The Strength Of The World Government

Charlotte Linlin asked with concern. "Has the World Government revealed who or how many people were responsible for killing them this time?"

This news was critical. Charlotte Linlin was deeply curious—what kind of force did the World Government send this time that could actually kill Kaido and Bullet?

The combined strength of those two wasn't ordinary—even three Marine Admirals might not be enough to defeat them.

And yet, they were both killed. Just like that. It was hard to believe.

At that moment, Katakuri looked puzzled and answered truthfully,

"Mom, the World Government hasn't announced who killed Kaido and Bullet."

"They only released photos of their corpses. As for anything else, there's nothing—not even a clue about the ones responsible."

Hearing this, everyone present felt a heavy weight settle in their hearts.

As the old saying goes: 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you'll never lose a battle.'

If they could identify who had taken down Kaido and Bullet, at least they'd have a sense of the strength they were dealing with—and remember the name of such a formidable figure.

But the World Government had kept everything quiet.

That left too much room for speculation. No one could guess just how many terrifying powerhouses the World Government still had in reserve.

This made them all feel extremely unsettled.

"Mom," Katakuri continued, "I think the most important thing right now is to stay on high alert. We shouldn't expand into other sea territories. Instead, we should consolidate our forces."

"Until we know what the World Government intends to do, we must stay ready for anything."

"And in the meantime, everyone should strengthen themselves—so we're prepared for whatever might happen."

Upon hearing it, Charlotte Linlin immediately nodded in agreement.

Although Charlotte Linlin wasn't usually thought of as a tactician, she was no fool. She quickly laid out her strategy.

"From now on, all islands under the control of Cake Island are to pull their forces back to the capital."

"And all my children—you need to start working hard. Train. Push your limits. If you don't want to die when disaster comes, then you'd better give it everything you've got."

Even Charlotte Linlin was beginning to feel uneasy. If Kaido could be killed, then she was by no means safe. The World Government had become a genuine threat.

The only thing she could do now was to strengthen their side as much as possible, preparing for the worst.

Her words made everyone clear on what they needed to do.

They all nodded solemnly.

Then began arranging their respective tasks.

Meanwhile…

Whitebeard Pirates – Morcos Island

The Whitebeard Pirates were docked and resupplying on Morcos Island when a seagull suddenly flew overhead.

It circled the sky once, then dropped a newspaper.

As soon as Marco spotted it, he spread his wings and flew up, catching the paper mid-air.

Landing gracefully, Marco opened it—and the moment he saw the headline, his pupils constricted sharply.

He couldn't believe what he was reading.

His shock didn't go unnoticed. The other crew members picked up on it immediately.

Diamante walked over and gave him a pat.

"What's wrong? What did you see?"

Marco didn't respond. Without a word, he turned and rushed straight to Whitebeard, who was lying back on a soft sofa, basking in the sun and sipping wine.

"Father… something's wrong."

Marco stood before him, unfolding the paper and saying in disbelief:

"Kaido is dead… and so is Bullet."

Whitebeard, relaxed and enjoying his drink just moments ago, suddenly narrowed his eyes.

The wine in his mouth turned tasteless. He put down the jug, snatched the newspaper, and scanned its contents.

His expression changed immediately.

Though Kaido wasn't on his level, he was still immensely strong.

To think he had been killed…

Reading the article in detail, Whitebeard couldn't help but curse silently: "What a fool."

The World Government was already a dangerous force—Whitebeard himself wouldn't provoke them lightly. But Kaido, proud and reckless, had gone and stirred that hornet's nest.

Was he really so eager to die?

Whitebeard rose to his feet, slowly making his way to the bow of the ship. He looked out at the endless blue sea and let out a long sigh.

So many unbelievable things had happened in such a short time.

The Golden Lion was dead. Rayleigh was gone. Now even Bullet and Kaido were gone.

So many legends had vanished from the world—before the new era had even arrived.

What came next was anyone's guess.

"The world is about to change," he murmured.

"The World Government has already started to move."

Based on their recent activity, Whitebeard could sense it—something major was about to happen.

"Father, what should we do now?" Marco asked, walking up beside him.

He too could sense that the World Government's hand was reaching far and wide.

Anyone who caught their attention ended up dead.

Even Emperors weren't safe anymore.

Whitebeard stayed silent for a moment. Then he finally said:

"Tell all my sons to stay put."

"Until we know what the World Government is really up to—we don't move."

He let out a deep sigh.

He wasn't afraid of the World Government—if it was just him. But he had sons now. People who relied on him. People he couldn't afford to lose.

This wasn't a gamble he was willing to take.

If he lost this time, the consequences would be beyond saving.

It was the first time Marco had ever heard his father speak with such caution.

He immediately understood—the Whitebeard Pirates would be lying low in the New World for a while.

The other crew members, including Diamante, exchanged uneasy glances.

They, too, felt a strange chill in the air.