Chapter 109: Fighting Music

This island is a town that never stops ringing with sound.

Every kind of instrument plays its melody. Countless confident singers raise their voices in song. Dancers proud of their skills show off their steps.

Drawn in by the town's festive spirit, sailors visiting the island throw themselves wholeheartedly into the celebrations.

──The Grand Line. The town of carnivals: San Faldo.

Festivals take place all year round, and events big and small are constantly being held. Lured by the noise and spectacle, a certain pirate made their way to the island. Their name is──

『We have a winnnnnnnnner!!! Third match of the final tournament in the 1st Live Battle Contest: San Faldo Cup!! The victor is none other than the fearsome vice-governor of the Four Emperors’ Beasts Pirates!!! The strongest idol from the New World!!! The top pick for the championship!! The one and only──Nue the Monster Beast!!』

"Yeeaaahhh!!! Thank you, everyone～～～～～～!!!"

"Wooooooh!!!"

"Kyaaahhh♡"

"CUTE!!"

"UNKNOWN!!"

On the open-air special stage, two performance platforms flanked the announcer’s podium in the center. This was the arena of the San Faldo Cup, where singing, dancing, and stage performance were all judged in competition.

And now, bouncing up and down on one of the stages, waving to the roaring fans and crowd, was a pirate so terrifying that even hardened warriors would tremble at the sight──none other than Nue the Phantom Beast.

---

"Haaa～～～～～～this town’s the best!!"

"Aye!! Nue-sama, that was incredible!!"

"Fufufu♡ Right? Well, of course it was!!"

Having rented out a café terrace somewhere in town, I sat back and savored a skewer of grilled meat. All around me were countless pirates──my subordinates──voicing their excitement over the live show earlier. Naturally, I expect praise, but it still feels good to hear it.

But not everyone was as fired up. I turned to address the outlier.

"Hm? What’s wrong, Pē-tan? Still sulking because you couldn’t catch Ace?"

"No… that’s not really it, but… Nue-san. Why this island?"

Page One──a.k.a. Pē-tan, one of the Flying Six of the Beasts Pirates──looked unconvinced. Apparently, he was still trying to figure out why we stopped by this place. But the answer is obvious. I told him straight.

"Because I caught wind of a live contest happening, duh!! I mean, come on, I’m the world’s number one idol! How could I not take part?"

"You just don’t get it, do you, Pē-tan?"

"Muhaha!! The poor fool can’t even appreciate entertainment!!"

"The stage is plain compared to my Gran Tesoro, but… well. Can’t pass up a chance to perform."

"Nobody asked you guys!!! Also, why the hell are all of you even here!?"

Pē-tan looked around the seats, gesturing at the rest of us──well, at everyone except me. There was Black Maria, Queen, and Tesoro. Not exactly a casual crowd. What was he getting so worked up about?

"More importantly, isn’t it your turn next, Queen?"

"Oh, is it already that time? Alright, boys～～～～!!! Showtime!! Let’s gooooo!!! FUNK!!!"

"FUNK!!"

"I’m up after that, huh… Hmph. I’ll show these penniless peasants what a real show looks like."

"Nue-san. For the next performance, I was thinking of using this kind of effect…"

"Ooh, I like it～♪ Alright then, Black Maria, have the others handle the instruments and backing vocals again, okay?♡"

"Yes, ma’am!!"

"…………You’re telling me all of you seriously came just for a show contest…?"

Pē-tan looked at us in disbelief. Well, I get what he’s trying to say. It is a little excessive. One All-Star, two members of the Flying Six, and Tesoro. Joker already went back to Onigashima to drop off supplies, but just as she left, these three arrived. Pē-tan stayed behind.

With this lineup, we could start a war or take over a country. Apparently, the Navy was seriously on alert, too. But they're too busy right now, fighting the Red-Hair Pirates in the New World. Must be rough.

So that’s why we decided to drop in and join the big event here in San Faldo. In the world of music and showbiz, people like me and Tesoro are practically superstars. Famous and popular. How could we not show up?

Sure, the townsfolk were a little freaked out at first by a bunch of notorious pirates showing up… but once the contest started, the excitement drowned all that out. Guess that’s just how this place is. Kind of reminds me of Dressrosa. As long as pirates put on a good show and entertain the crowd, nobody minds too much.

