As Eli Winters marveled at the ruthless efficiency of the World Government, a migratory bird flew overhead, witnessing the explosion unfold in its entirety. A human-like smile curved across the bird's beak, then it vanished into the clouds, soaring off into the distance.
Once the bird disappeared, Eli Winters' lips curved into a radiant smile of his own.
"Big brother, these people committed suicide. How can you be smiling?" Big Pan asked, tilting his head to see Eli's expression. He and Dotai had woken at the sound of the explosion, still a little dazed, but at least they hadn't slept through it.
"Haha, these people weren't exactly saints. If they're gone, they're gone," Eli Winters replied casually.
"True, but these people are from the three major pirate crews. Getting tangled up with them is always troublesome," Fiona said with a hint of exasperation. She meant trouble, not danger, which showed her confidence in Eli.
"Haha, sis, I just learned a really awesome move. If they come looking for trouble, I'll shock them all into hedgehogs!" Filina said with a playful grin, looping her arm through Fiona's.
"Exactly. If they dare come, my Panlong Staff isn't a toy either," Big Pan said confidently. In recent days, after fighting the two giants, Dolley and Broki, he had become much more adept at using Haki. His mastery of Conqueror's Haki had reached an advanced stage, and he was beginning to understand the high-level techniques of advanced Conqueror's Haki. It wouldn't be long before he fully mastered it.
"Haha, Eli Winters, looks like you're in trouble. Need our help?" Dolley laughed heartily.
"Gahaha, Eli Winters, give us some good wine, and I guarantee you'll be fine here in this little garden," Broki added with a glint in his eye.
Eli knew these two genuinely considered him a friend. Anyone else, no matter how fine the wine, could not have won their assistance. After all, their long lives had exposed them to countless people, and no small gesture could sway them so easily.
Eli Winters smiled sincerely at them and said, "Broki, Dolley, thank you, but I can handle these guys. You can relax. As for the wine, haha, since we're like brothers, there's no need for any other reason to share a drink."
Dolley laughed heartily. "Hey, just don't come crying to us after getting beaten to a pulp!"
Eli laughed, slapping his chest with confidence. "That will never happen! You can just watch. But… honestly, this time my actions might drag your peaceful life into some chaos."
He felt a pang of guilt. The two had been enjoying their quiet retreat in the little garden, and now he had disrupted it.
"Haha, it's fine. We were feeling a bit homesick anyway. It's a pity we didn't get to finish our duel," Dolley said, not too concerned, just slightly disappointed that his fight with Broki hadn't concluded.
"Exactly. I feel like next time I'll finally defeat Dolley," Broki said with a wistful expression.
"Bullshit. I was about to defeat you first!" Dolley shouted.
"Just you?" Broki sneered.
"Bastard, fight me if you dare!" Dolley roared.
"Fine by me!" Broki hefted his massive axe, ready for yet another duel.
Dolley picked up his great sword with equal determination.
Seeing the two about to clash, Eli quickly intervened. "Big brothers, it's late, it's pitch black everywhere. Fighting isn't appropriate now. How about tomorrow?"
"Hmph, fine. We'll let you off this time, Eli Winters," Dolley said, snorting.
"Hmph. Tomorrow, I'll flatten you," Broki replied sharply.
After exchanging glares, they parted in opposite directions.
"These two really are something else," Eli Winters chuckled.
Turning to his crew, he said with a grin, "Don't worry. I've got everything under control. You all get some rest. Simon, you too. I'll take the night watch."
"Captain, no! I can do it," Simon protested.
"You go when I say you go. No arguments," Eli scolded.
Simon sighed but obeyed, quietly heading to rest. The recent events had shaken him, and he felt partially responsible for what had happened during his watch.
After Big Pan and the others had settled, Eli left a spatial marker and vanished from sight. After the last prisoner incident, he had learned to always leave a backup plan.
The next day, Broki and Dolley were up early, already clashing. Listening to the booming sounds of battle and their shouts across the island, Eli Winters shook his head with a smile. These two were truly a pair of inseparable rivals.
"Big Pan, this is my duel with Dolley! Why are you interfering?" Broki's voice rang out.
"Yeah, Big Pan, get out of the way. I'm going to take this guy down," Dolley said, raising his shield against Broki's massive axe.
