The name— Patrick Redfield — was one few dared to speak lightly. Though his reputation wasn't as widespread as the Yonko, those who knew of him recognized his terrifying strength. He had once stood as an equal among legends like Gol D. Roger and Whitebeard.
Put simply, even if Garp and Sengoku joined forces today, they might still fall short against the Red Earl.
And then there was Bullet — Douglas Bullet, the Devil's Heir. Ever since Roger's death, the entire sea had been thrown into chaos, and Bullet's capture had once required the combined might of Sengoku, Garp, and a full Buster Call. That event had shaken the world and left a mark in history that could never fade.
Koushirou had thought the people Kaito recruited might simply be strong, but not on such a monstrous level. After hearing their names, he realized he had gravely underestimated him. Each of those two men possessed strength that could rival — or even surpass — an Admiral.
What puzzled him most was how these two could possibly be free. As far as he remembered, both had been locked away deep within Impel Down, and there had been no public news of any breakout.
Sensing Koushirou's confusion, Kaito smiled faintly.
"You're wondering about their imprisonment, aren't you? Yes, I went there myself and brought them out. The Marines covered it up to avoid public humiliation."
"So that's how it is!" Koushirou said with a sigh of surprise.
Looking toward the window, he noticed the sky turning amber.
"It's getting dark already. Let's eat first."
"Good idea," Kaito and Fujitora replied in unison.
The meal was simple and light — mostly vegetables and rice — but prepared with care. Kaito and Fujitora both ate with calm satisfaction.
After the dishes were cleared, Kaito spoke casually.
"I heard that you, Koushirou, might have ties with the Revolutionary Army. Is that true?"
Koushirou blinked, startled. Then, quickly waving his hand, he said,
"You're mistaken, Kaito-san. I have no connection with them. Those are just baseless rumors."
Kaito chuckled softly.
"I see. Perhaps I overthought it."
Two days later, Kaito and Fujitora bid farewell to Koushirou. Using his Wood Release ability, Kaito crafted a medium-sized ship, and the two set sail once again toward the Grand Line.
His current identity made returning to Windmill Village unwise for the moment. Once things cooled down, he planned to go back.
Meanwhile, a new piece of news exploded across the seas, overshadowing Kaito's recent fame entirely.
The Pirate Expo was to be held once again — and this year, the grand prize was none other than the Eternal Log Pose to Raftel, the legendary final island where Gol D. Roger ended his journey.
The moment the news broke, the entire world erupted.
Countless pirates who had once set sail chasing Roger's last words now stirred with renewed ambition. An Eternal Pose to Raftel — the key to the Pirate King's legacy — was now the prize of a single competition. It was madness, and no pirate could resist such temptation.
Even the Seven Warlords and the Four Emperors received invitations. This year's Expo was destined to be unprecedented — even Marine Headquarters had been invited.
Marine Headquarters
Tsuru sat at her desk, studying the ornate invitation card in silence. Her brows furrowed.
"The end of August… just over two weeks from now," she muttered.
She reached for her Den Den Mushi and made a call.
"Tsuru-san? What's the matter?" came the gentle voice of Momousagi on the line.
"Have you heard the rumors about the Pirate Expo circulating across the sea?"
"Yes," Momousagi replied, her tone turning serious. "What are our orders?"
"The prize this time — the Eternal Log Pose to Raftel — is of immense importance to the world government. We cannot allow another Pirate King to rise."
She paused, then continued firmly,
"The island is located in the New World. Finish your mission in Loguetown within three days. You'll join Chaton and a Buster Call unit, then meet Kizaru in the New World. Secure that Eternal Pose — and if you can't secure it, destroy it. Understood?"
"Understood, Tsuru-san!" Momousagi answered without hesitation.
Whitebeard Pirates – Moby Dick
Whitebeard leaned back in his massive chair, a nostalgic smile on his face.
"The pointer to Raftel, huh? Marco, this time you'll take charge. Remember, our lives matter more than any treasure. If things look bad, pull back."
Marco nodded firmly.
"Got it, Pops."
Across the seas, the Big Mom Pirates and the Red Hair Pirates made similar arrangements. In the shadows, bounty hunters of every rank and ambition began sharpening their blades, preparing for what would be the most chaotic gathering in recent history.
Loguetown
Kaito and Fujitora disguised themselves as ordinary travelers, moving through the busy port streets while resupplying their ship.
Marines were scattered across the area, still cleaning up after recent pirate skirmishes. The town buzzed with talk about the Expo.
"The Eternal Pose to Raftel… it's real?" Fujitora asked, overhearing a nearby group.
"Yeah," one sailor said. "Word is it came from Bullet — the Devil's Heir himself."
"Bullet?" Kaito raised an eyebrow. "So he's behind this."
Fujitora folded his arms.
"Should we intervene? The Pirate Expo will draw every major pirate alive. Even Marines will be there. It'll be dangerous."
Kaito grinned faintly.
"Of course we're going. How could we miss such a grand event?"
"At our ship's speed, we'll reach the New World in about ten days," Fujitora noted.
"Then we leave immediately," Kaito replied.
They finished gathering supplies and set sail, their wooden ship gliding swiftly toward the New World.
New World – A bustling island
Amid the vibrant chaos of the marketplace, Redfield stood beneath a parasol, listening to the chatter of the crowd. His expression was calm but tinged with amusement.
"So, he's stirring up the world again," he murmured. "That loud brat never changes."
He sighed, then smiled faintly.
"Well, since we're crewmates now, I might as well join the fun."
He tossed aside his empty skewer and began walking toward the heart of the island.
At the center of all the commotion sat Douglas Bullet himself, lounging arrogantly on a chair, a Den Den Mushi in one hand.
"Is everything ready?" he asked coldly.
"All invitations have been sent, even to the Marines," Festa's voice answered through the snail. "They'll be arriving soon. And don't forget our deal, Bullet."
Bullet smirked.
"Relax. I haven't forgotten."
He hung up and glanced at the gleaming green Eternal Pose in his palm.
"At last," he muttered, grinning wider. "The world will finally see true strength."
He leaned back, eyes glinting.
"I bet the captain's heard by now. I just hope he doesn't ruin my fun. That would be boring."
Somewhere in the Grand Line – A remote island
Dark energy crackled in the air as Blackbeard Teach let out a booming laugh, shadows coiling around him like living smoke.
"Zehahaha! Ace, you're too reckless, too young, and far too arrogant!"
His grin widened, revealing a mouth with a missing tooth.