Chapter 7: Harbingers of Sweetness

Big Mom Territories.

Well, that wasn't so bad. There hadn't been any cake in the first place, and Mama seemed to be too far gone to comprehend simple logic so all's well that ends well. The Straw Hats and Jinbei were gone, so that was one problem finished. As Mama seethed and looked around, the Minister took out his Den Den Mushi.

The Mirror World

Brûlée looked at the mirror, seeing the inside of Straw Hat's ship and rubbing her hands in glee. There was not enough treasure in the world to make up for her humiliation, her embarrassment, at their hands.

"Oi, Katakuri! We're done here!" came Perospero's voice out of Katakuri's Den Den Mushi. Brûlée grinned even wider; laughing darkly at the fates of the Straw Hats. That's what you got for challenging Mama; they had only themselves to blame!

The mirror suddenly shattered, making her recoil slightly.

Focusing purely on Straw Hat, Katakuri silently pondered what this meant. Straw Hat's pain was evident and satisfying, but could it really be over that soon? Was he disappointed, did he expect more? He had underestimated this crew before to disastrous consequences.

His siblings weren't sure themselves, arguing with each other as Straw Hat continued to hold a shard of mirror. The pirate suddenly stood up and ran suddenly, tilting Katakuri's suspicions further into the least favourable outcome.

Whatever the reason, he would not let Straw Hat escape, wordlessly kicking the child away. It didn't matter about his crew; what mattered was that he died.

Nuts Island

Looking up into the rampaging giant, the first Sweet Commander felt himself renewed and invigorated. A large foot came down on him, his arm enough to stop the limb. With a glint in his eye, he punched up, breaking the giant's leg from the sheer power.

It staggered, dazed and in pain on one knee, while the three brothers stood in front of it, ready to deliver the crushing blow.

"Kukukuku! Well done, brother! Now for the coup de gras" cried the voice of Perospero, strolling forwards and spinning his staff like a marching band's baton twirler. Behind him came an impressive collection of wheeled, cloth covered constructions. "Candy Artillery, unveil yourself!"

Katakuri stepped back, seeing Prometheus watch from above. The cloth came off, revealing four gigantic, high tech catapults crafted entirely out of candy. His brother's tongue slurped on the candy in his hands, and he pointed at the giant. "Unleash candy!" cried the Minister, laughing maniacally.

He spun as they launched glittering balls of candy at the giant. Each was larger than the children themselves, and Katakuri saw a liquid flowing within them.

The cannon balls spiralled through the air, splashing liquid alcohol over the giant. The powerful smell made Katakuri raise an eyebrow, but he realised what Perospero's plan was as his brother took up a flaming spear. "Brother, would you do the honours?"

"Gladly" replied Katakuri, taking the spear and throwing it without thought. The flaming tip rotated, turning the weapon into a deadly and accurate missile. It sparked against the alcohol and spread over the giant's body. A loud howl of pain brought pleasure to the children's ears. In vain, he tried to wipe the liquid off, but the sugar in the alcohol had caramelised and stuck to his skin resulting in the flames burning deep within.

Perospero grinned while Katakuri sat down on a piece of rubble, watching the giant fall to his knees and then onto his front. The fire continued burning, the smell of caramel reaching their noses instead of the roasting flesh Katakuri expected.

"I am an artist, brother. I make even death smell sweet" giggled Perospero, his brother glancing over for a moment, then back to the giant. Cheers went up around them, the crowds ecstatic.

Big Mom's Throne Room

"Mamama~ You fought well, my children. I would have been so disappointed if I had needed to kill you. With more of your brothers on the way, it is now imperative that you set a good example for your younger siblings." Their mother lay back on her throne, stroking her pregnant stomach slowly.

"Yes, Mama" they acknowledged, Perospero reclining on a lavish couch as Katakuri sat on the armrest of the couch opposite. Daifuku and Oven sat back in the couch, looking content with themselves. Around them, the room was filled up with a lavish banquet of different foods. Mountains of sandwiches and pies, huge tureens of soup, piles of caviar, tanks of fondue. Perospero slurped on his candy more vigorously, yearning to have just a little food but understanding what it meant.

