Chapter 134: Beast Cup.

—The Beasts Pirates.

They were the most battle-hardened of the Four Emperors ruling this vast sea. The strongest pirate crew in the world, and the most lawless outlaws in history, who had annihilated the World Government and Navy Headquarters during the great war at the top just a year ago. In the lawless world of pirates, they sat at the pinnacle.

They showed no mercy to their enemies and took everything from them—lands, treasure, dignity, and life. Those who dared oppose them had everything stripped away and were cast into hell.

The only way to survive was to submit. To become one of the beasts. Only those who chose to conquer the world alongside them could escape their “violence” and “fear.”

The incarnation of violence—Supreme Commander of the Beasts Pirates, Kaido of the Beasts.

The embodiment of fear—Deputy Commander of the Beasts Pirates, Nue the Demon Beast… There was no one who could stand against these two threats.

They were the ones who brought down “Whitebeard,” once feared as the strongest pirate alive, and who obliterated the World Government that had ruled the world for over 800 years. These siblings were now considered the strongest beings on earth. Even the other Emperors—Big Mom, Red-Hair, and Buggy the Clown of Fortune—or even Dragon, leader of the new government, were said to fall short of them.

Thus, nearly all who challenged them were destroyed. Those who still chased the Pirate King's dream, or those who stood for freedom and peace—all were crushed, left with wounds that would never heal, and forced to kneel… or die.

Few dared oppose them now. Though a handful still worked in the shadows to raise their fangs and bring them down, those who truly sought to face them head-on—could be counted on one hand.

"This era didn't come about overnight. It was born from countless major events."

“……”

A man’s voice echoed in a dark cave lit only by dim candlelight on a nighttime island. It was the slightly hoarse voice of a middle-aged man—or perhaps an old one.

“Thirty-seven years ago, there was a pirate crew known for being the strongest and most fearsome—the Rocks Pirates. Their captain, Rocks D. Xebec, met his end on a certain island.”

“……”

The man spoke to the others in the cave as though reminiscing about the past. Three other men were present—all of them infamous in their own right.

They said nothing as they listened to the small, restless man pacing the cave and talking. But that was to be expected. They too had once been called “legends,” having crossed swords with other legendary pirates for decades.

Yet now, long since defeated and consigned to the past, they had gathered here because of a single, shared purpose. At the next part of the man’s story, two of them finally reacted—just slightly. For a pirate, this was something they could not ignore.

“Twenty-three years ago, the man who defeated Rocks, the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, claimed the One Piece and became the first to conquer the seas—thus ushering in the ‘Great Pirate Era.’”

Gol D. Roger—the Pirate King known to all.

He was the beginning for nearly every pirate alive today, and the victor whom no pirate of the past could ignore. Just hearing his name made even the stoic two twitch their brows.

To those who lived through that era, Roger had been a monster—a legendary man no one could surpass. In the world of pirates, there had only ever been one other monster who stood on equal footing, and he was the one the old man would speak of next.

“And then, one year ago… Roger’s rival, the world’s strongest pirate, Whitebeard Edward Newgate, fell in the Summit War and died.”

Edward Newgate—Whitebeard—one of the Four Emperors and said to be the strongest man in the Great Pirate Era after Roger’s death.

That monster, too, met his end—marking the close of another era with a noble death. Even the men here had never managed to defeat him.

But he died a year ago. Slain at the end of that war. And the ones who surpassed him now reign—new monsters, stronger and more terrifying than ever.

“The pirates who won that war…!! The ones at the heart of the alliance that claimed victory—the Beasts Pirates’ commander Kaido of the Beasts and his sworn sibling and deputy Nue the Demon Beast—teamed up with Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin, and together they destroyed the World Government and Navy Headquarters… declaring to the world the dawn of an age ruled by violence!!!”

Kaido and Nue, once part of the Rocks Pirates. Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin. It was these three who emerged victorious from the Summit War and now ruled the world. They were the icons of this era.

The alliance had once included the legendary pirate Golden Lion Shiki, but he and his crew were betrayed and killed after the war by his former comrades. It was the fate of a fallen pirate—proof that in this world, only power mattered.

