Chapter 131: Science Empire

—Several months had passed since the collapse of the World Government.

The latter half of the Grand Line, the “New World,” was where the shockwaves were felt most intensely.

“We’re at war!! Grab your weapons!!!”

“If we lose, there is no future!! Win by any means necessary!!!”

“Damn it!! Those bastards… they actually did it!!”

Nations across the sea ignited into war, getting swept up in an ever-widening storm of conflict.

Tensions were everywhere—countless sparks ready to catch. In a sea that had lost its balance, warfare could break out at the drop of a hat.

Some fought out of greed. Others retaliated for what was done to them.

Even good-natured countries found themselves in futile arguments of who started what. In truth, many of these wars were manipulated by third parties—but without realizing this, these nations gripped their weapons with righteous fury, and spilled blood—including that of their own people.

To protect what they held dear, they needed “power.” And so, the people of the New World began seeking it instinctively. As a natural consequence, the underworld flourished.

Massive amounts of “money”… inhumane “weapons”… the “forces” of pirates… Everyone sought something different, but no one had the luxury to hesitate anymore.

Syndicates that once lurked in the shadows now operated openly, doing business boldly in the New World—and amidst it all, there was an island that had become a hub for “dark science.”

“Ugh… The stench is as awful as ever…”

“That’s the smell of plants and soil rotted by toxic substances. I heard the poisons are long gone, but the stench still clings, huh…”

A group treads over the decayed soil, advancing deeper into the island.

They all shared a common appearance—clearly a unit—and though they weren’t exactly marching with confidence, they kept moving toward a building while talking about the island. Two grotesque creatures suddenly emerged from the forest into the sky, prompting someone to speak up.

“…! Captain… those creatures…”

“Yeah… a ‘dragon’ and a ‘chimera’… They were created by Dr. Vegapunk back when this island needed guarding.”

“Gurururururur!!!”

“Gwoooooooo!!!”

Seeing the mythical creatures battling midair, the man at the front murmured.

Dragons—scaly beasts with wings, and chimera—an amalgam of bird wings, a lion’s head, a snake-headed tail… Creatures of legend, shaped to everyone’s imagination, but neither should truly exist. Both were artificially created.

The two monsters noticed the group… but the moment they recognized the man leading them, they turned and fled. Fierce as they were, their animal instincts couldn’t be denied. The man snorted, clearly unimpressed.

“No need to be afraid. Once they realize they’re up against something way stronger than themselves, they run off. No different from any other beast.”

“Well… still, even knowing that, just seeing them gave me chills. I didn’t think it was even possible to recreate them like that, even if they’re just imitations…”

“Hmph… Compared to the real ones I’m used to seeing, they don’t scare me one bit. Let’s go. We can’t keep the real one waiting.”

“Yes, sir!!”

The lead man, cigarette between his lips, barked an order. His subordinates followed as they entered a research facility up ahead, their footsteps echoing sharply against the floor.

This used to be a World Government research base—infamous as the facility where Dr. Vegapunk, the man with the world’s greatest mind, led the science division. It was an island where endless experiments on weapons and chemical agents had taken place.

And for this group, it was also a place deeply tied to their past. One of the scientists still conducting research here remained in contact with them. But they hadn’t come for that scientist—or the broker who publicly employed them.

The man at the front—dressed in a red suit and horned red helmet—only answered to two people.

“…I’m back.”

“Muhaha!! So you showed up, Who’s-Who!!”

“! Queen…!! What the hell are you doing here!?”

One of the two was the Supreme Commander of a pirate crew who wasn’t here.

The other was the Vice Commander—who was present. Who’s-Who had returned at his request. But the moment he stepped into a spacious room designed for comfort, he found himself staring at an eyesore of a hulking figure and immediately raised his voice.

Who’s-Who stood a little over three meters tall. But the man before him exceeded eight meters—a true giant. Both were executives of the Beasts Pirates, one of the Four Emperors’ crews ruling the New World.

“Queen the Plague, Lead Performer of the Beasts Pirates – Bounty: 1.82 billion berries”

“Mu~hahaha!! It’s an experiment for my weapon, of course I had to oversee it myself!! Still as cheeky as ever, huh?”

“Who’s-Who, Flying Six of the Beasts Pirates – Bounty: 828 million berries”

“Tch… Give me a break… Just so you know, I only agreed to this because Nue asked me to.”

“Hm~? You’re one of the Flying Six. Of course you’re supposed to follow the orders of a Lead Performer like me!! Didn’t you accept the job knowing that? Muhaha.”

