Hundred Beasts, Whitebeard, Navy Headquarters, these three forces are the main players in this war. As for the prisoners who escaped from Impel Down and the Revolutionary Army, they don't have any decisive influence.
As long as the Navy and the Whitebeard Pirates are willing to give up fighting, this battle will naturally come to an end.
But the problem is, there's now Kaidou as an unexpected variable, and his battle-hungry personality is not fit for mediation.
Shanks had envisioned mediating the war.
Suppose he said to Kaidou, "Stop, or we'll challenge you ourselves!"
This might have some deterrent effect on others, but for Kaidou, it's just a joke.
"Ohohoho, that's great, let's fight!"
Kaidou would likely respond like this and enthusiastically start a new war, which isn't the scenario Shanks desires.
But there is good news, and that is the Hundred Beasts' unique dual leadership system.
This kind of system is almost impossible in any major force — two leaders within one organization, it's almost absurd if no conflict arises, yet in Hundred Beasts, this system has been implemented.
According to Uta's rumors, Arceus has significant influence within Hundred Beasts. Even Kaidou considers his opinion, giving Shanks a different line of thought.
The recent shockwave further solidified this idea, directing the wave to the sky and not launching a second attack. Compared to Kaidou, this is undoubtedly a pro-peace stance.
There are no fools among the Four Emperors. Even Charlotte Linlin, who was once incredibly astute, has perhaps become eccentric due to having too many children.
Red Hair's reputation has always been a peculiar thing. Aside from Buggy, those who disrespect him mysteriously meet misfortune, and the backlash varies according to their strength.
Yet he doesn't seem to care much about saving face, sometimes going as far as being described as "humble" in his actions. Among the Four Emperors, Red Hair is full of enigmas.
The BIG MOM who established Totto Land, the Kaidou who advocates for war, the Whitebeard who seeks family — their goals are very clear. Only Red Hair remains elusive in purpose and identity.
"Boss, what should we do now?"
"You guys head to the battlefield, but don't escalate the war. I'll join soon."
Shanks parted ways with his subordinates and walked alone toward the path of the Origin.
...
"Excuse me, do you mind if I come aboard for a chat?"
"Foster father, it's Uta's adoptive father! Should we let him come up?"
On the ice surface, Shanks waved at the Origin like a passenger trying to hitch a ride.
This is a small gesture within the Pirate World. Coming alone to a rival's ship is a sign of sincerity, usually more acceptable to the opponent.
"Let him come aboard. I'm curious what he has to say."
The Origin didn't stop, but after getting Yamato's approval signal, Red Hair was already on the deck, facing the person in charge.
"Red Hair Shanks, what do you want?"
No need for Arceus to speak, Queen had already stepped forward to act as the questioner, which Shanks didn't mind, cutting straight to the point.
"Lord Arceus, how do you wish for this war to proceed?"
"Hey, Red Hair, don't take yourself too seriously! Does Lord Arceus's intention need to be discussed with you? Just because your daughter is a popular songstress bringing us profits doesn't mean you can boss us around!"
Queen spoke with a lack of respect for Red Hair, yet Shanks remained calm, observing Arceus's reaction — if Queen dared speak like this and the boss didn't stop him, it must mean consent.
Shanks was puzzled, unsure how Queen connected this matter to Uta.
"I came with sincerity. Continuing this war is pointless. Both the Navy and Whitebeard have suffered massive casualties.
Your Hundred Beasts Fruit business also means nothing if the sea is in chaos, does it?
I know you're searching for something. Although I don't know where that thing is, I can offer some help. I have quite a few men who can search within the territory, which might be somewhat helpful."
"I'm not interested in this war, but Kaidou's business isn't finished. His goal is a death match with Whitebeard, and once the battle's over, he naturally won't meddle here anymore."
Red Hair received a relatively positive response. At least, they don't plan to further escalate the war.
Currently, with none interfering, Jack and Olga seem close to conquering most of Whitebeard's territory, Whitebeard's exit was within Red Hair's expectations, so he proposed a suggestion.
"In that case, I'll assist Kaidou in clearing his distractions, provided that post-battle, we can end this war? Of course, my previous offer still stands."
The terrifying attack is enough to obliterate Marinfanto. If repeated, no one on the island would be safe, so Red Hair put himself in a vulnerable position, proposing a deal and first stating what he could do.
According to Uta, the opposition is easygoing — as long as the terms are reasonable, they won't make things difficult.
"Alright."
This was the Hundred Beasts' goal all along. Even without Shanks, Kaidou wouldn't continue once the battle was over. Now, with someone volunteering, it was indeed free labor.
Ideally, Red Hair hoped for an immediate ceasefire, but he couldn't achieve that. With too many top powers involved, he could only manage to make one party stop by allying with the other.
Unfortunately, the Five Elders now have suspicions about him, otherwise he might've been informed of their decision. If Red Hair learned the World Government wanted to cease fire, who knows what his expression would be.
As Red Hair and Arceus reached an agreement, heading toward the battlefield center, Marinfanto was split entirely in two. Relying on the formidable power of the Quake-Quake Fruit, Whitebeard forcefully fractured the entire island.
"Papa! What are you doing? Come quickly!"
"Gurarara, it's unnecessary, boys! Listen up, this is the final captain's order! The rest of you, go back alive to the New World. Everything that happens to me is my own choice.
No matter my fate, don't harbor any thoughts of revenge!"