Chapter 71: Beast Pirates Vice Captain Arc: The Four Emperors

The Great Pirate Era

—The age of pirates.

Eight years had passed since the dawn of the Great Pirate Era, sparked by the dying words of the first Pirate King, Gold Roger, after he conquered the Grand Line. His final proclamation sent countless souls chasing the legendary treasure, One Piece.

Even now, the number of pirates continued to swell. Dreams of adventure, mountains of gold, and the thrill of the unknown drove them toward the Grand Line. There, they believed, lay everything a man could desire—wealth, power, fame. Even those who didn’t aspire to become the Pirate King could carve out their own glory, amass fortunes, and live as they pleased.

In the end, pirates were nothing more than selfish creatures, driven by their own desires. They hoisted their flags, embodying their dreams and convictions, living freely—for better or worse.

To combat their rise, the World Government relied on two forces: the Marines, the military arm of justice, and the Warlords of the Sea, government-sanctioned pirates. Together, they barely maintained control over the Grand Line and the world’s oceans.

But their influence was strongest only in the four seas and the first half of the Grand Line.

Beyond that lay a graveyard for pirates—a place where even the Marines and Warlords held little sway.

For in the latter half of the Grand Line, the New World, ruled four emperors of the sea—the Four Emperors.

Even the Marines and Warlords paled in comparison to their terror.

A single Emperor’s crew could match the combined might of the Marines and Warlords. The only reason balance existed was because the Emperors themselves were locked in conflict.

Yet neither the Marines nor the Warlords held real power in the New World. This was the domain of the Four Emperors. Even nations under the World Government’s banner often flew an Emperor’s flag, seeking protection. The dual rule was an inescapable reality.

But though the Marines and Warlords were weak there, the New World was no paradise for pirates. For most, it was the opposite.

The route to the New World, through Fish-Man Island, was said to sink 70% of all ships. And even those who made it soon realized—their days as free pirates were over.

Most who reached the New World lost everything. If they survived, their first cry was always the same:

"Take us back to Paradise!"

"Paradise"—the name pirates gave the first half of the Grand Line. Though it was still a graveyard for the weak, it was a paradise compared to the New World.

After all, "Paradise" had no monstrous climates, no unpredictable islands, and most importantly—no Four Emperors.

But the New World? It was a battleground where true pirates fought for supremacy. No laws, no honor. Lose, and you lost everything—your crew, your dreams, your life.

For the weak, survival meant one thing: submitting to an Emperor’s rule.

Newcomers to the New World always sought an audience with one of the Four, pledging allegiance in exchange for protection.

Only a rare few dared to challenge them. These were the truly strong—pirates who used cunning, alliances, or sheer power to take on an Emperor’s forces.

"—Are you SERIOUS, Captain?! You wanna pick a fight with a Four Emperor?! And not just any—the Beast Pirates?!"

"Quit your yapping! Emperors or not, they’re still human! Shoot ‘em in the head or the heart, and they die like anyone else! We sneak into their territory, assassinate the big guy, and it’s over in one shot!"

"…You’re right!"

And so—the pirates who challenged the Emperors were always the dangerous kind, the ones who truly believed in their own strength.

"Yeah, if we stay at sea and don’t land, we should be safe."

"Damn right. And if we run into underlings, we crush ‘em. Ambush a few, squeeze ‘em for info—we’ll find the boss in no time… Huh?"

"Wait… Is that… a UFO?!"

—What they didn’t realize was how small they truly were.

"No way… I heard the New World defied common sense, but UFOs?!"

"It’s real… Wait. Is it… coming toward us?"

"Yeah, it’s definitely—

—The Four Emperors were monsters, beings who operated on a different level entirely.

"AAAAHHH—?!"

"They’re firing at us!"

"The ship’s taking damage!"

"Tch… Stay calm! It’s just a damn UFO—we’ll shoot it down—"

—A massive organization. Overwhelming power. Numbers. Individual strength.

In every way, they were outmatched. That was the Four Emperors.

"Th-the UFOs… They’re multiplying!"