Few dared challenge those who reigned with absolute might. Fewer still imagined they could actually defeat them in battle. Perhaps… no more than the fingers on one hand.

Yet the ones gathered here had exactly that in mind. The older man curled his lips into a sly grin and spoke the truth.

“The world is theirs now. The ‘new government’ led by remnants of the Revolutionary Army and Navy has somewhat rebuilt its forces, but can’t even contain rogue nations or pirate bands. The alliance between Red-Hair and Buggy the Clown is decent, but still lacks the firepower to face the pirate empire… The Grand Line and the Four Seas are in utter chaos…!! And the ‘world of violence’ they speak of—right now, it’s real. Blood is being spilled even as we speak.”

The ruling power now was the pirate empire. More precisely—the Beasts Pirates, the old man declared. Then, after a short pause, he dropped the real reason they were gathered.

“Freedom or domination…!! —Not that I give a damn about that crap. You guys are here for Kaido and Nue, right? That’s what this is about, yeah?”

“…That’s right. Though I have no intention of telling you why.”

At last, one of the two silent men spoke.

He sat on a sofa, arms and legs elegantly crossed, sipping tea with an air of refined indifference. Every movement was graceful, yet carried the quiet cold of a man who had no interest in camaraderie. A stark contrast to the cheerful vulgarity of the old man.

The old man nodded.

“Good enough for me. I won’t ask why you’re after him… And you? What about you?”

“—Don’t get it twisted.”

“Huh?”

As the old man turned to the other, that man also opened his mouth for the first time. His voice, too, was blunt and harsh.

“My goal isn’t just Kaido and Nue… I’m going after Big Mom. Red-Hair. Buggy. The New Government. The Worst Generation… all of them… every last strong one…!!!”

“…! Ahh, I see. My bad, I misjudged you.”

The old man apologized to the giant seated on the small chair at the center of the cave, arms folded.

That massive man had the physique to match his size—thick with muscle, skin a dusky tan, his harsh, arrogant expression making him look all the more rugged. His attitude mirrored the first man’s in its coldness, but he also had an inexplicable magnetism, drawing people in despite his solitude. He was a man who wore contradiction like a cloak.

The slender man sneered through his nose without changing expression.

“Hmph… You’ve got a death wish.”

“—Say what you want. When this is over, I’ll kill you too.”

“…Is that so. Let’s see you try.”

With firm intent, the giant made his position clear. To him, all the strong were targets to be killed.

Even the slender man was no exception to that murderous will. But the latter was unfazed. He responded with what almost sounded like provocation, pausing only to murmur something under his breath—Young fool—though the cave did not echo the words.

“Easy now. If we’re going to get what we all want, we’ll have to work together. There’s no harm in waiting to kill each other till after.”

“I’m not here to make friends.”

“I know that!!! I’m not asking for friendship…!! I’ll set the stage, that’s all!!! Luckily, our goals align. You all have the same targets I do…!!! So there’s value in this partnership—!!!”

“……”

“Hmph…”

Their silence and sneering snorts said it all. They weren’t allies—but for now, they’d allow the barest shred of cooperation. Just enough to reach their shared goal.

Yes—whether present or absent, none here were comrades. They were simply collaborators.

“Then let’s do this…!!! Let’s rewrite this new age with a newer one—challenge the strongest, break them down—throw the greatest festival this world has ever seen!!!”

Thunder roared in time with the old man’s cry, as the legends of a bygone era finally began to move. The great pirates of the past… now ready to shake the world once more.

---

Pirates love a festival.

You can tell just by how much they like to make noise, play music, drink booze, and throw feasts. Since ancient times, pirates have been a rowdy bunch. Once they get their hands on treasure, they burst into song and dance, guzzle down liquor, and start a celebration.

Games are also a regular part of the festivities. Among them, the "Davy Back Fight," said to have originated on Pirate Island “Hachinosu,” stands out as a prime example—a game only pirates would play, and it’s always wrapped in the atmosphere of a mini-festival.

