Dozens of Marine warships grandly set out for Egghead Island.
Almost all pirates in the New World had gone into hiding, not daring to make any reckless moves.
The situation was already very clear.
The Marine had captured Fire Fist Ace, while the Whitebeard Pirates had captured tens of thousands of marines, including Vegapunk.
"Mama mamama, they want to exchange hostages, but judging by the Marines' formation, it's clearly not just a simple hostage exchange," Big Mom chuckled from her throne on Whole Cake Island.
"If it were just a hostage exchange, would there be a need to deploy Admirals and Warlords? A war is bound to break out," Perospero nodded.
"Should we stir the pot?" Charlotte Linlin said.
"It's better not to, Mama," Perospero replied.
"Why not?" Charlotte Linlin looked at her son, displeased.
"If we interfere rashly, both sides might treat us as enemies. Even if we do go, it's best to wait until the fighting is almost over. Besides, it's not even certain whether they will actually fight. If they don't, and we barge in, we'd just make enemies of both."
Perospero made a good point, and Charlotte Linlin quickly understood after thinking it over.
"Looks like we have to wait for now. Is Kaido still at a standoff?" Charlotte asked.
"At the moment, he can't get out. Red-Hair is his way," Perospero said.
"That little brat Red-Hair is always meddling. If Kaido could be let loose, things would get really interesting," Charlotte said angrily.
Kaido loved chaos and war more than anyone; he was the most aggressive of the Emperors and frequently clashed with the Whitebeard Pirates.
With such a perfect opportunity, he definitely wouldn't want to miss out.
But for some reason, Red-Hair had appeared near Wano and blocked Kaido at the entrance.
Kaido didn't dare act rashly, unless he was willing to give up Wano.
Right now, Linlin was the only one in the New World who could make a move. Even the other powerful pirates didn't dare to act recklessly.
The forces gathered by both sides had far exceeded expectations. Anyone else who tried to get close would simply be crushed.
Meanwhile, Luffy and the others who escaped from Impel Down arrived at Sabaody Archipelago.
The giant whirlpool was useless against them. Thanks to Jinbe and his shark friends pulling their ship, they bypassed the whirlpool and skirted along the Red Line to reach Sabaody.
"Ace was sent back to the New World, that's great," Luffy sighed in relief, collapsing from exhaustion.
"The Marine returned Ace, but behind the scenes, they're planning to go to war with the Whitebeard Pirates. I'm going to the New World to help Pops," Jinbe said.
"Jinbe, you're saying the Marine will fight Whitebeard?" Luffy asked.
"I opposed the Marines' plans after learning about them, and that's why I was captured," Jinbe nodded.
"What's the Marine's next move?" Crocodile asked.
"They're going to strike at Whitebeard in the New World. Why wait seven days? Because they need time to gather a massive fleet. No matter what, this battle is inevitable—it's an order from the World Government," Jinbe said.
"Then we can't miss it," Crocodile said.
"Luffy, thank you. But this is where I take my leave. I'm heading to the New World," Jinbe said.
"I'll send you there," said a voice from behind them, startling everyone.
"You're..."
Luffy's eyes widened.
"Give back my crew—!"
BOOM!
A slap sent Luffy flying again.
"Go where you're supposed to go," said Kuma calmly.
"Kuma!" Ivankov shouted joyfully.
"Long time no see, Ivan," Kuma smiled.
"Three Warlords of the Sea?!"
Jinbe and Crocodile stared warily at Kuma. Everyone else was stunned.
Three Warlords gathering together, this scene was unimaginable.
"You didn't go to the New World with the Marines?" Jinbe asked.
"As the World Government's loyal attack dog, what are you doing here, 'Tyrant'?" Crocodile sneered.
"I'm no longer a Warlord, same as you," Kuma said.
Jinbe was surprised, and Crocodile laughed. "So you betrayed the World Government?"
"We're pirates, what's there to betray? I heard your conversation. You're going to the New World, right? I can help," Kuma said as he extended his palm with the Paw-Paw Fruit power.
Jinbe and Crocodile knew Kuma's ability well, it could send people flying over vast distances, much faster than by swimming or sailing.
"I'm counting on you. Send me to Egghead," Jinbe said, walking up to Kuma.
"Go get something to eat first, it'll take two days," Kuma replied.
"Much appreciated." Jinbe immediately went to find food.
Crocodile also gathered some food. Though he said nothing, his actions made it clear.
"Kuma, how are you now?" Ivankov walked up, two old friends reuniting.
"I'm doing well, Ivan."
"That's great. But why did you hit that Straw Hat kid? That little brat looks a lot like Dragon, didn't you notice?"
"I knew long ago—he's Dragon's son."
"So that's it. You're protecting him. But he got hurt pretty badly."
"Trust him, he's Dragon's son, after all," Kuma said.
"True. I've seen miracles of life in that kid," Ivankov nodded.
Jinbe, Crocodile, and Mr. 1 were all eating, and Buggy joined in too.
Under the gaze of the three, Buggy had already exposed himself as a former Roger Pirate. Holding his neck high, he said, "What are you staring at? I'm going to the war too!"
The three said nothing, clearly not taking him seriously.
Buggy's subordinates looked at him with starry eyes, overflowing with admiration.
"As expected of Captain Buggy!"
"So this is the aura of a Pirate King's crewmate!"
"Brothers with Red-Hair himself—Captain Buggy is going to take Whitebeard's head and become the next Emperor!"
"Captain Buggy, you're so amazing! We'll follow your lead to the battlefield!"
Buggy almost choked on his food.
He was just hungry and made up an excuse to eat. How did it suddenly become like this?
"It's obviously just an excuse to eat because he was hungry, and now he's pretending to act all noble," Mr. 3 Galdino muttered.
"Shut up!" Buggy shouted angrily after being exposed.
"Listen up! I'm going to the New World to make a name for myself! I'll definitely take Whitebeard's head! You hear me?! Hurry up and eat, once you're full, we'll head out together…
To the New World!!!"
...
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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