Sakazuki stared at the report in his hand. In the next instant, his palm flared into molten magma, reducing the paper to ashes. Grinding his teeth, he snarled,
"What are those pirates trying to pull now?! What the hell is Kaido planning?!"
Nearby, Kizaru took an unhurried sip of tea and replied lazily,
"Whatever his intentions may be, we can't ignore it. If this develops in the worst possible direction, we'll need to be ready ahead of time."
"Damn it!" Sakazuki slammed his fist down in frustration. "Why weren't things this troublesome when Sengoku was Fleet Admiral?"
He had barely taken the position himself, and already something this outrageous was unfolding. Even if nothing had happened yet, the mere thought of all Yonkos gathering was enough to send a chill down his spine.
"Keep them under constant surveillance," Sakazuki ordered coldly. "Any new intelligence—report it to me immediately."
For now, there was little else he could do. The Yonkos wielded terrifying influence, and even the Marines had no choice but to tread carefully around them.
Elsewhere in the New World, on a certain island—
Red-Haired Shanks studied the invitation from the Beasts Pirates, a faint crease forming between his brows.
Lucky Roux, gnawing on a chicken leg, asked cheerfully,
"Boss, are we going? I heard Kaido didn't just invite us—he also invited the Phoenix Pirates and Big Mom's crew."
Benn Beckman frowned, exhaling slowly.
"I don't know what Kaido's aim is, but I've got a bad feeling about this. It smells like trouble."
Yasopp laughed it off.
"Maybe he just got cocky after beating Marco on Nanku Island and crowning himself the strongest pirate alive!"
After all, Marco's back-to-back challenges against Big Mom and Kaido had effectively ranked the strength of the Yonkos through blood and battle.
Shanks' expression cooled.
"What is Kaido really after?" he muttered. "Is he trying to upset the balance of the New World?"
"So what's the call?" Beckman asked quietly.
Shanks' lips curved into a fearless grin.
"They sent an invitation," he said. "Let's go see for ourselves."
At the same time, Marco set sail for Wano, accompanied by Ace, Jozu, Jinbe, Kingdew, Izo and several other division commanders. The remaining captains stayed behind to guard Beehive Island.
Meanwhile, deep within Wano Country, the Beasts Pirates were making thorough preparations. After all, they had invited the other three Yonkos—regardless of how many actually came, they had to be ready. More importantly, they intended to display the might of the world's strongest pirate crew.
On Onigashima, Kaido tipped back his gourd and bellowed,
"Who's Who!"
"I'm here!" Who's Who rushed over at once.
"Any replies?" Kaido asked casually.
"Yes, Kaido-sama," Who's Who replied respectfully. "All three have accepted the invitation. The other Yonkos are already on their way."
"Oh?" Kaido raised a brow. "Even that Red-Haired brat?"
"Yes. According to a report from the Red Hair Pirates, they're en route as well."
"Worororo!" Kaido burst into laughter. "All Yonkos in one place… what a sight this will be! I can't wait!"
He hadn't truly expected them all to come—but they had.
Nearby, Black Maria leaned in close, her voice smooth and alluring.
"That's only natural, Kaido-sama. Now that you stand at the head of the Yonko, even those on the same level must give you respect."
Black Maria's words clearly pleased Kaido. He threw his head back and laughed thunderously.
"Worororo! Make sure everything is prepared perfectly! A gathering of the Yonko is a once-in-a-lifetime event—there can be no mistakes!"
Just as his laughter echoed across Onigashima, the transponder snail in Who's Who's hand suddenly began to ring.
"Moshi moshi…" Who's Who answered at once.
An urgent voice came through the line.
"Lord Who's Who! The Big Mom Pirates' flagship has reached the waters near Wano! Big Mom herself has already crossed the waterfall, riding the thundercloud Zeus, and is heading straight for Onigashima!"
Kaido blinked in surprise—then broke into an even wider grin.
"Worororo! I didn't expect Linlin to arrive this fast!"
As he spoke, Kaido's body rapidly shifted, scales spreading as he transformed into his massive Azure Dragon form. If Linlin couldn't find him right away, she might very well level half of Wano in irritation—and that would be troublesome.
Kaido soared out of Onigashima and soon spotted Big Mom riding atop Zeus, drawing closer with overwhelming presence. His dragon eyes gleamed as he greeted her.
"Long time no see, Linlin."
