The New World was shaken to its core, and the legendary Marine Instructor Zephyr had fallen.
Watching Zephyr's lifeless form, Kaito shook his head and let out a quiet sigh. All of Zephyr's actions had ultimately been influenced by Sengoku and the World Government's Five Elders.
If they had not brought Zephyr's rival, Whitebeard II, into the ranks of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Zephyr might never have grown disillusioned with the Marines.
In truth, it was the Five Elders who considered Zephyr too old, deeming him less useful than a powerful pirate like Whitebeard II.
What they failed to realize was that Zephyr, even as an Instructor, had trained countless elite Marines.
He had personally taught over 80% of Marine generals, shaping the organization from behind the scenes.
His influence rivaled even that of Sengoku and other top Admirals.
Zephyr's death struck a tremendous blow to Marine morale, shaking even the most hardened generals.
Perhaps the Five Elders had considered the risk—but so what?
For the top echelon of power in the sea, a retired Marine Instructor was not worth their worry.
Kaito, having witnessed Zephyr's fall and the grief of the Marines, merely shook his head before vanishing in a flash.
Zephyr was gone, and among the older generation, only Garp remained, leaving Sengoku as a likely candidate for early retirement.
A clash between Aokiji and Akainu could erupt sooner than expected, but that was none of Kaito's concern.
His focus now was rectifying the New World, starting with one of the other Four Emperors: BIGMOM.
The next day, the seas were calm, and Zephyr's death had been kept quiet by the Marines.
To publicize it would risk panic and reveal Marine weaknesses, a mistake Sengoku would never make.
Half a month passed quietly.
On Ghost Island, in a spacious hall, Kaito held an invitation letter.
Around him, his high-ranking officials stood at attention.
"When was this invitation delivered?"
"Yesterday! Perospero, the eldest son of the BIGMOM Pirates, sent it personally!" Urti answered crisply.
"Yesterday? Tea party! It's finally here," Kaito breathed a long sigh.
He continued, "Is everything ready?"
"Boss! Everything is prepared! Even the Red-Haired Pirates have been dealt with! We're just waiting for your order," King replied in a deep voice.
"This crusade against the BIGMOM Pirates requires caution.
One of you must remain behind—Bullet, Kaido, or Redfield.
Who will stay?" Kaito turned to the three.
"I have a personal history with Linlin! I'll stay," Kaido said, his eyes gleaming.
Kaito nodded, impressed. "Very well."
"Everything is ready!
In half a month, we'll take control of BIGMOM Pirates' territory.
Remember, wait for the tea party to start.
Only then can we minimize our losses when we strike at their peak!"
"Understood, boss!"
---
Meanwhile, at the BIGMOM Pirates' headquarters, the dark castle glowed as if it were daylight.
Charlotte Linlin swayed on her throne, her massive frame moving with a strange, almost playful rhythm.
"Mom! A message just arrived for our pirates!" Perospero, her eldest son, announced with dignity.
Linlin's brow furrowed.
"Well! You should know better, Perospero.
Disturb me when I'm in a good mood, and even as my eldest son, you'd face my wrath if it isn't important!"
"It is important.
A red-haired figure appeared in our territory and delivered crucial news.
I thought it necessary to inform you immediately," Perospero explained quickly.
"Red-haired? Being chased by Kaito now?" Linlin asked, her initial anger fading.
Though the Red-Haired Pirates were no longer one of the Four Emperors, her respect for their former power remained.
"Tell me, what did this redhead say?" Linlin demanded.
"He warned us about the Thunder Pirate crew.
Kaito's plans are vast, far beyond his Four Emperors territory.
He suspects that when our tea party begins, the Thunder Pirates might attack us!" Perospero repeated.
"Thunder Pirates… Kaito?" Linlin murmured, her expression uncharacteristically serious.
"Mom, what does that mean?"
"Let's see if he dares to come to my tea party.
If he doesn't, I'll place all of Cake Island under martial law and prepare for battle.
Let Katakuri handle it."
"I understand!" Perospero replied and hurried off.
"Let's hope Kaito and I can coexist peacefully.
Otherwise, don't blame me," Linlin whispered to herself in the empty hall.
As the tea party approached, the usually bland New World began stirring with activity.
Pirates who had long been in hiding took this opportunity to move, heading toward Cake Island.
Seven days later, early in the morning, Kaito finished his preparations and appeared in the hall.
Page One and Bullet, eager for action, were met with his calm gaze.
"I'll attend Charlotte Linlin's tea party.
Watch the timing.
Once the party starts, you can strike at Linlin's territory directly.
Secure her turf in the shortest time possible."
"But won't that be dangerous for you, boss?" Yamato asked, concern flickering across his handsome face.
"Don't worry.
The BIGMOM Pirates are dangerous, but in this world, as long as I don't want to die, no one can touch me," Kaito replied, already heading out, leaving only a shadow behind.
"Understood, Captain Kaito!" his crew echoed.
"The battle plan is set!
With the speed of our ship, we'll reach BIGMOM's territory in no time!"
---
Cake Island, headquarters of the BIGMOM Pirates, resembled a massive dessert.
Buildings and structures were made of cake and confections, fountains flowed with edible liquids, and even the rain seemed sweet.
The island was a marvel, blending chaos and harmony under Charlotte Linlin's clever jurisdiction.
People of all races coexisted peacefully, a testament to her control.