"CAPTAIN! Ships—from the east! It’s the BEAST PIRATES!"

"Wha—?!"

"Boss! Their cannons—how are they hitting us from this range?!"

"We can’t stop the UFOs OR the cannons!"

A single pirate crew stood no chance against an Emperor. Most wouldn’t even lay eyes on a top officer before being wiped out.

And the crew they had chosen to challenge—the Beast Pirates—were the most brutal of the Four, feared even among monsters.

"DAMN IT! STOP! DON’T KILL MY CREW!"

"SOMEBODY HELP US—!"

"Are we really gonna die here?!"

"We never should’ve challenged an Emperor…!"

But the Beast Pirates were also expanding their empire.

And they always made one offer before the slaughter:

—Join or die.

—Refuse, and you’ll be killed. Or captured and tortured.

Submit to their rule, or suffer hell.

The spineless would break immediately.

The strong-willed would endure torment until they yielded.

Among the Emperors, they were the harshest to challengers—but also the most accepting of those who proved their strength.

That was the way of the Strongest Creature, the Emperor known as "Kaido of the Beasts".

---

—The Land of Wano

A Land Once Called "The Country of Gold"

Once, Wano was a land of untouched beauty, a nation unaffiliated with the World Government, sealed away by its natural defenses and the strength of its samurai.

But now, Wano had changed.

Vast stretches of its regions had become wastelands, dotted with weapon factories. The common people lived in poverty, their stomachs perpetually empty, unsure if they would survive another day.

"I’m starving…"

"No shit. Get back to work—unless you wanna die."

The people toiled in weapon factories, farms, and mines, their lives entirely controlled by two rulers:

—"Shogun" Kurozumi Orochi and his clan.

—The "Sovereign" Kaido of the Beasts and his Beast Pirates.

Disobedience meant no food. Defiance meant torture or execution.

Some still dared to resist—thieves who stole food to survive. But they lived in constant fear, their eyes always on the sky.

"BOSS! UFOs!!"

"Hide the weapons! Get to the trees—NOW!"

For four years, since Orochi and Kaido crushed the Kozuki Clan and solidified their rule, flying disks—UFOs—had patrolled Wano’s skies and waters.

Red. Blue. Green.

They struck without warning, targeting only those who resisted. No one understood their patterns—only that they hunted the defiant.

Fighting back was suicide. Destroying one would summon Beast Pirate elites—the "Tobiroppo"—with an army in tow.

So the thieves hid. They ran.

Because in Wano today, the UFOs were everywhere.

.

.

—The Capital: A Gilded Cage

"Not many UFOs today, huh?"

"You didn’t hear? There’s a banquet. Rumor says they’ve been sent overseas."

"ALIENS!! Mysterious, flying ALIENS!!" (A child waved a UFO-shaped trinket.)

"Hey! That strap’s sick! Lucky bastard!"

"Hahaha! Drink up!!"

"Unlimited booze tonight!!"

"They say there’s a show on Onigashima too!"

"Ugh, I wish I could go… Maybe if I became a maid or a courtesan?"

"Or joined the Beast Pirates!"

Unlike the starving countryside, the Flower Capital thrived.

Food? Plenty. Comfort? Guaranteed. Entertainment? Overflowing.

Most here were loyalists, molded by propaganda and privilege. Why resent Orochi and Kaido when life was good?

The samurai who did resist were fractured. The late Kozuki Oden, their symbol of rebellion, was a divisive figure—barely remembered by the people.

And the new generation? They dreamed of serving Orochi and Kaido.

Becoming officials. Enforcers. Even pirates—though leaving Wano was a crime.

---

—Onigashima: The Beast’s Stronghold

A skull-shaped island, once uninhabited—now the heart of the Beast Pirates.

Past the towering torii gate, beyond the lake that served as its port, stood Kaido’s fortress, a masterpiece of Wano’s enslaved craftsmen.

Inside, a banquet raged.

Ten thousand Beast Pirates. Ten thousand of Orochi’s samurai.

And at the peak of the layered halls, a colossal man danced.

