Across the Grand Line, whispers of Kaito's deeds spread like wildfire. Even the Four Emperors of the New World—figures who stood above all—spoke of him with rare solemnity.
After all, capturing a Marine Admiral alive was a feat even they couldn't ignore. Killing one was hard enough—but taking one alive? That bordered on impossible. Yet Kaito had done it, and then extorted ten billion Berries from the Marines themselves. Such a move demanded attention, even from emperors.
Still, the world of pirates was one of predators. Respect did not mean fear—if Kaito ever overstepped, they would not hesitate to remind him how cruel the seas could be.
---
Cake Island
Inside the shadowy throne room of the massive castle, Big Mom sat draped across her seat, laughter echoing hoarsely off the walls. Her eldest son, Perospero, shuddered slightly at the sound.
"Hohoho! So that boy managed such a grand spectacle?" she mused, eyes gleaming with greed. "He doesn't even have a crew yet! Perospero, send word to him. Tell Kaito I want him to join my pirate group!"
She leaned forward, her lips stretching into a hungry grin. "Promise him the title of Sweet Commander. And if he fancies one of my daughters… I'll arrange the marriage myself!"
"Yes, Mama! I'll send Baron Eggy right away!"
"Good! Hohoho! If I can bring him into my ranks, even Kaido and the others won't dare look down on me again!"
---
Sabaody Archipelago
When Kaito finally woke up, the sun was already high overhead. After a long shower, he strolled lazily toward Shakky's Bar, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
But as he walked, something felt… off.
Everywhere he went, people whispered and pointed. Pirates, tourists, even the locals—all gave him a wide berth as though he carried death itself in his shadow.
Kaito frowned. What the hell happened while I was asleep?
"I'll ask Shakky," he muttered.
Just then, the air beside him rippled, and a familiar figure stepped out of the shifting space.
"My love!" Kaguya greeted with a teasing smile.
Kaito sighed, helpless. "The money's already stored in the pocket dimension. With our connection, you can sense it easily. Take whatever you want."
"Hmm~ For being such a dutiful husband, I'll forgive you this time," she teased. "But you'll lend me one of your clones to carry the bags."
"Yes, yes." Kaito quickly formed a Shadow Clone, which immediately began following her. With Kaguya's power, no one in the pirate world could touch her anyway, so he wasn't worried.
He continued toward the bar alone.
"Shakky! The usual!" he called casually as he entered.
"Yo! Looks like today's top headline star has arrived," she said with a smirk, blowing out a thin ring of smoke.
"Headline? What are you talking about?" Kaito asked, genuinely confused.
"Don't play dumb! It's all over the world!"
"I'm serious, what happened?" he pressed. "Everyone's been acting like I'm some kind of plague."
Shakky gave him a long look, confirming he wasn't faking ignorance. "You really don't know?"
"I made the deal with Sengoku, went back to my hotel, slept, and came straight here."
She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Figures. Look at today's news. I'll get your food."
She set the day's newspaper on the counter and disappeared into the back. A few moments later, she returned with his favorite—fried rice—and placed it in front of him.
"How's it look?" she asked.
After scanning the front page, Kaito exhaled sharply. "Tch… so this is what they pulled after our deal."
"Of course," Shakky said knowingly. "Sengoku's too shrewd to hand you ten billion Berries quietly. He made sure the whole world knew exactly who he paid."
"That old fox…" Kaito muttered darkly.
"Trying to outsmart Sengoku is like stealing from a tiger's jaws," Shakky warned with a faint smile. "What do you plan to do about it?"
He set the paper down and smirked coldly. "If anyone comes looking for trouble, I'll give it to them in full."
"That's fine—just keep an eye on the Four Emperors. They're the only ones bold enough to test you."
"I know," Kaito said calmly, digging into his food.
But halfway through the meal, his expression suddenly froze. A wave of murderous intent burst from him, sharp enough to make the air hum before vanishing just as quickly.
Shakky's face tightened. "What is it?"
He rose from his seat, eyes cold. "Seems my wife's run into some… pests."
"Go," she said quietly. "Just remember to pay next time."
"Of course."
In an instant, his figure flickered and vanished.
The bar fell silent. Even Rayleigh had never exuded such a suffocating killing aura. Whatever—or whoever—had angered him was about to regret it deeply.
And then it clicked for Shakky. Pests? Wife?
Her eyes widened. "Don't tell me… the Celestial Dragons?"
If that was true, Sabaody was about to become a battlefield.
---
A Street Painted Red
On one of Sabaody's crowded streets, a well-dressed man lay sprawled in a pool of his own blood, his fine white suit stained crimson.
Beside him stood a bloated young man with a twisted expression, face hidden behind an ornate mask. His nose dripped, his mouth curled in arrogance—an all-too-familiar sight.
There was only one kind of person in this world who dressed like that.
A Celestial Dragon—the maggot of the seas.
---