The World Government had already thoroughly investigated everything.
Every year, nations under Grimm's rule were required to hand over prisoners to be used for Kel'Thuzad's research and experiments.
Seeing their chance, the Government drew up a comprehensive plan to eliminate both Grimm and Kel'Thuzad forever.
Furthermore, this scheme was designed to force Kaido and Charlotte Linlin — who had maintained peace with each other for the past two years — back into open conflict.
The first step: Bribe the kings under Grimm's rule who harbored resentment or dissatisfaction, and make them part of the operation.
None dared refuse. After all, they were kings of sovereign nations. Grimm was merely a pirate — how could he possibly stand against the might of the World Government?
Kaido, Charlotte Linlin, and Whitebeard each had their own systems for managing the territories under their command.
After seizing an island or a kingdom, both Kaido and Whitebeard would station their most trusted subordinates there to keep the king under constant surveillance.
Should a ruler act in a way that displeased them, his head would be chopped off immediately.
Whitebeard, in particular, was ruthless — any king who showed even a hint of defiance would be dead by the next morning.
Even Kaido was somewhat more merciful; he would simply imprison troublesome rulers and keep them fed and cared for.
As for Big Mom… the kings who had crossed her were buried so long ago that the grass on their graves was already meters high.
Grimm, however, was an exception. He paid very little attention to the nobles and ruling classes.
Instead, he focused his efforts entirely on the "lowly masses" — people whom kings and governments considered useless trash.
Moreover, those sent to help spread his faith were merely low‑ranking priests and missionaries.
None of the four most powerful warriors of the Holy Light Pirates were involved in governing or infiltrating these nations.
As a result, the kings gradually forgot just how terrifying Grimm truly was.
They resented having anyone above them, and despised how the common people — now followers of what they viewed as a cult — chanted slogans like "All men are created equal" and treated their royal authority with open disrespect.
Most of these kings had long wished to see Grimm destroyed. So when the Government approached them, they were eager to provide intelligence and assistance.
Ultimately, the Government chose Grimm as the first target among the Four Emperors for one main reason: his hold over the ruling classes in his territories was unstable.
Added to that, this man had a habit of wandering around alone — which meant they wouldn't have to fight their way through his elite commanders to get to him.
"Rest assured," the Government agent said, standing tall and speaking with utmost gravity.
"This plan has been rigorously analyzed and prepared for. We have assembled the absolute strongest forces of Marine Headquarters. It won't matter if it's Grimm… or even if the Pirate King Roger himself were alive today — no one can escape this trap."
King Skarr clenched his hands tightly. Cold sweat trickled down his receding hairline. "I truly hope… that you mean every word you say."
He knew very well the consequences of his actions. If Grimm survived this, they were all dead men. And not just dead — their bodies would be torn to pieces.
Marine Headquarters — Marineford
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office, Chief of Staff Tsuru spoke to Kong, who sat behind his desk.
"All preparations are complete, but our large‑scale recruitment drive only finished recently. Our new forces are still being trained and organized. Is it really wise to move against Grimm so soon?"
"It is not about impatience — it is about necessity," Kong replied seriously.
"Two years ago in Dressrosa, Grimm laid out his plan to 'divide and rule the New World.' The more I think about it, the more I realize he actually intends to make it a reality. If he succeeds, the entire New World will belong entirely to pirates… and the Marines will be forced to retreat completely."
He slammed his fist heavily onto the desk.
"To stop that from happening, there is only one solution — the most effective solution: we must take down one of the four Emperors now."
Tsuru picked up a file of documents, her expression heavy.
"Twenty thousand men… Twenty thousand soldiers sent just to deal with two pirates. Even Roger himself never received such special treatment in his day."
"It is not about the number of men. It is about the current situation — and we have no choice," Kong insisted.
Tsuru studied the reports for a moment longer, then shook her head.
"I still disagree. We should wait until we fully understand the abilities of Grimm and Kel'Thuzad. Fighting enemies whose powers and limits are unknown puts us at a disadvantage from the start."
Kong stood up, walked over to her, and patted her gently on the shoulder. He then moved to the door and spoke with his back turned to her.
"You are too cautious, Tsuru. In this world, nothing and no one lasts forever. I will lead the expedition personally, alongside Sengoku, Garp, all the Vice Admirals, and twenty thousand elite Marines. Once we know the exact time and location, I am confident we can capture even Roger himself."
He slid open the door, and left her with final instructions.
"While we are away, Headquarters is entrusted to you and the Disciplinary Unit. You will assume the duties of Fleet Admiral in my absence. I am heading now to Mariejois. The next phase of the operation begins immediately."
BOOM.
The door closed, leaving Tsuru alone to sigh deeply. She looked again at the files on Grimm and Kel'Thuzad.
How jarring and frightening were the last words written in their profile: 'Abilities — Unknown.'
She sighed again, whispering to herself. "You can make do with fewer soldiers… you can wait for the perfect opportunity… but you must never lack intelligence on your enemy."
She understood that Kong had been pushed to desperation. Time and time again, the Marines had suffered defeats at Grimm's hands.
To the World Government, he was the number one thorn in their side, a living insult to their authority. Under all this pressure, they were about to make a beginner's mistake.
"With so many powerful commanders leading the force… surely nothing will go wrong…" Tsuru put the documents down, trying to reassure herself.
What she didn't realize was: That very thought was a curse in itself.
One Week Later…
News spread across the New World with incredible speed. It even reached the ears of the other two Emperors: Kaido of the Beasts and Charlotte Linlin.
The Marines were preparing to capture Hill Lightbar — a former crewmate of the Pirate King Roger and one of the last surviving great pirates from the previous era.
While this news alone wasn't particularly surprising, Kaido and Linlin heard something else alongside it:
> One of the four red Poneglyphs that record the location of Laugh Tale — the Final Island — is currently in Lightbar's possession.
Furthermore…
> A second of the four red stones is already held by Grimm.
As veteran pirates, both Kaido and Linlin knew exactly what the Historical Texts were.
They came in two forms: stone tablets and copies. There were four original red road‑sign stones.
Only by gathering all four and deciphering their messages could one determine the exact coordinates of the final island, Laugh Tale.
Big Mom had already collected several copies and rubbings, but as someone who aimed to become the next Pirate King, she naturally desired the original stones.
Kaido wanted them just as badly.
However, now that rumors confirmed one stone was with Lightbar and another with Grimm… the choice was obvious.
Everyone knows you always pick the softest persimmon to squeeze.
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