"Round but all muscle, baby~! A king who sings and dances~!!"

"FUNK!!" (The crowd roared.)

"WOOOOO!! QUEEN!!"

"QUEEN-SAMAAAAA~!!"

"Alright, Beast Pirates!! That’s a wrap for my show!!"

—"Queen the Plague", Calamity of the Beasts.
Bounty: 1,020,000,000 Berries.

One of Kaido’s three right-hand men, the overseer of prisoner mines, and the life of the party.

His performances were legendary—a staple of Beast Pirate revelry.

But not everyone was amused.

"...Hey. It’s over, sis. Wake up."

『Beasts Pirates "Tobiroppo" – Page One』

A boy in a black-and-white hat, his sharp horns protruding through a dark mask—Page One.

Though still young enough to be called a child, he wasn’t treated as a mere apprentice in the Beasts Pirates. No, he was a full-fledged combatant—and the glint in his eyes proved it as he nudged the girl beside him. With a grumble, she sat up.

"Mnnn… Yaaawn… Finally, Queen’s boring singing is over, zamasu?"

"Quit calling it boring!! And drop the weird speech tic!!"

"Pe-tan’s such a worrywart, zamasu ne~. Let’s just study already, zamasu yo."

"I finished the homework, so cut it out!!"

『Beasts Pirates "Tobiroppo" – Ulti』

A mask with a cute design covered her mouth, twin horns sprouting from her head—Ulti.

Like Page One, she was a child raised and trained by the Beasts Pirates, already stronger than most grown fighters. Rubbing her eyes with a sleepy yawn, she finally rose—only for a towering, smoking beauty to glance down at them with amusement.

This was one of the crew’s elite. Though only four currently held the title, she belonged to the "Tobiroppo"—the six strongest among the top officers.

"Uti-chan’s growing up so cute~♡"

"HUH!? WHO THE HELL YOU CALLIN’ CUTE!?"

"Sis, chill—that’s not the part to bite at!!"

"Oh, right, zamasu ne~."

"The biting instinct remains unchanged, I see."

『Beasts Pirates "Tobiroppo" – Black Maria • Bounty: 212,000,000 Berries』

A towering beauty in opulent courtesan attire—though technically still a girl by age, her stature and twin horns commanded attention. Black Maria observed the trio with amusement before another voice cut in from the side.

"More importantly—you did finish your assignments, right?"

"Obviously."

"Good. Not that I give a damn if you screw up… unless it spills over into my work. So don’t drag me down, Pe-tan."

"THE HELL YOU CALLIN’ PE-TAN!?"

『Beasts Pirates "Tobiroppo" – Sasaki • Bounty: 344,000,000 Berries』

Clad in rugged attire with a horned cap and wooden sandals, the sharp-fanged Sasaki eyed the others like a drill sergeant. But not everyone appreciated his tone.

"—Oi, Sasaki. Who put you in charge?"

"Common sense. …Do I really need to spell it out?"

"Newbies who can’t read the hierarchy should stay quiet. Same rank, not same strength."

"Damn right!! Though it’s obvious who’s superior here."

"Yeah. You’ll learn soon enough—pray I’m feeling merciful when that day comes."

『Beasts Pirates "Tobiroppo" – Who’s-Who • Bounty: 428,000,000 Berries』

A swordsman masked by a horned helm, Who’s-Who bristled at Sasaki’s authority. Both ex-captains, their rivalry was less about malice and more about the Beasts Pirates’ ironclad rule: power dictates rank. Veterans? Women? Kids? Irrelevant. The Tobiroppo were the apex—four elites (plus two vacancies)—and their clashes were as routine as the tides.

Then Who’s-Who’s gaze snapped to another figure lounging apart from the group.

"Speaking of—where’s Jack? Hey, Drake."

"…Yes?"

『Beasts Pirates Archaeologist "Tobiroppo Candidate" – Drake • Bounty: 80,000,000 Berries』

A woman in a white coat and horned half-mask, Drake set down her wine glass with deliberate calm.

"Jack’s whereabouts. You don’t know?"