In fact, more people gathered once they realized they’d get to see famous pirates. Fufun. That’s the power of my popularity. Gotta live up to it.

♪ If I got too skinny, I’d be too hot to handle♫ So I stay this size on purpooose♫

『FUNK!!』

"Oh, Queen’s show started."

"Queen is as flashy as ever."

"Well, either he or Tesoro’ll probably face me in the finals──oh, right, Pē-tan. Since we’re here, wanna join the show as a backup dancer?"

"…N-no, I, uh, I think I’ll pass…"

As Queen’s performance kicked off beyond the crowd, I tried to be nice and invited Pē-tan to take part. But he declined. Maybe he’s worried he’d just drag the show down? He really doesn’t need to think like that. But hey, if he doesn’t want to, I won’t force him──hmm?

"…………"

"Hm? Something wrong, Nue-san?"

"…Mmm~ fufufu♡ I’ve got a feeling the next stage might get real interesting♡"

"…? What do you mean by──"

Nothing at aaall♡ I cut off Black Maria’s question by popping another bite of meat into my mouth. Spoiling the surprise would be boring, right? Lucky me♡ I decided to ignore the presence watching me from the shadows.

---

A man watching a group of pirates from the shadow of a building in the plaza was, himself, a pirate.

As he rubbed his chin, intrigued by the presence of a major figure on the island he’d happened upon during his voyage, something about his hand stood out—it had two joints in each finger.

Wearing glasses and headphones, the man drew puzzled looks from his crew, who addressed him with question marks practically floating over their heads.

"Captain Apoo, what are you looking at?"

“—Found some interesting folks.”

"Huh?"

"Look for yourself."

He gestured from the building’s shadow. When the crew peeked out and spotted the group seated at the café terrace, their faces drained of color.

"!! T-Those guys… That’s the Beasts Pirates…!!?"

"Yeah. One of the Four Emperors. And that one there is the ‘Chimera Nue’—known as a sibling figure to 'Kaido of the Beasts.' The rest of them are those Flying Six guys."

"W-What are monsters like that doing in a place like this!?"

"Beats me. Maybe they’re just here for the show contest?"

They had been listed as participants. And sure enough, one of the All-Stars from the Beasts Pirates was on stage right now, singing and dancing. It was a plausible explanation.

But more than anything, the crew was rattled by the sight of such heavy hitters and pleaded with their captain.

"Captain Apoo, we should run!! We can’t deal with people like that…!"

"Calm down. If they’re here for the contest too, they’re not gonna go on a rampage for no reason."

"Maybe so, but still…!!"

"You guys really are clueless... They came here to throw down with music, didn’t they? Then we’ve got no choice but to challenge ’em with our music."

"Wait… You’re not serious…!!"

As his panicked crew looked on, the man’s lips curled into a smirk. Wearing a shirt emblazoned with the character for “sound,” he was a pirate who made headlines the year he set sail—earning a bounty in the hundreds of millions.

『Captain of the On Air Pirates, “Roar of the Sea” Scratchmen Apoo — Bounty: 198 million berries』

"And besides… When you pick a fight, best to piss ’em off and get away!! Let’s roll!!"

"Captain Apoo!!?"

And with that, the pirate Apoo—while his crew stood flustered—left the scene and headed toward the event setup.

“Alrighty, up next—the semifinals!!”

“Give it your all, Nue-san!!”

“We’re rooting for you!!”

With Queen’s live performance and then Tesoro’s, the contest was rolling on. Now it was my turn again. The semifinals.

If I win this, it’ll be either Queen or Tesoro in the finals—and I’m obviously going to win ♡ No way the world’s cutest idol could lose. With flawless vocals, dance moves, looks, and stage presence, there’s no competition. Ready to crush the small fry, I step onto the stage with my band and dancers, basking in the cheers of my loyal crew.

『—Alright!! Time for the semifinals!! Your host is still with you: from the Blueberry Times, the guitar-shredding reporter—Rocky Huttley, baby!!』

Between the two stages, our host appears—a blond man with sunglasses, hyping the crowd with riffs on his guitar. …I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before… or not… probably have… but whatever. Doesn’t matter.

