The thunderous voice echoed like a lightning strike.
The pirates who had been quietly trying to distance themselves from Kaido felt a chill run down their spines.
They were genuinely afraid Kaido might lash out at them again.
But this time, it was King—who had remained silent until now—who finally spoke:
"Boss Kaido, isn't this actually a good thing?"
"The Navy's arrogance in splitting the battlefield means we no longer have to worry about that old, sickly Whitebeard dragging us down."
"According to intel, Marineford will serve as the execution site for Fire Fist Ace."
"That makes Impel Down the place where Jack is being held."
"This is the perfect stage for the Beasts Pirates to shine. If we conquer Impel Down faster than Whitebeard takes Marineford, it proves we're stronger."
"And if we flatten the prison that's gone unconquered for 800 years, we'll not only make history—we'll gain an army of the most vicious pirates locked inside. They'll become our new strength."
"Boss Kaido, that brat's arrogance is practically a gift to us. If we devour the prisoners of Impel Down, our power will grow like never before. After this war, we could have more strongholds than just Wano."
King's deep voice echoed across the deck.
Even Queen and the nearby pirates were stunned. Kaido's eyes lit up, and then he burst into unrestrained laughter.
"Hahaha! King, your brain really works! That brat—he's my benefactor! His arrogance has handed me a golden opportunity. I should be thanking him!"
"No—send the word. Every pirate ship we encounter along the way is to be conscripted into our war force. I, Kaido, will arrive with a fleet of a hundred ships!"
"I'll show that brat, the Navy, and the entire sea that Kaido of the Beasts is not someone Whitebeard can compare to!"
"I'll make them see that I have the power to crush every force in this world!"
Kaido's overwhelming aura sent a jolt through the pirates on deck. Their blood boiled.
After all, a war of this scale hadn't been seen in decades.
This was their chance to make a name for themselves.
If they seized the moment, they could rise as the sea's next stars—or even become core officers under a Yonko.
At that point, they'd be untouchable.
"Don't worry, Boss Kaido," King said, arms crossed.
"We already have seventy-eight ships. With three days left, we'll reach our goal. Let's hope that brat doesn't wet himself—and that Impel Down doesn't disappoint us."
He looked toward the distant pirate and merchant ships fleeing at full speed.
They, too, would become part of the Beasts Pirates' war machine in three days.
As the Whitebeard and Beasts Pirates mobilized, the entire sea erupted.
Countless factions rushed toward Sabaody Archipelago, eager to witness the coming storm.
Even fellow Emperors—Red-Haired Shanks and Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin—were no exception.
With the news of a two-front war spreading, nerves across the world were stretched taut.
Meanwhile, aboard the Red Force, Benn Beckman puffed on a cigar and glanced at the intel in his hand.
"Captain, it looks like the Navy is gambling big this time. Assigning a rookie admiral to lead the second front—alone against the Beasts Pirates? That's insane."
"What do you think their chances are?"
At that, Lucky Roux and the others turned to Shanks, who was sipping his drink.
This war had been part of their calculations.
But this outcome had gone beyond expectations.
What to do next—that was the real question.
"A second front… alone against the Beasts Pirates?"
Shanks took a swig and chuckled.
"Looks like I underestimated the Navy's new blood. Didn't think he'd stir the seas faster than Luffy."
"Still, the Navy is underestimating the power of a Yonko. No matter how strong that rookie is, facing the entire Beasts Pirates alone? That's nearly impossible."
"To shake the world, to break the old order—that's not something he can do."
"Don't forget—Luffy's Devil Fruit is the legendary Nika. That's the power said to shatter eras. If anyone can break the old world, it's him."
Shanks smiled even wider.
"But this works in our favor. With the Navy stretched thin, if Kaido takes Impel Down, he won't stop there. He'll go after Whitebeard and Marineford too."
"That's when we make our move. And I doubt anyone will refuse me then."
"This is our best chance to steal power."
Steal power?
Everyone on board was shaken.
Even Benn Beckman bit down slightly on his cigar.
As Shanks' closest confidant, he knew exactly what their captain's trump card was.
Otherwise, how could a Yonko act like a carefree peacemaker?
Only they knew—of all the Emperors, the one who appeared most detached…
Was the one hiding the deepest ambition.
"Captain, if this works, we'll be one step closer to our goal."
Beckman exhaled smoke and added,
"But I'm still worried. That brat might be the biggest wildcard."
"Any word from Rayleigh?"
According to Beckman's plan, Rayleigh and the other former Roger Pirates were supposed to intercept the Beasts Pirates, keeping them from interfering in the Summit War.
Even the letter sent to recall Ace had been Beckman's idea—to provoke Whitebeard's pride and push Ace into chasing Blackbeard.
Having Shanks warn Ace about Blackbeard's strength was part of the bait.
They had hoped Ace would fall, triggering the war, drawing in Kaido, and forcing Rayleigh's group to stay out of it.
But Luo Yu's appearance had changed everything.
Now even the Beasts Pirates were being dragged into the fray.
Their entire plan was unraveling.
If Rayleigh and the others ended up aiding Whitebeard…
Then their scheme might truly be stillborn.