"What kind of talk is that? Do you really have so little confidence in me?!"
Her retort received no response; in a sense, her careless demeanor was already recognized by everyone around her.
Of course, video recording requires equipment. In this world, the most common devices include regular cameras and Recording Radio Snails. Sky Island even has Memory Shells. However, within the Hundred Beasts Pirates, the most used electronic device is Rotom.
Compared to Radio Snails, these electronic devices are more stable and reliable, with stronger endurance to extreme weather. They possess a unique electronic AI, unlike ordinary devices.
Prompted by Ulti's reminder, they shifted their focus to Rotom. The Hundred Beasts already intended to broadcast this battle live; it's a perfect opportunity to showcase Kaidou's might.
Of course, if Kaidou loses, it would be a blow to his prestige. But no one in the Hundred Beasts believes Kaidou will lose. Those who joined the Hundred Beasts have an inherent feeling that Kaidou is invincible.
Even if Kaidou were to fail, his position wouldn't be undermined. His opponent is Whitebeard, the man considered closest to the Pirate King position after Roger's death.
With the old era's strong fading away, Whitebeard is the obvious main contender. Losing to him is no shame, and defeating him means greater popularity. This is why a countless number of Super Rookies aim to challenge the Sea Emperors every year.
Yamato has a unique vantage point to watch and serves as the camera stand for Rotom. In such an environment, stable filming is a big challenge. It requires someone strong enough to withstand the shockwaves.
Though many High-Level Officials are accompanying, they have their own tasks. So naturally, this responsibility fell on Yamato, the idle one.
"Roto, don't worry, Roto. Important information has been recorded."
Evidently, Rotom's response was more reassuring than Yamato's. After all, once a machine's program records something, barring unforeseen events, there are no other issues.
Their reminder to Yamato also shifted focus, from reminding her not to forget to record, to reminding her not to forget to bring Rotom.
"Pejiwan, what are you looking at?"
Amidst the clamor, Ulti felt something was missing. Turning her head, she saw Page One reading the rest of the newspaper. They were all focused on the front-page headline, having long tossed aside the follow-up content.
"Nothing much, just that the singer I like seems to have released a new song."
There's a saying about "next time for sure," but you can never be sure when that "next time" will be. It's a mysterious power, as if the moment someone releases a new song or aims to be on the newspaper headline, an unexpected event will occur.
Just as Charlotte Linlin said over the phone, this news has spread worldwide, especially in the pirate world, where everyone is intensely focused on this battle. But it's not something they can intervene in.
The only one qualified to intervene, Charlotte Linlin, has given up on this plan. Initially, she wanted to join forces with Kaidou to eliminate Whitebeard, but she didn't expect Kaidou would refuse so strongly.
She understands her little brother well. If she were to forcefully intervene in this battle, Kaidou might first fight her, which would be detrimental. However, she hasn't done nothing.
"Katakuri."
"Mother, I'm here."
"Muster the troops."
"Mother, what do you intend to do?"
Having overheard the entire process, Katakuri didn't understand why Charlotte Linlin insisted on gathering her forces.
"We're pirates. Since Kaidou refused the alliance, we'll just wait. If something truly goes wrong, it's our opportunity."
When two clams fight, the fisherman profits. Whether Whitebeard or Kaidou falls into a disadvantage, she can seize the chance to benefit, which is why neither Whitebeard nor Kaidou wants a full-scale war. The New World isn't theirs alone.
Charlotte Linlin is just one example; there are plenty of similar pirates. However, the most troublesome remains the World Government.
After the news broke, the World Government and Navy intelligence departments have been incredibly busy, working overtime investigating the situation. They've already made some preparations by now.
Inside Navy Headquarters, Garp was rummaging through Sengoku's drawer with a face full of displeasure.
"Why'd you call me back?! I was just about to see my grandson!"
"Garp, you've already had plenty of vacation time. Also, put down my senbei!!"
At this time, Sengoku was already the chosen successor by Kong. Many powers were gradually being transferred to him, including the command of large-scale missions.
Their banter ended with Garp devouring all the senbei in one bite. At this point, Sengoku began briefing Garp on his tasks.
"Garp, it's the World Government's order: if either Kaidou or Whitebeard is defeated, capture them."
"What about manpower?"
"Borsalino and Sakazuki will accompany you. However, Garp, keep an eye on Sakazuki. If they haven't settled the score, we won't get involved in the battle. That's the World Government's order."
He handed Garp a document, which Garp handed back to the sheep beside them after browsing. It's Sengoku's specific document disposal unit, whose daily job is to consume those confidential files.
"The fleet has already gathered at the G-1 Branch. Stay safe, Garp."
"I know. By the way, I'll take your senbei with me; you can buy more later."
At some point, two more packs of senbei appeared in Garp's arms. He walked out with a slightly grim expression amidst Sengoku's angry yelling.
Meanwhile, under Mary Geoise, a fleet was also assembling. However, the flags on these ships bore not the Navy's seagull emblem but the World Government's cross, with many people in suits onboard.
Their orders were tentative attacks on Wano Kuni. If the opportunity was right, they wouldn't rule out plans to reclaim the island.
As various factions began to take action, Kaidou, too, prepared to set out with his crew. The numbers weren't many; only two pirate ships were setting out, but they all consisted of elites.
They were mainly there to show presence and handle unexpected situations. Otherwise, having Kaidou handle a mere grunt personally would be quite embarrassing.
However, before Kaidou set out, a particularly audacious call came in. The caller was Morgans. The impending battle between Kaidou and Whitebeard made this newspaper issue extremely popular.
To get first-hand information, Morgans wanted to personally act as a "battlefield reporter," giving live coverage. He wasn't very familiar with Whitebeard, so he leveraged Underworld connections to reach the Hundred Beasts.