"…Why would I?"

"Tch. Still ice-cold, huh? Anyway—your work done?"

"Yes. Dreadfully dull."

Sasaki’s grin vanished.

"Dull?"

"…My apologies. A poor choice of words."

"Watch your tongue. And do your damn job."

"She’s right, zamasu yo! For Kaido-sama and Nue-sama’s sake!!"

"Slack off, and we’ll clean up your mess."

"Not that we’d mind."

One by one, the Tobiroppo (minus Page One) admonished her. Drake—recruited for her archaeological expertise—was technically untouchable, but hierarchy meant little to these ambition-fueled monsters. Only the top two commanded their deference.

"—My, what a lively gathering."

"!"

A new presence silenced the room. The click of heels announced her—a woman in a red-and-white dress, garter belt, and wide-brimmed hat, a scarlet parasol resting on her shoulder.

『Beasts Pirates "All-Star" • Captain of the Vampire • "Calamity Joker" • Bounty: 940,000,000 Berries』

"Joker…!"

"You’re back too?"

"Long time no see, zamasu ne!!"

"Indeed. You’re all as vibrant as ever."

Joker, one of the three All-Stars, rarely stayed in Wano due to her role. Most of the Tobiroppo saw her maybe once a year.

"Oi, Joker. Where’s Jack? He wasn’t assigned shit today."

"Fufufu~ Probably backstage at the concert. Someone had to handle the grunt work."

“…Backstage for the concert…?”

“Low-key jealous!!”

“—Wait, that means it’s starting soon.”

‘Ah.’

Page One’s mutter made the Tobiroppo collectively freeze. Amidst work talk, they’d nearly forgotten—Queen’s concert ending meant the next event was…

‘——Heeeeere it is! The annual GOLDEN KAGURA~~~!! Did ya miss me, bastards?! Closing this year’s show is… THAT LEGEND AGAIN!! Scream your lungs out~~~~!!’

‘OOOOOHHHHH~~~~!!!’

“Ah, crap!! Sis!! We gotta prep for the call-and—SHE’S ALREADY GONE!?”

“Tch. Guess we’re doing this…”

“You know how petty she gets if we don’t play along…”

Queen’s booming voice (doubling as emcee) and the crew’s roaring cheers snapped them into action. Page One brandished a staff; Who’s-Who and Sasaki braced. Ulti had already sprinted to the plaza.

Then—music erupted. Shamisens, biwas, keyboards, drums, guitars—a chaotic fusion of Wano tradition and modern frenzy.

The stage lit up with Queen’s backup dancers (round two) and kimono-clad local women, fans in hand. Lights dimmed—spotlights zeroed in.

A girl’s voice sang:

“—Standing, I’m a peony~ Sitting, a rose~ Walking? A lily in full bloom~♪ Sing like an angel~ Kill like a devil~ The cutest enigma soaring through the night~♫ Call my name~~~~~~~?”

Rainbow UFOs darted overhead, pulsing with the beat. The white light streaking across the sky morphed into a silhouette—curvaceous, playful—waiting for the crowd’s reply.

‘NUEEEE-CHAAAAAN~~~~~~~!!!’

“YES!! ME!! The New World’s #1 idol!!! The Sealed Beast Nué-chaaaan~♡ LIVE!! AT!! ONIGASHIMAAAAA~~~~~~~!!!”

‘WOOOOOHHHH~~~~!!!’

‘KYAAAAAA~~~~♡ NUÉ-SAMAAAAA~~~~♡’

“Yeaaah~♫ Now that I’m here~ Tonight—no, the whole next year—will drown in CHAOTIC BLISS!! Ready or nooot~~~♡”

[Beast Pirates Vice-Captain (Headliner) | "Phantom Beast Nué" | Bounty: 3,080,100,000 Berries]

Spotlights revealed her: a black-haired beauty with crimson-and-azure wings, a mic strapped to her trident. The unclassifiable creature. Right hand to Emperor Kaido. The legend herself—Nué.

