Akainu: Being Fleet Admiral Isn't Easy!

Kaido and BIG MOM had both served aboard Nox's Ship three eras ago. The New World overlord shrouded in mystery had caused the World Government no end of trouble, which was why Garp, the man who defeated Nox, had been solemnly hailed as the "Hero of the Marines."

How high you stood determined how far you could see. The view from a mountaintop was nothing like the view from a valley.

The Nox Pirates, who had pulled off such earthshaking feats, knew a great deal. And Kaido, though only a greenhorn pirate back then, had learned plenty of secrets few others knew.

He knows Imu exists, yet he still chose to wage war on the government... Kaido, what ace are you hiding?

Ron narrowed his eyes and frowned in thought.

Once the pieces on this chessboard slipped beyond his control, the outcome would be the last thing Ron wanted to see.

Perhaps...

I could take the initiative and have a look at Wano Country.

Taking a beating without fighting back had never been Ron's style.

But this needs careful planning. I can't rush it. For now...

Ron teleported out of the Black Prison Thunder Realm, raised his right hand high, and shouted to the expectant soldiers on the island below.

"Long live the Marines!"

Smoker's eyes widened. Then he shook his head, at a loss for words.

"What a monster..."

The opponent Smoker had nearly died trying to grievously wound had fallen to Ron in a single exchange.

The gulf between them left Smoker close to despair.

But the soldiers had no idea what he was thinking. They would never presume to compare themselves with Ron. At his shout, they froze for a moment, then raised their hands and answered in delight.

"Long... long live!"

"Long live the Marines!!"

"Long