One Piece: Marine Luffy, Garp regrets it

"It's almost over. Let's go," Katakuri said, his voice calm but resolute.

With those words, the second son of the Charlotte family rose from his seated position and began walking toward the battlefield where the two Emperors had been clashing. His imposing figure cut a striking silhouette against the devastated landscape of Whole Cake Island.

Each step of his black leather boots against the biscuit-made land produced a crisp "ding-dong" sound, the metal decorations on his outfit creating a rhythmic cadence that matched his unwavering confidence. The crimson scarf wrapped around the lower half of his face billowed slightly in the wind, concealing his secret that only a select few family members knew.

The Charlotte siblings, who had been worrying and bickering about what to do, fell silent as they watched their most reliable brother take action. Their eyes lit up with relief and admiration. Without a moment's hesitation, they fell in line behind him, their trust in his judgment absolute.

Perospero couldn't help but notice the stark contrast in his siblings' behavior. When he had suggested they wait, they had argued and questioned him. But the moment Katakuri stood up, they followed without a single word of doubt.

The eldest son of the Charlotte family felt a twinge of resentment as he observed the scene. Katakuri's prestige within the family, especially among their younger brothers and sisters, had been steadily growing over the years. Despite Perospero being the eldest—his mother's first "child" and technically her heir—the family clearly preferred to follow Katakuri's lead.

This was plainly evident in how readily they would trail after him into what could very well be a dangerous situation. Their faith in him was unshakable.

"Damn it," Perospero thought to himself, his candy cane staff tapping irritably against the ground. "Katakuri is getting more and more annoying. I am the eldest son in the family and Mama's rightful heir, yet he always steals my spotlight."

Despite his resentment that Katakuri's influence exceeded his own, there was something remarkable about the Charlotte siblings. Though they were the children of the cruel and capricious Big Mom, they maintained an unusual unity among themselves.

Perospero's complaints remained confined to his thoughts. After a brief moment of irritation, he hurried to catch up, stubbornly pushing his way to the front until he was walking side by side with his younger brother.

Katakuri glanced briefly at Perospero but said nothing. Having grown up together, he understood his older brother's thoughts and recognized the dissatisfaction simmering beneath the surface. Yet he also believed in Perospero's character and knew that, despite their rivalry, his brother would never truly harm their family.

As for Katakuri himself, he had never intended to compete with Perospero for the position of heir. His dream was simpler, yet perhaps more profound: to protect his brothers and sisters and ensure they could live well in this cruel world that had shown him little kindness.

Just as Katakuri had predicted, the scene before them changed dramatically as they approached. The two Emperors who had been locked in fierce combat moments ago had suddenly stopped fighting.

To the astonishment of the approaching Charlotte siblings, Big Mom and Kaido had dropped their weapons. They now stood with their arms around each other's shoulders, laughing uproariously as if they were old friends who had just shared an entertaining sparring match.

"Mamamama! That feels so good!" Big Mom bellowed, her massive frame shaking with laughter. "I haven't had such a workout in a long time. Fighting with you these past days has made me feel so much better~"

Kaido grinned, his sharp teeth gleaming in the sun. "Wororororo! Really? It seems you haven't completely lost your edge after all, Linlin. Not bad for someone who spends most of her time popping out children! You should exercise more so that monster-like strength of yours doesn't go to waste~"

"Damn you, Kaido," Big Mom retorted, though there was no real anger in her voice. "Still as tactless as ever. But I'll let it slide today—I'm in a good mood! Let's have a party!"

The Beast Emperor's eyes lit up at the mention of a celebration. "Wororororo! That couldn't be better! I want to drink! Bring out all your best sake!"

The Charlotte siblings who had been rushing toward the battlefield stopped in their tracks, stunned by this unexpected turn of events. Only Katakuri remained unaffected, his composure perfect as he turned to look pointedly at Perospero.

The eldest brother caught Katakuri's gaze and quickly shook off his surprise. Understanding the silent communication, he immediately began issuing instructions to his siblings with practiced authority:

"Smoothie, go prepare the drinks now," he ordered, his lollipop swinging as he pointed. "Mont-d'Or, inform Streusen that the banquet is about to begin and tell him to prepare his finest ingredients. Compote, Daifuku, Snack, Galette... all of you, lead the Chess Soldiers to set up the banquet venue."

Perospero rattled off more than a dozen names, assigning each sibling a specific task with the efficiency of a seasoned commander. Though their favorite brother might be Katakuri, none of the Charlotte children would refuse a direct order from their eldest brother.

Within the Charlotte family, the dynamics were clear. The second son, Katakuri, was the beloved protector—the good brother and reliable elder that they all admired. The eldest, Perospero, might not enjoy the same popularity, but he carried the burden of responsibility with a certain wisdom, serving as the family's military advisor and strategic thinker.

After Perospero had arranged everything, Katakuri continued his approach toward Big Mom and Kaido, his stride never faltering.

"Perorin~" Perospero clicked his tongue in annoyance at his brother's cool demeanor but followed close behind.

Many of the younger siblings hung back, their fear of their volatile mother and the unpredictable Beast Emperor keeping them at a safe distance. Only the strongest among them dared to step forward—the third son Daifuku, the fourth son Oven, the fifth son Opera, along with the eldest daughter Compote, the second daughter Smoothie, the third daughter Amande, and a few other senior family members with significant power.

Big Mom and Kaido, still with their arms around each other, noticed the approaching Charlotte siblings. Kaido's eyes fell on Katakuri, and a glimmer of admiration flashed across his face.

Completely disregarding the fact that Big Mom was standing right beside him, Kaido called out to Katakuri directly:

"Hey, Katakuri! I'm still short a competent All-Star in my crew," he said with a challenging grin. "Why don't you come work for me instead? It's such a waste of your talent to stay home with this old hag babysitting her brood of children."

The moment those words left Kaido's mouth, the atmosphere changed instantly. Big Mom's face darkened dangerously, her previous good humor evaporating as rage began to build within her massive frame.

The other members of the Charlotte family bristled with indignation, their protective instincts flaring as they shot Kaido venomous glares. The Beast Emperor had just crossed a line that no one dared to cross—insulting both their mother and their family bond in a single breath.