The surviving members of the Red Hair Pirates froze in shock as Black Maria's actions unfolded before their eyes. King and the others smiled with satisfaction, their expressions calm and merciless. Without a single word exchanged, they surged forward and launched a relentless assault on the remaining Red Hair officers.
Bodies splashed into the sea with heavy crashes. Yasopp and Lucky Roux were forced overboard, plunging into the icy waters below.
Tears streamed down Beckman's face. With trembling hands, he drew the seastone pistol from his waist and fired six precise shots at Redfield. Each bullet was made of pure seastone, crafted solely to suppress the powers of Devil Fruit users. It had cost him nearly everything to obtain it, but he no longer cared about the price.
If Redfield was struck, even once, his Devil Fruit abilities would be nullified. Beckman fired not to kill him, but to buy even the slightest chance for his remaining comrades to escape.
Without hesitation, Beckman flung himself into the sea moments later.
He hit the ocean with a deep thud, the cold biting instantly into his bones as his body sank toward the seafloor.
Meanwhile, aboard the Red Hair Pirates' ship, the final officer fell. The officers of the Thunder Pirates erupted with excitement.
"Is it over?" Issho sheathed his bamboo sword and let out a long breath.
"It's over," King replied.
The ship was stained with blood. Bodies lay scattered everywhere, turning the vessel into a crimson battlefield that resembled the depths of hell.
Ayanami Kaito appeared among them, his figure calm amid the carnage.
"It's done," Bullet said with eager exhilaration. "Cap, this battle was incredible."
Kaito looked around at the charred wood, shattered planks, cracked mast, and scattered flames. "The ship is ruined… what a waste."
Peggy shrugged. "It's not our ship anyway, Kaito sama. As long as we won, nothing else matters."
Kaito exhaled lightly. "You're right. Let's return to our own ship. This vessel has served its purpose."
The crew boarded the Kunpeng. Kaito rose into the air, extended his hand, and unleashed overwhelming repulsion.
The Red Force, already broken beyond repair, collapsed instantly. Its remains were crushed and pulled deep into the sea.
Kaito landed back on the deck just as a deafening dragon roar echoed across the horizon. A moment later, Queen soared into view and descended before him.
"Kaito sama, the redhead escaped," Queen growled in frustration.
"It's expected," Kaito replied calmly. "I allowed it. If we eliminate the Red Hair Pirates now, and then join Whitebeard at Marineford, the ones who benefit the most will be the Big Mom Pirates. That doesn't sit well with me."
His eyes narrowed. "Let another crew enjoy the advantage of our work? No. With most of their officers gone, the Red Hair Pirates are already crippled."
He turned toward his men. "Once we return from Marineford, we'll begin our real assault on the Four Emperors. But the Marine and Whitebeard conflict cannot be missed."
Everyone's blood surged with excitement.
"What are we waiting for, Captain?" Bullet roared. "Let's move!"
The Kunpeng surged forward, cutting across the waves with astonishing speed, disappearing from sight in moments.
…
Kid Pirates
On their deck, Kid—usually bold and brash—was pale, trembling, and drenched in cold sweat.
"Killer… they aren't following us, right?" he asked shakily.
"No," Killer answered, though his own voice quivered. "Kaito and his crew turned toward the Grand Line. We changed course to avoid them entirely."
His body shook uncontrollably. Even he hadn't recovered from what they'd witnessed.
The Beasts Pirates, one of the mightiest forces in the New World, had been completely subdued by Kaito.
That news alone rivaled the shock of the upcoming war at Marineford. Combined with the Red Hair Pirates' devastating losses, the world was about to erupt.
"Should we spread the news?" Kid asked, his face flushed with a mix of fear and excitement.
"Captain, if you want our crew wiped out, then yes," Killer said bluntly. "But we don't know Kaito's personality. If we spread today's events and he becomes angry, we'll be the first to suffer."
Killer's reasoning brought Kid back to his senses. "You're right. I almost doomed us."
He clenched his fists. "We'll forget about challenging Kaido. Kaito already defeated him. We need a new target among the Four Emperors."
"Let's head back to the Grand Line first," Killer said. "After witnessing the Marineford battle, we can decide our next move."
Kid nodded. "Fine. Let's go."
…
A nearby island
Beckman, Lucky Roux, and Yasopp sat silently on the grass. Their eyes were bloodshot, filled with grief and rage. They had fought beside their comrades for years—laughing, arguing, drinking, joking.
Now, their friends were gone.
They couldn't even retrieve their bodies.
"Damn it… Kaito… Redfield… I'll never forgive you," Lucky Roux growled, punching the ground.
"This isn't over," Beckman said quietly.
A figure descended from the sky.
Shanks landed gently before them, smiling faintly. "I knew you'd be nearby. I'm glad you're safe."
But the smile quickly faded.
"They're gone… aren't they?" he asked softly.
Silence. None of the three could answer. Their heads lowered, tears falling freely onto the grass.
Shanks swallowed hard. "I understand."
His fists clenched until his knuckles turned white. Veins bulged along his arms as tears slid down his cheeks.
"It's my fault," he whispered. "All of it. If I hadn't suggested that plan, none of this would've happened. They wouldn't have died."
Remorse, fury, and devastation twisted across his face one after another. If he had known the cost, he never would have made that choice.
Never.
---