Chapter 134: Whitebeard’s Strategy Returns, Fighting the Marines Once More

"I'll fight alongside you, just give me the Devil Fruit cloning technology!" Kaido said eagerly, his voice thick with excitement.

The moment he acquired this technology, he could finally build his dream Beast Army. Just the thought made his blood boil with excitement.

"Not happening."

Roy's reply hit Kaido like a bucket of ice water.

The excitement vanished from Kaido's face, replaced by disbelief.

"Why not? I'm offering to help you. Do you even know what's coming? The World Government will never let you off the hook. They're going to wage war on you."

"The Navy's been itching to take down an Emperor; you've just given them the perfect excuse. And it won't just be them. The full might of the World Government will come crashing down on you. You really think your crew alone can stop them?!"

Roy replied calmly, "This is the Whitebeard Pirates' issue. Besides, if we can replicate one Devil Fruit, we can replicate others. Even if the World Government comes, there's no need to fear them."

"You have no idea what the World Government is capable of!" Kaido barked. "Even with that kind tech, you don't have the time or numbers to build an army! I'm trying to help you here. Just give me the tech!"

"I already told you, I don't need your help. I've had a plan in place for a long time. You don't need to worry about it," Roy's tone was final.

The two locked eyes, tension crackling between them. Then, abruptly, Kaido exhaled sharply, his aggression fading.

"Fine. Name your price. Anything. Just hand over the technology."

"I'm not giving you the tech, but if you want some Devil Fruits, I could sell you a few. All you've got to offer in return are weapons," Roy said.

"You really think you'll survive this?" Kaido asked.

"That's not guaranteed. But if we don't, and you get your hands on the tech, you won't survive either. You think the World Government will let you live once we're gone?" Roy grinned.

"Tch." Kaido turned away sharply. "Then survive. I want to see how you pull it off."

With that, he stormed out.

Roy turned to Whitebeard with a grin. "The war you wanted is coming."

"Gurarara… You've got an escape plan, don't you? Spit it out." Whitebeard growled.

"It's nothing complicated. Why fight them head-on when we can just run? You used to do it all the time," Roy grinned.

"Hmph. That was just to avoid a hassle. Killing them would've been easy," Whitebeard huffed.

"Exactly. If they want to come, let them. Why fight? Let's just escape," Roy said, smiling.

"With this many people, how do we run? Do you think we can all get away? The world's only so big, they'll find us eventually. Then what?" Whitebeard asked.

"That's easy. We head to the Calm Belt. Plus, we've successfully replicated Fish-Fish Fruit Fruit. Everyone else will scatter and regroup later," Roy said, glancing toward the door.

Outside, the wind was picking up.

...

Marine Headquarters.

The Navy was mobilizing its forces. All corners of the New World had received the same message: the Marines' target was the Whitebeard Pirates.

The appearance of multiple phoenixes had confirmed one thing: Whitebeard's crew had mastered Devil Fruit cloning. And if they could clone one, they could clone more.

The World Government and Marines couldn't allow this. They would use this opportunity to eliminate Whitebeard's Pirates once and for all.

"Here we go again!"

Inside the World Economic News Agency, Morgans paced back and forth, fired up with excitement. "It's been a year, and now the Marine are moving against Whitebeard again. Will they fight back this time?"

Last time, his live broadcast had failed. But after a year of training, Morgans had built resistance to Conqueror's Haki-induced unconsciousness. Still, he wasn't taking any chances, he sent someone else this time.

"Tiger King, you've got this. Do it right, and I'll pay you 100 million berries," Morgans said to the man in front of him.

The man wore a trench coat, his tiger-like face visible under the hood.

He wasn't a mink, but a human who had eaten the Tiger-Tiger Fruit, a Zoan-type.

Known in the underworld as Tiger King, no one knew his real name. He was a famed bounty hunter and mercenary.

Morgans had hired him to gather intel from the battlefield, a dangerous job, but the 100 million reward sealed the deal.

"I'll tell you now: if things get dangerous, I'm out. This is war, and I'm putting my life first," Tiger King warned.

"I understand. Just do your job, I won't let you fall into danger," Morgans assured him.

Tiger King left with a Den Den Mushi. Morgans stayed behind, muttering to himself:

"Where's Whitebeard's confidence coming from? The Marines are mobilizing heavily, and the World Government is involved. Are they really planning to go to a full-scale war to the death? Last time, that was avoided. But this time, the Marines are fully committed, and the World Government will send troops. I just don't get it…"

From all over, Marine forces began converging on New Marineford.

Smoker, stationed nearby in G-5, was among the first to arrive.

"There are so many people here," said Tashigi, following behind him.

"Clearly means war," Smoker replied.

"Because of the Whitebeard Pirates' cloning technology?" she asked.

"Almost certainly. If left unchecked, they could mass-produce Devil Fruit users. That's a major threat to both the Navy and the World Government. It's best to crush it now while it's still in its early stages," Smoker explained.

"Another war with the Whitebeard Pirates…" Tashigi took a deep breath.

She still remembered the last war clearly, when Roy's Conqueror's Haki knocked her out cold. By the time she woke up, it was over.

Roy's strength left an unforgettable mark on her. He was terrifying, so strong she couldn't even look him in the eyes.

"We need to prepare. This time, the Whitebeard Pirates might be even stronger than before," Smoker said.

"Yes, sir!" Tashigi nodded firmly, trying to steady herself.

"Wait… Smoker, over there, it's the Warlords!"

"Doflamingo!" Smoker looked over and saw Trafalgar Law beside him.

The Warlords of the Sea had also arrived.

The Marines troops was almost assembled.

...

In Mary Geoise, Saint Saturn rose from his seat.

"This time I'll handle it personally."

The other Elders nodded.

"We'll join if necessary. Annihilate them completely."

"No traces. No survivors."

"Imu-sama has ordered their eradication. We will obey."

"They must not be allowed to grow further."

As Saturn strode out, Ryokugyu outside fell in step behind him, his green cloak billowing.

The gears of war were turning once more.

And this time, the World Government itself would strike.

.....

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