This kind of thing transcends time and place. Pirates throw a party when they feel like it.

Even now, even in a world drowning in war and fear, where people across the globe suffer in poverty—a world ruled by violence—pirates still celebrate. Especially those at the top of the pirate world.

"...That island, huh."

"Yeah. But are we really going? Could be a trap."

"Trap or not, it doesn't matter if we know what we’re walking into. Who knows if we’ll ever get another shot at slipping this close into a Yonko’s backyard…!!!"

"Tch... Then we go in careful. We're up against the Beasts Pirates here. Even if they’re calling it a festival, their full force is gathered there...!!"

"Don't keep repeating yourself. I get it. You’re not scared, are you—Killer?"

"Heh... I'm worried about your recklessness, that's all—Kid."

The ship sailing through the strongest sea in the world—the New World—was one of the most talked-about pirate crews of the era. At its helm was the leader of the so-called “Worst Generation,” sailing for a certain festival that had caught their interest. They were the Kid Pirates.

And standing at the prow, shaped like a dinosaur's skeleton, were two rookie pirates from the “Worst Generation” with bounties in the hundreds of millions—grinning wickedly as they looked toward the island.

『Worst Generation – Kid Pirates Captain: Eustass "Captain" Kid – Bounty: 420,000,000 Berries』

"...By the way, Killer. What kind of island is that?"

『Worst Generation – Kid Pirates Fighter: ‘Massacre Soldier’ Killer – Bounty: 170,000,000 Berries』

"That’s 'Delta Island'... Put simply, it’s a legendary place."

"A legendary island?"

"Yeah. It’s said the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, left behind treasure there."

Kid, not one for overthinking, asked out of curiosity—and Killer answered with precise knowledge. Among the rowdy bunch that made up the Kid Pirates, Killer was unusually well-informed. Enough that he naturally took the role of strategist.

And Killer’s words stunned not just Kid but the rest of the crew as well. The treasure of the Pirate King. There was only one thing that came to mind. One of the crew members, a man named Heat, was the first to voice it.

"The Pirate King’s treasure... Don’t tell me it’s the One Piece...?"

"No way. That’d make the island Raftel."

"Yeah, apparently not. It’s supposed to be a different treasure altogether."

Killer nodded at the reply from Wire, who had quickly shot down the idea. When people think of the Pirate King’s treasure, it’s always the “One Piece.” But this island wasn’t Raftel, and it wasn’t said to be where the One Piece was either.

Still, a treasure island was a treasure island. Yet no one got carried away. Tension lingered aboard the ship. It was Kid who voiced the natural deduction.

"...So you're saying the Beasts Pirates have that treasure?"

"Most likely. This festival... it’s the 'Golden Kagura' they hold once a year at their headquarters. Maybe they plan to showcase it there. Or maybe there's no treasure, and it’s all bait for something else entirely..."

"Huh? But Killer-san, this island isn’t the Beasts Pirates’ headquarters, is it?"

"You're right. It’s not."

Killer agreed with another crew member. This wasn’t Beasts Pirate territory.

If it were, they wouldn't have made it this far unscathed. By now, they'd either be attacked by UFOs or Kaido’s ships. And while both were indeed present on the island, none had attacked them. The reason lay in the festival—and its special conditions. Killer explained further.

"That island is the base of a festival-loving pirate named Buena Festa. He apparently proposed and organized this whole thing to hype up the Beasts Pirates’ festival. This time, he opened it up to the public—civilians, underworld bigwigs, pirates—all to make the current state of the world known. Just this once, the island is open to all."

"...I see."

The crew nodded in understanding. Kid himself gave a small, impressed grunt—his partner always had the details. Still, a question remained.

"You sure know a lot, Killer."

"It’s all written in the pamphlet. It says: 'While on this island, no pirate or civilian will be harmed by the Beasts Pirates and will be treated as guests. However, those who engage in hostile acts—combat, subterfuge, sabotage—will be dealt with accordingly.' Sworn under the Governor-General's name."

"Hah. Sounds like a business venture. Figures they’re so confident they can crush anyone who stirs up trouble…!!"

