Chapter 28: The Ripple Effect
The New World had always been a treacherous place, where only the strongest survived and thrived. But in the two years since Sanjul Rahmuro and his Spectral Pirates joined forces with the Big Mom Pirates, the balance of power had shifted dramatically. What began as a simple alliance had evolved into something far more potent and terrifying.
At Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki stood before a massive map of the New World, his face etched with frustration and barely contained rage. Red pins dotted the sea chart, each one representing a territory now under Big Mom's control. The sheer number of them was staggering.
"How?" he growled, slamming his fist on the table. "How did we let this happen?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru, her weathered face grim, stepped forward. "It's not just about raw power anymore, Sakazuki. The Big Mom Pirates have become... efficient."
The word hung in the air, loaded with implications. Efficiency wasn't a term typically associated with pirates, especially not the chaotic forces of a Yonko. But under Rahmuro's influence, that's exactly what they had become.
"Explain," Sakazuki demanded.
Tsuru sighed, pulling out a thick dossier. "Our intelligence suggests that Rahmuro has implemented a series of internal reforms. Nothing drastic, mind you. But small changes that have had a cascading effect throughout their entire organization."
She began laying out reports, each one more alarming than the last. "Improved supply lines. Standardized training regimens. Coordinated attacks between different divisions. Even their territories are being managed more effectively, with reduced infighting and increased productivity."
Sakazuki's scowl deepened. "So they're not just stronger. They're smarter."
"Precisely," Tsuru nodded. "And it's not just Rahmuro. His influence has elevated others within the crew. We now have confirmed reports of four pirates within the Big Mom Pirates with bounties exceeding 1,000,000,000 Berries."
"Four?" Sakazuki's eyes widened. "Who?"
"Rahmuro himself, of course. Charlotte Katakuri and Charlotte Smoothie have both seen significant increases in their bounties. And then there's Charlotte Compote, who's become a force to be reckoned with in her own right."
The implications were staggering. One billion-berry pirate was a nightmare. Four, working in concert? It was almost unthinkable.
"And that's not even accounting for the improvements we've seen in their other major commanders," Tsuru continued. "Cracker, Perospero, Snack... all of them have become more formidable under Rahmauro's guidance."
Sakazuki turned back to the map, his mind racing. The red pins seemed to mock him, a visual representation of their failures. "What about Big Mom herself? Has she been affected by all this?"
Tsuru hesitated. "It's... difficult to say. She's as monstrous as ever, but there are reports of her being more... focused. Less prone to her usual rampages. It's as if Rahmuro has found a way to channel her power more effectively."
The thought sent a chill down Sakazuki's spine. A focused Big Mom was a terrifying prospect indeed.
"We need to adapt," he said finally. "If they're becoming more efficient, we need to do the same. I want every available resource devoted to countering this threat. New strategies, new training programs, whatever it takes."
As the meeting adjourned and plans were set in motion, Sakazuki couldn't shake the feeling that they were playing catch-up. Rahmuro and the Big Mom Pirates were always one step ahead, and the gap was only widening.
XXX
Meanwhile, across the New World, the effects of Rahmuro's influence were being felt in ways both big and small.
On a small island that had recently fallen under Big Mom's protection, a group of farmers gathered in the town square. They were nervous, expecting the usual harsh demands for tribute that came with pirate rule. But instead, they were greeted by a well-spoken man in a crisp uniform.
"Gentlemen," the man said, his voice calm and measured. "I'm here on behalf of the Big Mom Pirates to discuss your crop yields."
The farmers exchanged uneasy glances. "Our... crop yields?" one of them asked hesitantly.
The man nodded, pulling out a stack of papers. "We've analyzed your soil composition and climate patterns. With a few adjustments to your planting schedule and the introduction of some heartier seed varieties, we believe we can increase your productivity by 30% within the next two growing seasons."
The farmers were stunned. This wasn't the brutal shake-down they had expected. It was... helpful?
"Of course," the man continued, his tone hardening slightly, "we'll be taking a percentage of that increased yield as tribute. But I think you'll find that even after our cut, you'll be significantly better off than you were before."
As the man laid out the details of the plan, the farmers found themselves nodding along. It was a good deal. A fair deal, even. And the thought of increased crops, of fuller bellies and more prosperous times, was intoxicating.
What they didn't realize, what they couldn't have known, was that this scene was playing out across dozens of islands throughout the New World. Small changes, incremental improvements, all adding up to a massive increase in resources and loyalty for the Big Mom Pirates.
XXX
In the New World's underworld, whispers of the Big Mom Pirates' newfound efficiency spread like wildfire. Brokers and information dealers found themselves scrambling to keep up with the rapidly changing landscape.
"I'm telling you," a grizzled old smuggler said to his companions in a dimly lit bar, "it's not like it used to be. You can't just slip through their territories anymore. Every route is patrolled, every shipment inspected. It's like they've got eyes everywhere."
His drinking buddy, a younger man with an eyepatch, nodded grimly. "I heard they've even got some kind of standardized tariff system now. Can you believe it? Pirates with bureaucracy?"
The old smuggler spat on the floor. "It ain't natural, I tell you. Pirates are supposed to be chaotic, unpredictable. But these Big Mom folks? They're running things like a damn government."
What neither of them knew was that at that very moment, in a secure room deep within Whole Cake Island, Sanjul Rahmuro was poring over reports of their conversation. His network of spies and informants had grown vast, feeding him a constant stream of intelligence from across the New World.
"Interesting," he murmured, making a note in his ledger. "We'll need to adjust our patrol patterns in sector 7. Can't have these smugglers thinking they've found a weakness in our defenses."
Beside him, Charlotte Smoothie raised an eyebrow. "Is it wise to react to every little rumor?" she asked. "We can't be everywhere at once."
Rahmuro smiled, a cold, calculated expression that didn't quite reach his eyes. "We don't need to be everywhere. We just need them to think we are. Perception is half the battle, my dear."
Smoothie nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. She had come to appreciate Rahmuro's strategic mind, the way he could turn even the smallest piece of information into an advantage. It was part of why she had agreed to become his second wife, seeing in him a partner worthy of her strength and ambition.
