New World, Kexike Island.
This Summer Island was originally under the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates and was the base of the Decalvan Brothers, one of the 43 pirate Captains.
Due to Whitebeard's death and the recent appearance of a guy claiming to be Whitebeard's son who has been attacking the Whitebeard Pirates' Captains everywhere, the Decalvan Brothers have been on high alert on the island during this period.
However, the situation changed the day before yesterday!
The Decalvan Brothers suddenly led their pirates out to sea!
The western coast of the island.
A tall penguin was busy in front of a barbecue grill.
Whether it was because it wasn't used to the climate here or because the fire was too intense, the penguin was drenched in sweat!
However, its wing movements for flipping the skewers were very skilled; its left 'hand' flipped them, and its right 'hand' sprinkled seasoning. After a shake and a few more seconds of roasting, it opened its mouth and cried out!
"Ya, ya~"
Beside the grill, Aokiji sat on a rock, leafing through a recent newspaper.
Hearing the penguin's cry, he didn't even look back as he reached out to take a skewer, holding it in his mouth and tearing off a piece of meat.
"Mhm, Camel, good skills!"
The penguin cried out twice more upon hearing this.
Aokiji still didn't look back. He chewed a few times, swallowed the meat, and muttered,
"No need to worry, I'm not afraid of the heat!"
"Ya ya ya ya ya~"
The penguin named Camel cried out even more anxiously, even hopping twice.
Aokiji finally realized where the problem was. He turned around, his eyes darting around awkwardly.
"Ah, sorry. I was so engrossed in the newspaper that I forgot!"
As he spoke, he waved his arm lightly. A wave of cold air surged out, instantly freezing the ground. The surrounding air also turned frigid, and the temperature plummeted!
The penguin opened its mouth, exhaled a puff of warm air, and wiped its face with its wing.
Then, it continued grilling!
The penguin was encountered by Aokiji after he left the Marines. Because of Aokiji's Chilly-Chilly Fruit powers, the penguin loved following him.
Aokiji let it follow him and, in passing, gave it his luggage—a massive travel bag—to carry.
This was also the origin of its name, "Camel"!
Aokiji carefully looked through the newspaper in his hand. The content consisted of information he had kept because he found it noteworthy during this period.
Taro slaying White II, Urouge defeating Snack and being invited to become a new Warlord of the Sea, the Sicily Island incident, "Star Clown" Buggy establishing a delivery company, and so on!
He knew many reports in the newspaper were untrue, but that didn't stop him from analyzing things from them.
Especially since he had been active in the New World recently, he knew some things himself.
He had already visited several islands under the Whitebeard Pirates' control. Without exception, the pirate Captains originally stationed on those islands had left at almost the same time.
This made him realize that something big was definitely about to happen!
"Camel, pack up. We're leaving!"
Aokiji pondered for a long time, stood up, and walked toward the seaside.
As he walked, the temperature dropped sharply, instantly extinguishing the fire and cooling the grill.
The penguin was delighted to hear this; it had long since wanted to leave this kind of island.
Its wings flapped up and down as it quickly packed everything up, hoisted the huge travel bag onto its back, and followed.
Aokiji rode his bicycle on the sea, while the penguin stood and paddled through the water beside him.
It didn't care where Aokiji went; only when it was by Aokiji's side was the temperature extremely comfortable for it.
Before long, the penguin Camel's eyelids drooped. A moment later, a large snot bubble popped out of its nostril—it had fallen asleep!
...Fullalead Island.
This island, which had attracted a large number of pirates recently, was surprisingly quiet today!
In the dimly lit room, Blackbeard's face was also somewhat gloomy.
Since receiving the news from Burgess yesterday evening that the tripartite cooperation had been reached, he hadn't been able to contact them from last night until this morning.
This gave Blackbeard a faint sense of unease, feeling that something must have happened!
"Teach, those newly joined pirates have already set sail. Shouldn't we be heading out too?"
"Dictator King" Avalo Pizarro was waiting somewhat impatiently. After urging, he also complained,
"I told you long ago, that guy Vasco Shot is addicted to alcohol. You were too careless sending him to handle business!"
"See? That guy must have gotten drunk again!"
Blackbeard's gaze turned cold for a moment upon hearing this.
Do I not know? Why do you think I sent Burgess along?
"Barrel of Wine" might mess things up, but how could Burgess not listen to me?
"Zehahaha! Pizarro, don't keep calling them 'pirates.' Those guys are our partners now!"
Blackbeard's ugly, scar-filled face twitched as he laughed loudly.
"Let's go. We should set out too!"
"Burgess and the others might want to supervise those Germa fellows in fulfilling the agreement and are moving with that group!"
Blackbeard added, seemingly as an explanation or perhaps to comfort himself.
Having said that, he stood up and walked toward the door.
As he passed Pizarro, the smile on his face vanished instantly, and his expression became even more sinister.
Ever since being targeted by that bastard Taro, they had lost several companions, and the group's strength had been greatly reduced!
Now, he was forced to take in any riffraff under his command to expand his influence!
He didn't really consider those pirates as partners either, but the situation was unfavorable, and he couldn't afford to be picky!
Even a pair of underwear or a piece of toilet paper has its use!
Besides, his next plan, "seizing the position of the Four Emperors," was already a notched arrow on the bowstring—it had to be fired!
That old hag Miss. Bakkin sent the latest intelligence obtained from the leader of the Whitebeard Pirates Remnants—Marco.
This was simply a god-given opportunity!
When an opportunity arises, one must seize it!
This is the choice of fate!
Of course, as for the outcome, leave it to fate as well!
Blackbeard had been prepared for this since decades ago!
If he couldn't obtain the Dark-Dark Fruit in this life, he would have honestly remained in hiding forever!
Now, although Taro was an unexpected factor,
However, with both the Dark-Dark Fruit and the Tremor-Tremor Fruit in hand, it shows that fate is indeed favoring me!
Whether fate looks after Blackbeard, no one knows!
However, that Taro wants to "look after" Blackbeard is absolutely certain!
"Teacher Zephyr, I'll be leaving now!"
Taro shook Zephyr's large hand to say goodbye,
Then, he pulled out a small den den mushi and handed it over, smiling.
"The next time we meet, you'll be able to drink at my wedding!"
Zephyr took the den den mushi and tucked it into his robe, nodding with a smile.
"Then this old man will wait for your good news! Be careful in everything!"
Taro chuckled,
"Don't you worry!"
Having said that, Taro let go of Zephyr's hand, stepped back a few paces, and waved goodbye again.
Then, he transformed into a Falcon and soared straight into the sky.
After circling above Zephyr's fleet for a while, he flew toward the south!
The Payback War!
If it's not settled thoroughly, how can it be called the "Payback War"?
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