"The full might of the Beasts Pirates is gathered on this island right now. Starting a fight here would be tantamount to open war with them. No other major group—the other Yonkos, the new World Government—would be foolish enough to spark that kind of conflict."

"—But we can get inside. Perfect for a sur-prise at-tack…!!!"

Yes—Kid’s goal was clear: the head of a Yonko.

To reach the Pirate King’s throne and claim the One Piece, Kid had to face the Yonkos head-on. They were unavoidable enemies. Since entering the New World a year ago, the Kid Pirates had raided Yonko ships and territories repeatedly—but never once had they even glimpsed the face of a captain or top executive.

That was why this festival was a golden opportunity. For once, they could get close—real close. There was a chance for a surprise strike.

Of course, going up against their entire assembled force was suicide. The Beasts Pirates were the strongest crew in the world. The head Kid wanted was that of the strongest pirate alive. The Kid Pirates had built up some strength over a year in the New World—but not even a thousand men. They were outnumbered many times over.

Still, there was a way—albeit narrow—to close that gap. And to that end, Kid reached out to an ally via Den Den Mushi.

"...You guys made it to the island already?"

『Yeah. Already scouting the place.』

『Apapapapa~~~!! We’re already having a blast over here~~~!!!』

Two completely different voices came through the snails. One low and cold. The other cheerful, with lively music playing in the background.

These two were the very allies Kid had chosen from his own generation—the Worst Generation—to bring down a Yonko. And knowing they’d made it safely to the island, Kid grinned.

So far, everything was going according to plan.

"Good...!! Then stay put. We’ll be there soon…!!"

"Stick to the plan, Kid. And try not to act too suspicious until then."

『Got it. …Probability of a successful ambush... 90 percent...』

『Apapapa~!! Got it on my end too!! I can’t wait for that moment, Kid!!』

"Yeah…!! But don’t forget…!! First one to take that head wins…!!! Don’t whine no matter who lands the kill…!!!"

With that arrogant declaration, Kid locked eyes on the heart of the island. The skull-shaped main venue. That was where the strongest pirate in the world awaited. That was his prey. And without a shred of doubt in his plan or his power, Kid took the helm. With Killer at his side—and with his allies, bound by their shared goal.

---

One month ago, information began to circulate among pirates of the New World and powerful figures of the underworld—delivered through intermediary brokers. The Beasts Pirates' grand annual banquet—the “Golden Kagura”—would, for the first time this year, be held outside of their own territory, welcoming not just other pirate crews but even ordinary civilians as guests. Apparently, this was because the “Beast Cup,” a martial arts tournament with promotion on the line for members of the Beasts Pirates, would be held alongside it. The goal was to attract money and new subordinates by drawing in spectators and publicly showcasing their overwhelming military might. Still, for newcomers and outsiders, no one could say for sure whether this was true or just a bluff. Not that it mattered much. The orders from above were simple: “──If anyone causes a major disturbance, eliminate them. Otherwise… drink, feast, and enjoy yourselves.”

『──Ladieeeees & Gentlemeeeeeeeeen!!!』

A fleet of filming drones outfitted with transmission-enhancing Den Den Mushi buzzed across the skies of a floating coliseum large enough to hold tens of thousands. The footage was broadcast all across the island—beaches, food stalls, and every corner of town. So attending the coliseum wasn’t mandatory… and yet the place was packed. After all, the white figure now floating above the arena with a mic in hand was not only the world’s top idol, but a world-renowned pirate. And the event to be held today was of major significance—not only to the Beasts Pirates but to the eighty thousand members within its ranks.

『All our adorable subordinates! Our beloved allies! And even the totally random guests with no ties to us! Welcome to the one and only, once-a-year mega-festival—Golden Kaguraaaaaa!!!』

“UWOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAHHHHHHH!!!”

