Really...
So overly sentimental, just go, yet you have to turn back to look at me one last time!
I'm not a child anymore!
But still, I have to say...
Thank you for everything all along, you old hag!
The liquor trickled down his neck, soaking even his pants, but Kaido continued to gulp it down, completely unconcerned.
Bang!
Finally finishing his drink, he abruptly stood up and slammed the empty wine jar onto the ground fiercely, shards scattering, and roared towards the sky:
"Urorororo——!!!"
This laughter echoed far and wide, now devoid of any discouragement and instead filled with a long-lost fighting spirit.
He strode toward the edge of the castle, overlooking the brightly lit Ghost Island below, his voice thunderously echoing through the night sky:
"You little ones! Listen up!"
"Starting today, the Hundred Beasts Pirates are entering full combat preparedness! All new recruits must intensify their training, all factories work around the clock!"
"In three months, I demand to see the most elite troops and the finest weapons!"
Kaido turned, the moonlight cast his silhouette long, he picked up the Wolf Fang Club from the ground, slinging it over his shoulder. Black and red lightning entwined and danced on its surface.
"The wave of a new era has arrived!"
"Either ride the wind and waves, or be shattered to pieces! This is the fate of us pirates!"
"Urororo! Let that little brat wait patiently! Last time was just a spar, next time we meet, it will be a true life-and-death battle!"
"Ohhhhh——!!!"
"Lord Kaido!!"
The entire Ghost Island erupted instantly, countless pirates raised their weapons, laughing wildly, echoing the governor's call.
In an unnoticed corner, a young girl in a white kimono stood silent, her eyes shining with complex emotions. The pair of purple Shimenawa she always wore had somehow been removed.
The cheers below rose wave after wave.
On the terrace, Kaido gazed at the distant sea horizon, his gaze fierce.
Lingling was right!
Better than wallowing in melancholy here, one should bet everything, and fight a bold battle! Regardless of victory or defeat, life or death, one would be true to this sea that carries countless dreams!
This is the true Hundred Beasts Kaido, isn't it?
"Hurry and come, Shano brat..."
He coldly murmured to himself, his voice gradually dispersed into the night:
"Only after passing through me will you be qualified to dictate the new era of this sea, but don't get taken out by others before meeting me!"
——————
"Next time, we must take him down."
On the deck of the New Redfox, Red Hair lowered the newspaper with a blank expression, speaking words that shocked those around him:
"That guy, though he stands on our side, for the true rebirth of the world, to ensure all precious rebellious forces don't repeat their mistakes or get wasted... Even if I have to do it, I won't hesitate!"
They exchanged glances.
"Boss..."
Ben Beckman, cigarette in mouth, furrowed his brows, his tone incredulous, "You're not kidding, you're serious?"
"Exactly, boss!"
"Think it over! I've always quite liked Shano, for sure!"
Lucky Roux, Yasopp, and others also chimed in.
"Uncontrolled, excessively wild power will only be an obstacle to the arrival of a new era."
"Indeed, I've been hesitating, struggling, reluctant to turn against him, but... the balance painstakingly maintained for years must not be prematurely disrupted."
Shanks took a deep breath, his gaze gradually turning resolute, "So, no need for further words, I've never been so serious, Beckman, everyone."