65. New World
Holy Land Mariejois Port.
A Marine warship, proudly displaying the distinctive seagull flag, is docked at the port. Unlike typical Marine standard warships, this vessel is slightly larger, featuring an abundance of cannons on each side. Dark red stripes adorn the ship, and at the prow stands a peculiar creature resembling a ferocious monster.
The warship is a personalized creation for Sakazuki, reflecting his status as a Vice Admiral. At this level, high-ranking officers like Vice Admirals have the privilege of having the headquarters commission a customized warship tailored to their preferences. Similar to Garp's distinct dog-headed warship, these unique vessels signify the elevated status of these Marine officers.
Dressed in his white suit and the cloak of justice, Atlas gazed at Mariejois, the holy land, as it faded from view on the expansive deck. With several customized suits at his disposal, he found no need to make any changes.
The journey to the New World offers two paths. One involves coating at the Sabaody Archipelago and then traversing the Fish-Men Island passage. However, encountering giant Sea Kings along the way is too much of a risk to the journey.
Being Marines, Atlas and his comrades opted for the route through the Red Line and the holy land of Mariejois to reach the New World. While this passage was relatively secure, they couldn't rule out the possibility of encountering the bothersome Bubble Bugs.
Either it was luck favoring him today or Sakazuki's intimidating presence, but the Bubble Bugs seemed disinterested. Atlas hadn't encountered any world nobles during the journey.
"How are you feeling? Ready to step into the battlefield of the New World?"
Suddenly, Sakazuki's voice sounded beside Atlas.
Atlas glanced at Sakazuki, choosing not to answer verbally. Instead, he silently conveyed his readiness through his determined gaze, knowing that actions would speak louder than words as they ventured into the New World.
"Since Roger's execution, Shiki escaped from Impel Down and vanished. Currently, there are only three major powers in the New World: the Whitebeard Pirates, the Big Mom Pirates, and the Beasts Pirates. Among them, the Whitebeard Pirates are the strongest, followed by Bigmon, and Kaido of the Beasts recently took control of Wano Country. Their strength is inferior to the first two pirate groups."
"There are also four pirate alliances engaged in conflict with these three major powers: the Yermak Pirates, the Klaus Pirates, the Blood Scythe Pirates, and the Francis Pirates."
"But this alliance is destined to fall apart sooner or later. According to Marine intelligence, Kaido has been trying to recruit Francis. While there is no official agreement yet, there are growing suspicions within their alliance."
Atlas frowned and pondered. Among the four pirate groups, why did Kaido only recruit Francis? Could it be that this guy is stronger than the other three pirate groups?
"Kaido has a strong preference for Zoan Devil Fruit powers. Francis possesses the Zoan Bear Fruit, Ancient Species: Brutal Bear Form. The position of the drought in the Beasts Pirates is still open," explained Sakazuki.
"Our current task at Marine is to consistently disrupt the activities of the three most powerful pirate groups. This will create an illusion for the pirate alliances that Whitebeard and the others are restrained in strength. It allows us to engage Whitebeard, Charlotte Linlin, and Kaido in conflict, and we can benefit from their clashes," elaborated Sakazuki.
"Those pirates aren't fools, right? They won't engage in such intense battles that Marine gains an advantage for nothing!"
Atlas felt a bit puzzled. While the average IQ in the pirate world might be lower, those who could hold a significant position in the New World were not usually so dim-witted. Powerful pirates were often associated with cunning and cruelty.
"Don't worry about it! The World Government will dispatch individuals to collaborate with our endeavors," Sakazuki assured.
Sakazuki didn't elaborate further, only sporting a mysterious smile at the corner of his mouth.
Atlas remained silent at the sight, speculating that it was likely the work of the CP department, an agency under the World Government, as those operatives were adept at assassination and sowing discord.
...
New World, an unknown sea area.
The sky was covered with dark clouds, and occasional thunder rumbled overhead.
A massive azure dragon soared through the darkened sky, its peculiar appearance highlighted by two additional horns extending outward. Flames enveloped its body, and its four claws grasped at the clouds as it ascended, disappearing into the looming darkness.
The massive azure dragon joyfully absorbed the impact of thunderbolts, leaving deep white marks on its scaly body. Its ferocious face displayed an almost human-like expression of pleasure.
The azure dragon soared through the sky, miraculously transforming the previously dark and stormy weather into a clear, mirror-like sky. The sudden change showcased the Grand Line's unpredictable and peculiar weather patterns.
Azure dragon's eyes gleamed with excitement as a floating island emerged in the distance, ascending swiftly into the clouds. Sky Islands, a common occurrence in the pirate world, often formed due to unique currents, like Gaya Island, which was washed into the White Sea, creating a Sky Island above it.
After the azure dragon landed on the island, its massive form rapidly shrank, transforming into an immensely muscular man. The man sported a black, shaggy-haired mane, two long horns, and a beard resembling a dragon's beard around his mouth.
His upper body is bare, displaying a dragon scale-shaped tattoo on the left arm, and an 'X'-shaped scar on the right abdomen. Around his waist, there's a purple top with two gold chains dangling from the hem. He wears dark green wide pants and a purple fluffy cape. In his hand, he grips a mace adorned with dense barbs!
He is none other than the Governor-General of the Beasts Pirates, Kaido!
"Worororo! What a good place to commit suicide!"
Kaido, in human form, sat on the small Sky Island, casually pulling out a massive wine gourd with the character "天" printed on it from his waist. He sat there, indulging in heavy drinking.
Before long, Kaido gazed absentmindedly at the dark wine gourd, a blush settling on his ferocious face.
"Blurp~"
Kaido let out a satisfied burp, rose from the ground with an unsteady gait, approached the edge of the Sky Island, and peered down below, his vision slightly blurred.
"Blurp~ The height is just right,wororororo..."
----------
And here is bonus chapter 2.😊
Read 20 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari