Even though Teach had been reborn into this world and had long since integrated into it, traces of his old mindset remained.
His thoughts were heavy, his heart darker than he liked to admit. The killing intent radiating from him seemed impossible to restrain. Only his sharpened Observation Haki forced it back into his body, suppressing the storm before it could spill out. But he knew this state wasn't sustainable.
Days, maybe weeks, would be needed to cleanse it fully. Time he didn't have.
"Do you still have strength?" Teach asked, glancing at Mobius. His voice was low, steady, but edged with steel. "There are still people left in the bases. The ones like Pitou."
Mobius understood instantly. He pushed himself upright with trembling arms, bloodied but unyielding, his teeth flashing red as he grinned. "Of course I do. Where to next?"
Teach studied the boy for a moment. That grin wasn't bravado anymore. It was growth. "Good. There are several bases in the city, more scattered in the wilderness. I've marked them all. But first, go change. Walking around drenched in blood isn't exactly subtle."
Together, they left the ruined noble district behind, crossing the great river that divided the west from the palace. On the way, Teach casually tossed his blade into the rushing current, watching it vanish beneath the surface. The slaughter would continue, but not with the same weapon.
While they moved in the shadows, unexpected guests were already arriving at Pet Island.
The Roger Pirates were first. Their ship slid into a hidden cove, cloaked from sight. From the deck, Roger gazed toward the royal city, his grin widening. "Big battle up there. I can feel it already."
Rayleigh closed his eyes briefly, then nodded. "Kaido. That aura's unmistakable." He chuckled, recalling their last encounter. Kaido had come to challenge them, roaring and unrelenting and they, shameless as always, had beaten him bloody in a group brawl.
"So that's why Garp's here," said Scopper Gaban, golden hair shining under the sun, headphones perched on his neck. His grin was as wild as ever. "He's after Kaido. Drove us here to deal with both at once, huh?"
"Then let's make sure he doesn't succeed," Roger said, his tone sharp beneath the laughter. His gaze lingered on their ship, the Oro Jackson, one-fifth of its hull wrecked. "That damned Marine nearly destroyed the Jackson. If we don't pay him back, I won't sleep easy."
The crew roared with agreement. Jabba threw his head back and laughed. "And if Kaido wants round two, we'll oblige. Last time, we sent him home bawling!"
Memories of the fight drew howls of laughter across the deck. Even Shanks, still just a boy, grinned ear to ear. Buggy tugged at his sleeve, voice trembling. "Are you crazy? Garp and Kaido are monsters! We should stay here, it's safer!"
Shanks smirked. "Stay here and help repair the ship? No thanks. Watching legends fight is way more fun."
Buggy froze, then nodded furiously. "You're right! Repairs are boring! Wait for me!"
The crew prepared to move, weapons gleaming, spirits boiling. Roger's sword was already at his hip. The hunt was on.
Meanwhile, at the port, a shadow even greater had arrived.
The sea shook as the massive dog-headed warship of Marine Hero Garp docked. Residents of Kate Kingdom poured into the streets, cheering.
"The Marines are here!"
"It's Hero Garp! We're saved!"
Garp leapt down from the deck, his laugh booming. "Hahaha! Looks like they're glad to see us!"
"Vice Admiral, we can't waste time!" his aide barked. "Headquarters is pressing us, Brady's in trouble holding Kaido back!"
Garp's grin softened into something colder. "Alright. I'll go on ahead." His figure blurred as he launched into the sky with Moonwalk, cloak snapping like a banner as he shot toward the royal city.
The city itself was a nightmare. Kaido fought like a machine forged for endless battle, his kanabo smashing beasts aside with bone-breaking thunder. Brady staggered under the onslaught, bones fractured, his chest bruised and bleeding. He hadn't fought like this in years. His beasts had always been enough.
Now, against Kaido, they fell like straw.
From the palace walls, Prince Sabure roared in fury. "Where are the Marines?! If Father falls, this kingdom is finished!"
Kaido ignored them all.
He cut through a dinosaur's skull, batted aside a giant ape, and charged Brady head-on. "Raimei Hakke!" Lightning crawled along his club as he swung, the strike descending like judgment itself.
At the last instant, a shadow fell from the heavens.
A fist, wrapped in iron will, smashed into Kaido's cheek. His face twisted grotesquely under the impact before his body was launched a hundred meters, crashing through walls and rubble.
"Hahahaha! Almost late, weren't I?" Garp landed, hands on hips, grin splitting his face.
The kingdom erupted with cheers. Morgans screamed through the live broadcast: "Unbelievable! Marine Hero Garp has arrived! Kaido's attack stopped in the final moment....what a reversal!"
Kaido dragged himself from the ruins, his swollen face already mending. His laugh was guttural, furious, and wild. "Perfect timing, old man. Let's fight!"
But before they could clash, both men froze. Their heads turned east.
Figures appeared on the horizon, walking calmly toward the royal city. Den Den Mushi lenses swiveled to capture the sight, and Morgans nearly burst out of his feathers.
"A fourth faction! By the seas, it's them, it's the Roger Pirates! The legends themselves have joined the battlefield!"
Across the world, audiences gasped, watching as Roger, Rayleigh, Jabba, and the others strode into the fray.
Garp's smile faded. His fists clenched. "Roger. Why here? Planning to interfere?"
"Hahaha!" Roger's sword glinted as he drew it. "Don't flatter yourself, Garp. We came for you. You owe us for the Jackson!"
The air crackled with tension. Kaido hefted his club, torn between fury and exhilaration. Brady's blood ran cold, realizing salvation had turned into chaos.
The island had become a powder keg. Marines, pirates, and monsters stood ready to collide.
And at the center of it all, history sharpened its quill, ready to write a legend in blood.