Onigashima is a small island near Wano Country. When lightning and thunder roll across the sky, the island takes on an extraordinarily ominous appearance.
Though it is merely one of countless small islands scattered across the world, Onigashima's reputation in the New World is particularly fearsome. It serves as the official base of operations for the Beasts Pirates, including Kaido himself.
Not counting the elite subordinates, the combined bounties of Kaido and the three Calamities alone exceed 5 billion Belly, approaching 10 billion.
When including the other senior officers and subordinates under the three Calamities, the total bounty of the Beasts Pirates undoubtedly surpasses 20 billion Belly.
In the New World, a pirate crew with a total bounty exceeding one billion is already considered formidable.
The reason El and his crew are renowned worldwide—acknowledged as a major power even before entering the New World—is that with only six members, their combined bounty already exceeded 2 billion. After entering the New World, that number reached an astonishing 4 billion.
Coupled with their world-shaking destructive power, this six-man pirate crew is recognized by the world as the fourth hegemonic force: the Fourth Emperor of the Sea.
In truth, if the world had not been terrified by the asteroid and the super tsunami that annihilated two islands, their total bounty of 4 billion would be considered merely mid-tier in the New World.
Only pirate crews with a total bounty exceeding 10 billion are eligible to be classified as top-tier.
—
For example, the Red-Haired Pirates—though few in number—are regarded as second only to the Three Emperors in the New World. Their total bounty has certainly exceeded 20 billion, firmly placing them at Emperor level.
Similarly, the Whitebeard Pirates, Beasts Pirates, and BIG MOM Pirates—especially Whitebeard's crew—possess total bounties and comprehensive strength currently recognized as number one in the world.
The only crew ever to surpass the Whitebeard Pirates was the Rocks Pirates from the previous era.
Even the Roger Pirates, the first to conquer the Grand Line in 800 years, cannot compare to the current Whitebeard Pirates.
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After several days of sailing, the Numancia Flamingo finally arrived at Onigashima. As Doflamingo descended the gangplank, his pupils contracted slightly.
"I didn't expect you to come here personally..."
Doflamingo flashed his trademark sinister grin, subtly straightening his posture.
Standing on the coast, specially sent to receive Doflamingo and El, was a towering man with an immensely muscular, broad-shouldered frame and elongated limbs. Whether two or three meters tall, anyone beside him appeared dwarfed.
The giant wore a dark, form-fitting leather uniform that revealed no skin. His entire head and neck were concealed beneath a black leather mask.
But his most conspicuous features were the pair of massive black wings on his back and the flames flickering around the back of his head.
This man was second only to Kaido—one of the three Calamities—with a bounty of 1,390,000,000 Belly: King.
El knew his true name was Alber. He was the last surviving member of the now-extinct Lunarian race, a people once said to inhabit the Red Line.
The black wings and the flames around his head were the defining traits of his kind.
"Don't misunderstand. I'm not here for you,"
King replied indifferently.
If Doflamingo were not Kaido's business partner and the Beasts Pirates' cash cow, King wouldn't spare this weakling a second glance—someone he could kill effortlessly.
Even as Kaido's ally, Doflamingo wasn't qualified to have King, the deputy commander, personally receive him.
In the past, when Doflamingo visited Onigashima, the one sent to greet him was another of the three Calamities, Jack—whose attitude toward him had never been particularly friendly.
As a Warlord of the Sea and an underworld kingpin, Doflamingo's status amounted to little before the three Calamities.
In truth, it wasn't just Doflamingo. All powerful pirates who came here received the same cold treatment from them.
"I know I don't carry that kind of weight yet."
Unfazed by King's indifference and disdain, Doflamingo did not take offense. Instead, he introduced El standing beside him.
"This is King, head of the three Calamities."
"My name is El. Lead the way."
El gave a slight nod, tilting his head upward to address King.
Behind his goggles, King's gaze met El's calm red eyes—faint traces of purple light shimmering within them. For a long moment, King fell silent.
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