Before the New World pirates could process the first bombshell—
Another headline detonated across the seas.
WHITE DRAGON ADMIRAL PERMANENTLY STATIONED AT G-1 BRANCH
The entire New World exploded.
"You're kidding me—"
"An Admiral? Permanently? That's never happened before!"
"Stationed in the New World?" A pirate captain's voice went shrill. "Are the Marines declaring war?"
Some held skeptical attitudes.
Most were furious.
The New World earned its name for a reason—it was nothing like the Four Blues. Bizarre islands dotted the waters. Weather patterns defied logic. And the Four Emperors ruled with absolute authority.
Navigation was hell. Which meant the World Government and Marines couldn't establish effective control.
This is pirate territory.
The Four Emperors stood at the peak. Great pirates ruled these waters. They conquered islands. Seized territory. Built empires—all chasing the ultimate dream.
Laugh Tale.
And they did it with complete impunity.
Sure, islands here were technically World Government members. But in reality? They answered to pirates. The World Government knew better than to issue orders.
Fish-Man Island obeyed Whitebeard. Wano Country bowed to Kaido. Dressrosa served the Donquixote Family.
As for the Marines?
What Marines?
New World pirates fought amongst themselves constantly. But against the Marines? They united. Every crew. Every captain.
Because we all know the truth.
The New World belonged to pirates. The Four Blues and Paradise? That's Marine territory.
This understanding made Marine expansion nearly impossible. Establishing G-1 Branch at all was a miracle—and represented the absolute limit of what pirates would tolerate.
Which is why Akainu moved headquarters there after the war.
He'd needed the World Military Draft immediately. Not just to replace fallen Admirals—but to have any hope of suppressing New World pirates. And that draft hadn't just recruited two Admirals. Countless officers at every rank had joined.
And that was during the chaos after Whitebeard's death.
Now? Kai would face a stable New World. United against him.
Wano Country - Beast Pirates Headquarters
Kaido's summons went out within hours.
ALL PIRATES: ATTACK G-1 BRANCH
Across the New World
"Those bastards!" A captain slammed his fist down. "This is a challenge to every pirate in the New World!"
"We can't let this stand!"
"Captain!" His first mate burst in. "Word from Wano—Kaido's gathering every crew under his banner. He's calling all New World pirates to join the assault on G-1!"
The captain's grin went feral.
"We're going. Obviously." He laughed. "Finally—one of the Emperors is taking the lead! Set course for Wano. Now."
Similar scenes played out across dozens of ships.
"Kaido issued a summons? Don't let us miss this!"
"I never thought I'd get to attack a Marine base!" Another captain's eyes gleamed. "Turn the helm! Full speed to Wano!"
Whitebeard Pirates - Moby Dick
"Pops." Marco approached carefully. "Kaido called. He wants us to join the assault on G-1."
Whitebeard took a long pull from his sake.
"Looking for trouble with that kid?"
Even Whitebeard—thinking of Kai's endless, bizarre abilities—felt his spine go cold.
"Tell Kaido this old man's not getting involved." His voice went flat. "If he wants to die, he can do it alone."
"Yes, Pops!"
Marco exhaled in relief. In his mind, Kai was a demon. He'd rather die than face him again.
Red Hair Pirates
"Kaido wants to unite the Emperors?" Shanks shook his head, grinning. "Tell him I drank too much at the party."
He raised his sake cup.
"Maybe next time! Ahaha!"
Ben Beckman sighed. What kind of excuse is that?
But Shanks was captain. So.
"...Understood."
Big Mom Pirates - Whole Cake Island
"Mama." Baron Tamago bowed. "Kaido requests our participation in assaulting G-1 Branch."
Charlotte Linlin didn't even look up.
"Hmph. I don't have time for that." Her voice dripped irritation. "Refuse."
"Yes, Mama."
Wano Country - Beast Pirates Flagship
The warship resembled a monster. All jagged edges and brutal design.
Kaido turned to Jack.
"How many answered the call?"
Jack's response came instantly. "Four captains with bounties over 700 million. Eleven over 500 million. Seventy-four over 300 million."
He paused.
"Twenty-six crews total, Boss."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
📚Dying to read more? Find it on Patreon!
Jump ahead to Chapter 70 now!
Plus, unlock 10+ other exclusive novels!🔥
✨patreon.com/DarkGolds