already decorated. The huge crystal chandelier was made of thousands of sparkling candy crystals, which reflected a dazzling light and illuminated the entire space as if it were daytime.
The carpet is woven from the most precious silk and cotton candy, and it feels soft and comfortable underfoot, with a subtle sensation of stepping on poop.
The surrounding walls are inlaid with murals meticulously crafted from dark chocolate and white sugar, showcasing the most famous and distinctive desserts from around the world.
The main banquet table was dozens of feet long and was carved from a single block of dark chocolate. The tablecloth was made of silk soaked in a special cloud-shaped candy and fruit juice syrup, giving off a faint fragrance.
The table was filled with a dazzling array of desserts, each one a work of art.
The honey crepe cake is layered with honey flowing slowly from the top, its golden color is very appealing;
The Supreme Jelly is crystal clear, filled with various fruit fillings, and shimmers with an enticing luster under the light; there is also the Everlasting Sugar-Filled Glutinous Rice Daifuku, each one round and plump, with golden sugar frosting on the outside that shines brightly in the sunlight and exudes a mouthwatering aroma.
Although the mention of icing always conjures up some nauseating images for Shiraha —
Charlotte Linlin sat on her throne, holding a giant cake in her hand, and was eating it with great relish.
Upon seeing Bai Yu and his group arrive, she immediately put down the cake in her hand and burst into hearty laughter, her voice so loud it seemed it could shatter the surrounding glass: "Oh my god, Uchiha Bai Yu, you've finally arrived! Come on, come on, have a seat! This is a supreme dessert banquet that I specially prepared for you. As the ones who found the invitation, you must eat and drink to your heart's content!"
Bai Yu nodded slightly and led his companions slowly toward the main banquet table.
Smoothie followed closely beside Bai Yu, her face beaming with joy. She expertly introduced each dessert to Bai Yu: "Bai Yu, this is Black Forest Cake, made with black cocoa powder and fresh raspberries, which are unique to Cake Island."
That's mango pudding, the juice comes from the sweetest mangoes on Fruit Juice Island; and this drink is a fruit liqueur made from a variety of fruits, it's not very strong and has a refreshing, sweet taste, you must try it.
The banquet officially began, and melodious music flowed gently through the hall. Dancers, dressed in gorgeous costumes, danced gracefully to the music, their movements as elegant as fairies descending to earth. Everyone raised their glasses to pay tribute to Bai Yu.
Bai Yu picked up the wine glass, took a small sip, and the sweet taste of the fruit wine instantly spread in her mouth, sliding down her throat and into her stomach, making her feel refreshed and relaxed.
"Come, Mr. Baiyu, let me toast you!"
Perospero, the strategist of the Big Mom Pirates and the eldest brother of the crew, raised his glass, his eyes full of enthusiasm: "Thank you for coming to Whole Cake Island. When Mom sent out the invitation in this form, none of us really expected a response, but since fate has brought us together, Mom made sure everyone was well prepared."
Bai Yu put down his wine glass and said calmly, "I will remember Big Mom's hospitality. I came here today to see the splendor of Whole Cake Island."
BigMom laughed heartily and then began to tell his story from the past.
She reminisced about her youthful days at sea, telling the story of how she built her empire and protected her family, her eyes filled with deep affection and emotion. In fact, the old lady was quite talkative; at least her story was full of ups and downs, with both the hardships of starting a business and the joy of success. Connor listened with great interest, occasionally letting out a sigh of admiration.
"In my life, the things I value most are my family and sweets."
The woman said emotionally, "I will do everything I can to protect my family. Sweets are an indispensable part of my life. I hope to build a world without war and suffering, so that everyone can live happily together and enjoy delicious sweets every day."
Hearing this, a hint of emotion flashed in Nico Robin's eyes. She never expected that Big Mom, the Third Emperor, who was feared by many in the New World, would have such an ideal.
The atmosphere at the banquet grew increasingly lively, with everyone raising their glasses in toasts. Although the fruit wine had a low alcohol content, it had a strong aftereffect.
