"That no good one armed bastard! I should just blow him out of the water while he sleeps!" The matriarch screamed, shoving another handful of cake into her mouth, it'd already taken three cakes for her to calm down from throwing the furniture and demanding heads on a platter.

"Mother, please, a war with another Yonko would leave no winners and utter destruction." Her second son replied, trying to calm his mother as best he could, what could Katakuri do? Totto land was still in turmoil after the Vinsmoke wedding and the ensuing chaos. There had already been enough destruction and loss thanks to the Strawhat boy.

"I know, I know. Shanks has friends in high places but we have friends in some very low places too.. That lousy snake just let them sail right into his territory and did nothing to hand them back over." Clenching her fist she slammed it down into the arm of her chair, absolutely livid over this utter lack of respect from a fellow Yonko.

No one had expected Red Hair to act completely oblivious to it, claiming pure ignorance to having the Strawhats in his territory for nearly three weeks before they were spotted leaving. Three weeks Shanks had sat by and played stupid to everything that had happened in Totto Land, even to the fact that Luffy had been seen on his very ship before they left the protection of the Yonko.

Big Mom considered this a betrayal, no Yonko had ever done this to another Yonko. Even if they were formidable and not to be trifled with it was good to keep some relation open in the event that Marines wanted a fight.

Sitting and thinking a while Big Mom continued to stuff her face, grumbling as she ate her cake.

Silently Katakuri stood there feeling guilty. If he hadn't been so overconfident about the assassination attempt he might have seen the Strawhats coming, he might have seen the betrayal coming from within his own family. He might have been able to deal with this problem before it had the chance to become a problem.

His eyes drifted to the side of the room to where his brothers body lay, a small IV drip set up next to him and a pillow under his head. His mother had blamed this entirely on Cracker, saying if he hadn't been so useless he could have stopped strawhat, if he hadn't been so weak everything would have turned out fine.

As punishment she had torn the soul from her sons body and put it into what she called the 'Time Out' dungeon until she felt he'd learned his lesson. The Mochi man could only imagine his poor brothers sufferings, Cracker had always been a tad soft but he was always eager for his mothers approval and the love of his siblings, it never really worked in his favor but surely he didn't deserve to be put through this.

"Don't worry about your failure of a brother, my son. I didn't call you hear to punish you, goodness no." She cooed, reaching down to pat her second son lightly on the head, it was indeed suspicious that she hadn't punished any other like this besides Cracker.

Smoothie got one hell of an ear bashing from her mother and told she needed to get stronger, having being banned from seeing her beloved until she showed improvement Big Mom was satisfied her daughter wouldn't slip up again. Bruleè had been held hostage and considering her after attempts to chase after the Strawhats she'd gotten away with two weeks of staying in her Mirro-world to learn more tact and tricks at using it. Katakuri had pre-prepared for his own punishment, knowing he had slipped up himself and allowed such horror to befall his family.

"I asked for you to come here to see if you would. It being the day of your sixth wedding anniversary I thought you'd be out of contact, yet you still came at your mothers request. You've shown unwavering loyalty through this entire shamble and have reflected on your mistakes well, so you get a reward for being an example of what a good child looks like." Even though her tone was sweet enough Katakuri could tell it was nothing more than manipulative praise meant to condition him.

After years he'd figured out his mothers mannerisms and tones, when she wanted good results and a confident aura from her children she would praise and reward them, if she wanted them to just get the job done without care for their safety she'd remind them of all their failings.

"Of course I came, mother.. I assure you he understands that family comes first and my duties as a Sweet Commander must take importance over an anniversary. He sends his regards." As Katakuri spoke he began to smile under his thick scarf, not all the arranged marriages of the Charlotte children had been loveless and lonely things.

Leaning down in her chair she grinned at her son, what she had as a reward for him would certainly turn out to be more rewarding for her than him when it came down to it.

"There will be another wedding, this time you will make sure absolutely nothing goes wrong. I expect you to prove yourself and your worth as a Sweet Commander with this. You will collect the bride, willing or no, bring her back, guard her until the day of the wedding." The grin was now forming into a wide smile as she leaned in closer to her son "I need my strongest son on this because who else can be trusted to waltz into the territory of Yonko Shanks and take his darling daughter away to get married!"

