Chapter 324: Gathering Storm
Such a monumental event naturally attracted the attention of casinos worldwide.
Gambling establishments controlled by various powerful forces sprang into action.
Among them, the odds offered by the world's wealthiest tycoon, Gild Tesoro the Golden Emperor, proved most popular, with countless people participating and massive sums of money pouring into the betting pools.
The odds offered by numerous casinos varied, but generally speaking, the odds favored Kaido of the Beasts over Rhodes, proving that most people expected Kaido to win.
Kaido of the Beasts was known by the saying "In a one-on-one fight, always bet on Kaido," having clashed with other Yonko crews multiple times with astonishing results.
Though Rhodes had been making major waves recently, his standing in people's hearts ultimately wasn't as deeply entrenched as Kaido of the Beasts.
And with the time and location of the duel between the Thunder God Swordsman and Kaido of the Beasts now public knowledge, this frenzy was completely ignited.
In an instant, people from various seas and islands flocked toward the duel location in the Dressrosa waters.
Whether free-roaming pirates and bounty hunters, or representatives of powerful organizations, no one wanted to miss this rare clash between titans, and they all rushed to witness it firsthand.
On a Small Island in the New World
"Wow, the ultimate showdown!"
A rotund man wearing small sunglasses exclaimed, gnawing on a piece of meat.
"Big news, boss! That madman from the Beasts Pirates is going to fight the Thunder God!"
Red-Haired Shanks, sitting casually on the ground without any concern for appearances, opened his eyes slightly upon hearing his subordinate's words, his face showing genuine interest.
"The Thunder God has finally clashed with Kaido of the Beasts."
He'd predicted long ago that a battle between these two was inevitable, but he hadn't expected it to come so soon.
"He's bound to lose. Kaido of the Beasts may not be the sharpest, but his strength is still at the absolute pinnacle."
Lucky Roux said, recalling the great battle that erupted when they stopped the Beasts Pirates from reaching Marineford, while taking another large bite of meat.
It was hard to imagine how this rotund man could speak so clearly with his mouth stuffed full.
"That's not necessarily true."
Ben Beckman, vice-captain of the Red Hair Pirates, shook his head.
"The Thunder God Swordsman defeated Sakazuki and killed Kurman Luke. His strength is definitely top-tier on these seas. This should be an intense battle."
"This duel seems rather sudden. The World Government is probably behind it. Those bastards will likely employ some dirty tactics."
A calculating gleam flashed in Beckman's eyes.
"So, Shanks, should we go take a look?"
"Of course we should!"
"That guy honored my request back then, ending the Paramount War. I heard he even saved Luffy. We should go show our support. Besides, it's not far—Chesterton Island is nearby."
Shanks stood up immediately, ready to depart.
"Let's move out. The scene will be massive. There might even be a major conflict. Everyone stay alert."
As vice-captain of the Red Hair Pirates, Beckman's position was similar to Rayleigh's role in Roger's crew—he was responsible for almost all strategic planning.
"Who'd dare mess with us?"
Yasopp pulled out his rifle, took aim playfully, and chuckled.
The others laughed along, their demeanor exceptionally confident.
The Red Hair Pirates might be the smallest Yonko crew in numbers, but their strength was by no means weak—each member was elite. Otherwise they wouldn't have become a Yonko crew, and they'd even held off the entire Beasts Pirates in the past.
New Marine Headquarters
"Tsuru, looks like it'll be us two old-timers going this time."
Sengoku took a bite of his rice cracker, somewhat resigned.
The Marines couldn't make an obvious showing at a duel between two emperor-class fighters, and they couldn't even dispatch a Marine Admiral—otherwise they'd definitely be attacked and killed on the spot by the pirates present.
Of course, ordinary pirates didn't matter, but based on foreseeable intelligence, it wouldn't just be ordinary pirates in attendance.