Before they knew it, everyone was a little tipsy. Smoothie's cheeks were flushed and her eyes were hazy, but she still stayed close to Bai Yu, occasionally putting food on his plate, her words full of longing: "Lord Bai Yu, please eat more. These are all carefully selected by me, they are especially delicious."
Bai Yu smiled and nodded, chatting and laughing with everyone. Looking at the lively scene before him, he was secretly wary, feeling that this seemingly perfect banquet concealed some unknown secret.
Time slipped away quietly amidst laughter and joy, and before we knew it, the seven-day banquet had already lasted for three days.
The woman continued recounting her past with great enthusiasm, sometimes laughing heartily, sometimes shedding tears of emotion. She stood up, waved her arms, and announced loudly, "This banquet will last for four more days! It will never end! I want everyone who received an invitation to fully enjoy the sweetness of Cake Island!"
The crowd cheered and applauded, bringing the atmosphere in the banquet hall to a climax.
The sounds of music, laughter, and clinking glasses mingled together, creating a joyful symphony.
However, while everyone was immersed in the joy of the banquet, Perospero wore a fake smile, but his eyes were gleaming with calculation.
He licked the candy cane in his hand and said with feigned curiosity, "Bai Yu-jun, I have long admired your superb swordsmanship, and I have long admired your sword. I wonder if you could draw it and let me have a look at this legendary divine weapon?"
Bai Yu raised an eyebrow slightly, understanding dawning on him. He knew that Perospero probably wanted to take away his Zanpakuto under the pretext of watching.
But he didn't care. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he calmly said, "Since Mr. Perospero has such an interest, Bai Yu naturally won't mind."
As soon as he finished speaking, Bai Yu slowly drew his Zanpakuto from his waist.
The moment the blade was drawn, a cool light flashed, and the blade turned a pale blue-green, like a clear lake.
Bai Yu silently chanted in his heart, "Shatter, you illusory flower, you fleeting dream!"
In an instant, an invisible aura enveloped the entire area. No one felt it except for Uchiha Hakuha, who knew that Kyoka Suigetsu had perfectly hypnotized everyone present.
"This—this is your sword?" Perospero's eyes widened, but he was secretly delighted. This Uchiha Shiraha was really easy to fool.
Bai Yu held the Mirror Flower Water Moon in his hand, his gaze calmly sweeping across the entire arena.
He could clearly sense that the power of "Mirror Flower Water Moon" had been quietly activated, and everyone in the banquet hall had fallen into a state of complete hypnosis.
Their senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and even spiritual pressure perception have all been completely controlled by Bai Yu.
"Perosperosan, you want to enjoy it, don't you? Then enjoy it to your heart's content."
Bai Yu's voice was calm and unwavering, as if he didn't care at all.
Perospero stared at the sword before him, thinking that he had finally tricked Uchiha Shiroha into handing over the sword. When his mother made her move, Uchiha Shiroha would be much weaker in combat.
"Shiraha-kun, your sword is truly amazing!"
Perospero remained immersed in his hallucination, his eyes gleaming with fanaticism: "I can feel it contains boundless power, it's perfect for you."
Bai Yu nodded slightly, a cold smile playing on his lips.
Once the illusion takes effect, Perospero will be his prisoner forever.
From now on, whenever and wherever Bai Yu wishes, he can manipulate Bai Yu's senses at any time, causing Bai Yu to fall into the illusions he creates.
Everyone else in the banquet hall was also permanently hypnotized by Bai Yu.
The woman remained seated on the throne, holding a cake in her hand, a happy smile on her face, as if nothing around her had changed.
Katakuri closed his eyes, a slight smile playing on his lips, as if he were enjoying some kind of beautiful dream.
Smoothie nestled close to Bai Yu, a sweet smile on her face and eyes full of love.
Bai Yu was genuinely curious about what they were planning to do.
This seemingly sweet banquet was, from the very beginning, a meticulously planned trap.
Now, he has seized the initiative, and everything on Whole Cake Island will be under his control.
