A Lively Banquet

Peace Island, Cocoyasi Village, where the Expeditionary Force headquarters was located.

By the time Kizaru arrived here aboard Garp's battleship, the Whitebeard Pirates and the Red Hair Pirates had already been here for a day.

At that moment, the members of both pirate crews were enjoying a lively banquet hosted by Hashirama.

The pirates gathered in small groups around the blazing bonfire, drinking, dancing, and bragging.

Hashirama was playing a dice game with a few pirates, guessing whether the roll would be high or low. Judging by the pile of bills in front of the pirates, Hashirama's luck was as terrible as ever.

On the outskirts of the lively crowd, Whitebeard and Shanks sat facing each other, drinking.

They had talked at length about the Paramount War and Kizaru.

Their voyage had shown them the Land of Light's impressive ability to govern at the local level. The Land of Light had occupied a large part of the East Blue in an incredibly short time, yet managed to maintain order in towns across the islands and crack down on roving pirates. Such efficiency was nothing short of a miracle.

"Perhaps the Land of Light, under Kizaru's leadership, will reshape the order of this sea." Shanks drained his drink and summed up his thoughts.

Whitebeard lifted the sake cup, which was bigger than a washbasin, and downed its contents before letting out a hearty laugh.

"Of course! Kizaru is a hero of the sea whom I respect! That man's ambitions reach beyond this entire sea."

"Ohoho! 'Ambition' is a bit much. I'm just an ordinary social activist."

Kizaru let out his signature laugh as he walked over.

Hearing his voice, Whitebeard and Shanks turned to look at him. Whitebeard spoke with a hint of gratitude. "My foolish sons were able to retreat