"Hmm?!"
Looking at the intelligence report in his hand, Edward sat on his massive chair, rubbing his chin as he considered the situation.
"If that's the case…"
Edward pondered quietly. If he chose to get involved… what would the outcome be?
Or if things continued like this—what would the final result become?
Right now, Edward already understood—
This would be a massive war.
Perhaps one second only to the God Valley Incident.
"Pops!"
A beautiful woman with ice-blue hair approached. It was Whitey Bay. She asked curiously:
"What happened?"
Edward handed her the intelligence report.
"Take a look."
Whitey Bay accepted the report, then froze in surprise.
"Pops! At a time like this… Arthur actually left Britannia? Has he lost his mind?"
Her shock was understandable.
Anyone with insight could tell that war was on the verge of erupting.
At any moment, the conflict could explode.
And at such a critical time—
Arthur leaving Britannia was incredibly dangerous.
If anything went wrong, Britannia could be wiped out instantly.
"What's going on?"
"Yeah!"
Vista, Jozu, and the others gathered around, curiously examining the report. One by one, they showed expressions of shock.
Rakuyo asked thoughtfully:
"Pops… what do you think this means?"
"Gurararara!"
Edward laughed casually.
"My sons, what kind of situation would make that brat Arthur leave Britannia at a time like this? What do you think?"
"…."
Everyone hesitated.
Honestly, this wasn't easy to answer.
But one thing was certain—
Arthur was no fool.
If he left Britannia at this moment, it must be for something extremely important.
Otherwise, it would be sheer stupidity.
"Hmph."
Edward smiled meaningfully.
"Haven't you noticed something?"
"…Something?"
The crew looked confused.
Edward continued:
"Ochoku and Silver Axe's pirate alliance has been offering enormous amounts of treasure and money. That level of wealth… isn't something they could produce themselves."
"…!"
Everyone immediately reacted.
"Pops… you mean…?"
Edward nodded.
"That's right. Behind their alliance is a massive force. And you can probably guess who that is."
Instantly, everyone understood.
There was only one possible answer.
Only that individual could supply such resources.
No one else could.
Absolutely impossible.
Whitey Bay asked seriously:
"Pops… are we making a move?"
Edward stood up boldly.
"Brats! If you take someone's money, you handle their problems! I already took the payment—so of course we're going to help! Get ready!"
"OOOOH!!!"
The crew roared, eyes blazing with excitement.
---
"MOMOMOMOMOM~!"
Charlotte Linlin laughed loudly.
"Interesting! Very interesting! Arthur leaving Britannia at a time like this—what is that brat thinking?"
Beside her stood Perospero, Katakuri, Compote, and others, along with Streusen.
Perospero thought aloud:
"Mother, do you think something went wrong elsewhere?"
Katakuri shook his head.
"I think that's unlikely. Britannia is at its most critical stage. Even if problems arose elsewhere, Arthur wouldn't leave."
Streusen disagreed.
"If Fish-Man Island had problems, he might leave. But based on the route, Arthur didn't head toward Fish-Man Island… so something else must be happening."
Everyone nodded thoughtfully.
"MOMOMOMOMOM~"
Suddenly, Linlin stood up.
"Regardless of the reason—Arthur leaving Britannia is an opportunity!"
"Mother!"
Katakuri quickly stopped her.
"Don't forget what we agreed to!"
Linlin froze, then clicked her tongue.
"Tch! Why did I agree to that in the first place? Boring!"
Perospero said helplessly:
"Mother, we can't abandon our credibility."
Pirates could lack honor—but Linlin, as a top-tier powerhouse, could not afford to lose credibility.
"MOMOMOMOMOM~"
Linlin laughed.
"Fine! Prepare to set sail!"
Everyone immediately began preparing.
Even Streusen began directing the operation.
After all, despite appearing as just a chef, Streusen had once been a core officer of the Rocks Pirates.
His strength was unquestionably formidable.
---
Meanwhile—
Ochoku stroked his beard while gazing out the window.
"Looks like everything is proceeding according to plan."
Silver Axe stood up.
"Arthur has left Britannia. Our plan has succeeded."
"Not just succeeded," Ochoku said confidently.
"This is an open strategy. Even if Arthur knows it's a trap, he must take the bait. Britannia's growth depends on that treasure."
Silver Axe nodded.
"Now it depends on whose preparations are better."
Both men's eyes gleamed sharply.
Still, Ochoku added quietly:
"Prepare everything. If we fail… we must ensure we survive."
Silver Axe nodded.
They could afford to lose resources—
But they could not afford to die.
Ochoku muttered quietly:
"If I lose again… Arthur… I might just follow you instead. I really might not be your match."
---
Thunder rumbled across the island.
Kaido looked at the intelligence report, murderous intent flickering in his eyes.
Six months had passed.
His strength had grown even more terrifying.
Half a year ago—
He had suffered another crushing defeat.
But Kaido refused to accept it.
"Boss."
King (Arber) stood calmly.
"Losing isn't shameful. Failing to recover afterward—that's shameful."
"Worororo!"
Kaido laughed loudly.
"I don't need comforting! I'm not that fragile!"
He clenched his fist.
"King, prepare the Beasts Pirates. Whether I win or lose, you must not suffer losses."
King nodded.
"I've already prepared everything."
Kaido narrowed his eyes.
"Ochoku has that special Devil Fruit user… I need to take him."
King warned:
"We can afford to wait. We're still young."
Kaido transformed into a dragon and flew into the storm.
King watched quietly.
"Boss… you're the Joy Boy I believe in. You will succeed."
---
At the same time—
A man adjusted his suit.
He straightened his hair, holding a cane umbrella.
In his hand—
A Devil Fruit.
He smiled.
"What a remarkable gift…"
"If I don't attend… that would be rather rude."
Lightning flashed.
The Red Count disappeared into the storm.
Redfield… had entered the stage.
-------------------------------------///
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