"Perhaps," Sakazuki chuckled.
Carol looked perplexed. "You don't know either?"
Sakazuki replied, "I'm not a saint, how would I know?"
"Liberating the world is merely a byproduct of ultimate victory."
"There's no rush, I can wait until everything is over to settle scores."
"But Dragon is different; his goal is to liberate the entire world."
"With such an ideal, who knows if he can tolerate even a grain of sand in his eye."
"Resolving it would be incredibly troublesome, not only would it cause significant internal strife, but it might even lead to regression."
"If it's not resolved... then the very existence of the Revolutionary Army becomes questionable."
"Therefore..."
"Find someone to gather all the evidence, slowly. The more people involved, the better."
"If he chooses to endure for now, that's even better."
"The initiative will be in our hands."
"When the time is right, we'll release it and force him to deal with it."
"Chaos..."
Carol gasped, "The hearts of those who play politics are truly dark..."
Sakazuki said languidly, "Dark?"
"It's merely in pursuit of ultimate victory."
"Abandon all emotions, maintain absolute rationality, and nothing in the world can stop you from advancing towards your goal."
"So-called good and evil are both insignificant."
"Since the goal has been set."
"It must be pursued thoroughly, without the slightest hesitation."
"Everything I do is destined to be built upon countless sacrifices."
"Victory doesn't come with mere words."
"Even if the whole world denies me, so what?"
"Without those pointless emotions, no one can stop me. Ultimate victory will be mine."
"People... we only come into this world once."
"We should leave something behind."
"This world, controlled by the so-called Celestial Dragons, is the most absurd joke in existence."
"Since it's a joke, let's burn them to ashes with magma."
"I don't know what the world will be like in a hundred years."
"I don't know how people will judge me."
"But one thing is certain, even a thousand years from now."
"There will still be traces proving that I once existed..."
----------
New World, Kuku Island.
For reasons unknown, all plants and fruits on the island taste bitter, hence its name.
Although the taste is bitter, according to sampling and analysis by the inhabitants, its nutritional value is very high. Due to its unique flavor and nutritional value, it is very popular in the New World.
The island is located within the territory of one of the Four Emperors, Kaido, and is financially prosperous.
It is considered one of the islands that contributes the most treasure annually to Kaido's forces.
Kuku Island, Harbor.
Boom!
A fierce figure flew out.
A concave fist print appeared on his chest, and the black Armament Haki clinging to his body slowly receded.
The person had fainted.
The surrounding vendors looked at the Red-Haired Pirates in shock.
"This is bad!"
"Run!!!"
"If Lord Kaido arrives, no one will survive!!!"
"Damn it! You damned pirates!!"
"How dare you cause trouble on Lord Kaido's territory!"
"Hide!!!"
Lucky Roo retracted his fist, grinning, and took a bite of the meat in his hand.
Shanks held his forehead, looking helpless. "Ahhh—"
"This is so troublesome."
"Didn't I tell you not to cause trouble?"
Lucky Roo feigned ignorance, chuckling.
Benn Beckman, with a cigarette in his mouth, said, "He started it anyway."
Shanks sighed helplessly. "Oh my, oh my."
"We've already gotten into big trouble shortly after entering the New World."
"Four Emperors, huh."
Benn Beckman crossed his arms and chuckled, "I don't see you looking scared at all."
Shanks' wide grin spread. "You saw through me, hahahaha!"
On the ship, Yasopp, with his elbows resting on the railing, suddenly looked up at the sky and shouted to Shanks, "Hey~"
"Captain!"
"The main event is here~"
The rest of the Red-Haired Pirates followed Yasopp's gaze upwards.
A few individuals with powerful Observation Haki, alerted by Yasopp, already sensed the formidable aura.
The people on shore changed their expressions slightly. "Hey, hey... rushing down from such a height."
"Not slowing down?"
"Stop looking!"
"What are you waiting for!!!"
Swish—
A whistling sound filled the air as the figures instantly moved away from their positions.
In their perception, the landing spot of the ferocious beast was precisely where they had just stood...
Boom!!!
A large crater tens of meters in diameter appeared on the harbor's edge.
A giant hand gripped the edge of the pit.
Then, a seven-meter-tall, sturdy man with horns on his head climbed out, shaking his head. "Still not dead... truly..."
Boom!!!
A ferocious Conqueror's Haki pressed down on the surroundings, especially towards the Red-Haired Pirates.
Shanks' lips curled slightly. "Trying to give us a show of dominance..."
"Such a cliché move..."
Boom!!!
An equally astonishing Conqueror's Haki was hurled back.
Kaido grinned ferociously, staring intently at Shanks.
Shanks' lips curled slightly, meeting his gaze without flinching.
As time passed... Kaido's smile gradually receded.
His killing intent also grew stronger... He's too young...
Although Shanks' Haki was slightly inferior to his now, he had twenty more years of experience on the sea than Shanks...
Glancing over, the members of the Red-Haired Pirates all exuded no weak aura.
He regretted not bringing more men, he had underestimated them...
Boom—
Under the increasingly violent clash of Conqueror's Haki, the air seemed to explode, then returned to calm.
Only wisps of black and red energy floated in the air, evidence of what had just transpired.
Shanks spoke first, "As expected of one of the Four Emperors, Beast Kaido."
"Your reputation is well-earned..."
Kaido's eyes narrowed. "I didn't expect the brat from Roger's Pirate Crew back then to have grown to this extent."
"Truly terrifying..."
Shanks chuckled, "Not at all."
"It's all thanks to Captain Roger's good teaching."
Kaido snorted. "Roger..."
Kaido looked at his unconscious subordinate in the distance. "Kid, you came to my island and caused trouble. You'll have to offer some compensation."
Shanks' smile slowly faded. "Oh?"
"What kind of compensation do you want?"