Days later, the world was in an uproar.
[The Battle of Gotel Sea!]
[The Defeat of the Four Emperors' Red Hair Pirates!]
[Victors: The Beasts Pirates]
The front page of the newspaper featured a shocking photograph of the Red Hair Pirates' sole pirate ship, the Red Force, engulfed in flames.
For pirates, their ship is the most important symbol of their crew. Losing it in battle is the ultimate disgrace—especially for a Four Emperor's crew like the Red Hair Pirates.
Even when Shanks lost his arm years ago, it hadn't shocked the world as much as this. Adding insult to injury, the Red Hair Pirates had only escaped thanks to Marine intervention, not by their own strength.
An undeniable, crushing defeat!
In the world of pirates, those in high positions can least afford failure—it means their banner loses its power to intimidate.
South Blue, a certain island.
"What a load of crap about Red Hair!"
Kid sneered, tossing the newspaper to the ground and stomping on it, showing not an ounce of respect for the Red Hair Pirates.
"Once I conquer the South Blue, it's time to enter the Grand Line!"
"The man who'll become the Pirate King is me—Eustass Kid!"
"Ha—hahaha!!!"
North Blue, Freezing Port.
"Captain, big news!"
"I already know, Bepo."
Trafalgar Law sat atop a pile of enemy corpses, chin resting on his hands, eyes gleaming with dark amusement.
"Red Hair's defeat means every strong contender eyeing the Four Emperor seats will swarm like vultures. The Beasts Pirates came out on top this time!"
"Bepo, it's time we made our move too!"
"Let's enter the Grand Line!"
East Blue, Foosha Village.
"Red Hair actually lost?!"
Villagers clutched the newspapers, unable to believe the news of Shanks' defeat—yet the photo of the burning Red Force was undeniable proof.
"Should we tell Luffy?"
"He'll be heartbroken if he finds out."
Shanks was Luffy's idol. Knowing this would shake him, and they didn't want to break the news.
The old Village Chief puffed on his pipe and sighed deeply.
"Let nature take its course."
Across the four seas, the Grand Line, and the New World—people in every corner of the world were discussing this clash between the Four Emperors. Red Hair's fall would undoubtedly send shockwaves across the globe.
The next moves of both sides became the focal point for every major faction.
Elbaf, Underworld Tavern.
With the help of his subordinate captains, the wreckage of the Red Force had been hauled to the port—but the damage was too severe, beyond even the shipwrights' skills.
"Big Boss, the ship can't be repaired."
"..."
Shanks lifted a massive bowl of liquor, downing it in one go before sinking into a long silence.
This battle hadn't just cost them their ship—his crew had suffered devastating losses. Out of nearly a hundred men, only he, his officers, and a single apprentice had survived.
A decision had to be made.
"My apologies, everyone."
Shanks turned to his worried subordinate captains and exhaled. "My flag can no longer protect you. Please return it to me."
"Big Boss, no!"
The captains panicked.
"Without your flag, we won't survive!"
"It's just one defeat—we can bounce back!"
"You're the only one who shields us!"
Shanks shook his head at their pleas.
His mind was made up.
He had become the target of the world. Every powerhouse eyeing the Four Emperor throne would soon strike at his territory.
Flying his flag would only invite more disaster. Even if he intervened, he couldn't quench the insatiable thirst of the pirates.
When the wall crumbles, everyone pushes.
He knew all too well the cruelty of the pirate world.
Especially with the Beasts around.
Shanks remained melancholy for a long time.
"Go join the Beasts."
"Huh?!"
Everyone froze.
Shanks didn't explain much.
The Beasts' current way of operating was completely different from before. Though still villains, they no longer destroyed for pleasure.
The Beasts were encroaching on his territory. If his captains were willing to submit, they could at least secure a stable life.
Without another word, Shanks left the tavern with his officers and headed toward the Dreyfus at the shore.
"Here."
Beckman handed him a torch.
The Dreyfus could no longer sail. Sending it off was the only thing they could do—a ship's fate was to rest at sea.
Shanks took the torch and set the Dreyfus ablaze.
The officers watched the burning ship, unable to hold back their grief. Tears streamed down their faces, and even Shanks lowered his head, droplets falling.
Amid the flames, the wreckage sank into the sea.
They mourned for a long time.
Finally, Shanks turned to his crew with a relieved smile, as if a weight had been lifted.
Perhaps this failure wasn't entirely bad.
"Everyone, once the new ship is ready, I plan to set off on a long voyage to other seas—just like the old days. Will you join me?"
"Of course, Captain."
The officers smiled. Since becoming one of the Four Emperors, they hadn't traveled as freely as they once did.
The throne of a Yonko was both an honor and a heavy shackle.
"I really miss the old days!"
"You're right!"
"I can't wait!"
"Ha, let's throw a party!"
"Great idea!"
"To celebrate survival!"
Rather than wallowing in sorrow, it was better to face the future with joy. Pirates ought to savor every day they lived.
Meanwhile, in the Nation of Labor.
At the Groudon Shipyard, laborers bustled with energy, repairing the heavily damaged Beasts' ships.
At a glance, every worker's spirit was a far cry from their former lethargy. Their efficiency had multiplied several times over.
The new policies had clearly worked wonders.
Inside the shipyard's office, Chikara reported softly.
"Lord Gurd, Lord Kaido and the three All-Stars have returned."
"Good."
Gurd sat at his desk, reviewing the Nation of Labor's statistical reports.
Dozens of nearby islands had been fully incorporated into the Nation of Labor. Both in population and industrial scale, it surpassed Wano Country by at least tenfold.
The two nations' circumstances differed. The islands of the Nation of Labor were already in an industrial phase, and their residents were far more receptive to labor. As long as there was hope for a better life, their work ethic far exceeded that of Wano's impoverished people.
With external resources flowing in, this nation-sized factory in disguise would become the greatest foundation for the Beasts' expansion.
Now, the biggest challenge was selling the surplus products—not just weapons, but all industrial goods.
Shipbuilding, steel smelting, food processing, textiles, toys, tobacco, alcohol—it covered nearly every industry.
With such a vast nation and population, they couldn't solely produce weapons. Especially the women staying at home—they could easily take on lighter labor.
Doflamingo alone could no longer handle it all.
He needed to find new agents. Besides, the New World was too small—the products from the Nation of Labor should be sold across the Four Seas!
The Four Seas were the most expansive market.
Chikara held up the newspaper and bounty posters.
"Lord Gurd, there's also this."
"Let me see."
Gurd took the bounty poster, glanced at the amount, and smirked.
"Earth Calamity" Groudon Gud—bounty: 3 billion Berries !