Chapter 83: Ch 83. Going for Grilled BBQ + Sake and Choosing Devil Fruits
The content and headlines in the newspaper continued to ferment and stir up reactions across the seas.
When Kaido saw the headlines, he tore the newspaper to shreds in rage.
The shredded pieces were thrown aside.
"Big Mom, looks like you haven't prioritized strengthening yourself lately. All that talk about Totto Land was nothing more than a dream! Only by raising your own strength can there be any real future!"
Kaido muttered bitterly to himself, shaking his head.
But Big Mom didn't hear him—because she was still recovering in Brûlée's Mirro World.
To her, that was the ideal place for rest.
At the same time, Kaido engraved a name deep into his heart—Zero.
Elsewhere, the Emperor of the Sea, Red-Haired Shanks, also read the newspaper.
"Big Mom was defeated? Looks like the sea is about to descend into chaos."
With a sigh, he folded the paper and tucked it away, standing quietly on his ship, eyes cast far into the waves, deep in thought.
Ever since Roman defeated Big Mom, whispers had begun circulating across the sea—some now addressed him with the title of Yonko. A man who could rival even Whitebeard.
But Roman paid no attention to such meaningless titles. Instead, he simply took Ace with him to an island ideal for training. He stowed away Noah's Ark and dispelled his Phantom Clone.
Elsewhere, Roman and the others returned to Marineford.
Upon arrival, Roman and Kizaru went straight to Sengoku's office. Sengoku had already received the report—this Buster Call operation had been a complete success.
Yet, there were no spoils of war.
"Explain. What happened exactly?!"
Sengoku crossed his arms and looked at the two Admirals in front of him. Kizaru shrugged and turned to Roman, a little gloomy.
After all, Roman had promised him a raise from the reward they'd earn from this operation. But they hadn't found even a single Belly on Cake Island. That triple pay raise seemed out of reach now.
"Reporting, Fleet Admiral. After clearing the small fries, I returned to the warship. All the collection duties were handled under Admiral Kizaru's leadership."
Roman's tone distanced him cleanly from any blame, shirking all responsibilities.
Kizaru nodded in agreement. He knew Roman had been maintaining his Phantom Disguise ability non-stop—he was exhausted. So after wiping out the underlings, Roman left the search to him.
Which meant this report was his responsibility.
"Reporting, Fleet Admiral. We searched every corner of Cake Island but didn't find a single Belly. I believe the Big Mom Pirates must've already transferred their treasures to the Mirro World."
Sengoku nodded in thought.
"No matter what, this time the Marines' reputation has definitely been established."
Sighing, Sengoku added, "You two worked hard. Go get some rest."
Roman and Kizaru exited the office.
"Admiral Kizaru," Roman said, "I know a really good grilled barbeque spot in Sabaody Archipelago. Want to go try it out?"
"Oh~? Really? I'm in!"
Kizaru's eyes lit up immediately.
He loved barbecue and sake the most.
Then he turned and asked, "So… who's paying?"
"I am," Roman smiled. "No problem, right?"
"Then let's go!"
Roman spoke, then activated his peak-level Shave (Soru), vanishing in a flash.
Kizaru turned into a beam of light and shot after him.
In just a minute, the two arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago—at almost the exact same time.
Seeing Roman beside him, Kizaru exclaimed, "Admiral White Dove! Didn't expect you to be that fast! Really unexpected."
Roman smiled, "It's nothing much. Come on, let's try the food."
With that, the two entered Shakky's Rip-Off Bar.
When Aunt Shakky saw the two Admirals walk in, she froze momentarily, then quickly recovered.
"Welcome. What can I get you two?"
"Two cups of sake and ten skewers of grilled chicken."
"Coming right up."
Roman glanced around the place, then asked, "Aunt Shakky, where's that coating craftsman? I still haven't properly thanked him. His skill is amazing—I've never seen such a perfect coating technique."
Aunt Shakky smiled and pulled Roman aside.
"What are you thinking, Roman?! You brought the Kizaru here?! Aren't you afraid he'll discover the truth about this place?"
"Relax," Roman said casually. "Even if he did, with Kizaru's personality, he wouldn't act unless there was a profit to be gained. Doing anything else would just make more trouble for himself."
He glanced at Kizaru with a playful smile.
Soon after, they finished eating and stepped out of the bar.
Not long after, a man in a feathered pink coat walked toward them.
"Long time no see, White Dove."
"Yo, isn't that Doflamingo? You're out already?"
"Heh, thanks to you, I got to experience what prison life is like."
"No need to thank me. If you'd like a repeat experience, just let me know—I'd be happy to help."
Roman had already anticipated Doflamingo's release.
After all, no matter what, he had once been a Celestial Dragon.
Back at his residence, Roman found Stella and Ain waiting.
He waved to Stella.
"Stella, come here. I have a few Devil Fruits. Come pick one!"
These were, of course, taken from Big Mom's Cake Island.
Roman hadn't just taken the fruits—he looted everything of value.
And stored them all in his system's inventory space.
Which explained why no one had found any fruits—or even money—left behind.
Hearing this, Stella froze for a second.
She hadn't expected Roman to actually bring her a Devil Fruit.
Standing before him, her heart surged with emotion—a powerful feeling of being truly valued like never before…