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Chapter 159: Who Among You Will Marry Kuke?
🕑 Added 2024-11-18 18:53:06 +0000 UTCTotto Land
The vast territory of the Big Mom Pirates, ruled by Big Mom herself, spanned 34 islands, all centered around the headquarters at Whole Cake Island.
Each of these 34 islands was governed by one of Big Mom's Ministers.
"There’s only one week left until the tea party."
The streets of Whole Cake Island bustled with activity. The entire Big Mom Pirates were in motion, gathering the most exquisite ingredients, the finest wines... all in preparation for a tea party that promised to surpass any before it.
Big Mom's children were all involved, each busy with their assigned tasks, their expressions betraying their tension.
This time, the guest list wasn’t the usual collection of high-society figures—it was on an entirely different level. For the first time, they were inviting another Yonko to attend the tea party.
No matter what the underlying motive behind the invitation was, everything on the surface had to be of the highest standard.
"I hope it’s just a marriage alliance," Katakuri muttered to himself, training alone, pushing himself to grow stronger.
He had no idea what might happen at the tea party. The best possible outcome, in his mind, was a political marriage—an alliance that brought mutual benefits without conflict, even possibly forming a powerful union between the crews.
The worst outcome, of course, would be outright war. Despite being the number two in the Big Mom Pirates, Katakuri had no way to control these events. All he could do was prepare for the worst, honing his strength for his family, for his siblings.
"Katakuri, if it comes to marriage, who do you think Mama will pick?" Oven asked, leaning against the wall, curiosity written all over his face.
"I don’t think she’s decided yet," Daifuku replied. He was there too.
The three brothers were triplets, sharing a close bond. They were among the strongest in the Big Mom Pirates.
Big Mom had many children, and as a result, the crew was effectively a family organization. Most of her children had different fathers, and because of that, various factions had formed within the crew, many based on having the same father.
The Katakuri triplets were considered one of the strongest factions in the family.
"It’s a shame none of us have a sister," Oven lamented.
This was an alliance with another Yonko, not just any marriage proposal. Whoever married Kuke would instantly have the highest status within the family.
Daifuku sighed. "Honestly, no one among our sisters is really up to Kuke’s level. He’s in the same league as Mama—a figure of immense power and influence."
None of them underestimated Kuke or the Sun and Moon Pirates.
Regardless of the methods used, the outcome spoke for itself—Kaido had been defeated, Sengoku was dead.
Facts were facts.
Oven’s face suddenly turned pensive. "Katakuri, do you think... it could be Mama herself?"
Katakuri froze, remembering how intrigued their mother had been whenever Kuke was mentioned. She seemed to have quite an interest in him.
"It’s not out of the question. When it comes to status, power, and influence—no one among our previous fathers could even compare. But Kuke is so young," Daifuku said, scratching his head.
All three of them were thirty-six years old—significantly older than Kuke.
"I don’t think so," Katakuri finally said, though his expression betrayed his uncertainty. "Mama has called all the family’s eligible women together. I doubt she’d choose herself."
But if she did, it would be a disaster.
Even aside from how the family might feel about having someone younger than them become their stepfather, Katakuri was sure of one thing—Kuke would never agree. If Mama made that move, it would undoubtedly provoke him and lead to conflict.
It wasn’t that Katakuri underestimated his mother—he just didn’t see why Kuke would accept. He was a Yonko too, after all.
"Let’s hope Smoothie or one of the others can make it work. Otherwise, with Mama’s personality, if the marriage doesn’t happen, she’ll try to take what she wants by force," Daifuku said, a note of worry in his voice.
"Let’s hope," Katakuri agreed.
Whole Cake Island
Big Mom had gathered all her daughters who were at least fifteen years old, even those who were already married. Twenty women in total stood before her.
Their expressions varied, but most had a pretty good idea why they had been summoned.
"Who will Mama choose?"
They all looked at their mother with anticipation.
In the past, marriages were always arranged by Big Mom, and none of her daughters had any say in the matter. Living under Big Mom’s rule came with privileges, but it also meant sacrifices for the family’s benefit.
Some of them were already married, alliances that had significantly expanded the Big Mom Pirates' influence.
They had never liked these arrangements. In fact, many of them despised it. Each daughters was powerful in thier own right, and as members of Big Mom’s family, they had a natural pride.
There were few men on the seas whom they considered worthy of them.
This time, though, it was different.
They didn’t have a choice now, just like before, but their feelings had changed. The past marriage alliances were mostly for power—matches made for strategic reasons, rather than genuine connection.
"But this time, it’s Kuke."
Everything about Kuke—his deeds, his strength, his character—was known to them in great detail. There was nothing vague or uncertain.
"Leaving aside his strength, just his looks alone—there aren’t many men in the world who can compare to Kuke. Anyone marrying him would be lucky."
"Among the men who can stand on equal footing with Kuke, most are from Mama’s generation. Among the younger generation, even the famous Red-Haired Shanks can’t compare to Kuke."
"If only Mama chose me."
"I hope it’s me."
The grand hall was quiet as the daughters waited, holding their breaths, watching their mother.
"None of you are worthy," Smoothie scoffed, her gaze sweeping over her sisters.
Smoothie was the pride of the Big Mom Pirates when it came to talent, strength, and appearance. At just twenty-three, she was already one of the Sweet Commanders—one of the top officers in the crew. Among all of Big Mom's daughters, she had the highest bounty and was the strongest.
Because of her status and strength, Smoothie had never been used as a tool for marriage alliances.
But she was here now.
"Women are not inherently weaker than men, and if I were to choose a husband, the only one worthy of me on this ocean is Kuke," Smoothie declared confidently.
If anyone was going to marry Kuke, it should be her. She wasn’t about to let someone else disgrace him.
"Mama..."
Big Mom opened her eyes, surveying her daughters. She took in their eager expressions, and she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disdain.
In the past, some of them had run away when she arranged their marriages. But this time, they all seemed rather enthusiastic.
Big Mom snorted in contempt. It seemed even her daughters knew how to assess someone's worth.
"This Kuke, he must be something special," Big Mom mused aloud. "He’s never even set foot here, yet my daughters are already infatuated with him. I suppose that’s only natural, though—he’s a man that even I find intriguing."
She glanced at the giant photograph of Kuke beside her.
A crooked smile spread across her face, her mouth salivating, acidic drool dripping down.
"If I’d met him sooner, you girls wouldn’t even get the chance," Big Mom muttered, shaking her head with a sigh.
At first, she had entertained the idea of using brute force to claim Kuke. But as his reputation grew, as his strength became more apparent, she realized the odds were not in her favor.
So, reluctantly, she decided to leave this opportunity to her daughters.