With that Katakuri almost fell over. Was his mother serious about this? Would she try to get another Yonko on her side by way of marriage? Of course Shanks was known to be fiercely protective of everyone in his crew, one could only imagine the rage there would be at the request for his daughters hand in marriage, or would it be more of a threat than a request?

"Mama, you need me to get the daughter of Red-Hair Shanks to Whole Cake from his own territory? Couldn't that be considered an act of war against a Yonko?" He dared to ask, there was no way he could assemble his men and take the child of a Yonko without sparking major conflict. Marriage of the children between Yonko had never happened before.

"Oh don't worry, I'm making Shanks an offer he won't be able to refuse. He is not a man of needless violence and couldn't risk an all-out war, not when thousands would die for nothing. I have loyal allies on standby to attack outlying island flying his flag, one call and every man, woman and child would be obliterated within hours." As the Matriarch explained her devious plan it was already giving Katakuri anxiety.

Plotting the extinction of Germa 66 was one thing but forcing another Yonko to marry off their child via threats was a new level even for them! A small country that was starting to get out of line, allies who were starting to stray and get ideas of rebelling, keeping high bounty pirates from attacking; these were all things that could be done with absolute ease given their power and status, with Big mom at the head of the family no one could refuse her, no one accept a fellow Yonko.

"If I may ask, mama, who have you chosen to marry her?" Now Katakuri was beginning to ask what needed to be known. If it was for a sibling he had high praise and love for he would do his utmost to help them, if it was for a sibling known for troublesome and disgraceful acts he'd more than happily dump their bride in the ocean and claim she fell.

Not much was known about the private life of Shanks, just that his beloved died and left him raising a child alone, the child in question was illusive and was rarely seen outside his territory, no allies dared to run their mouth off about the girl and none would easily give information pertaining to her, unless they had no choice in the matter.

One of the final missions Pudding had run for her mother was to find an ally of Red Hair and see what they knew of his personal life, anything that could be used against him and bring that person back to mama.

Wagging her finger at him she laughed heartily "A stupid question for someone so smart, Katakuri. You've been here with him the whole time, even though he's still in punishment he shouldn't get away so easily."

Katakuris eyes widened as he now actively stared at his unconscious little brother. His mother meant to marry the child of Shanks to his fellow Sweet Commander, not only would that put Crackers head back on the chopping block it would mean he would also be answerable to Shanks.

His little brother had always sought approval where he could, be it in the form of running errands for older siblings or being the target for training younger or older siblings as combatants. Cracker had already began to break down before his soul was torn from his body but now there was no telling how he would be.

"M-mama, you mean to marry Cracker off. I thought marriage was only for the children who'd pleased you, Cracker has been in punishment for weeks after he lost to Strawhat." He exclaimed, pointing to the soulless husk that once housed his brothers soul.

"Foolish child!" His mother snapped "This is not because he pleased me, this is because he caused all of this! He failed to stop the Strawhats, he failed to raise the alert in time and he failed to do anything right after. Now I have to back Shanks into a corner thanks to him.. It's only fitting since by extension he is the one causing this that he shall marry her. Spending his life with the girl who is paying for his failures, it might encourage him to try harder if he has a wife." Laughing manically Katakuri could only furrow his brow and try to keep his composure.

No doubt his mother hatched this plan even before taking Crackers soul, if anything all three Sweet Commanders should have received equal punishment but singling Cracker out as the penultimate cause would only serve to weaken him against refusing his mother's ideas. 'Soft minded fool did no worse than us yet he takes our share of a punishment.' Katakuri thought to himself as he took a cautious step closer to his brother.

This however didn't go unnoticed by his cackling mother "You can also take the miserable brat out of my sight, I'm already tired of looking at him. Get him presentable before you leave tomorrow, you also need to make sure he understands how important this is for us. He can keep his title as a Sweet Commander and a Minister but if he fails me once more make sure he knows it'll be his bride who pays the price." Rising from her chair the giantess walked to the back of the room and opened a small door

It was where she liked to keep the souls of all those who were in the 'Time Out' for disappointing her, ripping a full soul out and leaving the host in a state to receive it back wasn't something she did often but made exceptions for her children and valuable allies. Behind the large wooden door was a collection of smaller doors, each with a number engraved on it and a variety of sizes.

