Skull Castle, Banquet Hall.
Fine wine and delicacies were already prepared.
"Wororororo!"
Kaido sat imposingly in the main seat, holding a sake gourd, his sharp gaze sweeping over all the officers.
"Today marks our Beasts Pirates' triumphant return! We must celebrate properly. Hozumi, announce the results of this expedition!"
"Yes, Lord Kaido."
A petite girl leaped down from the ceiling, followed by a nautical chart centered around Wano Country.
"During this expedition, the Beasts Pirates have conquered 37 islands and destroyed 11 nations..."
The map circled four sea territories, each marked with the names of the Four Emperors, effectively carving up the New World. Among them, the Whitebeard Pirates controlled the largest territory, while the Beasts Pirates held the second-largest.
This expedition saw the Beasts Pirates conquering nearly all islands near Wano Country, expanding their influence dozens of times over.
The results were exceptionally bountiful.
The petite secretary Hozumi continued reading: "Beyond these achievements, the Beasts Pirates have one major announcement!"
"Lord Kaido has decided to select the six strongest Headliners to form the elite officer group—the Flying Six! Their rank will be second only to the All-Stars!"
"Currently, five Flying Six members have been chosen. Let us welcome them!"
As the announcement concluded, the Flying Six stepped forward to the center of the hall.
Who's Who, Sasaki, Ulti, Black Maria, and Page One—five formidable warriors stood side by side in a row.
Their presence was overwhelming!
The establishment of the Flying Six wasn't just about a title—it symbolized the core strength of the Beasts Pirates and their deterrence in the New World.
The reason was simple: the Four Emperors themselves and their top officers rarely ventured out for battles. Most external affairs had to be handled by mid-tier officers.
Thus, whether dealing with rookies, suppressing rebellions in subordinate islands, or clashing with other Emperor crews, the Flying Six would serve as the vanguard.
The Headliners stared at the Flying Six with ambition burning in their eyes.
They could be replaced!
In the next moment, all the Headliners turned their gazes toward Gurd, who was calmly drinking, their expressions turning predatory.
There was only one spot left!
"Wororororo, excellent!"
Kaido laughed heartily.
In fifteen years, the Beasts Pirates had grown from a mere three to five hundred members to over ten thousand—now the strongest in numbers among the Four Emperors!
But their high-tier combatants were still lacking.
Whitebeard had fifteen division commanders and dozens of renowned subordinate captains, each no weaker than the Flying Six.
Linlin's Sweet Commanders and her many powerful children also surpassed the Beasts in mid-to-high-tier combat strength.
Even the younger Red Hair commanded a crew of formidable officers, earning his crew the reputation of being the most well-balanced "Iron Wall Pirates."
In comparison, though the Beasts Pirates had numerous Headliners, their strength varied greatly, far inferior to other Emperor crews.
This expedition had fully exposed that weakness, which was why Kaido had urgently established the Flying Six.
Kaido stared at the Flying Six, still feeling it wasn't enough.
He craved stronger warriors!
But true strength wasn't easily obtained. In all of Wano Country, only two warriors had caught his eye.
Shutenmaru of Kuri!
And Kyoshiro of the Flower Capital!
Both possessed formidable combat prowess, and if they could be brought under his banner, the high-end combat strength of the Beasts would be greatly enhanced.
Unfortunately, Kyoshiro followed Orochi, and Shutenmaru had always refused to yield.
Wororororo!
Before the Fire Festival, I'll make another trip to Kuri!
Kaido turned his gaze to Gurd.
"Gurd."
"Boss Kaido."
Gurd stood up and stepped forward, positioning himself directly in front of the Flying Six.
Like a leader.
"Hmm?!"
Who's Who and Sasaki stared at Gurd's back, their expressions darkening instantly. Black Maria's face twisted with amusement, her tongue flicking out.
This was undeniably a provocation!
Ulti and Page One were also stunned, their brows furrowing—not because they felt Gurd was stealing their spotlight, but out of concern.
