The Calm Before the Storm / Eruption ...

"Good. Now let's discuss our battle plan!"

A massive three-masted sailing ship flew a sinister pirate flag from its thick mast. Its centerpiece was the usual skull, but rather than a human skull, it resembled a bear's. An enormous scar ran across the entire skull, making it look even more menacing!

Any pirate in the New World would have recognized it as the Savage Bear, the flagship of the Savage Bear Pirates, one of the crews in the Pirate Alliance!

At that moment, aboard the Savage Bear.

Francis sat in a soft office chair, with no one else around him. Half his body was hidden in darkness, and he held an ordinary Den Den Mushi alongside a white anti-eavesdropping Den Den Mushi.

...Purupuru, purupuru...

"Hey! Francis, how's it going? I've been keeping that Drought position open for you!" As the call connected, the Den Den Mushi gradually took on a strange appearance with two horns.

"Don't worry. Everything is going smoothly, Lord Kaido!"

Francis answered calmly.

"Good..."

With a click, the call ended abruptly. Francis wasn't annoyed. He continued what he was doing, and the Den Den Mushi rang again.

Purupuru, purupuru~~

"How's it going?"

"Sir, everything is going smoothly. Thanks to that Navy Supernova, I'll be able to infiltrate the Beasts Pirates once this is over..."

"Excellent. Don't squander the ancient Zoan Bear-Bear Fruit we gave you. Once your undercover assignment is complete, you can join CP0 directly. Don't blow your cover. You know what happens if you fail..."

"Yes, sir!"

Click... The sound of the Den Den Mushi hanging up rang out once again.

The gathering storm

New World, G-5 base harbor.

A massive standard-issue Navy warship was docked at the harbor. Roughly a thousand sailors stood in neat ranks on its deck, led by a smiling Rear Admiral Tokikake.

Standing at the harbor, Atlas smiled and greeted her old friend Tokikake, who was "as dashing as ever."

Vice Admiral Tsuru had sent Atlas here today to receive the reinforcements dispatched from Headquarters. Gion had originally been assigned to come too, but when she heard Tokikake would be arriving, she made up an excuse and slipped away, leaving Atlas to suffer alone.

"Hey, Atlas! Where's Miss Gion? I was all ready to confess my love to her for the ninety-ninth time."

Seeing only Atlas at the harbor, Tokikake couldn't hide his disappointment.

"Ah... Rear Admiral Gion had something come up, so I'm here by myself," Atlas explained somewhat awkwardly. She could hardly tell him outright that Gion had made up an excuse and fled just to avoid him.

"By the way, didn't Vice Admiral Tsuru say Vice Admiral Kuzan was coming to reinforce the New World too? Where is he?" Atlas was puzzled. She had been talking with Tokikake for a while now, so why hadn't Kuzan come down from the warship?

"Vice Admiral Kuzan, he..."

Tokikake was just about to explain when a lazy voice drifted over from a short distance away. "Ah, la la... My apologies, young Kanos. Sorry for the wait!"

Atlas looked toward the voice. Wearing a Navy coat bearing the word "Justice," a white suit, and a dark blue shirt underneath, Kuzan slowly rode his bicycle across the sea. A narrow sheet of ice kept forming beneath its tires. As the wheels turned, Kuzan yawned repeatedly, his eyelids half drooping as though he might fall asleep at any moment. His whole demeanor radiated laziness.

"Vice Admiral Kuzan!"

Atlas stood at attention and gave a regulation salute.

Kuzan casually put away his bicycle and handed it to a nearby sailor. He waved to Atlas, then headed straight for Garp's Office.

"Ah, la la... Let's go, young Kanos. The wind's about to pick up!"

Onigashima, Wano Country.

"Big Brother Kaido, should the Beasts Pirates join the coming war in the New World and stir up even more chaos?"

King the Wildfire was a burly man clad entirely in black, even his face concealed. Flames continually streamed from the enormous wings on his back, and a long sword hung at his waist. His eyes, the only part of him exposed to the air, watched Kaido gulping down liquor.

"No need. We'll sit back and watch them fight. But I'm going to go stir things up myself. Only battles at that level can get me excited anymore! Hahahaha!"

After speaking, Kaido drained his gourd. Clear liquor trickled down his beard onto the floor, its steady dripping echoing through the space in accompaniment to his triumphant, wild laughter.

Aboard the Moby Dick.

"Pops, the Navy's been making more and more moves lately. They're already gathering a huge number of troops in the New World. Are they planning to come after us at any cost?" A trace of worry creased Marco's brow. He wasn't afraid of the Navy at all, and he had no ambition to become Pirate King. He only wanted to keep living like this with Pops—though it would be even better if Pops became Pirate King.

"Marco, don't worry so much. If the Navy tried to purge the New World, the World Government would be the first to object. Besides, the other pirates here aren't pushovers. If the Navy tries to bite into this tough a bone, they'll shatter their teeth!"

