A giant screen stood at one end of New World Peach Garden's Shandora Plaza, broadcasting the chaotic war in Marineford to the scattered crowd of onlookers.
Slurp, slurp.
Issho sat cross‑legged on the plaza floor, calmly slurping a bowl of ramen, his eyes drifting up occasionally to track the live feed of the battlefield.
Smoke choked the image, and with every roar, clash of weapons, and thunder of cannons on the screen, blood blossomed like flowers across the war‑torn field.
"War is truly cruel," Issho said quietly.
"Indeed," replied the beautiful blue‑haired woman beside him, Vivi. "How many lives will be lost, how many families broken, how many children orphaned by this conflict?"
Issho turned to her thoughtfully, "Whether pirate or Marine, each side has loved ones waiting for them at home. In war, there is no real winner."
Vivi's eyes grew somber. As a princess who had seen violence and upheaval since childhood, she understood that truth all too well.
"I believe that once Husbands and the others arrive, the battle will be over soon," Shirahoshi added in her soft voice.
Issho nodded, his confidence firm. "I have faith in Rolan," he said.
"Mr. Rolan's dream is greater than any before," another resident murmured. "He's doing what no one has ever done."
"I'm sure if it weren't for Rolan, our Mozambique would still be in turmoil," spoke another voice in agreement.
The crowd murmured affirmations, praising Rolan for the peace they now enjoyed.
"Yes, under Lord Rolan's guidance, we've known prosperity."
"Living in Peach Garden so long, I forgot how harsh war can be."
"We thought the world was peaceful, but it only feels peaceful here."
Shirahoshi and Vivi exchanged proud smiles at these words, because these were all achievements of their husband.
Just then, a voice called down from above.
"Excuse me everyone, I need to interrupt."
A massive Pteranodon descended slowly above them. When it landed in front of Issho, its form rippled and shifted until it became Wyper.
"Sir Issho, someone has arrived at Peach Garden."
Issho took a long sip of ramen before asking, "Who is it?"
"Kaido and Big Mom," Wyper replied.
"What?" Issho sprang to his feet in shock.
"Why would they come to Peach Garden now? We need to see for ourselves."
Wyper nodded, transforming back into a Pteranodon. Issho activated his Devil Fruit ability to follow swiftly behind.
"Are Kaido and Big Mom not Four Emperors?" someone asked, realization dawning on the crowd.
Only then did the people fully grasp the situation: two of the Four Emperors had arrived at Peach Garden.
Yet despite the shock, they felt no fear. This was Peach Garden.
Far out at sea near Peach Garden, two massive pirate ships floated on the waves.
The ship on the left was a dark crimson vessel, its hull lined with cannon ports. Its intimidating figurehead bore six snarling horns — it was the flagship of Kaido of the Beasts.
The ship on the right was bright pink, decorated with cake‑like ornamentation and icing‑styled trim. The smiling figurehead wore a whimsical hat — this was Big Mom's pirate vessel.
At the bow of the pink ship, Charlotte Linlin, known as Big Mom, gazed at her children and crew on deck.
"Mama, today we will make Peach Garden disappear from the New World forever!" she declared to wild cheers.
"OH!" her son Perospero said, twirling his long tongue as he eyed Peach Garden's distant shoreline. "Mama, there's sure to be a garrison there. I don't know if Peach Garden has a trump card waiting for us, but maybe we should let Kaido and his crew strike first."
Big Mom turned toward him, replying with eager agreement.
On Kaido's ship, King addressed his captain.
"Lord Kaido, the Rolan Pirates have left for Marineford. There's bound to be some defense left here in Peach Garden, so we should proceed carefully."
His eyes narrowed behind his mask. "By the way, why don't we let Big Mom and her fleet move first?"
Kaido pondered for a moment, then answered with his booming laughter, "Woro wororo, then I will listen to your suggestion."
Though arrogant, Kaido was not reckless. If sacrificing minimal effort could yield maximal gain, he would do it without hesitation.
Moreover, this was Peach Garden — the stronghold of Rolan. That made Kaido wary. A trap could be lying in wait.
Jack, ever reckless, scoffed loudly.
"What's there to be afraid of, Lord Kaido? Rolan isn't even in Peach Garden. Is there anyone alive who can stop us? Let's just charge!"
In Jack's world, retreat was not an option — only forward.
Kaido raised a massive hand to calm him. "Jack, how many times have I told you not to be so reckless?"
Ignoring Jack's grumbling, Kaido walked to the bow and called out to Big Mom's ship.
"Hey, old woman, you go first."
Big Mom blinked, then retorted with a frown, "Kaido boy, are you scared?"
Kaido let out a roar of laughter. "Woro wororo, there's nothing in this world that scares me!"
Big Mom's face tightened, eyes sharp. "Then you lead, Kaido boy. Weren't you the one who suggested we sneak attack Peach Garden?" she said with a plump wave of her hand.
Kaido grumbled inwardly. This old woman outsmarted me.
Even as he said he wasn't afraid, his mind churned with uncertainty — what had Rolan prepared?
Rumors said almost the entire Rolan Pirates force had left for Marineford. They might have left Peach Garden seemingly unguarded, but Kaido knew better than to trust appearance over strategy.
If Peach Garden was indeed abandoned, this might be a trap — and Rolan was clever enough to do exactly that.
If Big Mom's forces marched right in first and were annihilated, the Beast Pirates would be next in line for destruction.
Kaido understood the principle clearly: When the lips are gone, the teeth are cold.
He had no intention of truly letting the Big Mom Pirates face Peach Garden alone.
Kaido's mouth curved into a deliberate smile.
"King, we go with them," he bellowed.
^_________^
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