"Wororororo!!!"
With a thunderous battle cry, the colossal Azure Dragon arrived at Hoenn Fortress. Even Kaido, who had mentally prepared himself, was utterly shocked upon seeing it.
Gurd really outdid himself!
Big Mom, riding Zeus, caught up shortly after. The moment she laid eyes on the magnificent Hoenn Fortress, she completely forgot about settling scores.
"Kaido, did you really build this?!"
"Wororororo, of course!"
Kaido laughed heartily.
Excellent, truly excellent! This was a real feather in his cap.
"Linlin, my fortress is far more impressive than your Totto Land."
"Bullshit!"
Big Mom flew into a rage. "It's just a military fortress—nothing to boast about! My Totto Land is the impregnable stronghold!"
"Wororororo, this place is far more than just a fortress!"
Kaido laughed as he soared toward the fortress.
The arrival of the two Four Emperors immediately drew everyone's attention, signaling the official start of the banquet.
Several giants raised a cloud ladder.
Gurd, hand in hand with Hancock, descended step by step from the ladder.
"Welcome, honored guests, for traveling so far to join us!"
"Lord Gurd!"
The pirates and laborers of the Beasts Pirates erupted in cheers.
"That's the Pirate Empress!"
"Ooooh, she's breathtaking!"
"Has the Pirate Empress joined the Beasts?"
The Underworld Emperors exchanged uneasy glances.
Though they had heard of the Empress's capture, seeing her appear alongside an Earth Calamity was still a shock.
The Beasts are out of control!
The Earth Calamity has conquered the Empress!
"Big news!"
Last time at Hachinosu, Gurd appearing with Stussy had already caused a stir. Now, even the Pirate Empress had fallen victim.
The crowd instinctively turned their gazes toward Stussy.
Stussy narrowed her eyes, her smile radiant.
"What's the matter?"
"Nothing!"
That aura... it reeked of killing intent!
The Underworld Emperors hastily averted their eyes.
"Hmm?"
Kaido watched as Gurd made his grand entrance.
This brat kept changing the women by his side. While it wasn't unusual for the strong to have many lovers, shouldn't he be more mindful in formal settings?
Where was Yamato?
Kaido scanned the area, his expression darkening.
Yamato was stuffing her face with food.
What a useless daughter!
Gurd arrived at the banquet seating and smiled as he surveyed the gathering. Those seated here were all major figures who dominated parts of the New World.
"Long time no see, Emperors of the Underworld."
"Mr. Gurd."
They raised their glasses in acknowledgment.
After some small talk, Gurd cut straight to the point.
"Gentlemen, I'm sure you've all seen on your way here—the Beasts have constructed a Continental Bridge that leads directly to the North Blue!"
"We've seen it!"
"Truly awe-inspiring."
"A feat rivaling the divine!"
They showered him with praise.
Gurd smiled faintly. "If you're interested, after the banquet, I can arrange for you to take a stroll and feel the North Blue's sea breeze."
"That would be wonderful."
They eagerly agreed.
Interested? They'd be kicking themselves if they didn't experience it firsthand. This was an unprecedented miracle of a road.
Gurd nodded with a smile. "The reason I invited you all here is precisely for this. The New World is too crowded—we need new hunting grounds."
"Mr. Gurd, are you suggesting...?"
They held their breath in excitement.
If the Beasts opened this path, it would bring them immense profits. Compared to the vast Four Blues, the New World was tiny—not even a tenth the size of the North Blue!
Even with the Marines in the way, they could always retreat back to the New World.
Additionally, the intense competition in the New World stems largely from the sheer number of Pirates and the scarcity of resources, forcing them to fight amongst themselves.
If they could plunder the North Sea, the competition in the New World would ease significantly, allowing them to breathe much easier.
Too many Pirates are eager to replace them!
"I can grant you access, but under three conditions."
Gurd extended his first finger.
"First, I take 30% of all profits!"
"..."
Thirty percent?!
The group exchanged glances.
Thirty percent wasn't insignificant, but it wasn't excessive either!
It was well within acceptable limits.
Gurd raised a second finger.
"Second, any resources plundered from the North Sea must be sold to us first. From this Fortress, you can reach the Nation of Labor, where they'll help you liquidate all goods—though the purchase price will be slightly below market value."
"No problem!"
Several immediately agreed.
Whether it was plundering or business dealings,
wealth was the ultimate goal!
Even without the Beasts, they'd still need a way to convert their spoils into money. A slightly lower price was normal.
No one objected.
Gurd raised a third finger.
"Third, this route will inevitably cross the World Government's red line. If the World Government declares all-out war on us Beasts, I'll need you to fight for us!"
"This one..."
The Underworld Emperors fell into thought.
This was the most troublesome condition. But if the Navy seized control of this passage, it would mean massive losses for them too.
This path of hope concerned the interests of the entire New World!
"Fine! I agree!"
Du Feld was the first to pledge his support!
As a loan shark, the North Sea represented a brand-new market for him. Early entry meant potential monopoly.
The other Underworld Emperors followed suit.
For the ruthless New World, the North Sea was like a greenhouse flower field—ripe for unrestrained plundering.
The benefits far outweighed the risks!
Gurd stood with a smile, raising his glass.
"To a fruitful partnership—to the North Sea!"
"To the North Sea!"
The Underworld Emperors rose and clinked their glasses.
A deal of such magnitude, affecting two major seas, was settled in mere moments—so swiftly it left even Kaido blinking in surprise.
That was absurdly efficient!
Gurd, however, saw nothing unusual about it.
His demands weren't excessive. Thirty percent was manageable for any single faction, while for the Beasts as a whole, that share would amount to a staggering sum.
The second condition was even easier to accept.
As for the third, the Underworld Emperors wouldn't truly fight for the Beasts—putting on a show would be the most they'd do.
But that was enough.
The World Government wouldn't dare gamble!
The line between posturing and all-out war was thin. If the World Government failed to demonstrate overwhelming force against the Beasts, the Underworld Emperors wouldn't hesitate to take a real bite.
Such was human nature—all for profit.
And what he was doing now was binding the interests of the entire New World to the Beasts. Rise together, fall together.
Gyahahaha~~
Speed approached and whispered,
"Lord Gurd, there's a situation!"
"Step aside."
Gurd stood smoothly without drawing attention.
"Mamamama~"
Big Mom watched Gurd leave before turning to Kaido with admiration. "That boy of yours is quite capable!"
"Worororo, of course!"
Kaido was in high spirits.
Business wasn't his forte, but recognizing talent certainly was.
"Don't get cocky—I haven't forgiven you yet!"
Big Mom was displeased again, bringing up old grievances.
"If it weren't for me back then—"
"Let's not dwell on the past, Linlin."
Kaido's face darkened, but his attitude toward Big Mom softened.
Soon, Gurd returned and stepped between Kaido and Big Mom: "Brother Kaido, I have something to discuss with you. And Auntie Linlin, I've prepared a gift for you. Please come with Brother Kaido."
"A gift?"
Big Mom's eyes lit up.
She loved gifts most of all!
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