"Crocodile!" Although Page One was arrogant and overbearing, he was not foolish. Regarding Crocodile, currently the most controversial figure, he had already heard rumors before he even left Wano.
However, he had not taken him seriously at the time. After all, Crocodile was not active in the New World, and he figured the Marine Headquarters' hype was largely exaggerated, the aim being simply to use pirates as blades against one another.
But now, just because one of his subordinates fired a random shot, these people had immediately brought the fight to them? What a coincidence.
Could it be that Fishman Island had also invited them as outside reinforcements? Just like with Big Mom.
If that were the case, then the Beasts Pirates were truly being underestimated. This would not do. Being underestimated meant they had to set things right, even at the cost of their own lives.
"Everyone, what is the meaning of this? Matters can be discussed properly..." King Neptune and Jinbe hurriedly positioned themselves between Daz Bones and Page One. Seeing the situation on the verge of escalating, they had no choice but to step forward.
"Firing a gun at us without any provocation—have you prepared yourselves for the consequences? Today we are guests, and it is not fitting to start a massacre. But the instigator cannot be let off. Choose: one dies, or all die." Rosen stated his purpose in a single sentence, his gaze fixed upon Page One.
'Idiot.' Page One cursed inwardly. He was in the middle of a fight with a former Shichibukai, and now his subordinates had taken it upon themselves to provoke trouble with another pirate crew. Even though they feared no one, could they not give him a moment's peace?
Of course, Rosen's threat meant nothing to Page One. Moreover, right and wrong held no importance to them whatsoever. In the world of pirates, the one with the biggest fist determines what is right.
And as it happened, the Beasts Pirates possessed some of the biggest fists on the entire sea. Let alone firing a gun—even if they killed someone, who was qualified to question them?
Even if it was the Dawn Pirates, a crew that had been causing quite a stir lately, so what?
"I won't choose either option. I'd like to see how you plan to choose when faced with the Beasts Pirates. How about this: you cut off one of your own arms, and I'll let you all go." Page One showed no weakness in his demeanor. They feared no one; that was their confidence.
As Page One's words fell, several dozen of his subordinates simultaneously altered their forms, transforming into various ferocious beasts and birds of prey. Each exuded a menacing aura, all members of a Devil Fruit user army who had consumed artificial Zoan-type fruits.
"So many ability users?" Although they had heard rumors, seeing so many Devil Fruit users at once came as a great shock to everyone present, whether on the side of the king and Jinbe or Rosen's group.
It felt as though Devil Fruit users within the Beasts Pirates were as common as dirt.
"The Beasts Pirates..." Urouge and Law had cold sweat forming on their foreheads. After all, a person's reputation casts a long shadow. They had grown up hearing tales of this Emperor of the Sea.
Even if they considered their own strength decent, compared to such a colossal entity, they were far outmatched. And it was not just them—the entire Dawn Pirates were vastly inferior.
But despite their apprehension, their resolve remained firm. When the time came to fight, they would fight without a moment's hesitation. They had held such resolve from the very day they set sail.
"Then there's nothing more to say." Rosen's eyes narrowed. The Beasts Pirates were even more domineering than he had imagined.
"This... what should we do?" Neptune looked helplessly toward Jinbe. At that moment, the three princes, having sensed the commotion, also arrived with a large contingent of troops.
"This..." Jinbe was caught in a dilemma. From their standpoint, they naturally hoped the two sides would not come into conflict. But since one party had already made a move, a peaceful resolution seemed unlikely.
"Act. Protect Crocodile. Or rather, make our stance clear. The Dawn Pirates are quite powerful. If they could one day become part of our Totto Land, our strength would grow even greater." As Baron Tamago finished speaking, he leaped down from the upper level of the residence.
Pekoms followed closely behind, somewhat perplexed. "But that crew is rising fast and enjoys the spotlight. I doubt they'd be willing to become someone else's subordinates."
"That may be the case now. But the waters of the New World run deep. Perhaps after hitting enough walls, they'll change their minds." Baron Tamago spoke with confidence. Countless powerful pirate crews had ultimately become subordinate crews to the Four Emperors and certain old-timers.
Such were the rules of this sea. To live a bit more freely, with a bit more luster and status, one either carved out a territory for oneself or, after defeat, faced death or subordination to another.
Now that tensions were rising between the Dawn Pirates and the Beasts Pirates, this was good news for anyone else seeking to court the Dawn Pirates.