“If it weren’t for Nue’s request, there’s no way I’d waste my time helping you with your tasteless weaponry.”

Queen and Who’s-Who. Queen’s rank was higher, but Who’s-Who was an ambitious outsider aiming for the Lead Performer seat. He was one of the strongest among the Flying Six and spoke to Queen as an equal, even treating him roughly.

“Just saying—during the next ‘Golden Kagura’ tournament, I’ll be competing. Better watch what you say unless you want to get challenged.”

“Gonna aim for me, huh? Muhaha… I don’t mind, but if you’re serious about becoming a Lead Performer, better go for that loser King instead. If you fight me, there’s no going back!”

“Hah… You never shut up.”

“Look who’s talking—‘Here’s your tea~♡’ Oh, thanks—hot!!!?”

Queen flashed a confident smirk as he kept up the verbal sparring with Who’s-Who—until someone handed him a cup of tea from the side. He took a sip without thinking, only to spew it out from the heat. It wasn’t an accident—it was a clear prank. And in this place, only one person would dare play tricks on a top Beasts Pirates executive like Queen.

She had somehow slipped in beside him unnoticed. Queen turned in outrage.

“What the hell, Nue-san!?”

“Ahahaha!! Gotcha~~!! So? My mysterious science! Tea that feels hot but isn’t actually hot at all!! The experiment was a success!!!”

“…Huh? Now that you mention it, my tongue doesn’t even feel burned… Wait, there’s no way that’s science!!”

“No no no! Right now, I’m the genius cutie scientist Nue-chan!!! The world’s cutest mystery scientist who spreads fear with incomprehensible science!!!”

She struck a pose right there—the highest-ranking person present. Beast Pirates Vice Commander, the one who gave Who’s-Who his orders: Nue the Sealed Beast. For some reason, she wore a long lab coat and glasses, completing the image of a bizarre pirate-scientist.

Queen and Who’s-Who both broke into a light sweat at the sight. But they had no choice. With no subordinates around—the rest were waiting in other rooms or outside—they had to respond themselves.

“…Is that a new outfit?”

“Yes!! It is~♡ I’m also releasing a new album themed around scientists and cyber vibes!! I came here to shoot the cover and the mini-photo bonus book!! So, Who’s-Who, did you take the pictures?”

“Yeah… Had my men snap a few. I thought it was just to document the weapon test progress…”

“Well, that too! But I also want to insert images of people suffering from chemical weapons on the inside cover, colophon, and back page!! Gives it a good apocalyptic feel, don’t you think?”

“Ah, I get it now…”

“Fufun♪ Being both a pirate and an idol—and getting to enjoy it? It’s the best. Three birds with one stone~♡ Thanks~♡”

“…………”

Nue flipped through the photos Who’s-Who handed her—pictures of devastated islands and victims suffering from chemical weapons—and smiled, twirling her lab coat. Watching her, Who’s-Who felt a chill of awe.

She had destroyed an entire island just to get a few pictures.

It was a horrific act, possible only because of the overwhelming power she wielded—and she enjoyed it. Her madness was unrivaled. Though he couldn’t fully grasp her idol obsession, Who’s-Who respected her strength and fearsome presence just like every other crew member. She was one of only two people he truly recognized as being above him.

That’s why he aimed to become a “Lead Performer.” If he had to bow to someone, it would be only at the very top. So he aimed for the highest position just below the summit—the strongest rank beneath the apex.

In the Beasts Pirates, rank was proof of strength. No weakling could rise to the top. Those who stood above were all powerful. Strength was essential to gaining position.

In other words, rank was a “medal.” A badge of honor, proof that the strongest beast had acknowledged your might. The authority that came with it was just a trophy. Understanding this truth as a “beast” himself, Who’s-Who sought merit to claim that rank. Helping Kaido become Pirate King was part of that goal. This mission was no exception.

“Shurororo… Glad to see someone’s in a good mood.”

“Oh, Caesar. You were here too?”

“!!? W-Well, I mean… yeah, I am a gas, so… I guess it's true that it's like I’m not really here…”

“Haha!! Just kidding!! Did you take that seriously? Even if you turn into gas, I can still see you—!”

“Shu, shurorororo… I-I see… (Grr… Dammit… Why the hell is this monster here in my lab…!?)”

Then, watching the pleased-looking Nue, a voice nervously called out from the back room. It belonged to the master of this laboratory—Caesar Clown, a former government scientist and leading authority in weapons of mass destruction.

