One Piece: sign-in to Ryujin Jakka

Big Mom paused for a moment before continuing,

"If you've taken a liking to any of them, just say the word. No matter who it is, with a single command from me, she can become your wife. And you will instantly become part of our great family!"

Big Mom still held some respect for Roman.

After all, someone possessing such powerful Conqueror's Haki was not someone she wanted to antagonize lightly.

Roman's lips curled into a grin.

He couldn't help but laugh out loud right then and there.

"Hahahahaha, Big Mom, are you serious about what you just said?"

Big Mom replied without hesitation, "Of course. Pick whoever you want."

"But… is it really okay to treat your children like this?"

Roman's laughter vanished in an instant, replaced by a never-before-seen seriousness.

The standing women froze.

They hadn't expected such words from Roman.

Some were even moved—no one had ever spoken up on their behalf.

Most moved of all was the 35th daughter, Charlotte Pudding.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

Big Mom's smile gradually faded.

"They are my daughters, and by virtue, my tools. If a tool can't serve its purpose, what good is it?"

She spoke these cold words openly, uncaring of how the others felt.

"So... if I pick any of these 'tools,' you wouldn't mind, right?"

"Of course not."

"Then, how about her?"

Roman pointed toward a woman not far away.

She was a long-legged tribe member, known as the Minister of Juice!

That's right. Roman was pointing at none other than one of the Three Sweet Commanders—Smoothie!

Smoothie's eyes widened in shock.

"What did I just see?!"

"That man... wants to marry Smoothie?!"

"This is insane!"

"This is outright provocation!"

Sure enough, Big Mom's brows instantly furrowed.

A powerful aura exploded from her body.

"Are you looking for trouble?! You clearly know that Smoothie is one of the Three Sweet Commanders, yet you want to marry her?!"

"Aren't they all tools to you? I thought you treated them equally. But it seems you categorize them too—strong ones are well-used, weak ones are expendable? Used up and thrown away without hesitation?"

Roman's voice was gentle, but his words stung.

Under the hood of his cloak, no one could see his expression.

Gasps filled the hall.

This wasn't just a verbal jab—it was an open challenge to the Charlotte Family itself!

Nearby, Stussy casually picked up a glass of red wine and said to Morgans,

"Looks like I'm going to win this time."

But just as she said that—

A flash of burning orange flames erupted in the distance.

"BIG MOM! I've come to challenge you! Let's see how strong an Emperor of the Sea truly is!!"

A voice thundered as flames gathered into a blazing figure.

A young man with black hair, freckles on his face, and the tattoo "ASCE" on his left arm, with the "S" crossed out.

He wore an orange cowboy hat with smileys; one happy and one sad on the brim.

Portgas D. Ace had arrived.

Morgans laughed as he glanced at Stussy.

"Looks like I haven't lost just yet, Stussy."

At the same time, Katakuri instantly launched from his seat, blocking Ace's path.

"Who are you? How did you get in? What do you want?!"

Ace laughed loudly, "I'm Fire Fist Ace, from the East Blue! As for what I want, of course, I came to challenge Big Mom!"

He continued confidently,

"Ever since I started sailing the seas, all I've heard is Four Emperors this, mysterious man that. So when I heard Big Mom was hosting a tea party, I thought I'd drop in and test her strength!"

Roman looked up at the sky, frowning.

"This guy... shouldn't he be looking for Whitebeard? Why is he bothering with Big Mom?"

He knew Big Mom wouldn't hold back. She had no reason to.

"To challenge Mama? You? Get past me first."

"I can knock you out in one second!"

Ace shouted boldly at Katakuri.

Judging by his arrogance, Roman figured Ace had been sailing for a while, relying on the power of the Mera Mera no Mi (Flame-Flame Fruit) to beat down most opponents.

He'd grown reckless and overconfident. Roman decided not to provoke Big Mom further. He was curious how strong Ace really was now.

"Fire Fist!"

Ace's arm became engulfed in raging flames, transforming into a giant fire punch aimed at Katakuri. A massive column of fire surged across the sky, fierce and unstoppable.

But before Katakuri could even move, an even more terrifying blaze appeared—

One so massive it eclipsed Ace's entirely.

"Heavenly Fire!"

Big Mom, wielding Prometheus, casually devoured Ace's flames in a single breath.

Ace's heart skipped a beat. But before he could even react—

The Heavenly Fire, infused with Big Mom's Soul-Soul Fruit (Soru Soru no Mi) powers, engulfed him entirely.

His scream echoed from within the flames.

"This is my first tea party! How can I allow a bug like this to crash in and ruin it?!"

Big Mom had tolerated Roman because of his proven strength and influence.

But Ace? A newbie with a loud mouth? He was beneath notice.

"A brat from the Four Seas... doesn't he know that using fire against me is courting death?"

Just then, Roman's cold voice echoed out:

"I also come from the Four Seas, and I use fire too. Big Mom, you've offended me with that last line."

Hearing this, Stussy turned to Morgans with a calm smile.

"Make sure to deliver my Devil Fruit to Pleasure Street, will you?"