"Haha, don't fight over me. I'll take you both on," Big Pan said arrogantly.
"Bahai!"
"You guys are dishonorable!" Big Pan yelled as the two unexpectedly teamed up, sending him flying.
"Hmph, you're still green if you think you can fight us," Broki said smugly.
"You kid, surrender yet?" Dolley grinned.
They laughed, glancing at each other before engaging in another fierce clash.
In the following days, this scene repeated often. With supplies sent by Disaster Jack, Eli Winters didn't feel rushed to leave. It wasn't every place that had such excellent sparring partners.
While Eli and his crew enjoyed their rigorous training in the little garden, shocking news spread across the world like wildfire. It struck every listener like a thunderclap.
Eli Winters, the renowned Sky Sovereign, and his crew had openly declared war on the three Emperor Crews of the New World. They had already taken decisive action, carrying out a bloody massacre on the island of Little Garden.
Reliable sources revealed that three prominent division captains of the Whitebeard Pirates had fallen to Eli and his crew. Meanwhile, Disaster Jack of the Beasts Pirates and Charlotte Fafait, the twentieth child of Charlotte Linlin, had also been brutally slain by Eli's forces. Such a staggering victory drew the world's attention.
Speculation ran rampant. Would the audacious Sky Sovereign Eli Winters lead his crew to fully confront the three Emperor Crews? His extraordinary power and fearless courage left the future unpredictable, promising stormy seas across the Grand Line.
When the news struck, Marco the Phoenix felt as if struck by invisible lightning. He froze, rigid as a statue. The important intelligence he held slipped from his hands and floated to the ground.
Tears streamed uncontrollably down Marco's face. Each Whitebeard division captain had been like a son to Edward Newgate, sharing countless life-or-death battles. Their bond had been stronger than blood.
Now, three brothers had been murdered at once. The pain of helplessly losing loved ones pierced Marco's heart as if a thousand blades had struck at once.
After a moment, hatred filled Marco's eyes. He steadied his breath, picked up the intelligence again, and resolved to report it immediately. The Whitebeard Pirates had never suffered such a loss. The perpetrators, even a formidable force like Sky Sovereign Eli Winters, would pay dearly.
Soon after, Marco entered Whitebeard's quarters. A violent aura surged from the room, causing crew members on the ship to collapse. The remaining division captains emerged with grave expressions, uncertain of the situation.
"What happened? Why is Whitebeard so angry?" Vista asked cautiously.
"I don't know, but something's wrong," Sachi replied, equally serious.
Suddenly, a thunderous roar filled the air: "Sound the orders! All division captains, assemble immediately! We sail to the Grand Line for vengeance!" The voice was filled with wrath and authority, striking fear into all who heard it.
Though no one knew the target, all obeyed Whitebeard without question. They immediately set to work contacting captains on missions and relaying the orders.
Marco emerged with a dark expression. The waiting captains rushed forward.
"Blenheim, Atmos, and Difados… all three have been killed!" Marco announced, teeth clenched, face pale.
The crew erupted in shock.
"What? Someone dared touch our brothers? Who is so bold?" Curiel shouted, eyes wide, fury etched on his face. "I swear I'll tear this bastard to pieces to avenge them!"
Vista gripped his sword, radiating murderous intent. "No matter who it is, anyone who harms our comrades must pay with their lives!"
"Marco, tell us who did this!" Sachi urged anxiously.
Marco's voice was cold and deliberate. "It was Eli Winters."
The room fell into stunned silence. Someone gasped, "The Sky Sovereign Eli Winters?" His reputation alone struck fear into the hearts of men.
Curiel, undaunted, growled, "Hmph, even if it's him, I'll make him pay with my life!" The room echoed with similar vows from the captains.
Marco watched quietly, moved by the loyalty and bravery of his brothers, while hatred for Eli Winters surged within him.
"Whitebeard will deal with Eli personally. His comrades will be executed one by one in front of him. Let him witness the pain of losing those he values," Marco said, voice icy.
"Yes! I'll crush their bones until they wish they were dead!" Curiel snarled, adding his own cruel punishments. Others chimed in with their own tortures.
Marco gave orders to send the regular crew to islands under their control. They would have little role in this upcoming battle.
All followed his command, readying themselves for the coming storm.