Yamato's voice echoed through the hall, leaving the pirates bewildered.
After a few seconds of dead silence, murmurs broke out like a wave.
"Kaido-sama... stepped down? That doesn't make sense."
"Weren't they fighting upstairs earlier?"
"Yeah, it was intense. We got knocked out by Conqueror's Haki shocks."
"You passed out because you were too close. We downstairs saw something terrifying..."
"I saw it too... Kaido-sama might've actually been killed..."
"Shhh! That's bullshit! Don't spread rumors or you'll get sent to Black Maria! Then it's bondage, torture, and being drained dry by her and her girls!"
"Who cares about that? Look behind Princess Yamato—Lady Maria is standing so straight, eyes so clear. She's practically acting like a bodyguard."
"She's probably already tamed by the new King."
...
The ordinary pirates chattered nervously.
Though a few opposed Yamato taking over, they were the minority.
Their Gifter captains all unanimously supported Yamato's ascension. (Thanks to Tama).
Anyone with half a brain could see the writing on the wall.
The smarter ones pieced together the likeliest scenario from Kaido's downfall.
'Someone must've defeated Kaido-sama and installed Princess Yamato.'
'Our real leader is someone else... Who could it be?'
'Whatever the case, we have no choice but to submit.'
...
The next morning.
Ray sat under a large tree, basking in the sunrise and reviewing his gains from the two battles.
The only notable reward was a system notification: [Brook's Exclusive Item: Devil fruit Development Manual].
This meant Luffy's had successfully recruited Brook.
They must've defeated Moria by now and were currently heading to the Sabaody Archipelago.
Fusion Progress Check:
After defeating Big Mom: 71% → 75%.
Before facing Kaido (training): 76%.
After defeating Kaido: 79%.
Thus, the next breakthrough would likely come from the next major event.
Based on the timeline, that would be Sabaody Archipelago.
'Kizaru huh?' Ray pondered.
The story had already diverged from the original.
Ray didn't think Admiral Kizaru alone posed enough of a threat to trigger a breakthrough.
Ray's strength was now at the peak of Emperor level.
The original Sabaody incident would be too trivial for him now.
So, things were bound to be different.
A quick deduction...
If he encountered the same situation as Luffy's crew back then—specifically, the Celestial Dragons—Ray wouldn't react like Luffy.
If a Celestial Dragon dared to order him around or shoot at him...
They would die.
And knowing Ray, none of those Celestial Dragons would leave the island alive.
That would likely draw more than just one Admiral.
It might bring the full wrath of the Marines!
'Would I back down just to ensure the Summit War goes smoothly?'
'What a joke.'
If those Celestial Dragons dared to cross him... he wouldn't tolerate it.
Such an option as "enduring it" didn't exist for Ray.
Thus, Sabaody would be anything but simple.
'I should prepare sooner.'
With that thought, Ray stood up, ready to share his plans with Yamato, Chouchou, Cavendish, Tama, and the others.
TAP. TAP.
Just then, a powerful presence appeared behind him.
"Ray-dono... I have a question for you."
The voice was slightly hoarse.
From the sound of footsteps and the tap of a cane, the man wore wooden sandals.
Without turning around, Ray already knew who it was.
Issho.
Currently just a wandering gambler called Issho—but in the future, he would be Admiral Fujitora.
When Ray didn't respond, Issho wasn't surprised.
He'd been monitoring the events surrounding the Straw Hat Pirates for a while and had studied Ray extensively through news and rumors.
Months ago, Issho had asked others to read him news about Ray.
He knew Ray was an aloof, cold man.
So he simply posed his question.
"Ray-dono... I am Issho, a blind man who takes great interest in the world's affairs."
"I happened to be wandering Wano when you defeated Kaido."
"So I ask: What is your purpose in taking over the Beast Pirates?"
Ray glanced back at Issho but said nothing.
He actually had some respect for Issho.
In the entire Marine system, if anyone embodied true justice, it was Fujitora.
His future actions also aligned with some of Ray's ideals.
If the system is unjust, tear it down. If the world is unfair, rebuild it.
A man willing to put his life on the line for his concept of justice.
Ray was cold, but he could appreciate such conviction.
Still, appreciation didn't oblige him to answer.
What he did was none of Issho's business.
Without another word, Ray turned and walked toward Onigashima.
Issho didn't press further.
He'd truly come to Wano just to observe.
He'd visited many World Government-affiliated nations.
He'd also toured territories ruled by the Emperors.
Some allied nations, under decent rulers, fared okay.
But over half of these "legitimate" countries were hellholes for their people.
Some Emperor territories, like Whitebeard's or Shanks', were even better to live in than those legal nations.
But Big Mom's and Kaido's domains were literal nightmares.
Issho traveled to test his theory: 'What was the right path for this world?'
Coincidentally, he'd been in Wano during Ray's fight with Kaido.
With the old Emperor fallen and a new one rising, where would Wano go now?
If Ray wouldn't talk, Issho would see for himself.
"I suppose... I'm just a gambling observer."
Hearing this, Ray paused.
He spoke without turning his head. "Gambling relies on fate."
"But is fate truly unchangeable?"
WHOOSH!
With that, he took off into the sky, leaving Issho to ponder his words.
After half an hour, Issho smiled slightly and turned his cane toward Wano's Flower Capital.
"Who is this world's 'fate,' then?"
"The Celestial Dragons? Heh... What a joke."
...
While Issho contemplated the world's fate, Ray had long since reached Onigashima's summit.
He ordered Chouchou to relay his commands to Yamato, Cavendish, Tama, and the others.
"Master and I are returning to the Grand Line first."
"You all stay here and secure the Beasts Pirates' forces."
"Keep a close eye on the Marines' execution notice for Ace."
"Make sure to bring the army and reach Marineford before the war starts."