Cheers erupted from the pirates gathered in the arena. While some of it was for the opening of the festival itself, the loudest reaction came when the girl holding the mic—wearing a short black dress patterned with red flowers, slitted up to the thigh, and a matching hairpiece—stepped into view. Her red eyes sparkled as she stood there, commanding the stage. To the Beasts Pirates, she was a familiar face. To everyone else, just a name and a bounty poster. But to all, she was someone to be feared. The only person in the crew on equal standing with Kaido himself, the Beasts Pirates’ vice governor—“Nue the Demon Beast.”

『I mean, let’s be real, actual civilians probably didn’t show up anyway… but never mind that!! It’s been a year since the Summit War!! And today’s festival is here to show the world just how strong my hardworking crew’s become!! So I’ve prepared a special stage! And a special event just for them～～～～～!!!』

“…Still… what a damn lineup.”

Among the hundred or so participants standing atop the floating arena, three men huddled together. One of them muttered, glancing around as Nue’s voice boomed over the speakers.

“Between the Beasts Pirates’ Headliners and all the guests… it feels like this bunch could wipe out multiple countries.”

“Those guests are underlings of that crew over there. I recognize all of ‘em.”

The man with the long nose made his comment, and another nodded in agreement. Dressed in a black kung fu outfit, the second man had a scar over his left eye and was sweating slightly as he looked toward the VIP seats. Sitting there were three men and women with deep ties to the Beasts Pirates, each reclining in luxurious seats as they watched the event unfold. The man seated at the far left spoke first. He wore a flamboyant pink coat reminiscent of flamingo feathers and sunglasses. The man in the middle, wearing a pink suit, replied, while a stunning, cold-eyed woman sat on the right.

“Fuhfuhfuh…!! Looks like they’ve come up with another tasteless little show… inviting this many people—what the hell are they planning…?!”

“Now, now, Mr. Doflamingo, let’s not spoil the mood. Revealing the plot kills the entertainment, doesn’t it…? Let’s see what Miss Nue has in store for us, shall we? We were invited, after all. We might as well enjoy ourselves… right, Hancock? You agree, don’t you?”

“…I have no interest. And don’t address me so familiarly. Hearing a man call my name makes my skin crawl.”

The woman responded flatly, not bothering to hide her disgust. The atmosphere was less than friendly. Though technically on the same side, none of the three got along—if anything, they were rivals liable to turn hostile at any moment. Even the two men, who seemed to be bantering, were inwardly plotting each other’s downfall. And that was perfectly acceptable. After all, the three of them were powerful figures of the New World, more or less under the Beasts Pirates’ banner.

『Former Captain of the Tesoro Pirates. Owner of Gran Tesoro. “Golden Emperor” Gild Tesoro. Bounty: 977 million Berries.』

“Fufu… my apologies, then…!! But we are allies, at least in name. Surely we can play nice for the sake of a festival?”

『Former Warlord of the Sea. Captain of the Kuja Pirates. “Pirate Empress” Boa Hancock. Bounty: 920 million Berries.』

“There’s no need. Go do your filthy business deals elsewhere. I would rather reduce my interactions with the likes of you to an absolute minimum.”

『Former Warlord of the Sea. Captain of the Donquixote Pirates. “Heavenly Demon” Donquixote Doflamingo. Bounty: 890 million Berries.』

“Fuhfuhfuh… same frosty attitude as ever……!! And here I was thinking we could place a little bet—on whose underling will win…!!”

These three infamous pirates had grown their reputations as either allies or subordinates of the Beasts Pirates. Even the World Government had designated them high-threat individuals. And now, all three sat together, watching the opening of the grand event. Below them, the monstrous Nue—the one person they wouldn’t dare oppose—was now cheerfully explaining the event’s rules.

『Among those who’ve made names for themselves this past year, we’ve selected one hundred Headliners—and a handful of guests!! What you’re all gonna do is very simple!! The purest, most time-honored way to prove one’s strength, dating back to the days of the dinosaurs!! One-on-one duels!!!』

Nue pointed toward the warriors standing atop the floating platform. As she said, the rules were straightforward. A tournament of one-on-one fights, perfectly in line with the meritocratic spirit of the Beasts Pirates—no one could complain. Winner fights winner, loser is out. A simple elimination format.

