Wano Kuni, New World
"Aargh...please! Please, Kaido-sama, spare me!" The pleas of the Beast Pirates cadre echoed through the grand hall of Onigashima. The unfortunate messenger dangled in Kaido's iron grip, his feet kicking helplessly as the monstrous emperor hoisted him off the ground with terrifying ease.
The other pirates in the chamber watched in horror as Kaido's immense fingers tightened around the man's throat, his sneer deepening into something far more menacing. The sound of bone cracking under his grip reverberated, a sickening reminder of Kaido's wrath.
No one dared to speak, let alone intervene. Even his most hardened lieutenants unconsciously took a step back, sweat glistening on their brows as Kaido's unrestrained bloodlust filled the room like a suffocating fog.
This wasn't just rage—it was something deeper, something primal.
The news of Linlin's fall had triggered an eruption of anger, not because Kaido mourned her death. Their history was complex; a long-standing alliance born of necessity, not trust. They had fought together, shared drinks, and exchanged boasts about their dominion over the seas. But Kaido owed her nothing, and he would have gladly killed her himself if it served his ambitions.
No, this was something else entirely. Unease.
The beast inside him stirred restlessly—not at the loss of an ally, but at the identity of her killer. Donquixote Rosinante. A brat from the shattered remnants of the Celestial Dragon lineage. A name that Kaido had dismissed as a minor threat, a child playing pirate in a world ruled by giants.
But now? That same brat had taken down Charlotte Linlin in a head-on battle.
Kaido sneered, his sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. Linlin wasn't just an Emperor—she was one of the overlords of the sea. Her sheer power had kept even Kaido wary of a direct confrontation. And yet, Rosinante had not only challenged her but walked away victorious, leaving the seas shaken and Kaido's throne of dominance unsettled.
The cadre in his grasp choked out one final, desperate wheeze before his windpipe collapsed under Kaido's crushing grip. The lifeless body fell to the floor with a dull thud as Kaido flung it aside, his sneer deepening into a vicious grin. His laughter boomed through the hall, a terrifying cacophony that rattled even the walls.
"So, the brat thinks he's a big man now, huh?" Kaido growled, his voice rumbling like thunder. He reached for the jug of sake on the table beside him, downing its contents in one long swig before slamming it down hard enough to shatter the wooden surface.
"To think Rosinante would take down Linlin...!" His tone was mocking, but there was an undercurrent of fury—one that couldn't be hidden.
The hall remained silent, the gathered pirates frozen in place. No one dared to meet his gaze, yet they couldn't look away. The tension was suffocating, like standing in the eye of a storm, knowing the worst was yet to come.
Kaido leaned forward, his massive frame casting an ominous shadow over the room. "Listen up, you sniveling worms!" he bellowed, his voice shaking the very air. "That brat might think he's untouchable after beating Linlin, but he's only proven one thing to me—he's worth crushing."
He paused, his eyes narrowing dangerously as if daring anyone to speak. None did.
Kaido's lips curled into a sadistic grin. "Rosinante...if you think Linlin was the monster of these seas, you've got no idea what real fear is. I will let you celebrate for now. Soon enough, you'll know what it means to face me."
The pirates exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of his words sinking in. A storm was brewing—a confrontation between two titanic forces. And when it came, the seas would drown in blood.
"Get rid of him," Kaido snarled, his deep voice reverberating through the chamber as he gestured dismissively toward the lifeless body.
"I have no need for cowards or spineless wretches in the Beast Pirates." The decree was final, a command that would be carried out without question. The remaining crew members in the hall scrambled to comply, dragging the limp form away as silently as possible, lest they draw his ire.
Kaido exhaled sharply, his massive frame rising and falling like a mountain in the throes of a storm. The rage boiling beneath his skin wasn't just about Linlin's death. That could be dealt with in due time, just as he would deal with the upstart Donquixote brat who had dared to challenge the balance of the seas. No, his fury was driven by something far more personal. Something that gnawed at the very core of his pride.
He turned his attention to King, the only figure in the room who remained unshaken by the chaos. The All-Star stood tall, his expression as impassive as ever. Loyalty radiated from him, an unspoken vow that no amount of Kaido's wrath could break.
"Have you found her yet?" Kaido's voice was a low growl, his tone laced with venom. The room seemed to grow colder at the mention of her.
