Chapter 319: The Fall of Marineford  

"Fuffuffuffuffu, the strongest man in the world, huh? What a terrifying individual. Three days ago Esdeath was defeated by Zephyr. Yesterday, Li Yuan charged into the North Blue and decapitated Zephyr. And today, the news of it is plastered everywhere!" 

Doflamingo burst into manic laughter as he read the latest newspaper about Zephyr's demise. 

Li Yuan, the man Doflamingo had admired since childhood, wasn't just a great pirate—he was the strongest force the world had ever seen. 

Doflamingo vividly recalled his encounter with Esdeath. The humiliation of being defeated by a single strike from her was still fresh in his mind. 

Back then, he had harbored a moment of murderous intent toward her. Now, just the thought of it sent a chill down his spine. If he had acted on that impulse, it might have been *his* head rolling on the ground instead of Zephyr's. 

"Nyehehehehe, Young Master, the Infinite Pirates are too terrifying. Should we scale back our dealings with them?" 

Trebol asked nervously, his voice dripping with apprehension. 

"Fuffuffuffuffu, no, Trebol, you've got it all wrong. The scarier the Infinite Pirates, the more valuable they are as allies! In this world, success depends on the strength of your connections and backing." 

"We won't scale back our cooperation—we'll deepen it. We'll sell more weapons and generate even greater profits for the Infinite Pirates. Only then will they favor us and remove our current limitations, like that annoying cap of two billion Berries in annual arms deals. I want an unrestricted supply!" 

Doflamingo's laughter echoed throughout the room, tinged with excitement and ambition. 

Meanwhile, aboard the Moby Dick, the Whitebeard Pirates were also reading the news. 

"Dad, big news again! This time, it's about Li Yuan. After Zephyr attacked Esdeath, Li Yuan personally avenged her by taking Zephyr's head!" 

"Li Yuan is incredible. Esdeath's lucky to have a father like him!" Jozu exclaimed, his voice filled with admiration. 

"Gurararara! Li Yuan knows how to protect his own, just like me!" Whitebeard chuckled heartily. 

"Jozu, don't envy Esdeath too much. Your old man isn't too shabby, either. If anyone dares to bully you, no matter how powerful they are, I'll take their head myself and bring it back for you to kick around like a ball!" 

Whitebeard's laughter grew louder as he patted Jozu on the head. 

Elsewhere, Golden Lion Shiki was contemplating the news, his mind fixated on Marineford. 

"With Zephyr dead, only Sengoku and Garp are left to hold the line. Could it be time to take down Marineford?" 

The thought of erasing Marineford from the map tantalized him. 

"Captain, Marineford is too close to Mariejois. The World Government won't just stand by and watch us destroy it. If we're going to attack Marineford, we'll need the Infinite Pirates' help," suggested Reinhardt, one of Shiki's trusted advisors. 

Shiki paused, realizing the truth in Reinhardt's words. A lone assault by the Flying Pirates would be suicidal if the World Government sent reinforcements. 

"I'll call Li Yuan. Let's see if he's interested in making a move!" 

"Shiki, don't tell me you called just to congratulate me on killing Zephyr. If that's the case, spare me—I've heard enough congratulations to last a lifetime." 

Li Yuan's relaxed voice carried a hint of amusement as he answered the call. 

"Gyahahahaha! Don't flatter yourself. Killing Zephyr is nothing to brag about. When I take Sengoku's head, *then* you can congratulate me!" 

Shiki retorted, clearly annoyed. 

"Alright, alright, big talk. So why are you calling? I'm sure you didn't just want to blow your own horn," Li Yuan replied, amused. 

"Gyahahahaha! Don't you think now's the perfect time to wipe out Marineford?" 

"With the World Government weakened and Zephyr dead, the Navy is at its lowest point. If we strike now, we could completely destroy Marineford. What do you say? Want to join forces?" 

Shiki's excitement was palpable. 

"Shiki, you're too optimistic," Li Yuan said, his tone suddenly serious. 

"Even without Zephyr, Sengoku and Garp can hold us off. Add the Five Elders and the remaining naval forces, and we'd be overwhelmed. 

"Let's not forget that Mariejois likely still has hidden top-tier fighters. If they intervene, we'd have no choice but to retreat, humiliated." 

Li Yuan's analysis was sharp and precise, dampening Shiki's enthusiasm. 

"Unless you can convince Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Wang Zhi to join us, attacking Marineford is out of the question." 

Shiki sighed, acknowledging the truth in Li Yuan's words. 

"Those idiots are too focused on claiming territory in the New World. They'd never agree to such a risky venture." 

"Exactly. But we *can* focus on something else—removing the Navy's last stronghold in the New World. Let's completely drive them out," Li Yuan suggested, a sly smile creeping onto his face. 

"Gyahahahaha! Now *that* I can get behind. We'll handle it ourselves. The Flying Pirates will take care of this stronghold!" 

Shiki's excitement reignited as he claimed the task for his crew. 

"No, no, Shiki. My subordinates need the exercise too. Let's make it a competition—whoever destroys the stronghold faster wins," Li Yuan countered. 

"Gyahahahaha! Fine, you're on. Neither of us will intervene; we'll let our crews handle it. Let's see who finishes first!" 

Meanwhile, on Oni Island, Esdeath was undergoing grueling training under the weight of a massive boulder carried by Iva, the giant automaton created by Li Yuan. 

Ever since her defeat at Zephyr's hands, Esdeath had thrown herself into relentless training, determined to grow stronger. 

Initially, she had sought out Ashura Doji, hoping for a serious sparring match. However, the veteran samurai had refused, advising her to train with the giants of Elbaf instead. 

"Thank goodness I didn't take her challenge seriously. If I had hurt her, the captain would've killed me for sure," Ashura Doji muttered to himself as he read about Zephyr's death in the news. 

Esdeath, unable to spar with Ashura Doji, had returned to Oni Island to train under Iva's watchful eye. 

"Esdeath, your muscles are already severely strained. This kind of overtraining goes beyond your natural recovery capabilities. If you continue, you risk permanent injury," Iva warned, its voice filled with concern. 

"I'm fine. I can handle it," Esdeath replied through gritted teeth, her determination unwavering. 

Her pride as Li Yuan's daughter and the sting of her defeat drove her forward, pushing her body to its limits. 

Just then, a familiar voice called out. 

"Sis, is it true you lost to Admiral Zephyr?" 

Esdeath turned to see her younger sister, Akame, approaching. Her red eyes sparkled with mischief as she teased Esdeath, clearly enjoying the opportunity to poke fun at her elder sibling. 

(End of Chapter)