As they continued to work, planning and plotting the future of their ever-expanding empire, neither of them could have predicted the full extent of the changes they were setting in motion. The New World was being reshaped, not through grand battles or world-shaking events, but through a thousand small efficiencies, each one compounding upon the last.
XXX
In the East Blue, far from the tumultuous waters of the Grand Line, a young Marine recruit stood at attention, listening to his instructor with rapt attention.
"Listen up, you lousy sea dogs," the grizzled veteran barked. "Things are changing out there in the New World. The pirates ain't just strong anymore. They're smart. Organized. We can't just rely on brute force and Devil Fruit powers. We gotta be smarter, more adaptable."
The recruits exchanged nervous glances. They had all joined up expecting to fight the stereotypical pirates of legend - brutal, chaotic forces of nature. But this? This sounded like something else entirely.
"From now on," the instructor continued, "your training will include advanced courses in logistics, resource management, and strategic planning. You're not just going to be soldiers. You're going to be tacticians, analysts, leaders."
As the new curriculum was laid out, the young recruit couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. The world was changing, and they were being molded to face a threat unlike anything they had imagined.
What none of them knew was that this shift in Marine training was a direct response to the changes Rahmuro had implemented within the Big Mom Pirates. The ripple effects of his influence were spreading far beyond the New World, reshaping the very nature of the eternal struggle between pirates and Marines.
XXX
Back in the New World, on a bustling trade hub that had recently come under Big Mom's protection, a group of merchants gathered in a dimly lit backroom. They spoke in hushed tones, their eyes darting nervously to the door.
"It's not just the tariffs," one of them, a portly man with a thick mustache, whispered. "Have you seen the new infrastructure they're building? Roads, bridges, even a new harbor."
Another merchant, a thin woman with sharp eyes, nodded. "And the protection they're offering is actually... reliable. My last shipment made it through without a single pirate attack. When's the last time that happened?"
The others murmured in agreement. It was an uncomfortable truth, but one they couldn't ignore. Life under Big Mom's rule was... stable. Predictable. Profitable, even.
"But at what cost?" a younger merchant asked, his voice tinged with idealism. "We're supporting pirates. Criminals."
The woman fixed him with a hard stare. "And what exactly was the World Government doing for us before? At least now we can run our businesses without fear of being wiped out by some upstart crew or corrupt official."
As the debate raged on, none of them realized that their conversation was being carefully monitored. Rahmuro's network of informants had infiltrated every level of society, feeding him a constant stream of information about the mood on the ground.
XXX
In his office on Whole Cake Island, Rahmuro smiled as he read the report. "Excellent," he murmured. "The merchants are starting to see the benefits of our rule. We'll need to capitalize on this sentiment, expand our influence even further."
Beside him, Galette raised an eyebrow. "You're not worried about resistance? There will always be those who oppose pirate rule, no matter how benevolent it seems."
Rahmuro's smile turned cold. "Of course. But that's where you come in, my dear. A little targeted 'butter-softening' for our more... recalcitrant subjects should keep things running smoothly."
Galette nodded, a wicked glint in her eye. She had come to appreciate Rahmuro's ruthless pragmatism, the way he could balance carrot and stick to keep their empire running smoothly. It was part of why their marriage had flourished, each of them pushing the other to new heights of ambition and achievement.
As they continued to plan, neither of them fully grasped the full extent of the changes they were setting in motion. The New World was being transformed, not through grand conquests or epic battles, but through a thousand small improvements, each one building upon the last.
XXX
In the depths of Mariejois, the Five Elders gathered in emergency session. Their faces were grim, their voices low and urgent as they discussed the latest reports from the New World.
"This cannot be allowed to continue," one of them growled, slamming his fist on the table. "The Big Mom Pirates are no longer just a pirate crew. They're becoming a rival government."
Another Elder nodded, his weathered face creased with worry. "Their influence is spreading beyond the New World. We're seeing increased unrest in Paradise, even in the Blues. People are starting to question why we can't provide the same stability and prosperity that these pirates seem to offer."
The oldest among them leaned forward, his eyes glinting dangerously. "Then we must remind them why we are the rightful rulers of this world. Crush this upstart crew, make an example of them."
"It's not that simple," a fourth Elder countered. "Rahmuro has turned them into a well-oiled machine. A direct confrontation could lead to catastrophic losses on our side."
The room fell silent as they grappled with the gravity of the situation. For centuries, they had maintained their grip on power through a careful balance of force and manipulation. But now, that balance was being upended by a pirate crew that seemed to be beating them at their own game.
"What of the other Yonko?" the fifth Elder asked. "Surely they must see the threat that Big Mom poses now. Perhaps we could... encourage them to take action?"
The others nodded slowly, the beginnings of a plan taking shape. It was a dangerous game, playing the Yonko against each other. But in these uncertain times, desperate measures were called for.
As the Five Elders began to plot and scheme, setting in motion plans that would reshape the political landscape of the world, they couldn't have known that their every move was being anticipated. Rahmuro's network of spies had penetrated even the highest levels of the World Government, feeding him information that allowed him to stay one step ahead.
XXX
In his office on Whole Cake Island, Rahmuro smiled as he read the latest report from his moles in Mariejois. "Just as I predicted," he murmured. "They're getting desperate, starting to make mistakes."
Beside him, Smoothie raised an eyebrow. "You're not worried about them turning the other Yonko against us?"
Rahmuro's smile widened, a predatory glint in his eye. "On the contrary, my dear. That's exactly what I'm counting on. Let them come. We'll be ready."
As they continued to plan and strategize, the wheels of change continued to turn. The New World was being reshaped, not through grand battles or world-shaking events, but through a thousand small efficiencies, each one building upon the last. And at the center of it all stood Sanjul Rahmuro, the unlikely catalyst who had turned a chaotic pirate crew into a force that threatened the very foundations of the world order.
The ripple effects of Rahmuro's influence spread far and wide, touching every corner of the One Piece world in ways both subtle and profound.
XXX
In the kingdom of Alabasta, Princess Vivi stood before her father, King Cobra, her face etched with concern. "Father," she said, her voice urgent, "we need to discuss our trade agreements with the World Government."
Cobra raised an eyebrow, surprised by his daughter's sudden interest in economic policy. "What about them, Vivi?"
