Kaido also could not understand why there were so many people in the first half of the Grand Line who shouldn't be there, wasting his time.
First, he encountered a flamboyant person using threads to swing between clouds, apparently someone who became a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea a few years ago. Their name was long and forgettable;
They blocked his path, being quite the nuisance, and with a sweep of his tail, he sent them flying, becoming a shooting star across the sky.
Then there was an idiot on Sky Island, who upon seeing Kaido, immediately declared themselves some kind of god and demanded that Kaido kneel.
Insane and foolish, utterly detestable, Kaido knocked them into unconsciousness with a Thundering Hakken, then kicked them down to the Blue Sea.
Finally, there was someone he encountered the day before yesterday, with a presence as sharp as a drawn sword. Kaido thought he finally got it right and eagerly went down to take a look.
——It turned out to be Hawkeye Mihawk.
He had known him for a long time but had no real relationship with him, only unfamiliar with his aura. For some reason, Mihawk was drinking gloomily, looking quite dejected, so Kaido left without saying hello.
Until tonight.
He finally managed to find Shano's trail…
Not easy at all!
"Is that so…"
Shano glanced at Kaido with some surprise.
This old guy, appearing rough and forthright on the outside, seemed like a reckless brute similar to Jack, but it was all an act.
Beneath his deceptively crude exterior lay a mind capable of intricate planning.
"Urorororo!"
Kaido laughed wildly, taking a swig of alcohol, "Those fools really think I would obediently be their tool? This time, it's their turn to reap the consequences!"
"It seems we're on the same page, huh."
Shano grinned, "Then let's not waste time, let's go!"
He turned to Jack, who was just struggling out of the iron gate, gasping for breath:
"Go ahead and regroup, tell the others I'm heading to Judicial Island. As for the rest here, let Kuina deal with it herself."
He was referring to the repair and upgrade of the Endgame, and the handling of the remaining two captured CP9 agents.
"But boss…" Jack reverted to his human form, looking at Kaido with a face full of worry.
"Don't worry, I got this."
Shano patted his shoulder, nudging with his right foot to silently pick up an ivory that had somehow fallen, "Go on, listen up. This level of battle is beyond your involvement for now."
After saying this, he leapt into the air, Moonwalking to become a fleeting shadow rushing towards the sea.
Then, every so often, he used the tracks as a stepping point, heading towards Judicial Island.
"Hey, kid, your speed isn't bad!"
Kaido laughed loudly, his body suddenly swelling and transforming, in an instant becoming a massive azure dragon. With a swing of his tail, he chased after him.
...
Judicial Island.
Despite the surrounding seas being night, only this island had daylight spilling over, bright as midday.
To be precise, it is a place where it's daytime 24 hours a day, year-round, truly a "City That Never Sleeps."
It is one of the World Government's three major institutions and also the base of the secret intelligence department CP9.
Not long ago.
This place was ravaged by the Green Orge and Red Orge, suffering severe damage. The World Government deployed heavy troops, taking nearly a month to restore its original appearance.
At this moment.
Inside the meeting room of the Judicial Tower, CP9's highest officer Spandam, holding a cup of coffee, looked at his three subordinates who had just returned, with a displeased expression:
"You're saying… the two Devil Fruits were both taken by Clown Buggy in Spring Queen City?"
"Yes, Sir…"
Jabra turned his head, glaring resentfully at Fukurou the Silent, who guiltily lowered his head.
"Calm down, Sir."
Kumadori, with a face full of grief, drew out a dagger, "Don't blame my comrades. It was all my fault, I shall commit seppuku to atone right now! Yoyoe!"
"Tekkai!"
With a clang, the blade was deflected, leaving Kumadori unharmed.