Along the bustling streets, pirates with bounties over 100 million Berries wandered freely, mingling and showing off. To put it simply, over 100 million Berries in value walked everywhere, ten million Berries were mere commoners, and more than 500 million Berries were true masters.
Kaito and Issho strolled through the lively market, sampling local delicacies as they walked.
"Oh? I didn't expect him to be here too!" Kaito said, chewing on takoyaki as he sensed a familiar presence nearby, a small smile forming on his lips.
"Captain! Who is it?" Issho asked excitedly, his eyes sparkling.
"Another member of the crew — Red Earl Redfield. Let's go meet him; he's probably waiting for us!" Kaito replied, tugging Issho's arm as they made their way toward a barbecue stall.
Kaito clapped Redfield on the shoulder. "Why wait any longer? Join us!"
The three of them sat together, and Redfield put down his drink, smiling warmly. "Is this the new crew member?"
"I'm Issho. I'll be taking care of things from now on," Issho said gently, raising his glass.
"Glad to meet you!" Redfield replied, clinking glasses before they all drank together.
With the ice broken, the conversation flowed easily, laughter echoing across the street.
"What's the captain planning to do? Intervene?" Redfield asked.
"No need to rush. If someone dares to cause a scene, they'll quickly learn the consequences," Kaito said, smirking.
"When did you arrive?"
"Yesterday," Redfield replied.
"Have you found lodging?" Kaito asked.
"No, too crowded. Many hotels are full, so I just found a spot on a rooftop," Redfield said, gesturing to the surrounding pirates.
"Those with ships stay on their ships; those without, like you, improvise," Kaito said, nodding.
"Then we'll spend the next few days on the boat," he decided.
"Alright! But captain, after this battle, our crew will draw attention from the major pirate groups. Have you thought of a name for our pirate crew?" Redfield asked.
Kaito's gaze deepened, a smile playing at his lips. "Purple-Eyed Thunder Pirates."
".....nah, that's too corny, let's just use Thunder Pirates"
"Purple eyes… that's one of your ability! But Thunder?… does that mean you have a Thunder Devil Fruit too?" Redfield's eyes widened in shock.
"Correct," Kaito admitted with a calm nod.
"Two abilities… no, I remember when the captain fought Kaido, that's three abilities! Incredible!" Redfield said, envy and awe mixed in his expression.
It was known that one could only consume a single Devil Fruit, and eating more would be fatal. Kaito's existence defied that limit.
"That's exactly why you're the captain!" Redfield said, smiling broadly.
After their discussion, Kaito and Redfield returned to the dock where their merchant ship was moored, before separating to explore the island. Kaito saw familiar faces — Kid, Capone Bege, Drake — nearly all the Supernovas had arrived, except Luffy.
Meanwhile, in a dark room, Bullet sat before multiple surveillance screens, his eyes narrowing.
"Sure enough! The captain have arrived. That person beside him must be the new crew member."
"But from the looks of it, they have no intention of stopping me. Fine, I'll go all out!"
A smile curved Bullet's lips as he picked up a glass and drank, observing silently.
Time passed quickly, and the day of the World Expo arrived. Early in the morning, Kaito, Redfield, and Issho paid respects at the Temple of the Five Organs, before finding seats to watch the rare Pirate Expo with great interest.
By 8:00 a.m., the sun shone brightly, and the announcers Donna Modirat and Annie, the Phantom Fruit user, appeared in the arena, signaling the start of the world-renowned event.
At Modirat's signal, a fleet of impatient pirate ships sailed toward the competition site. Each captain sought the Eternal Pointer, a legendary treasure once owned by Pirate King Roger.
Kaito's eyes flicked to the waters. Luffy.
The competitors below resembled clowns under the spectators' gaze, providing entertainment more than competition. Kaito watched with mild interest, seated comfortably, indifferent to the chaos.
A sudden ripple in the water transformed into a massive vortex.
Boom! The water column shot skyward, forming the path to the ultimate goal — Treasure Island.
Modilat explained the new formation clearly as the ships charged toward the vortex, competing fiercely.
Treasure Island rose ahead, lush with vegetation and natural fragrance, but devoid of life. Dense treasures lined steep slopes, and beside a particularly radiant jewel box rested the Eternal Pointer of La Rudev.
Boom! The arrival of pirate ships shattered the island's tranquility. Tyrannical strength, not finesse, determined who would claim the spoils.
As the chaos unfolded, Kaito reclined calmly, unmoved by the pandemonium. Redfield mirrored his composure, seasoned veterans unbothered by ordinary skirmishes. The battles above seemed trivial compared to the aftermath of Kaito's confrontation with Kaido.
Even as the crowd cheered, the three remained detached, watching with measured interest.
At that moment, Modilaka's roar drew Kaito's attention to Kaido's screen.
"Yes! The Four Emperors' crews! They've arrived!"