『First up!! Advancing to the semifinals is this monster with a bounty over 3 billion!! A member of the Four Emperors!! The sibling of “Kaido of the Beasts”!! But don’t let that fool you—she’s the world’s cutest idol!! When I first saw her, I legit peed myself!! The “Chimera” Nueeeeeeeee!!!』

“Ahahaha♪ Everyone~~~~!! I’m just here to sing today, so enjoy yourselves, okay~~~♡”

My cue. I hop lightly onto the stage in time with the MC’s voice, surrounded by a colorful display of UFOs. Once I’m up, I strike a pose and wink—cue thunderous applause. Fufufu, guess I’ve gained even more fans♡ Sorry, but this round’s mine too!!

『And second up—well, due to unforeseen circumstances, semifinalist Baian has withdrawn…』

“Ehhh!?”

"You’ve gotta be kidding me!?"

Wait, does that mean I get a bye? Ugh, how boring. I had two more songs lined up and everything. Even the crowd is booing, and honestly, I feel like joining them. Boo! Let me sing more! Disqualify the dropout!

『But worry not, folks!! A surprise guest has stepped in to take his place!!』

“A surprise guest?”

“Who could it be?”

With question marks all around—me, Black Maria, the audience—the MC gives one last guitar strum and points toward the opposite stage. The spotlight swings around. And with it, the announcer declares—!

『Facing off against the Chimera Nue is this man!! A Super Rookie from the Longarm Tribe who burst onto the scene out of nowhere!! Captain of the On Air Pirates!! Bounty: 198 million berries!! “Roar of the Sea” Scratchmen Apooooooooooo!!!』

"Apapapapa!!! Check it ouuuut!!!"

"!?!"

With a jaunty step, smacking rhythm into his body and head with his long arms, he dances his way onto the stage—just like the host said, it’s Scratchmen Apoo. Hmm~? You came all the way here just to mess with me? What’s your game?

"YO YO!! You’re the Chimera Nue, right?"

"…Isn’t it obvious? I am the cutest one here, after all♡"

"Whoops, my bad!! Wasn’t trying to pick a fight or anything. Just came over to say hi, YO. I’m actually a fan of yours, y’know? Got all your TDs and everything, appappa!"

"Oh really? Thanks ♡ That’s awfully sweet of you. Well, I did just come to sing today, so fine by me. Let’s have some fun, okay? ♡"

"That’s what I’m talkin’ about ♫ Bet you and me’ll get along just fine ♫"

And then, Apoo starts chatting me up—on friendly terms, no less. …Not that it’s surprising. I noticed him earlier while I was taking a break, figured he’d make a move at some point, just didn’t expect it’d be here. He gives off that cocky, slightly mocking vibe—pretty easy to read.

"Nue-san."

"Don’t move, Black Maria. That goes for the rest of you too. We came here to sing, remember? ♡"

Still, it’s fine. The moment Apoo walked up, Maria and the others started giving me looks—asking silently if they should step in. But I shake my head. He said it’s just a greeting. And if he’s telling the truth about being a fan and owning my TDs, well, that makes me kinda happy.

If it’s true, I might let a few things slide. If he’s lying, I’ll think about it… but either way, I really did just come here to sing today. A little rudeness isn’t gonna bother me—we’re pirates, after all. It’s not like I run a tight ship when it comes to etiquette! Stuff like that doesn’t make me mad.

Though—this won’t end quietly, I can tell that much.

『Alright, now that the formalities are outta the way... it’s time!! The semi-finals—START!!』

"UOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!!!"

With the MC’s signal, the music kicks off on both ends. Apoo’s going for a hip-hop DJ style, while I’ve gone for a rock-pop fusion with a touch of Wano flavor. …But honestly, I can do any genre. I could switch to hip-hop if I wanted. Still… something about the way Appoo moves—it’s sketchy, you know? ♡

"Wait… look at him!!"

"Is he… making sound with his own body?!"

That’s right—Appoo’s producing music straight from his body. But it’s not just something simple like body percussion.

Smack his head, you get cymbals. Hit his chest, it’s a drum. His teeth stretch and play like a keyboard synth.

"What the hell…?"