The crowd, already hyped from Queen’s set, erupted further. Even Queen, an All-Star, was merely her opener. Tobiroppo who’d ignored his performance now waved glowsticks, clapped, and chanted like rookies.

“To all 20,000 Beast Pirates and Kurozumi fam~~~!! Enjoy my show~!! Scream for me~~~!! Clap for me~~~!! On three—HEY HEY HEY HEY~♫”

“KYAAAA~♡ NUÉ-SAMA ZAMASU~~~!! WE LOVE YOU~~~~~~♡” (Ulti, aggressively idol-obsessed)

“HEY HEY HEY HEY!!” (Page One, grudgingly)

“…Your sister’s… intense.”

“SHUT UP!! If I don’t do this, she’ll beat my ass later!!”

“…………”

“My, my. Not a fan of the noise?” (Black Maria, teasing)

“Don’t say that—she’s got bat hearing!! You wanna get me killed!?” (Who’s-Who, sweating)

Ulti and Page One chanted (the latter bullied into it by Sasaki). Even Who’s-Who, usually aloof, participated silently.

Meanwhile, the final Tobiroppo was—

“CLAP!! CLAP!! Fellow oni? Clap or regret~♫”

‘DANCE!! DANCE!!’

‘CUTE & UNKNOWN~~~~~~!!’

“…No issues back here…”

A brawny boy with an iron mask covering his lower face sighed in relief. Stage equipment, props—all intact.

[Beast Pirates "Tobiroppo" — Jack | Bounty: 200,000,000 Berries]

Jack. Drafted as a stagehand for the night.

“…………”

“! Where are you going, Lord Jack?”

"…I’m going to greet Kaido. Once the concert ends, the bosses and big sis will gather too."

"!!"

The subordinate gasped at Jack’s words. When Jack referred to "the bosses and big sis," he meant the three All-Stars and Nué, currently on stage.

Add Jack and the other Tobiroppo to that, and you had a gathering that rarely happened.

The Beast Pirates, one of the Four Emperors’ crews, ruled vast territories in the New World. From Wano to outlying islands, they collected tribute, crushed invaders, and recruited strong foes. Even lower-ranked "Tobiroppo Candidates" had responsibilities—let alone the elite six (though only four remained). But on this one night, the Fire Festival, everyone returned to Onigashima.

Which meant one thing:

The Beast Pirates’ full might was assembling.

---

The Sanctum

Deep within the fortress, a room resembled a shrine—a place to kneel before the guardian demon of Wano.

Behind a rope-bound dais, only two beings had the right to sit.

"…………Aaahhh~~~~…"

The giant gulped from his gourd, wine spilling down his chin. Many titles defined him:

—A man whose mere existence inspires terror.

—The undying, unkillable beast.

—The world’s strongest creature.

A near-10-meter colossus, hailed as the strongest Emperor in a one-on-one fight—

[ "Four Emperor" | Beast Pirates Captain "Kaido of the Beasts" | Bounty: 4,611,100,000 Berries]

"—Oi. Joker… and the rest of you. Tch. ‘Bout time you showed up."

"Yes. The concert’s over, so everyone should be here soon. Jack too—ah, speak of the devil."

Joker, flanked by the Tobiroppo and Nué’s two child attendants, stepped forward. Right on cue, Jack entered.

"Yo, Jack. Nue draggin’ you around again?"

"…Yeah."

"WHAAAT!? LUCKY BASTARD!! I’LL MURDER YOU!!"

"Shut it. Like you could take me, Ulti…!"

"THE HELL I CAN’T!!?"

"Sis, STOP—"

Jack’s smirk vanished as Ulti shifted, her body swelling into a monstrous hybrid form. Jack mirrored her, their auras clashing. Page One’s warnings went ignored—

"—Enough."

A voice like grinding stone cut through the tension. Jack instantly reverted to human form; Ulti followed suit, paling.

"Big Bro King…"

Clad head-to-toe in black, with wings and a flaming sword strapped to his back—the first All-Star.

[Beast Pirates All-Star | Captain of the Pteranodon | "Wildfire King" | Bounty: 1,230,000,000 Berries]

"Oh, King! Long time."

