Above Onigashima in the New World, lightning crackled through the skies, illuminating the giant skull-shaped fortress and giving the entire island an eerie, terrifying aura.
Inside, Kaido sat drinking sake from his gourd. After hearing the latest report read aloud by one of his men, his lips curled into a disdainful sneer.
"Hahaha! Zero Division Captain? He only killed a newly appointed Warlord of the Sea and now they're praising him to the heavens? Those fools at the News Agency will say anything to sell papers!"
He took another swig of sake, then slammed the gourd onto the floor with a thunderous crack. "If he got the guts, He should come to Onigashima and try! He's still far too weak, brat!"
The pirates around him froze in fear. None dared move a muscle. Their Kaido-sama often went on drunken rampages several times a day, each one terrifying enough to leave even his own subordinates trembling. If they weren't careful, they might be struck down by his kanabo without warning.
Meanwhile, on Whole Cake Island, Big Mom received the same news. She halted mid-bite, her enormous jaw still chewing before slowly stopping.
"Hmm? This little brat, is he really as strong as the papers say?" she muttered with suspicion.
Perospero, wearing his usual colorful top hat, stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Reporting, Mama. I've already spoken with Morgans. The report is accurate. This brat is at least on the level of a Yonko First Mate."
"Mamamama! Interesting! So strong and he looks to be in his twenties !" Big Mom laughed heartily, her mountain of flesh jiggling with every sound.
Her greedy eyes gleamed. "Perospero, you say this brat is so strong… could it be because he's of a new race? Bring him to Totto Land. Our land could always use more races!"
Sweat trickled down Perospero's forehead. To capture someone of that strength… who could possibly succeed? But refusing Big Mom's order wasn't an option.
"Yes, Mama. I'll see to it immediately," he replied with forced calm, bowing before retreating quickly.
Far across the seas, a black flag marked with a one-eyed skull fluttered in the wind. It was the ship of the Red Hair Pirates.
Early that morning, Shanks had been roused by Beckman. Stretching and yawning, Shanks grumbled, "Oi, Beckman, can't you let a man sleep? I drank until dawn yesterday. Why are you waking me now?"
Beckman didn't answer at first. He took a drag from his cigarette, exhaled, and smoke curled lazily into the air. His expression was serious.
"Shanks, you'll want to see this. It's about Blackbeard."
At the mention of that name, Shanks' easygoing smile vanished. He snatched the newspaper and scanned the headlines. His eyes narrowed.
"What?! Blackbeard… is dead?" His voice was sharp with disbelief.
Others might not fully grasp the danger of Marshall D. Teach, but Shanks knew. That man was cunning, ambitious, and monstrous. Even Shanks himself still bore scars from their past encounter.
He had warned Whitebeard long ago to stop Ace from pursuing Blackbeard. Whitebeard hadn't listened, and that stubbornness had led to Ace's capture.
But now… this guy had annihilated the entire Blackbeard Pirates alone.
Beckman tapped ash from his cigarette, his gaze drifting out toward the endless horizon. "This sea is changing fast, Captain. More interesting by the day."
Shanks folded the paper, a rare intensity flashing in his eyes. A surge of Conqueror's Haki rippled out, shaking the very ship.
"I want to meet this Zero Division Captain. If he really killed Teach… a new era is beginning, Beckman. Let's make sure we're not left behind. Hahaha!"
Unaware of the chaos his actions had caused, Ashveil was two hours into chasing down a Marine warship. By the time he caught up, his tiny boat was on the verge of falling apart.
He scratched his head sheepishly, staring at the ruined vessel. His stomach growled.
"Guess I used too much strength again…"
Spotting the warship ahead, Ashveil activated his Conqueror's Haki. With a burst of force, his body was launched through the air, landing effortlessly aboard. Guided by his Search Fruit, he quickly located the mess hall.
It wasn't mealtime yet, but the kitchen was already filled with steaming dishes: braised prawns, roasted chicken, duck legs, rich seafood, even foie gras and sushi.
"Marine Headquarters sure is living large! If this is what the regular soldiers eat, I could stay forever," Ashveil grinned, rubbing his hands before digging in.
He ate, devouring everything in sight. "Holy—this prawn is incredible! I should kidnap the chef and have him cook for me every day. And this duck leg… they definitely used a special spice!"
By the time he was full, noon had arrived. Marines came flooding into the mess hall, sweaty from training, and began devouring their own meals without even sparing him a glance.
Ashveil blinked in confusion. He had expected them to recognize him as a pirate and attack immediately. Instead, one veteran soldier barked at him, mistaking him for a recruit.
"Hey! New guy! You just joined Headquarters yesterday, right? Wear your uniform properly or you'll be punished by the officers!"
Suppressing a laugh, Ashveil nodded. "Got it. I'll change right away."
He slipped out quietly, activating his Search Fruit again to find an empty dormitory. Choosing a single room, he collapsed onto the bed with a sigh.
"Not bad. Window faces the sun."
Pulling the covers over himself, he dozed off without a care. His passive defense ability ensured that nothing could harm him, even in his sleep.
Until…
Buru buru buru…
The Den Den Mushi rang. Groaning, Ashveil fumbled for it.
"What kind of idiot ruins my nap…" he muttered irritably.
As soon as he answered, loud cheers blasted through.
"Ashveil! You're amazing! You actually wiped out Blackbeard's crew!" Marco's voice rang with excitement.
"Yeah, seeing that bastard in the papers, beaten so badly—it felt great!" Diamond Jozu added.
"As expected of the Zero Division Captain! I thank you on Ace and Thatch's behalf!" Vista shouted with admiration.
Suddenly, Whitebeard's booming laugh cut through their chatter.
"Gurararara! Quiet down, you brats! Let me speak to him. Oi, little Ashveil, you're on your way back? We'll hold a feast in your honor!"
The Whitebeard Pirates had received the same papers. Seeing the headline of Blackbeard's annihilation had sent them into a frenzy of joy.
Ashveil chuckled. "Not back yet, Pops. The Marine's food is just too good. I'm freeloading on one of their warships right now."
There was a stunned silence on the other end.
"What?! You just killed Blackbeard and now you're messing with the Marines?!"
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