"Yo yo!! This guy’s makin’ sound from his body… what a funky bastard!!"

"That’s… what you’re focusing on!?"

He turns his hands into string instruments, morphs his arms into clarinets—every part of his body becomes a different instrument, and he plays them all.

No wonder the audience is losing it. Even guys like Tesoro, Queen, and Page One are either dumbfounded or straight-up confused. I knew about his ability, sure—but seeing it up close for the first time, yeah, even I’m a little stunned.

"YO ♫ YO ♫ YO-YO-YO ♫ You hear this music, this sick rhythm? ♫ If you're feelin’ it, stay tuned in ♫ Nue the Sealed Beast ♫"

"…Yeah, I hear your music loud and clear ♫ What’s on your mind, Scratchmen Appoo? ♫"

And hey, the music? Not bad.

He’s not on my level, obviously—but the sound and vocals are solid. And his act—turning his body into an instrument—that’s a unique power. No surprise he’s got the crowd’s attention.

Not that I’m backing down or anything. I switch gears and throw back a rap verse his way. Our music crew’s sharp—they catch my signal and shift the beat in an instant. Doesn’t matter if it’s different from what we rehearsed.

The real problem here is… that cocky little rookie attitude of his.

"EVERYBODY!! Tune in to this—Fighting Music in the flesh!! ♫"

And I smiled, deliberately choosing to savor it, to watch and see what he’d do. Apoo struck a chord on the stringed instrument wrapped around his wrist—

"SCRAAAAAAATCH!!! ‘Smack-Boom’♫"

“!?”

In that instant, even I couldn’t track the speed of the incoming impact.

“Nue-san!!?”

“What the hell!? She just flew off all of a sudden…!!”

My body was knocked slightly into the air by the force and hurled to the side—but I quickly regained balance mid-air.

That was… a punch, probably. I think. I didn’t recognize the technique. I tried to analyze it, but I couldn’t. I don’t understand the mechanics behind it.

Everyone around me was still in shock, unsure of what had just happened. And in that moment, Apoo again—

“‘Slash-SHAAAN’♫”

“…!!”

“Nue-san, you’re… bleeding!?”

“No way…!!”

“Wh-Whhaaaaaaaat!!?”

—A slash. That attack cut me. Just barely, but it cut me. So I really can’t follow it.

While I was observing Apoo’s ability, the onlookers were all stunned at the sight of my blood. I suppose that’s how much faith they have in me… but everyone’s being a little dramatic. I bleed red like anyone else. It’s just a shallow cut on my arm—no need to freak out. Honestly, it’s so light it’s barely more than a paper-thin wrist cut.

…Still, I can’t blame them for being shocked. After all, I was wounded. Could this be some kind of conceptual attack?

Ordinary slashes don’t work on me. Even blades can’t pierce my smooth, pale skin. Wind blades, like Rankyaku, don’t affect me either, even without using Haki. Haki or not, it doesn’t matter—our bodies are far tougher than steel. The only people who could cut me would be monsters like Kaido, Red-Hair… or Hawkeye.

So, if something like Apoo’s attack can so much as scratch me, it has to be conceptual in nature, not physical. It must be a Devil Fruit ability that overrides normal physical laws. There’s no way he has advanced Haki like Oden’s, so that narrows it down.

Abilities that ignore physical rules are always troublesome. Like the Bari Bari no Mi—the barrier fruit. No matter how hard you hit it, it won’t break. It simply doesn’t let anything through. I remember Kaido and I trying full-force once. Didn’t work. That says it all.

Apoo’s sound-based ability is probably something similar. It’s just speculation, but maybe it’s an ability that causes a specific phenomenon in the body of anyone who hears a certain sound. Once the sound reaches your ears, the conditions for activation are fulfilled, and a phenomenon—like an impact or a slash—is forcibly triggered. No matter how tough the target is, it inflicts at least some fixed amount of damage. The more I think about it, the more it seems like a conceptual ability… kind of unfair, honestly. But interesting.

“‘BOOM-BLAST’♫”

“!?”

“Eeeeehhh!? Nue-san exploded!? Is that part of the act!?”

“…!! Was that his doing…!?”

