At this time in the New World, on Kodo Island—
It was the island where the Red-Haired Pirates were usually stationed.
Right now, the entire Red-Haired Pirates crew was gathered there.
However, while it was their "full force," the actual number wasn't large — only a few thousand. After all, the Red-Haired Pirates followed the elite route, unlike Whitebeard, Big Mom, or Kaido, whose crews numbered in the tens of thousands.
But even though the Elior Pirates had fewer members, Elior could deploy tens of thousands of Germa soldiers.
Many members of the Red-Haired Pirates were trembling with fear.
The alliance of Elior, Big Mom, and Kaido had already departed from Paradise, and their target was clearly the Red-Haired Pirates.
This battle would determine the life and death of Shanks' crew.
It was an undeniable fact that Elior's alliance was coming to attack them. Based on how they had annihilated the Revolutionary Army, everyone could foresee the same outcome for the Red-Haired Pirates—total destruction, just like the Revolutionaries, not a single survivor left.
Under such certainty, it would be strange if the weaker members weren't terrified.
Many already had thoughts of deserting. Some had already escaped.
After all, before a battle of this scale, how could small fry like them possibly contribute? Even rushing onto the battlefield would mean certain death.
This world was merciless to the weak.
But as a man with charisma rivaling even Roger's, Shanks still had many crewmates willing to follow him even at the cost of their lives.
Of course, Shanks told everyone earlier that if they wished to leave, they should do so now—before the war began.
Their pirate crew might not survive past today.
"Beckman… maybe our journey is coming to an end."
Shanks smiled lightly, as if indifferent to life or death.
"Haha… maybe so, Shanks."
Beckman let out a helpless, forced laugh.
No one wanted to die—they all still wished to continue sailing.
But they all knew how terrifying the enemy they were about to face was.
Elior—Shanks alone, even combined with Beckman, probably couldn't defeat him.
Elior… was that strong.
And he wasn't their only opponent.
There was Kaido. There was Big Mom.
And the forces behind them.
Lucky Roux added, "I heard the Marine will get involved too. Maybe they'll hold off Elior and the others."
"Hard to say."
Shanks shook his head.
The Marine would likely prefer the Red-Haired Pirates to be wiped out.
Now, the Red-Haired Pirates remained on the island, not bothering to flee.
When Elior's alliance arrived, they would fight head-on.
For the Red-Haired Pirates, the air already felt bleak.
At the same time, the sky had become dark.
It was almost noon, but there was no sun—thick, oppressive clouds completely covered the sky.
From time to time lightning flashed, thunder rolling endlessly.
"Is it going to rain?" Shanks asked.
"Maybe… looks like it," Beckman replied.
"This atmosphere is seriously unpleasant," Shanks muttered. "Feels like a storm is coming."
The heavy, suffocating sky seemed to foreshadow the defeat and destruction of the Red-Haired Pirates.
It was a strong, undeniable feeling.
Meanwhile, over a hundred kilometers away, a massive fleet was approaching the Red-Haired Pirates' territory.
Elior's alliance.
"How long until we reach that sea area?" Elior asked Big Mom's navigator.
The navigator felt a heavy pressure under Elior's gaze and answered, "Still over four hundred kilometers away, but we're getting close."
Kaido grunted, "I wonder if that red-haired brat is hiding."
Big Mom said, "Facing an alliance like ours, hiding is reasonable."
Elior shook his head. "They know they can't escape—not even to the ends of the world. I'm sure they're waiting for us and will fight to the death."
"Good," Kaido smirked. "Makes things easier."
Kaido stared at the sea ahead. He had long wanted to crush Shanks. The Red-Haired Pirates had interfered with the Beasts Pirates' plans more than once.
But until now, Kaido never had the right opportunity. Even if the Beasts Pirates fought the Red-Haired Pirates, the battle would end with both sides suffering heavy losses and no clear victor.
Two Yonko crews working together could likely defeat Shanks.But now three Yonko crews were marching toward a single opponent.
Shanks' fate was sealed.
Elior said, "We already agreed—Shanks is mine. I'll kill him personally. As for his crew, do as you please. And when the Marine arrives, you'll have even more opportunities to fight."
"Marine, huh?" Kaido grinned. "A huge pain… but it's getting me fired up!"
The thought of clashing with the top fighters of the Navy made the battle-crazed Kaido excited.
"But I should still give that red-haired kid a good whack with my kanabo!"
Big Mom cackled. "How interesting! Maybe I should drain the souls of the whole Red-Haired Pirates!"
Elior nodded. "Do whatever you like when the time comes."
He didn't care. His only goal regarding the Red-Haired Pirates was total annihilation.
Members of the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates looked at the three monstrous leaders—discussing how they would kill Shanks.
They all felt a moment of silent sympathy for the Red-Haired Pirates.
Against such a force, even the most balanced Yonko crew, with high average strength, couldn't withstand this overwhelming alliance.
Everyone could already foresee the outcome—the Red-Haired Pirates would be obliterated.
Anyone sane knew the truth: there was no universe in which Shanks' crew could stand against the combined might of three Yonko.
When the time came… they would be crushed into dust.
Their ashes wouldn't even remain.