"Hahahaha..."
Elsewhere, unlike Kaido's rage...
In Dressrosa, laughter echoed from the balcony of Doflamingo's castle.
Doflamingo lounged in a rocking chair, legs crossed, slapping his forehead as he read the news, "That guy finally died."
"Doffy, it is good news, but isn't it a problem who killed him?"
A family officer reminded him.
Doflamingo's smile faded. Clearly, after the initial glee, he realized the seriousness.
Kaido was his biggest buyer. He knew Kaido's temper. The Navy openly killing Gusion—how could Kaido not retaliate?
If war broke out, Kaido couldn't defeat the World Government. Doflamingo would lose his biggest client and a powerful backer in the New World.
He wanted Gusion dead, just not at the Navy's hands. It would've been better if some unknown like Black Lily assassinated him.
Now, things were complicated. Doflamingo frowned, "That Vice Admiral Aramaki is bold..."
"According to intel, he hasn't left the New World yet. Our people spotted him this morning. Doffy, what should we do?"
Trebol asked.
"Give his whereabouts to Kaido. Consider it a favor."
Doflamingo replied. He wanted Gusion dead, but wouldn't thank Aramaki. Actually, he hoped Kaido would catch and kill Aramaki, then let the matter drop.
That way, there'd be temporary peace and he could continue building up his strength.
…
"Mama, mama, mama, mama..."
On Cake Island, the gigantic Big Mom laughed in her unique voice, "They actually killed Kaido's Calamity? That's impressive!"
"Mama, Kaido will probably go to war with the World Government. We may get dragged in."
Katakuri said worriedly, being the thoughtful type.
He knew the Four Emperors' balance was stable. If Kaido went to war, they might get swept up, shattering the New World's delicate equilibrium.
"Isn't that interesting? Let them fight. We'll head to Sky Island for the Poneglyph."
Big Mom laughed, unconcerned with world changes. She didn't believe the Navy would dare attack Totto Land.
"Mama, you should stay here. I can go to Sky Island alone."
Katakuri replied, afraid his mother would get involved. There shouldn't be any strong enemies left on Sky Island, so he could handle it.
From the intel, the Beast Pirates hadn't found the Poneglyph, and maybe Sky Island didn't have one at all—he'd just go check.
…
At the junction of the New World and Red Line, Fish-Man Island.
"Gurararara..."
A huge man with a crescent mustache and black hat sat drinking by the bubble wall, "Not enough booze! Get me more!"
"Pops, your health—plus, you should see this."
Marco approached Whitebeard, handing over a newspaper he'd gotten from pirates arriving below.
Whitebeard glanced at it, his expression turning grim, "The Navy's got guts."
Marco gave a wry smile, "They killed Kaido's Calamity, his strategist. This time, war is inevitable."
King Neptune of Fish-Man Island waddled over, worry on his face, "Will it affect Fish-Man Island?"
Above Fish-Man Island was Sabaody Archipelago, very close to Marineford. If war broke out, they'd be at the center.
Pirates traveling from the New World to the World Government would have to pass through, meaning many dangerous pirates would invade.
"Don't worry. I protect this place. Kaido won't dare act up."
Whitebeard said boldly, easing Neptune's mind, though he personally found it troublesome.
He never wanted to be Pirate King or wage war, but felt responsible for protecting those under his care.
But how to prevent war now? He knew Kaido well—he always avenged his own.
If his own son were killed or captured by the World Government, he'd go to war too.
He could only blame the World Government for taking the risk. Did they think Gusion was the son of the Pirate King?
Whitebeard chuckled, shaking off the absurd thought. He remembered Roger retired years ago—if Roger had a son, he'd be under ten now.
He didn't see himself as a mediator, so he'd just watch events unfold. If war came, he'd protect his own.
…
New World, Elbaf, land of giants.
The red-haired man drinking with giants was interrupted by his crew, "Okashira, look at today's paper!"
Shanks put down his huge mug, glanced at the newspaper, and his smile vanished.