The new generation of Supernovas would almost certainly be there, since Rhodes represented the new generation. They'd attend to witness the outcome, regardless of their personal motives.
As for top-tier powers, it was already confirmed that the Red Hair Pirates would attend, seemingly to keep Rhodes in check and prevent a full-scale war from erupting.
"Will the Blackbeard Pirates go? They have a deep grudge against the Thunder God Swordsman."
Tsuru didn't ask how they could capitalize on the situation—she assumed the World Government already had preparations, probably involving CP0 agents.
"I don't know..."
Sengoku frowned, deep in thought.
Although he was now Chief Inspector, he'd served as Fleet Admiral for decades, and his prestige within the Navy remained higher than Sakazuki's at present. All manner of intelligence was still reported to him.
"It seems neither the Blackbeard Pirates nor the Whitebeard Pirates will attend this time. They appear to have discovered something, and they've been fighting fiercely lately."
"Hmm?"
Tsuru was momentarily taken aback. For those two crews to clash, whatever they'd found must be extraordinary. Could it be...?
A knowing gleam flashed in her eyes, and she couldn't help but glance at Sengoku.
Sengoku nodded slightly, then after a long pause said:
"That's irrelevant to us for now. What we need to focus on is the upcoming battle."
"The duel will take place on Chesterton Island, in Dressrosa's waters. With ten days to prepare, anyone who can make it will likely attend."
"I really didn't expect that barely half a year after the Paramount War, that Thunder God Swordsman would have already reached this level."
Sengoku was genuinely moved. Back during the Paramount War, though Rhodes was powerful, he'd only been on par with Kizaru, or perhaps slightly inferior. He'd only thrived at Marineford thanks to his extraordinary speed.
"He's emerging from the shadows now. If he overcomes this hurdle, no one in the New World will be able to stop him."
Tsuru observed. If he survived this battle, Rhodes would become an undisputed Yonko, and Blackbeard would be completely unable to compete with him.
"Yes."
Sengoku sighed. "But the stronger he becomes, the more the World Government fears him. They've probably prepared something decisive this time."
"The Thunder God Swordsman will have a hard time escaping."
"They didn't even inform me. Seems I'm being kept at arm's length now."
Sengoku's tone carried helpless resignation—once you step down, you're quickly forgotten. Nothing he could do about it.
"If they really have a decisive trump card, we'll probably be in danger too."
Tsuru suddenly said.
The logic was simple: in such a high-stakes duel, if anyone interfered, they'd definitely be attacked by both combatants. If they succeeded in killing the Thunder God Swordsman, fine—they were confident they could handle Kaido of the Beasts afterward.
But if they failed to kill the Thunder God Swordsman... then they'd be in serious danger.
Vice Admiral Tsuru had served in the Marines for so many years—she didn't want to die out there before retirement.
"We'll arrange for backup to extract us if needed."
Sengoku smiled. He was a strategist—his contingencies were always thorough.
Vice Admiral Tsuru nodded. "That's reassuring."
At that moment, footsteps sounded outside, followed by Gion entering.
She looked at Sengoku and Tsuru, her expression neutral, and stated: "I'm going on this mission too."
"..."
Sengoku and Tsuru fell silent for a moment, but Gion's voice remained cold and calm as she continued:
"Don't worry, I won't interfere with your plans."
"I can't possibly miss seeing my former student one last time, can I?"
Sengoku remained silent. He disliked unpredictable variables, and if Gion were present, she might cause problems at a critical moment.
Seeing his hesitation, Gion paused, then looked at Tsuru, a hint of pleading appearing in her usually cold eyes.
"Gion..."
Tsuru was speechless. She hadn't expected Gion to actually plead with her for something like this. After so many years...
Tsuru sighed softly and could only say to Sengoku: "I'll keep watch over her."
Tsuru's strength was considerable, and she spoke with confidence.
"...Alright."
Sengoku could only nod in agreement.
(End of Chapter)
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