"I've been studying the reports from the New World," she explained. "The territories under Big Mom's control... they're thriving. Their economies are growing at unprecedented rates. We need to adapt, or we'll be left behind."
Cobra's eyes widened as Vivi laid out her proposal. It was bold, bordering on revolutionary. Reduced reliance on World Government support, diversified trade routes, even cautious overtures to some of the more stable pirate-controlled territories.
"This is dangerous territory, Vivi," he warned. "The World Government won't take kindly to us seeking independence from their economic control."
Vivi's eyes flashed with determination. "Perhaps. But if we don't act now, we may not have a choice in the future. The world is changing, Father. We need to change with it."
As father and daughter continued to debate, neither of them fully grasped the significance of their conversation. All across the world, similar discussions were taking place. Leaders of nations both great and small were being forced to reevaluate their relationships with the World Government, all because of the example set by a pirate crew in the New World.
XXX
Meanwhile, in the frigid waters of the North Blue, a Marine battleship cut through the waves. On its deck, Vice Admiral Smoker stood with his arms crossed, his ever-present cigars clenched between his teeth.
"Sir," his second-in-command, Tashigi, approached with a stack of reports. "We've received new orders from Headquarters. We're being reassigned to the New World."
Smoker grunted, taking the papers and scanning them quickly. His eyes widened as he read, the cigars nearly falling from his mouth. "This can't be right," he muttered.
"Sir?" Tashigi asked, concern evident in her voice.
Smoker looked up, his expression a mix of disbelief and grim determination. "They're implementing new strategies, Tashigi. Strategies based on... pirate tactics."
Tashigi's jaw dropped. "Pirate tactics? But... why?"
"Because," Smoker growled, crumpling the paper in his fist, "we're losing. The Big Mom Pirates have changed the game, and we're scrambling to catch up."
As the battleship continued its journey towards the New World, neither Smoker nor Tashigi could have predicted the challenges that awaited them. They were sailing into a world transformed, where the lines between pirate and Marine, between lawless and lawful, had become blurred beyond recognition.
In the depths of the New World, on an island that had recently come under Big Mom's protection, a group of former slaves gathered in secret. They spoke in hushed tones, their eyes darting nervously to the shadows.
"Is it true?" one of them, a man with beard asked.
"Yes," whispered a woman in the dark
XXX
The sun had barely crested the horizon when Vice Admiral Tsuru received the report. Her weathered hands trembled slightly as she read, her eyes widening with each passing sentence. This couldn't be right. It had to be some kind of mistake.
But as she devoured the contents of the document, cross-referencing it with other intelligence gathered over the past two years, a sinking feeling settled in her stomach. This was real. And it changed everything.
"Garp!" she called out, her voice cutting through the early morning quiet of Marine Headquarters. "Get in here. Now."
The Hero of the Marines lumbered into her office, a half-eaten donut in his hand. "What's got you all riled up, Tsuru? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Tsuru thrust the report at him. "Read this. Tell me I'm not going crazy."
Garp's jovial expression faded as he scanned the document, his brow furrowing deeper with each passing moment. "This can't be right," he muttered. "Big Mom... testing the loyalty of her crew with her Devil Fruit powers? And that Rahmuro fellow passing?"
"Not just passing," Tsuru corrected. "Excelling. According to our sources, he underwent one of the most rigorous tests Big Mom has ever devised. And he came through with flying colors."
Garp whistled low. "No wonder things have been going to hell in the New World lately. If Big Mom's got someone she can actually trust..."
"It's worse than that," Tsuru said grimly. "This test... it's not just about loyalty. It's about competence, about potential. And Rahmuro scored off the charts."
"But why him?" Garp asked, scratching his head. "Why not test all her crew like this?"
Tsuru sighed, sinking into her chair. "Think about it, Garp. How many pirates do you know who would willingly submit to having their very soul examined? Who would be honest enough with themselves, let alone with Big Mom, to even attempt such a thing?"
Understanding dawned in Garp's eyes. "And if they failed..."
"Exactly," Tsuru nodded. "Big Mom would have to eliminate them to save face. It's impractical, maybe even impossible, to do this with her entire crew. But Rahmuro... he volunteered. He laid out exactly how far he was willing to go for her, and then he proved it."
Garp slumped against the wall, his usual bravado replaced by a look of genuine concern. "So what do we do now? If Big Mom's got someone she can actually rely on, someone who can make her crew work together efficiently..."
"We adapt," Tsuru said firmly. "We study every scrap of information we can get on Rahmuro and his methods. And we prepare for a Big Mom Pirates unlike anything we've ever faced before."
As the two veteran Marines began to strategize, the news was spreading like wildfire throughout the New World.
XXX
In a dingy tavern on the outskirts of Mock Town, a group of pirates huddled around a crumpled newspaper, their faces a mixture of awe and fear.
"You're telling me this Rahmuro guy actually let Big Mom look into his soul?" one of them, a burly man with an eyepatch, asked incredulously.
His companion, a wiry woman with a scar across her cheek, nodded grimly. "That's what they're saying. Used her Soul-Soul Fruit powers to test his loyalty. And he passed with flying colors."
"But why?" a third pirate chimed in. "Why would anyone take that risk? If he'd failed..."
"Because he's not like us," the woman said, her voice tinged with a mixture of admiration and fear. "He's not just in it for the loot or the glory. He's playing a whole different game."
The eyepatch pirate snorted. "What game is that? Sucking up to a Yonko?"
"Strategy," the woman shot back. "Think about it. In two years, he's gone from a nobody to one of Big Mom's top commanders. He's got her ear, he's reshaping her entire crew. And now we find out he's got her trust in a way no one else does."
The tavern fell silent as the implications sank in. The Big Mom Pirates had always been a force to be reckoned with, but this... this was something else entirely.
"We're screwed," the third pirate muttered. "If Big Mom's got someone who can actually make her crew work together efficiently..."
"We adapt," the woman said firmly. "We watch, we learn, and we figure out how to survive in this new world Rahmuro's creating."
As the pirates continued to debate and speculate, the news was causing an even bigger stir in the upper echelons of power.
XXX
In the opulent meeting room of the Five Elders, tensions were running high.
