This beach had witnessed a transfer of power. It had also witnessed the fragility and helplessness of human nature in the face of life and death.
At that moment, Who's-Who slowly walked over, his gaze openly playful as he looked at Queen, who was desperately trying to curry favor.
He deliberately spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear, his tone dripping with mockery.
"Well, well. Isn't this Lord Queen, the one who kept calling me a traitor earlier? And now you're doing the same thing yourself… Hmph. Look at you. It's honestly hard not to laugh."
"Bullshit! You damned stinking cat!"
Queen instantly jumped up as if someone had stepped on his tail.
His already fleshy face shook with anger, the fat trembling along with his rage.
As he cursed, he adjusted his already crooked sunglasses. Under his rough movement, the glasses made a faint creaking sound.
Then he puffed out his round belly.
"As a top scientist, I'm in demand wherever I go! That's obvious! This is called making a wise choice, understand? You ignorant stupid cat!"
Queen continued shouting, trying to use his identity and so-called "wisdom" to suppress Who's-Who's ridicule.
Who's-Who merely gave a cold smile, his expression like a winter wind carrying a bone-chilling sharpness.
His slender fingers lightly brushed across the long blade at his waist, which gave off a cold gleam.
The gesture seemed casual, yet it carried an invisible threat.
"Heh. Argue however you want. Facts are facts. Everyone can see through those little thoughts of yours."
He deliberately drew out his words, his voice like a winding snake slowly coiling through the air, making people feel uneasy.
"But I joined the Divine Kingdom earlier than you. So next time we meet… don't forget to call me 'Senior.' That's the rule, and it's the respect you ought to show."
As he spoke, a mischievous light flashed through his red vertical pupils, as if he could already imagine Queen obediently calling him senior.
"You—!"
Queen's face immediately flushed red, as hot as if it had just been pulled from a furnace.
His fat body trembled with anger.
He suddenly rolled up his sleeve, revealing his modified mechanical arm.
"You stinking cat brat, you want a fight?! I'm not afraid of you!"
Queen roared, his voice echoing through the area and making everyone's ears buzz.
Who's-Who, however, lazily yawned.
His long claws slowly extended from his fingertips, flashing with a dangerous gleam.
"I'm ready anytime. I'd like to see just how strong the so-called 'Plague' really is, or whether you're just all show and no substance."
He narrowed his eyes, his gaze carrying both contempt and provocation.
"It'll also be a good chance for our new colleagues to see just how pitifully weak this overhyped 'Plague' is in front of me."
The air between the two instantly became like a lit powder keg.
The tense atmosphere was so thick it seemed it could be cut with a blade.
Just when everyone thought an intense clash was about to break out, Queen suddenly lowered his mechanical arm like a deflated ball.
"Hmph! I won't lower myself to your level. That would only hurt my value."
He turned his head and limped away, his steps looking somewhat miserable, while still muttering under his breath.
"My injuries haven't healed yet… Once I finish modifying my new equipment, just watch how I deal with you, you stinking cat!"
Who's-Who watched Queen's awkward retreating figure, the corner of his mouth curling into a smug smile.
He snorted coldly twice.
Seeing Queen suffer a loss made him feel much better. All the frustration in his chest vanished in that moment.
...
At the side of the battlefield, Ron stood quietly, his gaze fixed directly on Kaido.
"These former members of the Beasts Pirates will still be under your command," Ron said steadily, his voice echoing through the silence with an invisible pressure.
Kaido raised his head slightly.
The moment his gaze met Ron's, a complicated look flashed through his eyes.
On his thick arms, unhealed wounds were still slowly bleeding.
Blood wound down along the lines of his muscles, dripping onto the ground and kicking up small bits of dust.
He did not speak. He only nodded heavily.
That nod seemed to use all the strength in his body, and it was also like a silent oath made to Ron.
"Focus on recovering from your injuries," Ron said, lowering his voice a little.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, a trace of concern and vigilance appearing in them.
"That old bastard Saturn suffered a major loss. The World Government's retaliation… won't keep us waiting for long."
Kaido's fist clenched unconsciously, producing a crisp sound as his bones ground together.
He understood better than anyone how vengeful the World Government could be, especially those Five Elders who stood high above others and controlled countless powers.
Their methods were like venomous snakes hidden in the darkness, ready to strike fatally at any moment.
"Understood," Kaido replied in a low, hoarse voice.
Ron's gaze then slowly turned toward Who's-Who not far away.
This former CP agent had always been exceptionally sharp.
At that moment, he immediately sensed Ron's gaze.
In an instant, he straightened his back.
His originally relaxed posture instantly became tense, and a sharp glint flashed through his red cat-like pupils.
"As for Who's-Who…"
The corner of Ron's mouth curved into a meaningful smile.
It looked friendly, yet the deeper meaning behind it was impossible to read.
He paused slightly.
"I have another use for him."
His voice was very soft, but it struck like a heavy hammer, making both Kaido and Who's-Who prick up their ears at the same time.
Who's-Who's sharp nails lightly tapped against his scabbard, producing rhythmic tapping sounds.
That small action revealed the excitement in his heart.
He had already sensed that a thrilling mission was about to come.
Kaido merely snorted coldly and raised no objection.
Since he had already made the contract, he would naturally keep his promise.
In his heart, the more important thing now was to heal his injuries and prepare for the World Government's coming retaliation.
As for Who's-Who, he believed Ron had his own arrangements.
Ron raised his hand and gestured for Who's-Who to come forward.
The sea breeze gently blew the loose strands of hair on Ron's forehead.
Those strands danced freely in the wind, adding a touch of unruliness and ease to his appearance.
Who's-Who knew this was the first mission Ron was giving him.
He had to complete it perfectly.
His eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, as though they could pierce through every layer of fog and see straight to the truth.
"I have an important mission for you," Ron said in a low, clear voice.
"Set out immediately for Paradise—the first half of the Grand Line."