Hachinosu Island.
Deck of the Moby Dick.
"The Beasts are throwing a grand banquet?"
Having received the invitation from the Beasts, the division commanders still on Hachinosu Island had gathered on the ship, each of them utterly baffled.
If memory served, this was the first time the Beasts had publicly hosted a banquet.
Lately, the Beasts had been keeping a low profile, avoiding external conflicts, but their large-scale movements hadn't stopped for a moment. Their ships could be seen everywhere, though no one knew what they were busy with.
This sudden decision to hold a banquet—and to invite them—likely had something to do with whatever the Beasts were occupied with.
It was impossible not to be curious!
"Papa left the decision to us."
As usual, Whitebeard had left all matters to his division commanders, rarely involving himself.
His physical condition was no longer suited for long voyages at sea. Staying in Fortuna Community to recuperate was the best option.
The commanders turned to Marco.
The Beasts' invitation had come from Gurd. Among the commanders, aside from his "little brother" Ace, Marco was the closest to Gurd. However, Ace had set sail with Doma.
"Marco, are you going to check it out?"
"I'll have to discuss it with Sasha first."
Marco scratched his head awkwardly.
Sasha was his girlfriend.
He was actually quite eager to go, but Sasha might not agree. She was pregnant and needed his company.
The commanders exchanged glances, smirking knowingly. The mighty First Division Commander had become a henpecked husband.
"Well, guess it's just us, then."
"Marco, you can stay on Hachinosu Island with your little girlfriend."
"Pathetic, First Division Commander."
Faced with his crewmates' teasing, Marco flushed with embarrassment.
"Fine, fine! I'll go, alright?!"
Meanwhile, in the Pleasure Quarter.
Stussy sat in a daze, the Beasts' invitation resting beside her.
She had visited Egghead Island. Under her questioning, Vegapunk admitted he was researching the Void Century.
The soul of a scientist made it impossible for Vegapunk to resist the allure of ancient technology. By the time he realized he had crossed a forbidden line, it was too late to turn back.
This left Stussy deeply unsettled.
"Ah, the curiosity of men."
Stussy gazed out the window.
If this were exposed, the World Government would undoubtedly eliminate Vegapunk once he outlived his usefulness.
That day wouldn't be far off.
On Egghead Island, she had seen Vegapunk's two most important projects: Mother Flame and the Seraphim.
According to Vegapunk's calculations, both Mother Flame and the Seraphim would be completed in three years.
That was exactly what the World Government wanted.
As for other technological advancements, the Celestial Dragons believed the world didn't need progress. By then, Vegapunk would hold no value to them.
If Vegapunk died, she didn't know who she would live for.
Gurd?
Maybe. She wasn't sure.
She was just a clone with a sense of self.
Totto Land, Cake Island.
Torrential rain poured down, lightning splitting the sky.
This reflected the foul mood of its ruler, Big Mom.
"Kaido invited me to a banquet?!"
"What kind of joke is this?!"
"That brat—I still haven't forgiven him!"
Big Mom was seething with rage.
Back during the Battle of God Valley, she had given Kaido the Azure Dragon Fruit, treating him like a younger brother and hoping he would rule the seas alongside her.
But Kaido had sneaked away!
How could she not be furious?
After that incident, there had been no contact for over thirty years. How dare Kaido have the audacity to invite her to a banquet now?
That damn brother of hers, where does he get the nerve!
The ministers trembled in fear, whispering a reminder, "Big Mom, it was Calamity Gurd who invited us this time."
"Bastard!"
Big Mom grew even angrier.
That damned brat of a Calamity had defeated Katakuri, humiliating her in front of everyone—and now he had the gall to provoke her again!
"Mamamama~~~"
Big Mom sneered uncontrollably.
"Fine, I'll go myself! I'll meet that damn brother of mine and that Calamity Gurd. If I don't demand an explanation, where will my pride be?"
This debt was far from settled!
Wano Country, eastern waters.
Thick fog blanketed the sea, visibility reduced to almost nothing.
The Mammoth sailed through the dense mist.
After searching for an entire month, dozens of Beasts pirate ships still hadn't found Zou, leaving Jack in a foul mood.
He couldn't help but wonder—was Zou even in these waters?
Another half-day passed.
A subordinate burst in excitedly.
"Captain Jack, we've found Zou!"
"What?!"
Jack shot to his feet and rushed to the deck.
A colossal pillar stretching into the heavens loomed ahead of the Mammoth, its full form obscured by the thick fog.
As the massive pillar shifted forward, towering waves surged toward the Mammoth, nearly capsizing the ship.
This confirmed its identity.
The legendary giant elephant!
It was said that Zou rested on the elephant's back!
Without hesitation, Jack roared his orders.
"Bring the ship closer!"
"Aye!"
He would crush Zou—a gift for his brother Gurd!
North Blue, Calm Belt.
"The wind's picking up!"
Gurd savored the gentle sea breeze, his mood lifting instantly as he turned to gaze at the two massive landmasses behind him.
It had taken an entire month, but compared to the Nation of Labor, the scale here was at least ten times larger—even Sea Kings would struggle to destroy it.
Yet the results were staggering.
A Continental Bridge spanning the Calm Belt!
If the world knew of this, they'd go mad with awe!
"Gyahahahaha!"
Gurd laughed heartily.
Next, all that remained was to construct a large military fortress on the North Blue side, and the project would be complete.
The Groudon Ship was anchored in the central waterway.
"Captain Gurd!"
Antelope stood on the deck, shouting at the top of his lungs. "Captain Jack has sent word—he's found Zou!"
"Gyahahaha, well done!"
Gurd laughed.
Two pieces of good news at once!
That's his brother Jack for you—far more reliable than Queen.
"We'll talk later. First, I need to make an island!"
Half a day later, a brand-new island stood beside the Continental Bridge.
Inside the ship's banquet hall.
Gurd ate and drank voraciously, replenishing his exhausted stamina. For the past month, he had been continuously producing magma, leaving him utterly drained.
"What's the situation with Zou now?"
"Captain Gurd, Captain Jack launched an attack on Zou but hasn't been able to conquer it yet. He's requesting reinforcements."
Antelope relayed the report.
According to the message, Jack had found Zou five days ago and had already engaged in fierce combat with the Mink Tribe.
With no other choice, he had called for backup.
"Hah, that's Jack for you."
Gurd chuckled and nodded.
Jack's approach to everything was to fight first and ask questions later—whether he could win or not was a separate issue.
His stubborn little brother Jack!
But that's exactly why he liked him!
"Send the construction team here to begin work!"
"Notify Hajrudin and have him bring all the giants. If they don't fight soon, their bodies will start to rust!"
"We're heading to Zou!"