Lupin sat alone on the deck of the Moby Dick, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Around him, the crew bustled with activity, making preparations for the inevitable clash with Kaido — yet for Lupin, a different kind of war was unfolding.
A war fought not with swords or cannons, but with information.
A war of reputation.
"I can't let this play out the way they expect," he muttered under his breath. "If the world only sees Whitebeard moving, the Marines will throw everything at us. But if Big Mom and Kaido look like the greater threat… the Marines won't have a choice but to turn their attention to them."
He opened the Wanted Poster Editor in his mind — a shimmering interface displaying bounty posters, crime records, edit options, and his current point balance. By now, Lupin understood how it worked — and how dangerous it could be.
Wanted Poster Editor Rules:
Bounty Edits:
Pirates under 200 million: raise to max 500 million (one-time until Marine update)
Pirates 201–500 million: raise to max 1 billion (50 points)
Pirates over 1 billion: add max +1 billion (200 points)
Crime Edits:
10 Edit Points per crime line added
Available Edit Points: 860
A grin tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Alright," Lupin whispered. "Let's turn the world's attention where it belongs."
Big Mom Edit
Target: Charlotte Linlin (Big Mom)
Current Bounty: 4,388,000,000
+1,000,000,000 (Cost: 200 points)
New Bounty: 5,388,000,000
Crime Added:'Plotting to overthrow the World Government and seize control of Mary Geoise alongside Kaido.' (Cost: 10 points)
Confirm Edit?
YES
Edit Points Remaining: 860 - 200 - 10 = 650
Kaido Edit
Target: Kaido of the Beasts
Current Bounty: 4,611,100,000
+1,000,000,000 (Cost: 200 points)
New Bounty: 5,611,100,000
Crime Added:'Joining forces with Charlotte Linlin to rebel against the Celestial Dragons and seize the Ancient Weapons.' (Cost: 10 points)
Confirm Edit?
YES
Edit Points Remaining: 650 - 200 - 10 = 440
Lupin exhaled slowly, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow.
"There. Now those two are officially the biggest threat the world's ever seen."
Meanwhile — Marine Headquarters
Aboard a Marine battleship speeding toward Wano, Fleet Admiral Sengoku stared at the fresh bounty posters spread across his desk.
"Five billion… both of them?"
At his side, Aokiji raised an eyebrow.
"The world just got a lot heavier, old man."
Garp let out a deep, hearty laugh.
"Hah! Reminds me of the Rocks days. Chaos is making a comeback."
The Den Den Mushi on the table rang, its receiver twitching. Sengoku snatched it up.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku speaking."
On the other end, the grim face of one of the Five Elders appeared on the video feed.
"Sengoku. Immediate action is required. You are to intercept this conflict and stop it. If necessary, negotiate a temporary alliance with Whitebeard. The World Government cannot afford to let Big Mom and Kaido act together."
Sengoku's jaw clenched.
"You bastards sure know how to pick your moments."
"Do it, Sengoku. Just like we did with Roger against Rocks. The balance of the world depends on it."
A long, tense pause.
"Understood."
The call ended. Sengoku turned to Garp and Aokiji.
"You two — we're taking command. Prepare the fleet. This isn't just a pirate war anymore."
The Five Elders' Council — Mary Geoise
In the sacred chamber of Mary Geoise, the Five Elders gathered around their long, polished table, their expressions like carved stone.
"This can't be a coincidence," one murmured.
"Those two monsters forming an alliance… Whitebeard moving toward Wano… It's God Valley all over again."
"It's clear they intend to strike at the Celestial Dragons and claim the Ancient Weapons," another snarled.
"Then we'll use Whitebeard," said the eldest of them.
"Just like we used Roger. This war can't be allowed to reach Mary Geoise."
The room fell silent as the enormity of the situation settled over them. The balance of the world teetered on a knife's edge — and for the first time in decades, none of them could see which way it would fall.
Moby Dick
A familiar, annoyingly smug voice broke his thoughts.
"Oi, Lupin!"
He didn't even need to turn. "What do you want now, Izo?"
The man approached with a grin, cup of sake in one hand and a gleam in his eye. "I've decided. I want a pair of revolvers. Real nice ones. Something like Teach's — heavy, quick-draw, double-barrel if possible."
Lupin raised a brow. "And why would I care about your shopping list?"
Izo smirked. "Because you're gonna get them for me."
"The hell I am."
Izo slung an arm around Lupin's shoulders like an old drinking buddy. "Alright, alright, let's strike a deal then. You get me those revolvers, and I'll introduce you to my little sister, Kiku."
At that, Lupin froze.
He remembered the sharp, dignified beauty of Kikunojo, the swordswoman with a quiet strength. The kind of woman who would carve a path for herself — not one to be taken lightly.
"Tch… Izo, you've been sleeping in my cabin, stalking me across the ship, and showing up every damn time I try to drink in peace. Do you really wanna push your luck?"
"That's exactly why you need to get me those revolvers." Izo grinned wider. "Or I'll move my stuff into your room permanently. I'll drink your booze, eat your food, snore on your bed, and read your dirty magazines."
Lupin clicked his tongue. "Persistent bastard."
"You love me for it." Izo raised his cup like a toast. "So? Deal?"
"Fine. I'll find you the damn revolvers." Lupin grumbled.
"Knew you'd see it my way." Izo laughed heartily. "And just wait till you meet my sister. She's cuter than you can imagine."
I already know, dumbass. Lupin thought to himself. He could still picture her — the elegance, the way she carried herself like royalty. Kikunojo was no ordinary girl. But he wasn't about to admit that to Izo.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Now get lost. I've got plans to make."
"Don't forget those revolvers!" Izo called over his shoulder as he left, humming a tune.
Lupin sighed, leaning back against the rail.
"This damn world's a mess." He muttered. "But I'll be damned if I let it crush us."
He had moves to make. Bounties to edit. And a war to survive.
"Let's see how long I can keep ahead of fate."
The sun dipped below the horizon, leaving the sea painted in deep shades of crimson and gold.
And somewhere in the distance, the storm of war gathered strength.