Opening one of the higher doors she reached into the small cage, barely big enough for her to fit her fingers in, pulling out what was the soul of her tenth son, keeping it firmly in her grasp she grinned "I hope you learned your lesion and won't disappoint again, go on back to your body and Katakuri will take care of you. Mama needs to go make a very important call now." Practically throwing the soul across the room it was drawn back into its body in a matter of seconds.

"Make sure your brother doesn't fuck this up, it'll reflect badly on you if it goes belly up." Was the last warning Big Mom gave before leaving the room, slamming the door behind her as she left to contact Shanks.

As soon as his mother had left the room Katakuri was kneeling at his brothers side, Crackers soul and partial consciousness of his soul had been in complete isolation since receiving punishment, stuffed into the small box he could hear nothing, see nothing and feel nothing, it would surely have a lasting effect.

A soft moaning groan began to sound as Cracker tried to move his head "Don't try get up, brother, just stay there and take a moment." Katakuri placed his hand on his brothers shoulder and smiled, thankfully the soul had no issues after being away from the body so long, none immediately noticeable that was.

Eyes slowly opening Cracker looked up at his elder brother, thankful that the first person he saw was the sibling who'd tried to defend him most, lifting his hand weakly he grasped his brothers hand.

He'd been so long without touching something, feeling anything was a welcome sensation "Ka-Kata, I'm sorry I fucked up so bad, I didn't think the kid was that powerful." He rasped before Katakuri began to lift him.

"What's done is done, right now my job is to get you cleaned up, fed and informed." Removing the IV needle from his brothers arm Katakuri hoisted him over his shoulder, he couldn't remember the last time he'd carried his little brother like this, it must've been at least seven years ago.

"Just don't drop me, I don't think I can survive the fall right now."

With a soft chuckle Katakuri stood up and exited the room, knowing his mama was long gone to contact Shanks he wouldn't be berated for helping his brother back to his assigned room. Each of Charlotte children had a room assigned to them at their mothers castle for when they were needed for extended periods of time, thankfully Crackers had been close to his own for some time now.

Walking through the maze like home he stopped a kitchen servant along the way "I'll be taking my Merienda with Cracker, have the food sent directly to his room, prepare some extra food for him, he needs to be in top condition for next week and it better not be a moment late." Without giving the servant time to respond he was once again walking.

After a good ten minutes of walking they had finally arrived, 'Charlotte Cracker, Minister of Biscuit' Was engraved on a small plaque next to the door.

Once inside Katakuri turned the key in the lock and laid his brother down on the bed "First we need to get you washed and into clean clothes, then you can rest while I give you details about mamas next move." He huffed before he went to rummage around in the closet.

Cracker slowly sat himself up, the world around him a spinning blur as his eyes failed to focus, his head was pounding while he tried to remember had happened before his soul was taken, vaguely he recalled his mother saying he had one last chance to prove he was worthy of being her son. One last chance before she'd do away with him for good.

His stomach ached and growled with hunger, the IV had only been giving the bare basics of what nutrition he'd needed, nowhere near enough to keep him at full strength, right now he was next to useless, once more having to depend on his big brother to help him out.

"M-mama said I had one more chance, you said I need to be in top form for next week.. Am I to be sent on a mission or back to Biscuit Island?" He asked weakly, his breaths becoming heavy with each passing word.

Returning from the walk in closet Katakuri threw some clothes onto the bed, nothing too fancy or elegant, just plain clothes he had laying around that were comfortable, he'd need all the comfort he could get.

Not wanting to upset his brother with the responsibility he'd soon have Katakuri just shook his head, he didn't need Haki to know how his brother would react to this bombshell. Cracker had never really been good with talking to ladies, nor had he had much confidence in himself to actually get a girlfriend in his teenage years, Katakuri couldn't help but pity his little brother in that respect, even he'd had a few secret relationships before his marriage.

"We can discuss it before Snack Time, we must sort other problems first, the first being the need of a show and a relaxing bath." Already having said the priorities Katakuri had to follow through as they had been listed, it was senseless to go throwing it out the window when he'd been planning it out.

Cracker took hold of his brothers arm and pulled himself up, on shaky legs he soon regained balance, his legs felt so weak, as if they were toothpicks threatening to break under his own weight "Take it slow, Cracker, there's no rush." Katakuri reassured as he placed a hand on his brothers back.

