The flagship of the Revolutionary Army, the Wind Granma, sailed into the harbor.
On the coast.
Sabo lay in the center of a sand pit, his eyes rolled back, bloodied and battered, while Koala lay nearby, equally injured.
Gurd gripped the large sword on his back, his gaze shifting to the man beside him, whose tattoo resembling a shoe print was strikingly visible.
The world's number one criminal.
"Revolutionary" Monkey D. Dragon.
Gurd's eyes were cold as he sneered, "I never expected the commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Army to appear in the New World. Are you here to babysit?"
"If possible, I would rather not be here."
Dragon's face remained serious.
A few days ago, he had been observing the Beast Engineering Corps on Hachinosu Island, trying to understand the source of their strict discipline and beliefs.
It ultimately pointed to one man.
"Earth Calamity" Gurd.
Coincidentally, Sabo had informed him about the revolutionary situation on Zebra Island, and Gurd's appearance unsettled him, prompting his immediate arrival.
He had actually arrived earlier and had overheard Gurd's negotiation with Gabul through the wind, but the subsequent developments had unfolded too rapidly.
He did not expect Sabo to be easily defeated.
"I didn't think we would meet like this, Mr. Gurd."
Dragon spoke politely, "Young people can be impulsive; please don't hold it against him and spare his life."
"Give me a reason."
Gurd snorted coldly, unimpressed.
So what if Dragon was here? This was their territory; even Dragon had to lie low. If he wanted Gurd to release Sabo, he needed to show some sincerity.
The Revolutionary Army was not his friend.
And it never would be.
Currently, they were not outright enemies, but their ideologies were fundamentally opposed, and they would likely become potential foes in the future.
He could not afford to show mercy to enemies.
That was a principle he had always upheld.
Not just the Revolutionary Army; the new and old Four Emperors were all formidable foes. The only exception was the Whitebeard Pirates, and that was only because Whitebeard himself was nearing his end, posing no threat to the Beasts and leaving behind a vast legacy.
He was essentially participating in the division of spoils ahead of time.
Dragon remained silent for a long time, slightly bowing.
"Please grant me this favor!"
"…"
Gurd's expression softened a bit.
The leader of the Revolutionary Army bowed in apology, which was a show of respect.
He could not press the matter further.
It was not yet time for a full-scale war with all the powerful factions; restraint was necessary, and Dragon's reluctance to use force was the same.
Gurd released his grip on the sword, turning to leave, when he suddenly sensed an exceptionally powerful aura and immediately looked up at the sea.
A ship appeared in his line of sight, a pirate ship flying a skull flag.
The Red Force!
"It's the Red-Haired Pirates!"
"How did Red Hair end up here?"
"Quick, prepare for battle!"
His subordinates rushed to the beach, gathering behind Gurd in a panic.
On the deck of the Red Force.
Lucky Roux held a telescope, peering at the situation on the coast.
"Boss, it looks like it's over!"
"That's good."
Shanks approached the edge of the ship, gazing at the island.
He had originally been heading to Hachinosu Island, but halfway there, he received word that Gurd had already left, and they happened to encounter the Revolutionary Army's ship.
The Revolutionary Army's course was clearly headed for the Beasts' territory, so they followed, ready to mediate if necessary.
If the Beasts and the Revolutionary Army went to war, the seas would inevitably be thrown into turmoil, and no one knew what consequences would arise.
That was not what he wanted to see; it was not yet time for the final battle; the world needed to maintain balance.
He felt reassured about the Revolutionary Army.
But the Beasts…
In this world, no one would believe the Beasts had restraint.
Moreover, if luck was on their side, they might even encounter "Earth Calamity" Gurd, who had been the most active officer among the Beasts recently.
"A dangerous guy!"
Shanks's gaze sharpened.
The recent actions of the Beasts were all directed by Gurd, and his different approach from the past made Shanks feel uneasy.
That man was extremely dangerous!
Lucky Roux excitedly shouted, "Boss, the Earth Calamity Gurd we were looking for is on the island. Should we dock?"
"Let's get closer!"
Shanks's eyes narrowed.
Let him personally verify whether Gurd was as he imagined—a "problematic newcomer."
The Red Force accelerated forward.
On the coast, Dragon quickly picked up Sabo and Koala, one in each arm, and returned to his ship. The Revolutionary Army was currently not suited to engage with the Four Emperors.
He had many questions he wanted to discuss with Gurd in depth, but unfortunately, the timing was not right; they needed to avoid confrontation for now.
Before leaving.
Dragon looked at Gabul, his right hand pounding his chest in a solemn farewell, "Leave everything to the wind, my friend!"
"Thank you, Dragon."
Gabul was choked with emotion.
From now on, he was no longer a member of the Revolutionary Army but a subordinate of the pirates, a "hero" of Zebra Island.
As the Revolutionary Army's ship departed, the Red-Haired ship entered the harbor, passing each other without any exchange.
"Oh ho ho, what a lively scene!"
Yasopp shielded his eyes with his hand, looking at the distant Labor Uprising Army, grinning, "Are they causing a revolution? Why have they stopped?"
"Probably suppressed."
"Nonsense, I don't see any bloodshed!"
The New World wasn't that big; any slight disturbance would spread quickly, especially since the Labor Uprising had been causing quite a stir on the Beasts' side for some time.
"Disembark!"
With Beckman's shout, the gangway was lowered.
Red Hair, Beckman, Yasopp, Lucky Roux, and the other officers disembarked in succession, following Red Hair toward the alert Beasts Pirates.
"Whoosh!"
The camping tarps flew into the sky, and tables and chairs shook violently.
As Red Hair approached, a chilling aura enveloped all the Beasts, causing pirates to collapse one after another.
The King of Pressure made his entrance, Haki paving the way!
"Hey, what's wrong with you all?!"
"Don't panic; they're just fainting."
Gurd stepped toward Red Hair, his gaze icy.
"Red Hair, retract your Haki, or I will consider it a declaration of war!"
"Apologies, but this is still your Beasts' territory; a little intimidation is quite necessary."
Shanks stared at Gurd, smiling.
"You are Earth Calamity Gurd, right?"
"That's me."
Gurd crossed his arms, looking down at him.
Ha, so what if he's one of the Four Emperors?
He's under two meters tall, much shorter than him.
He still had to look up at him.
Red Hair's smile froze, feeling as if Gurd's gaze was mocking him. No, this bastard wasn't holding back at all!
No wonder he was called the "Strongest Newcomer"!
He showed no fear even in front of the Four Emperors.
Gurd scrutinized Red Hair, his condescending gaze growing increasingly brazen.
Shorty, shorty, shorty!
"Crack!"
Veins bulged on Red Hair's forehead.
Bastard!
Just as the rumors said, he was an elusive man.
The two stared at each other for a long time.
Gurd snorted.
"Are you here to find me?"
"That's right."
Shanks's expression turned cold, his remaining right hand drawing his sword: "I can't pretend nothing happened after being provoked, Mr. Gurd!"
"Eh? I wasn't aware of such a thing."
Gurd narrowed his eyes.
"Red Hair, we are all respectable people; we must speak with evidence. So tell me, how did I provoke you?"
"…"
Shanks's face darkened.
In front of an enemy, how could he possibly say that!
Gurd sneered dismissively.
"Go on, say it!"
"Can't say it?"
"Be careful; I might accuse you of defamation!"
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