New World, Raijin Island.
This was one of the most dangerous islands in the entire New World.
After leaving Fishman Island, the Log Pose pointed straight here as one of the next islands on the route.
Because of the island's harsh weather and extreme environment, most pirate crews who made it this far only stayed briefly before leaving.
Almost no one dared venture deep into Raijin Island.
But…
It was fortunate that they didn't.
Otherwise, their journey through the New World might have ended right here.
"Sss… King-sama, this place really isn't somewhere humans should be!"
A member of the Beasts Pirates shivered as he watched lightning streak across the sky again and again.
Even seasoned pirates had to bow before the terrifying force of nature here.
Of course… this didn't include their captain.
The "Beast" Kaido.
He was a monster even among monsters, one who would sometimes leave the safety of the center of the island just to stand under the falling lightning.
Getting struck while laughing like a madman.
Right now, Kaido was doing just that, arms spread wide.
"Not enough! More!"
"Boom!"
Another wave of lightning slammed into him.
King covered his eyes helplessly.
"Ah… Kaido's been drinking again."
"Let him drink," Queen said, licking sweet red bean soup from a bowl, his bloated body shaking as he spoke. "On this island, only Kaido can withstand this kind of lightning anyway… Besides, since we haven't expanded our territory in so long, the boss needs something to vent his fighting spirit on, right? And let me tell you, sugar… sugar is truly one of life's pure joys."
"Maybe check your stomach before diabetes checks you," King rolled his eyes and ignored him, walking deeper into the safe zone.
Just like the calm center of a tornado, Raijin Island had a wide, storm-free zone at its heart.
Very few crews ever reached this place.
The Roger Pirates had, once.
And now the Beasts Pirates as well.
But the Beasts Pirates only made it here thanks to Kaido himself, who transformed into his massive azure dragon form to shield everyone under his body.
For all his ruthlessness toward enemies, Kaido was an outstanding leader to those loyal to him.
Still… moving to Raijin Island had been a last resort.
After Kozuki Oden led countless samurai to drive them out of Wano, the Beasts Pirates needed a new base.
They scouted many locations before finally choosing Raijin Island.
The weather was brutal, but the inner safe zone was a paradise—rich soil, abundant resources, and protected by a ring of constant lightning. A natural fortress.
For the last two years, they had lived here, sometimes exchanging information with other major powers like Doflamingo's Donquixote Family or Big Mom's "Totto Land," but taking little real action.
Kaido himself rarely stayed put on the island.
In recent years, he was more like a lone berserker, tearing through the New World with unstoppable strength and an almost indestructible body.
He looked wild and reckless, but in truth, he was searching for ways to make the Beasts Pirates even stronger…
That was why he had tried multiple times to raid Egghead Island, only to be blocked each time by the Marines stationed there—"Kizaru" Borsalino and "Chaton" Tokikake.
Later, he had gone to the North Blue to find Vinsmoke Judge, said to be an expert in genetic modification with an army of clone soldiers under his command.
After meeting Judge and acquiring part of his technology, Kaido offered greater rewards in exchange for the full cloning and genetic research.
But half a year ago, news came that the Germa Kingdom had undergone a coup. Judge had been overthrown and killed, and his queen, Maria D. Sora, had taken the throne.
When Kaido sent people to demand the promised technology a few days ago, they found the Germa Kingdom had vanished from the North Blue entirely.
This made him… furious beyond belief.
So after drinking himself senseless, he had marched straight into the heart of the storm, arms wide, welcoming the wrath of nature itself.
It felt like some invisible hand was sabotaging him at every turn.
Every plan ended in failure.
The feeling was… …absolutely infuriating.
"Fuffuffuffuffu! The legendary 'Beast' Kaido… falling apart over mere setbacks? If that's the case, I might have to rethink our little partnership."
Kaido raised his head toward the voice.
The man known as "Joker" in the underworld approached, a rain-shield of string held above his head.
"You came in person?"
"Of course. You're the strongest ally the Donquixote Family has ever had. I had to show my sincerity."
Doflamingo looked at the towering figure of Kaido standing in the storm.
The sheer, monstrous aura pouring off him made cold sweat crawl down Doflamingo's back.
It was his first time facing this beast at full power.
Terrifying didn't even begin to cover it.
But… even this was nothing compared to the fear Michael had once planted in his heart.
At least Kaido was an ally. That meant until their cooperation ended, Doflamingo didn't have to worry about this monster turning on him.
Thinking this, Doflamingo straightened his back and met Kaido's gaze head-on.
For a moment, black lightning crackled through the air between them.
Conqueror's Haki colliding!
Kaido's eyes widened, his Haki surging forward.
Doflamingo gritted his teeth and pushed back—but in the end…
He failed.
Between "kings", the gap was clear.
"As a king, you've still got a long way to go, little Doflamingo," Kaido said, towering over him. "But for you, it's impressive enough… among your generation, no one can compare, right?"
Doflamingo's face darkened at the praise.
No one could compare?
Then why was he still crushed under the heel of that winged devil?
"This time, to show my sincerity… I brought you detailed information."
"About a Marine."
"A Marine named 'Maria D. Michael.'"
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