How could a Headliner stand in front of the Flying Six?
The siblings knew Gurd's strength and believed he could secure the last spot among the Flying Six. But Gurd's overstepping would likely provoke hostility from the others.
They had only just been promoted to the Flying Six and hadn't even had time to enjoy it, yet here was a mere Headliner strutting before them. If they didn't demand an explanation, where would their pride go?
Of course, they couldn't make a scene now.
Boss Kaido hadn't spoken yet—who were they to voice objections?
Kaido stared at Gurd, his lips curling into a grin.
This kid truly didn't disappoint him!
He held Gurd in high regard, even reserving a spot among the Flying Six for him. Now, Gurd's response had thoroughly satisfied him.
This was how it should be!
His crew was a violent organization—those with strength should dare to compete. If Gurd had been cowed by the Flying Six, that would have been disappointing.
The Beasts had no need for weak warriors.
Kaido tossed his sake bottle forward.
"Drink first!"
"Right!"
Gurd caught the bottle and took several deep gulps.
Boss Kaido had saved a spot for him—if he didn't act a little arrogant, how could that be justified?
If he were Boss Kaido, he'd surely want his subordinates to fiercely compete with each other. Only then could more powerful warriors emerge.
Kaido nodded with a smile. "Tell me, what major events have happened in Wano Country during our six-month expedition?"
"Yes, Boss Kaido."
Gurd wiped his mouth, then scanned the room before raising three fingers. "In these six months, three major events shook Wano Country—each one earth-shattering."
Everyone's eyes filled with curiosity.
Three events comparable to earthquakes?
Had Wano Country been so lively in their absence?
Queen's eyes gleamed—he loved unexpected developments. Every time he visited the Prisoner Quarry, he made Babanuki report the "Top Recent Annoyances" special segment.
"Did Fire Fist really come?"
"Fire Fist? That's small potatoes."
Gurd waved his hand dismissively, then raised his first finger with a smirk.
"Shutenmaru of Kuri is dead."
"Wha—?!"
Queen's tiny eyes bulged.
The other Headliners were also dumbfounded.
Shutenmaru was dead?
That monster from Kuri had caused them no end of trouble!
But the most shocked was Kaido, who spilled half his drink.
Shutenmaru… Shutenmaru…
If not for his desire to recruit Shutenmaru, he would have long since flattened Mount Atama. And now, the powerful warrior he had been yearning for was suddenly gone?
He had just been planning to visit Mount Atama again!
Kaido roared in fury.
"Who did it?!"
"Me."
Gurd pointed at himself.
The banquet hall fell into an eerie silence.
Gurd remained utterly calm as he raised a second finger.
"Kyoshiro of the Flower Capital is dead."
"Whaaaaat—?!"
Queen's beady eyes bulged out again.
Kyoshiro too?
Everyone's expressions changed.
Shutenmaru's death didn't matter much—it wouldn't affect the Beasts Pirates, though Kaido might feel some grief. But who was Kyoshiro?
He was Wano Country's greatest swordsman, a figure who stood equal to the three All-Stars, with unfathomable strength.
Kaido's draconic visage twisted in rage.
"Who did it?!"
"Me again."
Gurd pointed at himself.
Silence!
Absolute silence!
So quiet you could hear a pin drop!
When Gurd raised a third finger, everyone swallowed nervously, their hearts leaping into their throats.
"Orochi Shogun is dead."
"Wha-wha-whaaaaat—?!"
Including Queen, all the Headliners were so shocked their eyeballs nearly popped out, their tongues turning into wavy lines.
O-O-Orochi too?
All dead?
Kaido abruptly stood up, his hair bristling with fury.
"You killed Orochi too?"
"Well... that one wasn't me."
Noticing everyone glaring at him murderously, Gurd shrugged innocently with a bear-like gesture.
Why were they all looking at him?
This time it really wasn't his doing!
Well... at least he didn't do it personally!
(End of chapter)