"This is unprecedented," one of them, a bald man with a long beard, growled. "A pirate willingly submitting to such a test? And passing?"
Another Elder, a man with a scar across his left eye, leaned forward. "It's not just that he passed. It's what it means for the Big Mom Pirates as a whole. This Rahmuro... he's changing everything."
"How so?" a third Elder asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.
The scarred Elder pulled out a stack of reports. "In the two years since he joined Big Mom's crew, we've seen a 30% increase in their territorial holdings. Their operations are running smoother, more efficiently. Even their internal conflicts have decreased significantly."
"But how?" the skeptical Elder pressed. "One man can't make that much of a difference."
"It's not just about his individual skills," the scarred Elder explained. "From what our sources tell us, Rahmuro excels at making people work together. He's reducing rivalries, streamlining operations. He's turned a chaotic pirate crew into a well-oiled machine."
The room fell silent as the implications sank in. The Big Mom Pirates had always been a major threat, but this... this was something else entirely.
"We need to act," the bald Elder said finally. "If Big Mom has someone she can truly rely on, someone who can maximize the potential of her crew..."
"We adapt," the scarred Elder said firmly. "We study every move Rahmuro makes, every change he implements. And we prepare for a Big Mom Pirates unlike anything we've ever faced before."
As the Five Elders began to formulate plans and contingencies, the ripple effects of Rahmuro's test were being felt throughout the New World.
XXX
On a small island recently brought under Big Mom's protection, a group of fishermen gathered on the docks, their faces a mixture of confusion and cautious optimism.
"I don't understand," one of them, an old man with weathered hands, said. "Why are they helping us improve our boats? Teaching us new fishing techniques?"
His son, a young man with fire in his eyes, shook his head in disbelief. "It doesn't make sense. Pirates are supposed to take, not give."
A woman with graying hair stepped forward, her voice thoughtful. "I heard it's because of that new commander of theirs. Rahmuro, I think his name is. They say he's got Big Mom's ear, that he's changing how they do things."
"But why?" the old man pressed. "What's in it for them?"
The woman smiled wryly. "Think about it. If our catches improve, if our lives get better..."
"We'll have more to give as tribute," the young man finished, understanding dawning in his eyes.
"And we'll be less likely to rebel," the old man added, nodding slowly.
The woman's smile faded slightly. "It's still pirate rule. But maybe... maybe it's a kind we can live with."
As the fishermen continued to discuss the changes in their lives, none of them fully grasped the significance of what was happening. They were witnessing the birth of a new era in the New World, one shaped by the unlikely alliance between a ruthless Yonko and a strategic mastermind.
XXX
In her castle on Whole Cake Island, Big Mom sat in her throne room, her massive form dwarfing everything around her. Before her stood Katakuri, his usual stoic expression tinged with a hint of concern.
"Mama," he said, his voice carefully neutral. "The crew is... unsettled by the news about Rahmuro's test. They're wondering why you don't subject everyone to such scrutiny."
Big Mom's laughter shook the walls of the castle. "Foolish children," she boomed. "Do they think I have the time or patience to peer into every soul that pledges loyalty to me?"
Katakuri remained silent, waiting for his mother to continue.
"Rahmuro is different," Big Mom said, her voice taking on a thoughtful tone. "He came to me with honesty, laid bare the extent of his loyalty. Do you know how rare that is, my son?"
Katakuri nodded slowly. "Most pirates... most people... aren't willing to be that vulnerable. Especially not to someone like you, Mama."
"Exactly," Big Mom grinned, a predatory gleam in her eye. "And if they failed such a test, I'd have to eliminate them. It's impractical, maybe even impossible, to do this with our entire crew. But Rahmuro... he volunteered. He showed me exactly how far he was willing to go, and then he proved it."
"And you trust him?" Katakuri asked, a hint of skepticism in his voice.
Big Mom's expression turned serious. "As much as I can trust anyone, my son. He passed a test few would even attempt. But trust is not eternal. The man who passed that test was worthy of my confidence. Whether he remains so... only time will tell."
As Katakuri left the throne room, his mind racing with the implications of his mother's words, he couldn't shake the feeling that everything was about to change. The Big Mom Pirates had always been a force to be reckoned with, but with Rahmuro's influence...
They were becoming something else entirely. Something that could reshape the very foundations of the New World.
And as news of Rahmuro's test continued to spread, pirates, Marines, and civilians alike found themselves grappling with a new reality. The age of chaos in the New World was coming to an end, replaced by something far more organized, far more efficient.
And far more terrifying.
XXX
The grand hall of Whole Cake Chateau buzzed with tension as the Charlotte siblings gathered for an emergency meeting. The air was thick with the scent of sugar and unease, a stark contrast to the usual boisterous atmosphere of their gatherings.
Perospero, the eldest son, rapped his candy cane against the floor, calling for order. "Alright, settle down," he said, his voice cutting through the chatter. "We need to discuss the... situation with Rahmuro."
A hush fell over the room as all eyes turned to Big Mom, who sat at the head of the table, her massive form dwarfing everything around her. Beside her stood Katakuri, his usual stoic expression tinged with a hint of concern.
"Mama," Smoothie ventured, her voice carefully neutral. "Is it true? Did you really use your Soul-Soul powers to test Rahmuro's loyalty?"
Big Mom's laughter shook the walls of the castle. "Of course it's true, my sweet children," she boomed. "And let me tell you, that boy has some guts."
Cracker leaned forward, his biscuit armor crunching as he moved. "But why him, Mama? Why not test all of us like this?"
Big Mom's expression turned serious, her eyes scanning the room. "Tell me, my darlings, how many of you would be willing to lay bare your very souls? To show me the true extent of your loyalty, knowing that if you fell short, I'd have no choice but to... eliminate you?"
A collective shudder ran through the room. The Charlotte siblings exchanged uneasy glances, each one grappling with the implications of their mother's words.
"But Mama," Pudding spoke up, her third eye gleaming with curiosity. "Surely we've all proven our loyalty over the years. Why the need for such a test?"
Big Mom leaned back in her massive chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Loyalty, my dear, is a complex thing. It's not just about following orders or pledging allegiance. It's about the depths of one's commitment, the limits of one's devotion."
