Aboard the back of the giant dragon, Reiju's sudden revelation stunned everyone. Yamato frowned, observing Reiju's smiling face with a growing sense of unease.
"What news?" Yamato asked.
Reiju's response caused Yamato to panic. "It concerns Roger's son, Fire Fist Ace, who now serves as a Captain in the Whitebeard Pirates. We have received intelligence that the World Government has already successfully infiltrated their ranks. Their objective is to coordinate with Marshall D. Teach, also known as Blackbeard, to completely eradicate both the Whitebeard Pirates and the last of Pirate King Roger's bloodline. If I am not mistaken, they will strike very soon. With the combination of internal betrayal and a Marine-pirate alliance, the Whitebeard Pirates appear doomed."
"How is that even possible? Why are you telling me this?" Yamato asked through gritted teeth, her horror warring with doubt.
Reiju smiled, licking her lips with a charming, albeit unsettling, air. "I cannot help it. I happen to have a disobedient younger brother who is currently a member of the Straw Hat Pirates."
Under the group's confused stares, she continued, "Sanji, the chef of the Straw Hat Pirates. His full name is Vinsmoke Sanji, and he is my good-for-nothing younger brother."
"What!" the group gasped. While they were initially skeptical, they recalled Sanji's face, recognized the signature curly eyebrows, and realized the truth.
"How is that possible? That perverted chef… but, the eyebrows really are exactly the same," Perona exclaimed.
Yamato was left in a state of hesitation. On one side was Bonney's father, Kuma; on the other, Ace. Bonney spoke up, sensing Yamato's struggle. "It's okay, Yamato-neechan. Do what you need to do. I can look after my father here. Besides, Kaido-sama has already agreed to provide treatment."
Yamato gritted her teeth and made her decision. "I'm sorry, Bonney. As your Captain, I should stay with you, but I cannot just sit by and watch Ace suffer."
"You are our Captain," Bonney said with a supportive smile. "I support whatever choice you make."
Reiju nodded. "Are you certain? If so, I will deliver you to the port of Onigashima where your ship is docked. I wish you a smooth journey. And do remember to say hello to my good-for-nothing younger brother."
Ten minutes later, Yamato and her crew departed Wano. Once they were aboard, Yamato grabbed a Den Den Mushi to contact Sabo.
"Hello? Is that you, Sabo?"
"Hello, it's me, Yamato," he replied. "What happened? Did Kaido reject your request?"
"No, it's something else entirely." Yamato quickly relayed the news she had learned from Reiju. The changing expressions on the Den Den Mushi revealed Sabo's growing anxiety.
"How could this be? The World Government working with Blackbeard? No, I must contact the Leader immediately."
"Sabo, you aren't at the headquarters?"
"No. After receiving news about Luffy, I am currently heading toward the New World. Damn it…" Ace and Luffy were both his brothers.
Yamato spoke decisively. "There's no time. Sabo, do you know where Ace is? I'm in the New World. I will go to assist Ace, and you can focus on saving Luffy-kun."
Sabo remained silent.
"You don't know where he is either? What should we do?" Yamato looked toward the direction where Reiju had flown off, wishing she had asked more questions.
Sabo's voice crackled through the snail. "Yamato, let's switch. You go save Luffy, and I will find Ace. I know someone at the Sabaody Archipelago who will definitely know the location of the Whitebeard Pirates."
"No problem," Yamato agreed. "Then we split up."
Soon, word spread across the ocean that the seas were more chaotic than ever. Especially within the New World, a cloud of war loomed. Beasts Pirates ships were visible in every direction, while the Marines and the World Government remained on high alert. Other pirate crews began moving as they received various orders. Because information on the ocean often suffered from delays, by the time many understood what was happening, the true war had already arrived.
At that same moment, in the laboratory on Onigashima, the three great scientists of the Beasts Pirates—Queen, Judge, and Caesar—looked down in excitement at the transformed Kuma. Whether it was his Buccaneer bloodline or the power of the Paw-Paw Fruit, this was the final piece needed to complete the power of the Beasts Pirates.
"Hehehe," Queen chuckled. "Well then, let's not waste any more time. Let's begin."
Simultaneously, the most mysterious land on the ocean, the land of the giants known as Elbaf, welcomed a visitor.
"I really did not expect this, Shanks. You have returned after six years. What brings you here?"
The giants gathered to greet him: the elder Yaruru; the son of the former giant King, Hairdr; the two Captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates, Dorry and Brogy; and the former Marine Vice Admiral, Jaguar D. Saul. They were all there to welcome one of the Four Emperors of the New World: Red-Haired Shanks.
Without hesitation, Shanks made his request. "I apologize for the sudden visit. I did not bring a gift, but I had no choice but to bother you."
Shanks's solemn tone signaled that something was severely wrong. Saul asked, his expression grave, "Has something occurred that even you, Shanks, cannot handle?"
"The situation on the open sea has spiraled beyond my control. As we face the coming chaos, the strength of the Red Hair Pirates alone is stretched thin. I have two requests. First, I ask to borrow your strength. Second, I hope to have Loki released."
"What!" The two requests clearly unsettled the giants.
"Shanks," Hairdr said, "you are aware that since the time of King Harald, our people have decided not to interfere with the affairs of the outside world. As for Loki, I…"
"Shanks, what exactly happened?"
Shanks recounted everything from the past few days. Because the Mera Mera no Mi incident had never occurred, Hairdr did not personally know Luffy, but Dorry, Brogy, and Saul showed immediate concern.
"What? Luffy was captured by Charlotte Linlin?"
"Is Robin safe?"
Seeing their anxiety, Shanks knew he had gained their support. "Charlotte Linlin does not worry me. I believe Luffy can overcome that hurdle. But if Kaido makes a move…"
"Kaido?" The mention of the name sent a ripple of tension through the group. Even here in Elbaf, Kaido's reputation was well known.
Yaruru finally spoke, realizing the gravity of the situation. "I understand, Shanks. I will not officially agree to your request, but I will not stop you, either. The fate of the giants shall be decided by the giants themselves."
"Thank you," Shanks said, turning away. "Time waits for no one. I am leaving now to meet with Loki."