Naval Headquarters, Intelligence Division.
The alarm blared!
"The Beasts Pirates are making contact with the Whitebeard Pirates!"
"Location: Hachinosu Island!"
"Notify Fleet Admiral Sengoku immediately!"
"Dispatch nearby naval forces at once!"
Whenever two crews of the Four Emperors crossed paths, regardless of the reason, it was an event that demanded the Navy's full combat readiness.
Moreover, the Beasts Pirates had just concluded a six-month-long expedition and, without even a moment's pause, were already making new moves.
This was undoubtedly an emergency!
Supreme Command Room.
The officers stationed at Naval Headquarters quickly assembled, each wearing grim expressions as they anxiously awaited the latest updates.
"Any new reports?"
"Sir, surveillance ships have spotted the Beasts Pirates' vessel!"
The Navy maintained constant surveillance near the strongholds of the Four Emperors, which was why they had detected the Beasts' movements so swiftly.
On the projection screen, an image of the Groudon Ship appeared. Its crimson bow made the officers frown.
A new emblem they hadn't seen before!
But a ship with its own distinct style within the Beasts Pirates could only mean one thing—its owner was a high-ranking executive.
"Executive Ulti spotted—bounty of 280 million Berries !"
"Executive Page One—bounty of 160 million Berries !"
"Multiple other executives confirmed!"
All renowned powerhouses of the New World!
The intelligence officer relayed the latest findings.
The Beasts Pirates weren't even trying to conceal their movements this time, making intel gathering much easier.
But the more brazen they were, the more unsettling it became.
This meant the Beasts had come prepared—completely unafraid of the Navy noticing them!
"Report! The Beasts Pirates have initiated contact!"
"Eavesdropping on the transmission now!"
Static—"Whitebeard Pirates... we're here for tourism... mind letting us pass?"
Huh???
The officers froze for a second before erupting in fury.
What kind of joke was this? Even a child could tell they were mocking the Navy!
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
The officers suppressed their anger as they turned to Sengoku and the three Admirals. The only forces capable of opposing the Four Emperors were the Navy Admirals and the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Sengoku frowned deeply, his gaze lingering briefly on Sakazuki before shifting to Kizaru and Aokiji.
After a few seconds of deliberation—
"Kizaru, you go."
"What a hassle, Admiral Sengoku."
Admiral Kizaru—deployed!
New World, southwest of Hachinosu Island.
"Ughhh—"
Gurd leaned over the ship's railing, painting the ocean rainbow.
Seasickness.
Given his physical prowess, he shouldn't have been suffering from such a trivial ailment—yet here he was, genuinely feeling awful.
Ah, he understood now.
This was all Kyogre's fault!
That fat-headed fish was haunting him across worlds!
This only strengthened his resolve.
He would fill in this damned ocean!
"Lord Gurd, water!"
Speed handed him a canteen, her eyes brimming with amusement. Seeing Gurd in such a sorry state inexplicably lifted her spirits.
Serves you right for bullying people!
"Thanks."
Gurd gulped down the water, feeling slightly better. He raised his head to gaze at the pirate ship shaped like a whale in the distance.
The Whitebeard Pirates' flagship—the Moby Dick!
"Did we send the docking request?"
"Yep!"
"Any response?"
"Nope."
"Then consider it approved!"
Gurd nodded in satisfaction.
Upon arriving at Whitebeard's stronghold, it was only natural to announce their presence—otherwise, the other side might assume they were there to wage war.
A little courtesy wouldn't hurt.
"Full speed ahead!"
"Aye!"
On the deck of the Moby Dick, the division commanders gathered together, watching the Groudon Ship from a distance.
"So they're just here for sightseeing?"
"Are you stupid? Those savages wouldn't have the time for tourism!"
"This is war!"
"Wait… so they lied to us?"
"..."
1,000 meters… 500 meters… 300 meters…
Within firing range!
As the Groudon Ship rapidly closed in, the commanders' expressions grew tense, their gazes instinctively turning toward their father.
Father, the enemy is attacking!
Give the order!
Whitebeard frowned.
No matter how much he racked his brain, he couldn't figure out why the Beasts Pirates had come. If this was an attack, bringing just one warship was laughable.
Could they really be here for sightseeing?
Gurararara! If he believed such a flimsy lie, the mighty name of Whitebeard would be dragged through the mud!
"Men, prepare for battle!"
"Ooooh!"
The commanders cracked their knuckles, smirking coldly as they stared at the approaching Groudon Ship.
They weren't afraid of the Beasts—they just didn't want unnecessary conflict with those lunatics, since there was no benefit in fighting them, win or lose.
But now that their father had spoken, if the Beasts truly wanted war, they would answer in kind!
"Prepare for battle!"
"Hurry, load the cannons!"
"Aim at the enemy ship!"
Under the watchful eyes of the Whitebeard Pirates, the Groudon Ship zoomed right past the Moby Dick, leaving a trail of exhaust in its wake.
"Eh???"
Everyone stared blankly at the departing ship, their heads filled with question marks.
They just… left?
Without even a single threat?
Did that make them look like fools?
"Commander, what do we do?"
"What else can we do? Chase them!"
Whatever the Beasts' intentions were, they needed to keep an eye on their movements. If they caused trouble behind their backs, it would be disastrous.
The Moby Dick swiftly turned around and pursued the Groudon Ship. Soon, the two vessels arrived one after the other at Hachinosu Island's Loki Port.
"Ooooh!!!"
Gurd raised his arms and roared in excitement.
After so long, the feeling of standing on solid ground again was absolutely exhilarating.
Page One leaned in and whispered, "Bro-in-law, the Whitebeard Pirates seem pretty tense back there!"
"You'd be tense too if you were them."
Gurd grinned.
It was a matter of style.
If this had been the Beasts or Big Mom's crew, they would've started fighting the moment they met—no polite staring contests.
But the Whitebeard Pirates were different. They rarely initiated battles.
Mainly because Whitebeard had grown old, losing the dominance and aggression of his youth. For the past decade, they hadn't made any major moves, and some ignorant fools even dismissed him as a washed-up Pirate.
When the captain sought peace, the crew naturally adopted a more cautious approach.
Meanwhile, the Beasts were a bunch of madmen who fought anything in their path without reason. Of course the Whitebeard Pirates would be nervous seeing them.
"They're coming over!"
Gurd turned around to see the approaching commanders.
Leading them was a pineapple-haired guy.
Gurd's eyes lit up, and he eagerly stepped forward, extending a hand. "You must be the famous First Division Commander, Marco! It's an honor! I'm a huge fan—could I get your autograph?"
"Autograph?"
Marco's mouth slightly opened as he looked down at his hand, which was being held by the other man. He tried to pull it back, but couldn't.
Such strength!
Wait!
What was he about to say again?
"Stop playing dumb!"
With a dark expression, Marco forcefully yanked his hand back and coldly demanded, "Beasts, what exactly is your purpose in coming to Hachinosu Island?"
"Purpose? Oh, that!"
Gurd grinned brightly.
"We're here for sightseeing, and incidentally looking for an old friend."
"Fire Fist Ace—I h
eard he appeared on Hachinosu Island. Captain Marco, do you know where Fire Fist Ace is?"
"Don't worry, I know the rules. If you can help us find Fire Fist Ace, the Beasts will surely reward you handsomely!"
Looking for Ace?!
Marco's expression darkened.
As expected, they came with ill intentions!
(End of Chapter)