Kaido has left the New World.
And has already been spotted in Paradise?
Who's he coming for?
"..."
Shano held the newspaper, his expression subtle.
The answer seemed self-evident.
"Revenge for Hanafuda?"
Shano looked at the photo of the Cyan Dragon faintly visible in the dark clouds, "Or is he trying to take me back?"
Both seem to be not in conflict.
Kaido has always cherished talent, especially those with strong bodies.
If Kaido really is coming for him...
The most likely scenario is that Kaido first takes out the Wolf Fang Club, gives him a good beating as a vent, then forcibly takes him back to Wano Country to attempt recruitment.
Would you send Yamato, Teacher Kai?
Even if you do, I won't go.
Shano closed the newspaper and tossed it onto the table; he didn't have the habit of living under someone else's thumb.
"The sea is vast and boundless."
Shano looked towards the sky, the corners of his mouth curling up.
He spread his right palm open, then suddenly clenched it, his knuckles cracking, "Will there be a chance to face you, Kaido!"
Ever since his battle with Garp, it's been a while since he's faced a top-tier powerhouse. If he truly can clash with one, and have an exhilarating battle...
That would suit him just fine!
...
Half an hour later.
The Endgame arrived at the station. According to the lottery results earlier, half of the people took the train while the other half continued on the Endgame.
With Jack's eight-meter-three stature, he couldn't fit into the sea train at all, so he stayed on the ship.
Apart from taking care of odd jobs on the ship, he spent all day in the training room, following the plan set by Shano to start learning body techniques and Armament.
Having a hard time being accepted by Lord Shano, as a fighter, he definitely didn't want to be the one slowing everyone down.
Currently, on the whole ship, only Nami and Robin didn't know Haki, but since they weren't main combatants, it didn't matter.
But Jack, what else can he do besides fight?
He couldn't turn into a Mammoth and serve as super-sized emergency food, could he...
...
The whistle blew, steam gushed out, and the dark green steel beast began to slowly move on the tracks.
Is this considered taking the green train again after many years?
Sunlight poured through the glass, lighting up the carriage warmly; Shano, propping his chin on his hand, leaned by the train window, thinking leisurely.
The number of passengers boarding far exceeded his expectations, soon filling every seat.
If someone would just shout, "Move your legs, beer, snacks, mineral water," it would really capture that green train vibe.
"Woo——!"
The train began clattering and accelerating, sea breezes whooshing in through the half-open window, tousling Shano's black hair.
Squinting, he peered into the distance, watching the horizon rise and fall in his view, occasionally a seagull would skim by, soon left behind.
"It's really fast."
Sitting next to Shano was Smoker, lighting up two cigars, he couldn't help but remark:
"It's even faster than a speedboat sailing at full wind, and so smooth too. If only every island in the world could be connected by such transportation."
"But first, you've got to end this chaotic era," Zeff laughed heartily.
"There will be such a day."
Shano chuckled as he spoke.
His gaze was drawn back from the window, surveying his surroundings.
He then noticed that just in their carriage, more than half the passengers were wearing outlandishly styled masks.
"What's going on?" Smoker also noticed, puzzled.
"It's the first day of the Mask Carnival!"
A train conductor wearing a fox mask passed by with a cart, cheerfully explaining:
"You're in luck! You've just arrived for the grandest Mask Carnival in Spring Queen City!"
"Without a mask, you won't be able to blend into that festive atmosphere!"
The conductor, smiling, took out several exquisite masks from the lower layer of the cart, eagerly selling them:
"Would you guests like one? We have all styles available and can customize too..."
Shano quickly reached out, interrupting him.
This sort of over-enthusiastic selling was something he had feared since his previous life.
But what the conductor said made sense; when you arrive on the island, everyone will be wearing a mask, but if only a few of you don't, you'll stand out too much.
Especially since he had recently been in the newspapers, where many people had an impression of his face.
So, moments later.
The faces of three people and one wolf now each bore an ordinary animal mask.
Awooo?
Ah Yin looked up in confusion, what's with giving me a wolf mask, isn't that pointless?
...
At dusk, the train slowly rolled into the Spring Queen City station.
Unlike the fireworks-laden City of Gastronomy, this city appeared exceptionally glamorous in the twilight.
Towering Gothic buildings, stained glass domes, glass lanterns dangling along the streets, and fireworks intermittently bursting in the sky...
All exuded this city's extravagance and joy.
As soon as Shano got off the train, he immediately felt the allure of the carnival.
The whole island was flooded with tens of thousands of tourists, all wearing various kinds of masks.
Antique-style extravagant feathered masks, fierce demon face masks, butterfly masks inlaid with crystals... and their attire was just as diverse.
On the streets, ribbons and petals fluttered in the air, mask-wearing revelers danced, embraced, and sang with joyous laughter, toasting each other.
In such an atmosphere, Shano and his party, having just set foot on the island, couldn't help but feel the infectious joy and begin to relax and enjoy themselves.
"More new guests, welcome to the Mask Carnival!"