That bastard Queen... he actually used all those people for experiments?!
Kaido's bloodshot eyes flared with fury as he panted heavily, rage surging through every muscle.
"Ouch... ouch... ouch..."
Bruised and broken, Queen crawled out of the smoking hillside, wincing with every movement. His overstuffed body quivered at the sight of Kaido approaching—Kanabo in hand, murder in his gaze.
"B-Boss Kaido... I was just trying to help them get stronger," Queen stammered, forcing a shaky grin. "Since Darren and Bullet powered up after the virus... I thought maybe we could mass-produce elite fighters!"
Kaido didn't even blink.
"Shut your damn mouth!!"
Crackling with purple lightning, the Kanabo swung upward.
"Do you think everyone's like that Marine brat?!"
"Thunder Bagua!!"
BOOM!!!
A pillar of dust exploded into the sky, the impact rippling through the valley like thunder. Queen's pitiful shrieks echoed for miles.
King, watching from a distance, sighed deeply. His cloak fluttered in the wind as he turned his gaze toward the setting sun.
Ten minutes passed before the screaming stopped.
When the dust finally settled, the once-scenic valley had been transformed into a scorched wasteland—pockmarked with craters like the surface of the moon.
Kaido emerged from the haze, dragging Queen behind him like a sack of meat. His swollen face was barely recognizable, a grotesque mask of bruises and welts.
Kaido grunted and slumped to the ground, taking a long swig from his hip flask. The liquor burned down his throat, dulling the last of his rage.
Seeing the chance, King finally spoke. "Boss Kaido... the final ammunition shipment for Golden Lion has been sent out."
Kaido wiped his mouth, scowling. "That bastard's gone off the rails. All these attacks on towns and ports... is he trying to provoke the Marines on purpose?"
King nodded grimly. "It feels like he's preparing for all-out war."
Kaido's brow furrowed, the scar under his eye twitching. "Shiki's reckless—but not without reason. He's up to something."
King hesitated. "Then why haven't you told him about the Marine incident?"
Kaido scoffed. "Why should I? That lunatic dragged me into the Marineford raid, then vanished when it all went south. He left me to deal with that brat Darren alone."
His teeth clenched.
"Linlin warned me back in the Rocks days—never trust Shiki unless Captain orders it."
Kaido's grip tightened on his flask. "Honestly? I almost hope that brat Darren gives him a taste of humility."
Pirate alliances were fleeting. Built on profit. Maintained by fear. Kaido trusted no one—except, maybe, Big Mom. And even that was just convenience.
King said nothing, but the unease twisting in his gut didn't fade.
Something was coming. Something none of them could control.
---
Grand Line — A Remote Island
A bonfire crackled on the shore, casting flickering shadows across the white sand.
Around it, the Roger Pirates laughed, roasted meat, and raised mugs in song. The night was warm, the sky star-pierced, and for a fleeting moment, peace reigned.
But a little ways off, behind a large boulder, sat their captain.
Gol D. Roger.
His back slumped. His breath wheezed. His hand trembled slightly as it pressed against his side.
"Cough... cough... cough..."
His face was pale. His hair disheveled. The light in his eyes dimmed with exhaustion.
Rayleigh and Gaban stood nearby, arms crossed, their expressions taut with worry.
"Hey, quit looking at me like that," Roger croaked with a grin. "I'm not dying yet."
He flexed one arm, striking a ridiculous pose. "We've still got a journey to finish."
Rayleigh clicked his tongue. "You idiot. Just shut up."
Gaban shook his head and sighed.
But even so, Roger's laughter had a way of softening the weight in their chests. For a moment, it felt like nothing had changed.
We'll stay with you until the end, they thought. Until this brilliant, blinding voyage reaches its final page.
"Captain, time for your medicine," a calm voice said nearby.
Crocus appeared, his signature saffron-like hairstyle bobbing slightly. He wore beach shorts and a floral shirt, holding a steaming bowl of pitch-black liquid.
Roger grimaced. "Ugh, do I have to? It's not like I'll keel over tomorrow... right?"
Crocus sighed. "If you want to complete your journey, you need it."
"I added sugar this time."
Roger squinted at him suspiciously. "You're not tricking me?"
He turned to Rayleigh and Gaban.
Both nodded a little too quickly.
"Definitely not bitter!" they chorused, eyes twitching.
"Fine..."
Roger downed the bowl in one swift gulp—then immediately spat it all over the sand.
"PTHOO!!"
"So bitter!!" he wailed, clutching his mouth.
Crocus turned away in silence.
"I'll go brew another."
"Thank you, Dr. Crocus!!" Rayleigh and Gaban called after him, bowing profusely.
But before the laughter could resume, heavy footsteps approached.
Rayleigh and Gaban stiffened.
A tall figure emerged from the shadows—muscular, imposing, golden hair gleaming in the firelight.
Douglas Bullet.
He stopped a few feet away from Roger, gaze fixed on his Captain.
"So... it's true," Bullet muttered. "You really don't have much time left."
Roger slowly stood, brushing sand from his pants. His smile returned, carefree as ever. "Looks like the secret's out."
Bullet stared at him for a long moment.
Then turned his back.
"If you're not the strongest anymore... then I have no reason to stay."
Rayleigh and Gaban flinched.
"What the hell are you talking about?!" Gaban barked. "We're about to complete our voyage!"
"You'd abandon us now?" Rayleigh demanded.
But Bullet didn't stop.
"A dying man isn't fit to be the Captain of Douglas Bullet."
"You—!"
"It's alright," Roger said gently, raising a hand to stop them.
He watched Bullet's retreating figure with a quiet smile.
"Sorry to disappoint you, Bullet!" he called out.
Bullet froze.
His fists clenched. His jaw trembled.
"What the hell are you babbling about, Roger?!" he shouted without turning. "I never expected anything from you in the first place!"
He stormed down to the shore, boarded the small submarine, and disappeared beneath the waves.
Roger's laughter rang after him—rich, honest, undiminished.
"Bullet... go on. I believe you'll become the strongest."
Inside the submarine, far from the bonfire's glow, Bullet sat alone in silence.
Then, with a roar, he slammed both fists into the controls.
"Damn it!! DAMN IT!!"
Tears streamed silently beneath his golden bangs.
To be continued...