He said seriously, "War is coming."
"What do we do?"
Benn Beckman, the first mate, approached with his gun, "Do we intervene?"
Shanks looked troubled, then sighed, "It's hard to get involved. I can't just ask Kaido to let it go, right?"
Their territory was mainly Elbaf, deep in the New World, so war might not reach them.
But he didn't want to see war, as it would disrupt his plans.
After a long silence, Shanks stood up, "Everyone, prepare to set sail."
Beckman looked puzzled, "Where to?"
"Wano."
Shanks replied.
"I thought we weren't getting involved?"
Beckman looked amused.
Shanks smiled wryly, "I have to at least try. I want to meet Kaido in person and see what he's thinking."
…
On Birka Island, the survivors were tending to the wounded and rebuilding.
Amidst the somber mood, a shadow landed at the dock.
King folded his pteranodon wings behind him, his expression serious as he surveyed the devastation.
He knew he was late—everything was already over.
He hurried forward, pulling out a wanted poster to ask a local, "Have you seen this man?"
"The Savior of Birka? Why are you looking for him?"
The Sky Islanders wasn't as scared of King as of Aramaki, since he had wings like them—just black.
"You've seen him? How is he?"
King was delighted, thinking that calling Gusion the "Savior" meant he'd won the battle.
But the local's face fell, "The Savior saved us from Enel's lightning, but after the battle, a plant-man came and tried to kill him. The Savior jumped off—he might be dead."
King's face darkened behind his mask. "I was too late..."
Not knowing which island Gusion had gone to, he'd searched several in recent days. He finally arrived at Birka, only to find Gusion had been killed by Aramaki.
He assumed the worst because he knew Gusion was no match for Aramaki—neither in fight nor flight.
"Is that you, King?"
A woman's voice called, then more confidently, "Page One, come out! It's King!"
King's eyes lit up as he turned to see Ulti running over, with Page One behind.
"You two are alright?"
King crouched to check on them.
Ulti shook her head, eyes glistening with tears, "We're fine. Brother Gusion hid us, but he... distracted wood guy himself..."
Page One looked miserable, "If only we could've helped..."
King didn't blame the kids—Kaido had them brought along so they wouldn't get caught up. Taking kids to sea was risky; not every Oni was Kaido, who was the strongest at ten.
They were lucky, saved by Gusion's efforts. Otherwise, they'd be dead.
"It's fine. I'll take you home."
King comforted them. Ulti and Page One were like Kaido's adopted children, so he treated them well.
"This is for you. Brother Gusion gave it to me before he left."
Ulti took out a metal box from her sash and handed it to King.
"Something from Gusion?"
King was interested. He opened it, flipping through the contents, then looked shocked. Though not a scientist, he was literate enough to recognize the blueprints for a dangerous weapon.
"Brother Gusion said to give this to you or Kaido-sama. It's the blueprints for Uranus."
Ulti didn't know what Uranus was, just repeating Gusion's words.
King was stunned. As a pirate with years of experience, he knew the legendary Ancient Weapons, and Uranus was mentioned in the Poneglyphs—a weapon that could destroy a nation.
Gusion had gotten the blueprints? Was the rumor true that Sky Island held the Poneglyphs or secrets of the Lunarians—or perhaps the Ancient Kingdom?
Whatever the truth, these blueprints were invaluable to the Beast Pirates—a trump card against the Celestial Dragons.
Realizing Gusion had been planning for their future, even at death's door, King's tough exterior almost cracked.
"Aramaki..."
He muttered, wishing he could kill Aramaki right then for revenge.
Ulti, tears in her eyes, choked out, "Brother Gusion also said—don't rush to avenge him. Wait until we're strong, then go to war."
She clearly hated this idea—kids don't think ahead, and as a pirate's daughter, she believed in immediate payback.
She thought the Navy killed Brother Gusion, so they should attack right away—otherwise, how could they call themselves a Yonko crew?