『Keep winning, and you’ll face another champion!! If you survive to the Top 8, you might just earn a place among the elite “Tobi Roppo”!! Aaaand!!! The ultimate prize for the last one standing is what everyone wants most—a chance to challenge us, the top officers!!!』

Using her ability to clone herself and act out the battles, Nue pantomimed the rule explanation. She then turned the recording Den Den Mushi toward the highest viewing platform of the arena. Four individuals stood there. One by one, Nue introduced them to the crowd by name—these were the Beasts Pirates’ strongest executives. Kaido and Nue’s most trusted enforcers—known as the “All-Stars.”

『Jack!!!』

──The loyal servant who tramples and destroys all in his path: "Drought Jack."

『JOKER!!!』

──The scheming beauty who manipulates information and incites nations into war: "Calamity Joker."

『QUEEN!!!』

──The deranged entertainer who spreads pathogens and revels in suffering: "Plague Queen."

『KING!!!』

──The infernal commander who turns all to ash and breaks the human spirit: "Wildfire King."

『Standing before you are the Four Disasters!!! Whoever wins the tournament can name their opponent and challenge them to a one-on-one battle without interference!!! And if they win… they’ll be crowned the next Disaster～～～～～!!!』

"UWOOOOOOOOOOOO～～～～～～!!!"

Each of them is a monster with a bounty exceeding a billion. They’re the highest-ranking officers of the world’s strongest pirate crew—and their status and authority are unparalleled. For anyone here who has pledged loyalty to the Beasts, this is the ultimate goal, the peak of ambition. The mere chance to attain it was more than enough to send the crowd into a frenzy. Even if they didn’t make it that far, many of the Headliners had a real shot at promotion. Nue continued her announcement.

『Only one can claim that title!!! It’s a tough road—but don’t worry!!! Make it to the final eight, and you’ll have a shot at joining the top six Headliners—the Tobi Roppo!!! If you make it to the semifinals—the final four—you’re guaranteed to become one!!!』

"UWOOOO～～～～!!! That reward is insane!!!"

"A chance to become one of the Tobi Roppo!!"

"Nue-san never disappoints…!!"

"I’m going for it, no matter what…!!"

"Me too…!!"

Yes—that was the true aim for most of the Headliners. The coveted title of “Tobi Roppo,” reserved for the six strongest among them.

The crowd roared as battle-ready shouts filled the air. Every single one of them was a hardened warrior. Nearly all were Devil Fruit users, with 90% wielding Zoan-type powers—a beastly army forming the strongest fighting force in history.

Bloodthirsty and burning with ambition, they had honed themselves for this day. In the Beasts Pirates, promotion comes only through strength, merit, and proof of power. That moment had finally arrived.

『But it won’t be that easy!!! Everyone around you is a rival!!! Even they aren’t exceptions!!!』

"!!"

As Nue declared this, the drawbridge leading into the coliseum lowered, and six figures began to walk inside.

These were the six she meant—the strongest of the Headliners. They had returned after half a year of intense training… the Tobi Roppo themselves.

『Kozuki!!! Page One!!! Ulti!!! Black Maria!!! Sasaki!!! Who’s-Who!!! These current Tobi Roppo are joining the tournament too—as seeded fighters in each block!!!』

"……!! The Tobi Roppo…"

"They look way tougher than before…!!"

The crowd erupted as the elite commanders just below the Disasters made their appearance. But the Headliners quieted slightly. To become a Tobi Roppo, they would have to defeat at least one of these monsters. And they knew exactly what that meant. Even as they grinned confidently, none could afford to be complacent.

There was no doubt the battles would be brutal. To win, strength alone wouldn’t suffice—strategy and luck would matter too. Everyone had opponents they matched better against, and even among the Tobi Roppo, some were more “approachable” than others. Naturally, they hoped to avoid the more dangerous ones. On top of that, the enemy wasn’t limited to those within their own crew.

『And don’t forget—the guests will stand in your way too!!!』

"!!?"

