After the news of Shiki's demise spread across the entire sea, the entire New World erupted in a frenzy of territorial grabs.
The New World was vast, and more than half of its islands and nations had been under Shiki's command.
Now that Shiki was dead, these territories were ownerless. First come, first served!
Pirates frantically poured onto the islands flying Shiki's Jolly Roger.
One lion dies, ten thousand pirates rise!
The New World was a pirate's paradise. The hands of the World Government and the Marines couldn't reach here. Those nations and islands were like fat sheep in their eyes.
Even Whitebeard's sons couldn't sit still, each one green with envy.
"Pops, let's move out too."
"Yeah, Pops, Shiki's gone. There are so many rich lands. There's no reason for our Whitebeard Pirates not to take them."
"That's right, Pops. It's better for our Whitebeard Pirates to fly our Jolly Roger than for other pirates to occupy them. We're much more righteous than them."
…
The crew members surrounded Whitebeard, chattering excitedly, their emotions running high.
If not for knowing that their Pops had no ambition, they might even have instigated Whitebeard to conquer the entire New World.
Whitebeard also couldn't completely disregard his sons' wishes.
The Whitebeard Pirates had been living frugally these past few years, saving money to send back to their hometown.
But his inner righteousness wouldn't allow him to plunder and seize like Shiki.
Whitebeard nodded gently in agreement.
Indeed, as his sons said, it was better for him to take them than for other pirates.
Whole Cake Island.
Charlotte Linlin was also stirring.
Shiki's territories were all fertile lands. Who wouldn't be tempted?
She immediately ordered Katakuri to lead a team, to occupy as much territory as possible.
And she herself had something even more tempting in mind, and that was…
Kaido!
Wano, Flower Capital.
Kaido, Noro, and King held a brief meeting together.
King was still covered in bandages.
Actually, they were just for show. This blood-tank's recovery speed was visible to the naked eye.
It made one sigh in admiration, truly worthy of being called a "Race of Gods."
Kaido took a swig of sake, then asked, "Are the Beasts Pirates going on an expedition?"
Noro nodded lightly. "Since Shiki is dead, those territories rightfully belong to our Beasts Pirates."
Kaido laughed. "Worororororo… That's natural."
Noro interlaced his fingers, propping up his chin. "However, one of us two must stay in Wano. This incident cannot happen again."
Pausing, Noro continued, "And, if nothing unexpected happens, a large group of ignorant pirates will climb the waterfall to challenge our Beasts Pirates in Wano."
King also found an opportunity to speak. "Mr. Noro, I will guard the port well."
Noro sighed. "You should focus on recovering first."
"My injuries are almost healed. If you don't believe me, look," King said, about to tear open the bandages on his chest.
"Hmm?" Noro's cold gaze swept over him, and King immediately stopped his movement.
Kaido took another swig of sake, then grinned widely. "Worororororo… I'll go, Noro."
Actually, Noro had also intended for Kaido to go.
This silly dragon couldn't sit still, so it was better to let him go out and conquer territory.
He was different. Staying in the quarry was much more interesting than going outside.
Noro smiled. "Alright, then the Captain will go. Let the sea witness the terror of our Beasts Pirates!"
Kaido's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Worororororo… No problem."
"I'll go too!" King quickly spoke up.
Noro's voice turned cold. "I told you to recover first!"
Kaido spread his hands, indicating he couldn't help.
…
At the port, Kaido set off with a mighty fleet and several captains.
King watched longingly.
He had been guarding the home for so long!
Noro also smiled, patting King's shoulder. "Recover first. You'll have a chance to act. In the future, there will be no shortage of pirates coming to challenge the Beasts Pirates."
King nodded. "I understand, Mr. Noro!"
Noro turned to leave.
He still had to stay in Ringo for now.
First, Ringo was severely damaged from the great battle with Shiki and needed him to oversee its reconstruction.
Second, challengers would likely flock here, and he needed to be stationed in Ringo.
After returning to his residence, Noro's Den Den Mushi rang.
Noro answered. The Den Den Mushi transformed into Feld's face, but his expression was one of unprecedented fawning. "Mr. Noro, hello."
Noro smiled and shook his head. Indeed, the stronger one was, the more respected one became.
But speaking of which, this old fox had made a lot of money from him these past few years.
Sea Prism Stone and new weapons were hot sellers in the black market. This old fox was now richer than ever.
There was no choice. The Beasts Pirates only had this one channel in the underworld.
If not him, then who?
The Beasts Pirates' clown was probably picking scraps from a trash can now.
It seemed that after Kaido returned from his expedition, he would have to make a trip to the North Blue.
Pulling his thoughts back, Noro got straight to the point. "Speak. What is it?"
Feld still maintained his fawning tone. "It's like this, Mr. Noro. The Mane-Mane Fruit you asked me to find has been located. I wanted to send it to you immediately, but the New World is too chaotic right now. You see…"
Before, paying enough protection money allowed for unimpeded passage, but now it was different. Pirate crews fighting for territory would genuinely kill him on a whim.
Noro also knew the New World was chaotic now, and the Beasts Pirates temporarily didn't want to lose this partner.
Noro offered a solution. "Only Shiki's former territories are chaotic right now. Tell me a location, and I'll have our Captain pick it up on his way."
"Yes, yes," Feld nodded repeatedly on the Den Den Mushi.
Now that the Beasts Pirates were at their zenith, he had no choice but to be cautious.
Noro then instructed, "Also, help me find another Devil Fruit."
Feld respectfully said, "Mr. Noro, please tell me."
"The Fuwa Fuwa no Mi!"
The Den Den Mushi, Feld's ugly face, crumpled. "Mr. Noro, this might be a bit difficult."
Noro's voice turned cold with displeasure. "Hmm?"
Feld's heart skipped a beat. He quickly explained, "Mr. Noro, Mr. Noro, it's like this. Right now, the World Government, the Marines, and countless people in the entire underworld are all looking for the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi. I'm just a gangster. I really can't guarantee getting the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi."
Noro actually knew it was a bit difficult. For a support-type Devil Fruit like the Mane-Mane Fruit, others would give Feld some face. But for a strategic one like the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi, who was Feld?
"Just notify me immediately if you get any news about the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi."
"Yes, yes."
===
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