"Special combatants on the sea?"
Kaido paused for a moment, then burst into wild, unrestrained laughter.
"Hahaha! That's just Marine Headquarters showing their hand—a flimsy excuse meant to scare people."
"Still, I'd love to see them actually find one or two of these so-called 'special combatants.' That way, I can crush them all in front of the entire world."
"Shatter their excuses and grind their pride into the dirt!"
"Only then will the people of this sea understand what it means to cross me—Kaido of the Beasts!"
CRACK!
The wine jug in Kaido's hand shattered with a loud snap.
Liquor and shards flew as Kaido's face darkened. He raised his arm and roared:
"Come, boys! We're going to flatten Marine Headquarters! Make them hand over Jack! I'll erase the Navy from this sea once and for all!"
"Long live Lord Kaido!"
"Lord Kaido is invincible!"
The harbor erupted.
Tens of thousands of pirates shouted in unison, shaking the entire inlet with their cries.
Standing on the seawall, Orochi's face stiffened.
Having a powerful shield was a good thing.
But when that shield became too powerful, it turned into a suffocating pressure.
Orochi may have been a puppet shogun, but no one wanted a sword that sharp hanging over their head.
"Orochi, what's wrong? You look a little pale," Kaido suddenly turned and said in a low voice.
"Relax. Under my protection, Wano is impenetrable."
"This time, when we attack Marine Headquarters, I'll show the world the might of the Beasts Pirates. Only when they see the brutal consequences will they learn what it means to tremble at our name!"
He turned back to Orochi, voice heavy:
"This is what we call 'shaking the mountain to scare the tiger,' right?"
Orochi's face turned ashen. He knew full well Kaido's words were aimed at him.
His expression shifted. He quickly glanced toward the massive hill behind them and forced a laugh:
"Kaido, you're absolutely right. Not just the world—even the remnants of the Akazaya Nine need to be taught a lesson."
"They've rejected your invitations time and again. And now, even with you personally reaching out, they still dare to refuse. That's just spitting in your face."
"But I believe that after this grand event, they'll finally understand the times and accept your offer—to become a powerful force under the Beasts Pirates."
Kaido glanced toward the distant figure of Ashura Doji and laughed:
"Haha! Orochi, you finally said something sensible."
"Didn't someone just say the Navy is scouring the seas for special combatants?"
"I'm honestly worried that when we meet, their so-called 'special forces' won't even measure up to the ones I've got my eye on."
"Now that would be the biggest joke of all."
"Alright, boys! It's getting late. Let's set sail and rally the forces of the New World. Let the Navy see what the strongest Yonko crew really looks like!"
"Long live Boss Kaido!"
The scene erupted again.
Dozens of pirate ships launched at Kaido's command, setting sail in unison.
Watching the massive fleet and Kaido's departing figure, Orochi's face darkened further. He quickly turned and left—completely ignoring Kozuki Hiyori.
"Boss Kyoshiro…"
Hiyori's red lips parted.
But before she could finish, Kyoshiro passed by and shook his head, cutting her off.
On a distant hill, Ashura Doji sat astride a giant boar, watching coldly with his men.
He glanced toward the direction Kaido's fleet had vanished, and where Orochi had gone. His gaze darkened.
"Boss Ashura, Kaido's declared war on Marine Headquarters and taken most of his forces with him. Wano's defenses are weaker than ever. Should we send out the call to liberate Wano?"
One of the samurai couldn't hold back.
Ever since Kozuki Oden's death, they had endured humiliation under the Beasts Pirates, waiting for a chance to open the country.
Whether it was the failed rebellion years ago, or this golden opportunity now—they believed that as long as someone took the lead, this could be the moment.
The words sparked a wave of urgency among the samurai.
In their eyes, Orochi's forces—his samurai and the Oniwabanshu—were nothing without Kaido's support.
If this wasn't the best chance to open Wano…
There might never be another.