"Pops, that Dr. Reddy has taken over Dressrosa again."
Marco leaned against the ship's railing, holding today's newspaper, looking quite interested at the photo on the front page.
"Is that man planning to enter the New World?"
Jozu crossed his arms, his expression serious as he looked at Whitebeard.
The New World already had four Emperors of the Sea. There was no room for a fifth.
If Reddy truly intervened in the New World, it would inevitably trigger a brutal war.
He was worried that Whitebeard, riddled with injuries and illness, would struggle against young powerhouses like Shanks or Reddy.
Marco set down the newspaper and suggested with a smile, "This Dr. Reddy doesn't seem like an ambitious man. Maybe we could ask him to treat Pops' injuries."
The other division commanders' eyes lit up.
Whitebeard was already old, and years of battle had left his body in terrible condition.
Reddy possessed Bloodline Factor technology even more advanced than Vegapunk's. There was a real chance he could cure Whitebeard.
"Gurararara… What nonsense!"
Ignoring the nurse's protests, Whitebeard downed a bowl of liquor in one gulp and laughed loudly. "I'm Whitebeard. No need to beg some brat for help."
Marco sighed.
The other commanders also fell silent.
They all knew Whitebeard's stubborn personality.
Someone in the crowd shouted, "Pops, don't you want the Bloodline Factor technology?"
Marco turned and shook his head with a smile. "Teach, Pops isn't the kind of man who craves power like that."
Fourth Division Commander Thatch hooked an arm around Teach's neck and teased, "What, you wanna modify your body with Bloodline Factor tech? Or make those monster-like clones?"
The others burst into laughter.
Teach laughed along on the surface, but greed inevitably stirred in his heart.
As one of the Emperor crews, the Whitebeard Pirates had multiple intelligence channels. Though the news of Reddy's complete victory over the Marines in East Blue hadn't spread widely, he knew just how terrifying those clones under Reddy's command were.
"I have to be patient… At least until I get the Devil Fruit I want."
Teach expertly concealed his greed, laughing along with the others as if he'd just been joking.
Whitebeard set down his liquor bowl. "But don't underestimate that brat. If he's taken over Dressrosa, he definitely has ambitions in the New World."
Marco laughed carelessly. "Pops, Dr. Reddy probably isn't the kind of man you think he is. Maybe there'll even be chances for us to cooperate in the future."
Whitebeard laughed. "Right now, the ones who should be worried aren't us."
Onigashima.
Kaido stared at the newspaper spread open before him, his face dark as he glared at the front-page photo.
The photo showed Dressrosa floating in the sky.
Reddy suddenly taking over Dressrosa was something he hadn't expected, and he couldn't figure out Reddy's true intentions.
Logically, after the battle in East Blue where he, Big Mom, and Marine Admiral Akainu had teamed up to attack him, Reddy, as a newly risen Emperor of the Sea, should have sought revenge.
Otherwise, no one would fear him.
But Reddy wasn't following the usual script.
First, he took over Fish-Man Island, then wiped out the Donquixote Family and seized Dressrosa… What next?
The more Kaido thought about it, the more agitated he became. He hated situations he couldn't read.
No one dared to speak now.
Even King and Queen, the two most trusted All-Stars, remained silent.
The Flying Six, like Ulti, didn't dare make a sound either.
When they first heard that Reddy had single-handedly achieved a complete victory, none of them could believe it.
Marine Admiral Akainu!
Monster Vice Admiral Aokiji!
Big Mom!
And their own invincible leader, Kaido!
Even this lineup had lost!
Kaido suppressed his frustration and asked in a low voice, "What's Linlin's reaction?"
King replied truthfully, "Big Mom hasn't responded yet. I'm worried she might take action against us."
"For example, arranging a marriage alliance with that man."
Queen cut in, and his words stunned everyone.
Was it possible?
Absolutely.
Big Mom had many children. If she really wanted Reddy's Bloodline Factor technology, she might very well use marriage as a method.
After all, Reddy's strength was undeniable.
If force didn't work, she'd try softer tactics.
King suggested, "I recommend we observe Big Mom's reaction first. If she really plans to use marriage to win that man over, we must prepare for war."
Kaido stood abruptly. "Tell the weapons factory to speed up production. Don't worry about how many of those Wano laborers die."
Whole Cake Island.
Big Mom stared at the newspaper, her expression shifting unpredictably.
Reddy had taken over both Fish-Man Island and Dressrosa, and with East Blue under his control, his territory was no longer insignificant.
Now, she had even less confidence in seizing the Bloodline Factor technology from him.
"Mom, how should we respond to Kaido?"
Katakuri's voice snapped Big Mom out of her thoughts.
Perospero and the other children also turned their eyes to her.
This matter could be big or small.
If mishandled, the alliance between the two Emperor crews would inevitably fracture.
"I don't care about Kaido's goals."
Big Mom grinned viciously. "I only know that my goal is to get that brat's Bloodline Factor technology."
Katakuri nodded. "Understood."
The alliance between the two Emperor crews was a fact.
But their objectives weren't entirely aligned.
Teaming up with Big Mom to counter Reddy was one thing.
The other was the irreconcilable conflict over who would control the Bloodline Factor.
Kaido wanted the technology to create more Zoan-type Devil Fruit users and strengthen his forces.
Big Mom also wanted to use it to complete the missing races in Totto Land.
Thinking this, Katakuri glanced at his siblings and suggested solemnly, "Mom, perhaps we could send him an invitation to a Tea Party."
Marineford.
Sengoku sat stiffly, staring at the newspaper before him.
Fish-Man Island was one thing.
After all, the nobles only used it for their own satisfaction.
But Dressrosa was different.
Unlike Fish-Man Island, which was inhabited by a different race, or Loguetown, which held special significance, Dressrosa was a legitimate human kingdom recognized by the World Government.
Moreover, Dressrosa's geographical position was crucial.
With Fish-Man Island gone, Dressrosa became one of only two gateways between the New World and Paradise.
The other was Sabaody Archipelago.
Controlling these two places meant holding the New World by its throat.
He feared Reddy's move would ignite the already turbulent New World.
And right now, the Marines were at their weakest.
One misstep, and the world order could collapse like dominoes.
Sengoku picked up the Den Den Mushi.
The call connected.
Sengoku immediately roared, "Garp, when the hell are you coming back to Marinedof?!"
Foisha Village.
Garp absentmindedly picked his ear with his pinky, holding the Den Den Mushi far away.
Once Sengoku finished venting, he laughed heartily. "My injuries are severe. I need more time to recover. Marinedof is in your hands."
Smoker, bandages wrapped around his body, broke out in a cold sweat.
Garp's expression suddenly turned serious. "The situation isn't as bad as you think. Give me some time."
Smoker was stunned.
Only after Garp ended the call did he snap out of it.
"Vice Admiral Garp…"
Smoker quickly tried to ask what Garp had meant, but Garp cut him off.
Garp's eyes burned with fighting spirit. "I want to know what that brat's real goal is."
"But…"
Smoker was completely lost.
Garp grinned. "I know he'll come here eventually."