During the Fire Festival, the Beasts' executives scattered across various regions had all returned to Oni Island, significantly reducing their control over the New World.
All manner of demons and monsters were running wild.
"Something happened at Hachinosu Island?"
"The main culprit is Trafalgar Law. He stole the hearts of 100 Pirates, and the Navy also appeared on the island, clashing with Law. It seems the Golden Lion was involved as well."
"Also, rumors of a Road Poneglyph appearing on Hachinosu Island have surfaced recently. Many powerful figures are heading there. Trafalgar Law's goal is likely the Road Poneglyph."
"Understood."
Gurd gave a slight nod.
The Road Poneglyph was like a cake made of stone—everyone knew it tasted terrible, yet various factions still yearned to obtain it, hoping to uncover the hidden delicacy within.
The reason was simple: the Road Poneglyph contained information about the Ancient Weapons, a power even the Four Emperors coveted.
Gurd pondered for a moment.
"Inform the Underworld factions that we, the Beasts, will lease and sell some islands. Those interested can head to Hachinosu Island."
"Yes, Lord Gurd."
Several days passed in the blink of an eye, and news of the Beasts leasing and selling islands caused quite a stir in the Underworld.
Not because of the leasing and selling itself, but because of the implications behind it. One thing was certain: the Beasts were offering them a concession.
Currently, the Beasts' influence was overwhelming, like a mountain pressing down on their heads. Many powerful figures were growing restless, especially the Pirates and newcomers who had escaped from Impel Down.
In contrast, the older factions of the New World stood firmly with the Beasts. They feared the Beasts' collapse more than anyone, as it directly affected their vested interests.
Namely, real estate!
Most Underworld factions had purchased large amounts of property in Hoenn. Just renting them out allowed them to rake in massive profits effortlessly.
When lying down felt this good, who would still want to struggle?
Unconsciously, the Underworld factions had split into two groups. The older factions harbored significant hostility toward the new factions that had emerged over the past year.
The Beasts' sudden decision to sell islands made all factions sense something unusual. Even those without any plans wanted to join the commotion.
At the very least, they needed to know what was happening.
Hachinosu Island, a certain alleyway.
"Golden Lion!"
Law spat blood, his stamina severely depleted.
He had been ambushed by the Golden Lion. All his subordinates had been captured, and only he had managed to escape using his abilities.
"Bepo, Penguin, Shachi..."
Law muttered his comrades' names while treating himself, stitching up his wounds one by one.
He would never abandon his comrades!
But rescuing them from the Golden Lion would be extremely difficult. The enemy knew the effects of his abilities, and his comrades' whereabouts were unknown.
"Trafalgar Law!"
Suddenly, a young pink-haired Marine ran into the alleyway.
"I finally found you!"
"You!"
Law recognized the newcomer, his eyes darkening.
It was the Marine officer who had been pursuing him relentlessly.
Did this guy really think he wouldn't kill him?!
"Room!"
A translucent blue sphere enveloped the alleyway.
Koby's expression changed instantly. He frantically waved his hands to show he meant no harm. "Stop, Trafalgar Law! I'm not here to capture you. Please hear me out!"
"What do you want to say?"
Law's face remained grim.
If not for the Marines' relentless pursuit, they wouldn't have given the Golden Lion an opening. His comrades' capture was inextricably linked to them.
Koby clenched his fists.
"Just like you, my comrades were captured by Golden Lion, along with the nobles and citizens of the Koya Kingdom. They're all in his hands now."
"Alone, I can't rescue my friends or the innocent people."
"I want to join forces with you!"
Join forces?
Law frowned, surprised to hear such a request from a Marine. But given the current situation, he did need assistance.
The officer before him wasn't particularly strong, but as a Marine, he likely had more intelligence than Law did. He urgently needed to know where his crew was being held.
"Do you know where my crew is?"
"No."
Koby shook his head but quickly added, "But I've received intel that the Beasts Pirates are hosting a special auction on Hachinosu Island in the coming days."
"Golden Lion recently made contact with the Beasts Pirates. There's a high chance he'll attend their auction. We can use your ability to infiltrate his ship then!"
With his crew captured by Golden Lion, the most likely holding location would be the pirate's ship. But Golden Lion's vessel wasn't docked at any port.
The self-proclaimed Flying Pirate kept his ships airborne!
Moreover, Law had personally witnessed Golden Lion using his ability to levitate ships from the Koya Kingdom, with the royal nobles and citizens still aboard.
Their only opportunity would be when Golden Lion came to the island for the auction—that's when his ship might appear.
Law pondered deeply.
In his current state, he was no match for Golden Lion. The injuries he bore were from their previous confrontation.
A direct assault was impossible. Infiltration was their best option, but this Marine seemed unreliable—he might just become dead weight.
Law preferred working alone; it allowed for greater stealth. Even if discovered, he could quickly eliminate threats using his abilities.
With this in mind, Law shook his head.
"Trafalgar Law!" Koby pleaded urgently. "My Observation Haki is extremely strong—I can definitely help you!"
"Extremely strong?"
Law's frown deepened.
This naive Marine—he could easily overpower him. Even with Observation Haki, how strong could he possibly be?
"Marine, what's the range of your Observation Haki?"
"About the size of an entire island!"
"An entire island?!"
Law froze, thinking he'd misheard.
"Marine, are you lying to me?"
"It's true!"
Koby didn't know how to prove it, but he genuinely could sense across island-wide distances—a power he'd awakened during the Summit War.
His Observation Haki wasn't just vast in range; he could even hear sounds within it.
Law took a deep breath.
Even among top-tier fighters, Observation Haki rarely extended beyond an island's scope. Could this Marine actually be a prodigy?
If the boy spoke truth, his abilities would indeed be invaluable for the rescue mission.
"Marine, what's your name?"
"Koby!"
"Koby, I'll cooperate with you. But I don't trust you, so you must follow my orders during this operation!"
"As long as we can save our comrades, I'll even act as bait!"
Koby agreed without hesitation.
Meanwhile, aboard Golden Lion's ship...
"Kyahahaha!"
Shiki looked over his prisoners—not just the Heart Pirates, but three Marine officers and some useless nobles too.
"That brat actually got away. What a troublesome ability."
He personally took action but failed to capture Trafalgar Law, which was somewhat of a failure. The abilities of the Op-Op Fruit were truly alluring—even he felt tempted.
He wondered if he could remove the ship's helm from Law's head.
"Selling you all to the Beasts should fetch a good price!"
"Keehahaha!"
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