"I understand, Orin-sama."
Somewhere in the New World, a cloaked figure held a Den Den Mushi in his hand. The face on the Den Den Mushi had pupils glowing crimson, a faint smile hanging at the corner of its mouth.
"After all, Seastone is a strategic resource. If anyone tries to obstruct you… Tiger, you know what to do, right?"
"Of course."
"Come by before you leave. I have something for you."
After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Tiger stored it away while holding a piece of intelligence in his hand.
As an internal cleaner of the underground world, Tiger was naturally familiar with all kinds of information, including the alliance of Luffy, Law, and Kid entering Wano Country.
The news of Big Mom joining forces with Kaido was also included. At first, Tiger thought Orin's order was merely escorting a business shipment.
But after thinking carefully, that didn't seem to be the case.
Wano Country was territory occupied by Kaido, while Luffy and the others were heading there to defeat Kaido and reclaim the country.
That meant the Seastone trade he was participating in was essentially doing business with Wano's current rulers to obtain its precious resources.
Would the alliance led by Luffy agree to that?
Tiger wasn't very good at sorting through complicated interests like this, nor did he know who he would ultimately clash with—perhaps the Beasts Pirates, perhaps the Straw Hat Pirates, or even those samurai.
But none of that truly mattered.
What mattered was completing the mission perfectly. All of this was for the future of Fish-Man Island, and also proof of his loyalty.
"I wonder if I'll run into you… Jinbe…"
...
"Yehahahahaha!!!"
"What kind of opponent actually requires this god to act personally!!!"
Swallowing the apple in his mouth, a long-eared fat man lingering around the Sabaody Archipelago answered a Den Den Mushi with obvious boredom.
Perhaps dazzled by the colorful world of the Blue Sea, Enel now spent his days lying around whenever he wasn't doing the mandatory tasks assigned by Orin.
Possessing tremendous strength, yet reduced to acting as muscle for the underground world.
Especially now that Orin's power kept growing—almost no one dared challenge him directly anymore.
Even Tiger, who handled internal affairs, was busier than him.
"It's a very lively place. There are many interesting people there too. Go act together with Tiger~"
Rarely, Orin recalled these two capable subordinates.
As an afterthought, he also placed a call to the Seagull King.
...
Meanwhile, in Wano Country where storms were gathering—
Robin had already found a way to contact Luffy, Law, and the others, informing them that Orochi still possessed an unknown and terrifying hidden trump card.
"What?!"
Luffy's face filled with shock, while Law's expression turned extremely serious.
"I should've expected this. Wherever something big happens, Orin always shows up. That's practically tradition by now."
"The business in Wano… I didn't expect that not only Kaido, but even the underground world has a share in it…"
Dressed like a wandering samurai, Zoro took a swig of alcohol and spoke calmly.
"No need to be that nervous, right? As far as I know, my master rarely interferes in underground business anymore. He's basically retired."
Law disagreed immediately.
"But this concerns our campaign to defeat Kaido! The probability of attracting Orin's attention has increased hundreds—no, thousands—of times!!!"
When Momonosuke heard that name, his body began trembling uncontrollably.
It was as if he had recalled something utterly terrifying.
...
"Gaa..."
High in the sky, the Seagull King soared. Its enormous body resembled drifting clouds, casting a shadow over part of the Flower Capital.
Nothing within the city could escape its gaze.
Accustomed to high-level battlefields, it didn't believe that a small place like Wano Country contained anyone capable of stirring real waves.
Pirates, samurai, ninjas, or any strange beings—
All were merely crickets trapped in a jar for amusement.
First, it located the important target Orin had instructed it about, along with the communication medium it required.
That place was a small seaside village.
Waves washed onto the shore. Big Mom, who had been rescued by Chopper and the others, had seemingly lost her memory and become like a little girl.
She was currently getting along peacefully with everyone.
The sudden appearance of the Seagull King's massive shadow immediately drew everyone's attention.
"That is…!!!"
Chopper's eyes trembled.
If the villagers merely felt instinctive fear toward the giant bird, then Chopper was outright terrified.
"Why?!"
"Why is Orin-sama's pet here?!!!"
Chopper shouted for the villagers to evacuate while preparing to stay behind and stall the Seagull King—but before he could act, another figure rushed forward first.
"You're not allowed to hurt everyone in the village!!!"
With earth-shaking momentum, a gigantic figure like a small giant charged ahead—it was the amnesiac Big Mom.
The Seagull King naturally noticed her. A trace of caution appeared on its avian face.
Although she was once defeated by its master, she was still a difficult opponent for its current self.
Thus, it changed posture midair, stopping its dive. Instead, it flapped its wings violently, gathering torrents of wind.
A storm formed instantly, engulfing Big Mom and disorienting her completely.
"Linlin!!!"
O-Tama cried anxiously, only to be stopped by Chopper in his transformed form.
"It's dangerous, O-Tama!!!"
"That's Big Mom—she'll be fine!!!"
Nearby, the samurai Kiku watched the raging winds with full vigilance.
However, for some reason, the incredibly violent storm only enveloped the coastline and didn't leak into the village at all.
"What's going on…?"
Before he could figure it out, a metallic claw suddenly extended from within the raging storm.
It reached straight toward O-Tama and Chopper.
"Watch out!!!"
Kiku slashed with his sword, but against the iron claw coated in dense Armament Haki, he could only produce a few sparks.
All he could do was watch helplessly as Chopper and O-Tama were seized by the giant claw and carried away.
"O-Tama!!! Chopper!!!"
As the storm gradually dispersed, Big Mom noticed the Seagull King flying away while holding the two captives. Instantly, fury exploded within her.
"HEY!!! YOU BIRD!!!"
"Where are you taking O-Tama?!"
Big Mom threw a punch. Startled, the Seagull King coated its claws in Armament Haki and clashed head-on with her attack.
The two struggled in a fierce contest of strength, black-red lightning beginning to spread around them.
A clash of Conqueror's Haki!!!