CHAPTER 26

 Whether it was the Three Calamities or the Flying Six, none of them showed any panic.

  Their calm reactions weren't born from ignorance, but from deep familiarity.

  They all knew Kaido's three great obsessions—drinking, fighting, and dying.

  Let's put aside the drinking and suicidal tendencies. When it came to fighting—Kaido was insane.

  Over the years, he had launched no fewer than thirty direct assaults on Marine Headquarters and the other Four Emperors combined.

  He had been defeated seven times and captured eighteen times.

  He had suffered more losses than victories. He had been shackled, tortured, and even executed multiple times—yet never died.

  None of that diminished his authority among the Beast Pirates. If anything, it elevated it.

  Because Kaido never went with backup.

  He challenged entire organizations alone—once taking on an Emperor's entire fleet, and another time, the full might of Marine HQ.

  And he always came back.

  That's why the world calls him the "Strongest Creature Alive."

  "Explain. What happened?" Ragnar's voice cut through the silence as he yanked the Den Den Mushi from Jack's hand.

  "Ragnar-sama, don't be alarmed," Queen said quickly, fearing Ragnar might rally the entire Beast crew and rush the Navy in a reckless counterattack. "It's just Kaido-san being Kaido. The Navy's tried to execute him plenty of times before. Still here, isn't he?"

  "Quiet." Ragnar raised a hand, silencing him.

  "Speak. What exactly did the old man do this time?"

  The voice over the Den Den Mushi answered with urgency.

  "Master Ragnar! Reports say that after leaving Onigashima, Lord Kaido headed straight to the G-1 Branch in the New World—alone. He attacked the base head-on!"

  "The G-1 Branch?" Ragnar narrowed his eyes.

  "Yes. According to intel, Admiral Akainu and Admiral Candidate Chaton were stationed there. Lord Kaido fought both, severely injuring Akainu, defeating Chaton, and killing thousands of Navy officers. The G-1 base itself is half-destroyed."

  The speaker paused, then added respectfully:

  "...But Kaido-sama eventually collapsed from exhaustion. That's when Aokiji arrived with reinforcements and captured him."

  Ragnar didn't flinch.

  "Akainu, Chaton, Aokiji… And over 5,000 marines?"

  He nodded slowly, his tone devoid of shame.

  "Then the old man had every right to lose. Facing that lineup alone... only Rocks, Whitebeard, or Roger in their prime might've done better."

  He scoffed.

  "Red-Hair? Big Mom? None of them could have survived that and still made the Navy bleed."

  "What's his current status?" Ragnar asked.

  "As usual, the Navy is likely torturing him before attempting execution," the Beast Pirate said grimly. "Then they'll escort him to Impel Down."

  "Understood."

  Ragnar closed the Den Den Mushi with a click. For a long moment, he said nothing.

  Captured again.

  It was almost routine by now.

  "The Navy can't kill him... and they know it."

  He turned.

  "I'm leaving for a while."

  Everyone turned to him in surprise.

  "Until I return, King is in charge of all Beast Pirate operations. Obey him as you would me."

  As he stepped toward the harbor, Queen called after him hesitantly.

  "True Lord! Really, you don't need to go. Lord Kaido—he can't die. No one on the Grand Line can kill him."

  "Just like Brother Queen said," Jack muttered, trying to explain himself, "even if the Navy captures Lord Kaido, they'll just torture him a bit and stage a few public executions for show. Give it a few days, and he'll break out and come back on his own, just like always."

  Hearing this, Ragnar paused mid-stride. His eyes narrowed, then shifted toward Jack like sharp blades.

  "My father was captured, tortured, executed..." Ragnar's tone was chillingly calm. "...And you're here drinking tea and eating cakes?"

  Jack's mouth opened slightly, but no words came out.

  Loyalty? Yes, he was loyal to Kaido. But Kaido was his captain, not his blood. Over time, he'd grown used to the cycle—Kaido challenging the Navy or another Emperor, losing, getting captured or "executed," only to return a week later as if nothing had happened.

  The first few times, Jack had wanted to storm Marineford himself. But after Kaido survived another execution by guillotine, one by boiling, and even a sky island suicide attempt… it just felt pointless.

  He'd grown numb. That was the truth.

  Ragnar stepped forward, his aura darkening like a storm cloud rolling over Onigashima.

  "Remember this well—"

  "The king cannot be humiliated. And the Emperors... even less so."

  His gaze swept across the gathered members of the Beast Pirates—Queen, Jack, the Flying Six, and dozens of others—each of whom found it difficult to meet his eyes.

  "You've grown used to defeat. I have not."

  "The New World is too small," he said, each word slow, deliberate, and crackling with Conqueror's Haki. "Too small to contain me."

  "What good is the Navy suppressing pirates in their own strongholds?" Ragnar scoffed. "If they dare take Kaido... then I'll burn every marine base from Sabaody to New Marineford to the ground."

  His voice wasn't loud.

  But it rumbled through the air like distant thunder—and with it, the sky over Onigashima began to swirl and darken, as if the heavens themselves had heard his declaration.

  All those watching felt it—not just the strength, but the sheer audacity.

  Ragnar wasn't just planning to protect Kaido.

  He was planning to avenge the insult.

  And reshape the seas.