The salty sea breeze, intertwined with the roar of the waves, surged unrestrainedly across the vast and boundless New World.
The Moby Dick stood majestically upon the waves, like a colossal steel beast.
Whitebeard's mountainous figure leaned back on his exclusive throne, his calloused and rough fingers clutching a newspaper whose edges were gently ruffled by the sea breeze. His unrestrained laughter made the deck hum: "Gurararara, interesting kid, he actually defeated Crocodile (Sand Crocodile)!"
"Pops, this new Shichibukai is around Ace's age, yet he was able to defeat Crocodile."
Marco, with his pineapple-shaped hair, pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses. His sharp gaze, like that of a hawk, swept over the young, resolute face on the newspaper. He continued, "With the strength he displayed, he might be able to become a reliable ally for us. Should we try to recruit him?"
Whitebeard stroked his chin, his full beard trembling slightly with the movement, and his eyes lit up with excitement: "We can try when he enters the New World."
His desire to take in "sons" was like an unextinguished flame, always burning hot and full of warmth.
"Fire Fist!"
A sudden roar exploded. Before the words even faded, a fiery fist, imbued with scorching heat, blasted towards Whitebeard like a meteor streaking across the sky. The air in its path seemed to be scorched and distorted.
Seeing this, Marco sighed and chuckled helplessly: "This guy, he still hasn't accepted his fate, has he?" His tone was full of exasperation towards Ace.
Whitebeard remained unhurried, casually raising a hand to swat it away, and immense power instantly erupted.
The giant fiery fist instantly disintegrated under this force, scattering into countless sparks in the air.
However, the aftershock, like a surging tide, swept the unprepared Ace away like a kite with a broken string, sending him tumbling straight into the churning sea.
Several subordinates, seeing this, hastily piloted a small boat and clumsily pulled the soaking wet, disheveled Fire Fist Ace out of the water.
At the same time, in the fantastical yet perilous Totto Land, a rich, sweet aroma permeated the Sweet City.
Yonko Big Mom was greedily stuffing various cakes into her mouth, cream clinging to the corners of her lips, completely unconcerned with her appearance.
Listening to her subordinate's report, she suddenly let out a demonic laugh: "Mama—mama! He's just a kid!"
Her words were full of disdain, clearly, in the eyes of this powerful Yonko, the new Shichibukai Yun Lie was nothing more than an insignificant junior.
On Onigashima in Wano Country, under a gloomy sky, Yonko Kaido sat sprawled on the ground, reeking of alcohol.
Upon learning that Yun Lie was not a Zoan Devil Fruit user, he clicked his tongue in disinterest, muttering "boring," and continued to guzzle from a giant sake jug, as if the news was just an insignificant gust of wind, forgotten in an instant.
Meanwhile, on an inconspicuous island in the New World, lush coconut trees swayed in the wind, and the Red Hair Pirates' camp was filled with a relaxed atmosphere.
A crew member suddenly ran over, panting, his steps hurried, and his face full of anxiety: "Captain Shanks, quick, look at the latest newspaper!"
The Red Hair youth put down his bottle of sake, his amber eyes narrowing slightly, and raised an eyebrow, asking, "What big news is it?"
His lazy yet dignified posture fully displayed his laid-back Captain demeanor.
"That guy we've been watching left Alabasta and even became a Marine lackey—a Shichibukai!"
The crew member quickly unfolded the newspaper, his finger heavily poking below the headline, his voice filled with undisguised shock and anger.
The camp instantly fell silent, the previously lively atmosphere replaced by solemnity.
Shanks stared at the text and photo in the newspaper, his face as dark as the sky before a storm.
Buggy the Clown's painful expression at the time of his death kept flashing in his mind, but his reason reminded him that the Shichibukai were backed by the vast Marine forces. Acting rashly could very likely trigger turmoil in the sea, and even implicate countless innocents…
"Captain, we are free pirates! Just follow your heart!"
First Mate Benn Beckman stepped forward with a firm gaze, his words full of power, "Don't let those things tie your hands!"
"That's right, Captain! Your decision is our direction!"
The crew members gathered around, waving their arms and shouting in response.
Each shout was a testament to their trust in their Captain and their loyalty to their friendship.
Shanks' heart warmed, and his hesitation vanished. He suddenly drew his sword, the tip pointing directly at the turbulent sea, the sunlight scattering off the blade, reflecting a dazzling light: "Set sail! Avenge Buggy!"
The biting sea breeze swept across the blade, letting out a whistling sound, as if responding to his determination.
No matter what reason the other party has, I will not spare anyone who harms my friend!
On the other side, on the Infinite Space, the deck was slightly warm from the sun.
Yun Lie lay lazily on a lounge chair, muttering to himself as he looked at the sky: "Paper Art is mastered, but why is Observation Haki still just a little bit off…"
After leaving Alabasta, he devoted himself to Haki training, studying day and night without rest.
Although Observation Haki had not yet been mastered, he unexpectedly managed to master Paper Art, one of the Naval Six Styles.
He also unreservedly taught his companions the Marine "Three Styles," but unfortunately, time was too short, and only Mikita could cleverly use Moonwalk with the help of her Light-Light Fruit ability.
"Yun Lie! Pirates are coming again!" From the crow's nest, Mikita's voice suddenly rang out, sharp with a hint of tension.
These days, pirates constantly attempted to make a name for themselves by stepping on the "new Shichibukai." This was already the umpteenth wave.
"Which pirate crew?" Yun Lie stood up, his movements graceful and calm, and asked as he leaned against the bow.
Robin sat elegantly under a parasol, sipping afternoon tea, while dozens of hands conjured from her Flower-Flower Fruit, like nimble sprites, rapidly flipped through stacks of bounty posters: "The Iron Hammer Pirates, with a total bounty of thirty-three million beli. Captain, will you personally handle them?"
Those hands were truly marvelous, not only capable of finding information but also performing various delicate tasks.
Yun Lie looked at those flexible hands, a hint of envy flashing in his eyes as he said, "This ability is truly convenient. I wish I had such a useful ability."
"Boom!"
Deafening cannon fire shattered the calm. Dozens of cannonballs rained down towards the Infinite Space, tracing dangerous arcs in the air.