Island No. 17
Karura and Carrot stood back-to-back, panting heavily as a large crowd of humans surrounded them.
Carrot didn't understand.
"What's wrong with these humans? Why are they targeting us?"
"Probably trying to sell us off!"
Karura, being a few years older than Carrot, knew more. The humans eyeing them were likely slave traders.
From the moment they had started acting alone, they had already defeated over a dozen waves of enemies. Yet, more kept coming endlessly.
Crackle!
Electric currents surged!
Island No. 6
ROAR!!!
Two dinosaurs bellowed in fury, madly chasing after their ambushers and reducing the surrounding town to ruins.
"Those two giant dinosaurs are the right-hand men of the Earth Calamity!"
"Just as insane as the rumors say!"
"Quick, get away from here!"
Pirates scattered in all directions, cursing the damned slave traders in their hearts—why did they have to provoke the Beasts?
Island No. 1, Auction House
"The Straw Hat Boy is here!"
Who's Who arrived near the auction venue, grinning from ear to ear.
Finally found him!
However, he couldn't enter just yet.
Because right now, inside the auction house—there were Celestial Dragons present!
Island No. 24
Gurd and Drake continued strolling around.
"Have you made up your mind?"
"..."
Drake hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Mr. Gurd, I'd like to wait until we enter the New World before joining your crew. Is that alright?"
"Fine. Just don't keep me waiting too long."
Gurd gave a slight nod.
Wanting to make a name for oneself first wasn't a bad thing. These Supernovas could grow stronger with every island they experienced.
Drake let out a sigh of relief, then nervously asked, "Mr. Gurd, did you come here to participate in the war?"
"Hmm? I'm not interested in wars started by others."
Gurd glanced at Drake.
Well, well. The moment he agreed to join, he started fishing for information.
Not even bothering to act.
That worked out fine—might as well give him a message to pass along.
"The reason I'm here is to kill someone."
"Kill someone? Who?"
"Blackbeard."
"..."
Drake was stunned.
He had heard about the Beasts Pirates' bounty on Blackbeard—a staggering 1 billion berries. But to get involved in a war just for that? That was beyond absurd.
Blackbeard was at Marineford!
The only way to reach him would be to head to the battlefield at Marineford after the war broke out—where the Marines had gathered all their elite forces.
Gurd didn't explain further.
Blackbeard was elusive—finding him was already extremely difficult. This war was undoubtedly the best opportunity. If he missed it and let Blackbeard obtain the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, killing him afterward would be ten times harder.
"Hm?"
Gurd's gaze shifted to a man walking toward him.
Green hair, three swords, and a bottle of liquor in hand.
Roronoa Zoro!
Today's luck seemed unusually good—even the equally elusive Zoro had crossed his path. It almost made him want to call the Chief Priest and ask if today's divination had predicted great fortune.
"...?"
Zoro looked up at Gurd, who stood in the middle of the street, his massive frame blocking the way.
"Are you asking for directions?"
"..."
Gurd remained silent for a long while.
"How do I get to Island No. 1?"
"Hmm… that way, I think?"
Zoro pondered for a few seconds before pointing east.
"Thanks."
Gurd walked west.
Zoro looked puzzledly at Gurd's retreating figure, feeling that something was off but unable to pinpoint what exactly.
Could this guy have gotten lost?
Just as he was pondering, a human trafficker on a Flying Fish Motorcycle rushed over, shouting anxiously at Zoro.
"Big bro Zoro, get on quick!"
"Huh?"
Zoro was utterly confused.
"Are you lost too?"
"Of course not!" the biker exploded in frustration. "Hurry up, no time to explain!"
Meanwhile, at the human auction venue.
The auction was in full swing, with the host enthusiastically promoting the "merchandise."
"That bastard!"
Law sat in the middle section, clutching his swollen head in fury.
He'd lost!
Though he'd anticipated the possibility, he hadn't expected such a crushing defeat. His slashes couldn't even scratch his opponent's defenses.
Within his Operating Space, he could freely cut through anything—like a surgeon wielding a scalpel.
But there was one condition: he had to be able to cut the target in the first place. Normally, even steel would yield to his power, let alone human flesh.
Yet his ability had failed him!
This was a first.
Penguin, Shachi, and Bepo stood behind him, offering unhelpful commentary.
"Captain, you're lucky to be alive!"
"Thank the Earth Calamity for showing mercy."
"We told you not to provoke him."
Law's veins bulged.
"Shut up, all three of you!"
At the very back of the seating area, the Kid Pirates had gathered. Seeing Killer's injuries, the crew frowned in concern.
Captain Kid's temper flared.
"Killer, who did this to you?!"
"Just a fight. Nothing serious."
Killer shook his head, though his expression beneath the mask was grim.
A three-billion Berries bounty holder was indeed extraordinary. At their current strength, defeating such an opponent was impossible.
"Boss, it was the Straw Hat crew!"
"But their captain wasn't there."
Kid grinned.
"I'd love to meet this Straw Hat. See just how much of an idiot he really is!"
Most rumors about Straw Hat centered on his recklessness—even daring to challenge the World Government. Kid was eager to meet the man and gauge his mettle.
Soon, he got his wish.
"Camie!!!"
Like a fool, Straw Hat charged into the venue. Like a fool, he tried to rescue someone. And like a fool, he punched a Celestial Dragon clear across the room!
Kid broke out in a cold sweat.
The rumors didn't do him justice!
"A Celestial Dragon was hit!"
"Run for it!"
"A Navy Admiral is coming!"
News of the assault on a Celestial Dragon and the impending arrival of an Admiral spread rapidly throughout Sabaody Archipelago.
"Those damn idiots!"
"Can't do anything right!"
"Ahahaha, relax. The Straw Hats are the ones in trouble, not us. I'd like to see what an Admiral can do!"
Pirates cursed vehemently—especially the other Supernovas. An attack on a Celestial Dragon would inevitably draw overwhelming military force.
As high-profile wanted criminals, facing a Navy Admiral would be disastrous. None of them wanted that confrontation.
They'd been dragged into this by the Straw Hat crew!
While some Supernovas were tempted to test their luck, others prioritized caution.
Capone Bege's face turned ashen. "Move! Set sail for Fish-Man Island immediately! If we encounter an Admiral, we won't survive!"
"Yes, sir!"
Navy Headquarters.
"Boom!"
Sengoku slammed the table in anger, roaring at Garp who was munching on rice crackers: "It's your grandson again! Your whole family is exactly the same!"
"Puhahaha, what a capable boy!"
Garp laughed until tears streamed down his face.
Kizaru, who had been sitting nearby, stood up.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, no matter what exactly happened, when the World Nobles are attacked, the Marines can't just stand by."
"Let me handle this."
"Don't worry, I'll be back in no time!"
Admiral Kizaru deploys!
Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 7.
"A step too late, huh."
Gurd watched the fleeing crowds before continuing toward Grove 1.
At the very least, he'd take a look.
He wanted to meet Straw Hat Luffy too!
(End of Chapter)