A man who deceives others to use them as test subjects, conducting inhumane experiments repeatedly, and who calls himself the world’s greatest scientist while killing countless people. Arrogant and despicable, Caesar is also a Natural Logia-type “Gasu Gasu no Mi” user, making him a major figure in the New World—but even he spoke with a submissive tone before the monster now in front of him.

While Who’s-Who and Queen, also present, were undeniably monstrous compared to Caesar, even they paled in comparison to Nue. Caesar viewed her with a deep, bitter complexity—this kid was more dangerous and terrifying than any weapon he’d ever seen.

After all, the Beasts Pirates were a major client for Caesar, enabling him to easily acquire test subjects and run experiments in this lawless world. They were also the ones who toppled the World Government—the same regime that once fired him. No matter how afraid or averse he was, he had no choice but to work with them. Caesar rubbed his hands together obsequiously as he approached Nue.

“S-So… how did you like the weapon this time?”

“Yeah!! It was great!! Just look at these corpses!! It's amazing!! I kinda wish I could’ve seen it live!! As expected of a joint project between Queen and Caesar!!! You both did an incredible job!!!”

“Muhaha!! Hey now, Nue-san, you're praising our genius weapon a bit too much!! (Not that I mind, though obviously I’m the bigger genius compared to this piece of trash.)”

“Shurororo…!! As long as it pleased you, that’s all that matters…!! (I’m clearly the smarter one compared to this fat oaf, though.)”

“Yup yup, you’re both geniuses♪ (Though I bet both of you think you’re the real genius.)”

Nue cheerfully praised them for the results of the experiment. This time’s airborne virus weapon was a collaboration between Queen and Caesar—combining Queen’s deep expertise in virus tech with Caesar’s twisted creativity. Nue had Who’s-Who deploy it on an island as a test, resulting in the total destruction of the island. A smashing success—and Nue even got some great photos out of it.

Meanwhile, both scientists looked down on each other, each certain of their own superiority—but that was unavoidable. Anyone familiar with the underworld or famous scientists around the world knew that arrogance came standard with the title of "scientist." Queen and Caesar were no exception. And the man Who’s-Who brought up was also notorious for his villainy.

“Hmph… If we’re talking weapons, I’m more curious about Germa. Haven’t you made any deals with the Vinsmoke guys, Nue-san?”

“Oh yeah, they’ve been getting a lot of buzz lately in the North Blue. Hmm, nothing planned for now, but it’s not like I haven’t thought about it… Maybe I should?”

“! N-No, no, no! Forget those stuck-up trash heaps! My new poison gas weapon is way better…!!”

“Vinsmoke Judge’s a damn bastard, Nue-san!! He looks down on everyone who isn’t himself!! You’d be better off trapping the guy and stealing his whole country! That’d be a fitting punishment—muhaha!!”

“Man, you guys are harsh… Who cares about personality? Their cyborg tech looks super interesting… and if I don’t like them, I’ll just ‘handle’ it somehow.”

““But that guy’s total scum!!””

“Like you two aren’t!! You really think you can talk!?”

Unable to hold back, Nue clapped back at Caesar and Queen’s hypocrisy. Of course, she wasn’t exactly one to talk either. Pirates and underworld types are, without exception, scumbags. That didn’t mean they couldn’t throw shade—it just meant nobody was in a position to judge.

After all, in the world today, it was scum—villains—who were considered justice.

Which is why the evil army “Germa 66,” led by Vinsmoke Judge, also wielded power as a form of justice. Villainy, cowardice, and infamy were badges of honor now.

And Nue, arguably sitting at the top of that evil food chain, had taken interest in Germa’s scientific tech. As a warlord of darkness fighting across the world, the Germa Kingdom had conquered several nations in the North Blue, her homeland, and now waged war against the new government. Though once a member of the World Government, it was still a legitimate nation—led by a royal family: the Vinsmokes.

King Vinsmoke Judge had once been part of an illegal science research team led by Vegapunk himself. A brilliant scientist, he developed artificial and modified humans using Vegapunk’s discovery of the "Lineage Factor." Using that technology, he created his children and his people, securing a fearsome reputation worldwide as a warmonger.

His children were born with metallic skin, fire or electric powers, superhuman strength, and poison resistance—without fear or hesitation. Nations who knew of their true capabilities feared them.

And among Judge’s children was a certain third son—now part of the Straw Hat Crew—that Nue was particularly interested in. That alone made the idea of getting involved quite enticing.

However, it seemed other scientists who knew Judge didn’t like him much. Scientists rarely got along in general—but Caesar replied with a scowl full of contempt.

