"You arrogant bastard! I don’t believe you’d actually dare to do something like that!"
With a furious roar, Sheepshead exploded into motion.
His muscles tensed as he spun around and bolted like a leopard.
One stride carried him more than a dozen meters.
But after only two or three steps—
A figure suddenly appeared in front of him.
It was Lucas.
Sheepshead froze.
The next instant, dazzling golden light burst from Lucas’s body.
A three-to-five-meter-tall Thousand-Armed Kannon materialized behind him.
One enormous palm came crashing down like a blade.
Sheepshead’s face changed dramatically.
Only then did he realize...
From beginning to end, the newly appointed Admiral had never truly attacked him personally.
Was I... not even worthy of forcing him to make a real move?
"Full Armament Haki!"
Sheepshead roared hysterically.
Jet-black Armament Haki instantly coated his entire body.
The next moment—
He was blasted away again.
Boom!
A pirate ship moored at the harbor exploded apart as his body smashed straight through it.
A gigantic hole was torn through the vessel.
Seeing Sheepshead cough up another mouthful of blood before becoming embedded in the wreckage...
Everyone present finally understood something.
The reputation of a Yonko crew...
Meant absolutely nothing before this new Admiral.
Even so...
There was one question everyone still desperately wanted answered.
Had Lucas really been serious?
"So this is your Den Den Mushi for contacting the Beasts Pirates."
Lucas adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and smiled warmly as he picked up the Den Den Mushi that had fallen from the wreckage.
"Good."
"Now I don’t even have to search you."
Watching Lucas calmly pick up the Den Den Mushi...
Everyone’s nerves tightened.
He’s not actually going to extort a Yonko for the sake of a 10-million-Berry performance bonus... is he?
Meanwhile...
On Onigashima, in the Land of Wano.
Three imposing figures gathered together.
As the Beasts Pirates’ three All-Stars, whenever they assembled, it always meant something significant had happened.
"Has Boss Kaido still not returned?"
Queen puffed on his cigar before speaking first.
"We can’t delay this Whitebeard and Red-Haired Shanks business any longer."
"If they really form an alliance..."
"The Beasts Pirates will probably be the first target."
As usual...
Queen completely ignored Jack’s opinion.
Among the Three All-Stars, Jack was infamous for always charging headfirst into battle.
To Queen and King...
He was simply the youngest brother.
When serious matters were discussed...
Jack’s role was usually limited to listening and carrying out orders.
"Boss Kaido replied a while ago."
King answered calmly.
"He said he’s already on his way back."
"He should be arriving any moment now."
Before he had even finished speaking...
He looked up toward the sky.
"He’s here."
Queen and Jack immediately followed his gaze.
A massive shadow descended from the heavens with overwhelming momentum.
Boom!
The impact shook the entire island.
A violent shockwave swept dust everywhere.
The pirates stationed nearby had long since grown accustomed to Kaido’s landings.
Even so...
Many were still blown off their feet.
When the dust finally settled...
A gigantic figure slowly emerged from the enormous crater.
His face was unusually gloomy.
"King."
Kaido carried a massive sake gourd as he glared at him.
"You called me back so urgently."
"What is it?"
"You know perfectly well..."
"I was busy trying to kill myself."
"It’s been a long time since I last felt death."
"Without that feeling..."
"I can’t break through my limits."
"If you don’t have a good explanation..."
"Don’t blame my kanabo."
His booming voice echoed across the island.
The pirates who had only just climbed back to their feet immediately froze.
Everyone knew Kaido’s favorite pastime—
Using people as living baseballs with his Thunder Bagua.
No one wanted to attract his attention.
"Boss Kaido."
King stepped forward.
"There are two matters."
"Two?"
Kaido frowned before taking another swig of sake.
"Why has it suddenly become two?"
"What happened that even the three of you couldn’t handle yourselves?"
"I really thought this suicide attempt would’ve worked."
"Hurry up."
"I still have somewhere to be."
King had long grown accustomed to Kaido’s personality.
He calmly placed a newspaper on the table.
"The first matter..."
"Marine Headquarters has appointed a Fourth Admiral."
"He calls himself Admiral Glutton Lucas."
"According to the reports..."
"He’s an eccentric obsessed with working hours."
"His strength has already been acknowledged after fighting Admiral Sakazuki."
"The newspapers are calling him..."
"The Admiral Who Kills Without Moving."
"Marine Headquarters has broken the long-standing balance of its Three Admirals."
"I’m concerned this Fourth Admiral may affect the Beasts Pirates."
"That’s why I thought Boss Kaido should know."
"A Fourth Admiral?"
Kaido raised an eyebrow.
"A weirdo?"
He casually snatched the newspaper.
After glancing at the front-page photograph...
He let out a dismissive snort.
"Hmph."
"Just some brat whose feathers haven’t even grown in yet."
"What’s there to pay attention to?"
"If he ever stood before me..."
"He wouldn’t even have the courage to make a move."
"This kind of nonsense isn’t worth bringing to me."
"Talk about the second matter."
With a flick of his hand...
He tossed the newspaper aside.
As one of the Four Emperors...
One of the strongest beings on the seas...
Kaido didn’t even place the current Three Admirals in his eyes.
Much less a newcomer.
"Hahaha."
Queen played with his mechanical arm while taking the Den Den Mushi from Jack.
"Boss Kaido’s right."
"A brat like that isn’t worth making such a fuss over."
"I’ll explain the second matter."
"Boss Kaido..."
"We’ve already confirmed the general location where Red-Haired Shanks and Whitebeard are expected to meet."
"But..."
"To explain it properly..."
"We should let Jack’s subordinates report directly."
"All we need to do is answer this Den Den Mushi."
As he spoke...
Queen casually activated it.
Kaido, King, and the others immediately turned their attention toward the snail.
The moment the connection was established—
A completely unexpected voice came through.
"Hello, hello."
"Is that Kaido?"
"So..."
"Do you want the man..."
"Or the money?"
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