"Don't blame yourself, Captain," Beckman said hoarsely, lifting his head. "We have long anticipated this day, though never imagined it would come so soon."
Shanks' eyes widened at the sight of Beckman's expression, the weight of self-blame etched into his face. "Beckman, your face… what happened?"
"It's nothing. Time leaves its marks. As long as no one dies, it's acceptable," Beckman replied with a detached smile.
Shanks' jaw tightened. "What do we do now?"
Beckman's gaze sharpened, analyzing the situation. "First, gather the bodies of our fallen comrades. We cannot leave them in the sea."
Yasopp's voice trembled slightly. "Deputy Captain, do you think the Thunder Pirates are still waiting for us?"
"No," Beckman said calmly, a glimmer in his eyes. "From start to finish, they let us fight freely. I saw it myself—Kaito didn't strike once."
Yasopp and Lucky Roux exchanged a glance, recalling the battle. Beckman's words rang true. From beginning to end, Kaito had observed but never interfered. The reason remained unclear, but the evidence was undeniable.
Shanks frowned. "Then… why didn't Kaito act?"
Beckman's eyes hardened. "Because if he had, our Red Hair Pirates would have been annihilated. The New World would have then fallen entirely under Big Mom's control."
Shanks' eyes widened. "He… used us to contain Big Mom?"
Beckman nodded. "Exactly. If we had been wiped out, the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines might never have returned from their campaigns. Once the Top Battle concludes, the New World would descend into chaos. That is not Kaito's aim."
He continued solemnly, "One purpose is to restrain Big Mom, and the other is to advance quietly, seizing opportunities like a predator without stirring chaos. After the Whitebeard conflict, Kaito will reveal his power to the world. A Kaito-led faction may soon rise in the New World."
Yasopp and Lucky Roux swallowed hard. Beckman's analysis left no room for doubt. Kaito's strength could rival and even surpass the Red Hair Pirates, potentially threatening the other Four Emperors. The implications were terrifying.
Shanks' expression darkened. "Beckman… what can we do? Just watch as he sweeps across the New World?"
"Alliance," Beckman said firmly. "That is the only way we survive. If Kaito defeats opponents one by one, the entire New World becomes his."
Shanks stiffened. "Even… overthrow the World Government?"
Beckman's words hung heavy in the room. Shanks clenched his fists, disbelief and fear mixing with rage. The World Government had ruled for over 800 years, a symbol of order. Could Kaito really challenge it?
"Yes," Beckman continued, eyes sharp beneath the smoke curling from his cigarette. "With the Revolutionary Army hidden in the shadows, Kaito could act against the World Government once the New World bows to his rule."
Shanks' eyes widened. "Impossible… he can't…"
Beckman's voice strengthened. "Whitebeard has already moved to Marineford. Even if he survives, the devastation will rival ours. With his pride, Whitebeard would never ally with us, nor would Big Mom. All we can do is watch Kaito make his moves."
The room fell silent. Shanks and the others understood—Beckman's insights were rarely wrong. Cooperation with the Marines seemed impossible, and any attempt would permanently damage their reputation.
Shanks gritted his teeth. "Then we work with the Marines."
Beckman raised an eyebrow. "Are you certain? That decision carries weighty consequences."
"I'm certain," Shanks replied with unwavering resolve. "We cannot allow the New World to fall into Kaito's hands."
Beckman nodded slowly. "Very well. Everything I said earlier remains speculation. But your resolve is clear."
He shifted the conversation. "For now, the priority is to recover the bodies of our comrades."
"Understood," Shanks said, nodding. He leapt into the air, heading toward the distant battlefield, determination in every motion.
---
Kunpeng
The massive pirate ship teemed with celebration. Banquets, music, and laughter filled the air as Kaito hosted a grand feast for his crew.
Issho approached him with curiosity. "Captain, why didn't you finish off the Red Hair Pirates as you did with Kaido?"
Kaito smiled faintly. "Red Hair is different from Kaido. Their crew is more like a traveling guild than a true pirate army. They follow a code, punishing evil when necessary, but freedom and happiness drive them above all else. Even if Shanks were killed, the rest wouldn't surrender."
im nodded thoughtfully. "I understand now."
---
Naval Headquarters
Under a starlit night, the Marine stronghold was quiet. Generals led by Sengoku gathered in the first-floor war room, strategizing for the conflict against Whitebeard's forces.
A communication device buzzed suddenly.
Sengoku frowned, raising his palms to quiet the room. "Who is it? Speak."
A familiar voice echoed through the device. "Marshal Sengoku, it's… Red-Haired Shanks."
_____
Send support on patreon
Arigato.... ෆ╹ .̮ ╹ෆ
Patreon.com/Zphyr