The black dragon circled quietly at high altitude, feeling the intense fluctuations of Conqueror's Haki collisions filling the air.
These fluctuations surged like violent tides, wave after wave crashing against its senses.
She hesitated about whether to reveal herself immediately.
After all, with Kaido's stubborn temperament, rashly interfering might only provoke his rebellious nature.
Like a beast driven mad, the more you try to stop it, the more ferocious it might become.
"One last chance..." the black dragon murmured, its voice somewhat low in the roaring wind yet filled with determination.
It decided to first observe the battle situation and intervene at the most opportune moment.
If Kaido remained obstinate, then she could only respect his choice, even if that choice might push him into an abyss of eternal damnation.
Just then, a deafening explosion suddenly erupted from ahead.
The blast sounded like a doomsday bell, shattering the temporary balance of the battlefield.
The black dragon's pupils sharply contracted, its gaze firmly locked on the direction of the explosion.
That was Kaido's aura, now rapidly weakening!
"This idiot!" The black dragon could no longer suppress its anxiety and fury.
Its massive draconic form instantly transformed into a black lightning bolt, roaring as it dove toward the battlefield.
No matter what, she had to give this former brat one last chance for advice.
"Fool!"
...
Eternal Divine Kingdom,
The magnificent harbor stood like an impregnable sea fortress, quietly positioned at the edge of the vast, boundless ocean.
The azure sky met the deep blue sea at the distant horizon, sunlight sparkling upon the shimmering water's surface, refracting brilliant light.
Smoothie's figure stood like a statue on the flagship's broad deck.
The sea breeze gently caressed her cherry-blossom pink hair, strands dancing gracefully in the wind.
Just moments ago, the Den Den Mushi had rung, bringing the latest intelligence from Whole Cake Island.
After Smoothie answered and listened, her brows gradually furrowed.
The communication's contents weighed heavily on her heart.
Mama had transformed into the black dragon alone and was already heading at full speed toward the Land of Wano.
The black dragon's oppressive aura seemed to leap from the paper, making her deeply concerned about how the situation was developing.
"Bullet." Smoothie slowly turned to face the burly man who'd followed her.
Her voice was cold and resolute, like frost in the depths of winter, carrying an unyielding determination that brooked no refusal.
"I must go to the Land of Wano immediately. All matters of cooperation will have to wait until I return."
Bullet stood tall and burly, like a towering mountain.
He crossed his arms, his bronzed muscles gleaming with a metallic, steely sheen under the sunlight, each one brimming with boundless strength.
His sharp gaze, like a honed blade, fixed intently on Smoothie.
His thick brows gradually furrowed, his eyes revealing a trace of confusion and bewilderment.
Smoothie remained silent, deftly and calmly securing her longsword at her waist.
The blade of the sword shimmered with a chilling gleam, hinting at its extraordinary origins.
This simple action made her intentions crystal clear—her mind was made up, and no one could stop her from going to the Land of Wano.
The sea breeze continued to blow, carrying the scent of the ocean as it gently swept past the two of them.
Yet, within this seemingly tranquil sea breeze, the atmosphere between them grew abruptly tense, an invisible pressure spreading through the air.
Bullet suddenly grinned, revealing a row of sharp, white teeth.
His smile carried a hint of barely concealed mockery.
"Ha! So Big Mom is taking matters into her own hands?"
His thick fingers slowly traced the scar on his chin, a scar that coiled like a winding earthworm, a testament to his countless past battles.
"Given her relationship with Kaido, is she going to lend him a hand?"
Smoothie's fingertips twitched slightly, her slender fingers trembling imperceptibly.
Yet her expression remained as calm as still water, like a deep, unfathomable lake, impossible to read.
She neither confirmed nor denied it, merely stating indifferently, "Mama has her own considerations."
"Foolish!"
Bullet suddenly roared, his voice thundering across the harbor, shattering the tense silence.
"If you help Kaido, your cooperation with the Divine Kingdom will be over for good!"
He took a step forward, his towering figure looming over Smoothie like a dark cloud, exuding an overwhelming sense of pressure.
The harbor waters, as if affected by their heightened emotions, suddenly churned violently.
Wave after wave crashed against the shore's rocks, splashing high into the air with a deafening roar.
Smoothie's long hair whipped wildly in the fierce wind.
Her lowered eyes finally lifted slowly, like two brilliant stars in the deep night sky, meeting Bullet's gaze head-on.
"I said, Mama has her own considerations."
The two stood in a silent stalemate, the surrounding air seemingly frozen solid by the invisible tension.
A moment later, Bullet let out a cold snort, the sound like shattering icicles in the heart of winter, tinged with an indescribable disdain and mockery.
He shifted slightly to the side, clearing the path outward, though a flicker of wariness gleamed in his eyes.
"Since you insist on leaving, be my guest. But remember, when you reach the Land of Wano, don't do anything foolish."
Smoothie gave a slight nod, then turned slowly and strode toward the ship's side with firm, steady steps.
Just before leaping onto her own vessel, she paused. She turned her back to Bullet and gave a slight nod.
Though it seemed like a simple gesture, it carried profound meaning—it appeared she'd truly taken Bullet's warning to heart.
"Set sail!" Smoothie's cold voice rang out across the deck, breaking the silence.
Carried by the sea breeze, her command spread throughout the entire fleet.
The pirate ships slowly departed from the harbor, their massive sails swelling in the sea wind like giant beasts ready to pounce.
The warships raced toward the Land of Wano, carving deep trails across the sea's surface.
Bullet stood quietly on the dock, his gaze firmly fixed on the departing fleet.
He slowly pulled out the Den Den Mushi from his chest, the tiny creature appearing especially small in his rough hands.
Yet after a moment of hesitation, he gently tucked the Den Den Mushi back into his clothing.
"Ron must've noticed already..." Bullet murmured to himself, his voice as light as a wisp of wind drifting through the air.
His eyes looked into the distance.
"This war is getting more and more interesting."