“Hmph!! That arrogant bastard’s tech isn’t all it’s cracked up to be…!! All he did was steal that Punk bastard’s Lineage Factor research…!!”

“You did that too though.”

“AAAH!? Look who's talking, you did the same thing!!”

“Yeah!? So what!?”

“──So you’re all just inferior to Vegapunk, then.”

“Ugh!! Ughghghghgh……!!!”

“!! W-Well, I mean…”

Once again, Nue interjected into Caesar and Queen’s petty squabble. Being told they were inferior to Vegapunk made Caesar grind his teeth in frustration, and Queen couldn’t bring himself to deny it. That alone was proof of Vegapunk’s overwhelming scientific prowess.

And it wasn’t just Caesar and Queen. Nue, too, was no exception, as Who’s-Who brought up.

“……Speaking of Vegapunk… Kaido-san and you, Nue-san… I heard you two were once research subjects?”

“Oh yeah, that. I used to get captured all the time, so they did a bunch of stuff to me. But I had no idea it was Vegapunk doing it. They ran all these torture-like experiments, drew my blood… In the end I got pissed off, went on a rampage and escaped. I didn’t even realize back then that it was Punk Hazard.”

Leaning on the desk, Nue answered like she was recalling a faint memory. It was true—back then, she hadn’t realized it. This was a rare gap in Nue’s otherwise terrifying knowledge.

She didn’t know what Vegapunk looked like. She didn’t even recognize Punk Hazard’s exterior from that time. That’s not surprising—but for someone like Nue, it was unusual not to know. You’d expect her to have figured it out.

But in the end, she didn’t. She and Kaido just rampaged as usual and fled. The others couldn’t grasp the implications of what Nue had just said, but the sheer terror of her and Kaido’s actions came through loud and clear—especially to Caesar, who she turned to next.

“──You were there at the time, right, Caesar? I wonder if you remember us? Ahaha♡”

“!! N-No, well… I was working on a different project back then…”

“Aww, too bad.”

Nue chuckled casually, not looking disappointed in the slightest. Caesar forced a smile—but he definitely remembered. It was true he’d been working on something else and hadn’t been involved in their experiments directly, but their sheer madness had made them infamous even back then.

There were rumors—needles couldn’t pierce her skin, anesthesia didn’t work, and in the end she destroyed all restraints and cages, wreaking havoc and escaping while leaving the lab in ruins. Even from a separate facility, word of their rampage reached him. He also knew about the creations born from that chaos—dragons and chimeras that now patrolled the island.

And Nue was well aware of all of that.

“Well, we’ve been doing business with Punk Hazard for a long time now—taking in their Numbers and all—but I still can’t stand how they refuse to study me. Being this mysterious is kind of my thing, but… Vegapunk’s gonna be mine eventually. After all that, it’d be rude if he didn’t cooperate with us, right?”

Nue twirled a puzzle ring between her fingers, a sly smile playing on her lips. For someone who lived by the motto of "being an enigma," the idea of being studied or researched wasn’t exactly appealing.

That said, she didn’t seem to mind the actual creation itself. Having a creature modeled after her apparently gave her a sense of prestige, like it added to her mystique as a youkai. Even if it was a counterfeit, it still served to raise the value of the original. She understood full well that Vegapunk himself was an incredibly useful asset. Science, after all, was also a form of powerful “strength.”

And then—Nue glanced toward a certain room with a reinforced, bulletproof glass window from which Caesar had emerged earlier. Through the wide horizontal pane, one could see the room below. Inside was—

“And then there’s also the matter of Kuma♡ —So? Is it done on your end?”

“! Shurorororo…!! Well, that’s, uh… No!! It was simple!! Please, have a look—HEY!! PX-0!! Get over here!!!”

“──Acknowledged.”

When Nue inquired about the progress, Caesar suddenly burst into a boastful grin and shouted toward the next room. Everyone’s eyes turned to the hulking figure that stepped through the doorway. The face and form were instantly recognizable—once a famous figure, now no longer human, but a weapon. Former pirate, now reengineered, his name was—

"Former 'Warlord of the Sea' / Former Revolutionary Army Officer: Bartholomew Kuma – Bounty: 296 million Berries"

“…………”

“Ooh……!!”

“Woooow… He looks just like his old self♡”

Once feared as a ruthless pirate, Bartholomew Kuma.

But his humanity had long since vanished. Turned into a government weapon—the "Pacifista"—by Vegapunk, he had taken part in the previous war, been captured by the Beasts Pirates, and brought to Punk Hazard for a specific purpose.