"Your next siblings are close to being born as well; our family is going to get even bigger!"

"Brothers?" enquired Perospero, raising his head to look at his mother. "You're having twins?"

"Triplets!" cried Big Mom, suddenly twitching. A dark look overcame her features, and Peros widened his eyes. "Bring the caviar! Bring the sausage rolls!" At her yell, chess soldiers rushed to pick up the relevant food and carry it quickly up the stairs. Big Mom grabbed the items they brought, scoffing and gorging herself on the rich food.

Caviar dribbled down her chin, the Empress eating everything that came near her mouth. Peros repressed a shiver; he wished his Mama would learn how to eat properly. Something hit the side of his head, and he turned it to look at Katakuri, jelly bean in hand. His look told Peros all he needed to know, and the Minister mouthed a silent apology.

"Mooore!" cried the huge woman, grabbing at plates and crunching them between her teeth. In her speed, a chess soldier was picked up and shoved into her mouth. The crunching of bones echoed through the hall, soldiers continuing to feed her.

Peros saw a glimmer of horror on Oven's face; everyone had a limit. A few minutes later, and Mama burped loudly. "That was good. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes."

The brothers composed themselves, listening attentively and trying to ignore what happened.

"Prometheus informed me of your actions, and while I understand you, Katakuri, did not want the position, I need children I can trust as my Ministers. Thus, you will be Minister of Flour! Do not worry, it is a peaceful Island, allowing you to travel where you desire."

"If that is your wish, Mama."

"Daifuku, you demonstrated abnormal strength and a clear example of why we should be feared. You shall be my Minister of Beans, since beans are hardy, strong and filling."

"I am honoured, Mama!"

"Oven, not only did you help defeat the giant, I understand you have gained a clear knowledge and understanding of cooking. Thus, you will be Minister of Browned Foods. Keep everything simmering well."

"Your wish is my command, Mama."

"With these promotions, I now give all four of you permission to leave Totland in order to increase my wealth and holdings."

Big Mom snapped her fingers, and Streusen came forwards silently, handing scrolls to the individual children.

"After consulting with Streusen, we have outlined a plan to take the world by storm. First, we must repair relations with the giants. Totland is an Island for all races; how can it be so if there are no giants?!" yelled the Empress angrily, slamming a fist on her armrest.

Her children jumped, distracted from their reading. "So, if you come across giants, do not kill them. The time will come when they will join my side, and allow me to become Queen of the Pirates."

"Second, Devil Fruits. Search the world for them, kill any who stand in your way. Do whatever it takes. In particular, Daifuku, you will seek them out. Any food related Devil Fruit are a necessity. Kill the owners of these fruits, and bring the new one to me."

"Pardon, Mama, but what do you mean new one? I thought Devil Fruits died with their owners" replied Daifuku, rolling up the scroll. "How are we going to eat fruits already eaten?"

"Mamama~ When a Devil Fruit user dies, a random fruit is chosen to become a new one. It is simple, no?"

"I'm sorry for doubting you, Mama."

"Third, husbands. Find me the strongest men, the most powerful men, so that I may have even more children. Kings, Lords, Barons, any with power, take control of their Kingdoms and bring the leaders to me. Katakuri, you will help your brothers when necessary to bring these Islands under my control, understood?"

"Yes Mama, although let me remind my brothers that no man is worthy of you."

"So sweet. Nevertheless."

She paused to take a breath, taking a tankard of ale from the suspended table and gulping it down. She threw it away, turning to Perospero.

"Perospero, you will follow after your brothers and cement my rule in the new lands. Oven, you will stay in the Kingdom and deal with any threats. Make sure all of you return for my tea parties: failure to turn up will result in my severe displeasure" finished Big Mom, glaring at her children.

They looked away, cowed by her presence. "But I'm sure you will all attend. Now, go, make your Mama proud."

Mirror World

"I'm not planning on dying here!"

Good. Let us continue the suffering.

Your death will be slow.