The New Era Alliance Is Established!
The news was quickly printed in the newspapers and spread across the world at lightning speed, once again triggering a massive uproar.
Many people already knew that the Ninja Guild had held a world conference. Numerous major powers that had not participated had, in fact, been closely watching developments.
Even so, when the news finally broke, countless people were still left deeply shaken.
The Ninja Guild had established the New Era Alliance. More than fifty nations had joined, along with over a hundred major pirate crews—including the Whitebeard Pirates and the Red-Haired Pirates!
This alone was enough to shake the entire world.
What's more, many understood exactly what this meant. The formation of the New Era Alliance was, without question, the Ninja Guild's formal declaration of war against the World Government.
If the previous clashes between the Ninja Guild and the World Government still left room for compromise, then this move completely destroyed any such possibility.
In an instant, the entire world boiled over once more.
Some were considering whether to respond to the call and join the New Era Alliance. Others debated throwing their support behind the World Government. Still others speculated about how this war would ultimately end—and who would stand victorious.
And then there were those who quietly wondered how they might become the final beneficiaries, reaping rewards while others fought.
Whole Cake Island, Totto Land.
This was the stronghold of one of the Four Emperors—the Big Mom Pirates. On ordinary days, the island was peaceful, like a dreamlike utopia.
But on this day, an unexpected guest arrived.
Kaido of the Beasts.
His appearance immediately threw Whole Cake Island into turmoil.
Those who knew the inside story—figures like Charlotte Perospero and Charlotte Katakuri—couldn't help but exchange meaningful looks.
They knew Kaido hadn't come uninvited.
Big Mom herself had summoned him.
They didn't know the exact reason, but a suspicion had already taken root in their hearts: Big Mom might be planning to form an alliance with the Beasts Pirates.
The thought made them excited.
In today's New World, the Whitebeard Pirates and the Red-Haired Pirates had already joined the New Era Alliance and were openly standing against the World Government. By comparison, the Big Mom Pirates were starting to look isolated.
If they could ally with the Beasts Pirates, it wouldn't be a bad outcome at all. At the very least, it would allow them to stand on equal footing against both the New Era Alliance and the World Government.
Inside the palace, Charlotte Linlin sat on an enormous throne, happily devouring a cake. Thundercloud Zeus and the blazing sun Prometheus hovered at her sides.
Opposite her sat Kaido, his massive frame just as imposing. He didn't bother with pleasantries and got straight to the point.
"You called me here. What do you want?"
Charlotte Linlin lifted her huge head and laughed.
"I invited you for two reasons. First, I want to join forces with you. Second, I want to take you to meet someone."
Kaido wasn't surprised by the idea of an alliance. Ever since the New Era Alliance had been established, he too had felt immense pressure and had begun considering a partnership with Big Mom.
In fact, the two of them had already been collaborating on certain plans.
What truly piqued Kaido's interest was the second part.
"Meet who?" he asked.
"You'll know when we get there," Big Mom replied with a grin. "I think you'll be very surprised."
As she spoke, Zeus rapidly expanded in size. Big Mom mounted the thundercloud, her massive body settling atop it as she soared into the sky.
Kaido transformed into a colossal dragon and followed, riding the winds and clouds behind her.
They traveled for some time before arriving at a small island.
The island was lush with dense forests. Enormous, ancient-looking beasts roamed freely, but Kaido paid them no mind.
The two pressed forward until they reached a tall, crude-looking structure.
Just as they were about to enter, a burst of wild laughter echoed from above.
"Shahahahaha! Kaido, Linlin—long time no see!"
A figure descended from the sky.
He wore a golden coat. Where his legs should have been were two long swords, and he floated effortlessly in midair as he flew toward them.
"Shiki?" Kaido exclaimed, stunned.
He immediately recognized the man as Golden Lion Shiki—just like Kaido and Big Mom, a former member of the Rocks Pirates.
But Kaido was confused. Why was Shiki here? Was this the person Linlin wanted him to meet?
Before he could think further, Big Mom laughed and spoke.
"Since everyone's here, let's go inside."
With that, she turned and entered the building. Kaido and Shiki exchanged a glance, both seeing the confusion in the other's eyes, before following her inside.
They were confident in their own strength. Neither believed Big Mom could possibly be setting a trap for them.
The interior of the building was vast yet empty.
The moment they stepped inside, their eyes were drawn to a gigantic throne positioned high above.
Someone was sitting there.
"Captain, I've brought them," Big Mom said first.
"Captain?"
Kaido and Shiki both froze, disbelief flashing across their faces as they looked toward the throne.
The next instant, their bodies stiffened violently. Their eyes widened as they stared at the figure above.
"You are… Captain Rocks?"
Kaido of the Beasts and Golden Lion Shiki—two legendary pirates who ruled the seas—were completely shaken.
They could hardly believe what they were seeing.
The figure on the throne stood up, looking down at them with a wide grin.
"Kaido. Shiki," he said. "We meet again."
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T/N:
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