When Kaido's fleet appeared on the sea surface of the first island, the remnants of Big Mom's forces stationed on the island panicked upon seeing the flag.
" The Beasts Pirates? Kaido is here?!"
It didn't take long for Kaido to capture the first island. He encountered no significant resistance.
Those captains who once relied on Big Mom's remaining influence either surrendered or fled overnight.
But Kaido's target is not just these scattered soldiers.
His real target was the part that Shanks occupied—Big Mom's former core territory, now flying the Red Hair Pirates ' flag.
Shanks was drinking when he received news of Kaido's deployment.
Beckman pushed open the door, walked in, and placed the intelligence report on the table, speaking concisely.
Kaido has brought out his entire main force.
The direction is Big Mom's old territory, and the All-Stars are coming at once.
Shanks put down his glass, picked up the intelligence report, glanced at it, and remained silent for a few seconds:
" Kaido is backed by Roy."
"Definitely. Kaido wouldn't have so blatantly seized territory without Roy's approval."
Beckman leaned against the wall and lit a cigarette.
What are you planning to do?
Shanks stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the sea.
"Notify everyone to prepare for evacuation."
"Withdraw?"
"Withdraw."
Shanks turned around, his gaze calm.
" Kaido has Roy behind him."
We might be able to hold our own against Kaido, but what about Kaido Hachinosu?
"With two Four Emperors- level forces pressing in together, the Red Hair Pirates can't withstand it."
Beckman exhaled a puff of smoke, offering no rebuttal. He knew Shanks was right.
The Red Hair Pirates ' retreat was very deliberate—it didn't look like an escape, but more like a planned transfer.
Supplies, equipment, and personnel were all loaded onto the ship and set sail in an orderly manner.
But Kaido won't let them leave so easily.
He considered Shanks a rare and formidable opponent, Beasts Pirates had been secretly developing their strength ever since the battle with Pluton.
Given Kaido's personality, now that they've run into each other, of course they'll have to fight.
The Beasts Pirates ' fleet intercepted the Red Hair Pirates as they were retreating on the third island.
Kaido jumped off the bow of the ship and landed on the open ground in the center of the island. The Hassaikai slammed his foot into the ground, making a dull thud.
Shanks! Come out and fight!
Shanks stepped off the Red Voss, Gryphon hanging from his waist.
He walked up to Kaido, and the two faced each other from about fifty meters apart.
" Kaido, are you sure you want to fight?" Shanks asked.
Kaido grinned, revealing a mouthful of sharp teeth.
"Stop talking nonsense and get to work."
They both moved at the same time.
When Gryphon and the Hassaikai collided, the entire island trembled.
The shockwave spread in all directions, uprooting surrounding trees and sending rocks flying in fragments.
Kaido's Hassaikai, imbued with the power of flames and Lightning, continued to crash down.
Shanks ' Gryphon weaved through the gaps in the attacks like a dragon, each counterattack precisely targeting Kaido's vital points.
The battle between the two top experts lasted for about half an hour.
The open space in the center of the island has been turned into a huge crater, and the surrounding terrain has been completely changed.
After the final collision, both men took a few steps back.
That's enough.
Shanks put away Gryphon.
" Kaido, I surrender. These territories are yours."
Kaido paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. "So decisive?"
What else can we do if we don't act decisively?
Shanks turned and walked towards the Red Voss, then stopped after a couple of steps and turned his head to the side.
"Tell Roy, Elbaf is my bottom line. Don't cross it."
Kaido licked his lips, offering no direct response.
The Red Hair Pirates continued their retreat towards Elbaf.
Over the next few days, they abandoned several outposts on the islands, gathered all supplies onto the main fleet, and rapidly advanced into the deepest part of the New World.
Elbaf is the homeland of the Giant Tribe.
The territory of the World's Strongest and resilient people.
Shanks ' friendship with the Giant Tribe dates back many years, when he was just a kid apprenticing on Roger's ship.
The elders of the Giant Tribe greeted the Red Hair Pirates at the port. A giant, thirty or forty meters tall with a long beard, looked down at Shanks.
" Red Hair brat, how long are you planning to stay here?"
"It might take a long time."
Shanks looked up at the giant elder and grinned.
"Until the matters outside are dealt with."
Or—until the outside world no longer needs us to go out."
The giant elder was silent for a moment, then burst into laughter:
"Then stay here! The Giant Tribe have plenty of wine!"
As the Red Hair Pirates ' ship entered the port of Elbaf, the Giant Tribe warriors stood on the dock and raised their glasses.
Shanks stood at the bow, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains and massive buildings, when Beckman walked over to him.
" Elbaf is easy to defend and difficult to attack, and all the Giant Tribe are top-notch fighters."
Even if Kaido and Roy join forces, they'll have to weigh the losses.
Shanks shook his head.
Roy won't fight Elbaf.
His goal has been achieved—to unify the New World and establish Hachinosu as the sole dominant power.
"Given Elbaf's attitude towards the World Government, whether or not it occupies the territory is irrelevant."
Are you sure?
"I'm sure. Roy never does anything that doesn't make him a profit."
On the last island where the remnants of Big Mom were located, Katakuri stood at the highest point of the castle, looking out at the sea.
The ship bearing the Beasts Pirates' insignia drew closer, Kaido's towering figure on its bow was particularly striking in the setting sun.
"Big brother..." Oven stood behind him, his voice trembling, "They're here."
Katakuri remained silent for a long time, gripping his trident tightly. "Have everyone assemble in the plaza. Do not resist."
"Big brother?!"
"Resistance will only lead to more deaths."
Katakuri jumped off the city wall, creating a dent the moment he landed.
He walked towards the square with steady steps.
When Kaido landed on the island, he found a group of people who had already laid down their weapons.
Katakuri stood at the front, his trident still in his hand but not in a fighting stance.
Kaido.
Katakuri's voice was calm.
"I'm not fighting anymore. You can take them in or kill them as you please, but my younger brothers and sisters have to live."
Kaido sized up Katakuri, scanning him up and down twice before laughing:
"You're quite the man."
Much better than your mother.
Okay, I won't kill you.
From now on, your younger siblings will be under the protection of the Beasts Pirates, but you must submit to me.
Katakuri took a deep breath.
"Governor Kaido!"
Katakuri's single word, "Governor," already conveyed the Big Mom Pirates ' attitude.
When the news reached Hachinosu, Roy was sitting in his office reviewing documents.
Tesoro pushed open the door and placed the intelligence on the table.
Kaido has taken over all of Big Mom's territory.
Shanks retreated to Elbaf.
Katakuri submitted to Kaido.
Roy didn't even look up. "Hmm. Kaido efficient."
Tesoro leaned against the doorframe, looking at Roy:
"Are you really so comfortable letting Kaido so powerful? Even though we're allies."
But he now has the remnants of Big Mom's forces, and combat power on par with Katakuri.
With the addition of his own All-Stars and Zoan army, his strength has increased considerably.
"Let him get arrogant."
Roy put down his pen and leaned back in his chair.
" Kaido's goal is the same as ours."
Besides, don't forget that Yamato Kai is on our ship!