Hic...
"Not bad! Your food here is actually quite decent!"
Kaido belched loudly, his massive frame towering over the others. Standing nearby, Hedarn bowed deeply, his face lighting up with a sycophantic grin at Kaido's praise.
"Not at all, Kaido-sama! This is all thanks to King-sama and Jack-sama, who provided us with excellent seeds to cultivate."
"Kaido-sama, rest assured! No matter how many people arrive, our nation has the resources to meet the needs of all your men!"
"Oh? Is that so?" Kaido glanced down at Hedarn, whose grin widened even further under the attention.
"Of course! Leave it to us!"
"Well said! I'll count on you, then!"
"It's our honor, Kaido-sama. I'll take my leave now—please enjoy your meal!"
With a clap of his hands, Hedarn summoned a dozen curvaceous women into the room. Kaido's eyes lit up with interest, while Jack, sitting nearby, instinctively straightened up. However, before Jack could act further, Yamato whacked him over the head, leaving a large bump before dragging him away.
The arrival of Kaido and King made it clear to the pirates that war with the Whitebeard Pirates was inevitable.
Finder and his crew were thrilled. Having joined the Beast Pirates long ago, they no longer cared about whatever debt of gratitude they once owed Whitebeard. If Whitebeard couldn't protect Fish-Man Island, Kaido would. Gratitude or not, it didn't weigh on their consciences.
However, Aladine and a handful of others appeared uneasy. Jack noticed their hesitation but chose to remain silent.
When war breaks out, Jack thought, they'll learn soon enough where their loyalties lie.
Back on Onigashima, Queen and Black Maria had been left behind to watch over the base and Wano Country. Jack, meanwhile, felt a twinge of disappointment. Black Maria had just turned eighteen—he'd hoped for some time to relax before the battle.
As for Yamato... Jack shuddered. His mastery of Seimei Kikan wasn't perfect yet. Even if it wouldn't kill him, he wasn't in the mood for another near-death experience.
The newly arrived Fish-Men were stationed near the mines, far from Runeske, to keep them away from the warzone. They were also tasked with keeping an eye on the slaves—a chance to broaden their horizons while ensuring nothing went awry.
With Fozu and Sasaki's arrival, the number of pirates gathered at Runeske had swelled to over ten thousand. Including those stationed at the harbor, their forces now exceeded fifteen thousand.
Although some pirates were stationed elsewhere, Kaido was confident.
"This isn't fifteen thousand civilians," he mused, his eyes scanning the battle-hardened warriors.
"They're seasoned fighters. Compared to my officers, sure, they're weaker—but Whitebeard's crew doesn't have endless officers either. Besides..."
Kaido's gaze landed on Jack, who was currently being pummeled by Yamato.
"Newgate... Let's see if your so-called sons can measure up to my future son-in-law!"
BAM!
Kaido flinched slightly as Yamato sent Jack flying with a blow from her kanabo, accompanied by a loud yell.
"You dare hit me, you stupid oaf!"
"What's that thing they call it again? Domestic violence?!"
"Shut up! You're lucky I'm going easy on you! Who told you to hit me there?!"
"Anywhere else wouldn't hurt as much!"
"Then I'll smash your skull, you little brat!"
Listening to the racket outside, Kaido sighed, his head throbbing. Not even the enticing dancers could hold his attention anymore.
After a moment of silence, King quietly suggested, "Kaido-sama... perhaps you should intervene."
"Forget it. Kids grow up eventually. Let's just drink."
...
Red Line, Mary Geoise.
In a grand chamber, the Five Elders had gathered. The one with short golden hair spoke first.
"The plan is in motion. The Whitebeard Pirates and their 32 allied fleets have gathered at Beacordo Island and are heading for the Ailen Island. Their total numbers exceed ten thousand."
"The Beast Pirates, led personally by Kaido, are also on the move toward Ailen Island," he continued. "While we don't have an exact count of their forces, it's safe to assume they match or exceed Whitebeard's."
"In total, nearly thirty thousand battle-hardened fighters will clash. This will be the largest war in recent years."
The bald Elder adjusted his glasses and added, "I've already informed Sengoku. Garp and Kuzan are on standby. If the battle weakens both sides enough, the Navy will strike Whitebeard and kill him. Recovering the Gura Gura no Mi would be an ideal outcome."
The Mediterranean Elder nodded. "Excellent. Let's see how this unfolds."
...
Totto Land, Whole Cake Island.
In the bustling kitchen, countless chefs prepared lunch as Big Mom devoured sweets at the dining table. Katakuri, with his face partially obscured by his scarf, entered the room.
"Mama, we've received word: the Whitebeard Pirates and Beast Pirates are about to clash. The World Government may be pulling the strings behind this."
"Should we act?"
Big Mom swallowed the cake in her hand and wiped her mouth, laughing softly.
"Oh? Ma-ma-ma-ma... The World Government scheming again, is it? But it doesn't matter. Those two brats aren't exactly known for their patience. It's amusing, isn't it? Former crewmates now tearing at each other like this..."
"Ma-ma-ma-ma... No need to intervene. That brat Kaido is crafty. He won't fight Whitebeard to the death. To him, this is just a game to blow off steam."
"If the World Government thinks they can manipulate him, they're in for a rude awakening. Let's just sit back and watch."
Katakuri nodded. "Understood, Mama. I'll take my leave."
...
New World, a remote island.
In a hidden room, a dozen men and women in glasses frantically sorted through reports. Meanwhile, a white albatross wearing a top hat paced around the room. Skimming through the latest report, he smirked.
"Spread the word: keep watching! Whoever gets the first scoop doubles their bonus!"
"And if anyone dies? I'll take care of their families!"
"This is it! The story of the century! The clash of the Emperors!"
"The world's strongest man versus the strongest creature! With the strongest Fish-Man caught in between... So many strongest... Who's the strongest of them all?"
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg