Even when the Rocks Pirates initially disbanded.
He heard that Whitebeard formed his own Pirate Gang and eagerly went over, wanting to take on the role of First Division Captain.
However, as he grew older, the dreams, beliefs, and styles of the two drifted apart, causing them to gradually part ways.
"Yes, yes, I know, Brother Kaido…"
Quinn muttered.
When Kaido turned his head, he secretly took out a mirror and checked himself carefully from side to side.
Thankfully, and luckily.
The swollen area wasn't at the front, not affecting the handsome look of his face.
The annual festival is very important; hosting this position must be undertaken by high-ranking cadres. But within the Hundred Beasts Pirates, there's no one else besides talented him who can fulfill it.
"Let's continue discussing the proper business, brother."
King glanced at Quinn and rubbed his brow with some headache, "After Endgame swallowed up the Whitebeard Pirates, their power has inflated to unimaginable levels. While they're busy these few days integrating forces and unable to consolidate their troops, we should start looking for external assistance."
He looked up at Kaido:
"Should we consider… teaming up with the Red Hair Pirates?"
"Ha?"
Kaido frowned, "With that red-haired brat?"
"Exactly, that guy Red Hair has always wanted to maintain his so-called balance, clearly discontent with Endgame's rise for a long time."
King squinted his eyes and said:
"Do you recall, half a year ago, during the war in Ten Thousand Nations, Red Hair even went specifically to try and block Shano, and now that the Four Emperors' balance is completely broken, the one most anxious should be that guy."
After listening to King's proposal, Kaido said nothing, took a deep swig from his wine gourd, then heavily smashed it to the ground, creating a dull thud.
King sighed.
Having followed him for many years, he knew Kaido too well. Seeing this reaction, he knew this suggestion was definitely not going anywhere.
Indeed.
"What a joke!"
Kaido yelled angrily, "I am Hundred Beasts Kaido! When have I ever needed to team up with that wet-behind-the-ears brat Red Hair!"
"That red-haired brat, when he was still a trainee on Roger's ship, I was already a top-level pirate! Now, to deal with another brat, you want me to ask him to team up? Hmph!"
If only Lingling were still around.
Teaming up with Lingling wouldn't trouble him, and if Whitebeard was willing to side with him, it would be even better.
But that Red Hair…
Absolutely not!
Imagining that scenario was just plain irritating!
"…"
King waited silently, and only when Kaido had vented his emotions did he speak again:
"So what do you propose, brother? Previously, following your orders, we've been fully preparing for war these past months. In terms of equipment quantity and total troop numbers, we have the strength to fight, but the gap in top-tier combat power is hard to fill…"
After all, Endgame.
Now, has a total of seven top commanders…
"Wororororo, who says there's no way to fill it?"
Kaido grinned fiercely, "Forget that a few days ago, I went out to sea specifically to find Whitebeard? Although that guy deliberately avoided meeting me, during that trip, I managed to recruit quite an incredible one!"
An incredible one?
King and Quinn were both stunned, looking at each other in bewilderment.
For the moment, neither could figure out who on this vast ocean would warrant such praise from Brother Kaido.
"Wororororo, Curiosity peaked?"
Kaido laughed more heartily, "Since Hanafuda left, the Drought's position has been vacant, hasn't it? Just right, in this situation, let's hand that role to him, and let him appear, meet you two calamities!"
Boom!
As Kaido finished speaking, the castle gate was violently smashed apart by a forceful power.
Wood chips flew as an extremely tall figure strode into the hall.
The ground quaked, and shadows covered.
That was a man with extremely strong muscles, slicked-back golden hair, dressed in a black military uniform, his hulking body almost pushing the door frame to its limits.
His cold gaze swept over, almost freezing the air.
This sense of oppression.
"You are…"
King recognized the newcomer, his pupils constricted abruptly, "Douglas Barrett!"
Twenty years ago, renowned for his strength as the strongest newcomer on Roger's ship! After leaving, he fought everyone alone, almost never encountering a rival!
Even the Navy Headquarters had to deploy both Sengoku and Garp, launching a high-caliber Buster Call to capture him, imprisoning him in Impel Down Lv6!
Throughout the past century, even counting all the extremely evil captured criminals, this guy would still rank among the top few!
"Worororo!"
Kaido laughed with open arms, "How about it, you two, shocked, right? This man broke out of jail when the Navy Headquarters emptied themselves. Not many know this news!"
"Moreover, before this, this guy trained for twenty years in the Undersea Prison, his strength not only hasn't diminished, but is even stronger than back then. Even I spent a great deal of effort to tame him!!!"
"Watch your words, Kaido."
Barrett frowned with displeasure, coldly snorted, "If you keep using the word 'tame', don't blame me for turning against you. Our battle didn't yield a victor, and I'm not interested in being your subordinate; it's just that your offer happened to catch my interest."
While speaking, Barrett strode into the hall's center, his army boots creating a muffled sound on the ground.
His indifferent eyes glided over King and Quinn, scrutinizing them.
Catching sight of the flames on King's back, his eyebrows raised with interest;
But facing Quinn's bulk, he sneered, his mouth curving into a contemptuous smirk.
"A Lunaria Race orphan and a dull-looking fatty, are these two wastes the so-called calamities you mention?"
He casually plopped down on a chair, crossing his leg, "If I remember right, didn't you say you wanted me to take the Drought's position? You're putting me on par with such low-level guys? Hey, hey, hey, I'm changing my mind; for now, just give me the Deputy Captain role!"
"Ha??"
Quinn erupted in rage, tore away his cigar, "Watch your mouth, brat! Underestimating Quinn can come with a cost!"
"Indeed, don't be too arrogant."
A flash of anger appeared in King's eyes.
Though he heard of Barrett's arrogance long ago, seeing such disdain, even disrespect towards Brother Kaido on display, it thoroughly incensed him.
"What, feeling discontent?"
Barrett sneered, arms crossed, not bothering to stand.
He tilted his head, glancing disdainfully at the two: "Then come at me together, let me see just how significant these so-called calamities truly are."
"You asked for it!"
Quinn roared furiously, his large body charging at Barrett with astonishing speed.
Accompanied by the sound of clattering machinery, his right hand suddenly transformed into a massive mechanical arm, smashing down fiercely!
"Feng Lai Punch!"
Meanwhile, King also unsheathed his sword, flames entwining the blade as he sliced from another angle toward Barrett!
"Fire Dragon Emperor!"
Facing the dual assault from the two calamities, Barrett didn't even blink.
He suddenly expanded and deformed his right hand, instantly enveloped in pitch-black Armament Haki, sweeping out like an iron claw!
Bang!
Quinn's mechanical arm was distorted and mangled by the strike, sending him flying back, crashing heavily against the wall, spitting a mouthful of blood.
As for King's slash, Barrett just grinned cruelly, allowing it to strike at his head.
Amidst flying sparks, King was shocked to find his blade was actually caught by the opponent's skin, just like that!