King's response was measured, but the underlying tension was palpable. "No, Kaido-sama. We've deployed our men and tapped every information broker we have, but there's been no trace of Yamato-sama."
The mention of her name was enough to make Kaido's jaw tighten. His daughter, his blood, had been missing since the attack on Hachinosu. It wasn't sentimentality or fatherly concern that drove his obsession—it was the shame of losing control over her. Someone had dared to burn his stronghold to the ground, stealing her away like a thief in the night. And worse, they had left no trail.
Kaido's massive hands clenched into fists, his knuckles cracking audibly. "Find her," he ordered, his voice deadly calm. "I don't care if she's alive or dead, but I will not tolerate her being someone else's captive. Post a bounty on her head in the Underworld. Let it be known that anyone who shelters her will face my wrath."
King hesitated, a rare moment of uncertainty flickering across his usually stoic face. "Kaido-sama… posting a bounty on her may draw the wrong kind of attention. If she's still alive, the hunters may—"
Kaido's glare cut him off mid-sentence, the intensity of it enough to make even King stiffen. There was no room for debate. The emperor's will was absolute.
"Do it," Kaido growled, his voice like the rumble of distant thunder. "I'd rather see her dead than allow her to bring disgrace to my name."
King bowed his head in silent acknowledgment, though the unspoken weight of the command hung heavy in the air.
Kaido then shifted his attention to Queen, who was leaning back against a pillar, puffing on a cigar with his usual air of irreverence. The tension in the room didn't seem to bother him—until Kaido's gaze settled on him.
"Queen," Kaido began, his tone sharp and commanding. "What's the progress on the artificial devil fruits?"
Queen straightened up, nearly choking on his cigar at being called out so abruptly. "Cough—ah, Kaido-sama!" he sputtered, regaining his composure. "The project's coming along brilliantly, I must say. We've almost perfected the standard Zoan models, and we're making significant strides with advanced Zoans. I'd wager we'll see results within a month—two at most, if things don't go sideways."
Kaido's lips curled into a predatory smirk. The thought of an army equipped with perfected artificial Zoans was tantalizing. Yet, he noticed the faint hesitation in Queen's voice, the slight falter that betrayed him.
"What's the problem?" Kaido demanded, his tone dropping an octave. The room seemed to hold its breath.
Queen cleared his throat nervously, his usual bravado dampened. "Well, there's… a slight issue," he admitted reluctantly. "While we've perfected the formula and the procedure, we're having trouble cultivating the plants that bear the fruits. These trees are… fickle. They require very specific conditions to thrive, and the peasants of Wano are proving utterly useless in tending to them."
Kaido's smirk vanished, replaced by a scowl. "Useless?" The word dripped with disdain.
Queen nodded quickly, continuing before Kaido's patience wore thin. "It's the climate, the soil, the water… everything about these trees is delicate. We've tried forcing the peasants to work harder, but they simply don't have the expertise. Even Ceasar's efforts haven't yielded results in stabilizing the plants long-term."
Kaido's fist came down on the table before him, splintering the wood into shards. The room trembled under the force of his anger.
"Fix it," he commanded, his voice a growl that sent shivers down the spines of everyone present. "I don't care what it takes. Get more workers, bring in experts, burn down every village in Wano if you have to, but I want those fruits ready."
Queen swallowed hard, nodding quickly. "Yes, Kaido-sama. Consider it done."
Kaido leaned back in his massive throne, his eyes narrowing as he stared into the distance. The pieces were moving on the board, but he would not tolerate any more delays. Linlin's fall, Yamato's disappearance, Rosinante's rise—everything was converging, and the world was shifting faster than he liked.
"The seas are getting noisy," Kaido muttered, almost to himself. His voice was low, dangerous, filled with a promise of violence yet to come. "It's about time I reminded the world who the real King of Beasts is."
Kaido's contemplation was interrupted by a low, almost spectral voice emanating from the shadowy corner of the chamber. A faint green mist seeped into the air, swirling languidly around the edges of the room.
All eyes turned toward the origin of the voice, but no one dared to move closer. That part of the chamber was avoided by most—the presence within was an enigma, both feared and revered.
The figure in the mist sat cross-legged, most of his body obscured by a tattered cloak that seemed to blend with the shadows. What little could be seen of him hinted at a man honed by relentless survival, his arms corded with muscle, and his hands rough and scarred from years of toil—or battle.