For several months, Caesar had tinkered with him—to modify his internals. And now, his work was complete, something that brought joy not just to Caesar, but to the Beasts Pirates as well.

“Shurororororo!!! It took quite some time and effort—but! For a genius like me, it was nothing!! I rewired the command structure!!! Now he no longer listens to the government—only to me and you guys!!! Want to test it!?”

“Oh really…? Then Kuma-chan♡ Try getting down on all fours♡”

“──Affirmative.”

Riding the wave of Caesar’s prideful declaration, Nue gave a playful order—and Kuma obediently complied, lowering himself onto all fours. Nue burst into laughter, Queen roared, and Who’s-Who gave a smug grin.

“Ahahaha!!! Amaaaaazing!!! He really follows orders to the letter!!!”

“Muhahahaha!!! Hilarious!! He’s just like a slave!!”

“Tch… A former 'Warlord' reduced to this. What a pitiful sight.”

“Shurororo…!! I rewrote the command protocols…!! He’s no longer a weapon for the government!! He’s a weapon to crush those who wish for peace—on behalf of pirates!!!”

“Fascinating~♪”

Nue genuinely admired Caesar’s handiwork. No matter how small-time he might act, his intellect—rotted or not—was still that of the world’s second-best scientist. Even if he couldn’t measure up to Vegapunk, capturing a weapon and fiddling with it a bit over a few months was no small feat.

...But then again, the fact that it took even someone like Caesar several months to barely alter the command system just proved how utterly abnormal Vegapunk was. Should she be impressed by Vegapunk's genius, or should she praise Caesar for managing even this much? In this case, Nue felt the latter was more appropriate. That’s how ridiculous Vegapunk’s science truly was.

“Must’ve been tough, huh? The mechanical brain... was it encrypted or something? I don’t know the details, but if you even managed to tinker with the A.I., you really are something, Caesar!!”

“!!? W-What…?! (What the hell!? How does she even know those terms!?)”

“Huh? What’s wrong? Did I say something weird?”

So Nue threw out some random praise, pretending like she knew what she was talking about—but Caesar visibly flinched, as if struck by fear. He looked at her like she was some unfathomable creature. Tilting her head with a mischievous smirk, even Queen and Who’s-Who found her words unsettling. Queen in particular looked like he didn’t even know what to say.

“Oi oi… Nue-san. You even know scientific stuff?”

“…Was she a scientist or something?”

“Hmm~ who knows~♪ But maybe now there’s just a bit more credibility to the title of 'genius mystery girl scientist Nue-chan,' and maybe my mysteriousness has leveled up too?”

The reason Caesar was so shaken by Nue’s words was simple: Why does she know that kind of stuff? She’d spoken casually—like she understood—about concepts that only someone like Vegapunk would know. Even Caesar had only recently come to understand such terms. For a pirate, even a powerful one like Nue, to be familiar with them was unthinkable. That fear? Exactly what Nue was aiming for.

But in reality, Nue had merely parroted some vague knowledge she’d picked up long ago, without understanding a thing. As she’d said herself, she was a pirate. Her knowledge of science was—average at best.

Sure, it was possible she was bluffing, or maybe eavesdropping beforehand… but it didn’t matter. The effect was real. By uttering things she had no business knowing, Nue only deepened her enigma—and reveled in the fear it stirred. A single push of her glasses and a cryptic grin was enough to obscure whether she was a scientist or not. That hint of credibility? Exactly what she wanted. It was her ideal image. Content, she returned to the topic at hand.

“Well, enough about me… Science, whether it’s from Germa or Vegapunk, is undeniably useful… and something we’ll be valuing from now on. Caesar, we’ll make sure you’re properly compensated—Who’s-Who.”

“Yeah. —Hey, bring it in.”

“!! Ohh, this is…!!!”

At Nue’s snap and call, Who’s-Who signaled his crew, who had been waiting outside. Dressed in feline-inspired costumes, the crew stepped in carrying a sizable case, which they presented to Caesar. When they opened it, Caesar’s eyes lit up—it was filled with money.

“Shurororororo!!! Cash…!!! So much of it…!!!”

“──About ten billion Berries in total. Take it. It covers… let’s see, Kuma’s costs, your new weapon development, the research we inherited from Shiki, your future work—basically everything, including your reward. I couldn’t be bothered with the fine print, so I rounded it up for convenience.”

“Much obliged…!! You saved my ass…!!! You guys really are the best clients ever…!!! Shurororororororo…!!!”

