In the New World, within the borders of Wano Country, a massive shadow loomed over the mouth of the Mount Fuji volcano. After securing the Road Poneglyph, Kaido had returned to the peak.
This time, the Lead Performers and the Tobi Roppo were absent. Kaido was accompanied only by King and the Maiden Knights. As a Lunarian, King's growth during their recent training had been extraordinary. His unique lineage granted him a natural resistance to extreme heat, making him the only subordinate capable of surviving the searing magma without Kaido's protection.
Despite his strength, King looked at the bubbling lava with concern. "Boss, are you really going down there?"
"Yeah," Kaido replied, his voice a low growl. "The Marines have a new Fleet Admiral, which means they're about to get organized. It won't be long before the Navy and the World Government turn their full attention toward us. I've allied with Linlin, but she's unreliable. We can only count on ourselves. To protect our future, I have to find the Ancient Weapon Pluton as soon as possible."
King bowed his head, his voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Boss. We're holding you back."
The Beasts Pirates were stronger than ever, but King knew the scale of the forces they faced. The Marines were led by "Akainu" Sakazuki, supported by monsters like Kizaru, Fujitora, and Ryokugyu. Even retired legends like Sengoku and Garp remained a threat. Against the World Government's Five Elders and the Holy Knights, their chances of a total victory were slim. Even Big Mom could likely only hold off two Admirals at once, and commanders like Katakuri weren't enough to bridge the gap.
"Don't worry about it," Kaido said. "You've all improved quickly. If this were ten years ago, we'd have plenty of time. But the world is moving too fast now."
King stopped his protests. "Then please, Boss, be careful."
"I'll be fine. This magma can't hurt me anymore," Kaido declared. He turned to the Maiden Knights. "While I'm below, you follow King's orders. He's in charge of the crew. When Enel gets back, tell him it's time to start cleaning the 'pests' out of Wano and our own ranks."
"Yes, Lord Kaido!" the knights shouted.
With a final, earth-shaking roar, Kaido leaped into the sea of crimson magma, his massive form disappearing beneath the surface.
Kaido wasn't exaggerating his strength. His physical body had reached a level of durability that defied logic. As he swam through the scorching subterranean currents, he felt no pain. He didn't even need to use Armament Haki to shield himself. He felt certain he could take Akainu's "Great Eruption" head-on without even flinching.
As he dove deeper, he sensed a unique energy in the heat. Thanks to his mastery of the "Greater and Lesser Heavenly Cycle" cultivation, his spiritual perception was sharp. He followed the flow of energy like a predator tracking a scent. After an hour of swimming through the darkness of the earth, the temperature suddenly plummeted, and a sliver of brilliant white light appeared at the end of the tunnel.
Meanwhile, at the Holy Land Mary Geoise, a new era began.
Inside the halls of power, under the cold gaze of the Five Elders, Sengoku officially handed over his resignation. Sakazuki, still wrapped in bandages from his previous battles, stepped forward to accept the mantle of Fleet Admiral.
"Congratulations, Sakazuki," Sengoku said, letting out a long sigh as if a mountain had been lifted from his back. "The future of the Marines is in your hands now."
"I'll handle it," Sakazuki replied with grim determination. "I will burn away every trace of evil from these seas."
Sengoku nodded and walked away, leaving the room to the new leadership. As soon as he was gone, the Five Elders turned to Sakazuki.
"Sakazuki, now that you are Fleet Admiral, your first priority is Kaido," one of the Elders commanded. "The World Government expects results immediately."
Sakazuki's eyes narrowed. "Is the intelligence about the Pluton blueprints confirmed?"
"That is not your concern," the Warrior God of Science and Defense replied coldly.
Sakazuki didn't back down. "It is my concern. As Fleet Admiral, I need the facts to lead my men into a war. If Kaido gets his hands on an Ancient Weapon, the Beasts Pirates become a threat to the entire world. If you want results, I need support from Vegapunk."
The Five Elders exchanged looks. They had hoped Sakazuki would be easier to control than Sengoku, but his stubbornness was already proving a challenge.
"Don't question our decisions, Sakazuki," the Warrior God of Finance warned. "Remember who put you in that chair. However, you will have your support. The Seraphim will be deployed for this operation."
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