Chapter 670 Trouble on the Horizon!
"The secret of the Celestial Dragons is bound to be exposed soon. But until that day comes, all we can do is wait... By the way, has anything noteworthy happened in the New World recently?"
In the Admiral's office, Rowen sipped tea leisurely while talking with Tesoro over the Den Den Mushi.
"If we're talking about major events... no, nothing significant."
Tesoro shook his head. The shockwaves from the Marine's massive restructuring were still settling, and during this period, no prominent pirate dared to cause trouble.
Even if some did, their actions weren't considered "major."
"However, I did receive an interesting piece of news this morning. I'm currently verifying its authenticity. Would Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon) care to hear it?"
"Oh? If someone like the great Gold Emperor finds it interesting, then I'd love to hear it."
Rowen raised an eyebrow, smiling teasingly.
"You flatter me."
Tesoro offered a humble reply before diving straight into the topic:
"Remember when I mentioned my people had located one of Kaido's weapons factories?"
"Yes, I recall. What about it?"
"It's just been raided," Tesoro said with a hint of amusement. "All the weapons were taken away, and those that couldn't be moved were blown to smithereens. The damage was considerable. According to reports, this was the work of this year's Supernova, Eustass 'Captain' Kid. He even replaced the Hundred Beasts Pirates' flag with his own, declaring— wait."
"Hold on," Tesoro interrupted himself as if receiving new information. There was a pause, followed by muffled noises as he handled the update. Soon, Tesoro returned to the line with renewed excitement.
"Speak of the devil, the intel has been confirmed."
"This year's Supernova are a fearless bunch. Eustass 'Captain' Kid attacked the weapons factory, openly declaring war on Kaido. Not only that but shortly before this, 'Mage' Basil Hawkins seized an island under Kaido's control. Although Hawkins hasn't made an official statement, it's pretty much a declaration of war too."
Tesoro's voice brimmed with amusement. Supernova challenging Yonko— or, as he quipped, "Niko"—was an annual spectacle beloved by seasoned players of the sea like him.
For someone as wealthy as Tesoro, such events presented lucrative opportunities to profit from betting and speculation.
"Both are targeting Kaido?!" Rowen blinked in disbelief. "Does Kaido seem easier to bully than Shanks?"
Imagining the two Yonko side by side, Rowen couldn't help but think that the one missing an arm, Shanks, would be an easier target.
The Supernova from the original story, along with the sudden rise of "Blackbeard" Teach, were collectively known as the "Worst Generation." Rowen wasn't surprised they would stir up trouble after entering the New World.
But for two of them to consecutively target Kaido? Now that was odd.
"Actually, that's not too surprising, Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)," Tesoro reminded him.
"Everyone knows that during the War, it was Shanks who stepped in to retrieve Whitebeard and Ace's bodies for a proper burial."
"The remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates owe the Red-Haired Pirates a favor for that. If anyone attacks Shanks, they'll certainly face reinforcements from all sides."
"Moreover..."
Tesoro's sly grin was almost audible over the Den Den Mushi.
"Compared to the intact Red-Haired Pirates, the Hundred Beasts Pirates, whose Three Disasters are now a thing of the past after losing one of their high-ranking officers to you, are far weaker."
"These young brats have sharp instincts. Naturally, they can see that."
'Soft targets attract predators.' Even lions hunt weaker prey, and Tesoro is delighted by the irony of the situation.
Years ago, Rowen had earned recognition for defeating "Drought" Jack, but that glory had since been overshadowed by his ever-growing list of accomplishments. However, the Hundred Beasts Pirates, who suffered significant losses from Jack's death, still hadn't found a replacement for him.
The power disparity between the two Yonko crews was evident to all.
"Unfortunately for these kids, they seem unaware that Kaido has spent the past few years in Wano Country, collaborating with Orochi to prepare for what he envisions as the ultimate war. He simply hasn't had the time to recruit new top-tier fighters to fill the gap in the Three Disasters."
"Exactly! Which is why I'm about to make a fortune!" Tesoro replied with a sly laugh.
The gambling industry in the Golden City was its backbone. If he didn't set up betting pools one year, the gamblers wouldn't even know where to place their bets.
'Supernova surpassing a Yonko?'
Sorry, no matter the year, such a miracle had never occurred.
But of course, Tesoro wouldn't spell that out too clearly. Instead, he'd exaggerate how "defeated" Kaido currently was, even dragging up the time Kaido lost to Akainu in the last major conflict to sway hesitant gamblers into betting against him.
As the saying goes, "Nine out of ten merchants are cunning," and Tesoro fits perfectly into that nine.
---
''Knock! Knock! Knock!''
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
"Kaido will definitely retaliate. Keep an eye on it and see if you can uncover anything in the process," Rowen said, hanging up the phone. Then, calmly, he called out:
"Come in!"
"Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)!"
A courier entered, his face alight with reverence. After saluting, he reported, "Fleet Admiral has requested your presence in his office for a meeting!"
"Understood. I'll head there immediately."
---
''Marine Headquarters – Fleet Admiral's Office''
The office was the same as always. Contrary to the original storyline, the office hadn't been severely damaged and relocated to New World's G-1 branch. Here, it remained at its original location.
Akainu sat in his familiar chair. After a moment of silence, he raised his head and began:
"Everyone, I believe we have trouble brewing."
"Trouble?"
Tsuru frowned slightly. "At this point, could it be Red Hair or Kaido stirring up problems?"
In Tsuru's eyes, the only ones who could trouble the Marines now were Shanks or Kaido.
"While there are indeed some issues in their territories, that's not what I'm here to discuss." Akainu slowly shook his head.
"According to reliable intelligence, Orrick was spotted several days ago on Colkla Island. The Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) believe this is no coincidence."
"Colkla Island?!"
Tsuru's wise eyes widened with astonishment. She couldn't help but ask, "Are we certain the location is Colkla Island?!"
"Absolutely."
"CP0 has already deployed a network covering every inch of the island to track Orrick's whereabouts. However, Adviser Tsuru, you must be aware— there's something even more significant about this matter!"
"Ah, if it's 'that' Colkla, then yes, you're right..."
---
"So… what's the deal? What's so special about that island?"
Rowen turned to Chaton beside him, who also looked puzzled and shrugged, indicating his own ignorance.
Just then, a sweet, melodic voice chimed in:
"Kind smiles, radiant smiles, your adorable face."
"A heart of silver, a heart of gold, I give it all to you."
"Alkimi, Alkema, embracing golden stars."
"Alkimi, Alkema, entering dreams… entering dreams..."
Rowen followed the voice to find Momousagi cradling her pet Kompira, singing a lullaby with a serene expression on her face while the men in the room stared at her with dumbfounded expressions on their faces.
"What's going on?" Rowen thought, tilting his head. "This tune… why does it sound oddly familiar?"
As the soothing lullaby ended, Momousagi glanced up at the bewildered male generals in the room. She sighed dramatically.
"Seriously? Did none of you have a childhood?"
"That's a 200-year-old nursery rhyme still sung today. Many mothers use it to lull their children to sleep."
The group: "..."
Rowen: "..."
'I get it, but why do you have to look at us like that?'
'As men, why should we care about lullabies?!'
'Do you want me to stand on my head and hum "The Moon Reflected on Second Spring"? Let's see who's the real menace here!'
'(End of Chapter)'
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