While the World Government and the Navy were reacting strongly to the news of Brian capturing Fish-Man Island, the Rocks Pirates, far away in the New World, also received the news spread by the News Coo.
In the latter half of the New World, on Hachinosu, the atmosphere was one of wild celebration.
Rocks D. Xebec was currently seated on his throne, surrounded by piles of fine wine and meat. Holding a newspaper, his face bore a rare expression of excitement.
"Hahahahaha! That kid Brian really knows how to make me proud!" Rocks' booming laughter shook the sea.
He raised his glass to the core crew members around him: "A toast to Brian! To the deep-sea fortress he has secured for our Rocks Pirates!"
Charlotte Linlin (Big Mom) felt a complex mix of emotions at this moment—some jealousy, some anger—but she had no choice but to force an approving expression onto her face.
"Mamamamama, that little brat! He did well!" She tore into roasted meat and sickeningly sweet cake, complaining through a full mouth: "I'm getting more and more tempted to have a child with that kid Brian. It would absolutely be a wonderful child."
After just a few months of not appearing much, Charlotte Linlin's figure had begun to change drastically again, with subtle hints of a "spare tire" starting to accumulate.
Kaido sat beside Linlin, resting his massive Spiked Club on his shoulder, his eyes filled with recognition for Brian.
"Hmph, although it's indeed impressive, my strength is in no way inferior to his. One day, the people of the world will also sing praises of my name, Lord Kaido."
Little did Kaido know that the title of "Beasts," which was now being sung of and even feared worldwide in connection with Brian, was originally supposed to be his.
Unfortunately, with time reversed and the arrival of a transmigrator, the original brilliance of some individuals was ultimately overshadowed.
"Mamamamama, kid Kaido, you'll have to work hard then. The strength Brian possesses now isn't something you can catch up to with just words."
Charlotte Linlin was quite satisfied with Kaido's attitude. Motivation leads to progress.
Moreover, Kaido was her beloved younger brother, her "male pet," her "charger," and so on. How could she not wish for his success?
Golden Lion Shiki sat calmly to the side, his all-seeing eyes gleaming with shrewd light.
"Brian's value is indeed increasing more and more now," Shiki said gravely. "He is now the strategic anchor point for our Rocks Pirates."
"The existence of Fish-Man Island provides us with a safe transit point for logistics, supplies, and information. We finally have the opportunity to make a move on the first half of the Grand Line. This is a good chance, Captain."
Shiki looked at Rocks, his meaning very clear—their target was the first half of the Grand Line, a "virgin land" they had never plundered before, rich and fertile.
"Gurararara, I think this is a good opportunity too, Captain. It's indeed time to make a move."
Gulp gulp gulp gulp~
Whitebeard sat on the side, setting down the enormous wine jug in his hand before finally speaking.
Rocks watched his subordinates' reactions with satisfaction. He knew that Brian's operation had not only brought him wealth but, more importantly, had solidified the internal and external standing of the Rocks Pirates.
Brian's position was now firmly cemented. Rocks' Beast Girl Legion was an indispensable core force of the entire Rocks Pirates.
"Wahahaha, fine then. Let's discuss how we should launch an expedition into the first half of the Grand Line."
Although Rocks said this, his thoughts were entirely different. He intended to set off a "smokescreen" in the first half of the Grand Line.
Mixing truth with deception, he would use the pretext of targeting the first half of the Grand Line to cover up the long-planned operation.
"That legendary place, I remember it's in the first half, maybe even in the Four Seas. It's time to make a move ahead of schedule."
Rocks thought about the World Government Celestial Dragons' biennial hunting competition, which would indeed begin soon, and his hands itched with anticipation.
During this time, he had already formed an idea: he would use these Celestial Dragons as tools to declare war on the World Government. The entire world was shaken by the Rocks Pirates' deep-sea operation.
All the authority to interpret Brian's actions ultimately rested with the Rocks Pirates.
The flag of the Rocks Pirates fluttered in the ten-thousand-meter-deep sea, symbolizing the collapse of the old world order and the impending decisive battle that would determine the fate of the world.
The eyes of the world could no longer look away from this chaotic situation.
Everyone in the world once again clearly realized that the previous chaos was merely an appetizer—the true great turmoil seemed to have only just begun.
Thousands of meters beneath the sea, a massive black submersible warship sailed silently through the deep ocean.
Brian stood on the bridge, his expression calm. Through the thick, specially made portholes, he could see the cold, dark, and profound scenery of the ten-thousand-meter-deep sea.
The conquest of Fish-Man Island had laid the strategic foundation for his plans in the New World. It was time to begin the next phase of his journey.
On the bridge, two Ancient Species Beast Girls stood on either side of him. To the left were the two Dragon Girls, Feixue and Ella; to the right were the two Snake Girls, Mia and Aola. These four were responsible for guarding the bridge.
Behind them, the majority of the Common Type Beast Girls were gathered on the bridge, either training, slacking off, or watching the scenery outside.
As for the three Supreme Mythical Zoan Beast Girls, they were scattered across the massive warship, each responsible for the security of a different direction.
The deep sea was truly dangerous. From time to time, colossal Sea Kings would pass by, even brushing against the warship, making vigilance essential.
Otohime stood alone in a corner, silently gazing out the window at the pitch-black seawater with a complex expression in her eyes.
Once they left like this, she didn't know when she would return. Although she no longer had family or friends on Fish-Man Island, the downfall of her homeland had left a deep mark on her heart.
"Otohime, there are legends on Fish-Man Island about terrifying giant beasts lurking in the deep sea. Is that what they mean?" Brian asked calmly without turning his head.
Otohime shuddered, quickly gathering her thoughts before replying respectfully, "Yes, Master. There are indeed enormous Sea Kings in the deep sea. Some legends even speak of Sea Kings thousands of meters long."
"Aside from Sea Kings, there are also quite a few legendary Sirens. However, for some unknown reason, these super-sized Sea Kings or Sirens usually do not easily approach the light barrier area of Fish-Man Island."
"Sirens—" A hint of a playful smile appeared at the corner of Brian's mouth. "I'm actually quite looking forward to it."
He needed to push the Submarine Warship to its maximum speed, crossing this dangerous deep-sea region as quickly as possible to reach the edge of the New World.
Within his Observation Haki, he could indeed sense several extremely powerful auras in this area. The strongest one even faintly rivaled the Mythical Zoan Beast Girl under his command.
In other words, there was a Sea King in this region with Admiral Candidate Level strength—