Vista offered his analysis from beside him. He knew the World Government's ways all too well. The Five Elders would never stand by and let the Navy keep growing stronger or suffer a drastic loss of power. They sought only one thing—balance!

To the Five Elders, the entire world was a chessboard. As the players moving the pieces, they had to ensure that the balance among the major powers remained intact. Only then could they keep the World Government's rule from being threatened.

"Gurararara! Marco, Vista's right. Don't worry so much. I am... Whitebeard!"

New World, G-5 base, Staff Office.

All the senior officers currently stationed at G-5 had gathered in the small office.

Atlas was among them, of course. Although she held only the rank of commodore, everyone present had acknowledged her strength, so she counted as a senior officer of sorts.

Vice Admiral Tsuru sat ramrod straight behind her desk as usual. Akainu and Kuzan, the two admiral candidates and Headquarters vice admirals, occupied the visitor chairs on either side. Garp stood beside Tsuru, noisily crunching on donuts and constantly spraying crumbs onto her desk.

"Now that everyone's here, I'll explain our personnel assignments and arrangements for the coming battle!"

Vice Admiral Tsuru slowly spoke as she surveyed the room, automatically tuning out Garp's chewing.

"Garp, Sakazuki, Tokikake, Gion, you'll take a portion of our forces to intercept the Whitebeard Pirates. You'll also need to watch out for Kaido coming to disrupt the battlefield. Your combined strength should be enough."

"Kuzan, you and Atlas will lead another force to Totto Land Waters. According to the intelligence provided by Cipher Pol, the Pirate Alliance's target is the Big Mom Pirates. If Big Mom's side starts losing, seize the opportunity to wipe them out, then strike the Pirate Alliance."

"Of course, the Pirate Alliance is still far more likely to lose. We can't underestimate Totto Land Waters' intelligence network. In that case, simply crush this so-called Pirate Alliance afterward."

"As for Kaido's Beasts Pirates, they probably won't make an appearance. Kaido knows Wano Country's location makes it difficult to attack, and our Navy won't pick a fight with them for no benefit. We don't need to allocate forces there, though I'll assign people to keep watch."

"Ah, la la... Don't worry, Vice Admiral Tsuru. Not a single pirate in that alliance will escape." Kuzan shed his lazy expression and gave his assurance with complete confidence.

At that moment, everyone in the New World, from the Big Mom Pirates to pirate crews large and small, sensed something unusual in the air. Behind the scenes, countless pirates eagerly prepared themselves, hoping to claim a share of the spoils in the coming war that would overturn the world's balance of power!

The winds of a new era were about to sweep into the New World!

The outbreak

January, Sea Circle Calendar year 1506, New World, Totto Land Waters.

The enormous Queen Mama Chanter rested quietly on the sea, its hull rocking from side to side with the waves. Soft singing came from its oddly shaped ram. Pirate ships of all sizes surrounded it, every one flying the signature skull flag with red lips and a waving hand.

Aboard the Queen Mama Chanter.

Despite having recently given birth to her seventy-fifth child, she showed none of an ordinary woman's weakness after childbirth. Instead, she kept gathering up the tablecloth and pouring all the desserts inside it into her mouth in one gulp. Servants on either side swiftly replaced them with another tableful of desserts, repeating the process over and over.

"Mama, the images transmitted by the Sea Slugs show that the Pirate Alliance's fleet has invaded Totto Land Waters."

It was Perospero again. He didn't dare disturb Big Mom while she was eating either. If he triggered her hunger pangs, all of Totto Land might be destroyed. But the situation was too urgent this time, so he had no choice but to steel himself and report it.

"Hmm? What did you say?"

Hearing Perospero's words, Big Mom immediately stopped eating. Her huge, crimson, vicious doll-like eyes stared straight at him. Corrosive saliva dripped from a mouth that stretched almost to her ears, as though she would devour him alive if he failed to give her a proper explanation.

"Ma... Mama, that so-called Pirate Alliance has invaded Totto Land Waters. It seems... it seems they've chosen us as their target."

Perospero swallowed hard and spoke cautiously. Under Big Mom's stare, cold sweat kept beading on his forehead.

"Mamamama! Those worthless fools dare set their sights on my Totto Land? They really are underestimating me!"

"Perospero, go gather the fleet with Katakuri. I'll wipe them out myself. They're treating me... like an easy target!"

"But... Mama, you've only just given birth. I'm worried your body might..." Perospero sounded concerned. Big Mom was the very core of their crew. Without her, Perospero and the others could hardly be considered pirate overlords.

"Hmm? Are you telling me what to do, Perospero? You're nothing more than my son. Know your place!"

Big Mom's expression darkened, and the oppressive presence she had cultivated over the years crashed over him. Terrified, Perospero felt his back nearly soak through with sweat and hurriedly nodded his agreement.

The outskirts of Totto Land Waters.

