On the New World, aboard the Mobydick, a face unfamiliar in the ongoing story carried two large bottles of fine liquor toward the room of Brunheim, captain of the Ninth Division of the Whitebeard Pirates.
This man was Diferados, who had joined the Whitebeard Pirates two years ago. Through sheer strength and cunning, he had quickly established himself among the ranks. A year prior, during a battle against another pirate crew, he had saved Brunheim's life, earning Whitebeard's high regard. Thanks to this feat, Diferados replaced Kingudo as captain of the Eleventh Division.
Approaching Brunheim's door, Diferados paused as he heard voices inside. Still, he knocked lightly.
The voices stopped immediately. Brunheim called out loudly, "Who is it?"
"It's me, Diferados. I've come to share a drink with you."
The door swung open with a click. Seeing Diferados, Brunheim embraced him warmly.
"Diferados, when did you get back?"
"Just returned. Didn't I say I'd come see you? This is the best haul of my trip. Whispering this to you, it's fine liquor I took from a noble's wine cellar," Diferados replied, grinning from ear to ear.
"Oh! Good liquor, you say? Looks like I've struck luck today!" laughter erupted inside the room.
Brunheim laughed heartily as well. "Atmos, you lucky rascal, today you've benefited from my luck."
Brunheim stepped aside to let Diferados in, and inside the room was Atmos, captain of the Thirteenth Division of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Atmos teased Diferados upon seeing him. "You always think of Diferados when it comes to fine wine, huh?"
Diferados chuckled, setting the bottles on the table. "How could that be?"
The three men sat together. Brunheim eagerly opened one bottle, and the aroma of rich wine immediately filled the room.
"Haha, Diferados, this is a surprise! You can tell this is top-notch liquor just by the aroma. Come, let's drink!" Brunheim poured full cups for all three and drained his at once. The other two followed suit without hesitation.
"Phew," they all exhaled, satisfaction evident.
They exchanged glances and laughed loudly, the sound carrying their joy.
The conversation flowed easily as they discussed everything from recent adventures to rumors of distant islands. Before long, the first bottle was empty. As Brunheim reached for the second, Diferados suddenly sighed heavily.
"Eh?"
"Don't tell me you're reluctant to share with us," Atmos joked.
"Of course not. It's just… some troublesome things happened on my way back," Diferados quickly explained.
Concerned, Brunheim asked, "Troubles? Tell us. Maybe Atmos and I can help."
"Yes, we're brothers. Nothing is too small to discuss," Atmos added.
Diferados shook his head. "It's nothing. Telling you would only add to your troubles."
Brunheim slammed his cup down, displeased. "With us, and you're hiding things?"
Diferados drained his cup in frustration before speaking with clenched teeth. "Damn it! On my way back, I overheard my men saying that Whitebeard isn't as great as that Eli Winters. What a bastard! That kid just got lucky killing a Celestial Dragon. How could he compare to Whitebeard?"
"Who said that? I'll kill them myself!" Brunheim and Atmos both roared with anger. In their eyes, Whitebeard was supreme. No one dared insult him.
"I handled those fools," Diferados said, his eyes flashing with ferocity. "I sank them to the bottom of the sea immediately."
"Well done, Diferados. That's exactly how to deal with gossiping trash," Brunheim approved.
Atmos nodded. "Good job."
Diferados drank again, still fuming. "But my chest feels tight with anger. Why does the Navy allow that bastard Eli's bounty to surpass Whitebeard? I can't accept it!"
Atmos and Brunheim shared the same frustration. Whitebeard had forbidden them from interfering, so they could only sulk and drink in silence.
"I've decided," Diferados said with determination, finishing another cup. "I'm going to face Eli Winters myself. Damn it, I refuse to believe he's that formidable."
"Good brother. Bold ambition! I'll go with you," Brunheim said, clapping Diferados on the shoulder. He then turned to Atmos. "What about you, Atmos?"
Atmos hesitated. Deep down, he knew Whitebeard's orders forbade confronting Eli. Yet with the determined gaze of his comrades upon him, he couldn't back down. With a hearty laugh, he said, "How could I miss out on this?"
"Ha! Excellent. Tomorrow, we set out under the pretext of a mission," Diferados said, beaming.
"Good, now, let's continue drinking," Brunheim declared generously.
The three drank late into the night, plotting their next moves.
The following day, they found an excuse to depart, leading three warships as they headed toward Eli and his crew.
Meanwhile, in the Big Mom Pirates' territory, inside a lavish estate, Charlotte Haifat, the twentieth son of Charlotte Linlin, practiced his swordsmanship with utmost seriousness.
An elderly man entered. Haifat greeted him warmly, "Master Whaler! What brings you here today?"
Whaler had come to the Whole Cake Island two years ago. At that time, Haifat had been battling a massive Sea Beast and was on the verge of defeat. Whaler intervened and saved him. From then on, Haifat became his disciple, learning swordsmanship under him.
Whaler's eyes gleamed with pride. "You've improved a lot today. I'm very pleased."
Haifat scratched his head, smiling. "All thanks to your guidance, Master."
Whaler continued, "At the recent tea party, you performed well, but it seemed you didn't gain the true attention of Mother, Charlotte Linlin."
Hearing this, Haifat lowered his head in disappointment. Despite resembling his mother physically, his talent was limited, so she often overlooked him.
Whaler patted his shoulder. "I have an idea. Eli Winters is renowned, even feared by the Whitebeard Pirates. If you invite him to Mother's tea party, it will surely make her look at you with new respect."
Haifat's eyes brightened, but concern clouded his expression. "But would he agree? And what if he refuses would that anger him?"
Whaler smiled. "That depends on your skill. Offer a generous gift to show sincerity. If he refuses, we'll make another plan. Careful handling will prevent offense."
Haifat clenched his fists, resolve hardening. "Alright, Master. I'll prepare immediately." He left swiftly to make arrangements.
Meanwhile, in Wano Country, Drought Jack had just eliminated a band of rival pirates. His deputy, Chulis, approached.
"Boss, Eli Winters is gaining fame. We can't be outshined," Chulis said.
Chulis, a Zoan-type user with the abilities of a raptor, had joined Jack two years ago. His strength and intelligence earned him the position of deputy quickly.
Jack snorted. "Hmph. I've never liked him."
Having grown significantly stronger recently, Jack's arrogance had swelled.
Chulis's eyes glinted as he suggested, "Boss, why don't we challenge him? Defeat him, and your reputation will soar."
Jack laughed heartily. "Ha! Excellent idea. I've been itching for a fight." Without hesitation, he ordered his crew to set sail toward Eli's location.
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