In the Grand Line, Calm Belt, on a secluded island, Straw Hat Luffy trained his Haki under the watchful eye of Silvers Rayleigh.
After the Marineford War, Ace had sent Luffy to the Sabaody Archipelago. Luffy had originally planned to wait for his crew there, but after a conversation with Rayleigh, he decided to delay reuniting with his companions. Instead, he would train with Rayleigh for two years before venturing into the New World.
At that moment, the Kuja Pirates had arrived on the island. Empress Boa Hancock hurried over, her cheeks flushed, and said bashfully, "Luffy, this concubine has come to see you."
Luffy grinned, flashing his trademark wide smile. "Oh, long time no see, Hancock."
"Yes…" Hancock's face burned even more. She cupped her cheeks with both hands, hiding behind her sister, her mind lost in vivid wedding fantasies.
Next to her, Nyonba gave a wry look. "Honestly, she keeps talking about getting married, but she still doesn't have the courage to look at Luffy."
She turned to Rayleigh, handing him the day's newspaper. "Rayleigh, something big has happened outside. Look at today's news…"
Rayleigh took the paper, his eyes widening. "Three Emperors Alliance… I didn't expect something like this in the New World."
"Three Emperors Alliance?" Luffy stepped closer, curiosity piqued.
As he scanned the paper, his eyes landed on Marco, Kaido, and Big Mom. "Isn't that the Pineapple Head from Whitebeard's ship?"
Rayleigh nodded, slightly surprised. "Yes. After Whitebeard's death, Marco took command of the Whitebeard Pirates, becoming their new captain. He defeated Big Mom, securing his place as a newly ascended Four Emperor."
Luffy's jaw dropped. "Wow! This guy's amazing! I knew he was strong back when we saved Ace, but I didn't think he'd be this powerful."
Rayleigh's gaze, however, was serious. The formation of the Three Emperors Alliance blocked the path for all other pirates. Even if Luffy completed his training in two years and sailed into the New World with his crew, facing such a lineup would leave the Straw Hats with almost no chance of success.
"The Marines won't just sit back while this happens," Rayleigh said gravely.
Hancock, recovering from her shyness, spoke seriously. "Don't worry! If the Marines act, I'll make sure you're informed immediately."
Luffy grinned, teeth shining. "Mm, thanks, Hancock."
---
Meanwhile, in Wano Country, Onigashima.
The next day, the captains and executives of the three pirate crews gathered in a triangular conference room. Three pirate flags hung behind the table, representing the alliance.
Kaido's grin widened. "worororo, Marco, Linlin, did you enjoy yesterday's banquet?"
"Mama, mama, mama! It was fine!" Big Mom replied, eyeing the table. "I didn't expect you to think this far ahead, Kaido! I thought you'd just throw any table together."
Kaido laughed heartily. "worororo, naturally! We're equals here; I wouldn't do something boring."
At that moment, Ace suddenly stood and shouted, "Hey, Kaido, what did you do to Yamato?"
Yamato, following behind Kaido, had her head wrapped in bandages, with minor injuries on her face. Her wrists were shackled and connected to an iron chain held in Kaido's hand, making her appear more like property than a person.
The Phoenix Pirates' expressions darkened. Yesterday, they had shared drinks with Yamato. Though not close to her, seeing her treated this way angered them.
Yamato, however, remained cheerful. "Oh, Ace, I'm fine! Don't worry about me."
Kaido snorted coldly. "This old man is just keeping her from running around."
Ace clenched his fists. "Kaido, Yamato isn't your pet! How can you treat her like this?"
Kaido's glare sharpened. "Fire Fist, since you know Yamato is my daughter, you should understand—this is family business. Outsiders like you have no right to interfere."
Ace faltered, but Yamato shouted indignantly, "I'm not a girl! I'm a man! Stop treating me like one all the time!"
Kaido scowled, muttering unhappily, "I've told you not to say that all the time."
Big Mom chuckled. "Mama, mama, mama! Most of you Phoenix Pirates don't have children, so naturally, you don't understand how difficult it is to handle rebellious ones. I completely understand, Kaido."
Kaido's expression remained serious. Big Mom continued, "But honestly, your discipline still isn't enough. Among all my children, none are more rebellious than Yamato. Want this old lady to help?"
"Hmph, no need," Kaido refused immediately.
Big Mom feigned disappointment. "Mama, mama, mama! Such a shame!"
Marco observed silently, staying out of the parental debate.
Kaido turned to Marco and Big Mom with a serious look. "Alright, let's move to business. First, now that our alliance exists, we need a new flag—a symbol for the Beasts, Phoenix, and Big Mom Pirates."
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