Dawn broke across the horizon. A faint streak of pale light split the darkness as morning swept over the East Blue.
Kaito stirred awake, rubbing his eyes as sunlight streamed through the glass window. After washing up, he stepped outside to find Fujitora waiting patiently.
The two shared a quick meal before continuing their journey toward Shimotsuki Village, their next stop after the battle with the Golden Lion.
Kaito had hoped to meet the legendary swordsman Koushirou, but it seemed fate had other plans. The man was nowhere to be found — likely away on errands.
With Shiki's death, there was no longer any great threat left in the East Blue.
Kaito decided to take things slow, to see this famed swordsman for himself — and perhaps, to learn whether Koushirou had ties to the Revolutionary Army.
The two men moved at a leisurely pace, the morning wind brushing against them as the world below buzzed with excitement.
The entire sea, after the events of the previous night, was alive with disbelief and awe.
"Oh my god! I thought I was dreaming last night — turns out it was a real fight!"
"Kaito! The Golden Lion! He actually defeated the Golden Lion!"
"The Golden Lion, one of the legends alongside Roger and Whitebeard was taken down"
From taverns to intelligence circles, from restaurants to back-alley pubs, the same words echoed everywhere — Kaito and Golden Lion.
Whitebeard Pirates – Moby Dick
"Pops!" Marco said quietly, handing a newspaper to Whitebeard, whose expression was unusually solemn.
"Gurararara! It's nothing," Whitebeard laughed softly, waving a massive hand.
"Just the tides of time shifting again. Rayleigh's retired, and only old warhorses like Garp and Sengoku remain. A new age is upon us."
Marco hesitated. He could feel it — that quiet loneliness that crept into his father's voice.
It wasn't the loneliness of isolation, but the sorrow of watching one's era fade away.
"Marco," Whitebeard said suddenly. "Tell Ace to return. Thatch's revenge can wait."
Marco blinked in surprise, then nodded. "Got it, Pops."
Whitebeard raised his sake cup, a faint smile on his lips.
"For an old friend's passing — tonight, we drink."
"Aye, Pops!" Marco grinned, his usual cheer returning as the crew prepared a banquet in honor of the fallen age.
Red-Haired Pirates – Red Force
Shanks sat on the deck, his eyes scanning the latest report.
The corners of his mouth curved slightly, though his gaze was serious.
"Incredible," he murmured.
"I thought the Marines were clashing with the Golden Lion last night — never imagined it was that young man, Kaito."
"Wait, Kaito? The one with the 1.5 billion Berries bounty?" Benn Beckman asked, eyebrows raised.
"That's right," Shanks said, setting the paper down.
Beckman chuckled, lighting a cigarette.
"So we've got another monster rising from the East Blue."
"Yeah," Yasopp said, his tone half amazed, half excited.
"The fact he didn't harm civilians proves something — he's not one of those ruthless types. More like Luffy and his kind."
Shanks smiled broadly, the sunlight glinting off his red hair.
"Exactly. If fate ever brings us together, I'd like to share a drink with him."
He stood, raising his sake bottle high.
"Alright, everyone! Tonight, we celebrate — a new star has risen on the seas!"
"Yooo-hooo!"
The crew cheered, their voices echoing over the endless blue waves.
Big Mom Pirates – Whole Cake Island
Inside the grand Cake Castle, Charlotte Linlin's laughter shook the walls.
"Mama mama! So the old fool Shiki's finally been killed by a rookie, hmm?"
"Mom," said Perospero, her eldest son, his voice uneasy.
"Kaito's strong. Strong enough to kill Shiki. Are we really going after him over Baron Tamago?"
"Fufufu… what's there to fear?" Big Mom grinned, her sharp teeth glinting.
"If he reaches the New World, I'll deal with him myself. If he submits, I'll take him in. If not…"
Her tone turned cold, the air itself trembling with her killing intent.
"…then I'll crush him."
Perospero's smile thinned.
"Understood, Mama. I'll keep an eye on his movements."
Sabaody Archipelago – Shakky's Bar
Rayleigh leaned back in his chair, the news in his hand.
Shakky placed a glass before him, lighting a cigarette.
"So, the Golden Lion's really gone," she said softly.
Rayleigh nodded.
"An end to an era. The seas keep changing — whether we want them to or not."
They both fell silent, a faint sadness clouding their faces.
Marine Headquarters – Marineford
Inside the infirmary, Sengoku slowly opened his eyes.
His face was pale, his body still recovering from injuries sustained during the chaos.
"That man…" Sengoku murmured weakly.
"His eyes are dangerous — even more so than Garp described. Next time you face him, don't meet his gaze."
Vice Admiral Tsuru frowned.
"Avoid his eyes? That'll dull one's Observation Haki by at least half."
"Better that than losing your mind," Sengoku replied.
"But still… from what I've seen, Kaito isn't a monster like Kaido. If possible, I'd rather bring him into the Marines."
"Golden Lion… defeated by him," Tsuru muttered, scanning the latest reports.
"And he saved an entire island instead of letting it fall. That doesn't sound like a villain to me."
"Did you send anyone to Logue Town?" Sengoku asked.
"Yes. Momousagi, Chaton, Onigumo, and Dalmatian are already en route.
The island is crawling with Shiki's experimental beasts, but no major threats remain."
Sengoku sighed in relief.
"Good. Then we'll clean up what's left."
Tsuru nodded and turned to leave, but paused at the doorway.
"One more thing — what do you think about adding Kaito to the Shichibukai?"
Sengoku's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"If he accepts, I have no objections."
Tsuru smiled faintly.
"So even you don't see him as a villain. It's a shame, really — if not for his conflict with us, he'd have made a fine Marine."
Her tone darkened suddenly.
"What about Blackbeard? He contacted us again."
Sengoku's expression hardened.
"Grant his request. Roger's son cannot be allowed to live.
There are two open Warlord seats — give him one that's harmless. It'll keep him close where we can watch him."
Tsuru frowned.
"You realize this means we'll eventually face a full-scale war with Whitebeard?"
"I know," Sengoku said firmly.
"I'll inform Commander Kong and request the best medical team we have. We need to recover quickly ."
Tsuru sighed.
"Just remember, Sengoku — some wounds aren't physical."