Four distinctive ships sailed into the dreamlike waters, their menacing rams wholly at odds with the surroundings. The Pirate Alliance's four major crews led their subordinate pirates into the Big Mom Pirates' territory, challenging this overlord of the New World without warning!

Excitement mingled with solemn resolve on the four captains' faces, as though they were about to become the New World's new overlords and might even catch a glimpse of the Pirate King's throne.

"Mamamama! Four small fry! Do you think I'm an easy target? This is really... getting on my nerves!"

Their joy didn't last long. Having rushed over upon receiving the news, Big Mom stood at the bow of the Queen Mama Chanter with the enormous sword Napoleon in hand. Zeus and Prometheus, the two Homies who commanded lightning and flame respectively, hovered on either side of her.

"Heeheehee! Old hag, the old era is over! The new era has no ship that can carry you anymore. It's time to get off and make room for us youngsters!"

With a gloomy expression, Lakeham stubbornly stepped forward and fearlessly threw Big Mom's words back at her.

"Mamamama! What an ungrateful bunch of fools! Katakuri, bring me that bastard's head!"

"Yes, Mama!"

"Heeheeheehee! Yermak, you and Francis keep Big Mom occupied. Leave Katakuri to me!"

Lakeham spoke with complete confidence. He possessed the Paramecia Blood-Blood Fruit, which let him manipulate the blood inside his enemies' bodies and accelerate his own circulation to enhance his fighting power. He had already achieved his Devil Fruit's awakening and had no fear of Katakuri whatsoever.

Damn it!

Yermak and Francis both cursed inwardly. They knew Katakuri and Big Mom were on entirely different levels. They hadn't expected Lakeham to seize the initiative and pull one over on them. Now they could only grit their teeth and fight.

"Mamamama! So you're looking down on me!"

Hearing Lakeham's words, Big Mom grew so furious that she laughed. Strange laughter poured from her gaping mouth, and a wave of invisible sound instantly spread from her toward the Pirate Alliance!

Conqueror's Haki!

Time itself seemed to freeze across the sea. Vast numbers of pirates who had been shouting a moment earlier suddenly fell silent. Their eyes went blank and their mouths hung slack, as though their souls had been ripped out. They collapsed with heavy thuds, unconscious.

"Con... Conqueror's Haki!"

"My God! What kind of monster is she? That Conqueror's Haki is terrifying!"

"We're supposed to fight a monster like that? We're just throwing our lives away!"

"Captain, let's retreat! We can't possibly stand up to the Big Mom Pirates!"

Those who barely managed to remain conscious under Big Mom's Conqueror's Haki trembled violently, their hair standing on end like frightened kittens. Nearly all their courage had drained away.

"What's there to panic about? She's just an old hag! It's only Conqueror's Haki!"

The captains shouted down the panicking crowd, though they were uneasy themselves. Of the four of them, everyone except Francis possessed Conqueror's Haki. But compared with Big Mom's, theirs were mere guttering candles in the wind, not remotely in the same league.

"Everyone! Attack! Blood Scythe!"

Lakeham couldn't wait any longer. He decisively activated his Devil Fruit ability and charged at Katakuri, while the other three sought out their respective opponents and engaged them. He knew that if they didn't start fighting now, their side would collapse completely!

"Mamamama! Zeus! Thunderbolt!"

"Yes, Mama!"

Floating in midair, Zeus abruptly took on a vicious expression and turned pitch-black. Without warning, an enormous pillar of lightning crashed down with the terrifying might of a natural disaster!

"Cloud-Cloud: Thundercloud!"

Yermak possessed the Logia Cloud-Cloud Fruit and had no fear of Zeus's attack. In truth, they also knew Lakeham wasn't simply setting the two of them up. They were well aware of the three major Homies possessed by Charlotte Linlin, the most powerful enemy present.

Yermak's Cloud-Cloud Fruit immediately neutralized Big Mom's Zeus, while Francis possessed the ancient Zoan Bear-Bear Fruit, Savage Bear Form. His Devil Fruit ability was already close to awakening, and no one present could surpass his ability to take a beating. Having those two keep Big Mom occupied was therefore the best choice.

No way through

By the time Kuzan and Atlas reached Totto Land Waters, the Big Mom Pirates and the Pirate Alliance were already locked in fierce battle.

The roar of cannon fire and combat filled Totto Land Waters. Beneath the haze of gunsmoke lay a sea stained red, but looking at the battle as a whole, the Pirate Alliance was essentially being overwhelmed by the Big Mom Pirates.

Big Mom alone was more than they could handle, even though she had only just given birth.

Yermak and Francis, who were trying to keep Big Mom occupied, were silently cursing their predicament. They could barely hold their own against her. Her terrifying natural physique, the iron balloon, already left them helpless, and the two major Homies at her disposal gave her devastating wide-area attacks on top of that.

"What a crazy old hag!"