Sakazuki smiled and said:
"Maybe."
Karol looked a bit puzzled:
"You don't know either?"
Sakazuki said:
"I'm no saint, how would I know?"
"Things like liberating the world are just a side product of the final victory."
"No rush, I can wait until everything is over and settle the score afterward."
"But Dragon is different. His goal itself is to liberate the entire world."
"With ideals like that, whether he can tolerate any sand in his eyes remains to be seen."
"If you deal with it, it will be a real mess, not only creating massive internal chaos but possibly even causing regression."
"If you don't deal with it... then whether the Revolutionary Army will even continue to exist becomes the question."
"So..."
"Find someone to gather the evidence bit by bit. The more people involved, the better."
"If he chooses to endure for now, even better."
"The initiative will be in our hands."
"When the right time comes, expose everything, forcing him to deal with it."
"Everything thrown into chaos..."
Karol gasped sharply:
"People who play politics all have filthy hearts..."
Sakazuki said in a low voice:
"Filthy?"
"It's only for the sake of ultimate victory."
"Abandon all emotions, maintain absolute rationality, and nothing in this world can stop you from advancing toward your goal."
"Good and evil—both are insignificant."
"Once you set your sights on a goal,"
"then you must see it through completely, without the slightest hesitation."
"Everything I do will inevitably be built upon countless sacrifices."
"Victory doesn't come just because you talk about it."
"Even if the whole world denies me, so what?"
"Without those meaningless emotions, no one can stop me, and in the end, victory will be mine."
"Humans... we only come into this world once."
"You have to leave something behind."
"This world controlled by the so-called Celestial Dragons is the most absurd joke of all."
"Since it's a joke, then I'll burn it all to ashes with magma."
"What the world will look like a hundred years from now, I don't know."
"What people will say about me, I don't know either."
"But one thing is certain—even a thousand years later, there will still be traces proving I was here..."
...
New World, Bitter Island.
For unknown reasons, all the plants and fruits on the island taste bitter, hence the name.
Though bitter, after sampling and analysis, their nutritional value turned out to be very high, and thanks to this unique flavor and nutrition, they became very popular in the New World.
The island is located within the territory of one of the Three Emperors, Kaido, and is financially prosperous.
It's one of the islands under Kaido's command that contributes the most treasure every year.
Bitter Island, port.
Boom!
A ferocious figure was sent flying.
A deep fist mark dented his chest, the black Armament Haki covering his body slowly fading away.
He actually fainted.
The surrounding vendors stared at the Red-Hair Pirates in shock:
"Oh no!"
"Run!!!"
"If Kaido-sama shows up, we're all dead!!!"
"Damn it! Damn pirates!!!"
"Causing trouble on Kaido-sama's territory!"
"Hide!!!"
Lucky Roux retracted his fist, grinning, biting into the meat in his hand.
Shanks held his forehead helplessly:
"Ahhh—"
"What a hassle."
"Didn't I say no causing trouble?"
Lucky Roux just laughed stupidly.
Beckman, cigarette dangling from his mouth, said:
"Anyway, that guy started it first."
Shanks looked a little helpless:
"Ahhh."
"Just entered the New World, and already in big trouble."
"The Three Emperors, huh."
Beckman crossed his arms and smiled:
"Doesn't look like you're scared though."
Shanks grinned wide:
"Guess you saw through me, hahaha!"
On the ship, Yasopp leaned on the railing with both elbows, suddenly looked up at the sky, and shouted to Shanks:
"Hey~"
"Captain!"
"The main guy's here~"
The Red-Hair Pirates all followed Yasopp's gaze upward.
Those with powerful Observation Haki had already sensed the overwhelming aura after Yasopp's warning.
On the shore, a few faces changed slightly:
"Hey hey... falling from that high up."
"Not slowing down at all."
"Don't just stare!"
"What are you waiting for!!!"
Whoosh—
A sharp sound cut through the air, and the few instantly left the spot.
In their perception, the beast's landing point was exactly where they had just been standing...
Boom!!!
A massive crater tens of meters wide appeared at the edge of the port.
A huge hand grabbed the rim of the crater.
Then a massive man over seven meters tall, horns on his head, shook his head and climbed out:
"Not dead yet... damn..."
Boom!!!
An overwhelming Conqueror's Haki burst outward, especially toward the Red-Hair Pirates.
Shanks' lips curved slightly:
"Trying to intimidate us..."
"Such an old-fashioned move..."
Boom!!!
An equally overwhelming Conqueror's Haki clashed back.
Kaido's lips twisted into a grin, eyes locked firmly on Shanks.
Shanks smirked back, staring right back without the slightest hint of fear.
As time passed... Kaido's grin gradually faded.
The killing intent in his heart grew stronger... so young...
Though Shanks' Haki was slightly weaker than his now, Kaido had trained on these seas twenty years longer than him...
One glance at the Red-Hair Pirates showed that each crew member's aura was far from weak.
He regretted not bringing anyone with him, clearly underestimating them...
Boom—
With the increasingly violent clash of Conqueror's Haki, the air seemed to explode before settling into silence.
Only wisps of black and red remained in the air, showing what had just happened.
Shanks spoke first:
"As expected of Kaido of the Beasts, one of the Three Emperors."
"Truly lives up to the name..."
Kaido narrowed his eyes:
"Didn't expect that little kid from Roger's crew to have grown this much."
"Terrifying..."
Shanks laughed:
"Not at all."
"All thanks to Captain Roger's teachings."
Kaido snorted lightly:
"Roger..."
Kaido looked at his unconscious men in the distance:
"You come to my island causing trouble, you'd better pay some compensation."
Shanks' smile slowly faded:
"Oh?"
"What kind of compensation do you want?"
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg. 414 chapters in total