"Joker. Quit spectating. Don’t make me babysit these brats."

"Fufu~ But it’s fun watching them. My bad~♡"

King’s glare didn’t faze her. With a sigh, he took his place beside Kaido and delivered his report:

"Kaido. That pirate crew that invaded our turf last week surrendered. Wanna fold ‘em in?"

"Tch. Finally broke, huh? Stick ‘em on guard duty… Aahhh—…what’s their name again?"

"Iron Boy ‘Scotch.’ 77 million bounty," Joker chimed in. "You annihilated them drunk last Tuesday."

"—Oh. Right."

"How cruel~ Forgetting the weaklings you crushed~"

"Weaklings’ faces aren’t worth remembering."

"SO TRUE!! I forgot the pirates I crushed last month!! And the report!!"

"DAMMIT, SIS—"

Page One’s scream drowned as Who’s-Who stepped forward:

"Kaido. What about the other matter?"

"Hah. The fourth All-Star spot? Still open. I don’t give a damn who takes it, but Nué says none of you scrubs are strong enough yet. Pass her test, and it’s yours."

"…Still that damn test."

"So... Nue’s promotion exam, huh…"

"…………"

Who’s-Who and Sasaki fell into thoughtful silence at the news. Both were former captains of other pirate crews, outsiders recruited by Kaido into the Beasts Pirates. Precisely because of that, they had their eyes set on the higher position of All-Star. For pirates like them, confident in their strength, the Beasts Pirates—where power dictated rank—wasn’t a bad place to be.

If they could become All-Stars immediately, they’d jump at the chance. But hearing it was Nue’s promotion exam gave them pause. Her training regimens were notoriously lethal, requiring serious resolve just to survive—let alone pass. You’d need strength rivaling the current All-Stars to even stand a chance.

Though he didn’t voice it, Jack was another one aiming for the title. But unlike them, he’d been raised in the crew since childhood. He knew firsthand how terrifyingly strong the All-Star "big bros and sis" were, so he figured it was too soon for him to rise.

Yet at the same time, he also believed he’d be the next All-Star. Jack never defied his superiors, but against enemies? He’d charge headfirst at anyone, a reckless madman with no regard for his life.

That very recklessness—a kind of stubborn dedication—was also what earned him respect. Of course, his overconfidence led him to bite off more than he could chew, resulting in frequent failures.

That’s why the All-Stars King and Queen mockingly called him "Flop Jack." And since he’d been scolded like this since childhood, he still shrank under their reprimands. To his underlings, who knew his cruelty and ferocity, this might seem surprising—but it was only natural he couldn’t defy the Beasts Pirates’ top brass, monsters far scarier than him.

As the three mused over the promotion, two more figures entered the room. One of them was the very person they’d just been discussing.

"—Huh? No one’s taking it? You guys are all so cautious!!"

"Muhaha! That’s ‘cause they know they ain’t got what it takes!!"

"Nue-san…"

"The hell you say, Queen…!!"

The newcomers were Nue, the Beasts Pirates’ Vice Captain, and the All-Star Queen, fresh off their live performance. While none of the Tobiroppo dared retort to Nue’s blunt remark, they had no issue snapping back at Queen.

Queen took his place beside Kaido—opposite King—while Nue floated through the air, perching atop the railing near Kaido’s seat.

But the others couldn’t help but stare at Nue. Because for once—she wasn’t in her usual form. Instead, she appeared as a tall, stunning adult woman.

"Hey, Nue. How long you plan on keepin’ that look?"

"Hm? —Oh, right, right! Sorry ‘bout that, hiding my strongest, cutest, most beautiful form from everyone. —There!"

At Kaido’s prompting, Nue released her ability, her figure warping like an illusion before shrinking back into her petite, loli form. Stretching her arms, she grinned.

"Mmm~~!! Nothing beats the real thing, right? Way cuter, way more soothing for the soul!!"

"Obviously, Zamasu~~♡ Your true form is peak beauty, Zamasu!!"