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room. "Rahmuro came to me with honesty. He laid out exactly how far he was willing to go for our family, and then he proved it. Do you know how rare that is?"
Katakuri stepped forward, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "Mama, perhaps you could explain the process. For those who haven't witnessed it before."
Big Mom nodded, a predatory gleam in her eye. "It's not just a simple yes or no question, my dears. When I use my Soul-Soul powers for this test, I can see into the very core of a person. Their fears, their doubts, their hidden desires... nothing is hidden from me."
She leaned forward, her massive form casting a shadow over the table. "Rahmuro chose to undergo a very challenging test that requires high effort and skill. Do you understand what that means?"
The siblings shook their heads, their expressions a mixture of confusion and awe.
"It means," Big Mom continued, "that he was willing to face some of his deepest fears, to confront the darkest parts of himself. And he did it knowing that if he failed, the consequences would be... severe."
Oven, his body radiating heat, spoke up. "But why would he take such a risk? What's in it for him?"
Big Mom's smile widened, revealing rows of teeth. "Protection, my boy. Not just for himself, but for his crew. By proving his loyalty at such a high level, he's earned a degree of trust that few in our family enjoy."
"How much trust?" Daifuku asked, his genie swirling around him nervously.
"Enough," Big Mom said cryptically. "Enough to give him autonomy in key missions, to let him make strategic decisions without constant oversight. But not so much that I'd ever let my guard down completely."
Snack, the newly reinstated Sweet Commander, leaned forward, his expression puzzled. "Mama, I don't understand. If this test is so effective, why haven't you used it more often? Why only 31 times in your entire career as a pirate?"
Big Mom's laughter boomed through the hall once more. "Oh, my sweet summer child," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "Do you think it's easy to find people willing to be that honest? Not just with me, but with themselves?"
She stood, her massive form towering over the table. "In theory, anyone could come to me and say they're willing to undergo the test. But in practice? With all the constraints of being truly honest, of facing their deepest fears and insecurities? It's a big ask, my dears. A very big ask indeed."
The room fell silent as the siblings digested this information. It was Mont-d'Or who finally broke the silence, his bookish face scrunched in concentration. "So... Rahmuro chose a Very firm, highly committed oath with slight room for doubt and a very challenging test that requires high effort and skill. What does that mean exactly?"
Big Mom's expression turned serious once more. "It means, my boy, that he was willing to commit himself to our family at a very high level. Not the highest - that would be an Impossible test that cannot be passed under normal circumstances- but high enough to be significant. And then he backed up that commitment by facing a test of equal difficulty."
"And the result?" Compote asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"A trust level of cautious but willing Reasonable trust," Big Mom said, her voice filled with a mixture of pride and caution. "High enough to give him significant responsibilities, but not so high that I'd ever let my guard down completely."
The siblings exchanged glances, the implications of this revelation sinking in. Rahmuro, the outsider who had married into their family, had managed to earn a level of trust that many of them could only dream of.
"But Mama," Brûlée spoke up, her mirror-like face reflecting the confusion in the room. "Why would you trust him more than us? We're your children!"
Big Mom's expression softened slightly. "Oh, my sweet girl. It's not about loving you less. It's about having a clear understanding of where everyone stands. Rahmuro laid out his limits clearly, and then he proved he could meet them. Can any of you say the same?"
The room fell silent once more as each sibling grappled with this question. They had all pledged loyalty to their mother, of course. But to have that loyalty quantified, to have it tested in such a concrete way... it was a daunting prospect.
"So what now?" Smoothie asked, her voice cutting through the tension. "How does this change things for our family?"
Big Mom settled back into her chair, a satisfied smile on her face. "Now, my dears, we adapt. Rahmuro has earned a certain level of autonomy, and we're going to use that to our advantage. He's already shown a talent for making our operations more efficient, for reducing internal conflicts."
She paused, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "With his level of trust, he can take on more responsibilities, make more strategic decisions. And all of you... well, you're going to learn from him. Watch how he operates, see how he manages to balance loyalty with effectiveness."
The siblings nodded, a mixture of emotions playing across their faces. Respect, envy, curiosity... and more than a little fear.
As the meeting began to break up, Katakuri pulled Snack aside. "You looked confused earlier," he said, his voice low. "Still trying to wrap your head around it?"
Snack nodded, his expression troubled. "I just... I don't understand why more people don't take the test. If it's such a clear way to prove loyalty and earn trust..."
Katakuri's eyes narrowed behind his scarf. "Think about it, Snack. Really think about it. How many pirates do you know who would be willing to lay bare their souls? To face their deepest fears and insecurities? And to do it knowing that if they fall short, even a little, the consequences could be fatal?"
Snack fell silent, understanding dawning in his eyes.
"Rahmuro took an enormous risk," Katakuri continued. "He set the bar at a Very challenging test - high enough to be significant, but not so high that he couldn't meet it. And then he backed it up with actions. That's rare, Snack. Rarer than you might think."
As Snack nodded, still processing this information, across the room, Perospero was engaged in a heated discussion with Compote.
"I don't like it," Perospero hissed, his candy cane tapping an agitated rhythm against the floor. "An outsider, given this much trust? It's dangerous."
Compote shook her head, her expression thoughtful. "You're missing the point, brother. Rahmuro didn't just earn Mama's trust - he quantified it. He set clear boundaries, clear expectations. In a way, that makes him less dangerous than someone who pledges blind loyalty."
Perospero's eyes narrowed. "How do you figure that?"
"Think about it," Compote said patiently. "Rahmuro said he was willing to go to Very challenging test. Not an impossible, near impossible or very difficult test. He was honest about his limits. And then he proved he could meet those limits. That kind of honesty... it's valuable, Perospero. More valuable than you might realize."
As the siblings continued to debate and discuss, Big Mom watched from her throne, a satisfied smile on her face. Rahmuro had passed her test, had proven his worth in a way few ever dared to attempt. And now... now she had a powerful new piece on her chessboard. One that could help reshape the very nature of her empire.
The New World was changing, evolving into something new and terrifying. And at the center of it all stood Sanjul Rahmuro, the man who had dared to quantify his loyalty, who had faced the Soul-Soul test and emerged victorious.