And this time, an explosion. So yeah, I’m guessing the moment you hear the sound, the attack is set. In theory, all you’d have to do is block your ears—but it’s a decent power for long-range ambushes or sneak attacks. Works in one-on-ones and group fights alike. Probably gets on people’s nerves, though… But anyway, this wasn’t the time to be analyzing it.

“AHHH-PAH-PAH-PAH!!! Check it out, y’all!! Welp, that’s enough music for today! No way I can win a straight-up fight, so I’ll be making my exit nowwwww!!”

“Hey!! Don’t let him escape!! Capture him!!”

“Whaaat!!? Strange phenomena one after another!! And—huh!? Th-The semifinals!?”

“Are you alright, Nue-san…!?”

Apoo stopped performing and tried to make a run for it. Hm. Teasing your opponent, getting them all riled up, then running off when they’re mad—he’s got a fun little personality. I get it.

But… thinking you can escape from me? That’s the one miscalculation, darling.♡

“How dare you ruin Nue-san’s live show…!!”

“Wha—Maria-neesan’s transforming…!!”

“Queen-sama!! He’s heading toward the port!!”

“You think you can run from me!? Time to test my new plague virus!!”

Black Maria and Queen were getting ready for battle, clearly intending to make him pay—but I stopped them.

“You lot… don’t you dare lay a finger on him…!!”

“Kh…!! Nue-san…!!”

“He actually had the guts to lay a hand on me. I’d be a poor host if I didn’t entertain him properly…♡”

After I exploded and Apoo fled, Queen, Page One, Black Maria and the others had all started to move. I ordered them to stand down. While everyone froze mid-motion, I used Observation Haki to track Apoo, who was already far enough to be out of sight, hopping along the rooftops. He’s fast, agile… even in a straight fight, he could put up a decent effort.

I traced the small slash on my right arm with a finger and licked the blood off. Fufufu… it’s been a while since I bled. Even if it was caused by a Devil Fruit, he’s proving to be a fun opponent.

And so, determined to catch him, I dug in my heel and leapt toward him in a single bound.

“All set with departure prep. If I just keep going like this, I’ll be home free.”

“—Nice ability. I’ll give it a sixty out of a hundred.♡”

“Huh?—Wha—!!!”

Caught slacking, Apoo didn’t have time to react before I smashed my fist into his face, slamming him straight into the ground. Bit too strong, actually… cracked the floor. That might’ve been a one-hit KO?

“Guh…!!”

“Hmm… ahaha♡ Not bad. Even with me holding back, you didn’t pass out. That’s some solid durability! Alright, then—”

Summoning three UFOs in flashing colors, I floated above the stunned, pale-faced Apoo… and announced the beginning of our “playtime.”

“Let’s continue the music battle…♡”

“…!!!”

—It’s time for a bullet-hell encore.

---

For the first time, Apoo came face to face with overwhelming power—with reality itself.

Sailing the seas, doing things his own way, riding the vibe however he pleased. His enemies were just playthings—easy to provoke, fun to mock. He’d never lost, never been caught.

As long as it was entertaining for him, that was enough. He truly believed he could keep coasting on his vibe forever. Even against a Yonko.

"—Oh? Done already? C’mon, keep dancing, keep dancing~♫"

“Hahh... Hahh... Huff...!!”

But he was dead wrong.

She was the elder figure to Kaido of the Beasts—one of the Four Emperors—and Vice-Governor of the Beasts Pirates. At first glance, she looked like nothing more than a girl. But those beastlike crimson eyes and the aura she carried were nothing short of monstrous… The thing standing before him was no human.

He bitterly regretted messing with Nue the Phantom Beast. What he’d intended as a casual attack—his idea of a “greeting”—had ended with him instantly pursued, caught, and now being toyed with.

"DANCE♫ DANCE♫ Step aside and dodge away~~~~~♫"

“…!!”

It was less a musical duel and more a one-sided torture session.

Apoo had already realized the vast gap in strength between them. Escape was impossible. He tried fighting back briefly, but—no matter how hard he hit, she didn’t even flinch. She wasn’t going down. His blows connected, sure, but they didn’t feel like they were doing any damage. And now that he’d stopped attacking altogether, it was like she was recovering.

She could’ve ended it in a single strike if she wanted to. But she didn’t. She was deliberately holding back—the overwhelming speed and power she’d shown at the start, now sealed away.