"Kaido…" Big Mom replied, descending from the thundercloud and landing heavily on Onigashima.
Kaido reverted to his human form, clearly in high spirits. Back in the days of the Rocks Pirates, he and Big Mom had shared a close—if volatile—relationship. He laughed heartily.
"Worororo! I just heard you'd set out, and you're already here! Welcome to Onigashima, Linlin!"
The Beasts Pirates watched from below, their throats tightening. Big Mom's presence was suffocating—no less than Kaido's own. Just imagining all the Yonko gathered here was enough to make their blood run cold.
Big Mom's lips curled into a grin.
"Mamamamamama! Who would've thought? That little brat from back then is now the strongest in the New World!"
Kaido's smile stiffened slightly. Being called little brat now that he stood at the pinnacle of the world rubbed him the wrong way. He snorted hot air and shot back,
"Hmph. Don't lump me in with you. All you've done is stay home and pop out kids."
Big Mom didn't lose her smile—but her eyes turned icy.
"Mamamamamama! So arrogant, for someone with a bounty over 4.9 billion berries. But don't forget, Kaido—you still owe me a massive favor."
Her gaze sharpened as she continued,
"You know exactly who you should be thanking for where you stand today. If I hadn't given you the Fish-Fish Fruit back then, do you really think you'd have reached these heights?"
The air between the two Yonko grew heavy—old grudges, old debts.
As Big Mom's words fell, shock rippled through the ranks of the Beasts Pirates.
Governor Kaido's Azure Dragon Devil Fruit… had actually been given to him by Big Mom?
Kaido's expression darkened. The irritation was obvious, but he didn't deny it. His rise to the very peak of the world had indeed been inseparable from the power of the Azure Dragon Fruit. Still, deep down, Kaido believed that even without it, he would have carved out a place among the Yonko—though perhaps not reaching the same overwhelming height he stood at now.
After all, the Azure Dragon Fruit was unquestionably among the very strongest devil fruits in existence.
"Hmph. That's ancient history," Kaido snorted. "Why drag it out now?"
Big Mom, however, showed no intention of backing down. Her tone was firm, almost sharp.
"No. That debt lasts a lifetime. If what you'd eaten back then wasn't the Fish-Fish Fruit, but some ordinary Zoan, do you really dare claim you'd be standing where you are today?"
Kaido fell silent. He exhaled harshly through his nose, clearly displeased, but chose not to argue further. Instead, he forcefully changed the subject.
"Linlin, I didn't invite you here to reminisce about old debts."
Big Mom laughed, clearly satisfied. She had made her point—Kaido wouldn't forget that favor anytime soon.
"Fine, fine. Then tell me," she said casually, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Why did you suddenly summon all the Yonkos to Wano? What are you plotting?"
Kaido's lips curled upward.
"Worororo… I planned to explain after everyone arrived. But since it's you, I'll give you a preview."
He turned and gestured inward.
"Come. Let's talk inside."
Meanwhile, on the open sea en route to Wano, the Moby Dick encountered the Red Hair Pirates' flagship—the Red Force.
The two ships gradually drew closer. Compared to the colossal Moby Dick, the Red Force looked almost modest, barely qualifying as a medium-large vessel.
Standing at the rail, Marco gazed down at the Red Hair Pirates and activated his level scan.
Shanks – Estimated Strength: Strong Yonko Level
Benn Beckman – Estimated Strength: Weak Yonko Level
Yasopp – Estimated Strength: High Yonko Commander Level
Lucky Roux – Estimated Strength: High Yonko Commander Level
Hongou – Estimated Strength: Yonko Commander Level
Bennedick Snake – Estimated Strength: Weak Second-in-Command Level
Bonk Punch – Estimated Strength: Yonko Commander Level
Monster – Estimated Strength: Captain Level
Limejuice – Estimated Strength: Yonko Commander Level
Building Snake – Estimated Strength: Weak Second-in-Command Level
Marco's gaze lingered on them, his expression turning serious.
There were barely twenty people aboard—but every single one of them was a monster.
This was the only pirate crew in the world boasting two Yonko–level fighters, supported by seven Yonko Commander–level executives.
"…This is ridiculous," Marco muttered inwardly.
"No wonder the Marines call them the most balanced and impregnable as a group. Their high-end combat power is completely absurd."
With strength like this, it was no surprise the Red-Haired Pirates stood unshaken at the summit of the New World.
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