Somewhere in the New World, the sea suddenly surged, sending massive waves crashing in all directions.
Amid the roaring tides, a colossal ship, as massive as an island, slowly emerged from beneath the ocean.
"We've finally returned to the New World."
Crocodile stood atop the towering outer wall of the giant ship. "I didn't expect it to take this long."
The ship was so enormous that they had to secretly recruit numerous coating specialists, and even then, it took a considerable amount of time to fully coat it.
And that was with the help of a certain someone's ability—without that, it would've taken even longer.
"So, what now?"
Standing beside him, Moria spoke up. "Are we going straight after Kaido or Ian for revenge?"
Crocodile turned back, his gaze tinged with a rare hint of helplessness.
"Aren't you saying something stupid again? People on the seas may call us the Fifth Emperor, but do you really believe we're emperors?"
"Forget whether Redfield can even beat Ian or Kaido—why would Redfield fight them in the first place? What can we offer him in return that makes it worth his while?"
Moria scratched his head, finally recalling that the Cross Guild wasn't like his old pirate crew, the one destroyed by Ian and Kaido.
Aside from the mid-tier officers and lower-tier grunts, the high-ranking members of the guild merely banded together for mutual benefit. There wasn't any real sense of camaraderie.
"What we need most right now is a base of operations."
Crocodile spoke firmly. "Otherwise, the people coming to claim their bounties won't even know where to find us."
Besides, the money to fund those bounties would have to come from whatever territory they establish next.
"But in the New World, there aren't many territories left for us to choose from."
Moria spoke.
Crocodile sneered, "Have you forgotten a pirate's duty? Isn't there still plenty of territory controlled by the World Government?"
"Hehehe!"
Moria suddenly burst into laughter. "Crocodile, that's exactly why I admire you!"
"Don't forget the thing you helped Redfield find."
Crocodile said, "If that guy really manages to get a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit, he will definitely become stronger. That wouldn't be a bad thing for us."
"Besides," He looked at Moria, "You should spend more time talking with that Redfield fellow."
"Huh?"
Moria was a bit puzzled.
Crocodile didn't explain.
After spending so much time around Redfield, a thought suddenly came to him.
That guy might not truly hate comrades.
Then let Moria, who really values his partners, try to get closer to Redfield.
It might have some surprising effects.
"By the way, any news from World's old crew?"
"It's already been published in the newspapers. Once we settle down, they should come looking for us, right?"
"That World guy's power is incredible! This time, it was all thanks to him expanding the coating, otherwise it wouldn't have been so easy to reach the New World."
Crocodile said, "We have to find a way to keep that guy."
"Do you think that's possible?"
Moria said, "That guy was betrayed by his own men back then, and now all he thinks about is revenge on the World Government."
"Let me think it over."
Crocodile smoked calmly. "No rush, there's still time."
Moria gazed out at the endless blue sea and suddenly said, "I wonder where Bullet has gone. It's a shame we didn't bring him over back then."
"That bastard went insane right after Roger died," Crocodile replied casually, "Unless Roger comes back to life, no one can persuade him."
He glanced at Moria. "Instead of thinking about that guy, you'd better train harder and get back to your peak sooner."
"Heh heh heh!"
Moria laughed heartily, rubbing his now much thinner belly.
The huge ship sailed smoothly across the New World's sea, slowly disappearing beyond the horizon.
Almost at the same moment, at Hive Island—
Closer now. The island was already within sight.
Standing at the bow, Bullet could clearly see a group of enormous giants on the beach.
And in front of them, the man leisurely sitting on a lounge chair, sipping a drink.
"Ha ha ha ha ha!!"
Bullet's smile twisted into a ferocious grin like a demon.
An unprecedented monster, huh?
Then let me see what kind of monster you really are!
They say you're the most likely to become the new Pirate King, the one who could surpass Roger!
Well, I'll be the one to see for myself!!
The great ship roared forward, heading straight for Hive Island.
But the people on the beach showed no signs of organizing.
So the warship charged directly onto the shore, pushing forward relentlessly, leaving a deep mark in the sand.
At the same time, Bullet leapt into the air and, like a meteor, crashed down toward Ian, who was sitting calmly in his lounge chair.
"Ian the Skyfire! Come and fight me!!"
Bullet threw a punch, his fist glowing a dark purple-black.
Ian looked up quietly, simply watching.
"Hehehe! Who just attacks a general right away!"
Solem smiled cheekily as he raised his war hammer, then swung it sharply like he was playing golf.
Boom!!
The next moment, Bullet's iron fist collided violently with Solem's war hammer, shaking the air and whipping up fierce winds.
"Whoaah!!"
Solem's expression suddenly changed. "Wow! What incredible power!!"
He staggered backward, almost falling onto the ground.
Still, even so, Bullet was knocked back by Solem, crashing heavily onto the sandy beach, sending up clouds of dust.
Ian set down his drink, half-finished, and looked curiously at Demon Heir before him.
He was quite tall, about five meters, dressed in a military uniform from an unknown country. A huge scar ran from his neck down the right collar.
His head was covered with flowing blonde hair, like a Super Saiyan, his body extremely strong. But like Kaido-sensei, he didn't train his legs much, having two short, stubby legs.
"Demon Heir, Douglas Bullet," Ian said softly, "Roger's former partner, I wonder what business you have with me?"
But honestly, Ian felt this guy didn't quite fit the nickname "Demon Heir."
What exactly did he inherit from Roger?
If not given to Ace, then this title should belong to Red-Haired Shanks, right?
Ace's expression shifted slightly.
That guy's former partner?
He carefully examined Bullet—it seemed he was quite a formidable opponent.
"Hahaha! Haven't I already said?"
Bullet stared hard at Ian.
"It's just for—"
"Battle!"
With a powerful push from his right leg, his foot struck the ground, causing the earth to tremble and sand to explode.
Bullet truly rushed forward like a bullet fired from a gun.
His aura was terrifyingly strong!
He was the perfect opponent!!
This was going to be one hell of a climax battle!
But Ian still showed no reaction.
"Thunder Eight Trigrams!"
A shining iron rod suddenly flashed from one side of his vision, carrying a chilling coldness.
"Aromatic Kick!"
From the other side, a slender yet dark long leg kicked fiercely.
Bullet felt enraged inside.
One after another, are they all trying to stop me?
Clenching his fists tightly, he suddenly struck!
Boom!!
The fierce clash of haki erupted into dazzling streaks of lightning, black and white flashing wildly.
Yamato and Hancock slid backward, each leaving two deep marks etched into the ground.
Bullet took two steps back as well, then lowered his head and glared viciously at the two stunning beauties before him.
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