Raiver said irritably, "Shiki, you lost that match three years ago and promised never to bring it up again."
"Kekeke, just joking!" Shiki laughed heartily. "So, what do you want? Surely not just to invite me for a drink?"
"The Celestial Dragons' hunting event, held once every three years," Raiver got straight to the point. "I've found out the location for this edition. Interested in pulling off a heist?"
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the Den Den Mushi, followed by even more maniacal laughter:
"Kekekekeke!!! Why even ask? Of course we're doing it! I still remember the God Valley heist three years ago like it was yesterday! Mountains of treasure, Devil Fruits by the crate-load!"
Shiki's Flying Pirates had been officially established after the great battle at God Valley three years prior. Using the massive wealth plundered from God Valley, he rapidly expanded his forces, and now his crew ranked among the most powerful in the New World. With over fifty ships under his command, his influence spanned more than ten islands.
"But," Shiki's laughter subsided slightly, "we're not going with just the two of us this time, are we? Not that I'm afraid, but more hands make light work."
"Of course not," Raiver said. "I'll also be calling Newgate and Linlin."
"Gurarara, that's more like it!" Shiki said with satisfaction. "By the way, what about inviting the Roger Pirates? They're plenty strong, and having them would increase our chances."
"No," Raiver refused decisively. "The Roger Pirates aren't cut from the same cloth as us. They don't care about territory, they don't care about treasure—they're less like pirates and more like an adventure group."
He paused, his tone turning subtle. "Besides, more people means splitting the pie more ways. I'm only informing you all out of our past camaraderie. Otherwise, I'd do it alone and keep all the treasure for myself."
"Kekekeke! Raiver, you're too greedy!" Shiki laughed. "Think you can handle it alone? Fine, it's settled then! When do we move?"
He had only asked casually anyway. Without the Roger Pirates, there would be one less party to share the loot with. With this lineup of former Rocks Pirates Officers, they could not only rob the Celestial Dragons but even stand a chance in a direct assault on Marine Headquarters.
"We set off tonight," Raiver said. "Same as the last attack on Mary Geoise, I'll sail over to pick you up. We need to move fast—once the Marines catch on, things will get complicated."
"Understood! Waiting for you!"
After ending the call with Shiki, Raiver immediately dialed Whitebeard.
The Den Den Mushi transformed into another appearance—crescent-shaped white mustache, long golden hair, and a hearty smile.
"Gurarara! Kid Raiver, what brings you to call me?" Whitebeard's voice was deep and powerful. "Don't tell me you want to join my family? I could make an exception and adopt you as my son!"
"Cut it out, Newgate," Raiver laughed. "I heard you adopted a few more sons? You and Linlin are quite the pair—one keeps giving birth, the other keeps adopting."
The Whitebeard Pirates had rapidly expanded over the past three years.
Whitebeard had gathered a large number of homeless crew members under the concept of "family."
Now, he commanded six divisions with a total of over five thousand members.
His flagship, the Moby Dick, was one of the most famous pirate ships in the New World.
"Gurararara, likewise!" Whitebeard laughed heartily. "I heard you keep hundreds of beauties in your Sky Palace? Be careful not to exhaust yourself and let your strength decline!"
After the banter, Raiver got straight to the point. "The location for this year's Celestial Dragon Human Hunting event has been found—a small country in the North Blue. Shiki has already agreed to join forces. What about you? Interested? Your sons could also use Devil Fruits to boost their strength, right?"
There was silence on the other end of the Den Den Mushi.
Whitebeard was indeed hesitating.
He wasn't a pure plunderer like Shiki; he had his own principles.
But Raiver's words had struck a nerve—his "sons" truly needed to grow stronger.
In the New World, where the strong preyed on the weak, strength was the guarantee of survival.
Moreover, if Shiki and Linlin both participated and seized vast treasures and Devil Fruits, their power would undoubtedly surge.
By then, his pirate crew would fall behind.
After weighing the pros and cons, Whitebeard asked in a low voice, "When do we move?"
"Tonight. I'll sail over to pick you up, just like three years ago—we'll fly straight there."
"Alright, I agree."
Hanging up the call, Raiver smiled faintly.
He had known Whitebeard would agree—for the sake of his "family," this man could set aside many of his principles.
The final call was to Charlotte Linlin.
The Den Den Mushi transformed into a female face with lipstick and a hat.
"Mamamamama~ Raiver, you brat!" Linlin's voice was filled with excitement. "Have you finally come around? Ready to have a powerful child with me? I've even thought of a name! If that's not enough, we can have two—one for you and one for me. Fair enough, right?"
Raiver felt a vein throb on his forehead. "Linlin, listen carefully. I, Raiver, am a man you'll never have in this lifetime. Give up."
"Mamamamama~ How cruel!" Linlin feigned sadness but quickly grew excited again. "Then why are you calling me? Don't tell me you've actually come around?"
"Shiki, Newgate, and I are planning to plunder the Celestial Dragons' wealth, just like at God Valley three years ago," Raiver said directly. "Are you in?"
"Mamamamama! Of course, I'm in!" Linlin's voice suddenly rose. "I hope there are powerful Devil Fruits this time! If it weren't for that bastard Kaido, my Katakuri would have eaten that Fish-Fish Fruit three years ago!"
Charlotte Linlin hadn't been idle these past three years either.
Her "Totto Land" was beginning to take shape, with over thirty children under her command, many of whom were formidable.
But her thirst for powerful Devil Fruits had never ceased.
"Then it's settled. Wait for my message tonight."
After ending all the calls, Raiver stood up.
"Jieming, Jiexi, prepare to depart. Just the three of us."
"Yes, sir!"
They didn't need to bring a large force.
This operation required stealth and speed.
...
Two days later, early morning, Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's office.
Kong slammed his fist onto the office desk, and the solid wood surface cracked with a sharp sound.
"What did you say?!"
Standing before him was Vice Admiral Tsuru, head of the Marine Intelligence Division.
The female vice admiral renowned for her intellect now wore a grave expression.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral. According to reports from our informants stationed everywhere:
The Flying Pirates of Golden Lion Shiki, Whitebeard Edward Newgate, Charlotte Linlin, and..." She paused briefly:
"Raiver of the Fengtian Empire—all vanished yesterday evening.
Their last known locations were far apart, yet their disappearances occurred almost simultaneously."
"What about their fleets?" Kong pressed.
"Most remain at their original stations. Only the flagship vessels and a few elite forces have disappeared," Tsuru replied solemnly:
"This bears a striking resemblance... to the signs we observed before the God Valley incident three years ago."
The atmosphere in the office instantly froze.