With the addition of Katakuri and the others, controlling the Big Mom Pirates was never going to be easy.
The very next day, under the banner of the World Economic News, newspapers spread rapidly throughout the New World and soon reached every corner of the seas.
The headline content was simple, yet horrifying.
A single image dominated the front page.
The severed head of Saint Roswald.
Beneath it was written a sentence dripping with killing intent.
Those who violate the territory of the Thunder Pirate crew will be executed.
The blunt message, combined with the undeniable weight of a Celestial Dragon's death, caused countless readers to freeze in place, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.
---
In a small town in the North Blue.
"Who is this person? Why would the Thunder Pirate crew use him as a warning?"
A man beside him let out a low chuckle. His eyes flashed with recognition.
"You really don't know? I saw him once on the Sabaody Archipelago."
He swallowed before continuing.
"Saint Roswald. A Celestial Dragon from the Holy Land."
The crowd inhaled sharply.
"A Celestial Dragon? That's impossible. If that's true, then… this makes sense."
"Tch. Using the death of a Celestial Dragon as a newspaper warning. What a savage move."
The streets erupted into loud discussions.
Today's seas were already unstable due to the capture of Big Mom's forces. Now, Ayanami Kaito and his crew had become the undeniable center of attention across the world.
With the release of this morning's paper, the already boiling seas erupted like a volcano.
Celestial Dragons were the descendants of the twenty kings who founded the World Government. Born superior, untouchable, they treated everyone else as insects beneath their feet.
For generations, the people of the seas believed that encountering a Celestial Dragon meant kneeling immediately, without hesitation.
That belief had now been shattered.
Kaito had used a Celestial Dragon's head as a declaration of war and a statement of dominance.
One message to invaders.
One blow to the psychological chains binding the world.
One action, two effects.
---
Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's Office
Sengoku stared at the newspaper in his hands, his face dark and stiff.
Following the Five Elders' instructions the previous night, the Marine-issued newspapers had already been prepared, waiting only for distribution.
And now, Kaito had done this.
It completely ruined his plans.
Sengoku could already imagine the uproar spreading across the world. People whispering about Kaito. Questioning the Marines. Even the authority of the Celestial Dragons themselves was beginning to crack.
Bleu. Bleu.
The sound of a Den Den Mushi rang out.
Sengoku did not need to guess who was calling.
"I am Sengoku," he said after a deep breath, his tone steady. "Awaiting the Five Elders' orders."
A brief silence followed.
"You've seen today's news."
"Yes."
"Fix it immediately."
"I will."
The call ended.
Sengoku slammed the receiver down and immediately began drafting a response. The explanation claimed that Saint Roswald had wandered into Kaito's territory for leisure and tragically drowned after falling into the sea.
Whether anyone believed it no longer mattered.
He ordered the Marine newspapers to be printed at once and distributed worldwide.
---
All Nations Territory
Seated at the center of the grand hall, Kaito sneered as he read the Marine's attempted cover-up.
Around him sat dozens of pirates, many still groggy from the previous night's drinking.
"These next few days will be busy," Kaito said calmly. "Once your territories are fully integrated, I'll take you all somewhere nearby for some real entertainment."
"Boss Kaito, where are we going?" Page One asked excitedly, his eyes lighting up.
"The Golden City."
A ripple of reaction spread through the room.
"The world's largest entertainment city?" Perospero clicked his tongue. "The one that joined the World Government through sheer economic influence?"
"That's the one."
"Are we all going?" someone asked eagerly.
"All of us," Kaito replied. "It's close, and after hanging a Celestial Dragon as a warning, anyone with half a brain won't dare cause trouble."
"Long live the boss!" Page One shouted. "When do we leave?"
"After you finish stabilizing your territories," Kaito said with a grin. "The faster you finish, the sooner we go."
"Understood!"
Page One roared and rushed out. The others followed immediately, leaving the hall empty in moments.
Remaining behind were Redfield, Katakuri, King, Perospero, and Mont d'Or.
"The Golden City isn't just for fun," Katakuri said quietly.
Kaito nodded. "I've already instructed Sasaki and the others to take control of it."
"Twenty percent of the world's Berries circulate through that city," Mont d'Or added. "It's a gold mine."
"Our territory is expanding," Perospero said. "Manpower, resources, money. The Golden City is a goose that lays golden eggs."
---
Whitebeard Pirates
Edward Newgate sat heavily on his throne-like seat, gripping the newspaper in his massive hand.
His Haki stirred faintly, heavy and suffocating.
"Gurararara!"
Laughter thundered across the deck.
The sudden outburst made Marco and the other commanders exchange uneasy glances.
Whitebeard's recent behavior had become harder to read.
"Marco," Whitebeard called out, his voice booming.
"I'm here, Pops," Marco answered, stepping forward.
"Write a letter for me. Send it to Kaito."
The mood shifted instantly.
Marco picked up pen and paper. "I'm ready."
"At the end of this year, we meet at Barnhart," Whitebeard said. "A final showdown."
"Pops," Marco started, but Whitebeard continued.
"If I lose, the Whitebeard Pirates will join the Thunder Pirate crew."
Shock rippled through the deck.
"If I win," Whitebeard continued, "then Kaito must never lay a hand on my territory."
Silence followed.
Everyone understood Whitebeard's intent, yet worry lingered, especially about his health.
"That's enough," Whitebeard said firmly. "Do as I say. Deliver the letter immediately."
"…Understood," Marco replied quietly.
He tucked the letter away and transformed into a blue phoenix, disappearing into the sky in seconds.
Whitebeard closed his eyes, saying nothing more.
The commanders understood and did not press further.
---
By evening, Marco reached the region under Kaito's control.
All Nations.
"What brings you here, Marco?" Kaito asked with a smile from his throne.
Marco stepped forward, his expression complicated.
"This is a letter from Pops," he said, extending the envelope.
____
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