A Clash of Supreme Haki: Caesar and Charlotte Linlin
The intense collision of Haoshoku Haki between the two did not last long. After a brief standoff, Charlotte Linlin realized she could not gain an advantage over Caesar and decided to withdraw.
"You can't keep this up, or everyone will think your Haoshoku Haki is weaker than Caesar's," a voice echoed in her mind.
Understanding the situation, Linlin chose to pull back, and Caesar, recognizing her intentions, followed suit. Both retracted their Haoshoku Haki almost simultaneously.
Ordinarily, no one would continuously unleash their Conqueror's Haki without reason—it would be reckless.
"Well, well! It's been a long time, Caesar. Your strength has improved a lot!" Linlin exclaimed, her large frame shaking with laughter.
Sensing that Linlin bore no obvious hostility, Caesar responded calmly.
"Your strength has grown as well…"
Hearing his words, Linlin sneered. She knew he was just being polite. While she had indeed grown stronger over the years, her brief clash with Caesar moments ago made it clear—his growth had far outpaced hers.
Still, she did not let this realization sour the moment. Instead, she greeted her old comrade with a grin.
"Well, well, let's not talk about this nonsense, Caesar! You've come all the way to my territory—let's catch up properly…"
She then extended an invitation.
"How about joining my tea party, Caesar?"
Caesar narrowed his eyes, considering for a moment before nodding.
"Alright."
"Well, well! My tea parties always have the best delicacies. I promise you won't be disappointed!" Linlin declared, her signature laugh booming through the air.
With that, she leapt off Zeus and landed firmly on the deck of Caesar's ship, the Rex. She stood before him, arms crossed, an eager grin on her face.
"Come, let me show you the paradise I've built—Totto Land!"
A Tour of Totto Land
Caesar did not refuse. The Rex sailed through Linlin's domain, guided by the powerful Yonko herself.
At first, Caesar paid little attention to Linlin's presence beside him. But as he observed her closely, a wave of nostalgia and realization hit him.
Back in the Rocks Pirates, Linlin had been a strikingly beautiful woman, exuding grace despite her imposing size. But now, her figure had begun to change—her body had grown much wider, a far cry from the shape she had in her prime.
Time spares no one.
However, Caesar knew the real reason behind her transformation. It wasn't just the passage of years—it was the sheer number of children she had birthed in her pursuit of her dream.
Linlin had always envisioned a utopia where all races could coexist without discrimination. Yet, the events of God Valley had changed her. Watching the Rocks Pirates disband shattered her trust in comrades without blood ties.
Unlike Whitebeard, who built a family of adopted sons, Linlin bore her own children—powerful offspring who would serve as her loyal commanders, ensuring her empire's future.
Despite her shifting appearance, Linlin at thirty-four was still a formidable and strangely charismatic woman.
As the ship approached an island made entirely of chocolate, Linlin gestured proudly.
"This is Chocolate Island. Every building here is made of chocolate, and it's absolutely delicious! What do you think, Caesar? Want a bite?"
Caesar shook his head.
"I'll pass."
Linlin wasn't offended. She merely laughed and continued the tour, enthusiastically introducing the wonders of Totto Land.
The islands that would become legendary decades later were still in their early stages of construction. Many food-based Devil Fruits had yet to be gathered, and some islands were still being developed. But even now, the foundations of Linlin's dream were clearly visible.
While Linlin raved about her land's delicacies, Caesar remained quiet, contemplating what he knew from the future.
After the Rocks Pirates' downfall, Linlin had chosen this place to build her kingdom. It was a land crafted not just from ambition but also from deep-rooted distrust—her way of ensuring that no one could ever betray her as the Rocks Pirates had betrayed each other.
A Grand Banquet and an Unexpected Proposal
As night fell, the Rex finally arrived at Cake Island, Linlin's personal domain.
Perospero, Linlin's eldest son, arranged a grand reception banquet for Caesar and his crew.
The dining hall was filled with music, laughter, and mountains of extravagant sweets. Linlin devoured food with the same gluttonous enthusiasm as ever, while Caesar's crew cautiously observed their surroundings.
From her seat of honor, Linlin examined Caesar's crew one by one.
Though they were few in number—only fifteen—every single one of them exuded strength. Some had an aura that even made Linlin, a Yonko, take notice.
Her eyes landed on Gnaly, one of Caesar's crewmates from their Rocks Pirates days. His presence was now overwhelming—perhaps even close to her own.
Then there was Brad, another former Rocks member. Linlin could tell he had grown powerful enough to serve as a high-ranking officer in any Yonko crew, even her own.
Her gaze then shifted to a Fisherman, standing tall beside Brad. His strength was nearly equal.
As she continued analyzing, her eyes landed on a younger crewmember—Douglas Bullet.
At first glance, the boy did not seem particularly powerful. But Linlin, with her keen instincts, sensed something remarkable about him. His latent potential was monstrous. Given enough time, he could grow into one of the strongest warriors on the seas.
The realization left Linlin both impressed and envious.
"Caesar, you've gathered quite the crew," she remarked, her tone half-admiring, half-jealous.
Her gaze fell on Bullet again, and she grinned.
"That kid looks promising. Where did you find him? How about giving him to me?"
Caesar chuckled.
"He's not for sale, Linlin. And he wouldn't follow you even if I agreed."
Linlin clicked her tongue in mock annoyance but let the matter drop.
The banquet continued late into the night, with Homies dancing and singing, their voices echoing through the grand halls. As the final courses were served, Linlin set down her utensils and fixed Caesar with an intense gaze.
"Caesar," she said suddenly, her voice filled with unusual seriousness.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Have a child with me."
A heavy silence fell over the banquet hall.
Linlin's request, though unexpected, was completely in character. To her, blood ties were the ultimate form of loyalty. And what better way to strengthen an alliance than by having a child with a former Rocks crewmate as powerful as Caesar?
Caesar's expression remained unreadable as he processed the proposal.
The banquet had taken quite the turn.
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