Dressrosa.
As the emperor of the underworld, Doflamingo's intelligence network was top-notch.
He was one of the first to receive word that the Marines had promoted a fourth Admiral.
When he first got the news, Doflamingo was quite surprised.
He hadn't expected the Marines to break a rule that had lasted for so many years—to promote a fourth Admiral.
But that wasn't the important part. Doflamingo couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Fourth Admiral, Reckless Maniac… heh! To think he actually sparred with Akainu and won. Now that's interesting!"
"Looks like that old man Sengoku plans to stir the pot before he retires."
Right now, the sea was in a state of balance—Four Emperors, Marines, and the Shichibukai. But the addition of a fourth Admiral had undoubtedly boosted Marine strength, upsetting that balance.
This was practically a declaration: the era of peace was over. Were the Marines planning to take action against the Four Emperors?
"I wonder what the Four Emperors will think when they hear about this."
Doflamingo grinned viciously at the thought.
No matter what happened, war was always good for Doflamingo.
After all, he was one of the Shichibukai—a government-sanctioned pirate. The Marines wouldn't come after him. And if war broke out, he, the underworld's premier arms dealer, would make a fortune.
Meanwhile, in the second half of the New World…
Totto Land, Whole Cake Island.
Big Mom was eating lunch when Katakuri approached slowly.
On any other day, he wouldn't dare disturb her while she was enjoying her food. But today was different. He had just received some very important news.
Katakuri walked up to her, looked at her feasting figure, and said in a low voice, "Okaa-san."
Big Mom didn't respond, continuing to eat. To her, eating was absolute.
Katakuri took a deep breath and continued, "Okaa-san, I've received some news."
Seeing that he spoke again, Big Mom finally looked at him impatiently while stuffing more food into her mouth.
"What news?"
She was annoyed, but she also knew Katakuri wouldn't persist unless it was truly important.
Katakuri quickly delivered the message: "Okaa-san, the Marines just issued an announcement. They've promoted a fourth Admiral—codename: Reckless Maniac."
Big Mom's hand stopped mid-bite. She turned toward Katakuri to confirm: "Reckless Maniac?"
"They're calling the fourth Admiral Reckless Maniac?"
Katakuri also found the name strange. He nodded. "Yes, Okaa-san. I've double- and triple-checked. It's definitely 'Reckless Maniac.'"
Big Mom couldn't help bursting into laughter. "Mon, mon, mon… is this how the Marines name people now?"
Katakuri looked at her laughing and sighed internally. "Okaa-san, the appointment of a fourth Admiral might pose a threat to us—"
But from her seat of power, Big Mom dismissed the idea with a grunt. "Marine HQ isn't even in the New World. It's incredibly difficult for them to reach us."
"And besides, an Admiral with a name like that…" She snorted again before continuing, "not worth worrying about."
Katakuri wanted to speak further, but she waved him off, more interested in enjoying her meal.
Elsewhere—Onigashima.
The Beasts Pirates had also received the Marine announcement.
In the highest chamber of the island's palace—
Kaido sat atop his throne while the three All-Stars—King, Queen, and Jack—stood before him.
After hearing the news, the three had come to consult their captain.
King, ever cautious, felt the matter should be taken seriously.
But Jack scoffed, unconcerned. "Just some fledgling. If he dares to show up, we'll crush him!"
"I'll teach him a lesson myself."
The three had their own views.
On the massive throne, Kaido leaned against the armrest, chugging from a large sake gourd.
Once the three had voiced their opinions, Kaido finally burst into laughter. "A fourth Admiral? Heh, what the hell are the Marines planning?"
"Reckless Maniac… now that's an amusing title. I wonder if he can kill me."
Kaido was intrigued by this new Admiral. He planned to meet him one day.
Kaido was a strange kind of strong. Aside from drinking, his favorite pastime was attempting suicide.
Hundreds of kilometers from Onigashima, on an uninhabited island—
The Red-Haired Pirates, another of the Four Emperors, were resting.
Around a campfire, Shanks, Beckman, Lucky Roo, and other core members sat together.
Yasopp and Lucky Roo were laughing about the news they'd just received.
"A fourth Admiral named Reckless Maniac? Are the Marines kidding?"
"Hahaha! Reminds me of Jack under Kaido. Maybe this guy's the same type?"
"Hahaha! If he's anything like Jack, then this Admiral's a joke!"
"…"
Amidst their laughter, Benn Beckman cut in sharply. "Don't underestimate him."
"According to reliable intel, this Reckless Maniac was personally recommended by Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Do you think Sengoku would support someone incompetent?"
"Besides, for the Marines to make a formal announcement and declare the existence of a fourth Admiral to the world… they must have already acknowledged his strength. You don't become an Admiral without exceptional ability."
Beckman, the strategic mind of the Red-Haired Pirates and a calm, steady presence, had to remind everyone not to be careless.
Shanks, usually laid-back, now wore a more serious expression.
He was deeply concerned and asked, "Any word from Rockstar?"
Beckman took a drag from his cigarette. "Rockstar called using a Den Den Mushi. Said Whitebeard ripped the letter up and told you to bring two bottles of good sake—go meet him in person."
Shanks let out a helpless laugh. "That's exactly like Whitebeard."
"With this fourth Admiral appearing, it feels like a storm is coming earlier than expected… Fine. I'll go meet with Whitebeard in a few days."
…
Moby Dick.
The massive white ship sailed across the ocean like a giant white whale.
On deck, Whitebeard sat in his chair, IVs hooked to his body—but even so, he held a sake gourd in his hand.
"Fourth Admiral, Reckless Maniac, huh…" he murmured, eyes staring off into the distance. "Looks like this sea's about to get chaotic again."
After a while, Whitebeard snapped back to reality and asked, "Marco, has there been any word from Ace?"
…
(End of Chapter)
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