With the Swordsmanship Tournament brought to a close, the world's attention slowly began to shift away from Parage Island.
Even so, the island did not immediately fade from focus. A transitional period lingered, as leaving the Sageros Sea was never a quick matter. Ships needed time to prepare, routes had to be secured, and for many, there was still unfinished business within the Battle Pyramid.
Because of this, Parage Island remained crowded.
The Battle Pyramid, having cemented its reputation, continued to draw massive crowds. Even as some departed, many others chose to stay. Some came for the battles, while others saw something more appealing in the Sageros Sea itself.
Safety.
In the chaotic New World, the protection offered by the Nightfall Pirates was enough to convince countless individuals to settle down here. Compared to the constant wars elsewhere, this territory felt almost stable.
At the port, however, the atmosphere was entirely different.
"Gurarara! Looks like it's time for us to leave too. I wonder if we'll ever get a chance to come back here again."
Whitebeard's booming laughter echoed across the docks as the Whitebeard Pirates gathered. Not only his main crew, but also numerous subordinate pirate crews assembled behind him, forming a vast fleet.
Their time in the Battle Pyramid had been unexpectedly enjoyable. The battles were thrilling, the atmosphere lively, and the rare moments of peace were something even Whitebeard had appreciated.
Of course, the cost had been steep.
Even he had felt the sting of the expenses, though he never voiced it. To him, spending on his "sons" was never something to regret. Still, a large portion of the Whitebeard Pirates' wealth had quietly flowed into the coffers of the Nightfall Pirates.
Even so, it had been worth it.
Old acquaintances had been reunited, countless powerful warriors had revealed their strength, and for a brief moment, even Whitebeard had been able to relax.
Now, that time was over.
The seas would return to chaos, and the Whitebeard Pirates would once again set out to carve their path.
Though his words carried a joking tone, everyone present understood the truth behind them. This was the heartland of the Nightfall Pirates. Without a legitimate reason like the tournament, another visit would not be welcomed.
A pirate crew entering another emperor's territory without cause was nothing short of provocation.
Even with the current truce, both sides knew it was temporary.
When the time came, war would resume.
As if echoing their arrival, the Four Emperors departed one after another.
Above the sea, the massive floating island of the Flying Pirates began to rise. Golden Lion Shiki stood high in the air, his light yellow kimono fluttering as he looked down at Whitebeard.
"Jiehahaha! Newgate, these days have been quite pleasant. Next time we meet, I won't be so generous."
His laughter carried across the distance, filled with confidence and challenge.
The competition for territory in the New World would only grow more intense, and the Whitebeard Pirates remained his greatest rival. If he wished to expand, a clash between them was inevitable.
As his words fell, the atmosphere shifted instantly.
Members of both crews locked eyes across the distance. Weapons were drawn, grins sharpened, and killing intent flickered in the air. It would take only the slightest spark for a full-scale battle to erupt.
During the tournament, minor frictions had been suppressed by the presence of the Nightfall Pirates. Now, with those restraints loosening, the tension sought release.
On the sidelines, the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates watched like spectators at a show, clearly entertained by the possibility of conflict.
Kaido remained in high spirits.
The Devil Fruits he had acquired during this time had satisfied him greatly. Two Ancient Zoans alone were enough to significantly strengthen his forces, and through trades with the Nightfall Pirates, he had exchanged several Paramecia fruits for Zoans better suited to his ambitions.
To him, it was a profitable deal.
To Teach, it was equally beneficial.
Some of the Paramecia abilities held immense potential, and through proper methods, their powers could be uncovered and utilized. Both sides had gained what they wanted, and for now, a temporary period of cooperation had formed.
Kaido was one step closer to building his ideal Zoan army.
At the same time, an unspoken understanding had formed between him and Teach. As rising forces in the New World, it was only natural to align, even temporarily, against the dominant powers like Whitebeard and Shiki.
Big Mom, on the other hand, had found her own form of satisfaction.
The desserts within the Battle Pyramid had nearly tempted her to stay permanently. Though Teach had refused her request to take the chefs, he allowed her to send cooks to learn, provided she paid the appropriate price.
Through the power of the Mirror-Mirror Fruit, chefs from Totto Land had already begun their training.
For now, there was no conflict between the Big Mom Pirates and the Nightfall Pirates. Their territories were far apart, separated by other powers, leaving little reason for direct confrontation.
"Gurarara! If you've got the guts, show me on the battlefield, Shiki!"
Whitebeard grinned, gripping his weapon tightly as invisible pressure surged outward. For a brief moment, the clash of their auras shook the air itself before fading just as quickly.
"Alright, my sons! We're heading home!"
With a final glance toward the distant Battle Pyramid, Whitebeard turned and boarded the Moby Dick.
One by one, ships followed.
The massive fleet of the Whitebeard Pirates departed from Parage Island, disappearing into the vast sea.
The Flying Pirates had already ascended into the sky, their island-ship shrinking into a distant shadow before vanishing entirely.
Soon after, the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates also set sail.
The Four Emperors had left.
Following them, countless other forces began their departure. Many had been away from their territories for too long, and unrest had already begun to surface. Some had even left midway through the tournament to deal with urgent matters.
"Fufufufu… time for us to return as well."
Donquixote Doflamingo walked through the crowd, hands in his pockets, his pink feather coat swaying behind him. People instinctively stepped aside, clearing a path.
Though many powerful figures had gathered here, Doflamingo still commanded respect.
Dressrosa required his attention. Expansion in the underworld was never simple, and every gain came at the cost of another's loss.
During the tournament, he had clearly realized the gap between himself and the true monsters of the sea.
For now, he would lie low.
Strength came first.
Without it, ambition meant nothing.
As the various forces departed, Parage Island gradually quieted, though it was far from empty. Those who remained were mostly lone wolves, independent pirates, and individuals seeking opportunity within the Battle Pyramid.
The Nightfall Pirates had achieved their goal.
The Battle Pyramid had become a world-renowned arena, destined to draw countless challengers for years to come.
On a departing Marine warship, Kuzan leaned against the railing, gazing back at the shrinking island.
"I probably won't get many chances to come here again."
"It's not exactly a place Marines can visit freely," Tokikake replied with a nod.
Gion glanced toward Borsalino. "Admiral Kizaru, you still have that black card, don't you?"
"Oh? Unfortunately, I already exchanged it all for Berries."
Before he could finish, Tokikake cut in without hesitation.
"You received 1.2 billion. You only withdrew 1.1 billion. That means you still have 100 million left."
Borsalino paused, then sighed lightly. "Ah, how troublesome. It seems my memory isn't what it used to be."
Tsuru spoke calmly from the side. "The Nightfall Pirates value their reputation. As long as no trouble is caused, even Marines could enter quietly. Still, they are pirates at their core. Unless necessary, it's better to avoid it."
Garp, meanwhile, had already lost interest in the discussion. His mind was elsewhere, eager to return to the East Blue after hearing news about his grandson.
Elsewhere, Kozuki Oden departed with most of the samurai of Wano, though a few chose to remain behind, drawn by the opportunities within the Battle Pyramid.
Life on Parage Island continued.
Battles raged across the arenas, cheers echoed endlessly, and new challengers stepped forward each day.
From a high vantage point within the Battle Pyramid, Teach sat comfortably on a sofa, looking out over the sea through a wide glass window.
Behind him, Redyat smiled.
"Aren't you going to see them off?"
Teach let out a low chuckle, his eyes narrowing.
"What's the point? Them leaving is a good thing."
His voice carried a calm certainty.
"There's no need for pointless gestures. Sooner or later, they'll all be enemies. When we meet again, it will be on the battlefield."
He leaned back, laughter rising from his chest.
"Zehahaha! The era of the Nightfall Pirates is only just beginning."
Around him, his crew shared knowing smiles.
Like a rising sun, the Nightfall Pirates were climbing higher with each passing day, their light destined to spread across the entire sea.