"No need! Wait for me to sweep the New World and destroy the Four Emperors, then we can talk. When that day comes, your Revolutionary Army will definitely join my pirate crew!" Kaito said.
Hearing his determination, Dragon leaned forward, interest flickering in his eyes. "Yes. If you truly conquer the New World and make it yours, then you can earn our allegiance."
Sabo's frustration broke through; he opened his mouth to argue. But Dragon held out a hand to stop him, his gaze fixed steadily on Kaito.
The light in Dragon's eyes shifted as if thousands of possibilities flickered within them—like a blade trying to pierce through Kaito's resolve. But Kaito remained calm, his expression unflinching, the weight of his presence as solid as a mountain.
"Then it's settled," Dragon said at last. With a silent flash, Ayanami Kaito vanished from the room.
Sabo leapt up, bewildered. "Why did Dragon-san accept his terms so quickly?"
Dragon looked up at the crescent moon hanging in the dark sky. He drew in a slow breath, his voice low but firm:
"If he can truly subjugate the New World pirates and dominate their seas, then he has the strength to challenge the World Government itself. He might become the third great power at sea, alongside us. If he succeeds, there are only two paths left for him: join our Revolutionary Army, or face the World Government alone. Which of those two is weaker? If we bet on him, we keep our options—and our freedom."
His words landed like thunder in Sabo's heart.
"Of course," Dragon added with a wry smile, patting Sabo on the shoulder. "All of this depends on one thing: that Kaito really unifies the New World. That is no small task. But for now… let us do what must be done."
The next morning, Kaito opened his eyes in a modest inn. He ate a simple breakfast, then paid his respects at a nearby shrine before preparing to depart. By dusk, he returned to the shoreline—his face falling at what he saw.
Scattered wooden planks floated in the water. Broken pirate ships drifted, their hulls cracked. The sea itself was stained red.
"I was only gone for a day," he said quietly, looking at the three crewmen waiting for him. "How many did you take down?"
"Yo, Captain's back!" Bullet called out, greeting him with a wide grin.
Kaito crossed his arms, displeased. "The sea's blood-red. This region… how many died?"
"Just a few hundred," Redfield said, tilting his head, half amused.
Kaito sighed inwardly. He had braced for disaster, perhaps imagined far worse — so "only a few hundred" felt almost … normal.
"Captain," Redfield said, stepping forward. "Was the talk with the Revolutionary Army successful?"
Kaito nodded slowly. "They made a promise. First, we wipe out all our enemies — then move on to Kaido's territory."
Agreement swept across their faces. Redfield smiled. "A battle is coming."
Kaito rubbed his chin, thoughtful. "Rest here for a day. Then we head to Wano — Kaido's domain. That's where we begin."
Three days later, Kaito stood at the bow of his pirate ship, gazing out at the open sea. He called out calmly, "Are you ready for Wano?"
Redfield opened a navigational map. "We've sailed deep into the New World. Right now, we're close to where the Big Mom Pirates' domain meets Kaido's territory. We should reach Kaido's sphere in about an hour."
He paused. "His real power is in Wano. The forces we've seen outside are just decoys — cannon fodder, or eye-catchers. Not his true strength."
Kaito shook his head. "Then once we're there, we go straight in."
Suddenly, Issho pointed. "There's a ship — and it looks wrecked."
Redfield frowned, scanning the sea. "That vessel is hardly seaworthy. How long has it been adrift?"
Kaito narrowed his eyes, his Sharingan flickering to life. Something about that boat … "It's them," he said quietly.
"Captain," Bullet said, alarmed. "You know who they are?"
Kaito nodded. "That must be Momosuke, the only surviving son of Kozuki Oden. He's just escaped Wano."
"Wait," Redfield said, brows furrowing. "Oden's family was killed by Kaido ten years ago… how is he still alive?"
Kaito's lips curved. "There's more to this story than history knows."
Before he could explain further, a call rang out from the battered ship. A familiar voice: "Is there anyone there? Can you help us board?"
Onboard stood Kin'emon, clutching Momonosuke tightly. Alongside them were Raizo and Kanjuro, their faces strained but resolute.
Several of their companions looked at Kaito's crew with desperate hope.
Bullet stepped forward, a hard smile forming. "Captain, do we kill them or take them in?"
He knew the legend of the Kozuki — what they represented to Wano's people. Despite Kaido's tyranny, many still believed in the Kozuki's return.
Redfield watched silently, torn.
Kanjuro, Raizo, and Kin'emon exchanged glances. Even in escape, they were ready to protect Momonosuke with their lives. For them, this young heir was their only hope.
Kin'emon spoke first, voice wavering: "We will not be a burden. We will go away if that is your wish."
Kaito studied Momonosuke in Kin'emon's arms. For a long moment, he said nothing. Then he turned to Bullet: "Bullet, what do you think?"
Bullet's grin turned cold. "Since he's a Kozuki descendant… then yes. Kill him. He could be the biggest obstacle to our power over Wano."
Redfield's jaw tightened. "That's ruthless. You fought beside Kozuki Oden once."
Blood settled in the silence between them. The sea breeze whispered over broken boards and battered hulls. Kaito made his decision.
He said nothing immediately—his eyes dark, calculating. Then, with deliberate calm, he addressed Kin'emon.