With slow steps Cracker stumbled and tottered to the bathroom door with the help of his brother, holding onto the door frame he gave a smile "I can take it from here. My dignity may be at rock bottom but I don't want it to start digging." He gave a bitter laugh and pushed the door open, he'd had enough humiliation as it was, he didn't want to further it by having his brother help him bathe.

Nodding Katakuri let go and retrieved the clothes from the bed "Very well, I'll be here so just call if you need anything." With that Cracker took the clothes and went into the bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind him.

Standing there until he heard the water begin to run Katakuri let out an exasperated sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Going to the balcony he sat down on one of the chairs, out of all his siblings Cracker was one of the few who Katakuri held the most love for, of course he loved all his siblings dearly but a few were more special to him for a few reasons. Either they were raised by his hand or they had shown themselves to be brave warriors like himself and Cracker had both. Being the second son Katakuri shouldered immense responsibility even as a child, whereas Perospero was raised to believe his mothers empire could one day be his and he needed to be just like her in order to govern it Katakuri was tasked with helping his siblings with whatever they needed. He had fond memories of each younger sibling in their young years, the few that stood out most had been Galette, Cracker, Mascarpone, Praline and Pudding. They too had all been bullied relentlessly by their own siblings and ostracized until they proved their worth, they all had something that made them rejects or monsters to others.

Closing his eyes he took the time to relax, saddened that he had to miss his anniversary to further crush his brothers spirit and go take a daughter from her home. This was far from what he'd planned for today.

Meanwhile in the territory of Red-Hair Shanks

Groaning and grumbling as he shambled along the hallway Shanks could only imagine how much he'd have to lie his ass off to Big Mom now. He knew full well Luffy had been in his territory, he was the one who gave the green light for them to enter in the first place! Feigning ignorance could only get him so far in this situation, maybe he could offer her some candy or some delicacies to smooth things over with him.

Having been told by Beckman that Big Mom had called and was demanding to speak to him there was little he could say in protest, he'd expected this eventually and had a nice list of lies and bribes lined up to help ease tensions.

Most of the crew had assembled on the deck where the den-den Moshi of big mom had been placed, with hushed voices and quiet whispers they speculated as to what would happen.

As Shanks came up onto the deck the crew quieted down and watched their captain, sitting at the table he picked up the receiver, a bottle of rum in his hand he took a quick swig before he spoke "Ah, Linlin, how lovely of you to call. It's been too long since we last spoke, how have you been?" Shanks asked in an all too delighted tone, knowing full well how she was and how things were.

"Don't pull that crap with me, Red Hair! You know full well why I'm calling and that you need to pay for what you did! You let those traitors in your territory and blatantly let them leave with your blessing. That was the last straw!" The giantess shouted back at him, only causing a shit-eating grin to form on the other Yonkos face.

"I've just found out about what happened and I was shocked to hear that they got past us and went undetected! I feel so guilty about not being able to help a fellow Yonko out and I will surely make this up to you." Shanks replied while he set his bottle on the table and crossed his fingers behind his back, it was childish and silly but he had to get his laughs somehow.

Some of the crew smiled and shook their heads at their captains actions, most of all the daughter in question.

"Really, Red Hair? Because I have quite a proposal for you, well, more aimed towards someone else on your ship but as the captain this decision rests entirely in your hands, ah I mean hand. It's a proposal you'd be wise not to refuse." Big mom snickered, if Shanks was to make it up to her then she had just the deal for him.

The grin faded and was replaced with a scowl, did she want to take a member of his crew into hers to signify unity? Would she ask to borrow his chef again to make food for her? Or once more would his shipwright be made an offer by Big Mom?

Now the crew didn't dare make comment or smile, this wasn't something to take jokingly, if two Yonko were making deals then it was a serious and dangerous matter.

"You can't have Lucky Roo, you're not poaching Higgs, I am not sending Beckman to work under a Sweet Commander. We have been through this already." Shanks huffed and grabbed his bottle, taking a large gulp and sighing.

It was time for Big Mom to reveal her trump cards for this game, she had no need for his cook or Shipwright at the moment, maybe after they were on better terms but now she had to fix the damage Strawhat had done.

