For pirates, a ship was their crew's most important banner. Losing their ship in battle was undoubtedly the greatest humiliation, especially when it was the only ship of the Red Hair Pirates, one of the Four Emperors.
Even Red Hair losing his arm all those years ago had not shocked the world as much as this. On top of that, the Red Hair Pirates had escaped disaster through the Navy's intervention, not through their own efforts.
An unquestionable crushing defeat!
In the pirate world, failure was the most unacceptable thing for those at the top. It meant their flag had lost its power to intimidate.
South Blue, on a certain island.
"Red Hair, my ass!"
Kid threw the newspaper to the ground with a look of utter disdain and stomped on it, showing no regard whatsoever for the Red Hair Pirates.
"Once I've conquered South Blue, it'll be time to enter the Grand Line!"
"The man who'll become the Pirate King is me, Eustass Kid!"
"Ha-hahaha!!!"
North Blue, Frigid Port.
"Captain, big news!"
"I already know, Bepo."
Trafalgar Law sat on an enemy's corpse, resting his chin on his hands, his eyes brimming with amusement.
"With Red Hair defeated, powerful fighters coveting a place among the Four Emperors will come swarming in. The Beasts Pirates are the biggest winners this time!"
"Bepo, we should get ready too!"
"We're heading into the Grand Line!"
East Blue, Foosha Village.
"That Red Hair actually lost!"
The villagers held their newspapers, unable to believe the news of Red Hair's defeat. But the photograph of the burned Red Force could not be faked.
"Should we tell Luffy?"
"Luffy will be heartbroken if he finds out."
Red Hair was Luffy's idol. If Luffy found out, it would certainly affect him, so they did not want to