"Hey, are you just scratching an itch!"
Barrett sneered, suddenly gripping King's neck with his right hand, lifting him up entirely, "Even weaker than I thought, you two really aren't exciting at all!"
What has become of the sea these days?
Can someone of this level actually have a bounty of over a billion and become a top pirate in the New World?
Back when he followed Roger, at least someone on Rayleigh's level deserved such a bounty!
"Cough, cough..."
King's face turned red from being choked and he struggled desperately, slashing at the opponent's wrist with his blade repeatedly, but he couldn't even break through their Armament defense.
The gap was too big!
Barrett dismissively pursed his lips and casually tossed King towards Quinn, who was struggling to get up.
Thud!
The two of them collided, causing cracks like spider webs to appear on the thick wall.
"Woo ro ro ro ro!"
Kaido laughed heartily from his throne, taking a huge swig of wine, "How's that? You convinced now? Barrett's strength is something even I have to take seriously!"
King struggled to stand up, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes filled with shock.
He's bleeding?
He is a descendant of the Lunarian tribe, always proud of his naturally formidable defense, yet hit casually like that, just...
No doubt about it!
This guy in front is even stronger than twenty years ago, completely standing on the same level as Kaido!
"I acknowledge your strength."
King gritted his teeth, "If you want to be above me, take my second-in-command position, go ahead, but remember, Kaido is the Lord of Hundred Beasts, so give him the proper respect."
"Hmph, spare me the nonsense."
Barrett replied coldly, "I'm not interested in your kid's play. Kaido told me Shano is about to march on Wano Country, and as long as I join, I can face off against him as I wish, and that's what matters!"
Mentioning Shano's name, a vicious glint flashed in Barrett's eyes.
Last time in Impel Down, he didn't get to fight Shano.
Since coming out, he spent time fully recovering and is now at an unprecedented peak state.
He's confident in killing all the Four Emperors, becoming a Pirate King surpassing Roger in all aspects!
And Shano, now recognized as the mightiest, is the best stepping stone for him to ascend this throne!
His goal has always been just that!
To become the world's strongest man!!!
"Exactly! This is the focus!"
Kaido smirked but inwardly snorted.
What a joke?
Shano is his!
Since their last encounter on Cake Island, it's been more than half a year without a fight.
Now the opponent's reputation has grown; he really wants to see if those rumors are true, and just how much the opponent's skills have advanced!
How could it be someone else's turn?
As for Barrett.
Kaido pondered how to trick this guy into dealing with Kuzan.
That guy was formerly a Navy Grand Admiral, undoubtedly the strongest among the Endgame's top ranks. If he also invades Wano Country, King and Quinn can't handle it...
At that moment, suddenly, a piercing whistle echoed above Ghost Island!
Screech!
Ten thousand meters high in the sky, the night suddenly split open, and a meteor burning with red flames plunged down with terrifying speed!
The whole sky was bathed in red; even before it approached, the terrible wind pressure already tore open huge whirlpools on the sea around the island.
"Ha?! What the hell is that?!"
Quinn looked up in horror, his flabby body trembling as he screamed.
"...!"
King's pupils suddenly contracted, his superhuman vision seemed to see within the red meteor...
Seems like there's a silhouette?!!
Boom—!!!
In the next instant, the entire Ghost Island violently trembled, the top of Skull Castle was instantly shattered by a brutal shockwave, countless stones scattered, the whole hall blown through!
Once the smoke and dust cleared.
On the tatami floor appeared a massive crater, tens of meters in diameter.
A slender and upright figure draped in a black cloak slowly rose from the pit, revealing an extraordinarily elegant young face.
"Seems I came just in time."
Shano casually brushed off the dust on his shoulder, his gaze scanning the silent crowd in the hall, "Both major disasters are here, quite a good turnout, huh?"
He paused his gaze on Barrett, somewhat surprised, then clicked his tongue:
"Is this a new ally, Kaido? Ha, with this guy here, at least this trip won't be so dull."
In the silence.
"..."
Barrett gradually snapped out of his astonishment, gazing fiercely at Shano, his breathing suddenly heavy, a grin spreading on his lips.
Kaido really wasn't lying!
It's truly happening, even sooner than expected! No more waiting needed!
"Woo ro ro ro ro!"
Kaido burst into laughter, his voice echoing throughout the hall, he took a huge swig from his wine gourd and then tossed it aside, abruptly standing up:
"That kind of entrance was only mine before, now there's another one like you, Shano!"
He wiped the wine from his mouth, grinning a fierce smile, "Long time no see, I've really missed you, but as I said last time, the next time we meet won't be a spar but truly a life-and-death battle! Now you're here alone, trespassing on my turf, looks like you're ready for an all-out war, coming to declare war?"