The former Four Emperors

The failed pursuit of the Beasts Pirates' remnants was the operation that had angered Big Mom most in recent years.

She had even boarded the ship herself, yet still had not escaped an unexpected turn of events.

Big Mom did not believe anyone could have emerged unscathed from those towering waves.

Especially when they had been right in the middle of that rising surge.

Unfortunately, failing to deliver the final blow while Kaido was weakened had indeed left a considerable threat for the future.

"Mama... I... I really saw it that day! Admiral Lofan cut Kaido in half with one slash! It's true!"

Big Mom's face was dark. Ever since King had led his men to snatch Yamato away, he too had understood that Kaido was very likely still alive.

Zeus and Prometheus seemed to share the feeling, flames boiling and lightning flashing around them.

The oppressive presence of one of the Four Emperors filled the room, leaving Perospero unable to adjust.

"Enough!"

Seeing Mama's anger, Katakuri immediately told his younger brother to leave. He knew Mama was not angry with his brother.

But if Perospero stayed and kept talking, they really might have one fewer brother by the end of the day.

"Mama, don't worry. Lofan and us are inseparable now."

Katakuri had pinpointed Lofan's weakness.

The man certainly would not want his dealings with the Four Emperors exposed.

That was something the man who had kept his cards hidden from beginning to end did not want to see.

But a Marine willing to work with pirates was a piece on the board whose role remained unclear.

Still, the advantage remained on their side.

"Hmph! I know this has nothing to do with anyone else, but it's just so...!"

Big Mom did not finish, but Katakuri had already guessed it. A pity.

Yes, an immense pity. If they had finished Kaido off for good this time, eliminating a future threat would have been only the beginning.

It would have brought tremendous prestige and deterrent power to both the Big Mom Pirates and Totto Land.

The seas were changing rapidly.

Ever since the Four Emperors had become three rulers, countless pirates had begun stirring.

Someone had forcibly torn an opening in the seemingly unassailable ranks of the Four Emperors.

Now countless more pirates were desperately trying to climb higher, all aiming to replace the once-arrogant former Four Emperors.

"How is the investigation into what that brat Lofan said coming along?"

Big Mom viciously bit into an enormous doughnut to vent her anger. She liked hearing good news.

"We've confirmed it. Zou does exist, but no one knows where it is, no one has been there, and no one knows how to get there."

"Mamama, so that's the brat's bargaining chip. Deepen our ties with Hancock and send supplies to that little country of hers."

"It's already done, Mama."

Big Mom's expression improved steadily, and she resumed sipping her black tea with gentle composure.

Zeus looked drowsy, while Prometheus gave off warm sunlight.

"Wasn't there a report about a group in Wano Country secretly trying to resist our rule? How is that investigation going?"

"Orochi has already been instructed to handle it. He knows Wano Country well, so he should be able to trace it to its source quickly."

"Mm-hmm! As expected of my most perfect son! That bastard Kaido won't die even after being cut in half! He just has to stay alive and remain a thorn in my heart!"

Listening to Mama's complaints, Katakuri secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He had finally tied up all the loose ends without disgracing his reputation for perfection.

"Mama, when you last exchanged insights on your fruit powers with Lofan, were you able to guess any of his plans?"

Big Mom wiped the sauce from her mouth with her index finger and licked it.

"That man definitely ate a soul-type Devil Fruit.

"The pressure from his soul is exactly like my power, but it really is difficult to work out his plans from that alone."

This son of hers could always take care of everything in advance. Big Mom had grown accustomed to Katakuri's foresight.

"He hasn't fought much, so I can't work out his plans either. Mama, do you really intend to give him some Homies?"

Katakuri worried that the man's unknown ability might end up being turned against Mama because of this. That uncertainty was the most frightening thing.

"Then we can only wait until he brings us Zou's Poneglyph. That will be when we make the trade."

Big Mom yawned and waved Katakuri away. Matters like this could only be left to her future self.

Sky Island.

Kaido and his party had occupied every island in Sky Island. That day, an azure dragon had soared into the sky amid lightning and thunder, and the god had bowed in submission.

Sky Island's so-called god had now become an administrator governing the people on behalf of a god.

"Lord Kaido, Gan Fall is here to pay his respects."

This former ruler, who loved his people, had willingly become a buffer between Kaido and Sky Island's residents to prevent widespread bloodshed.

His strength was limited, but he had not abandoned Sky Island and was still helping his citizens as much as he could.

"Gan Fall, have you found those guys who attacked me, the ones without the white-feathered chicken wings?"

Kaido's wounds still had not healed. Like Lofan, he remained in recovery.

But he still possessed sufficient strength. He simply could not sustain his peak fighting power for long.

"Not yet, Lord Kaido."

Gan Fall answered respectfully. He could not give Kaido any excuse to dispose of him, or endless calamity would follow.

"That tattooed bunch is interesting. King, what do you think?"

"They're weak, but they have spirit and enough brains to make up for it. After some training, a few outstanding ones should emerge."

"Hahaha! Remember to spare their lives when you see them! You hear me, boys?"

"Yeah!!!"

The hall roared in response, and the banquet began again.

Those Shandia people really are persistent. Even after seeing a creature like that, can they still insist on reclaiming Upper Yard...?

Amid the pirates' shouts, Gan Fall quietly withdrew.

"That old man is fairly smart. Saved me the trouble of killing someone to establish my authority."

Kaido raised his enormous wine cup and drained it.

"Is the sky route up here guarded?"

"Yes. Only our own Beasts Pirates can use it."

The Beasts Pirates... Kaido's eyes flickered at the name.

He had once dreamed of building an army of beasts, but now he had no choice but to put that on hold.

But his luck had turned. Kaido had discovered Shandora, known as the City of Gold!

All the buildings there were made of gold.

With such an enormous windfall, Kaido made up his mind.

He would make Big Mom and Lofan pay the price they deserved.

"Father."

Ever since Yamato had awakened after being rescued from Big Mom, her entire personality had changed dramatically.

She no longer shouted about becoming Oden, nor did she try to assassinate Kaido every day.

Instead, her speech and behavior had gradually become more like a young lady's.

Kaido did not know whether that was good or bad, but being alive was enough.

Yamato still wore a kimono, but she had abandoned her formerly uninhibited style.

Her tall, two-meter frame was concealed beneath clothing embroidered with birds and flowers.

It only gave her an increasingly aloof, unattainable air.

"What is it? Didn't I arrange for you to follow that old man and learn how to govern Sky Island?"

"Your daughter would like to hear you talk about Lofan."

Looking at Yamato, who now even called herself his daughter, Kaido snorted.

King silently stepped back toward the lower end of the banquet.

Had he arrived a few days later back then, Yamato would probably already have been married.

She would have become both Big Mom's daughter and her daughter-in-law.

Kaido set down his wine cup. If anyone else had asked him that, he would have smashed their head to pieces with a single swing of his club!