Sea Calendar 1480, summer on Cake Island.
The main structure of the castle was complete — not the giant cake-shaped monstrosity from the original story, but a practical, sturdy fortress with cream-colored spires and candy decorations only at the very top.
The port had taken shape. The long-armed craftsmen's docks could now accommodate five medium-sized ships simultaneously.
In the fields opened by the islanders, the first season's crops were growing steadily.
The prototype of Totto Land had taken root in these waters.
Kaizer stood atop the newly built watchtower, with his two IBMs — Shadow and Phantom — floating on either side.
Over the past three months, his mastery of the Ghost-Ghost Fruit had become far more refined. The IBMs could now remain active for five hours, execute three different complex commands simultaneously, and even release a weak "Ghost Scream" — a sonic wave that directly attacked the spirit.
"Master," Shadow suddenly spoke. "Single-masted sailing ship detected fifteen degrees east-southeast, twenty nautical miles away. Hull is damaged but sailing steadily. One life signature on board."
Phantom added: "Based on trajectory analysis, the vessel is heading directly for Cake Island. Recommend heightened alert."
Kaizer narrowed his eyes. He focused, extending the IBMs' vision —
On the ship's deck, a short figure stood at the helm.
The man wore a chef's hat and a white chef uniform stained with grease. In his hand, he tightly gripped a Vivre Card that pointed straight toward Cake Island.
Longbread.
Kaizer remembered the name. In the original story, he was one of Big Mom's earliest companions. After Mother Carmel "disappeared," Longbread had stayed by Linlin's side all the way to her rise as an Emperor.
"Notify Linlin," Kaizer said. "But don't alarm the islanders."
"Understood."
One hour later, the sailing ship slowly docked.
Longbread jumped ashore. He stood less than five feet tall, looking almost like a child on the pier. But his eyes — sharp, wary, and filled with worldly cunning — commanded respect.
"Mamama—!!!"
Linlin's wild laughter boomed from the direction of the castle. She came running full speed, the ground shaking beneath her. Several long-armed craftsmen carrying building materials quickly dodged out of the way.
"Longbread—! You finally came—!"
She rushed onto the pier and scooped him up in a crushing hug, treating him like a beloved toy.
"Cough… Linlin… gently…" Longbread wheezed, struggling. "My ribs are about to break…"
Linlin loosened her grip. Longbread dropped to the ground and straightened his crooked chef's hat.
"After God Valley, the Marines chased me for ages," he panted. "Those bastards pursued me for three whole months! If it weren't for your Vivre Card, I never would've found this place!"
He looked around, eyes gradually widening.
The castle. The fields. The docks. The busy residents of various races…
"You… built all of this?" he asked in disbelief.
"Mamama! Of course!" Linlin put her hands on her hips proudly. "What do you think? This is my nation!"
Longbread was silent for a few seconds, then grinned. "Not bad… really not bad…"
His smile suddenly froze.
Because Kaizer was walking over from the castle direction, with Shadow and Phantom floating behind him.
Longbread's eyes locked onto Kaizer. Surprise, wariness, and deep suspicion flashed across his sharp gaze.
"Who is this guy…?" he said slowly. "A Marine?"
Kaizer stopped. He was wearing a simple linen shirt and trousers that Linlin had made for him — she called it "family uniform." But Longbread clearly recognized him.
"The Marine Lieutenant from the God Valley battlefield," Longbread's voice turned cold. "I remember you. The one whose chest was blown open. You're still alive?"
Linlin patted Kaizer's shoulder. "He's not a Marine anymore! He's my family!"
"Family?" Longbread looked Kaizer up and down. "Linlin, are you sure? This guy is a Marine—"
"Mamama! But he saved me!" Linlin interrupted. "And he helped me build this nation! Look, he planned all of this!"
She pointed at the orderly layout of the castle, fields, and docks.
Longbread scanned the well-organized structures, his suspicion deepening. "A Marine Lieutenant knows how to do all this?"
"I studied it," Kaizer said calmly. "In the Marine academy."
"And then you deserted?"
"No." Kaizer met Longbread's eyes. "I died. Then I came back to life. Linlin took me in."
Longbread frowned and turned to Linlin. "Is he telling the truth? He died and came back?"
"Mamama! It's true!" Linlin said excitedly. "I saw it with my own eyes! He was blown to pieces by cannon fire! Then three minutes later, he grew back!"
She pulled up Kaizer's sleeve, showing his arm. There was a faint scar — left from a recent test of the IBM's new abilities. It had healed, but a light mark remained.
"Look! Even when he gets hurt, he heals himself!"
Longbread stared at the scar for a long time, then shifted his gaze to the IBMs behind Kaizer.
"And what are these two black monsters?"
"My ability," Kaizer replied. "It awakened after I ate the Ghost-Ghost Fruit."
"Ghost-Ghost Fruit…" Longbread murmured thoughtfully. "So eating the fruit mutated your powers?"
"You could say that."
Longbread fell silent for a long time. The atmosphere on the pier grew tense. The islanders sensed something was wrong and kept their distance. A few giant children peeked out but were quickly pulled away by long-armed craftsmen.
"Linlin," Longbread finally said. "Let's talk privately."
