"Ah, I understand."
Kizaru turned around, sizing up Akainu, and suddenly chuckled:
"But, Sakazuki-kun, do you think that kid will come this time? I heard that this time there are over three hundred distinguished adults, if something goes wrong, pfff hahaha, that would be interesting."
"Show some respect, Borsalino!"
Akainu bit on his cigar, scoffing coldly:
"If he dares to come, then it's a chance to settle both new and old scores! Let that arrogant kid know that the order of this sea is not something he can shake! But, you know, that's impossible."
The Endgame's large-scale attack to harass the New World branch had long been known to them.
"What a pity."
Kizaru pouted, at that moment, a thunderous cheer erupted from the distant cruise ship.
The two looked up.
Only to see those Heavenly Celestial Dragons already clad in specially made hunting uniforms, wielding various exquisite weapons, eager to disembark.
"Report!"
A communications officer hurried over, "Grand Admirals! The Heavenly Celestial Dragons on the cruise demand to start the game immediately! They can't wait any longer! The CP Department needs a final confirmation from us, are all the outer defenses deployed?"
"Already deployed."
Akainu replied coldly, "Tell them, they can begin."
The liaison officer saluted and departed quickly.
Extinguishing his cigar, Akainu was about to return to the cabin, but noticed Kizaru staring intently into the distance, with a faint and subtle smile.
"What are you thinking about?" Akainu frowned.
"Eh? You've noticed?"
Kizaru looked surprised and shrugged, "I was just thinking, if that kid really shows up here and we fail to stop him, what would it be like? Would those fat pigs be reminded of the Shampodi incident and wet their pants?"
"Shut up!"
Akainu swiftly turned his head, eyes blazing with anger, "Watch your language, know your limits, Borsalino! If this gets out, we'd all be in deep trouble!"
Kizaru shrugged and fell silent.
......
New World.
An island blessed with beautiful weather, where the Red Hair Pirates' New Redfox is docked.
Despite the pleasant scenery, Red Hair had no mind to appreciate it, pacing restlessly along the shore.
"Boss!"
The ship doctor and intelligence officer Honjo called out urgently.
"How's it going?"
Red Hair immediately turned to greet him, "Any news?"
"Yes, indeed, there's something wrong, boss."
Honjo hurriedly approached, handing over a secret report: "I told you, the Endgame's been on a large-scale sortie for days, yet the New World Navy branches remained calm. I used all the connections we could muster to get results."
Red Hair took the secret report, glanced over it, and his expression changed: "Someone saw their fleet suddenly change direction, entering the Windless Zone?"
"Yes, the Endgame released many scout ships, clearing the surroundings with great caution. If this brother who sent the intel hadn't been a Fishman and saw it underwater, no one would've known their destination."
Windless Zone...
Red Hair felt his heart skip a beat, growing more uneasy.
Since the Endgame established itself in the New World, every move they made resulted in significant incidents.
This time, it's the most covert operation yet, he'd only just learned about it today.
As to where they're going and what their intent is...
"Completely clueless."
Beckman shook his head nearby: "Our intelligence isn't enough, this is all we can do. Hey, Shanks, we should use that method, right?"
"Yeah, it's our only option."
Red Hair nodded slightly, retrieving a Lifeline Card from his pocket.
This was obtained last year in Black Stone City, where Beckman used a little trick to acquire it from the Endgame's top executive named Jack.
At this moment, the direction it pointed was towards the Windless Zone.
"Matches with the intel, during the Shampodi event, this card also pointed to Shampodi."
Beckman spoke, "This confirms the card's authenticity as Jack's. We shouldn't hesitate. Should we go now, Shanks?"
"That's what I think."
Red Hair grinned, handing the Lifeline Card to the Helmsman, turning to give the command: "Everyone! Board the ship immediately! Follow the Lifeline Card, head full speed to the Windless Zone!"
"Yes, boss!"
The New Redfox departed the port, setting sail.
Red Hair gazed into the distance, his eyes becoming resolute.
No matter your plans, I won't let you disrupt the sea's order a third time, Shano!
And this time, Kaido won't pop up to interfere...
We will catch up!
......
"Esteemed gentlemen, please quiet down for a moment!"
The host, wearing a golden mask, stood atop a high platform built along the shore, ringing the Golden Bell behind him.
Dong~
With the clear clang of metal, the noisy Heavenly Celestial Dragons below gradually calmed.
"Welcome to the homeland of King of Lie Noland, where tales of the Golden Land once spread because of him, yet for four hundred years, not a single soul has found it."
"Of course, to you all, whether the Golden Land or the Golden Bell exists, real or fake, matters not, it's merely a prologue to the start."