Caesar grabbed great handfuls of the money, laughing gleefully while thanking the Beasts Pirates. His face was one of pure delight, already no doubt imagining all the ways he could use it—for good and ill alike. Nue and the others were well aware of this, and didn’t mind.

After all, to the current Beasts Pirates, this amount of money was no big deal. They could collect piles of it by taxing their territories or pillaging random islands. Plenty of subordinates happily offered tributes too. So no one was stingy. Better to pay up than risk Caesar getting scooped up by someone else. It was also a way of keeping him in check—something Nue reminded him of with a sweet yet dangerous smile.

“We’re giving you this much, so you understand our expectations, don’t you? Caesar♪ If you ever betray us… we’ll show you hell♡”

“!!? N-No, I’d never betray you…!! Sh-Shurororo…!!”

“──Good. That’s what I wanted to hear♡”

Terror kept him leashed. Caesar fully understood what this money signified—the overwhelming might of the Beasts Pirates, and the fact that Nue had personally come to deliver the message. If he betrayed them despite all this, his life would be forfeit. He’d be shown hell. The thought alone was enough to terrify.

However, if someone as essential as Caesar were to die, it would cause problems. That’s why, at long last, the woman who had remained silent this whole time—his secretary—spoke up, timidly.

“…Lady Nue. Just so you’re aware, Caesar’s custody is…”

“Hmmm~? What is it, Mone-chan♡?”

“…!! I-I mean, Caesar is technically under the custody of the Donquixote Family… So if possible, we’d like all negotiations and interactions to go through the Young Master… Also, regarding your subordinates, the Young Master had a few things to discuss—”

Mone had to force herself to stay composed, suppressing her fear to speak calmly. A subordinate of Donquixote Doflamingo—former Warlord and reigning power of the New World’s underworld. As one of his officers, she had been dispatched to monitor Caesar.

The Donquixote Family had been trading with the Beasts Pirates for years. Though they were allies in a sense, their dealings were officially meant to be equal. Ideally, any work given to Caesar should go through the Family—it would benefit them too. As one of Doflamingo’s “family,” Mone was loyal to the cause of making him Pirate King. That meant doing what was best for the Family, even if it meant dealing with monsters like Nue. Mone was no exception.

But—

“…Are you complaining, by any chance?”

"...!! N-No, but still..."

However, the moment Nue erased her smile and turned predatory eyes on her, Monet's face went pale. In the end, Monet was still just another person who feared them.

Of course, Monet wasn’t weak. She was a Logia-type “Yuki Yuki no Mi” user. As an officer of the Donquixote Family, she had solid combat strength and had undertaken countless missions. She had courage. She had unwavering loyalty—willing to do anything for Doflamingo.

Precisely because of that, she shouldn't be in such a pathetic state—turning pale, drenched in sweat—just from being lightly intimidated, even if it was by a Yonko. Yet, no matter how much she scolded herself for it, instinct couldn’t be overridden.

"...The Donquixote Family, huh... Look, Monet-chan. It's not like we're trying to ruin you or Mingo or anything like that—in fact, we were planning to treat you real nicely. But lately, you're just not as profitable, you know?"

"...N-No... That's..."

Even Doflamingo wouldn’t be able to avoid fear. No one could fault Monet for being afraid. After all, even if Doflamingo himself were standing here, he’d struggle to provide an answer that would satisfy Nue's probing.

Both Monet and Doflamingo understood what Nue and the Beasts Pirates were thinking. What they had needed until now. Nue smiled again as she spelled it out:

"It’s precisely because you had a pipeline to the World Government that we valued you. But now that the World Government’s collapsed, there’s not much reason left to keep using your Family as ‘middlemen brokers,’ is there?"

"...!! But the SMILE dealings..."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it, I get it. I mean, there’s still the SMILE trade, and even though the World Government’s gone, Mingo still has those black market connections, all thanks to his hard work~♡ He’s got value as a fighting force too… So we’re not looking to break off ties or anything like that♪"

—“Don’t worry, okay~♡” Nue said sweetly as she stepped close to Monet, bent at the waist, and looked up at her with an adorable smile. But Monet’s fear didn’t fade. The sheer pressure from an overwhelming powerhouse made her body stiffen whether she liked it or not.

And what came next made her blood run even colder. The meaning was clear. As long as they were useful, their relationship wouldn’t be severed. But that also meant—

"But you know... if the deals stop being interesting... at that point, we’ll just make all of you ours, okay...? Make sure to tell Mingo that for me too~♡"

"...!! Yes... I’ll be sure to tell the Young Master...!!"

