Naval Headquarters, War Room.
"The Beasts are making a major move!"
"Our surveillance warships have been sunk!"
"The Mammoth, Triceratops, and Sabertooth—multiple officer ships have been spotted, including the Groudon Ship!"
"Based on their course, the Beasts' target this time is likely the Red Hair Pirates!"
"And there's more bad news—the New Giant Warrior Pirates have joined the Beasts!"
The officers broke out in cold sweat.
The Beasts were mobilizing nearly their entire force, clearly preparing for war—and their opponent was none other than one of the Four Emperors, Red Hair.
A war between Emperors—no one could predict the consequences!
Sengoku rested his chin on his hands, his eyes shadowed with gloom.
The Navy, the Four Emperors, the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea.
If the balance between these three great powers were disrupted, the world's order would face a crisis—something far from ideal for the Navy.
Moreover, judging by the situation, the Beasts Pirates clearly held the advantage. If they crushed Red Hair, they would only grow stronger.
But given their position, the Navy couldn't possibly aid Red Hair. Watching the tigers fight from the sidelines and weakening both sides was what best served the Navy's interests.
"Summon the Royal Seven Warlords!"
"Borsalino, you go as well!"
"Await my orders before acting!"
New World, Red Hair's Base.
The rookie Rockstar rushed into the base in a panic.
"Captain, it's bad!"
The Beasts' brazen advance had sent shockwaves through the Underworld—there was no way the Red Hair Pirates wouldn't notice.
"Calm down."
Shanks took a deep breath.
"What's the situation now?"
"The Beasts' fleet is moving in scattered formations and has just entered our territory. Every island is calling for our help!"
Misfortune never comes alone.
Loki had already given them a headache, and now the Beasts Pirates were making their move—they simply couldn't handle both at once.
They only had one ship!
"Has Kaido appeared?"
"No!"
"Then where's Earth Calamity Gurd?"
"Gortel Island!"
"Set sail for Gortel Island immediately!"
New World, Gortel Island.
The Groudon Ship docked.
"Captain Gurd, all the tasks you assigned have been relayed."
"Good."
Gurd surveyed the island's ruins.
The Red Hair Pirates followed an elite strategy—with only one ship, they were bound to be stretched thin against an invading force.
As for the pirates under Red Hair's banner, while some were formidable, most were small fry who couldn't make a difference.
The difference in numbers was staggering.
Exploiting the enemy's weakness was the golden rule of war.
The island's residents were clearing the wreckage. Faced with the sudden arrival of the Beasts, only a few had managed to flee into the mountains in time.
The Beasts weren't as conspicuous as Loki.
"Captain Gurd, we've brought him!"
The gang boss in charge of guarding the island was dragged before Gurd.
Bruised and battered, the gang boss spoke weakly, "This island belongs to Boss Red Hair—he won't let you get away with this!"
"You seem to be mistaken."
Gurd looked down at the gang boss with a friendly smile. "Don't misunderstand—we're here to save you!"
"Huh?"
The gang boss was utterly confused.
Not invaders?
Gurd grinned as he asked, "You're short on food right now, aren't you? And you don't have the money to rebuild, right?"
"Yeah..."
The gang boss gulped.
What the hell were these guys planning?
Gurd took out the contract: "As long as you lead the villagers to sign this document, we will help you through this crisis and even provide job opportunities!"
"This is..."
The gang leader took the contract, his blood running cold as he read the harsh clauses one by one.
The terms were simple: the pirates would help them survive by providing water and food, assist in rebuilding the town, but afterward, all newly constructed properties and farmland would belong to them.
If the villagers wished to stay, they could rent the houses and land, working under the pirates' arrangements until they earned enough to buy back their homes and fields.
On the surface, it seemed reasonable, but in reality, they were selling their homeland to pirates!
"This is absolutely unacceptable!"
"I think you misunderstand."
Gurd curled his lips into a smirk: "Don't forget, we're pirates. We're not here to negotiate. If you refuse, I can always find someone else."
"Red Hair would never agree to this!"
The gang leader's eyes were bloodshot.
"Make no mistake—this is war!"
Gurd turned away coldly.
Bang!
A gunshot rang out, and the man collapsed in a pool of blood.
"Hang the body up, then notify the villagers to sign!"
"Yes, sir!"
Gurd walked to the harbor, his gaze dark as he stared out at the sea.
If he missed this opportunity, finding another excuse for war wouldn't be easy. The Red Hair Pirates were elusive—just locating them was a challenge.
As for the islands under Shanks' protection, a direct invasion would only provoke fierce resistance and greater casualties. This was the gentlest method of occupation.
What he needed was labor, not a deserted island.
Who would pay rent if everyone was dead?
The warning was effective. Combined with the lure of food, the starving villagers complied without resistance.
For most common folk, survival came first.
Groudon Ship, Crow's Nest.
"Captain, the Red Hair Pirates have been spotted!"
"So they've come!"
Gurd's expression darkened.
As expected, Shanks had sought him out first. This was, after all, a forced invasion—he hadn't expected Shanks to overlook it.
Red Force approached the harbor.
"Boss, it's Earth Calamity!"
"..."
Shanks stepped to the bow, his blade partially drawn.
The winds howled, and the waves churned.
A terrifying surge of Conqueror's Haki erupted, crimson lightning crackling across the shore, converging around Gurd!
Even the residual pressure knocked out his own crew, their bodies collapsing as the ship rocked violently.
"Boss, don't just unleash your Haki out of nowhere!"
"The rookies are all foaming at the mouth!"
The officers complained.
Shanks' gaze was sharp as steel: "I wouldn't call you despicable—after all, we're both pirates. But if you're so eager for war, come at me directly. Why involve the innocent?"
"They raised your flag. Failing to protect them is your failure. Don't act like some saint, Red Hair!"
Gurd stood at the shore, his voice icy.
He could hear Shanks' words through the oppressive Haki and knew his response would reach the pirate king's ears.
Only by facing it firsthand could one grasp Shanks' true strength—the sheer mastery of Conqueror's Haki was terrifying, something even Kaido couldn't match.
Gurd's eyes gleamed coldly as his body began to expand.
"Just one Loki has thrown you into chaos, with over a dozen islands destroyed and hundreds of thousands of refugees starving. Do you really think you can feed them all and keep them alive?!"
"I can!"
"I can fill their bellies and give them stable lives!"
"Don't be so arrogant, Red Hair!"
"Red Hair Shanks, you're not the only one who can change this world. Even us scoundrels you look down on have the right to change the world!"