"You’re always adorable, Nue-sama♡"

"My, my, your charm only shines brighter, dear♡"

"Ehh~~♡ Stooop, you’re making me blush~~♡ I mean, I do think I’m the cutest in the world, but… Hey, wanna autograph? My treat♡"

"Squee—♡ Nue-sama’s autograph!! This’ll be my 18th one, but I’m still thrilled, Zamasu!!"

"You’re… happy about having 18…?"

As Nue pulled out colored paper and pens (from who-knows-where) to sign, Page One muttered under his breath at Ulti’s fangirling. Notably, the only ones cheering for Nue’s true form were the women; the men wore strained smiles, silently enduring the exchange. Not that they thought she wasn’t cute—but if asked whether her adult or usual form was "better," they’d clam up.

Truthfully, neither was their type to begin with. But the urge to snark was hard to suppress. While Nue did have fans, some quietly preferred her occasional adult appearances during concerts—a minority often labeled "heretics" by the mainstream. These fans kept their preferences secret, sharing them only with like-minded comrades.

Ulti, a diehard orthodox fan, had once flattened a subordinate (and Page One) for suggesting the adult form might be more popular. Worse, if Nue ever caught wind of such talk, it’d be trouble—so avoiding the topic was an unspoken rule. The only one who could openly mock this was Kaido. Not that he cared much about her idol antics or looks, but he never held back if he felt like commenting.

After taking a swig of booze, he cut in:

"Oi, got somethin’ to tell ya all."

"I’m getting an autograph here, so shove it!!"

"Do you even know what ‘priority’ means, sis?!"

"Tch. Whatever. Listen up. Lately, there’s been some upstarts causin’ trouble in the New World—our territory included."

Ulti’s snap at even Kaido made Page One sweat, but the Emperor brushed it off and continued.

The Tobiroppo could guess who he meant. In this sea ruled by Emperors, only a handful of rookies stood out. Most either fled, died, or bent the knee. But those who refused to bow, sailing under no Emperor’s flag? Among them, one name loomed largest.

"—That ‘Red-Haired Shanks’ rookie."

"! The Red-Hair Pirates…"

"They’re said to be quite formidable… Is this an order to crush them?"

At the name "Red Hair," everyone pictured the same man—the one with three scars across his left eye.

"Red-Haired" Shanks. Captain of the rapidly rising Red-Hair Pirates, whose duel with the Warlord "Hawk-Eyes" Mihawk had set the New World abuzz.

Since they’d trespassed into Beasts Pirates territory, Black Maria assumed Kaido was issuing a kill order. But she was wrong.

"Nah. Opposite. Don’t. Lay. A. Finger. On. ‘Em."

"!! You can’t mean—"

The crew stared in shock. Kaido, who crushed defiance without mercy and recruited anyone with backbone, was telling them to stand down? That alone spoke volumes.

"...There a reason we shouldn’t wipe out Red Hair?"

"Tch. I’d have crushed ‘em and dragged ‘em in by now… but I caught wind of somethin’ interesting. —Joker, fill ‘em in."

"Gladly."

At Kaido’s command, Joker—the crew’s intelligence officer and a government spy—smirked and unveiled the truth:

"Red-Haired Shanks… is a former member of the Roger Pirates."

"……!!?"

The name Roger left them speechless. In this world, there wasn’t a soul who hadn’t heard of him—the Pirate King, Gold Roger. The man who ignited the Great Pirate Era. A legend who’d once humiliated even the Beasts Pirates. His crew, though small, was packed with monsters.

And Shanks had been one of them.

Now it made sense. Who’s-Who and the others finally understood why this "Red-Hair" could duel Hawk-Eyes Mihawk and shake up the New World. A former Roger Pirate? No wonder Kaido was wary.

"Well, he was just an apprentice~! But even back then, he wasn’t half bad—and now he’s way stronger. So unless you’re All-Star level, picking a fight might be… y’know, risky? Be careful, guys!!"

"She’s right. Nue remembers ‘em. Now that I think ‘bout it… Roger’s ship did have a red-haired brat. And some snot-nosed kid, too…"

"…So you’re saying we can’t handle him?"