Retsu Unohana stood beside Shiraha and asked softly, "Shiraha, what should we do next?"
Bai Yu didn't care: "Let's wait and see. Since they want to play, we'll play along."
This is just the beginning.
Artoria, holding the holy sword, said in a deep voice, "No matter what happens, I will protect everyone's safety."
Bai Yu smiled slightly and patted Artoria on the shoulder: "Don't worry, I'm here, nothing will happen."
The banquet hall was still filled with the sweet aroma and the music was still melodious, but beneath this seemingly beautiful facade, a huge storm was quietly brewing.
The sweet fragrance still lingered in the banquet hall, mingling with the light of the crystal chandelier, and the melodious music still flowed in the air. However, the previously harmonious atmosphere was subtly shrouded in a heavy layer of probing and pressure in Charlotte Linlin's next words.
The middle-aged woman placed the giant strawberry cake, which she had half-eaten, aside. Cream and jam splattered onto the armrest of the chocolate throne. She wiped the frosting from the corner of her mouth, then slammed her thick hand heavily on the table. The entire banquet table, carved from dark chocolate, trembled, and the dazzling array of desserts on the table swayed slightly. The sound of honey and syrup flowing became exceptionally clear.
Her large eyes stared intently at Bai Yu, and her originally cheerful smile now carried an undeniable air of dominance. Her loud voice drowned out the music and conversation in the banquet hall, causing the surrounding candy crystal chandeliers to jingle softly.
"Alright, alright, alright! Uchiha Hakuha, since we've already come this far with the banquet, I won't beat around the bush with you anymore!"
Charlotte Linlin stood up, her massive body radiating an oppressive aura. The faint scent of the Soul-Soul Fruit quietly permeated the air. This was Big Mom's imposing presence, the threat emanating from every word and action of the Sea Emperor.
"I, Charlotte Linlin, have ruled Whole Cake Island for many years and have seen countless powerful individuals, but I have never encountered one as young as you with such strength and bearing! I admire you greatly. Why don't you and your companions join my Big Mom Pirates!"
The moment these words were spoken, the entire room fell silent.
A smug glint flashed in Perospero's eyes as Katakuri slowly opened his eyes. The power of the Mochi Mochi Fruit quietly gathered. The Big Mom Pirates members, who were originally immersed in a sweet illusion, all turned to look at Bai Yu, waiting for his response.
Smoothie stood beside Bai Yu. Upon hearing the old woman's words, her cheeks instantly flushed red, the color spreading from her ears all the way to her neck. Her eyes, already slightly tipsy from the fruit wine, welled up with tears. She subconsciously gripped Bai Yu's sleeve, her fingertips trembling slightly, yet she couldn't help but look up at Bai Yu. Her affectionate eyes were filled with anticipation and shyness, and even her breathing became softer.
Seeing Smoothie's girlish demeanor, the old woman burst into laughter, pointing her thick finger at her daughter with a teasing tone: "Well, well, well! My good daughter Smoothie, it seems you've already found someone you love! Bai Yu, don't worry, as long as you join my Big Mom Pirates, I'll marry Smoothie to you! She's one of my most capable daughters, incredibly strong, and her looks are among the best in Whole Cake Island. She's more than a match for you, Uchiha Bai Yu! From now on, you'll be the sons-in-law of the Charlotte family, and you'll have a share of all the desserts, soldiers, and territory in Whole Cake Island!"
Smoothie became even more shy after the old lady's words. Her head drooped slightly, her long eyelashes trembled gently, but she still clung tightly to Bai Yu, her gaze never leaving him. Her shy yet affectionate appearance made the women around her chuckle.
Bai Yu merely observed everything indifferently. The hypnotic effect of "Mirror Flower Water Moon" still firmly controlled everyone's perception. His face remained expressionless, his fingertips lightly tapping the table, his tone calm and even: "I appreciate Big Mom's kindness. However, I have always been accustomed to working alone, and my crew members are all free agents with no intention of joining any pirate crew."