His head was hooded, casting his face in perpetual darkness, save for the faint glint of eyes that seemed to pierce through the gloom like twin green embers.
This was the most recent addition to the inner circle, the Beast Pirates' mysterious and brutal cadre. He had risen swiftly in Kaido's ranks, a feat accomplished not through politics or subterfuge but sheer, unrelenting carnage.
The mythical Zoan devil fruit he had consumed granted him devastating power, making him one of the most dangerous men in Kaido's forces—second only to the All-Stars and Kaido himself.
Yet, he was a man of few words, dedicating most of his time to training or what he called "hunting." He would vanish for days or weeks, only to return from the surrounding islands drenched in blood, leaving destruction in his wake.
His silence was so complete and his aura so menacing that even the more ruthless members of the Beast Pirates steered clear of him. He was tolerated only because Kaido valued strength above all else, and the man was strength incarnate.
Kaido's gaze shifted to the corner, his eyes narrowing slightly as if acknowledging the weight of the words that had just been spoken.
"So you finally decide to join the conversation," Kaido growled, his deep voice resonating with curiosity. "You've decided to grace us with your wisdom?"
The mist thickened as the newest All star shifted slightly, his posture relaxed but his presence oppressive. He tilted his head, the faint glint of his eyes fixating on Kaido.
"Long before I became what I am today, I was a farmer, Kaido-sama," He began, his voice low and gravelly, like the rustling of dry leaves. "The mundane world has its share of legends and tales, though most are dismissed as superstition. But one particular legend… it may hold the answer to your current problem."
Kaido's brows furrowed, his interest piqued. He gestured for Ryodan to continue.
"The Tontatta Tribe," the man said, the name rolling off his tongue with weight. "A fabled race of dwarves, said to possess a miraculous touch with the earth. It's claimed they can make deserts bloom and forests thrive where none should. If we were to… acquire their talents, there would be no need to worry about withering trees. The fruits would flourish under their care."
He leaned back again, allowing the shadows to swallow him, his part in the conversation seemingly done. The silence that followed was thick, the other members of the chamber exchanging uneasy glances. No one dared speak until Kaido did.
Kaido's eyes glinted with a rare expression—interest, bordering on excitement. "The Tontatta Tribe…" he murmured, testing the name. "A miracle dwarf race capable of bending nature to their will. Fascinating."
Before Kaido could inquire further, Queen suddenly snapped his fingers, his face lighting up with realization. "Kaido-sama, I've read about them!" he exclaimed, fumbling with his cigar as he spoke.
"During my time with MADS, there were records of their existence. They were said to possess unparalleled agricultural abilities. If I remember correctly…" He paused, the weight of recollection dawning on him. "…their last known sightings were… centuries ago, yes… but the location was—"
Kaido's glare intensified, pressing down on Queen like an avalanche. "Speak."
Queen swallowed hard, his usual flamboyance replaced by nervous energy. "Dressrosa, Kaido-sama. The last known sightings of the Tontatta Tribe were in Dressrosa!"
Kaido's smirk widened, a dark and predatory expression. The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place far too perfectly for coincidence. The idea of targeting Dressrosa had been simmering in his mind for some time, but now? Now, it seemed as though fate itself was pushing him toward a clash with the Donquixote brothers.
He chuckled, a deep, menacing sound that sent shivers down the spines of those in the room.
"So, Rosinante… It seems fate has sealed your destiny," he said, almost to himself. His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he imagined the battle to come.
The tense atmosphere in the chamber deepened as King's voice cut through the murmurs, sharp and precise as always.
"Kaido-sama, we have… guests." His golden eyes narrowed, and though his words were measured, his posture betrayed his readiness for violence. It was rare for anyone to approach Kaido's sanctum uninvited, and rarer still for them to leave unscathed.
A disheveled Beast Pirate stumbled into the room, his face pale and his breath ragged. "Kaido-sama! W-we tried to stop them… but… but they're from Cipher Pol!" His words tumbled out in a panic, the final name landing like a hammer blow in the already-tense room.
Kaido's expression didn't shift, but a flicker of interest gleamed in his eyes. He leaned forward on his throne, the weight of his presence suffocating the chamber. With his observation haki spread, he immediately sensed what the trembling subordinate couldn't articulate: these were not mere Cipher Pol agents.