"THE HELL WE CAN’T!!"

"Sis, chill—!!"

Sasaki’s calm question sent Ulti into a rage, forcing Page One to restrain her. King crossed his arms and added coldly:

"They’ve slipped past our surveillance before. If you spot them, report it. One of us will handle it."

"Oh! Speaking of which~ I might’ve forgotten to redeploy UFOs to some sectors after the concert. Tehe~♡"

"THE HELL, NUE-SAN!? ‘TEHE’ MY ASS!!"

"Mystery solved in record time, I see…"

Queen’s screech echoed as Joker sighed and King’s eye twitched. Nue just stuck out her tongue with a wink—zero remorse. Kaido exhaled through his nose.

"Nue. I told you to use the Wano UFOs for the concert."

"But I needed them for the new stage effects!! And I did leave subordinate crews in those areas! How was I supposed to know they’d get breached!? They’d have gotten through anyway!!"

"Tch. Whatever. Point is—don’t engage Red-Hair unless you’ve got two or three of you together. Stay sharp."

The Tobiroppo reluctantly nodded. A chance for glory, sure—but also a surefire way to get wrecked. With their current skirmishes against other Emperors, unnecessary risks were off the table.

"—Oh, right. Kaido-san, I brought the tribute. Check it later."

"Yeah, me too."

"Already submitted mine, zamasu!"

"Ah… Almost forgot."

"Slackin’ ain’t an option."

"…Mine’s already in."

One by one, the Tobiroppo reported their "tributes"—profits from their territories, protection money, or seized goods. More profits meant bigger cuts for themselves, but falling short meant punishment. Entire islands under their banner had been wiped out for failing to pay.

But the Tobiroppo? They always delivered. Their hauls dwarfed even the top subordinates’.

"Worororo… Good. I’ll review ‘em later."

"You guys are amazing~! Always handling everything for us♡"

Kaido and Nue beamed. Having competent underlings was a blessing—especially when said underlings brought gourmet dishes and premium booze. Nue dug in gleefully.

"Mmm~! This meat’s so tender it melts my cheeks♡"

"—That’s my ranch’s A5 Wagyu…"

"The veggies are so crisp!!"

"Grown in my fields, zamasu!!"

"The fish is perfectly springy~!"

"I spear-hunted that legendary bastard myself!!"

"And this sake? Divine♡"

"Five-year reserve. Too good for the trash we usually serve—this is for Kaido-san and Nue-san!!"

"Oh! This wooden bowl’s floral pattern is gorgeous!!"

"I carved it just for you, Nue-san♡"

"…………"

"Hm? What’s up, Jack? Got something to say?"

"…Nah. Just… those chopsticks…"

"Huh? Oh! Pure gold! No wonder they felt heavy! These must be from the gold you mined, right!?"

"Hmph. Worth noting—I prepared this entire meal."

"! King, you bastard…! Stealing credit!? My ranch provided the ingredients!!"

"Cheap move, zamasu!!"

"…The hell’s wrong with you guys…?"

Queen’s baffled mutter summed it up. The Tobiroppo—even Ulti and Page One—had gone overboard currying favor. King was cooking now? Then again, Queen himself performed in concerts, so who was he to judge?

Amid the chaos, Kaido turned to Nue.

"Hey. Didn’t you have somethin’ to say earlier?"

"Oh, right! Gonna go wreck Mariejois. Who’s comin’ with~?"

"WHAT!? THAT’S WORLD NEWS-LEVEL INSANE*!!"

"Me! Zamasu!!"

"SIS, THINK!! SHE’S NOT SHOPPING!!"

"Aaaand it’s settled! Ulti and Page One are in!!"

"WHY AM I DRAGGED INTO THIS!?"

"…We are keeping this quiet… right? …Right?"

"She’s unhinged…"

Even the All-Stars broke into cold sweats. As new winds stirred the New World, the Beasts Pirates prepared to shake the globe once more—and the Fire Festival’s night deepened.