After the Paramount War, an ominous tension had begun spreading through the peaceful New World, though no one knew exactly when it had started.
Rumble!
Golden lightning flickered across the darkened sky. Fierce winds swept over the sea, sending waves surging into the distance and swallowing countless fish as they struggled to swim.
The light was dim. Although it was daytime, visibility was poor, making it difficult to see the distant sea.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning cut across the sky, illuminating everything.
Countless black dots appeared on the sea, rising and falling with the surging water.
In another blink, those densely packed dots resolved into massive warships.
"They're pirate ships!!"
"The flags flying over those ships..."
"It's Kaido!"
A frightened, trembling voice rang out amid the thunder, only to be swallowed by another rumble moments later.
Standing in the crow's nest with a telescope in hand, the pirate trembled all over as he stared at the sea ahead.
Kaido, one of the Four Emperors!
Never in their wildest dreams had they expected to encounter his fleet that day. Even with the naked eye, they could see how magnificent and enormous the pirate ships at the front were. The sight stunned every one of them.
"Quick, turn the ship around! Get us out of these waters!"
"We can't possibly stand against Kaido!"
The instant the captain received the news, he began shouting.
Just then, another bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by a torrential downpour that shrouded the entire stretch of sea.
Patter, patter!
Fat raindrops struck the sea, throwing up sprays of water and ripples. In that instant, the whole ocean seemed to boil.
"Wait, Captain! I think I saw a dragon!!"
Suddenly, the lookout shouted again, his voice trembling.
"It's a dragon! It really is a