111 Provocation

[AN- I call the original Stussy "June" and the one on Nicholas's crew "Stussy." Based on what I've heard about your discussion about the two Stussy, may I continue to refer to Original Stussy as "June" and our Stussy as "Stussy" or Our Stussy as "June" and the Original Stussy as Stussy? i'd like to hear your thoughts]

As Nicholas looked at the aggressive gaze, June not only didn't avoid it at all, but instead sent a flirtatious look back at Nicholas.

For her, these were just basic maneuvers learned during her training to become a member of CP0.

However, these gestures seemed somewhat out of place in Nicholas' eyes. After all, he knew her true identity, yet she still seemed to believe that he was unaware of it, making her performance seem somewhat discordant.

"Hahaha! Nicholas, are you smitten with June?" Charlotte Linlin, observing the scene, chuckled.

"Linlin..." June playfully chided, seemingly surprised by the joke.

"Don't misunderstand, I'm not interested," Nicholas said dismissively, heading towards his room. He had come out simply because he had seen something he shouldn't have inside the castle and wanted to take a stroll, not expecting to encounter these two.

As Nicholas turned to leave, June's demeanor turned cold for a moment, but then she quickly put on a sweet smile.

"What a boring fellow. Linlin, shall we go to your garden? I heard you've collected some rare flowers again," June suggested, trying to change the subject.

...

Two days later, in the lavishly decorated venue, Big Mom stood up from her luxurious sofa and laughed joyfully as she addressed the assembled guests:

"It seems everyone is here. Well then, let the Tea Party of Whole Cake Island officially begin!"

Clap! Clap! Clap!

As Big Mom's words fell, soldiers around the venue fired cannons into the sky, and the Homies used for decoration sang loudly. The applause from the guests and residents of Whole Cake Island thundered like a storm, pausing everything else as they applauded enthusiastically, even the children of the Charlotte Family.

Meanwhile, Katakuri, noticing his brother's strange expressions since earlier, approached him with concern.

"Katakuri, you've been acting strange since earlier. Is something bothering you?" Charlotte Daifuku inquired.

"Yes, Katakuri, you seem odd today," Charlotte Oven added.

At the same time, a girl with purple hair and bandages on her face sitting at the same table also looked worriedly at Katakuri.

"It's nothing, maybe I just didn't get enough rest last night. Brulee, don't worry," Katakuri replied, smiling and tousling Brulee's hair.

"Ugh, Katakuri, you messed up my hair," Brulee complained, but seeing Katakuri's response, she smiled, knowing she was special to him.

But why this feeling of unease?

Suddenly, Nicholas' image appeared in Katakuri's mind.

However, Nicholas was unaware of Katakuri's thoughts. At that moment, Nicholas and his group were pondering something at their table, oblivious to the rest of the world. The atmosphere at the Tea Party was becoming more festive, with guests engaging in lively conversations.

The Tea Party was indeed an excellent opportunity for many guests, especially leaders of underground factions, to meet other major players in the dark world.

"Cough, Captain, are you really going to do this?" Simon asked nervously, noticing Nicholas' actions.

"Yes, Captain, are you sure about this?" Brook added.

Nicholas, however, simply lifted the wine glass on the table and took a sip before speaking, "What are you two worried about? If things go south and a fight breaks out, Brook, you handle the kids' table over there with Katie. Simon, just cover for us. As for Charlotte Linlin, leave her to me, and Vista will deal with the rest."

"Captain, don't worry. Katie and I can handle the kids' table," Brook reassured confidently, busy with a slice of strawberry cake.

As Nicholas and his crew discussed, June, who happened to pass by their table, overheard their conversation. Surprised, she covered her mouth awkwardly and said, "Uh, did I hear anything? Do you trust me if I did?"

"What did you hear?" Nicholas' gaze turned cold as he stared at her. "Since you heard it all, are you going to expose us?"

"Expose? Expose what? I don't know anything," June quickly responded, wrapping her shawl around herself, trying to appear harmless.

Hearing June's words, Nicholas' face showed a playful expression. But before he could speak, Bellemere pulled June down to sit with them.

Initially startled by Bellemere's action, June chose silence decisively, knowing that leaving abruptly would likely lead to something terrifying.

Meanwhile, when the Tea Party was almost over, Nicholas suddenly stood up.

"Now that the Tea Party has begun, it's time for me to present my gift. This gift is the ten islands at the border between the territories of the Big Mom Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates, now under my control! And I'll be coming for the eight islands on Whitebeard's side later!" Nicholas declared.

As Nicholas spoke, the entire venue erupted into a frenzy of shock and concern. Everyone could foresee the disastrous consequences of Nicholas' announcement spreading worldwide, potentially leading to war between the Big Mom Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates.

"Mother..." Perospero realized the gravity of the situation and was about to step forward to intervene, but Big Mom was already laughing heartily, her laughter tinged with anger.

As Big Mom's laughter rang out, the previously quiet venue erupted into chaos!