" Roy the Kid."
A strange light flashed in Kaido's eyes, and he slowly spoke.
Are you really sure?
The New World is a complex place, and none of the established powers are easy to mess with.
Although you are quite strong now, competing with them for territory might come at a considerable cost.
"I know."
Roy said calmly, "But some things have to be done."
The Roy Pirates ' goal has never been to remain confined to a small corner of the world.
He looked at Kaido, his eyes flashing with a sharp light:
" Kaido, our alliance will not change."
I need your support—intelligence, supplies, and, if necessary, even troops.
In return, we will share the profits from the territories we conquer with the Beasts Pirates.
"Once we establish a foothold outside, our base in Wano Country will be much safer."
Kaido was silent for a moment, then burst into laughter:
"Hehehe! Good! That's impressive!"
I love your drive!
Sure, just tell me what you need!
My Beasts Pirates will be your strongest support!
The two large hands clasped together again.
This time, they are not just allies, but allies fighting side by side.
The banquet lasted until late at night.
While the members of Roy Pirates returned to their quarters to rest, Roy went to the captain's cabin alone.
He opened the safe and carefully placed the two newly acquired Devil Fruit inside.
Now his collection has grown again:
Paramecia Rust-Rust Fruit
Paramecia Brush-Brush Fruit
Including the previous nine, there are a total of eleven Devil Fruit.
This is already a fortune that would make any power envious.
" The Rust-Rust Fruit... who should it be for?"
Roy fell into thought.
This fruit is extremely effective against swordsmen, but it is not a top-tier combat power itself.
The Brush-Brush Fruit has great potential; if developed properly, it can accomplish many amazing things.
"No rush, let's wait until we find a suitable candidate."
Roy closed the safe, walked to the window, and looked out at the night view of Onigashima.
A brightly lit base, busy scientists and workers, pirates undergoing training...
All of this is the result of his efforts over the past two years.
But that's not enough.
That's far from enough.
To change the world, we need greater power, broader influence, and deeper strategy.
" The New World..."
Roy muttered to himself, "Let's start here."
Outside the window, the night sky of the New World is dotted with stars.
The sea breeze carries the scent of the distant ocean.
It was a sea full of opportunities and dangers, a world where the strong reigned supreme.
And now, the Roy Pirates are about to officially step onto this stage.
Their era is about to begin.
The next morning, Roy found Kaido.
The two sat facing each other on the observation deck at the top of Skull Dome, a pot of hot tea in front of them.
" Kaido, I plan to depart in three days."
Roy got straight to the point.
"Choose a suitable target in the New World and carve out a territory."
Kaido paused slightly in the hand holding the wine bowl.
He was silent for a few seconds, then slowly put it down.
" Roy, why are you in such a hurry to leave Wano Country?"
Roy sensed the hesitation in Kaido's tone.
"What's wrong? Is there a problem?"
Kaido did not answer immediately, but stood up, walked to the railing, and looked down at the base.
There, the members of the Beasts Pirates were conducting their daily training.
Many of them have already shown noticeable changes—two small horns have slightly appeared on their foreheads.
The muscles on its back are also exceptionally well-developed, with a faint outline of wings.
That was the result of an experiment involving the transplantation of " Lineage Factor ".
"Look at them."
Kaido pointed at those members,
"Through Bloodline Transplantation, these guys have experienced a qualitative leap in strength."
What was once a minor character with a bounty of tens of millions can now take on enemies with bounties of two or three hundred million.
He turned around and looked at Roy with a complicated expression:
" Roy, my Beasts Pirates can't do without your research base now."
Those technologies... are so important to us.
Roy understood Kaido's concerns.
Although alliances are strong, trust among pirates is always fragile.
Kaido was worried that the technology sharing would be cut off after the Roy Pirates left.
They might even use these technologies against him in return.
" Kaido, what are you worried about?"
Roy asked calmly,
"Are you worried that my departure will damage our alliance?"
Are you still worried that I'll use those techniques against you?
Kaido did not deny it:
" Roy, I may be rough around the edges, but I'm not stupid."
What reliable relationship exists between pirates? Self-interest is the only constant.
We now share a common goal, therefore we are allies.
But what if one day our interests clash?
He walked up to Roy, looking down at his much younger ally.
"The projects at the research base are crucial to the future development of both of us."
Your scientists possess the core technology; if they leave,
"The growth rate of Lao Tzu's Beasts Pirates will be greatly slowed down."
Roy picked up his teacup and gently blew on it to cool it down.
" Kaido, I understand your concerns."
He raised his head and looked directly into Kaido's eyes:
But I can tell you definitively--
I will never cut off technology sharing as long as you don't undermine our alliance.
Our scientists will remain in Wano Country to continue their research.
We will share the latest findings you need as soon as possible.
Kaido narrowed his eyes. "Why should I believe you?"
Because we share the same goal.
Roy put down his teacup, stood up, and said, "You want to start the world's largest war?"
To overthrow the existing order. And my goal is...
Roy paused, releasing an invisible aura, and said, word by word:
"It is the world itself."
Kaido's pupils contracted slightly.
" The World Government, the Celestial Dragons, this corrupt system... these are all things we must overthrow."
Roy continued,
"Compared to this grand goal, our minor conflicts of interest are utterly insignificant."
"And—" Roy walked to the railing and pointed to the base below,
Do you think the matter of Kozuki Oden is resolved?
That guy is still dancing in the Flower Capital every day, but the three-year agreement will soon be up.
At that time, a great war will inevitably break out in Wano Country.
I need territory outside, as strategic depth and a retreat route.
You also need us to establish a foothold outside and draw the attention of other forces.
Kaido fell silent.
Every word Roy said struck a chord with his inner thoughts.
Indeed, the problem of Kozuki Oden has not yet been resolved.
Although that guy dances like an idiot every day now,
But Kaido knew that it was just the calm before the storm.
When the three-year agreement expires, Wano Country will inevitably face a war that will determine its fate.
"Besides."
Roy turned around and looked at Kaido.
The research base will not be moved in the short term.
Even if we've established territory outside...
It also takes time to build infrastructure, establish defense systems, and train personnel.
This process will take at least one or two years.
Over the next year or two, our scientists will continue their research in Wano Country.
You will still have access to the latest technological advancements.