Chapter 259: The First Tea Party on Cake Island

A sinking feeling crept into his heart—he’d been duped. Stussy’s motives just now clearly weren’t as simple as they seemed.

Since Krell couldn’t find Katakuri, he went straight to Perospero, who was in charge of organizing the tea party. The two met backstage in the dressing room.

Once the room was cleared, the two sat down on the couch. With a serious expression, Krell spoke. “That Stussy’s up to something. Feels like she’s trying to stir up trouble between us.”

“After what she said, it’s hard not to expect problems.”

“Looks like we’ll need extra hands on deck to make sure no Fishmen get taken from the island.”

Perospero stood there thinking, piecing together the task Linlin had given him, Karl’s words, and Stussy’s suspicious actions. His mind raced.

After a brief pause, he asked, “Krell, do you know why Father is even holding this tea party?”

Krell shook his head. He honestly had no clue. To him, this was simply Lord Karl’s assignment. All he needed to do was follow orders and focus on his work. Krell would never second-guess Karl—not even if the order meant his own death.

Perospero couldn’t help but sigh at Krell’s unflinching loyalty. “Father wants us and all our allied forces to lay low for now—to rest up and get stronger.”

“There’s talk of a major fight coming up, but Karl never shared any real details about it.”

“Still, it’s not hard to guess. At this point, the only ones who could make the Rocks Family prepare so seriously would be the Navy or the World Government.”

“But for now, all this is supposed to be confidential. That woman’s goal is to drive a wedge between the family and our allies. She doesn’t want us to rest and recover. I bet she works for the World Government or the Navy.”

Digesting this, Krell finally nodded. “So that’s what’s really going on.”

With Perospero’s explanation, the purpose of the tea party finally made sense to Krell.

“Don’t worry. I’ll round up two squads of soldiers. They’ll keep order and protect everyone at the event.”

“No one’s taking a single Fishman off this island.”

He’d been so swamped lately he hardly had time to think. Dealing with Wano, keeping the Elbaf trade route running, managing Fishmen training—every little matter on the island seemed to land in his lap.

He felt like a spinning top, twenty-four hours a day without a break. At least, he’d soon be able to hand off some of these burdens to Perospero.

Perospero checked the time and spoke up. “Head Butler Krell, I’ll leave this to you. I’ve got to host the tea party now.”

“If you need anything, just get in touch with Katakuri.”

“Got it. I know what she’s after now—rest assured, she won’t get away with it.”

“But where’s Katakuri anyway?”

“I was going to look for him too, but just couldn’t track him down.”

“Isn’t he the one supposed to be in charge of security?”

Krell had wondered earlier, but it slipped his mind during his talk with Perospero.

Really, Katakuri was the one meant to manage event security. Krell only went to Perospero because Katakuri couldn’t be found.

Little did he know, Katakuri was currently leading a team, scouring every corner of Cake Island for World Government agents. He had no time for the tea party.

Besides, with so many powerhouse guests gathered, even if someone tried something, it wouldn’t make too many waves. What really mattered was keeping the rest of the region safe—especially Vegapunk’s side.

One more incident over there would be a disaster.

After last time, Katakuri’s main focus stayed on the Lab. Thankfully, Davis and the others were already back on Cake Island.

When he heard there might be World Government agents attacking the lab, Notty immediately volunteered to guard the place, aiming to avenge Halil.

Fields was also patrolling near the Lab. Unless the World Government sent in two admiral-class fighters, they wouldn’t even get through the front gate.

“He’s up to his neck with work right now.”

“If you need to reach him, you’d best use the Den Den Mushi.”

Perospero glanced at his watch again—one of Vegapunk Lab’s little inventions, already being made in bulk. “Time’s almost up. I really have to go. Catch you later.”

“Good, go on then.”

As Perospero disappeared from view, Krell made a call to the Fishmen Corps, pulling in two squads to handle security at the tea party.

Perospero, dressed in his red and white striped suit, strode up to the stage. With his giant lollipop in his left hand and the mic in his right, he looked out at the crowd—mostly allies of his own family. He tapped the microphone twice. “Tap-tap!”

“Today marks the first Tea Party ever held on Cake Island.”

“First, I want to welcome everyone for coming.”

“Now, let’s all give a warm round of applause for the members of the Rocks Family as they enter.”

Led in by Fishmen from both sides, applause rang out. Karl and Charlotte Linlin walked out hand in hand from Cake Castle.

At his table, Morgans leaned in and whispered, “I heard Rufid was killed by the Rocks Family.”

“What do you all think about that?”

Umit scoffed, raising his wine glass with a mocking grin. “Word is Rufid got himself mixed up with World Government agents. He got what he deserved.”

“It’s just like two rival gangs going to war—are you going to drag the cops into it too?”

“I’ve been a kingpin in the underworld for years, and even I’ve never heard of someone doing something this foolish.”

Stussy froze for a heartbeat, wine glass held midair.

Umit took a sip of his wine, then shook his head. “All I hope is Rufid’s death doesn’t sour the Rocks Family’s opinion of us.”

That’s what really worried them. If one criminal kingpin could spoil the Rocks Family’s impression of the rest, they’d all be in trouble.

Their business in the New World would take a major hit.

“I doubt it. I haven’t heard of the Rocks Family showing any interest in shipping or warehouse operations.”

“The World Government and Navy are clamping down on the Rocks Family now, so in the Four Seas or the first half of the Grand Line, there’s no risk of them pushing us out.” Giberson said this, his gaze drifting over to Karl and Charlotte Linlin now seated at the head table.

“Now, I declare the tea party officially open!”

Perospero, acting as host, quickly explained the reason for this gathering.

First, to use this tea party as a chance for the groups to discuss development strategies and share interests in the Four Seas and the Grand Line—but only with the participation of the Rocks Family could any of these business deals or plans move forward.