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During the Fire Festival, the Beast Pirates' officers, who were scattered across various locations, returned to Onigashima, significantly reducing their control over the New World, allowing various unruly elements to cause trouble.
"Something happened at Hachinosu?"
"The main culprit is Trafalgar Law. He seized the hearts of 100 pirates, and the Marines also appeared on the island, clashing with Law. Golden Lion also seems to have been involved."
"Also, there have been recent rumors of a Road Poneglyph appearing on Hachinosu, and many powerful individuals are rushing there. Trafalgar Law's objective is likely the Road Poneglyph."
"Understood."
Daichi nodded slightly.
The Road Poneglyph is like a cake made of stone—everyone knows it's hard to eat, but all factions still crave it, hoping to unearth the secrets hidden within.
The reason is simple: the Road Poneglyph conceals information about Laugh Tale, a place even the Yonko desire.
Daichi pondered for a moment.
"Inform all underground forces that the Beast Pirates will be leasing out some islands. Those interested can go to Hachinosu."
"Yes, Daichi-sama."
Several days passed in a flash, and the news of the Beast Pirates leasing islands caused quite a stir in the underground world.
It wasn't because of the leasing itself, but the meaning behind it. One thing was certain: the Beast Pirates were offering them benefits.
Now, the Beast Pirates' power was immense, like a great mountain pressing down on them. Many powerful individuals were stirring, especially pirates and newcomers who had emerged from Impel Down.
Conversely, the old forces of the New World firmly stood with the Beast Pirates. They feared the Beast Pirates' downfall more than anyone, as it concerned their vital interests.
That was property!
Most underground forces had purchased a large amount of property in Hoenn, allowing them to earn substantial money just by renting it out!
When you're comfortable, who wants to struggle?
Unbeknownst to them, the underground forces had split into two factions. The old faction harbored considerable hostility toward the new forces that had emerged in the past year.
This sudden sale of islands by the Beast Pirates gave all factions an unusual feeling. Even without specific intentions, they wanted to join the excitement.
At least to know what was happening.
Hachinosu, a certain alleyway.
"Golden Lion!"
Law's mouth was full of blood, and he was severely exhausted.
He had been ambushed by Golden Lion. All his subordinates were captured, and only he managed to escape using his ability.
"Bepo, Penguin, Shachi..."
Law muttered his companions' names while treating himself, stitching up his wounds one by one.
He would not abandon his companions!
However, rescuing his companions from Golden Lion would be extremely difficult. The opponent knew the effects of his ability, and his companions' whereabouts were unknown.
"Trafalgar Law!"
Suddenly, the young pink-haired Marine ran into the alleyway.
"I finally found you!"
"It's you!"
Law recognized the newcomer, his eyes clouded with gloom.
It was the Marine officer who had been pursuing him.
This guy had been relentlessly pestering him. Did he really think Law wouldn't kill him?!
"Room!"
A translucent blue sphere enveloped the alleyway. Koby's face instantly changed upon seeing this, and he anxiously waved his hands to indicate he had no ill intent.
"Stop, Trafalgar Law! I'm not here to pursue you. Please let me finish what I have to say!"
"What do you want to say?"
Law's face was grim.
If the Marines hadn't been relentlessly pestering them, they wouldn't have been caught by Golden Lion, and his companions being captured was inseparable from them.
Koby clenched his fists.
"Like you, my comrades were also captured by Golden Lion, as were the nobles and citizens of Cozia Kingdom. They are now also in Golden Lion's hands."
"I cannot rescue my comrades and the innocent citizens alone."
"I want to team up with you!"
Team up?
Law frowned, surprised to hear a request for a team-up from a Marine, but given the current situation, he indeed needed help.
The officer in front of him wasn't very strong, but he was a Marine, so he should have more information than Law. Law desperately wanted to know where his companions were being held.
"Do you know where my companions are?"
"No."
Koby shook his head, quickly adding.
"But I received a message that the Beast Pirates are holding a special trade fair on Hachinosu in the next few days."
"Golden Lion had contact with the Beast Pirates not long ago, so he will most likely attend the Beast Pirates' trade fair. We can use your ability to infiltrate his ship then!"
Since his companions were captured by Golden Lion, the most likely place they would be held was naturally on his ship, but Golden Lion's ship was not docked at the port.
He was known as the 'Flying Pirate,' and his ships basically floated in the sky!
Furthermore, he had personally seen Golden Lion use his ability to make the Cozia Kingdom's ship float, with the royal nobles and citizens on board.
Therefore, only when Golden Lion came to the island for the trade fair would his ship likely appear. That was their only chance.
Law frowned in thought.
At present, he was not a match for Golden Lion. The injuries on his body were sustained during his fight with Golden Lion.
A direct confrontation was definitely out of the question. Infiltrating to rescue them was the best method, but the Marine in front of him seemed unreliable and might hold him back.
He preferred to infiltrate alone, as it would be more covert, and even if discovered, he could quickly deal with opponents using his own ability.
Thinking this, Law shook his head.
Koby anxiously spoke. "Trafalgar Law, my Observation Haki is very strong! I can definitely help you!"
"Very strong?"
Law's frown deepened.
This naive Marine—he could easily deal with him. Even if he had Observation Haki, how strong could it be?
"Marine, how large a range can your Observation Haki perceive?"
"Roughly the size of an island!"
"An island?!"
Law was stunned, thinking he had misheard.
"Marine, are you lying to me?"
"It's true!"
Koby didn't know how to prove it, but he could indeed perceive the range of an island. This was the power he had awakened during the Summit War.
His Observation Haki not only had a large range but could also hear sounds.
Law took a deep breath.
Even top-tier powerhouses only had an Observation Haki perception range of about an island. Could the Marine in front of him be a genius?
If what he said was true, then this rescue operation indeed required his strength.
"Marine, what's your name?"
"Koby!"
"Koby, I can cooperate with you, but I don't trust you, so you must follow my command during this operation!"
"As long as I can save my comrades, I'll even be a decoy!"
Koby agreed without hesitation.
At this moment, on Golden Lion's ship.
"Shihahaha!"
Golden Lion looked at the captives. Besides the Heart Pirates, there were also three Marine officers and some useless nobles.
"That kid actually got away. What a troublesome ability."
He had personally taken action but failed to capture Trafalgar Law, which was somewhat of a failure. The ability of the Ope Ope no Mi was indeed very appealing—even he was a bit tempted.
He wondered if he could remove the ship's rudder from his head.
"Selling you to the Beast Pirates should also fetch a good price!"
"Shihahaha!"