"Shanks, I have armadas at quite a few islands outside your territory that fly your flag, with one call I will have them obliterated and my attack will spark a war.. You wouldn't want so many innocent lives to be lost because of your stupid mouth so you should consider what you say very carefully." Her voice was as soft as butter but her words certainly were not.

Gritting his teeth Shanks let out a hiss, if Big Mom was willing to start a war over whatever she wanted then it must be important to her. If the Matriarch was telling the truth then there'd be tens of thousands who would die in a fight between Yonkos, civilians, allies, unlucky pirates who get caught in crossfire. There was no telling what the outcome would be between Yonko in the New World.

He at least had to hear her offer.

"I'm listening, what's your proposal." He responded, his demeanor shifted in a matter of seconds, the joking and fun captain had been replaced with the no-nonsense hard faced one.

Among the crew they shared worried glances and shifted nervously. One who had been paying little attention finally felt the need to set her stitching work aside and move out from the cool shade behind Lucky Roo, after all, any major decisions concerning the captain concerned his daughter too.

"The lack of communication and bonds between us led to this disaster, I'm not unreasonable and I'm not going to hold you accountable. To strengthen the bond between us as Yonko and solidify our unity I have made a decision. One of my sons is to marry your daughter."

At those words the bottle fell from Shanks' hand and shattered on the ground.

'It must be this killer hangover, I must've heard wrong. She couldn't have asked me to marry off my daughter so easily. Maybe it's just a joke' Shanks thought, trying to rationalize what he had just heard.

Angry murmurs came from the crew as eyes went from Shanks to his daughter, rooted to where she was stood, eyes wide in disbelief as she began to process the situation for what it was.

Still in a state of shock the Red-Haired captain shook his head slowly "W-what? Please tell me this killer hangover made me hear incorrectly or miss part of that sentence." He whispered with a soft chuckle, trying to pretend it was indeed the hangover that had him mishearing things.

A loud cackle could be heard on the den-den Moshi, Big Mom couldn't believe that the famed Red-Haired Shanks could have misheard or misunderstood.

"Just because you amuse me I will say it once more. Your daughter will marry one of my sons or you and I are going to have a war, Shanks. We will be related by the marriage of our children or one of us is going to burn along with all they hold dear, children included. What shall it be, Shanks? Shall we have a wedding or a bloodbath?" Repeating her offer once more and in a clear tone Big Mom relished in the thought of how Shanks looked right now.

Nothing could be heard upon the deck now, stunned to silence the crew knew this was either going to kill their captain of grief or kill them by means of war. Neither were favorable options.

Now certain that he heard correctly the first time Shanks slumped forward in his chair, his head resting in his hand as he tried to think over his choices.

His choices were quite simple; send his daughter into an arranged marriage or start a war the likes of which had never been seen.

He couldn't give his child away as if she were a kitten or a puppy, unlike his fellow Yonko he didn't have eighty-five children to use as alliance pawns, he just had the one girl.

Would he be willing to sacrifice the lives of thousands and have his crew, his allies risk everything for the sake of his child?

These options weighed heavily on him as he thought. Knowing he had to give an answer soon or face further issues he knew he had to ask the greatest sacrifice of someone who meant the world to him. Could he put his daughter above the lives of more than ten thousand innocent people and still have a clear enough conscience to sleep at night, or would he rather have the guilt and failure of having to use his child for the sake of peace?

Lifting his head he looked towards his daughter, giving her a sympathetic and apologetic look as he mouthed the words 'Forgive me' before turning his attention back to the conversation at hand.

Closing his eyes he took a deep breath, trying to keep the tears from forming he opened his mouth to speak.

"I accept!" Another voice answered.

A look of twisted confusion warped onto his face as his eyes were drawn towards his daughter, now walking towards the table she grabbed the receiver "I'm Rosalina, the daughter of Red-Hair Shanks. I hereby accept the offer to marry one of your sons. There is no need for a war." Her shaky voice continued as the crew looked at her with horrified expressions.

Without missing a beat Big Mom cackled manically "Accepting my offer yourself, a brave move, Rosalina. I'm sending my Sweet Commander Katakuri to get you, wait at the strip of no-mans-land bordering our territories. I'll contact you tomorrow for further arrangements." As soon as those words were spoken the den den Moshi shut off.

