Lightbar had indeed been a capable member of Roger's crew back in the day, but just how old was he now?
At least sixty years old. Even someone with half a brain would know he was the easier target to rob.
As for Grimm and his stone tablet? Kaido and Charlotte Linlin might well want it, but neither would make a move on him right now.
More importantly, neither of them truly believed Grimm actually had such a thing.
Once, Grimm had talked to them about becoming Pirate King, saying only an idiot would want that title.
Of course, both knew his words were never reliable, but judging by his recent actions, he seemed interested only in fighting and killing.
If he really cared about the Final Island, given his history with Roger, he would have gone to Laugh Tale long ago.
Lightbar, however, was an ex‑Roger crewmate, so the stone was likely with him.
In truth, the Government had spread the rumor just to sow discord between the three former rivals — anything to drive a wedge between them.
"Right then, heading to Paradise!" On Cake Island, Charlotte Linlin drained her black tea and gave the order. "Set sail!"
"The fifteen‑year pact… seems we won't wait that long. The balance we've kept for two years is about to break," said Charlotte Opera, her form rippling like melting cream, sounding arrogant as always.
"Heh‑heh‑heh… can't be helped. It's the key to the Pirate King's throne — a Historical Stone. The Pontiff doesn't care, but a fight with Kaido's lot is inevitable," snickered Charlotte Cracker, the Biscuit‑Biscuit Fruit user, his hair standing straight up.
Meanwhile, a very similar scene unfolded on Kaido's turf.
"Where's Captain Kaido?" a crewman asked while preparing ships at the dock.
"Heard the news and flew off already — took King and all the flying‑type users with him. Couldn't wait."
Baa‑ah… "There he goes again. We'll probably run into Big Mom's crew this time. Poor King… glad I'm just a Sheep‑Sheep Fruit user. Baa‑ah…"
Suddenly Jack roared from the ship: "Hurry the hell up! You know who we're up against — most likely that old hag Charlotte Linlin. Stay sharp!"
"Sir, yes sir!"
"Mr. Queen, guarding the home base is your job!" Jack called to the large man perched on a rock smoking a cigar, looking thoroughly unamused.
"Ehh… got it. Go on then."
So, thanks to the Government's rumor campaign, the peace between the "Three Monsters" lasted barely two years before it fractured.
The first clash — Kaido's crew vs. Big Mom's crew in a race for the Historical Stone — promised a bloodbath across the first half of the Grand Line.
Elsewhere, the Navy and Government had Grimm firmly in their sights.
Working with the kings under his rule, they gathered intelligence, prepared a trap at the agreed rendezvous point, and waited for him to walk right in.
January, Year 1508 of the Sea Circle Calendar
The day for Grimm's annual "prisoner collection" was fast approaching.
Naval Headquarters — Marineford
"Mr. Garp," Kuzan asked, hands in his pockets, falling into step behind him.
"I get why the Government lured the other two Emperors into the first half of the Grand Line to keep them out of the way… but does Lightbar really have the stone to Laugh Tale?"
Garp snorted with a sideways grin. "Who knows? It was their idea. But Lightbar's really there, all right."
They turned a corner and came to the docks where ships were readied for the New World, just as Kong, Borsalino, and others were boarding.
Sengoku was sent ahead to the Grand Line's first half to keep the other two Emperors from running wild; Sakazuki too.
"You two — the main force — and you're late?" Kong was furious.
"Aha‑ha‑ha! You lot haven't left yet either," Garp laughed unconcernedly.
"That's because we were waiting for you!"
Borsalino looked at the dozen or so battleships moored around them, picked his nose with his pinky finger, and flicked it away.
"Anyway… twenty thousand men is a bit excessive, isn't it? I don't underestimate Grimm or the Dog‑Lich, but beyond officers above Vice Admiral rank, bringing this many bodies is useless…"
It was one of the rare times he spoke plainly; really he meant: With this many watching, it's hard to slack off or act lazy…
"I know what I'm doing, Kizaru!" Kong said sternly. "To be absolutely sure… I've ordered Trabia Island to be sunk."
"So scary‑sounding~ That means Grimm is done for…" Kizaru began picking his ear again… gotta tell the Boss about this real quick…
"Board the ships! Move out!" Kong roared.
Kuzan and Garp boarded the same vessel. Standing beside Garp, Kuzan said, "He got betrayed by his own kings… kind of sad, isn't it, Mr. Garp?"
"Mm. Maybe he was too soft. If he'd done like Big Mom and killed them all, none of this would've happened," Garp replied.
"Besides… villains don't deserve sympathy. Keep your mind on the mission."
"Right, right…" Kuzan nodded, glancing at the massive fleet.
"But not just you, Mr. Garp… even Fleet Admiral Kong's leading this personally. Makes the rest of us feel like pawns… How badly does the World Government want Grimm dead?"
"Hasn't he embarrassed them enough already?" Garp said, settling into a deck chair. "Though honestly… seeing them embarrassed makes me pretty happy."
Kuzan pushed his sunglasses up and looked at him with admiration. "Mr. Garp… having thoughts like that? You are so cool."
Nearby, a Major and a group of sailors sweated nervously. "Please… do not discuss such things in public, Vice Admirals Garp and Kuzan…"
Grimm sailed his ironclad toward Trabia Island, holding a beer in one hand and looking at a Den Den Mushi with a boot print on its face.
"Yo, Dragon. Long time no call. You didn't ring just to chat, did you?"
"Something important. My people reported the Navy's latest movements…"
"I already know."
"…No. They plan to sink the island."
"Doesn't matter. I've got a plan for that."
"Suit yourself. There's something else… serious this time." Dragon's tone hardened.
"About that time you turned into a woman… I…"
"Get lost." Grimm hung up instantly. What the hell is wrong with these people…?
__________________
For more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.
"Schedule"
Monday - Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day
Saturday - Sunday - Off