"Muhahaha!! If Monet-chan joins us, I’d be thrilled~~~♡"

"His former Warlord status means nothing to us. He’d best remember that."

"It’s fine, it’s fine~♡ As long as you stay loyal to us, we’ll make sure you get to enjoy all the juicy rewards~♡"

"...!"

—Once you're no longer of value... you’re gone.

The Beasts Pirates showed no mercy to anyone. Even business partners they’d once gotten along with—once they were deemed useless, they’d be wiped out without hesitation.

That said, realistically, Doflamingo still had value as a combat asset. Even if the trades dried up, he likely wouldn’t be killed outright. He’d be offered a place under them, just like they did with other pirate groups.

But Doflamingo would never accept that. Nor would the executives of the Family. Kaido and Nue wouldn’t tolerate it. It would lead to a clash. Which meant... death.

They’d end up like all the other pirates who’d come to the New World and refused to bow to the Yonko. The Beasts Pirates' methods were well known—gruesome torture to break the spirit. And if they didn’t break, the only outcome left was death.

"...We'll do everything we can to increase the shipment numbers of SMILE from here on."

"Thanks~♡ We’ve had so many new recruits lately, you see. There are tons of eager Waiters out there just dying to get stronger♪"

And to avoid that future at all costs, Doflamingo was already moving. His top officers had absolute faith that he would one day become Pirate King. They believed in his strength—and in their own.

But Monet—having seen these monsters with her own eyes—had come to understand. If it came to a fight, they'd all die.

(There are ways to eliminate enemies you can't defeat... If it’s the Young Master… he’ll be fine.)

But her loyalty and trust never wavered. She continued to fulfill her duties, convinced that Doflamingo would eventually rise above them all.

The New World as it was now—or rather, the world—was in chaos. There were gaps to exploit, chances to seize power.

Even certain pirates expected to be welcomed into the Family as executive officers someday... And one particular faction that had risen after the war...

—And as if by coincidence, Nue seemed to be thinking of that same faction. She glanced at today’s newspaper through her fashion glasses and let out a sigh.

"...Haaah... That said, I really want to increase the success rate of SMILE just a bit more… and improve the quality, too… If only I could get my hands on Vegapunk..."

For once, Nue reacted with an oddly bitter smile as she looked at the newspaper—a mixture of amusement and irritation.

But even Queen and Who’s-Who could vaguely sense the reason. That group mentioned in the paper—their rise was undoubtedly an eyesore to the Beasts Pirates.

At the same time, Nue was probably thrilled by the arrival of a formidable new enemy—and maybe, in a way only she understood, she found it... entertaining. Suppressing her laughter, Nue finally muttered:

"To think this guy... would climb this high...!!! Pfft... hehehe... kuh... Ahahahahahaha!!!"

—The newspaper detailed the rise of a certain pirate.

---

──New World, an undisclosed sea.

That area of the sea… was the territory of a certain pirate.

“Hey!! We’ve spotted a ship!!”

“A warship…!! No, it’s a battleship!!”

“Fire the cannons!! Get closer to the ship!!! We’ll board them and take them out!!!”

“YEEEAAAHHH!!!”

For pirates who venture into the New World, there are only two real options—submit to a Yonko for protection, or keep fighting to topple one.

The pirates arriving today chose the latter. They set their sights on the head of a big-name pirate, hoping to rise through the ranks by taking them down.

As soon as they spotted the enemy ship, they closed in. The plan was to approach to cannon range—maybe even close enough to jump aboard and fight directly on deck.

Naval warfare, the dominant method of pirate combat. It’s no exaggeration to say that those who master it, rule the seas.

──But in that very battle…

“!!!?”

“WAAAAAHHHHH!!!?”

“Th-they hit us from that distance!!?”

“It's in range!?”

“No, wait—what the hell was that firepower!?”

“The ship's been blown to bits…!! This is insane… if that hits us too…!!”

“This is bad…!! The next shot’s coming…!!!”

“!!?”

“GYAAAAAAHHHH!!!”

──In that battle… there was a pirate crew that reigned with overwhelming might.

“──Oh… just two ships today, huh. Retrieve the sunken treasure before it drifts.”

“Aye!! Got it, boss!!!”

──Any ship approaching those waters was instantly attacked by a battleship and sunk under a barrage of overwhelming firepower.

“Your Majesty…!! The unit defending the harbor has been wiped out…!!”

“Kh…!! Do we have no choice but to surrender…!? To think they’d ally themselves with those pirates…!!”