Leaving all those aboard Red Force in disbelief and fear.

It'd been some hours since the offer was made by Big Mom, half the crew of Red Force were convinced it was all some dream and they'd wake up from it, the other half were trying to plan some sort of revolt or find a replacement marriage candidate.

Shanks had been locked in his study since then, not speaking a word to anyone or looking any of his crew in the eyes, he felt far too ashamed to do so at this time. While the captain was drowning his shame and sorrows in rum it'd been Beckman doing the damage control.

"What were you thinking? You've accepted her offer, you're going to marry one of her lunatic kids! You know, when I said you'd break your fathers heart one day I did not mean like this!" Beckman scolded as he rolled up a newspaper to smack the girl in the back of the head, something he did quite often with disobedient members of the crew.

Wincing in pain Rosalina sniffled and lowered her head, she knew her father had been backed into a corner by the Matriarch and he was not one to stand by and let needless slaughter happen, there was no choice but for him to accept the offer put before him,

"I had to. His heart would be breaking far worse if he'd had to say those words instead of me and you know it." She cried as Lucky Roo tried in vain to give the girl some comfort.

"Hay, it'll be okay. Maybe you'll get one of the good kids. I hear two of the Sweet Commanders are married and the last is in seclusion, as well as some of the crazier ones have died! Chances look good to get a good husband, you're also technically gonna be a princess since Big mom is Queen of Totto Land." He grinned and laughed nervously, if there was one thing Lucky Roo was good at it was being optimistic about even the worst of situations, giving her a gentle pat to the shoulder he set a plate of food in front of her.

While both Beckman and Roo began to bicker about the seriousness of the situation Rosalina pushed her plate aside, she knew she had to face the music and talk to her father sooner rather than later. Standing up from the table the two men stopped their petty arguing and looked to her "Thanks, Roo, but I'll eat it later, I need to talk to my dad before this goes any further." With a weak smile she left the mess hall and made her way towards her father's study.

Even though Lucky Roo tried to look on the bright side there were still many sons who were far from stable, far older than she was and far more volatile than those who would be considered 'good' husband.

There'd been enough horror stories about the arranged marriages of big mom, the most being the recent attempts to wipe out Germa 66 disguised as a wedding, as well as the husband of a Sweet Commander being found unconscious with a broken wrist, a concussion and a fractured ankle just days after the wedding.

In truth Rosalina was terrified about what this held in store for her, unnerved at the thought of marrying a man she'd never met before, desolate at the idea of being in an unhappy marriage the rest of her life.

Stopping once she came to the door she knocked softly, when no reply came she jiggled the handle only to find it was locked "Dad, please open the door, I know you can hear me. Let me in, we need to talk." Banging on the door once more she hit her head against it and grit her teeth.

"Please don't shut me out again, not like this and not now! Dad, please, I'm scared and I don't know what to do next.. I need you." Rosalina cried as she burst out into tears, there was little to be done about the situation but having the ability to talk to her father about it would ease her worries, especially when she was at the center of this situation.

Leaning against the door she sobbed quietly for a moment before hearing the lock click, the door creaked open as her father stood aside to let her in "Can you ever forgive me for this darling?" Was all he asked as she walked into the study, closing the door behind her he returned to his desk where he sat drinking. Shaking her head she wiped her tears "Forgive you for what? I made the decision to marry one of her sons not you. You aren't allowed to drown yourself in booze and cry over stupid misplaced guilt." With a sarcastic chuckle she grabbed the open bottle off the table and flopped down onto one of the armchairs.

Taking a large gulp she sighed and shook her head "Cry because your daughter is getting married by her own choice. Leave the hysterics and panicking to Beckman, you need to start celebrating because nothing to do about it now but find silver linings like Lucky Roo does." After another few swigs of the drink she noticed her father had gotten another bottle and was drinking.

"What did I ever do to deserve a daughter like you? Willing to go into an arranged marriage because your old man wasn't careful enough.. I swear I'm gonna find a way to make things right and if that husband doesn't meet my standards that fat, uptight bitch can find you a better one! My girl deserves only the best of husbands." Shanks laughed as tears ran down his face.

If even she could find a good way to look at this then surely he could try to the same, after all, it would be his daughters big day.