With Nue’s words, the surprise guests began to appear. These were the outsiders she had personally invited to this promotion battle—formidable warriors the Headliners had to defeat, no matter what.

『Leading them is the coliseum champion of Dressrosa!!! The hero of the arena!!! Former top executive of the Donquixote Family—Diamante!!!』

"Uwahahahaha……!!!"

"Mr. Diamante～～～!!"

"Diamante-sama～～～♡"

A former Warlord subordinate. The man with long, slender limbs who served under King Doflamingo as the champion of Dressrosa’s coliseum—Diamante strode in at the front.

『Next is the undefeated champion of the most dangerous underground deathmatch show!!! The VIP dealer of Gran Tesoro—DICE～～～!!!』

"MMMMMM～～～～THIS FEELS GOOOOD～～～～～!!!"

"DICE～～～～～!!!"

"No way!! Even Dice is here…!!"

Tesoro’s right-hand man. The giant in charge of the VIP section. Dice—the strongest enforcer in Tesoro’s ranks and a former deathmatch champion—walked in behind Diamante, flexing for the crowd.

『And behind them come the three queens of the all-female warrior tribe—the Kuja!!! Undefeated in their “Bubu” martial duels, the younger sisters of the Gorgon Sisters!!! Sandersonia!!! Marigold!!!』

"…To think we'd have to fight the Beasts Pirates again…"

"Marie. This is for our sister. We have to give it everything we've got…!!"

"Uwoooohhh~♡"

"Take me to Amazon Lily~~~!!!"

"Kyaa~~~♡"

Once again, two former Warlord executives—Hancock’s younger sisters, Sandersonia and Marigold—enter with tense expressions. With that, the guest entries are complete.

『Also joining us—though of course our crew already knows them well—are the new Onigashima General Yamato and Vice-General Musashi!!!』

They haven't appeared yet, but Kaido’s two daughters are also scheduled to participate. Both are formidable, with no obvious weaknesses. Lose, and you can forget about becoming a Tobi Roppo or All-Star.

『And facing off against them are this year’s batch of powerful new Shinuchi contenders!!! Including two members of the Worst Generation!!! A former government intelligence agent!! Even our usual behind-the-scenes assassins are stepping into the ring today～～～～!!!』

"…Good grief… calling me an intelligence agent and then hyping it up like that…"

"Some things never change, huh. That said… making it through this lineup won’t be easy. Hey, you seriously entering?"

"──If you're scared, walk away."

"Ahh!!? Who the hell said I was scared, you damn MANGY CAT BASTARD!!!"

"Stop it. Fighting here will only make us stand out more."

In one corner of the stage, a scarred man growls at the quiet voice of the man behind him. When the long-nosed man tries to defuse the situation, the quiet one—reeking faintly of blood—speaks again, calm and unwavering.

"What we need is a higher position. This tournament is our best chance to get it. But if you don't think you can win, all you'll do is get yourself hurt. You’d be smarter to back out."

"Aaaahh!!? Don’t screw with me!! I never said I couldn’t win!! If I climb my way up and end up facing you, you'd better be ready!!"

"Let’s hope you get a favorable draw…"

The long-nosed man sighed again, chastising the bickering pair once more. He already knew they’d drawn too much attention, and now, like the rest of the Shinuchi, he waited for the upcoming bracket announcements. All eyes turned toward the nue floating overhead—though one man narrowed his eyes at the rowdy bunch instead.

"…That’s… No…"

With an X-shaped scar on his chin and the same mark tattooed on his chest, the man—counted among the Worst Generation—recognized some of the participants talking below and fell into silent thought, before quickly looking away. He didn’t want to attract suspicion by approaching. Instead, he turned to the comrade beside him—another from their generation—and casually spoke as the voice overhead echoed:

『The matchups everyone’s been waiting for will be revealed in just a moment～♪』

"──Looks like they’re announcing the brackets now."

"…Yeah… seems like it…"

"? Something wrong?"

"Nah, it’s nothing…"

"…? …Alright."

