Because of the marriage alliance with Whole Cake Island, which the Flame Dragon Kingdom had heavily publicized, rumors had begun spreading across the Sea. Who was truly the strongest on the Sea? Some pirates believed it was the youngest and strongest Flame Creature, Flame Emperor Julian, who had easily overwhelmed Big Mom of Whole Cake Island and forced her to send him her daughter. Others supported the legendary great pirate Whitebeard, while still others believed it was Kaido, the strongest creature of land, sea, and air. For a time, it became a hot topic.
In Wano Country, Kaido of Onigashima heard King's report that the Sea was discussing this topic. Kaido downed a mouthful of liquor, his face twisting with rage, and roared, "I'm the strongest! The true number one is me! I'm the King of Beasts!" He immediately transformed into an Azure Dragon more than eight hundred meters long.
In an instant, dark clouds gathered and thunder roared. The enormous Azure Dragon Body coiled through the sky as fierce winds rose. The gigantic dragon flew straight toward the New World in search of an opponent. Unconsciously, he arrived at Punk Hazard in the New World. Kaido looked down at Punk Hazard, opened his massive jaws, and unleashed a tremendous Flame Dragon Breath. Punk Hazard, already barren and bare, vanished outright.
A flock of News Birds, far in the distance, raised their cameras and began taking pictures of Kaido. Seeing the News Birds photographing him, Kaido opened his huge dragon jaws and shouted, "Tell Whitebeard, the Navy, the World Government, and the Flame Dragon Kingdom that I, Kaido, am starting a war!"
At Branch G1, Sakazuki received orders from Marine Headquarters. Kaido had gone mad, and Branch G1 was to be defended. Marine Headquarters had already convened an emergency meeting.