The Sea Emperors

Upon hearing Whitebeard's shout, Marco snapped back to his senses and brought the newspaper to Whitebeard.

"Dad, do you remember that Lightning Fruit user from the Marines a few years ago?"

"Lightning Fruit?"

Whitebeard had a momentary look of confusion before recalling it.

"I remember. The Marine's Lightning brat caused quite a stir in the first half of the Grand Line."

"Garp, that old guy, even boasted to me about how the Marines had gained an extraordinary genius."

Whitebeard remembered Saunders.

Not because of how talented he was, nor because of the Lightning Fruit, but because he thought this kid named Saunders could become a troublesome opponent for his sons in the future.

In recent years, Whitebeard had gradually felt his age catching up with him. He realized he wouldn't be able to protect his sons for much longer, so he paid attention to rising stars in the Marines.

"What happened to him?" Whitebeard asked.

Marco raised the newspaper in his hand and said, "The paper says that three years ago, he betrayed the World Government and was imprisoned in Impel Down. Now he's escaped, and his bounty is as high as 1.5 billion Berries—higher than mine."

"Gurararara~"

"No wonder we haven't heard from the Lightning brat in so long."

"Two years ago, when we fought Garp, I casually asked about him, and Garp's face turned as dark as a pot's bottom. So this is why."

"He's quite something, managing to escape from Impel Down."

"Sengoku must be having quite the headache now."

"The seas are getting more and more exciting. Gurarara!"

Whitebeard's mood lifted at the thought of his old rival's face looking like he had just eaten something disgusting. He happily grabbed his barrel of sake and began drinking again.

Wano Country

Beast Pirates

Kaido's enormous body was slumped on the ground, with a giant sake gourd beside him. He was completely drunk. The three major calamities of his crew had gathered together. One subordinate handed over the day's newspaper.

As Kaido's right-hand man, King immediately picked up the newspaper to read it. Kaido wasn't one to handle the day-to-day matters, so most of the crew's affairs were managed by King. This habit also meant King regularly read the papers to gather intelligence.

After scanning the news, King's eyes narrowed.

"Kaido-sama…"

Kaido took a swig of sake and wiped the corner of his mouth, asking, "What is it, King?"

"The former Marine Lightning Fruit user has broken out of prison."

"Lightning Fruit? Wasn't he with the Marines?"

Kaido looked puzzled for a moment, not immediately understanding why a Marine would need to break out of prison.

"He betrayed the Marines and has now escaped from Impel Down. His bounty is set at 1.5 billion Berries."

"Ohohohoho, impressive."

Kaido was surprised. To be worth 1.5 billion Berries, even accounting for some inflation, he must be quite strong.

"Should I send someone to recruit him?"

"A person who can escape from Impel Down and is a Lightning Fruit user is naturally not weak."

"Most importantly, he's still under twenty years old."

King asked for instructions.

Though the Beast Pirates were known for their members mostly being Zoan-type users, they weren't entirely without other types. A Lightning Fruit user who could break out of Impel Down was someone worth recruiting.

If Saunders could join them, their strength might finally surpass the other Yonko crews.

Yes, the Yonko. King was certain that Red-Haired Shanks would soon become the fourth Emperor.

The competition among the sea emperors was growing fiercer. A powerful Logia user would bring significant advantages.

"Someone who escapes from Impel Down won't easily submit to others," Kaido said after taking another drink.

"Still, we should at least try. If another pirate crew recruits him, it would be troublesome for us."

"Then leave it to you. If he can escape like Shiki did, I wouldn't mind offering him a position as one of our top officers."

Kaido waved dismissively.

Kaido and Shiki had both once been members of the Rocks Pirates. Kaido knew Shiki's strength well. If Saunders had the ability to escape Impel Down like Shiki, then he was worth offering a high position.

Totland (Whole Cake Island)

Big Mom showed no reaction to Saunders' escape. She was more focused on having children and eating. As long as Saunders didn't provoke her, she didn't care who he was.

Somewhere in the New World

Red-Haired Shanks was preparing to solidify his position as the fourth sea emperor.

"Captain, this guy might become a future opponent," Benn Beckman said, cigarette in mouth.

From the limited information in the newspaper, Benn Beckman could already sense that Saunders was strong. Someone like him, especially at such a young age, would definitely aim to become Pirate King. And to do that, one must first contend with the sea emperors.

"Challenging the Yonko? Then let him come!" Shanks said with a carefree smile.

"No, I mean it won't be right away. He doesn't even have a crew yet. But in the future, he might be the first to challenge us."

Benn Beckman explained.

By the time Saunders formed his own pirate crew, Shanks would already be one of the Yonko. As a newly established sea emperor, Shanks would be the first to face challenges.

"The Red-Haired Pirates fear no challenge!"

"As long as he's prepared for it!"

Shanks' serious expression quickly vanished, and he burst into hearty laughter: "To celebrate the arrival of another interesting figure on the seas, let's throw a party!"

"Woohoo! Party time!"

"Party! Party!"

Everyone on the pirate ship cheered loudly. Barrels of alcohol were brought up on deck, the cooks started preparing food, and soon, a grand feast was underway...

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T/N:

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