Five days later, in the waters near Wano Country.
Dozens of large ships raced across the sea, cutting through the waves.
"Ships spotted ahead! Everyone, stay alert!"
At the front of the fleet, a lookout perched high on Kaido's ship shouted a warning. Every pirate aboard went on guard.
"Confirmed! It's Queen's fleet. Stand down and prepare to join up."
Werther, who had been sitting in meditation inside a cabin, heard the shouts outside. His eyes opened slightly, and a sharp blue gleam flashed through the dim cabin.
"Finally. She took her time."
Werther rose and stepped out onto the deck.
Sure enough, several large ships were drawing near. They soon joined the Beasts Pirates' fleet.
Kaido had brought dozens of ships this time, with roughly three thousand people under his command.
Apart from those needed to guard his territory, those three thousand were nearly everyone the Beasts Pirates could spare.
He could have gathered more, but a war with Wano Country might break out. The pirates he had brought were at least elites; Kaido had not brought the ordinary ones along to embarrass him.
When two sides clashed, heavy casualties on one side could devastate its morale.
In the Pirate World, greater numbers did not guarantee victory.
The fleets had barely come together when a slender figure sprang from a ship opposite and landed directly on Kaido's vessel.
Despite jumping so high, the newcomer landed lightly.
She landed on one knee, then slowly stood. Her figure was slender, but smooth muscles showed across her exposed abdomen.
"Boss, something held me up. Sorry I'm late."
The newcomer was Queen, the Yin Calamity—one of Kaido's All-Stars and the only woman among them.
Queen was tall, standing at least two meters. Her alluring red lips and long, shapely legs were equally striking.