As for Saint Saturn, as a high-ranking World Government official, he'd even revealed his hidden identity to take King away—there must be some ulterior secret behind this.
The second reason was simpler and more direct.
As a powerhouse who had roamed the vast seas for decades, Whitebeard had spent his life clashing with countless powerful opponents.
Yet the opportunity to face a Five Elder in person was a once-in-a-thousand-years event.
Wouldn't it be a waste to not seize this chance to test their strength?
This wasn't just a challenge to his own abilities, but also an exploration of the unknown.
More importantly, Whitebeard's thoughts turned to Ron.
In this world full of unknowns and variables, every clue was crucial.
Whether Saint Saturn was a Devil Fruit user or not, merely by virtue of being one of the world's highest authorities, his blood must contain extraordinary value.
If they could obtain a sample of Saint Saturn's blood, it would be of immense help to Ron's research.
"In that case, let's fight!"
Whitebeard's fighting spirit, in that instant, surged like a blazing flame, growing more intense!
The Murakumogiri in his hand crackled with lightning, like an angry roar or a silent challenge to the enemy.
Conqueror's Haki formed a tangible pressure around him, spreading outward like turbulent, surging waves.
His tall and burly frame now stood like an indestructible fortress, an insurmountable barrier, blocking all of Saint Saturn's escape routes!
"Mamamamama..."
Big Mom's laughter echoed through the air, her massive body trembling like a volcano on the verge of eruption, with pent-up energy gathering around her.
Her decision to intervene at this moment wasn't a spur-of-the-moment impulse.
After all, although she and Kaido had long gone their separate ways, the deep bond forged during their time on the Rocks Pirates wasn't something that could be easily severed.
Those days aboard the Rocks Pirates' ship, even as time passed and allegiances shifted, still held an inexplicable connection.
When she saw Saint Saturn deliver that ruthless blow to Kaido, Big Mom's heart ignited like a powder keg, with flames of fury rising.
More importantly, she perceived the immense crisis lurking beneath the surface of the current situation.
Witnessing Saint Saturn, the highest authority of the World Government, meddling in the war between the Yonko, filled her with a deep sense of threat.
In her view, if they could strike at Kaido without restraint today, this malevolent force could well sweep into Totto Land tomorrow.
By then, everything she had built would be in jeopardy.
Big Mom's sidelong glance at Whitebeard was a perfect opportunity.
With Whitebeard, an experienced old rival, taking the lead, she could seize the chance to probe Saint Saturn's true strength.
After all, as one of the Five Elders, the unknown power hidden within Saint Saturn was something Big Mom needed to uncover.
Moreover, she could also take the opportunity to owe Whitebeard a favor. In the chaotic state of the seas, an extra favor might translate into an extra ally in the future.
Coupled with the existing cooperation between them, this could grant her more leverage.
Such a win-win scenario was something the calculating Big Mom wouldn't pass up.
"Old man,"
Big Mom's colossal sword pointed at Saint Saturn with an unstoppable momentum.
Prometheus's blazing flames burned on her shoulder, radiating a scorching heat that was unbearable to behold.
"Let this mama see today just how powerful the Five Elders are!"
Meanwhile, on the other side of the tense situation,
Kaido's condition appeared frenzied and terrifying.
The veins on his thick arms bulged like coiling dragons, as if they might burst through his skin at any moment.
The Hassaikai wrapped around his arm, with its swirling black and red lightning, grew menacing and terrifying in this intense atmosphere, twisting like a living entity and flickering with a heart-palpitating glow.
Though Kaido was wounded, blood still seeping from his injuries, beneath his tough dragon scales, his muscles remained brimming with explosive power.
Each muscle was like a coiled spring, ready to unleash world-shattering force at the slightest trigger.
"Saturn!"
Kaido's roar exploded like a detonation, reverberating across the open space, its powerful sound waves shaking the ground, carrying boundless rage and hatred.
"Not only do you want to kill me, but you dare capture King?!"
For Kaido, the significance of this battle had long transcended mere physical combat.
It concerned his dignity as a powerful ruler and, more importantly, the profound brotherly bond he shared with King.
This was a life-and-death struggle from which he couldn't retreat.
From the beginning, King had followed Kaido without hesitation.
Together, they had weathered countless storms and battles, standing side by side through mountains of blades and seas of fire.
King's loyalty to Kaido, and the unspoken understanding between them, had long made Kaido regard King as his most trusted companion.
Now, Kaido had watched as King was taken away by Saint Saturn and his men.
The feeling of powerlessness and fury intertwined, piercing his heart like a thousand sharp arrows.
This agony was a hundred times worse than death itself.
Kaido's dragon pupils now burned with maddened rage, flames that seemed capable of reducing the entire world to ashes.
In this state, he disregarded his wounded body, unleashing his Conqueror's Haki like a bursting dam, pouring it out.
Only one unwavering thought remained in his heart: even if it cost him his life, he would rescue King.
He would tear this damned Elder apart, making him pay for his actions!
"Even if I die today... I'll die before you!"
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