So what was she doing instead…? Bullet hell.

“Crank that voltage up up up~~!!! Next track!! ‘Unidentified’!! ‘Twisty-Twisty Folklore Rhythm Dance’!!!”

“Ghh…!!”

From the sky came a barrage of multicolored energy blasts. The patterns shifted every few seconds, and every hit dealt damage.

Apoo’s only option was to keep dodging. Nue danced as she posed, calling out technique names that doubled as track titles. Then came bizarre, white, snakelike entities, wriggling and twisting toward him with unpredictable movements. He was struck again, but he couldn’t afford to stop moving—so he kept dodging as best he could.

It had been going like this for a while now, and his stamina was running out. If this kept up, he'd eventually stop, and they'd turn him into swiss cheese. He didn’t even have the presence of mind to register the music anymore.

“Already ready to drop~? But I’m not even close to done dancing!”

“…Tch!!”

—A monster. That’s what she was. Plain and simple.

And she wasn’t even a Yonko. Just one of their top brass. Her level was completely different.

On top of that, the only people left around were enemies. The townsfolk had fled. All of his crewmates were down. Only the Beasts Pirates remained, with their officers.

If this kept up, he’d die. He couldn’t win. It wasn’t fun anymore. The moment that thought hit him, he moved.

“Al—All right, I give up!! I surrender!! Just stop already!!”

“! Ohh? Hmm… well, okay. I guess that’s fine then! I’ll stop~!!”

Nue looked a little disappointed for a split second, then beamed with a bright smile and cut off the barrage.

He was caught off guard by how easily she stopped, though the fear didn’t leave him. As Nue drew closer, he resisted the urge to retreat, instead speaking up quickly—before the rest of the Beasts Pirates could reach them.

“Hahh… hahh… L-Look, I’m sorry!! I’ve got this habit of messing with people, okay?! I just wanted to see what would happen if I pushed your buttons—it was a moment of curiosity, that’s all!!”

“Ohhh, I see!! Yeah yeah, I get it!! I totally understand that feeling!! Ahaha, sorry for tormenting you, okay? See, when I can’t have fun in a fight ‘cause the other side’s too weak, I end up trying to enjoy it in other ways~”

“R-Right…”

“Nue-san!!”

Apoo dropped to his knees, apologizing as the other officers arrived—Queen at the front, followed by the rest. Tesoro was there, too.

“So it’s over… Not much collateral damage this time, for Nue-san, anyway.”

“You bastard… You’re gonna pay for this…!! Nue-san, how do you want to handle him!?”

“Picking a fight here, of all places, takes some serious guts.”

Queen and the others glanced around at the town—wrecked from the bullet hell, but relatively intact. Honestly, yeah. It could’ve been a lot worse. After all, Nue had only targeted Apoo with the barrage. If she’d gone hand-to-hand or unleashed her beast form, the island wouldn’t have survived. She’d held back.

Page One was seething, demanding retribution. Honestly, moments like this reminded me just how much Pē-tan and Ulti-chan really were siblings—short tempers, the way they lose it whenever someone opposes Kaido or me. Black Maria watched with a kiseru in hand, offering sarcastic praise. Tesoro said nothing, just observing.

Well, anyway. I should probably announce his fate—before Pē-tan gets any angrier.

“Now, now. Settle down. His punishment’s already decided.”

“And what exactly do you intend?”

“Same as always. —Apoo.”

“!”

I turned to him. He was pale, clutching his bleeding shoulder, still gasping for breath… but we weren’t heartless. We always let things slide—no matter who it was.

“Join us. Come under our flag. We always welcome new strength with open arms! Ours is a pirate crew packed full of fun events!! And hey, you’re a DJ too, right? ♡”

“Hahh… hahh… Aha-ha… I see now… So the rumor was true—you don’t kill anyone who’s got value…”

“Oh? You’re well informed~! Yep, that’s how we roll. You’ve got guts, and you’re decently strong. Join us and you won’t be treated badly. It’s a meritocracy here—if you’re strong and useful, you’ll get the position you deserve ♡”

—So, what’s your answer?