These were CP0, and not just rank-and-file operatives. The three figures approaching exuded an aura of supremacy. Even in Kaido's domain, they walked without fear, as if they owned the place.
Footsteps echoed down the long hallway leading to the chamber. They were slow, deliberate, and filled with an unsettling confidence. The air seemed to grow colder as they drew closer, until finally, three figures entered, their very presence cutting through the hostility radiating from the Beast Pirates.
At the forefront was a man whose presence was as chilling as it was commanding. Dressed in a perfectly tailored white suit adorned with the Cipher Pol insignia, he moved with the ease of someone who had never encountered an obstacle he couldn't crush.
His face was hidden behind a porcelain mask, painted with elegant but unnervingly sharp patterns that mimicked a wolf's snarl. Though his expression was hidden, his body language screamed disdain.
Even his sneer was palpable, conveyed through the subtle tilt of his head and the dismissive glance he cast over the room. His every step radiated authority, his posture upright and unyielding.
Kaido's sharp instincts told him this man wasn't just strong—he was deadly. More importantly, there was something unnerving about his confidence. Kaido had seen kings and conquerors falter before him, yet this masked man's casual demeanor hinted that he saw himself as untouchable, even here.
To the leader's right was a hulking figure, towering nearly 8 meters tall. His bulk made even the Beast Pirates' larger members seem diminutive in comparison. Clad in a white combat suit reinforced with intricate steel plates, his movements were eerily silent despite his size. His mask was simple, a stark white slab covering his face entirely, save for the slits that revealed unnervingly cold eyes.
To the leader's left stood a figure shrouded in mystery, his slender frame draped in flowing white robes. Unlike the others, this one seemed to almost fade into the background, his presence ghostly and intangible. Their mask was featureless, completely smooth save for two small, black eye slits. The faint hum of haki radiated from their form, a subtle but persistent signal of their lethality.
The Specter's hands rested calmly at his sides, but his every movement was deliberate, as if he was calculating and ready to strike at a moment's notice. This one didn't rely on brute force like the titan, but the aura of menace he exuded was no less potent.
The leader stood silently for a moment, letting the tension rise like a coiled spring. The Beast Pirates, infamous for their savagery, hesitated to move or speak. Even Kaido himself observed the intruders with an almost amused curiosity, his massive frame still as he sized them up.
Finally, the leader chuckled—a low, mocking sound that seemed to echo unnaturally in the chamber. "It seems the Beast Pirates lack courtesy," he remarked, his tone dripping with disdain.
Kaido's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, the barest flicker of irritation flashing across his features. Yet he said nothing, waiting to see what these interlopers had to say.
The leader tilted his head ever so slightly, clearly relishing the silence. He glanced at the hulking titan to his side, who moved without hesitation.
Without a word, the titan strode forward, his steps sending tremors through the floor. His massive hand swung with casual force, striking a nearby pillar and shattering it effortlessly. In mere seconds, he sculpted a makeshift rock stool, which he placed on the ground before the leader with surprising delicacy. The act was both a display of obedience and raw strength—a warning to anyone foolish enough to challenge them.
He retreated after placing the sculpted rock stool on the floor, stepping back as the leader took his seat with theatrical calmness.
Kaido's lips curved into a faint smirk. His curiosity was piqued. Was this arrogance born of bravery or sheer stupidity? Either way, the wolf-masked agent intrigued him.
The leader leaned back in his improvised seat, exuding an air of nonchalance that only fueled the tension in the room. "Kaido of the Beasts," he began, his voice steady and sharp, like a blade slicing through silence. "We come on behalf of the World Government, bearing a message… and an offer."
Kaido leaned forward slightly, his massive hands gripping the arms of his throne. "An offer, you say?" His voice was calm, but the weight behind it was immense, pressing down on the room like a storm cloud about to burst.
Kaido's sneer deepened, his massive fingers digging into the armrests of his throne as the room grew heavier with his simmering rage. The Beast Pirates, already on edge, bristled with hostility, ready to pounce the moment their leader gave the signal. Yet, Kaido remained seated, his immense form radiating restrained fury.
"Why would I make deals with the hounds of the World Government?" Kaido's voice was a low rumble, like distant thunder before a storm. His piercing gaze locked onto the masked leader.
