Above Delta Island, a cloud floated slowly and stopped in the sky. This wasn't anything unusual—there were plenty of clouds in the sky, and this one didn't stand out. No one even noticed its presence.
But hidden within that cloud was the airborne ship of the Golden Lion, Shiki.
Seated firmly on his throne inside the cabin, Shiki held a Den Den Mushi in his hand, speaking to someone.
"So, all the Seven Warlords of the Sea are here except for that mechanical freak, Bartholomew Kuma? That's a bit troublesome," Shiki muttered into the receiver.
"There are also some rumors… It's said that Marine Headquarters didn't just send those Vice Admirals playing watchdog. Apparently, Borsalino is leading the team, but he hasn't shown himself yet. Their warships are still anchored at the port," came Lafitte's voice through the Den Den Mushi.
At that moment, Lafitte had already infiltrated Delta Island unnoticed.
Despite being one of Shiki's subordinates, Lafitte always carried himself as a "strategist" and rarely made public appearances.
The Flying Pirates were indeed shrouded in mystery. Apart from the power they displayed during their battles with Kaido and Charlotte Linlin, they spent most of their time flying high above the world, their movements difficult to track.
Because of this, in the eyes of the world, Lafitte was practically invisible, so much so that he might as well have been a model citizen. He didn't even have a bounty.
Thanks to that, slipping onto the island had been a breeze. Even Claudius himself hadn't noticed his presence.
"Borsalino?" Shiki raised an eyebrow before chuckling. "If it's just him for now, it's not too big of a concern. As long as Fujitora stays out of my way, there's not much of a threat. But don't let your guard down—those Marine bastards are always scheming."
"I'll continue gathering intelligence," Lafitte said with a sly grin.
Shiki glanced at the newspaper in his hand and sneered. "That bastard Claudius isn't at the Sabaody Archipelago, and neither are Sengoku or Garp. Maybe we're overthinking this… Or could it be that the real schemers here aren't the Marines, but the World Government?"
"I think that's likely… But it's hard to say what Douglas Bullet is up to," Lafitte responded, still smiling.
Shiki wasn't overly concerned with these details. Instead, he thought for a moment and asked in a deep voice, "Besides us, what about Kaido, Linlin, or that red-haired brat? Any signs of movement?"
"No. There's been no activity from Wano Country or Whole Cake Island. Could it be that they're really not coming?" Lafitte mused.
"No? Ha!" Shiki sneered. "If they have even half a brain, they won't just sit this one out. Of course, if they don't show, that's fine too, fewer competitors, right?"
"But that also means fewer people to help us deal with the Seven Warlords of the Sea and the Marines, doesn't it, Boss Shiki?" Lafitte replied with a knowing smile.
"They're just a bunch of nobodies. Who the hell do you think I am? I'm the Golden Lion! Once I get my hands on that Log Pose, I'll sink this whole damn island—let's see what they can do about it!" Shiki declared, full of confidence.
Meanwhile—
In the deep waters near Delta Island, a massive, coated ship had silently come to a halt beneath the sea.
This ship was the flagship of the Big Mom Pirates—the Queen Mama Chanter, infamous for its ability to belt out off-key songs.
For once, the ship was silent. Aboard were Charlotte Linlin herself and several key officers of the Big Mom Pirates.
Like Marine Headquarters, the Big Mom Pirates, Kaido's Beasts Pirates, and Shiki's Flying Pirates couldn't afford to send their entire forces in secret.
Thus, the main figures present were Katakuri, Oven, and Cracker. Other high-ranking officers, such as Smoothie, remained back on Whole Cake Island.
The Big Mom Pirates prided themselves on having the best intelligence network among the Yonko. Even though Charlotte Linlin had spent years imprisoned in Impel Down, causing her empire to weaken, she had wasted no time rebuilding her information network upon her return.
And now, it was as formidable as ever.
"Have you confirmed that Borsalino is there? Are there any other possibilities?" Charlotte Linlin asked through a Den Den Mushi.
The voice on the other end quickly responded, "Yes, Mama. We even suspect that there could be two Admirals. This kind of deception is one of the Marines' usual tactics, but for now, it's only speculation."
"I see. What about the rest of the intel?" Charlotte Linlin asked in a deep voice.
"A few of the so-called 'Worst Generation' have shown up, the intelligence officer continued.
Charlotte Linlin let out an annoyed snort and cut him off. "I don't give a damn about those small fries—don't waste my time with them! What about Shiki? Or Kaido? Has that nosy brat Shanks shown up?"
"Mama, none of those three factions have made any moves.
Shanks' Red Hair Pirates haven't been sighted.
There's been no movement from Kaido's base, nor from Shiki's.
This might tell us something," the intelligence officer reported.
Charlotte Linlin's brow furrowed slightly. From an outsider's perspective, Whole Cake Island had also been quiet.
And yet, here she was, far from home.
That in itself was suspicious.
If she was here in secret, was it possible that Shiki was hiding in the sky?
And what about Kaido? Where was he? Charlotte Linlin couldn't say for sure. But the idea that Kaido would simply ignore all of this? That was impossible.
Now that she thought about it… She hadn't even contacted Kaido yet.
"Let's just assume they're all here," she muttered. "Has that bastard Bullet done anything? Have you found out where the Log Pose to Laugh Tale is hidden?"
"Apologies, Mama, but not yet.
Right now, everything is proceeding as advertised.
The Seven Warlords of the Sea have gathered, and Marine Headquarters has sent at least one Admiral.
But Douglas Bullet hasn't shown himself yet.
All the event's preparations are still following the schedule.
We likely won't know where the treasure is hidden until tomorrow," the intelligence officer stammered, clearly nervous.
"Useless garbage!" Charlotte Linlin snapped.
She slammed the Den Den Mushi down, then turned to Katakuri. "Katakuri, once we get our hands on that thing, you'll hide it in your body and retreat immediately."
Katakuri didn't hesitate. "Understood, Mama."
For a moment, he had the strange feeling that his mother was… anxious?
Indeed, while Charlotte Linlin was still strong and held the title of an Emperor of the Sea, she seemed somewhat less aggressive than before—especially compared to Shiki and Kaido, who radiated unshakable confidence.
Even though Shiki had also been imprisoned in Impel Down, he remained the proud Golden Lion.
But Charlotte Linlin? She had actually been afraid.
Her face darkened.
Then, as if realizing something, her expression shifted.
That bastard Claudius wasn't here. He was at the Sabaody Archipelago.
For some reason, that thought… made her feel relieved?
The very idea infuriated her.
With a loud slap, she struck the armrest of her chair, seething in anger at herself.
How could she have such a thought?!
(To be continued.)
***
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