As the meeting drew to a close, Galette found herself cornered by a group of her sisters, their eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and envy.
"So," Pudding said, her third eye fixed intently on Galette. "What's it like, being married to a man who's earned Mama's trust like that?"
Galette hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "It's... complicated," she said finally. "Sanjul is still Sanjul. He's still the man I married. But now... now there's this weight to his decisions, this gravity to his actions."
"But isn't it amazing?" Flampe chimed in, her eyes wide with admiration. "To know that Mama trusts him so much?"
Galette's expression turned thoughtful. "It's not just about trust," she said slowly. "It's about understanding. Sanjul laid out his limits clearly, and then he proved he could meet them. That kind of honesty... it's rare in our world."
The sisters fell silent, contemplating this. It was Smoothie who finally broke the silence, her voice low and serious.
"Do you think you could do it?" she asked. "Take the test, I mean. Lay your soul bare like that?"
Galette felt a chill run down her spine at the very thought. "I... I don't know," she admitted. "It's one thing to pledge loyalty. It's another to have that loyalty quantified, to face your deepest fears and insecurities. Sanjul... he's braver than most of us realize."
XXX
As the sisters continued to discuss and speculate, across the room, Katakuri was engaged in a quiet conversation with Big Mom.
"Mama," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Are you sure about this? Giving Rahmuro this much autonomy..."
Big Mom's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Oh, my sweet boy. Do you think I'd let anyone have true autonomy in my crew? Rahmuro has earned a certain level of trust, yes. But that trust comes with expectations, with responsibilities."
She leaned forward, her voice dropping even lower. "He's proven he can be loyal to a very challenging level. That means I can trust him with very challenging tasks, very challenging decisions. But make no mistake, Katakuri. I'll be watching him closely. One misstep, one hint that he's overreaching..."
Katakuri nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "And the rest of the crew? How do we manage their reactions to this?"
Big Mom's smile widened, revealing rows of teeth. "We let them stew in it," she said, a note of glee in her voice. "Let them wonder what it would take to earn that level of trust. Let them consider whether they'd be willing to face their own souls to get it."
As the Charlotte siblings filtered out of the grand hall, each lost in their own thoughts about loyalty, trust, and the nature of power, none of them fully grasped the magnitude of what had just happened. Sanjul Rahmuro had not just passed a test - he had reshaped the very foundations of how loyalty was measured in the Big Mom Pirates.
The New World was changing, evolving into something new and terrifying. And at the center of it all stood a man who had dared to quantify his loyalty, who had faced the Hearts of Oaths Test and emerged victorious.
XXX
The grand hall of Whole Cake Chateau buzzed with tension as the Charlotte siblings gathered to discuss the unprecedented events of the past few days. The air was thick with the scent of sugar and unease, a stark contrast to the usual boisterous atmosphere of their gatherings.
Katakuri stood at the head of the table, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the assembled family members. "By now, you've all heard about Rahmuro's test," he began, his voice low and serious. "I was there to witness it, and I can assure you, it was... unlike anything I've ever seen."
Perospero leaned forward, his candy cane tapping an agitated rhythm against the floor. "What exactly happened, brother? We've heard rumors, but..."
Katakuri's eyes narrowed behind his scarf. "Rahmuro swore an oath to Mama. Not just any oath, but one that laid bare the exact extent of his loyalty. And then... then he faced a trial that would have broken most men."
Smoothie's brow furrowed. "What kind of trial?"
"Mama used her Soul-Soul powers," Katakuri explained, his voice tinged with a hint of awe. "She created a realm where Rahmuro had to face his deepest fears, his most painful regrets. All while maintaining his commitment to her. The test began with Mama summoning Sanjul into a soul-realm, a surreal and eerie landscape where reality seemed to bend and shift. The environment reflected Sanjul's deepest fears and regrets, creating a daunting atmosphere where he had to confront his past failures and traumas. The sky was perpetually overcast, casting a shadow over a landscape filled with twisted, barren trees and whispering winds that echoed his insecurities."
A collective shudder ran through the room. The Charlotte siblings exchanged uneasy glances, each one grappling with the implications of such a test.
"But why?" Cracker demanded, his biscuit armor crunching as he shifted in his seat. "Why would Rahmuro take such a risk? And why would Mama agree to it?"
Compote, who had also witnessed the test, spoke up. "Because he was honest," she said softly. "Brutally, unflinchingly honest. About his limits, about his loyalties. And Mama... Mama respected that."
Pudding's third eye gleamed with curiosity. "What exactly did he swear?"
Katakuri recited the oath, his voice carrying clearly through the hall: "I swear on my life and soul to serve Linlin and her crew with unwavering loyalty, provided they do not betray me or my crew. My devotion is steadfast, though I reserve the right to keep certain secrets that do not compromise this loyalty."
The room fell silent as the siblings processed these words. It was Oven who finally broke the silence, his body radiating heat as he spoke. "That's... that's not absolute loyalty. He's set conditions, limits."
"Exactly," Katakuri nodded. "And that's why Mama trusts him. Because he didn't promise the impossible. He didn't swear blind allegiance. He laid out exactly how far he was willing to go, and then he proved it."
"But how?" Daifuku asked, his genie swirling nervously around him. "How did he prove it?"
Katakuri's expression darkened. "The trial... it was brutal. Mama called it 'Heart of the Oath.' Rahmuro was trapped in a soul-realm, forced to confront his worst nightmares, his deepest shames. I've never seen anything like it. He encountered visions of his past. Each vision was a vivid recreation of moments when he felt he had failed his family or crew or himself. The first vision was of his father's disappointed face, a haunting reminder of his perceived inadequacies. The second was of his sister, their ghostly form accusing him of not doing enough to save them. The third was his mother who was ashamed her son was such a deviant. The fourth was literally himself and yet not. Ghosts, souls and echoes taunting hm for his doubts and choices. At one point, he found himself trapped in a room where the walls were slowly closing in, symbolizing the pressure and constraints of his responsibilities. To escape, Rahmuro had to accept his regrets over any chance escaping through disloyalty to Linlin herself. Even when the walls whispered to him to give in. And you know what he said? 'I'm not giving up my crew because they never gave up on me'. These encounters forced Sanjul to confront the guilt and sorrow he carried within him."
