On the Queen Mama Chanter, inside the temporary quarters of the Fire Tank Pirates.
Vito "the Monster Gun," Bege's advisor, pulled on his long tongue and said, "We finally managed to contact the other Supernovas to join the plan to assassinate Big Mom, but I never expected another Yonko to muddy the waters. What should we do, Godfather?"
Bege sat puffing on a cigar amidst his black-suited executives. After a long silence, he spoke: "I need to gauge his attitude first and adjust the plan accordingly. If it comes down to it, I'll have to sell out Kid and those other brats."
Gotti, the "Hit Man" of the crew, had cold sweat trickling down his face. "Is that really okay, Godfather? That's the strongest man in the world. Countless nations are already lining up to serve under him. He's an extremely dangerous individual."
"We must ensure everything is foolproof," Bege replied. "Go warn Vinsmoke Sanji and that idiot Caesar. Make sure they understand the stakes."
Finishing his piece, Bege stood and left the Fire Tank base, heading to the bow of the Queen Mama Chanter. Alucard, still in the guise of Katakuri, sat on a cake chair enjoying red wine while gazing at the horizon toward the Big Mom Pirates' territory, Whole Cake Island.
"Entering Whole Cake Island under a disguise like that won't work," Bege said, approaching to strike up a conversation. "Katakuri is a sweets fanatic just like his mother. If you drink red wine in front of the rest of the Big Mom Pirates, you'll be exposed instantly."
"Next, you'll ask me what I think about the assassination plan," Alucard said, setting down his wine glass. He continued without looking up, "I'll answer 'I have no interest.' Then you'll say 'The plan I've prepared is an assassination, not a head-on assault. If you want Big Mom's head too, you can strike before or after me.' And then, you'll leave."
Bege froze. A few seconds later, a strained smile flickered across his face. "I see. You didn't just take Katakuri's face; you took his top-tier Observation Haki and his ability to see into the future as well. You truly are a man one shouldn't cross."
Bege exhaled a cloud of smoke and turned to leave. "Well, since you've already foreseen it, I have nothing left to say. I only hope that when I execute the assassination, you don't interfere. Before or after is fine."
Upon returning to the base, his subordinates immediately swarmed him, asking for the result.
Bege sneered deviously. "No issues for now, but we need to change how we handle Kid and his lot. If a problem arises, I'll use them as scapegoats immediately. Hehehehe..."
Alucard continued to sip his wine in Katakuri's form, leisurely enjoying the scenery. I'll enjoy the beauty of the night before the sun rises. And then... Charlotte Linlin, give me some pleasure before you die.
…
Gran Tesoro.
A chaotic melee had erupted. The Heart Pirates, Bonney Pirates, Barto Club, Iron Arm Pirates, and Cavendish of the Golden Hair Pirates, all under the Immortal banner, were clashing with the Donquixote Alliance, three members of the Straw Hat Pirates, the Whitebeard Pirates, and the Revolutionary Army.
The enemies faced by each faction varied. The Heart, Bonney, and Barto crews were dealing with Doflamingo's forces from the Donquixote Alliance. The Iron Arm Pirates and Cavendish were fighting the Revolutionaries. Luffy, out of brotherhood, had chosen to stay and help Sabo deal with Tesoro's forces despite having the chance to evacuate Gran Tesoro earlier.
As for the Golden Hair Pirates, only Cavendish had joined the fray. The idiot simply wanted to show off, so he chose to fight. Ivalis, Benn Beckman, and most of the Golden Hair crew remained in place, waiting for the battle to conclude so they could sweep the battlefield in the final stage.
"That's the situation. The next target is Big Mom. Honestly, the Captain just does whatever he wants without a bit of preparation. You don't need to step in; just keep an eye on the Marines' movements."
Dr. Vegapunk's voice came through the Den Den Mushi. After hanging up, Ivalis looked ahead. Blocking his path was a Marine force led by Admiral Momonga, a former government soldier now promoted, and Vice Admiral Bastille.
"Kuzan said he wanted to persuade the Marines to stop fighting us. What was your Fleet Admiral's response? Mr. Former Government Force, current Marine Admiral Momonga."
Ivalis asked coldly, partially unsheathing Oodenta Mitsuyo. "Give me an answer quickly. It's hard for me to tell if you're a friend or a foe otherwise."
"Our orders are to investigate the dark influence of the Donquixote Alliance. We have no orders to engage the Immortal Pirates. How about we both take a step back and mind our own business, Ivalis?"
Under the old World Government, it would have been impossible for the Navy to compromise with pirates. But now, with the world shifting, the Marines' attitude was changing, especially when facing the Immortal Pirates.
"That won't do. On the surface, the Donquixote Alliance is our partner. If we let the Marines investigate them freely, where would that leave our reputation?"
Ivalis drew Oodenta Mitsuyo fully. "Stay where you are and don't move, or we start a war. Those are your only two options."
A sliver of morning light hit the Entertainment City, signaling the arrival of dawn and the end of the grand melee. In front of the city's most luxurious hotel, Doflamingo and Law were locked in a stalemate. The pink feather mantle on Doflamingo's back was gone, and the "Heavenly Yaksha" looked battered, covered in dust and blood.
Law was in even worse shape. His hat was gone, and his left arm had been severed and lost. He gripped the nodachi Kikoku with his right hand, its scabbard nowhere to be found.
"Fuffuffufu... Law, it looks like the match is decided. Joining the Immortals only extended your life by a few years."