After hanging up with Stussy, Xu immediately dialed Kizaru.
"Hello~ Admiral Xu, what's the matter?"
"Kizaru, Kaido has appeared in Stussy's territory. You need to head there immediately."
"Ah… got it." Kizaru scratched his head in acknowledgment.
Without wasting time, he set off toward Stussy's domain. As for Sentomaru and the others, Kizaru had already sent them ahead. The plan was for them to pass by once Stussy and Kaido engaged, giving them a legitimate reason to intervene. After all, a Marine fleet cannot ignore pirates fighting on the seas.
Meanwhile, in Stussy's territory, she quickly summoned all the members of her CPO. Although strong, they were no match for Kaido's overwhelming force. They needed to prepare for a full-scale defense.
"Bloody Moon, are all the men gathered?" Stussy asked from her throne, her expression grave. Any hint of a smile had vanished.
Bloody Moon nodded. "Yes, Lady Stussy. Everyone is ready."
"Good. Let's go meet Kaido."
With a wave of her hand, Stussy and her forces boarded their pirate ship, dozens of vessels following. She wanted to avoid any damage to her castle should a battle break out.
Soon, the shadow of the Beasts Pirates fleet appeared in Stussy's eyes. Her brow furrowed as she realized Kaido had truly brought his full strength: the Disasters, the Flying Six, and dozens of ships.
Kaido, spotting Stussy's fleet, snorted coldly and moved toward them.
"Yes, Governor!"
He immediately ordered all ships to head toward Stussy's fleet.
In no time, the two forces met. Stussy stepped to the bow, facing Kaido.
"Kaido, why are you bringing your fleet here?"
Kaido snorted, "Stussy, hand over Tasolo!"
Stussy inwardly confirmed her suspicions.
"Kaido, Tasolo is not here. You're mistaken."
"Impossible! My men saw him here when they came by!" Kaido's brow knitted tightly.
Stussy covered her mouth to chuckle. "Kaido, you misunderstand. Tasolo was here some time ago, but he has already left."
"I don't believe you!"
Stussy smiled lightly. "It's true, and I even know where he is now."
"Tell me, and today's business ends!" Kaido demanded urgently.
It was clear he was anxious. The artificial Devil Fruits from Doflamingo's side were becoming increasingly valuable. Even as a Yonko with countless treasures, Kaido could not sustain the costs. His artificial Devil Fruit units had already drained nearly all the funds he could spare.
Yet Kaido's ambition was enormous. One artificial Devil Fruit army was not enough. He wanted all his subordinates to become Devil Fruit users. He intended to build a full army of Devil Fruit warriors. Tasolo's remaining fruit powers were essential to him.
Though Stussy did not fully understand Kaido's plan, she realized Tasolo's importance from Kaido's urgency. Her mind raced. She had no desire to provoke conflict with him, but perhaps she could use this to her advantage.
Stussy smiled. "Kaido, I can tell you where Tasolo is. But I cannot just give this information away for free."
Kaido's brow tightened. He knew Stussy would not be easily manipulated. Yet given the circumstances, he had little choice but to agree.
"What do you want? Anything I have, I'll give it to you!"
Stussy's smile widened. "Kaido, this isn't the place to discuss it. Why don't we go inside my castle?"
Kaido hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
Her massive pirate fleet followed as Stussy's ship approached her territory. Once docked, she walked calmly off the ship, Kaido approaching not far behind.
Stussy let her crew disperse and arranged a banquet before leading Kaido into the castle.
Meanwhile, Bloody Moon slipped to the empty port, retrieving the Den Den Mushi Stussy had handed her earlier.
"Hello, this is Kizaru~"
Bloody Moon whispered, "CPO Bloody Moon here."
Kizaru, flying overhead, stopped immediately.
"Ah… where's Stussy? Why are you the one speaking?"
Bloody Moon quickly summarized Kaido's current situation.
"So, Admiral Kizaru, Lady Stussy wants you to hold off your attack for now."
Kizaru's brow furrowed. "I need to report this to Admiral Xu."
"I understand. I'll await your call."
Kizaru nodded and hung up, immediately calling Xu.
"Hello, Admiral Xu? This is Kizaru."
Xu, working in his office, frowned. "Kizaru, what's happening?"
Kizaru relayed everything Bloody Moon had reported. Xu's brow lifted as he grasped Stussy's intention. After a moment of thought, he said:
"Understood. You and Sentomaru stay on standby. Once Kaido leaves Stussy's territory, we'll decide the next step."
Kizaru could only nod in resignation. "Understood, Admiral Xu."
Xu hung up. Kizaru sighed and relayed Xu's orders to Sentomaru.
At this time, Stussy and Kaido were seated in the castle's reception hall.
"Speak. What exactly do you want?" Kaido asked, his voice low.
Stussy smiled. "Kaido, I don't know your plan, but I do know Tasolo is important to you. How about this… let me join you?"
At her words, a sudden aura of killing intent erupted from Kaido.
"Stussy, don't overstep!"