On the rugged coast of Wano Country, a bizarre tea party was in full swing.
While the rest of the world trembled at the precipice of war, four members of the God's Knights sat leisurely, enjoying their afternoon tea. They had already used their terrifying abilities to throw the country into utter chaos. Looking out toward the horizon, the beautiful landscape of Wano was now crawling with giant, monstrous entities that tore through villages and forests with mindless destruction.
On their elegant table sat a television and a recorder—luxury items they had "acquired" through Buggy the Clown's trading networks. The screen flickered with the live broadcast from the Vodka Kingdom.
"Hey, Shamrock," Somaaz Saint, the user of the Thorn-Thorn Fruit, said with a boisterous laugh. "That's your little brother on the screen, isn't it? I have to say, he's putting on quite a show!"
Shamrock, whose face was a perfect mirror of Shanks', scowled in disdain. He adjusted his high collar, his eyes cold. "He is nothing but a degenerate. He isn't worthy of being called my brother."
Quilingorm Saint, the Kirin-Kirin Fruit user, tilted his long neck with curiosity. "Oh? Not even a man who holds the title of one of the Four Emperors?"
"He's just a pirate," Shamrock snorted, his voice dripping with elitist venom.
"Still, he looks a lot stronger than you, Shamrock," Somaaz added, seemingly oblivious to the murderous glare he was receiving. "The man is a monster, and he's doing all that with only one arm."
Seeing Shamrock's temper flare, Gunzi—the youngest of the group—finally cut in. "The chaos is already spreading. Let's stop the chatter and prepare to move."
The others weren't fools. They had enjoyed their jab at Shamrock, but they had no desire to actually fight him. "Fine," Quilingorm said. "Somaaz and I will hold the line here. You two go and find what we're looking for."
Suddenly, the audio from the television spiked. As Kaido's words about a "certain Devil Fruit" echoed through the speakers, the color drained from the Knights' faces. Gunzi, in particular, turned pale, a bead of cold sweat rolling down her forehead.
"Is he... is he really allowed to say that?" she whispered.
"Kaido has lost his mind," Somaaz muttered.
Ordinary citizens watching the broadcast wouldn't understand the significance of Kaido's cryptic hint. But the God's Knights were different. As Imu's personal shadows, they possessed authority that often superseded even the Five Elders. They knew exactly which fruit Kaido was referring to.
Just then, the Den Den Mushi in Gunzi's robes rang with a sharp, chilling tone. She answered immediately. A voice as cold as a winter grave spoke from the other end: "You know what needs to be done, don't you?"
"Don't worry," Gunzi replied, her voice turning sharp.
The four Knights stood up, their playful demeanor replaced by a grim, professional focus. They looked out over the burning horizon of Wano. "It's time Kaido paid the ultimate price for his big mouth."
Back at the Vodka Kingdom, the atmosphere on the Marine flagship was one of profound confusion. The younger soldiers looked to their superiors for answers, while Admiral Fujitora turned his sightless gaze toward Akainu.
"Fleet Admiral Sakazuki," Fujitora said calmly. "What exactly was Kaido talking about? What truth regarding a Devil Fruit could make a man as composed as Red-Haired Shanks lose his mind like that?"
Akainu's jaw was set so tight it looked like it might shatter. "Do you think I have the answer? Chief Tsuru, do you have any idea what's going on?"
Tsuru's brow was deeply furrowed. "I'm afraid I'm in the dark as well. It seems this sea still holds secrets that even we haven't touched."
While Tsuru appeared honest, she caught Garp's eye. The old Vice-Admiral was unusually silent, his face darkening with a sudden, heavy realization. Nearby, Sengoku and Kizaru noticed the exchange. They weren't idiots. Given Shanks' history, there was only one fruit that could cause such a reaction: the Gum-Gum Fruit, which Shanks had stolen from the World Government years ago—the same fruit eaten by Garp's grandson, Luffy.
On the island, Crocodile glanced at Doflamingo, a mocking smirk on his face. "Oh, Doflamingo... it seems there are things in this world that even a former Celestial Dragon like you doesn't know."
Doflamingo's signature grin twitched. He hated the feeling of losing control. "Fufufufu... don't get ahead of yourself, Crocodile. Even if I don't know this specific detail, I still know far more than a desert rat like you."
Despite his bravado, Doflamingo noticed something that bothered him. Kaido's Tobi Roppo didn't look confused at all. They looked like they were in on the secret.
On the Red Force, Shanks knew he couldn't take back his outburst. He slowly sheathed his sword, Gryphon, his hand trembling slightly. "Kaido," he spat through gritted teeth. "Tell me what you really want. If you're just looking for a war, the Red Hair Pirates will give you one that will burn the sea."
"Worororo!!!" Kaido's laughter boomed. "Red Hair, you still haven't learned a thing. But it doesn't matter anymore."
Kaido leaned down, his voice carrying to every corner of the world. "In this world, there are four Road Poneglyphs that mark the path to the final island, Laugh Tale. Roger only found that place because he decoded all four."
"What!!!"
The revelation hit the world like a tidal wave. To find the One Piece, you needed these specific stones.
"Right now," Kaido continued, "I hold one. Linlin holds the second. And according to my sources, you took the one from Fish-Man Island to Elbaf. As for the fourth one from Zou... you have that one now too, don't you?"
Benn Beckman's eyes widened. The puzzle pieces clicked together. "I see. Kaido, you're after our Poneglyphs."
"That's right!" Kaido didn't miss a beat. "I could have taken the one from Zou myself, but why waste the effort? I knew you'd do the heavy lifting for me, Red Hair. You saved me a lot of trouble."
Shanks stood frozen as the realization set in. Everything—the timing, the broadcast, the location—had been part of Kaido's calculation. He had let Shanks gather the keys, and now he was here to collect the lock.
"Forget it," Shanks growled. "I will never hand them over. Not to you, and not today."
"Worororo... I've told you before, Red Hair. You don't understand how a real threat works. Tell me... what do you have to threaten me with? And more importantly... do you have any idea what I can do to you?"
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