Galette, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "And he passed?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Katakuri nodded slowly. "He passed. Not with flying colors, mind you. But he met the standard he set for himself. No more, no less."
The siblings fell silent once more, each lost in their own thoughts. It was Mont-d'Or who finally voiced the question on everyone's mind. "So what does this mean for us? For the crew?"
"It means," Katakuri said carefully, "that Mama trusts Rahmuro. Not blindly, not completely. But enough to give him significant responsibilities. Autonomy in key missions, control over strategic operations, management of resources."
"More than she trusts us?" Brûlée asked, her mirror-like face reflecting the hurt and confusion in the room.
Katakuri's expression softened slightly. "It's not about trust, exactly. It's about certainty. Mama knows exactly where she stands with Rahmuro. He's proven the extent of his loyalty, no more and no less."
"But why doesn't Mama test all of us like this?" Flampe demanded. "We're her children! Surely we'd pass!"
A grim chuckle escaped Katakuri's lips. "Would we? Think about it, truly think about it. Are you willing to lay bare your soul, to face your deepest fears and regrets? And to do it knowing that if you fall short, even a little, Mama would have no choice but to..."
He trailed off, but the implication was clear. A heavy silence fell over the room as each sibling grappled with this reality.
"There's a reason Mama has only done this test 31 times in her entire career as a pirate," Compote said softly. "It's not just about being willing. It's about being honest. With Mama, and with yourself. And then passing whatever she designs. It could range from Extremely easy to Impossible."
The discussion continued long into the night, each sibling wrestling with the implications of Rahmuro's test. Some, like Perospero, saw it as a threat to their position. Others, like Pudding, were intrigued by the possibility of quantifying loyalty. But all of them were forced to confront uncomfortable truths about their own devotion to their mother and the crew.
As news of the test spread beyond the immediate family, reactions varied widely. Allied crews, hearing whispers of Rahmuro's ordeal, reacted with a mixture of awe and fear.
XXX
In a dingy tavern on a nearby island, Captain Vito of the Fire Tank Pirates nursed a drink as he discussed the news with his crew.
"You're telling me this Rahmuro fellow actually let Big Mom look into his soul?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Gotti, his hulking first mate, nodded grimly. "That's what they're saying. Used her Soul-Soul powers to test his loyalty. And he passed."
Vito whistled low. "Ballsy move. But why? Why take that risk?"
"Think about it, boss," Gotti said, leaning in close. "If he passed... well, look at where he is now. Grand Admiral, trusted with big decisions. That kind of power..."
"But if he'd failed," Vito mused, swirling his drink thoughtfully. "Big Mom would have had to eliminate him, wouldn't she? To save face, if nothing else."
The crew fell silent, contemplating the stakes of such a gamble. It was a sobering thought, the idea of laying one's soul bare, of facing one's deepest fears and regrets. And to do it all under the scrutiny of someone like Big Mom...
"Could you do it, boss?" one of the younger crew members asked. "Take a test like that?"
Vito's expression darkened. "Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to, kid. In this world... sometimes it's better not to know the depths of your own loyalty."
XXX
As the weeks passed and news of the test spread further, even rival Yonko crews began to take notice. On a remote island in the New World, members of the Red Hair Pirates gathered around their captain, discussing the latest intelligence.
"It's unprecedented," Benn Beckman mused, smoke curling from his cigarette. "A Yonko actually quantifying the loyalty of her subordinates? It changes everything."
Shanks leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Does it? Or does it just make explicit what was always there?"
"What do you mean, Captain?" Lucky Roo asked, munching on a piece of meat.
"Think about it," Shanks said, his eyes scanning the faces of his crew. "We all have our limits, don't we? Lines we won't cross, even for each other. Big Mom's just found a way to make those limits clear."
"But at what cost?" Yasopp interjected. "To face your deepest fears, your worst regrets... and to do it knowing that failure means death? It's a hell of a gamble."
Shanks nodded slowly. "It is. But for someone like Rahmuro... someone with something to prove... it might have been worth the risk."
The crew fell silent, each member lost in thought. The implications of such a test were staggering. If other Yonko adopted similar methods... if loyalty could be quantified, measured, proven...
"Do you think she'll use it more often now?" Benn asked finally. "Now that Rahmuro's passed?"
Shanks shook his head. "Unlikely. It's too risky, too impractical. Think about it - how many pirates do you know who would be willing to be that honest? With Big Mom, and with themselves?"
The crew exchanged glances, understanding dawning in their eyes. In a world of betrayal and shifting allegiances, true honesty was perhaps the rarest commodity of all.
XXX
Meanwhile, in the depths of Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki pored over the latest intelligence reports, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"This can't be right," he muttered, smoke rising from his clenched fists. "A loyalty test? Using Devil Fruit powers?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru nodded grimly. "Our sources are reliable, Sakazuki. It seems Big Mom has found a way to quantify the loyalty of her subordinates. And Rahmuro... he passed with flying colors."
Sakazuki slammed his fist on the desk, the wood smoldering under his touch. "Damn it all. As if the Big Mom Pirates weren't dangerous enough already. Now they have a way to ensure the loyalty of their top officers?"
"It's not that simple," Tsuru cautioned. "From what we understand, the test is... brutal. Psychologically devastating. And if someone fails..."
"Big Mom would have to eliminate them," Sakazuki finished, understanding dawning in his eyes. "To save face, if nothing else."
Tsuru nodded. "Exactly. It's a high-risk, high-reward scenario. One that I doubt many pirates would be willing to undergo."
Sakazuki leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with the implications. "But Rahmuro did. And now..."
"And now he's one of Big Mom's most trusted officers," Tsuru confirmed. "With autonomy in key missions, control over strategic operations. It's... concerning, to say the least."
The two veteran Marines fell silent, each contemplating the shifting balance of power in the New World. If Big Mom had found a way to ensure the loyalty of her top officers, to quantify their devotion...
"We need to adapt," Sakazuki said finally, his voice hard with determination. "Find a way to counter this. Because if the other Yonko start adopting similar methods..."
