Boom!
A thunderous crash shook the battlefield as the mighty dragon plummeted, stirring up a storm of dust and debris.
Kaito didn't even glance at it. In the next instant, his figure flashed and appeared before both Bullet and Redfield.
"The results are clear," Kaito said calmly. "So, will you both join my pirate crew?"
Redfield shrugged with a faint smirk. "Well, No objections here."
Bullet gritted his teeth but finally nodded. "Fine. I'll join too."
"Good," Kaito said, his expression unreadable. "Since you're part of my crew now, you're my comrades. Our pirate group doesn't take in just anyone — only elites. For now, there are only three of us."
Bullet folded his arms. "Then what's the name of our pirate crew?"
"Name?" Kaito blinked, rubbing his chin. "I… haven't thought of that yet."
Bullet: "…" Redfield: "…" They both exchanged looks that screamed disbelief.
Kaito sighed. "Alright, alright. I'll come up with one soon enough."
He cleared his throat, regaining composure. "In the meantime, I'll be recruiting more members. You two can act freely for now."
Bullet's eyes gleamed with excitement. "We can move freely? Perfect."
"As you wish," Kaito said flatly. "Before you go, head to the Sabaody Archipelago and get a Vivre Card made through the black market. I don't want false rumors spreading while I'm gone."
"Understood!" both men said in unison.
Without another word, the three of them soared toward Sabaody Archipelago, completely ignoring Kizaru, who hovered nearby.
Kizaru's mouth twitched as he watched them go. "Am I… being ignored right now?" he muttered. With a sigh, his body turned into golden light and dispersed into the sky.
---
Marine Headquarters
With the departure of Kaito and his group, the battle had officially ended.
But the silence that followed was deafening — the entire warship seemed frozen, weighed down by disbelief.
It was Garp and Tsuru (Staff Officer Crane) who finally broke the silence.
Garp frowned deeply. "So… Kaido's dead?"
Tsuru's eyes narrowed. "That sword slash cut him clean in half. No matter how strong his regeneration is, he can't survive that."
"Better make sure," Garp said grimly. "Tell Kizaru to confirm it."
Tsuru nodded. "And if Kaido truly is dead… this sea is about to become a lot more chaotic."
She lifted a Den Den Mushi and spoke. "Kizaru, are you there?"
"I'm here," came Kizaru's lazy voice. "I'm already near Impel Down."
"There are two things I need you to handle," Tsuru said sternly. "First, go to the island and confirm Kaido's death. Second, meet Morgans personally. Spread the news about today's battle — Marine's defeat and Kaido's fall."
She paused, her tone sharp. "Make sure the truth doesn't leak from any other source. This must be handled discreetly."
Kizaru sighed audibly. "Got it. Why do I always get stuck with the dirty work...?"
As the call ended, Tsuru's aged but sharp eyes glimmered. "Everyone," she ordered, "start preparing for the fallout. Kaito's new pirate crew…."
---
Sabaody Archipelago
Kaito handed each of his new crewmates a strip of Vivre Card paper, then tossed them each a small pouch of money.
"This is 100 million Berries. Use it as you see fit. Once I find the last member, I'll come to you."
Redfield gave a light laugh. "Understood, Captain. I look forward to our next meeting — hopefully, by then, you'll have thought of a name for our crew."
Kaito's mouth twitched. "Yeah, yeah. I'll think of one."
They parted ways, and Kaito turned toward the shadows of the underworld to meet an intelligence broker.
Money in one hand, information in the other — the deal was swift.
"East Blue?" he muttered, reading the report. "Why is she there?"
After a pause, a faint smile appeared on his face. "Perfect. It's been a while since I've been at the East Blue. Time to check on Risa."
After a quick meal at a local tavern, Kaito stepped out, a toothpick between his teeth, the sea breeze brushing past him.
"Mr. Kaito," a refined voice called out. "I am Baron Tamago, a knight of the Big Mom Pirates."
Kaito arched an eyebrow. "And what business does Big Mom have with me?"
Baron Tamago bowed slightly, his tone oozing politeness. "My mother wishes to invite you to join her crew. She's willing to offer you the position of a Sweet Commander — along with one of her unmarried daughters. You may choose whichever you desire."
Kaito stared at him in silence. "Nah, Not interested."
Tamago blinked in disbelief. "W–what did you just say? You're refusing…?"
"Did I stutter?" Kaito's gaze sharpened. "Kaido's already fallen by my hand. If Big Mom thinks she's any different, she can find out herself."
The Baron's expression turned dark. "Then you're declaring war against us?"
Kaito's smirk turned cold. "If that's what it means, then yes."
With that, he walked past the Baron.
Fury twisted Tamago's face. "You dare insult Mama? You'll regret this!" He drew his sword from his cane, charging at Kaito.
Kaito stopped mid-step and looked over his shoulder. "You attacked first. Don't blame me for what happens next."
In a flash, his figure vanished.
The air cracked —
a blinding strike connected before Tamago could even react.
Clang!
The Baron's sword bent under the sheer force, shattering in an instant.
Boom!
The impact sent Tamago flying, his eggshell body cracking apart as he hit the ground.
When the dust cleared, a small yellow chick stood where he fell.
The chick squawked angrily, twin daggers forming in his wings. "You'll pay for that!"
The sky dimmed.
Kaito appeared above him, lightning dancing across his body.
With a flick of his wrist, a surge of black lightning crashed down like divine punishment.
Crackle!
The air burned and twisted under the impact.
When the storm cleared, nothing remained of the chick but scorched feathers.
Kaito brushed his sleeve lightly. "Pathetic."
He turned toward the horizon, eyes glinting. "East Blue, huh? Guess it's time to move."