"If this is about the seastone of Wano, you know the price. Buy it from the black market like you always do—"
Before he could finish, the Specter, silent until now, let out a low, mocking snicker. The sound was sharp and cutting, slicing through the tense air of the chamber. Every Beast Pirate present turned to glare daggers at the masked figure, their hands twitching toward their weapons. All it would take was a single nod from Kaido, and the Cipher Pol agents would be torn apart where they stood.
Kaido's gaze flicked toward the Specter, his teeth bared in a feral grin. "You think this is funny?" The menace in his voice made the air vibrate.
The leader of the CP0 raised a hand, a subtle gesture to silence his subordinate. But his tone when he spoke carried its own edge of mockery. "It seems the so-called 'Emperor of the Seas' is not as informed as he would like to believe." He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a patronizing murmur.
"Kaido, do you still think you have a monopoly on seastone?"
Kaido's smirk faltered, just for an instant—a flicker so brief that only King, standing at his side, might have noticed.
The leader continued, clearly enjoying his moment. "Allow me to enlighten you. There is now a bigger supplier in the Underworld. Their seastone is of a higher quality than what you mine here in Wano. Ten times better, to be precise. They've undercut your prices, dominated your markets, and reduced your black-market monopoly to ashes."
The words hung in the air like a challenge, and a ripple of shock coursed through the room. The Beast Pirates exchanged uneasy glances, their confidence shaken.
"Wororororo!!!" Kaido's laughter boomed across the chamber, shaking the very walls as his beastly grin widened. "So what if there's a new dealer? I'll do what I always do—destroy them, take their stash, and make it mine. It's that simple. If this is why you're here, then I must say—" he leaned forward, his golden eyes blazing with mockery, "you've wasted your miserable lives coming here."
The Beast Pirates roared in agreement, their bloodlust palpable. Weapons were drawn, and many of the crew surged forward, eager for Kaido's signal to tear the Cipher Pol agents limb from limb. The oppressive aura of impending violence was suffocating, but the CP0 agents stood firm, unfazed by the chaos that loomed like a storm cloud above them.
The leader of the CP0 remained seated, his composure unbroken, even as Kaido's haki-filled presence pressed down like a mountain. His voice, cold and deliberate, sliced through the noise.
"Would you still act so arrogantly, Kaido, if I told you the new dealer goes by the codename 'Joker?'"
Kaido's laughter ceased instantly. The room fell eerily silent, the Beast Pirates freezing mid-motion. Even the air seemed to still as the CP0 leader's words settled over them like a heavy fog.
"And let's not pretend," the leader continued, his masked gaze locked on Kaido, "that we both don't know exactly who this Joker is..." His voice trailed off, leaving the unspoken name to linger in the tense air.
Kaido's eyes narrowed, his fiery glare like molten steel. "Donquixote Doflamingo..." he growled, the name rolling off his tongue like venom. It wasn't just a name; it was a trigger, a spark threatening to ignite Kaido's barely contained fury.
Everyone in the room knew of Joker—Doflamingo's codename in the underworld. Unlike most brokers, shrouded in secrecy, Doflamingo's identity was an open secret, flaunted like a badge of defiance. His audacity had kept him alive, but now... now he dared encroach on Kaido's domain?
Kaido's gaze flickered to King, whose stance remained unshaken but tense. Queen fidgeted slightly, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead despite his bravado. The room held its collective breath, waiting for Kaido's eruption.
The CP0 leader didn't wait. He leaned forward, his voice lowering to a calculated whisper that carried across the chamber like a serpent's hiss. "Tell me, Kaido... if the World Government were to offer you the opportunity to take down one of the Donquixote brothers—" he paused, his words deliberately measured, drawing out the tension, "would you take it?"
Kaido's claws dug into the armrests of his throne, the wood groaning under the pressure. His gaze was unreadable, a storm brewing behind his eyes. The Beast Pirates looked between their captain and the agents, unsure if Kaido would burst into laughter or unleash his wrath.
The leader of the CP0 sat back, confident in the chaos he had just sown. "Consider it, Kaido. One brother removed from the board. A clean path to supremacy. All it takes is one word—yes."
Kaido's lips curled into a grin, but it wasn't the jovial one from earlier. This smile was darker, more sinister, and it promised bloodshed. He leaned forward, his towering form casting a long shadow over the CP0 agents. "And what's the catch, dog?"