He had spoken to a fellow member of his generation, but the man beside him seemed distracted—his gaze fixed not on the nue, but on someone else. Likely someone in the stands, though it was unclear who. Or why. The man chose not to dwell on it; nothing felt particularly out of place.

『──Alrighty!! The matchups are ready, so let’s get started!!! The blood-pumping, flesh-ripping battle tournament for promotion!!! The main event of this year’s Golden Kagura!!! I hereby declare the opening of the Beasts Cup～～～～～!!!』

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

With the nue’s announcement, a massive screen displayed the tournament brackets.

Contestants and festival guests alike erupted in reactions—some cheering, some groaning, all with varying expressions. Still, overall, the brackets were fair.

Each block had a Tobi Roppo member seeded in. Some blocks allowed contenders to reach the quarterfinals without facing a Tobi Roppo, but in those same blocks were other fighters considered nearly on par with them.

Even those who reached the quarterfinals had to compete in a mini-tournament to determine the last two Tobi Roppo seats, meaning no matter the bracket, you’d eventually have to face a current Tobi Roppo to earn that title. In that sense, it was fair. Those with better track records got easier early rounds, but it was only a marginal benefit. For any Shinuchi, at least one major wall had to be overcome. Everything was even.

"…!!? This is…!!"

"? What's wrong, Kyoshiro? Did you draw a bad matchup?"

"…………?"

But to a select few, the brackets were not fair. They were drenched in malice.

Kyoshiro, a former samurai who had joined the Beasts Pirates as a Shinuchi, paled at what he saw. His odd reaction drew concerned looks from Hotei and Fukurokuju.

"Worororo… That’s brutal. But entertaining."

"…………I see. So that’s how it is…"

A few others picked up on the malevolent design.

One was seated in the highest position, surrounded by the All-Stars—none other than the massive man rumored to be a traitor, whose own siblings had informed Kaido: the Emperor of the Sea, Kaido of the Beasts himself.

Another was Komurasaki, newly entered as one of the Tobi Roppo and underestimated by other contenders. As she looked at the bracket, her expression curved—into a sly smile, or a resigned smirk, depending on one’s interpretation.

But it wasn’t bad news for either of them. The one in trouble… was the samurai named Kyoshiro.

The round of 16—the critical match to enter the quarterfinals, where only eight would remain. He had to win here to even have a shot at joining the Tobi Roppo. And across the bracket, in the same block—but not the seeded side—stood the name of that man. The yakuza. His opponent was fixed.

『Sooo♡ Everyone seen the matchups yet～～? Oh, and by the way, commentary will be by Queen! And I’ll be handling the live play-by-play and refereeing, so be nice, okay!!? I’m the rulebook!!! Whether a match is decided or not, who wins and who loses—all that’s up to me. So make sure your fights are exciting, got it!? No holding back!!!』

『Muuuhahahaha!!! Alright, let’s turn up the heat~~~~~!!! We’re behind schedule, so let’s get this started quick!!! The first matchup of round one is～～～～～～!!?』

『Alrighty, but first! Let’s kick things off with a song from me♡ A full version of the brand-new theme song I wrote just for the Beasts Cup!!!』

『Ehhh~~!!? Wait, didn’t you just say we’re behind schedule!!? At least keep it to the short version!!』

"……!! (Unbelievable…!!!)"

──And so at last, the battle for promotion—the Beasts Cup—began.

Yet in the shadows, one man clenched his jaw. He had been matched against the daughter of his master—someone he revered as much as a lord. Blood trickled from his tightly clenched fist, but that too… the beast saw.

From above, the Phantom beast glanced down at her subordinates one last time, lowered the mic, and broke into a gleeful grin.

"Now then… how much fun is this little festival going to be, I wonder~♡ Fufufu… I can't wait!!!"

Ignoring Queen’s protests, the nue finished singing the theme song in full, then made its way back to Kaido and the others. There, it smiled, sensing that this festival would be far more exciting than ever before. This was no ordinary event—this Golden Kagura was steeped in chaos and conspiracy.

And maybe, just maybe… this would serve as a warm-up—a final test of all they had trained for—before the last great festival where they'd seize the world.