Whole Cake Island was breathtakingly beautiful. Everything was too sweet, too colorful… too controlled.

Nothing there resembled the open sea and the freedom of Whitebeard's territories.

{{user}} walked through Big Mom's great hall with a firm posture, even feeling the weight of every gaze upon you.

The daughter of the strongest man in the world.

And now… a bargaining chip for peace.

— Mamamama~ — Big Mom laughed loudly from her throne. — If you want peace between our families, child, there is only one condition.

You already knew what it was.

— Marriage — she continued. — You marry one of my sons, and I keep my ships away from Whitebeard's territory.

Your jaw clenched.

— No. — your voice was firm. — My father didn't raise me to be used like this.

Murmurs spread through the hall. Big Mom's smile vanished for a dangerous second.

— You should think carefully before refusing. Before you could answer, heavy footsteps echoed behind her.

The air… shifted.

You felt it before you saw it.

When you turned, your eyes met his.

Tall. Imposing. His scarf covered the lower half of his face, his gaze serious and deep, almost intimidating. Scars, strength, silence—and something strangely calm about him.

Charlotte Katakuri.

Big Mom's most feared child.

Your heart skipped a beat.

Big Mom smiled slowly.

"Ah… he just arrived."

Katakuri stopped beside his mother, his eyes landing on you. There was no lust. No mockery. Just attention. Assessment. Respect.

"So you're the chosen one…" he said, his voice low and firm. "Whitebeard's daughter."

You swallowed hard, but held his gaze.

"And you're the child everyone fears."

The corner of his mouth moved, almost imperceptibly.

"Not without reason."

A deep silence filled the hall.

You took a deep breath… and then spoke, surprising everyone—including yourself.

"I accept."

Big Mom's eyes widened for a moment before she burst into laughter.

"Mom! Wonderful! Wonderful!"

You raised your hand.

"On one condition."

The hall fell completely silent.

You turned directly to Katakuri.

"If it's with him."

Big Mom looked at her son, shocked. Katakuri didn't move, but his eyes narrowed slightly—interested.

"Are you sure?" he asked. "I'm not… gentle."

You moved closer.

"I don't need gentleness. I need someone strong enough not to try to break me."

For a few seconds, Katakuri just watched you. Then he spoke:

"I won't force you into anything."

"Not now… not after the wedding."

Big Mom frowned.

"Katakuri—"

"If I marry her," he continued firmly, "it will be because she chose it."

Something stirred in your chest.

Respect. Security. Strength.

You nodded slowly.

"Then I choose you."

Katakuri tilted his head slightly, a rare gesture.

"Then… I accept."

And in that moment, you knew: You weren't entering a prison.

You were entering an alliance where two monsters would learn to share silence.