Chapter 31: Big Mom's Invitation
We are located in the New World, on the territory of one of the five Emperors: that of Gojo.
The main island, nicknamed Sagittarius, majestically stands at the center of the infinity sign. This vast land unfolds lush vegetation interspersed with crystalline lakes. Cherry blossoms elegantly line the traditional residences, creating an enchanting tableau. At the heart of the island stand the strategic facilities and Gojo's central residence, the Captain's seat and the curses.
Mei Mei, one of the ten shamans and guardian of the Gemini island, advanced with measured steps. Her braided white hair veiling her face did not hide her serene smile. Her bounty of 310,100,000 Berries testified to her renown.
Welcomed by the residents and apprentice pirates, she progressed to her captain's quarters. Crossing the threshold, she discovered Gojo, bare-chested, casually seated on a cushion.
"Long time no see, Mei-chan. Did you miss me?" Gojo exclaimed cheerfully.
"How could I forget my idiot captain who made me lose 100,000,000 Berries two months ago?" she replied, her gentle smile making Gojo shiver.
"Hahaha... You still remember that," he said, looking away.
"Nevertheless..." sighed Mei Mei. "Where are the three curses currently?" she asked calmly.
"Each is going about their business. They only come back here to rest or when I order them to," he explained as Mei Mei nodded.
She knew perfectly well the nature of the three curses. Their loyalty was only to Gojo himself, this egocentric being they blindly followed.
"By the way, regarding this invitation..." he continued, looking at a parchment adorned with a strange skull shaped like a candy. "Attending one of Big Mom's tea parties could be interesting," he said with a mysterious smile.
Suddenly, hurried steps echoed in the hallway. The sliding door opened abruptly to reveal Utahime, out of breath. Considered as Gojo's secretary, she was also one of the shamans and governed the Cancer island. Her bounty of 275,000,000 Berries attested to her worth.
"An Emperor is inviting you and you plan to go without the curses!?" she exclaimed, alarmed.
"Calm down, Utahime," replied Gojo, his tone becoming serious. "Big Mom is not foolish. She knows that a war would be a strategic mistake," he affirmed calmly.
Utahime, often the target of her captain's teasing and the main source of his stress, knew that when he adopted this tone, no one dared to contradict him, not even the three curses. And besides, Big Mom never invited anyone without seeing an interest in it.
"Big Mom will certainly try to persuade you to give it to her," intervened Mei Mei with a mischievous smile that made Utahime shudder.
"You mean..." stammered Utahime, a cold sweat breaking out on her forehead.
"Exactly... The Road Poneglyph that King Neptune entrusted to us as a token of friendship five years ago," confirmed Mei Mei.
All the crew members knew that Gojo had no particular interest in the One Piece. His only motivation was to prevent anyone he deemed unworthy from accessing it. The Poneglyph rested in the depths of the castle, protected by an elite guard. Only a fool would dare to try to steal it, especially in the presence of Gojo.
"But how could she know? The Fish-Man Island is under Whitebeard's protection..." Utahime pondered aloud.
"Don't worry, Utahime-chan," reassured Gojo, giving her a light tap on the head that slightly irritated her. "I would never leave my crew unprotected," he affirmed, making her eyes widen. "And besides... You know I love interesting situations, and this one is..." he added with a wide smile.
"But..." she protested as Gojo's large hand rested on her head, affectionately caressing her.
"I will bring the two most powerful shamans. I want you to summon one of the curses and watch over the territory in my absence," he declared, removing his hand from Utahime's hair, receiving the silent agreement of the two women who took their leave.