"I should have told you back then, this thing is called resurrection, but it's essentially healing and stamina recovery. If you're truly dead, it won't work."
"I remember, and you also said, if this thing isn't modified, only the Pokémon you create or Pokémon Ability Users can use it.
Since it can be modified anyway, why not go all the way, like letting that old fellow temporarily regain his youth?"
In battle, Arceus's most invincible ability is immunity, but his fundamental talent remains creation. Altering during creation is the essence of his ability.
"It can be done, but why are you doing this?"
"Why? I can't quite explain it. I hate that guy's personality, but he's one of the few opponents I respect. It's a pity if such a guy dies at someone else's hands.
Though he is only fifteen years older than me, it's a shame he missed his peak stage and can't experience it again."
The Kaidou's time on Rocks' ship is something he almost never mentions. For his temperament, that period was quite satisfactory, living and enjoying his own pleasures amidst the killings, with even a statuesque confidante back then.
For Kaidou, it was also a good memory.
"And after this war ends, the landscape of The Sea will change again. Once Whitebeard dies, we might become a thorn in the World Government's side.
Tesoro will probably have a headache too. At times like this, we need to give him a way to ease off."
"You want to use Whitebeard... to lure them?"
"That's exactly it. Humans are born unequal; wealth, status, and power create people who can ascend to thrones from birth.
But however strong one may be, death treats everyone equally.
Those cowardly people hold power yet lack matching abilities. Enjoying plenty of prosperity makes them fear death more, especially those old-timers at death's door—they won't miss any opportunities."
This can be seen in the financial reports handed over by Tesoro. The most health supplements are given to the Heavenly Celestial Dragon and some affiliated nation's kings, wealthy merchants worldwide.
They're willing to spend money to extend their lives as much as possible.
"The Op-Op Fruit can fetch a sky-high price of five billion, isn't it because of the rumored Eternal Life Surgery?
This war won't be hidden from the world. If those guys see signs of youth recovery, even achieving immortality, what do you think they'll do?"
Utilizing Arceus's ability to allow Whitebeard to regain his youth briefly, it can achieve his combat desires on one hand, while paving the way for future moves.
When an enterprise truly comes up with a means of immortality, even if the enterprise's background is problematic, the executives' goal won't be to immediately annihilate them, but rather to obtain the results first—no matter what the process, they need the results."
Kaidou's trip to the summit isn't a picnic. This move signifies a complete break with the World Government, with the core members of the Hundred Beasts Fruit already relocated using Dragonite to prevent possible bad scenarios.
With the effects of the Resurrection Grass, they can ideally reach a new agreement.
Even if the situation is not ideal, the consequences won't be worse. At worst, they'd become a guerilla-like special agency, like Morgans' World Economic News Agency.
Kaidou thinks this idea is reasonable enough, the worst-case scenario is just Queen continuing to be unlucky.
"Look, preparing some new tricks for Whitebeard won't make us lose out, so why not enjoy it?"
"You go prepare, I'll hand them to you together, be careful, don't bring Shaina and the others into this."
"Rurururu, don't worry, I won't die. I'm not seeking death, and Yamato needs to experience some brutal things. It's been so many years, yet she's still so naive. This war should teach her a lot."
The days leading to the summit war are getting closer, as the Elephant Lord has reached its designated position, the forces within the Hundred Beasts Territory have been assembled and started heading toward the designated location.
As Kaidou flies off with his team, all parts of the Hundred Beasts begin their operations.
Such a large commotion certainly can't be hidden from others, the Navy and the World Government merely expressed vigilance about it, while the BIG MOM Pirates also started moving. They don't intend to miss the chance of Whitebeard's departure, hoping to seize a share.
...
Time passes, the predetermined time for the summit war draws near, all over the world people are focused on the news regarding the war.
South Sea, the streets seem filled with apprehension.
"Only a few hours left, will Whitebeard really come?"
"Who knows? But will he really come? Even if it's Whitebeard, he's already pretty old..."
"Is that so?"
"He is, after all, a survivor from the era before the Great Pirate Era. Haven't seen his name in big news for years."
"What are you talking about? It's precisely because he's an unavoidable opponent that the Navy Headquarters is summoning various elite forces. I think he definitely will go."
An elderly person nearby gave his own opinion, based on age, he is also an old-timer from the same era as Whitebeard, knowing more about him.
"But what if he really shows up, what will happen?"
"Who knows..."
East Sea, the sheep graze under the guidance of herders, people here appear more relaxed.
"Isn't he a pirate from a long time ago? How would the Navy Headquarters lose?"
"Yeah, no pirate could possibly attack Marinfanto."
"That's not necessarily true, about twenty years ago, a pirate named Golden Lion did invade Marinfanto, and that destroyed half of Navy Headquarters. This time, it might be even worse, no matter who wins or loses, tremendous casualties will be incurred.
Whitebeard not showing up would be best. I really hope the execution goes smoothly..."
Similarly, an older person is not optimistic about the results of the war.
North Sea, snow falls, several people argue in front of a store.
"Boss! Bring us some wine!"
"Get out, get out! Who's in the mood to do business on days like this? If the world is still here tomorrow, I'll naturally open up!"
"At least sell us the wine! It's so cold, without wine I feel like I'm on the execution platform myself."
West Sea, in an unnamed tavern.
"Don't take him for an ordinary old guy! About a year ago, just seeing him sitting there made us abandon all hope of surviving..."
A pirate missing a leg recounts his experience, still having lingering fear for Whitebeard, his trembling hand holding the wine glass uncontrollable.
"Even for Navy Headquarters, that old fellow won't be afraid..."