"Mamama! What can't be said in front of everyone!" Linlin grumbled unhappily, but she still followed Longbread to the far side of the pier.
Kaizer stayed where he was. He ordered Shadow and Phantom to stay invisible but activated their enhanced hearing.
"Linlin," Longbread lowered his voice. "Are you sure you want to keep him around?"
"Of course! He's very useful!"
"I know he's useful!" Longbread's tone grew urgent. "But he's a Marine! And doesn't it feel too convenient? A Marine Lieutenant 'dies and revives' on God Valley, gets picked up by you, happens to know construction planning, and has such a bizarre ability…"
"Mamama! You're overthinking it!" Linlin laughed. "Kaizer would never hurt me! He already died for me once!"
"That could be a ploy—"
"Enough." Linlin's voice suddenly turned cold.
Longbread froze.
"Longbread," Linlin crouched down, bringing her massive face close to his. "You are an important partner to me. But Kaizer is also my family. I won't allow you to suspect him."
"…Linlin, I'm only thinking of what's best for you—"
"I know." Linlin grinned. "That's why I want you to be Totto Land's first Head Chef! Mamama! You handle the kitchen, Kaizer handles construction, and I handle fighting! Perfect!"
She stood up and walked back to Kaizer, pulling him into a rough hug that once again made him worry about his ribs.
"Oh right, I haven't introduced you properly!" Linlin said cheerfully. "Longbread, this is my husband, Kaizer!"
Time seemed to stop.
Longbread's expression froze on his face.
The wind on the pier died.
Even the sound of distant waves seemed to vanish.
"…What?" Longbread's voice was barely a whisper.
"Husband!" Linlin repeated, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "We're going to have lots and lots of children! We'll build the strongest family in the world! Mamama!"
Longbread stared at Kaizer, then at Linlin, then back at Kaizer.
His face shifted from shock to fury, and finally to something almost grotesque.
"Linlin—" he nearly roared. "Have you lost your mind?! This guy has only known you for a few months! And he's a Marine! An enemy! How can you—"
"I told you, he's not an enemy!" Linlin raised her voice too. "He's my husband now! The King of Totto Land!"
"King?!" Longbread laughed in disbelief. "On what grounds—"
"Because I like him!" Linlin shouted.
The pier fell completely silent.
Even the islanders hiding in the distance held their breath.
Longbread opened his mouth, wanting to say more, but no words came out. He looked at Linlin — her face showed absolute determination. Then he looked at Kaizer — calm, almost indifferent.
Finally, he took a deep breath.
"Linlin," his voice returned to calm, but his eyes remained sharp as blades. "If you insist… fine. But I'm going to warn him."
He walked up to Kaizer. Though he only reached Kaizer's chest in height, the pressure he exuded made the air feel heavy.
"Kid," Longbread said slowly and clearly. "I don't know what tricks you used to deceive Linlin. I don't know if you're sincere or not."
His right hand slowly rose, black Armament Haki coating his palm.
"But if you ever hurt Linlin, if you ever betray Totto Land—" Longbread's voice turned ice-cold. "I will make you wish you were never born."
Kaizer looked down at him.
After three seconds, Kaizer extended his hand.
Not to attack. Not to defend.
But to shake.
"Mr. Longbread," Kaizer said calmly. "My life was saved by Linlin. Totto Land was built by Linlin and me together. This is my home."
He paused.
"And you are Linlin's important partner. So you are my partner too."
Longbread stared at the offered hand, then into Kaizer's eyes.
After a long moment — long enough that Linlin began impatiently tapping her foot — Longbread finally reached out and gripped Kaizer's hand.
His grip was crushing, strong enough to shatter an ordinary person's bones.
But Kaizer's expression didn't change.
"Remember what you said," Longbread whispered.
"I will."
The handshake ended.
Longbread turned to Linlin, forcing a smile back onto his face. "Alright, alright! Since we're all family now, there's no need to stand here. Linlin, show me the kitchen! I heard you've been making lots of new desserts lately!"
"Mamama! Kaizer taught me all of them!" Linlin excitedly grabbed Longbread's hand and dragged him toward the castle. "I'll show you! And all the ingredients I've collected! There's so many!"
Kaizer followed behind.
Shadow and Phantom reappeared.
"Master," Shadow said. "Target Longbread, threat level: B. Recommend continuous monitoring."
"No need," Kaizer replied. "He genuinely cares for Linlin. As long as I don't betray her, he won't become an enemy."
Phantom spoke: "Trust still needs to be built. Suggest assisting with kitchen construction."
Kaizer nodded.
He looked at Linlin running ahead — she was gesturing wildly, showing Longbread every corner of the castle like a child showing off a new toy.
Then he looked at Longbread — the short chef was smiling, but his eyes kept glancing back at Kaizer, still filled with heavy suspicion.
Kaizer knew this was only the beginning.
Building Totto Land wasn't just about constructing castles and gathering citizens.
It was about managing relationships, balancing power, and establishing rules.
And his real mission was to make Linlin give birth to his child within the next two years.
Under Longbread's watchful eye.
Under the system's constant urging.
He took a deep breath and quickened his pace.
"Linlin," he called out. "I've finished the kitchen blueprints. Want to take a look?"
"Mamama! Yes! Show me!"
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The story moves faster there.