Katakuri shook his trident, flicking the blood aside. The sight left the BIG MOM Pirates in stunned silence.
They had not expected him to retain such strength; this was Katakuri at his absolute peak, showing no signs of injury. Hope rekindled in their eyes.
Katakuri glanced at his crew, discerning their thoughts through their gazes. Yet he repeated the same command with unwavering authority. "Contract all battle lines and retreat to Cake Island."
"Big Brother Katakuri, why?" Charlotte Komira asked, scratching her head in confusion. Since he had fully recovered, why retreat instead of defeating the intruders?
Other members of the BIG MOM Pirates mirrored her doubt. As veterans of a Four Emperors' crew accustomed to dominance, the idea of shrinking back was almost unbearable.
"Yeah, why?" one muttered.
Katakuri's eyes dimmed. He had never experienced such resistance to his decisions before. He had used Conqueror's Haki because he refused compromise, yet now, as acting captain, he had to prioritize the safety of his younger siblings.
"Since I am now acting Captain, the first order is to contract the battle lines. All of you, return to Cake Island." His tone left no room for refusal.
The crew fell silent, retreating without question. Watching their backs disappear, Katakuri drove his trident into the ground, appearing older by several years in that instant.
"Wurorororo, Katakuri," a familiar voice echoed from above.
Katakuri's frown deepened. He recognized the voice immediately. It belonged to Four Emperors Kaido. Looking up, he saw a giant blue dragon descending toward Cake Island.
"It truly is a tumultuous time," Katakuri murmured. "I did not expect an Emperor to intervene."
Katakuri knew of Kaido's relationship with Charlotte Linlin and understood the man's scheming nature. Kaido was unlikely here to mourn or assist selflessly; his intentions were calculated.
As Katakuri watched, the dragon transformed into Kaido, landing before him.
"Katakuri," Kaido began, "I express my regret for Charlotte Linlin's death. Yet as her friend, I feel compelled to help clean up this mess."
Katakuri's vigilance did not waver. Losing Charlotte Linlin had no emotional effect on Kaido; this was a matter of opportunity and power.
"And how does Lord Kaido intend to help us?" Katakuri asked cautiously.
Kaido's eyes gleamed with ambition. "I'll help you take revenge on Rolan. At the same time, I will send forces to stabilize your territories in Totto Land."
Katakuri remained silent, anticipating a condition.
"But in exchange, you must join the Beasts Pirates," Kaido stated. "You will remain the BIG MOM Pirates, retaining control of Totto Land, but under my affiliation."
Katakuri weighed the offer. Survival in the New World demanded immense strength or powerful allies. Without Charlotte Linlin, their resources alone could not secure Totto Land. Aligning with Kaido, a Four Emperors like Charlotte Linlin, was the wisest course.
Kaido added, "As a condition, you must assist me in ascending to the Pirate King's throne."
Katakuri did not want to be beholden to anyone. But for the sake of his crew, he had to consider carefully. After a long pause, he replied, "This matter concerns all members of the BIG MOM Pirates. I must confer with them before giving an answer."
Kaido smiled knowingly. The first step toward success was already achieved.
---
New World, Rolan and the Ion Tempest's New Territory
"Rolan, we've conquered a vast portion of Cake Island and handed it over. Will that be..." Crocodile's tone carried a hint of reluctance.
Enel, unusually quiet, added, "Yes, so many islands. If we claimed them all, Sky Nation's territory would surpass all Four Emperors' holdings. It would benefit our future operations."
The rest of Rolan's crew shared the same doubts. Why did he not claim these spoils for himself, letting smaller pirates occupy them?
Kuro, observing quietly, explained, "It's not that Rolan doesn't want the islands. Taking them now would stretch our forces thin. Our priority, having just arrived in the New World, is to establish a firm foothold. Expansion can come later. With our strength, territory will naturally follow."
Rolan nodded, confirming Kuro's assessment.
"When will we move Sky Island over? There's nothing left here," Lina remarked, echoing the curiosity of the crew.
Rolan clasped his hands behind his head, a nonchalant smirk on his face. "After a few days of rest, we'll go to Paradise and move Sky Island over."