"Pardon the intrusion, everyone. But it seems today is quite lively indeed. Page One, acting like this might displease Lord Kaido. After all, even shooting to kill requires some justification. Aren't those subordinates just a bunch of dim-witted fools? Let the one responsible pay for his actions, and the matter is resolved, is it not?" Baron Tamago, sipping his coffee with Pekoms at his side, slowly approached.
"Baron Tamago." Page One's expression shifted slightly at those words. Did the Big Mom Pirates intend to meddle in this affair as well?
Seeing the newcomers, Rosen's eyes also narrowed. The Big Mom Pirates, the Beasts Pirates—on the tiny Fishman Island, officers from two of the Four Emperors had appeared.
Daz Bones and Enel also halted their actions, awaiting Rosen's further instructions. They were no longer green rookies fresh to the sea; they understood the weight carried by the title of Emperor.
With representatives from two Emperor crews appearing simultaneously, the situation had become delicate.
And surprisingly, the members from the Big Mom Pirates seemed to be siding with the Dawn Pirates.
Hearing Baron Tamago's words, the Gifter who had fired the shot turned deathly pale, even showing a trace of fear. Yet he quickly steadied himself. After all, the Beasts Pirates would never compromise.
"Is Totto Land planning to stick its nose into everything? Don't think that just because you secured Fishman Island this time, you're stronger than the Beasts Pirates." Page One shouted coldly.
"No, I am merely stating a fact. First, you must understand that given the forces you've brought, I doubt you stand much chance against the Dawn Pirates. Rather than having everyone annihilated here, wouldn't it be better to sacrifice one man and live to settle the score another day? After all, dead men have no such opportunities." Baron Tamago continued.
At the same time, he looked toward Rosen and gave a slight bow in greeting.
"He's reminding us not to go on a complete killing spree." Robin leaned close to Rosen's ear and spoke softly. In other words, the other party had indeed approached with goodwill, while also informing them of certain unwritten rules of the New World.
Killing members of the Beasts Pirates was not out of the question. If one was killed, it simply meant their own strength was lacking. Kaido would not go to great lengths over one or two subordinates. But if they were all killed outright, then for the sake of face, Kaido would have no choice but to take demonstrative action.
Hearing Baron Tamago's words, Page One remained somewhat dismissive. Even if the Dawn Pirates did possess the astonishing feat of having cornered and killed Admiral Akainu, did that mean he had no chance of escaping if he wished to?
But Baron Tamago had reminded him of something else: even if he could escape, these Gifters likely could not. Though the Gifters were powerful, that was relative to ordinary pirate crews. Against a crew with such illustrious battle records, the outcome was far from certain.
"Then for today, we shall only kill one." After weighing the options, Rosen made his decision. The operation involving Doflamingo had yet to commence. If they entered into full-scale conflict with Kaido now, it would only lead to a stalemate and might even jeopardize the subsequent "takeover" plan.
Had Baron Tamago not offered his advice, having just entered the New World, they would not have known the intricacies involved. But since the advice was given in good faith, regardless of the intent, they had to show some consideration.
After all, Rosen felt that in a direct, full-scale confrontation with the Beasts Pirates, his side would be at a significant disadvantage.
"Bring him here."
Enel moved. Daz Bones moved as well.
"Raigo!" With a thunderous roar, countless bolts of destructive lightning suddenly descended from the sky, cascading down like a celestial curtain and blocking the entire squad of Gifters, including Page One.
Page One was struck by the lightning and let out a muffled groan of pain. However, with his thick hide and tough flesh, he appeared to have sustained little significant injury.
Seizing the opportunity, Daz Bones charged into the crowd. Swords and claws slashed against his body, producing only sparks. Ignoring their attacks, Daz Bones plunged into the midst of the Gifters and dragged out the terrified perpetrator.
"Boss!" Daz Bones returned calmly. Page One, enraged and flustered, attempted to intervene, but was struck by a lightning-charged kick from Enel. The blow instantly sent his body tumbling, numbed and paralyzed.
"Bastard!" Page One rose from the ground, his body trembling with fury. At the same time, he felt a deep sense of dread. A Logia user, the wielder of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.
A fruit renowned for its destructive power. No matter how tough his hide, such a natural disaster posed a grave danger to him. This lightning man was likely approaching a level of strength comparable to Lord Queen.
"Time to die." Rosen spoke indifferently, extending a finger. A single black grain of sand coalesced before his fingertip, then shot forth like a beam of black light through the air, piercing cleanly through the Gifter's skull.
(End of Chapter)