Apoo hesitated for a moment, something flickering behind his eyes. But his response came smoothly, without delay. And when I heard it, I couldn’t help the grin that crept across my lips.

—Fufufu~♪ One of the Worst Generation… first one, secured♡

---

──The Island of Justice, Enies Lobby, has fallen!!

──The pirate “Straw Hat Luffy” and his crew declare war on the World Government!?

The article printed that day echoed across the globe, sending shockwaves through civilians, marines, and pirates alike.

The name of the “Straw Hat Pirates,” now with a bounty totaling 300 million Berries, spread like wildfire across the world.

“Uwahhh~~!! This ship’s the best~~~~!!!”

“It’s the best~~~~!!!”

“Even the lawn’s so soft~~~~!!!”

With a brand-new ship in their hands, the Straw Hat crew set sail from the City of Water, Water 7, aiming for their next destination—Fish-Man Island.

But no voyage is without its share of trouble.

“Hm…? Is that what I think it is…?”

A shadow moving through the sky suddenly caught sight of the ship and the pirate flag hoisted atop it. Most of the Straw Hats hadn’t noticed yet.

“Huh? What the hell is that…?”

The first to notice it… was the man who’d been dozing off while on watch: the “Pirate Hunter” Zoro, bounty 120 million Berries.

But by the time he realized it, it was too late. The shadow was already hurtling straight toward the Straw Hats’ ship, the Thousand Sunny.

“Found youuuuuuu!!!”

“!! Whoa!?”

“What the!?”

“Are we under attack!?”

To be precise, it was heading for one man.

Startled by the sudden shout from one of their crewmates, everyone turned to look.

Landing squarely on the grassy deck was none other than Roronoa Zoro—and another figure. A female swordsman with a unique outfit and two blades.

“Fuhahahaha!!! Our fateful meeting comes after a hundred years!!!”

“…!! Who the hell are you!?”

“Wha!?”
“Zoro and some cute girl just fell from the sky!?”

“What the hell’s going on!?”

“Who even are you!?”

The woman leapt at Zoro, blades clashing in a fierce exchange. As everyone but Sanji—whose eyes turned to hearts—stood stunned and on guard, the swordswoman with two horns shouted something unbelievable.

“Roronoa Zoro! Bounty 120 million Berries!”

“Yeah, that’s me… Who the hell are you!?”

“Me? My name is… That’s right!! Roronoa Musashi!! I’m your… daughter!!! Daddy!!!”

“…Eh.”

“Ha…?”

“What… did you say…!?”

“Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!?”

For a moment, the crew was dumbfounded—then all at once, their voices erupted, echoing out over the sea.

──And in the week following the mysterious swordswoman Musashi’s encounter with the Straw Hat Pirates, several events unfolded that could shake the world to its core.

──

“I’ve been looking for you, Teach…!!!”

“!?! Oh… Ace…!! Commander…!!!”

──On Banaro Island, deep in the Grand Line, two pirates collided—

“No one’s going to be able to stop it now…!!! This era gone mad!!!”

“I fear nothing!!! I am Whitebeard!!!”

──In the New World, two of the sea’s emperors stood face to face. Their negotiations failed—and the skies split.

And elsewhere, on an island in the New World—

“Haa-hahahamamamama…!!! So you finally called. What’s this supposed to mean, Kaido?”

『Exactly what it sounds like!! Keep your head nice and clean—because I’m coming for it, Linlin!!!』

“Well well… You really think you little apprentices are gonna take me down?”

『We were apprentices a long time ago. If you still think we’re the same… you’re in for a world of pain, Linlin♡』

That exchange took place between one man and one woman—and one more woman.

They knew each other well. And yet their relationship now was purely hostile. Both sides enemies, ready to betray the other the moment they showed a weakness.

“Don’t get cocky just ‘cause there’s two of you. Fine—come if you want. But don’t expect to leave alive. You better be ready to die…!!!”

『The one who’s gonna die is you, Linlin!!! I’ll crush you, so bring it on!!!』

『Ahahaha!! Just like the old days! I’m loving this!! Well then… let’s talk again next week, shall we~♡』

And that transmission—like the other incidents—was another trigger shaking the world to its core.

The storm of this runaway era was finally beyond anyone’s control. A “New Age” of pirates was about to begin.