Sunlight filtered through a gap in the ceiling, forming a flat beam that shone directly onto the word "Justice" emblazoned on Zephyr's Marine coat.
Zephyr sat in a chair with his head wrapped in so many bandages it looked like he was wearing a giant hornet's nest. His brow twitched slightly. He'd been careless and forgot to dodge!
Across from him, Rear Admiral Lily, Vice Admiral Wellen, and Vice Admiral Kerber were prostrating themselves on the floor. With solemn faces and their butts sticking in the air, the three of them shouted, "We apologize, Vice Admiral Zephyr!!"
Zephyr laughed heartily, acting as if it were no big deal. "There's no need to worry so much, you three. These minor injuries are nothing to me, hahaha!"
Biu—!
A jet of blood spurted from the bandages on his head like a leaking balloon. The three officers couldn't help but scream, "Hey! That's clearly not 'nothing' at all!!"
"Don't mind the details!" Zephyr barked.
He called for a medic to re-secure his bandages and apply some hemostatic medicine. After a long while, he looked at the three with a serious expression. "I assume you all know our mission. Our enemy is unusual, so you must stay on high alert. Don't be negligent."
By now, the three were seated around the table, their faces grim. To ensure they weren't being eavesdropped on, the island had temporarily cut off all communication with the outside world, and all Den Den Mushi were in sleep mode.
Vice Admiral Kerber spoke first. "Vice Admiral Zephyr, there's just too little info on Kaido. We don't know anything about his Devil Fruit abilities or his weaknesses."
Lily, puffing on a cigarette and exhaling a cloud of smoke, added, "The situation on Winter Island is very unclear. We don't know if he has other pirate crews under his command besides Byojack and the others, and... fighting in such a harsh environment is a huge disadvantage for us."
"Everyone's concerns are valid," Zephyr nodded. He waved his hand, and Colonel Michelle, his adjutant, placed several stacks of documents in front of the officers.
As the three opened their files, Zephyr continued, "Before coming here, I investigated through various channels. This is the latest information I could gather about Kaido."
"Kaido, 22 years old. Formerly the strongest warrior of the Vodka Kingdom and an apprentice on the Rocks Pirates' ship. During his time with Rocks, he was closest to Charlotte Linlin and participated in many battles alongside the executives. He made his debut in the God Valley Incident a year ago, had a brief skirmish with Silvers Rayleigh, and is suspected of stealing a Devil Fruit during the chaos."
Zephyr paused, observing their reactions before finishing. "Based on the Oren Kingdom incident, Kaido is suspected to be a Mythical Zoan user capable of flight. His other abilities and the specific name of his fruit remain unknown."
"A Mythical Zoan... that's even rarer than a Logia!" The three gasped, astonishment clear in their eyes.
Rear Admiral Lily's eyes flickered. "We don't know much about this guy, do we? Fortunately, we have Vice Admiral Zephyr. For this battle, I think we should try to force the fight onto land. Flight gives him an absolute advantage in sea battles."
Wellen and Kerber both nodded in strong agreement. Zephyr's lips curved into a slight smile as he looked at Lily with approval. "Exactly what I was thinking."
The group finalized their operational strategy.
"The enemy's only 'Admiral-level' threat is Kaido," Zephyr decided. "Additionally, Brynndi Wald requires special attention. I suggest that Vice Admiral Wellen and I infiltrate Winter Island via an Ibis Family transport ship. Then, using a signal as a command, you will seize the opportunity to land and annihilate the pirates in one fell swoop."
To this day, the only ships that could safely reach Winter Island without being destroyed were those belonging to the Ibis Family. It gave Zephyr a headache that even though Winter Island was known to be Kaido's base, the Ibis Family openly collaborated with him—and the Marines couldn't do a thing about it.
The interests involved were just too deep. The Ibis Family monopolized most of the shipping industry and was a major taxpayer to the World Government. Without a direct order, the Marines had no right to inspect their goods. Ironically, this gave the Marines the perfect cover for their infiltration.
Once the plan was set, Zephyr and Wellen disguised themselves and took a fast ship to the Ibis Family shipping branch. After confirming the next delivery time to Winter Island, Zephyr contacted Vice Admiral Kerber. Shortly after, four large warships majestically sailed away from G21, heading straight for Kaido's lair.
Meanwhile, on Kaido's side.
A week had passed since the last report, and no further intelligence had come from the Marines. Kaido didn't care. Between training sessions, he spent his days drinking and eating meat with Wald, living a comfortable life.
As Kaido was drinking and bragging with Wald, Byojack, who was in charge of intelligence, rushed in with Gairam. He looked anxious. "Kaido, Wald, the Marines are moving. Our informant in the Oren Kingdom spotted their warships."
"Brother, don't rush. It's just the Marines, after all. Take your time," Wald said, his face flushed from the booze.
Byojack leaned on his cane, realizing he'd been a bit flustered. He took a deep breath. "Five hours ago, they dispatched four Marine warships. Based on the size, we're looking at about four thousand soldiers coming to take us down. The lead ship belongs to Black Arm Zephyr."
"They've finally come? Worororo!" Kaido guzzled from his sake jar, his eyes a bit hazy. The alcohol made him feel great. "I've been waiting for them!"
"Byojack, keep an eye on those warships. Once they enter the predetermined course, have our artillery unit lure them to Florian Triangle!"
Byojack leaned shakily on his cane and coughed. His already pale face grew even whiter. "I'll go arrange it." He hesitated for a moment, then added with concern, "They have four large warships. In terms of sheer size, they're way ahead of us. Luring all four of them might be a bit difficult."
It wasn't just difficult; it was a massive undertaking. Even though they'd occupied Winter Island for half a year, their total strength was only a little over a thousand men. With troops assigned to the armory and the Oren Kingdom, they only had about six hundred people on the island. The numbers were stacked against them.
Kaido and Wald exchanged glances. Wald suddenly stood up, his eyes burning with fighting spirit. "I'll lead the artillery unit myself this time!"
Kaido laughed. "I'm counting on you, Wald."
"What are you saying? I'm your right-hand man!" Wald laughed loudly, strode out of the palace, and plunged into the blizzard. "Men!! Let's go!!"