Compared to Roger, gathering intelligence on Big Mom was much easier. It didn't take long for word of the Roger Pirates entering the waters near Whole Cake Island to reach Carl's desk, along with the log pose to the island.
With the intel in hand, Carl didn't need further instructions from Kong. He walked to the office window and leaped out. Mid-air, he transformed partially, dark bat wings unfurling as he streaked across the sky like a red comet, vanishing over the horizon.
On the Oro Jackson, Roger stood at the bow, gazing at the ever-nearing Whole Cake Island. Rayleigh joined him, his voice low.
"Roger, Charlotte Linlin isn't an easy woman to deal with. Are you sure she'll hand over the Poneglyph?"
Roger replied with a resolute expression. "Regardless, we have to see it. My time is running out, Rayleigh. You know that."
Rayleigh's face turned somber. "Maybe with some rest, there could be a chance…"
"No, Rayleigh. I know my own body, and Crocus said as much: my illness has no cure."
With a smile, Roger clapped Rayleigh on the shoulder. "Don't be sad. I've lived a full life. Death doesn't scare me."
Despite Roger's optimism, Rayleigh's eyes shone with tears he couldn't hold back. He clenched his fists.
"I understand, Roger. I'll be with you to the end."
As the Oro Jackson neared the shore, Roger fell silent, watching the coast come into view. Members of Big Mom's crew lined the shore, including Linlin's younger children and an old, small-framed man standing at the front. Roger recognized him immediately: Nusjuro, a man who had fought alongside Linlin under Rocks at the God Valley.
When the Oro Jackson docked, Roger led his crew ashore. Linlin's husband stepped forward and smiled.
"Roger, welcome to Whole Cake Island."
Roger responded with a smile. "Is Linlin here?"
"She is, but she's currently... occupied."
"Oh? May I ask what's keeping her busy?"
The husband chuckled politely. "I'm afraid that's confidential."
He motioned for them to follow. "Please, come with me. By the time we reach her, she should be free."
Roger gestured for his crew to follow, and they walked toward the island's center. When they reached a pink castle, Nusjuro paused, glancing at the closed door.
"Apologies. Linlin may still be occupied. Please wait here a moment."
Roger nodded, though he discreetly used his ability to hear the voice of all things. As he listened to the events within, his expression turned increasingly peculiar. Rayleigh noticed and whispered,
"Roger, did you hear something?"
Roger raised a hand to silence him, speaking quietly. "Hold on… someone inside seems about to collapse."
"Eh?"
Just then, the doors burst open with a loud bang. Out strode a massive woman in a pink nightgown, her hair disheveled and her expression fierce. The Roger Pirates, save for the newer members like Shanks, stood in shock.
Roger hesitated, then ventured cautiously, "Linlin?"
Charlotte Linlin's face flushed slightly as she tugged at the strap falling from her shoulder.
"Roger, long time no see. What brings you here?"
Roger confirmed that the woman before him was indeed Linlin, though she looked completely different from the woman he'd known at God Valley. Back then, Linlin had been both fierce and beautiful—a rival even to the Amazon Lily's former Empress, Gloriosa, in her youth.
Now, her frame was imposing, her face hardened and heavy, no trace of that former elegance remained.
Shanks peeked out from behind Roger, curious about the woman, catching sight of a large pink bed behind her, where a man lay sprawled, eyes glazed over.
"Buggy, do you see that man lying there? What's wrong with him?" Shanks whispered. "He's sleeping like a rock in the middle of the day."
Buggy shot him a look.
"Sleeping? He's been… drained—mmph!" Rayleigh quickly covered Buggy's mouth, laughing nervously.
"Buggy, careful what you say here," he warned quietly.
Meanwhile, Linlin glanced over her shoulder at the man on her bed, sighing. She patted her stomach absentmindedly and muttered,
"What a disappointment. This one was worse than the last. Guess the child won't be anything special either. I'll have to try again soon."
Roger wiped a bead of sweat from his brow and forced a smile. "Linlin, I…"
Linlin waved a dismissive hand, clearly impatient.
"Speak later! I'm starving! Bring me something to eat!"
Hearing her command, Nusjuro's face paled slightly. He drew his sword and swiftly sliced the ground into chunks of various sizes, stacking them and tapping the top with the tip of his sword.
To the amazement of Shanks and the others, the pieces melded together, forming a giant cream-filled cake, rich and inviting.
The husband heaved the enormous cake to Linlin, who bent down and grabbed it with both hands, tossing it into her mouth, devouring it with abandon.
When she finished, Linlin wiped the cream from her lips, smacking them with mild dissatisfaction. "No flavor. Bring me something better!"
-----------
+170 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg