"Captain Kaido, with this, the last virus dispersal device has been installed."
"It won't be long before the entire island is shrouded in the virus we developed. When that happens, every living thing here will meet certain death!!!"
In a hidden corner of Festival Island, after placing a strange half-human-height device into a concealed spot, Queen immediately revealed a crazed grin and reported to Kaido.
At that moment, Caesar suddenly rushed over from the side to claim credit for himself:
"Oh, right, Lord Kaido, this virus still doesn't have a proper name yet~"
"Since it's about to shock the world, I think it needs a loud, impressive name!"
"Hey, you bastard!"
Queen grabbed Caesar's clothes, trying to drag him away from Kaido's side.
He was just some guy who had come crawling over to seek refuge with them, yet now he was starting to look like he was about to become the fourth Lead Performer!
If he were just some ordinary combatant, that would be one thing.
But as a fellow scientist, there was no way Queen would ever allow that bastard Caesar to stand on equal footing with him and siphon off his research budget!!!
Yet just then, Kaido suddenly let out a hearty laugh.
"Worororo~ You're right. This virus really does need a powerful name!"
Just moments ago, through the live broadcast from Festival Island, they had already seen the scene of Mihawk suddenly collapsing in the middle of battle.
Even though the broadcast had been filled with chatter like "Mihawk was defeated by Zoro" and "A new world's greatest swordsman has been born," Kaido and the others, as the true masterminds behind this incident, knew the truth better than anyone else…
Mihawk had not been defeated by the swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates at all.
He had been defeated by the Beasts Pirates' virus!!!
This virus was colorless, odorless, and even had a certain incubation period. Once it took effect, it would devour every living thing that wasn't part of the Beasts Pirates like a ferocious beast unleashed.
As for why the members of the Beasts Pirates weren't affected by it—
That was naturally because not long after the virus was developed, they had already created a vaccine against it and injected it into every pirate in the Beasts Pirates.
It was just that, under Kaido's orders, none of them knew what exactly they had been injected with.
And with such a powerful virus in hand, the day the Beasts Pirates would dominate the world was already within reach!!!
In the past, Kaido had never imagined that the power of technology could be this terrifying.
After all, back then, he had believed his own strength to be invincible in this world.
But after the appearance of the Straw Hat Pirates, coupled with the blow he suffered during the great incident before, Kaido was no longer as confident in his own power as he once was.
But it didn't matter!
When one road closed, another opened.
Even if brute force alone was no longer enough, he still had an even stronger trump card.
With this virus, what Straw Hat, Whitebeard, Red-Haired Shanks, what World Government, what Five Elders…
They would all become stepping stones on his path to the throne of Pirate King!
After thinking for a moment, Kaido grinned and said:
"Since this virus is so overbearing, and since it's the divine weapon that will help make me king…"
"Then let's call it the Conqueror Virus!!!"
"What a great name!!!"
Clap clap clap~
Caesar, who had clearly been waiting for this chance, didn't even hear what Kaido had actually said. He simply widened his eyes and started clapping in wholehearted approval.
Once, twice, and then again!
The sight naturally made Kaido burst out laughing once more.
Of course he could tell Caesar was shamelessly flattering him.
But now, with a world-class scientist capable of creating such a terrifying virus lowering himself to butter him up like this…
There was only one word for the feeling: satisfying!
Looking at Caesar's face, practically screaming I really want to rise through the ranks, even King couldn't help but mutter inwardly to himself.
My position as the Beasts Pirates' hidden vice-captain isn't going to get stolen by this bootlicker, is it!?
Fortunately, their great undertaking had not yet succeeded, so they did not sink too early into the joy of imagined victory.
Very quickly, Kaido asked:
"How long until the Straw Hat crew starts showing symptoms?"
"About that…"
Caesar hesitated slightly before saying after some thought:
"Based on the virus's rate of spread, in about one day, every living thing on this island will be infected."
"After two days, the Straw Hat crew will all lose strength in their limbs and become incapable of fighting!"
"Still need two days, huh…"
Kaido let out a low hum of thought.
After all, delays bred complications, and the Straw Hat crew had all sorts of methods even he couldn't understand. If the Conqueror Virus failed to achieve the effect they were expecting, that would be no fun at all.
"No!"
"We absolutely have to keep the Straw Hat crew here. At the very least, make sure they stay on this island for the next two days!"
Because after Mihawk collapsed, the live broadcast had already been cut off, Kaido and the others had no idea that the Straw Hat crew had already cracked their virus scheme.
As a result, Kaido was still seriously considering how to keep the Straw Hats on this island.
Then, at that moment, the corner of his eye caught sight of the Marine warships that had been surrounding the island the entire time.
"That's it~!"
A flash of inspiration suddenly streaked through Kaido's mind.
The Marines were still maintaining their blockade around the island, yet because both he and Straw Hat, two Emperors of the Sea, were here, they didn't dare advance a single step.(At least, that was what Kaido believed.)
Which meant he could use the excuse of joining forces against the Marines to stay with the Straw Hat crew.
That way, the moment their illness flared up, he could finish them off immediately and prevent future complications.
Thus, the four of them quickly discussed what they would say when meeting the Straw Hat crew later, completely failing to notice…
That behind them, a green ghost was slowly rising up from the ground, its dim spectral eyes fixed tightly on the four of them.
…
…
A short while later, on the deck of the Going Merry.
"So it really was Kaido and his people behind this!?"
After hearing Brook's report, Red, who had already expected as much, immediately curled his lips into a faint smile.
At this moment, not only was he not angry at Kaido's despicable methods, he was actually a little grateful for the enormous gift Kaido had just delivered to him.
Originally, he had been wondering what method he should use to bring those pirate crews he had taken a liking to under his banner.
But now, thanks to Kaido's little stunt, if those pirate crews didn't join the Straw Hat crew and accept purification treatment, the only thing waiting for them was death!
Including the world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk!
At that thought, Red's gaze shifted toward Mihawk, whose eyes were burning with rage, and he said in a solemn tone:
"Senior Mihawk, you heard it too, right? This really was Kaido and his people."
"It seems that in order to deal with us, they've already gone completely insane."
"I'm sorry for dragging you into this."
At this moment, Red looked exactly like a humble and courteous junior, showing Mihawk an expression of apology and guilt.
"No!"
Hearing Red say that, much of the anger in Mihawk's heart dissipated, and he answered seriously:
"This incident has nothing to do with you. I was simply too careless."
"But…" Red's expression didn't change. "The scene of your battle with Zoro was just broadcast live to the entire world."
"Anyone with clear eyes can see at a glance that there was another reason behind your defeat, Senior. But truth has always been held only by the minority."
"By now, the news that the title of world's greatest swordsman has changed hands is probably already spreading across the seas."
"It doesn't matter. It's only an empty title."
Though Mihawk had already recovered and returned to his usual aloof demeanor, the trace of reluctance deep in his eyes made it clear that he was not truly willing to give up that title.
But in the next moment, he still shook his head and said softly:
"No matter what, the fact that Zoro defeated me is real."
"I'll settle every one of these accounts with the Beasts Pirates!!!"
Did people really think that because Mihawk had a cold, aloof image, he was some kind-hearted saint?
One had to remember…
Before becoming one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, he had been the infamous Marine Hunter on these seas!
As the saying went, names could be wrong, but nicknames rarely were.
For Mihawk to have gained such fearsome fame, it was enough to show just how many Marines he had slain in his youth.
And even after that, the World Government had still invited him to become one of the Seven Warlords, allowing him to live a stable life under government patronage.
Now that the Beasts Pirates had framed him and nearly caused his death, there was no way this matter would simply be let go!
And just then, seeing that the fire had been stoked to about the right degree, a sharp gleam flashed through Red's eyes.
"But with your strength alone, I'm afraid it'll be hard to pose any truly fatal threat to Kaido, right?"
"Even if you add our strength, defeating the Beasts Pirates would indeed be easy enough…"
"But if we did that, wouldn't it be letting them off too lightly?"
"I wonder, Senior—would you be interested in working with us to properly toy with Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, and make him lose everything?"
"Hm?" Mihawk paused for a moment, then a glint of interest flashed through his eyes. "What plan do you have? Let me hear it."
"Heh heh~"
Red revealed a wicked grin.
And whenever he showed an expression like that, it meant someone was about to be terribly unlucky!!!
…
…
The appearance of the virus incident did not affect the Straw Hat crew's banquet at all.
With Sanji having activated the awakened power of the Speed-Speed Fruit, a grand feast quickly appeared on the deck of the Going Merry.
And with Luffy, the resident chaos magnet, present, a lively banquet began right on schedule.
"Let's welcome our new companion, Redfield!!!"
Luffy raised his glass high. Even though it only contained some kind of fruit drink, it did nothing to diminish the bold and heroic aura he was radiating at that moment.
The rest of the Straw Hat crew also responded one after another, raising their own cups and cheering loudly to celebrate their new companion joining them.
Looking at the unfamiliar yet warm and friendly faces before him, Redfield—who had never known the taste of true companionship—found himself overwhelmed with mixed emotions for a moment.
Fortunately, as a man already in the twilight of his years, he did not have much room left for melodrama.
Since he had already made his choice—and since he was becoming a pirate alongside the companion he admired most—then he might as well enjoy this brand-new life in the years he had left.
"Thank you, everyone!"
Redfield raised his glass, looked at the empty spot they had deliberately left for him, and clinked it without hesitation!
Clink~!
The cups rang softly, and the drink splashed.
And so, a ravenous feast officially began!
At this moment, the joyful atmosphere of the Straw Hat crew stood in stark contrast to the pirates below, who were worrying over how they were supposed to leave Festival Island.
However, midway through the banquet, a group of uninvited guests suddenly barged onto the deck of the Going Merry, interrupting the festivities.
"Wororororo, what a pleasant mood you've got here~"
"Everyone from the Straw Hat crew!"
Boom!
Flame Clouds radiating searing fire descended from the sky. Kaido and his group landed on the deck of the Going Merry without hesitation, then let out a booming round of laughter.
"You're… Kaido!?"
Seeing who had arrived, Luffy—who had been gnawing on a chunk of meat—forcefully swallowed the piece that had nearly lodged in his throat, then looked at the newcomers with a face full of surprise.
And seeing this scene, Red nearly felt so moved he could cry.
It had to be said—people really did grow!
Luffy, you can finally lie with a straight face!
Originally, Red had been fully prepared to smooth things over for Luffy, but now he could only sigh with heartfelt relief in his heart.
Then he immediately stood up as well, taking on the role of the bad cop, glaring at Kaido and the others with caution as he demanded:
"Kaido of the Beasts! Why are you here!?"
"Wororororo~ Don't make it sound so distant!"
A trace of crafty malice flashed through Kaido's eyes without leaving a mark.
But immediately afterward, he laughed heartily as though greeting old friends.
"Didn't we have a very pleasant cooperation last time, Lord Red?"
"Don't make it sound like we're enemies."
"That was last time…" Red was not buying it at all. "I already gave you plenty of special-effect medicine and Devil Fruits. Our accounts have long since been settled."
"Besides, as fellow Emperor crews, I don't believe your sudden appearance here at this moment is just a coincidence."
"If I had to guess… you came for the Eternal Pose to the Final Island, didn't you!?"
"Uh…"
Kaido was momentarily stunned by those words.
After all, knowing certain secrets himself, he also didn't believe that Eternal Pose was the real thing.
If Red hadn't brought it up, he would have nearly forgotten all about it.
But in an instant, a flicker passed through his eyes, and his expression changed abruptly. Like someone whose secret had just been exposed, he gave an awkward chuckle.
"Haha, what are you saying, Lord Red?"
"We really did come for that Eternal Pose, but since it has already fallen into your hands, naturally we no longer have any improper ambitions."
"After all, the great battle last time is still vivid in my mind."
"Perhaps… this is simply fate's arrangement."
Kaido revealed the resigned expression of an old man who had accepted his lot, shaking his head in disappointment as though he had truly given up competing for the position of Pirate King.
Red remained wary. "You think we'd believe that nonsense!?"
But just then, Luffy suddenly cut in from the side:
"Hey, Red!"
"He's already like this, so stop being so aggressive, okay!?"
As he spoke, Luffy raised the cup in his hand and, like someone showing off victory already within reach, laughed loudly at Kaido:
"Hahaha, you're right! With the Eternal Pose, it won't be long before I become Pirate King!!!"
"When that happens, every pirate in the world will obey my orders!"
"That includes you too, Kaido!!!"
"Wahahahaha…"
Having memorized his lines for the first time ever, Luffy let out a triumphant laugh, earning a secret thumbs-up from all the Straw Hats.
(End of Chapter)