──That threat extended not only over the seas, but even reached the land.

“──Mr. Lindbergh!! The front lines are being pushed back!!”

“Ah, geez!! What a pain!! What kind of science are these pirates packing!?”

──And the threat wasn't confined to the New World alone… it was spreading even to the South Blue.

Governments worldwide and the Neo World Government forces were struggling, and small-time pirates didn’t stand a chance.

Over the past few months, the group's military strength had grown rapidly, rising to prominence as a new force to be reckoned with.

“How’s today’s haul?”

“Boss lady!! We’re on a roll today too!!!”

“That new weapon we deployed recently packs a crazy punch!!”

“Well, that’s great to hear──The Supreme Commander’ll be showing up soon, so make sure to keep partying and keep it down like always.”

“Whoa…!! The Supreme Commander’s coming…!!”

From a heavily fortified island somewhere in the New World, that pirate crew made their base of operations. The newspapers had this to say:

──“Can you hear me!!? Can you see me!!? My beloved scumbags!!!”

“He’s here!!! It’s the Supreme Commander!!!”

──That pirate once sailed aboard the legendary pirate Gol D. Roger’s ship, fighting across the world’s oceans… a legendary crewmate.

──“Are you drinkin’ today too!!?”

“Of course we are, Supreme Commander!!!”

──A legendary pirate, brother-in-arms to Red-Haired Shanks, who also once sailed on that same ship.

──“You makin’ bank today too!!?”

“You bet we are, Supreme Commander!!!”

“It’s all thanks to you!!!”

──Despite his fearsome legacy, he kept a low profile for nearly twenty years in the East Blue… until a few months ago, when a major event occurred. Alongside “Straw Hat Luffy,” he led a mass breakout from Impel Down and joined the war at Marineford, clashing with the Navy Headquarters, the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and the Yonko—the three great powers of the world.

──“You raisin’ hell like usual today!!?”

“Hell yeah, Supreme Commander～～～!!!”

“Supreme Commander!!! Supreme Commander!!!”

──Although they were defeated in the war by the alliance of the Beasts Pirates, Big Mom Pirates, and the Golden Lion Pirates, they successfully pulled off a retreat with help from the Red-Haired Pirates, and established a new base in the New World. With scientific prowess and firepower surpassing even Germa 66, they rapidly expanded their territory.

──“OK, my scumbags!!! Party hard and recharge your energy!!! …Oh yeah, and we’ve got a guest this time!!! A new ally who’s made a deal with yours truly!!!”

──“Mwah-hah-hah-hah!!! That’s right!!! I’m the guest!!! The new evil emperor who’s forged a dark friendship and sinister deal with the Supreme Commander!!!”

“Woooah…!!!”

──Then, just a month ago… they struck a deal with the evil Black Drum Kingdom, which had been expanding its influence in the South Blue. Using the specialized scientific alloy “Wapometal,” they further reinforced their forces and began advancing their power even into the South Blue.

『That’s right!!! With a new ally at my side, the strongest scientific power, unmatched charisma, and you lot, my ultimate fighting force!!! With all of you—my beloved subordinates—I, the Supreme Commander of the Scientific Empire, shall reign supreme!!! And yeah, I’ve got a sorta alliance with that Shanks guy too!! A new conqueror lighting up the New World in style!!! And the name of that conqueror is—』

──A terrifying pirate who bends other ruthless pirates to his will with overwhelming charisma, annihilates his enemies through power and science… Supreme Commander of the Scientific Empire. The new emperor establishing dominion over the New World!!! That is—

『“Emperor” of the Sea—Supreme Commander of the Buggy Scientific Empire and the Buggy Pirates, “The Star Clown Buggy”! Bounty: 2.315 billion berries!!!』

『It’s the “Emperor”!!! The Star Clown Buggy-sama!!! Gya-hah-hah-hah!!!』

“WOOOOAAAAHHHH!!!”

“Supreme Commander Buggy～～～!!!”

“Captain Buggy!!!”

“Buggy!! Buggy!!”

──It’s The Star Clown Buggy!!!

“Guh… ahahahahahaha!!! I can’t… no matter how many times I see it, it’s still hilarious!!! It ticks me off a little, but still… how the hell did he end up as a Yonko～～～～～～～!!!”

──Yet the girl who truly knows his abilities clutches her stomach laughing as she reads the paper.

But the public’s faith in him is sky-high. These days, it’s whispered with utter seriousness that the only one who can stand toe-to-toe with “Kaido of the Beasts” or “Nue the Phantom Beast” is none other than Buggy—.