The Straw Hat Pirates' story had temporarily reached a pause.
Meanwhile, at the former Whitebeard Pirates' headquarters, on Whitebeard's home island the lawless land of Inaccessible Island numerous pirate crews scoured the area in search of Whitebeard's treasure.
Though Whitebeard had neither family nor companions here, this island had always been his home. He had sent all of his treasure here, a lifetime's worth, and the allure was irresistible.
It was no wonder so many pirates came here. Their target: Whitebeard's treasure.
"Men! If you find anything, report it to me immediately!"
"Yes, Captain!"
"Don't let those lowlifes find it before us!"
"Yes, Captain!"
"Who dares insult me, calling me trash?!"
"I'll cut you down!"
In an instant, fierce clashes erupted between countless pirate crews. The locals had grown numb to it. By now, no one could even count how many crews had come and gone.
A place that had finally become a paradise was overrun by pirates once again in just a few days.
Amid the chaos, a booming laugh echoed across the island.
"Hahaha! Look at these pathetic fools!"
Every pirate froze, blood boiling with fury.
"Who's that bastard talking?!"
"Step up if you've got guts!"
With a sharp whizz, a bullet struck the head of an unknown captain.
Several figures emerged boldly.
"Hahaha! I am Blackbeard, future Yonko! If you don't want to die, join my crew!"
The pirate crews roared in anger.
"Who do you think you are?!"
"That's right! Men, charge with me! Kill this bastard!"
They surged toward Blackbeard's crew.
Blackbeard sneered.
"What a bunch of idiots."
"Dark Path!"
Endless darkness flowed from his right hand, instantly consuming everyone around him.
"What is this?!"
"No! No!"
"Wha… what is happening?!"
Screams filled the air as bodies were swallowed and crushed by the darkness.
The island fell silent in an instant. Pirates and civilians alike were mercilessly destroyed by Blackbeard.
Looking over the empty island, a faint smile crossed Blackbeard's face. Civilians? They didn't matter. He was here only for the treasure.
"Hahaha! Men, let's start searching for the treasure!"
"Yes, Captain!"
Under his command, the Blackbeard Pirates began scouring the island. Soon, in a hidden cave, they discovered Whitebeard's treasure.
"Captain, what's our next move?"
"Hahaha! We're heading to Seven Water City to build a pirate ship and claim our place among the Yonko!"
"Yes, Captain!"
As Blackbeard prepared to depart, he could not have known that someone else had received good news from Seven Water City. That person was Ezra D. Vale, who had just gotten a call from Iceberg.
Training at G-1 Base, Ezra was interrupted by the buzz of a Den Den Mushi.
"Ezra D. Vale, is that you?"
Ezra raised an eyebrow, momentarily unsure who it was.
"And who is this?"
A pause came through the line. Then:
"Ezra D. Vale, it's me Iceberg."
Ezra's expression shifted as he recalled the administrator of Seven Water City.
"Iceberg… has it really been completed?"
Iceberg's voice carried a smile.
"You've done well, Ezra D. Vale."
Ezra smirked.
"Good work, Iceberg. I'm heading your way immediately."
"Understood. We await your arrival."
They hung up. Ezra washed up quickly and made his way to the harbor, only to find Kuzan was absent. Only Rossinandy was training near the port.
"Rossinandy, come here for a moment."
Rossinandy turned to see Ezra.
"Ezra D. Vale, what's up?" he asked with a smile.
"Where's Kuzan?"
"Well… last I saw, he had some kind of dispute with Admiral Sakazuki. He's probably in Fleet Admiral Sakazuki's office now."
Ezra's brows furrowed.
"They had a dispute?"
"Yes, apparently they were on a mission together before. Sakazuki dragged civilians into it again, and Kuzan confronted him."
Ezra shook his head. These two were simply incompatible by nature. Then again, he thought, he played with fire himself. Why had he never had a confrontation like this with Kuzan?
"Alright, you get the ship ready. I'll go find Kuzan. By the way… where's that Ross kid?"
Rossinandy scratched his head.
"Eh… he's been feeling unwell lately. With the Devil Fruit developments, he says he gets palpitations when he sees you."
Ezra's brow twitched. Palpitations?
"Are you sure it's not because he's slacking on training?"
Rossinandy gave an awkward laugh.
"Ahaha, Ezra D. Vale, I honestly don't know. Anyway, you go ahead and prepare."
"Yes, Ezra D. Vale!"
Ezra turned toward Sakazuki's office. Before entering, he heard raised voices.
"Sakazuki! I told you I will never accept your philosophy! Even if you're an admiral, I will not allow you to recklessly kill civilians!"
It was Kuzan's voice.
A deep male voice responded:
"Vice Admiral Kuzan, understand this. I, Sakazuki, do not need your approval. Everything I do is absolute justice."
Ezra rubbed his forehead, feeling a dull ache. He pushed open the door.
"Ezra D. Vale."
"Ezra D. Vale."
"Ezra? What are you doing here?"
Ezra shrugged.
"I'm heading to Seven Water City with Kuzan."
Sakazuki spoke calmly.
"You came at the right time. Do you know what happened between the two of them?"
Ezra nodded slightly.
"Rossinandy told me."
"Good. What do you think should be done about it?"