Tsuru nodded, her expression grim. "The New World is changing, Sakazuki. And we need to change with it. Or risk being left behind."
As the ripples of Rahmuro's test spread across the Grand Line, pirates, Marines, and civilians alike found themselves grappling with uncomfortable questions. About loyalty, about trust, about the lengths one might go to prove their devotion.
But perhaps the most profound impact was felt within the Big Mom Pirates themselves. In the weeks and months that followed, a subtle shift began to take place. Crew members found themselves more aware of their own limitations, more cautious about the promises they made.
And at the center of it all stood Sanjul Rahmuro, the man who had dared to quantify his loyalty, who had faced his deepest fears and emerged victorious. He moved through the crew with a newfound authority, his decisions carrying the weight of Big Mom's trust.
But even as he embraced his new role, Rahmuro remained acutely aware of the precarious nature of his position. He had proven his loyalty to a certain extent, no more and no less. And he knew that Big Mom would be watching, always waiting for any sign of wavering.
XXX
The grand hall of Whole Cake Chateau buzzed with a mixture of confusion, awe, and no small amount of jealousy. The Charlotte siblings huddled in small groups, their voices hushed as they discussed the latest development in their ever-evolving family dynamic.
"Did you see that?" Flampe hissed, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Mama actually laughed at one of Rahmuro's statements. And not in a 'I'm going to kill you' way. In a real way!"
Smoothie nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration. "It's been like this for months now. Ever since that Heart of Oaths Tests. It's... unsettling."
Nearby, Cracker munched on a biscuit soldier, his expression thoughtful. "Remember when he first joined? Just another allied captain, in charge of debt collection. Boring but profitable. Now look at him."
They all turned to watch as Sanjul moved through the room, conferring with various siblings and allies. There was an ease to his movements, a confidence that hadn't been there before. And more surprisingly, the way other crew members deferred to him, seeking his opinion, valuing his input.
"Grand Admiral," Oven muttered, shaking his head. "In charge of 570 ships. More than half of those our own siblings. How did this happen?"
Pudding's third eye gleamed with curiosity. "It's like watching Mama with one of us. But... not quite. It's hard to explain."
"Like a grandson," Compote said softly, drawing surprised looks from her siblings. "Think about it. The way she treats him, it's like an overbearing but watchful grandmother with her diligent grandson."
The siblings fell silent, processing this. It was true, now that they thought about it. The affectionate but skeptical nicknames, the playful threats mixed with backhanded compliments. It was all so... familiar.
Across the room, they watched as Big Mom called Sanjul over, her booming voice carrying across the hall. "Rahmuro! Come here, my little sugar cube. I've got a task for you."
Sanjul approached, his posture respectful but not subservient. "What can I do for you, Mama?"
Big Mom grinned, revealing rows of teeth. "I need you to negotiate a trade deal with the giants of Elbaf. Should be impossible, given our history. But do try your best, won't you?"
The siblings held their breath, waiting for the inevitable outburst. But to their shock, Sanjul merely nodded "I'll do my best, Mama. Though I can't promise success."
"Of course not," Big Mom laughed, patting him on the head with enough force to stagger a lesser man. "I don't expect you to succeed. But I do expect you to fail as little as possible. And come back alive, you hear?"
As Sanjul walked away, already deep in thought about his new mission, the siblings exchanged bewildered glances.
"Did... did Mama just give him an impossible task and tell him it was okay to fail?" Daifuku asked, his genie swirling in confusion.
"But to come back alive," Oven added, shaking his head in disbelief. "Since when does Mama care about that?"
Galette, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "Since Sanjul proved his loyalty. Think about it. All those months as Head of Debt Collection... he was preparing for the Soul-Soul test. And now..."
"And now Mama treats him like family," Snack finished, a hint of pride in his voice. The others turned to look at him, surprised by his tone.
"You don't seem bothered by this," Perospero observed, his candy cane tapping an agitated rhythm.
Snack shrugged, a small smile on his face. "Why should I be? Sanjul's proven himself. And besides," he added with a chuckle, "it's nice having someone my own age to relate to around here. Even if he is technically my nephew now."
The siblings digested this, the surreal nature of their new family dynamic settling over them. Sanjul Rahmuro, once an outsider, now treated almost like one of their own. Not quite a sibling, but something... close.
"Remember when he and Galette were estranged for those six weeks?" Pudding mused. "Snack stood up for him. At the time, it seemed odd. But now..."
"Now it makes perfect sense," Smoothie nodded. "Like an uncle defending his nephew. And why Mama allowed it."
As they watched Sanjul navigate the complex social dynamics of the crew, the siblings couldn't help but marvel at the change. The way Mama sought his input on sensitive matters, the casual way she invited him to exclusive family events. It was all so... normal. And yet, in the context of their family, utterly bizarre.
"You know," Cracker said, a note of wonder in his voice, "I actually saw Mama give him a slice of her special cake the other day. You know, the one she doesn't share with anyone?"
A collective gasp went through the group. Big Mom's special cake was legendary, a treat reserved only for her most treasured family members.
"But," Cracker continued, a grin spreading across his face, "she made sure to remind him not to get used to it. Said something like, 'Don't let it go to your head, Rahmuro. I still remember when you were just a debt collector with delusions of grandeur.'"
The siblings couldn't help but laugh at that. It was so quintessentially their mother - affectionate, but always with an edge.
XXX
As the night wore on and the siblings continued to observe and discuss this new dynamic, they found themselves grappling with a strange mix of emotions. Jealousy, certainly - Sanjul had achieved in months what some of them had been striving for their entire lives. But also a grudging respect, and even a hint of hope.
Because if Sanjul, an outsider, could earn this level of trust and affection from their notoriously fickle mother... well, maybe there was hope for all of them yet.
And so, as Sanjul Rahmuro continued his surreal journey from allied captain to quasi-grandson of Big Mom, the Charlotte siblings watched and waited. Ready to adapt to this new reality, where loyalty could be quantified and even an outsider could become family.
After all, in the ever-changing world of the Big Mom Pirates, stranger things had happened. Though not many, they had to admit, could top watching their mother treat a former debt collector like a favorite grandson.
It was, they all silently agreed, going to be a very interesting few years.