The effects caused by the Great Pirate Era began to gradually ferment. The remains of wrecked pirate ships could often be seen beneath Reverse Mountain, and New World had also become turbulent. Before Roger’s appearance, many pirates lacked a clear goal.
They didn’t know what their ultimate objective was. In the face of uncertainty about whether they would see tomorrow, their focus was solely on the present.
However, with Roger’s dying declaration, these pirates seemed to have found a purpose. Whether it was for fame or for Roger’s so-called treasures, they each shouted to become the Pirate King and embarked on their own journey.
February 1499, four months after Roger’s death. The first group of pirates to set sail had already reached the location of Fishman Island. A large wave of rookies from the Four Seas and Paradise was about to surge into the ruthless New World.
Meanwhile, in the New World, the ones who caused significant impact were not only Roger but also Golden Lion.
Originally, Golden Lion’s headquarters was the interconnected floating Sky Islands. Due to his Float-Float Fruit’s ability, few people could enter Golden Lion’s headquarters.
However, with the capture of the Golden Lion by Garp and Sengoku, the external floating sky islands naturally lost their ability to sustain themselves and fell down. The collapse of the islands caused even greater damage to the remnants of the Golden Lion’s forces.
Without the leadership of Golden Lion, the pirate crews that were once affiliated with him started fighting over territories, engaging in battles among themselves, causing Golden Lion’s territory to descend into complete chaos.
However, just like World, Golden Lion also had his loyal followers who firmly believed that he would return. Led by Dr. Indigo, they retreated to a hidden island, which had been arranged as their escape route by Golden Lion.
While others began to engage in conflict, they had already withdrawn to the sidelines. However, the intervention of other major pirates of the New World shattered the previous stalemate.
Big Mom Pirates, Beasts Pirates, and Whitebeard Pirates all took action one after another. Even Whitebeard himself could not ignore this situation.
Whitebeard’s territory was adjacent to Golden Lion’s, and after Golden Lion’s imprisonment, the chaos within Golden Lion’s territory gradually spilled over to Whitebeard’s side.
So, he led the Whitebeard Pirates to occupy a portion of the territory, isolating themselves to maintain the stability of their territory.
Whitebeard was also a pirate, and his territory was not something that others handed to him. Even he needed tax revenue to sustain the daily expenses of his pirate crew.
However, compared to ordinary ruthless pirates, Whitebeard’s style of conduct was much gentler, and the taxes he collected were within the range acceptable to the common people. Moreover, Whitebeard’s flag now symbolized safety, enough to allow the islands to survive in this turbulent era.
With Golden Lion imprisoned and Roger’s death, most individuals of their era found themselves in similar circumstances. World, John, Ochoku, these major pirates from that time have already seen their chapter in history come to an end.
Whitebeard became the undisputed ruler, and Red Count was also a prominent pirate. However, he had always been a lone wolf, so he had little association with the conflicts in the New World.
Charlotte Linlin, of course, would not miss this opportunity. She was also expanding her affiliated territories. Although these islands were not considered local territories like those within the Totto Land’s waters, she gained a significant number of affiliated islands that could be taxed.
Meanwhile, in Wano Country, Kaido did not let this opportunity slip by either.
“King, Queen, and Olga, I’m entrusting this to the three of you.” Olga’s age on the ID card had already reached eighteen years old.
Although the influence of the Pure Gold made her appear somewhat young, ever since the day she left the stomach of the Sea King, she had undergone nearly ten years of training.
She had become proficient in two types of Haki, and she had also mastered Zoroark’s abilities. She was now ready to go out and engage in battles.
Now, it was a battle for the big world. However, unlike the stable headquarters of Whitebeard and Big Mom, Wano Country was still developing, forcing the Beasts Pirates to divide their forces.
“Take half of Wano Country’s elites and the manpower outside which is already ready. This is your target. Plant our flag on all of these islands.”
The targets for this operation were marked on the sea chart. Kaido is not a fool. This operation avoided the islands in the range of Whitebeard and Charlotte Linlin’s actions. The main targets were the rookies and the remnants of the Golden Lion.
“Zeraora, take Setsuna with you as well. With Shayna here, it should be enough.”
“Understood.”
Both Kaido and Arceus would be here in Wano, so the departure of their officers wouldn’t have a significant impact. After all, they were the strongest fighters in the crew. However, they still need some people to help with various tasks, so Shayna will stay behind.
As for why Kaido isn’t going, Yamato had already undergone over a year of physical training, and the next stage of training was currently underway. Kaido couldn’t spare the time for this operation.
“If you encounter opponents you can’t defeat, don’t force yourselves. There’s no shame in retreating. When the time comes, I will lead you back into battle!”
Before they set off, Kaido gave final instructions. His mindset hadn’t changed much. Ordinary members could be considered expendable, but not the officers. So, if the situation wasn’t favorable, he expected his officers to prioritize their own lives.
Everyone is well aware that not everyone who goes out will return. This is war, and casualties are inevitable. However, despite the risks, they remained highly motivated due to the prospects of earning merits and reaping the benefits that come with it.
In the open sea, in the other territories of the Beasts Pirates, the residents within these territories have also started their usual preparations for war. One pirate ship after another began to gather and head towards their designated locations.
Meanwhile, Kurozumi Orochi continued his acting career.
“Oden-sama, half of Kaido’s people have left. This is an opportunity!” Orochi’s tone was filled with enthusiasm, as if he truly wanted to drive Kaido out.
“What about Kaido?”
“He’s the same as always, no changes.”
“Orochi, you should know that Kaido is the main problem.” Shimotsuki Yasuie, the only informed person, spoke seriously.
“If we can’t completely eliminate Kaido, even if we drive him out temporarily, he can still gather forces and come back. Don’t you understand? How many casualties will our citizens suffer then?”
In Shimotsuki Yasuie’s eyes, Kozuki Oden had already lost face. Since he had lost face, he needed to handle everything properly in one go.
The current Orochi still maintained his serious demeanor, unlike the Orochi who had consumed the defective SMILE fruit.
“Yes, yes, I have been too naive. I will pay more attention to the intelligence on Kaido.”
Orochi left the place, but there was a smug smile on his face. He knew Kozuki Oden and Shimotsuki Yasuie very well and deliberately said those things.
“Fight! I am the true ruler of Wano Country! Oden, Kaido, I will repay you for the humiliation you brought upon me.”
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