Chapter 118

"Gulu Gulu..."

Kaido took a deep gulp of the wine held in his hand, his expression contemplative.

With a determined tone, he declared, "Rather than idly awaiting Carnes to make his move, it's wiser for us to seize the initiative."

Kaido didn't know when Carnes would make a move and come to his door, he couldn't wait for that, he didn't want to wait, but on his own, he didn't feel he could defeat Carnes for sure.

By working together with Big Mom, it might be achievable, but it is not possible for him to stay in Big Mom's territory forever, and Big Mom would definitely not be willing to stay in Wano Kuni forever to work together when Carnes shows up.

Hence, the only course was to proactively act and to take the lead.

"Linlin, surely you don't want Carnes to barge in here while you're eating your delicious cake," Kaido provoked, aware of Big Mom's insatiable sweet tooth and her susceptibility to cravings.

The prior words had left Big Mom unruffled, but Kaido's latter remark stirred something deep within her.

It struck a nerve with a person whose very essence was tied to confections and yearning could not ignore such a taunt.

"Ma Ma Ma.."

A burst of laughter escaped Big Mom's mouth. "You're right, Kaido. It is rather straightforward, isn't it? Very well then, let us cooperate as we have done before."

"But, Kaido, does this count as another debt you owe me?"

"Surely this would be another favor you owe me?"

"????"

Kaido's expression contorted in shock. "You old hag! Are you even listening to yourself?"

"Killing Carnes would spare us from his incessant harassment and meddling."

"It's not solely for my sake."

"And Perhaps... he might not even remember me much as I was just a rookie at that time.

It's you who should be concerned. So, consider this as me helping you. You'll owe me a favor."

At the same time....

In the Holy Land Mariejois,

After a lengthy operation, Garp's life hung in a precarious balance.

When he would regain his consciousness remained shrouded in uncertainty.

Overnight, Sengoku seemed to have aged exponentially, the toll and fatigue etched onto his worn features.

"Knock Knock!"

A soft knocking sound echoed at his door.

Sengoku glanced up, rising from his seat before stepping out.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, urgent news have arrived from the New World."

Taking a seat nearby, Sengoku gestured for the intelligence officer to proceed.

"Kaido has crossed paths with Big Mom," the officer reported.

Sengoku's expression darkened upon hearing this news.

"At a time like this?!"

"What's their... intention?"

"Do they intend to seek refuge from their former vice-captain, by working together? Or,

Are they planning to join him?"

Sengoku's demeanor betrayed a hint of helplessness; his gravest concerns were materializing before his eyes.

Should the situation veer into the worst-case scenario...

Kaido and Big Mom allying with Carnes...

It would be an irreparable blow for the World Government and the Marines.

"Any valuable information that our informers got, during the encounter?"

"None, sir."

Sengoku massaged his forehead, a surge of turbulence aroused within him mirroring the tumultuous seas.

Once Kaido and Big Mom align themselves with Carnes, the balance between Marines and Pirates will be shattered, potentially resulting in an unstoppable disaster.

"Argh!!"

"Carnes, Carnes, why are you causing this much trouble for old man like me?"

"Announce that all Vice Admirals who have completed their missions are to immediately assemble at the Holy Land Mariejois for an emergency meeting."

"Yes, Fleet Admiral Sengoku."

The intelligence agent had barely taken a few steps.

Sengoku interjected, "Forget it, we don't need Vice Admirals for this. This situation must be handled by an Admiral."

Inside Pangaea Castle.

Within a certain hall.

This time, it wasn't just the Five Elders present here; Figarland Garling, the commander of the God's Knight, was also there.

"We've received news from the New World that Kaido has met with Big Mom," reported one of the Five Elders.

"Interesting…"

Another of the Five Elders sighed, "I can't quite decide whether this is good or bad.

They clashed at God's Valley before, so logically considering their discord during that battle, we should stand to gain some benefit from this meeting."

"But let's not forget that Carnes was their former vice captain. Unlikely as it may seem, there's still a chance that they may join him." Figarland Garling voiced his thoughts.

"Perhaps... we should consult Lord Imu for guidance. Carnes poses a unique threat to the World Government."

"If Kaido and Big Mom truly align to fight against Carnes, it might be an opportunity we can exploit. Perhaps... we can use their power and forces. If successful, it would relieve a tremendous amount of pressure."

"Alright, I've conveyed the necessary information. As for the topics you discussed, I'll abstain. We'll act promptly if Lord Imu issues an order."

Figarland Garling concluded and rose from his seat.

"By the way, is Carnes and his crew truly as you've described?"

"Absolutely, rest assured, Lord Imu will be given the most accurate account of events."

"I understand."

Sabaody Archipelago.

An inconspicuous ship gently approached the shoreline.

On the ship was a figure with vibrant orange hair.

A woman donning a hat stepped onto the land from the boat.

"Ah, I've gathered the most comprehensive information this morning," Koala said with a smile.

On the other end of the Den Den Mushi, a dissenting voice spoke, "Koala, relying solely on information might not be enough. My advice remains the same: don't rush into meeting them."

"But Sabo, if we don't seize this opportunity now, it could become much more challenging to get it again in the future."

"That might just be the way of things, Koala. Even without their involvement and help, our original plan remains unaffected."

"However, Dragon mentioned that if all goes well, aligning with them could bring unimaginable advantages to the Revolutionary Army."

"For now, put your ongoing mission on hold. I'll discuss this further with him." Sabo said.

"By the way, I also came across some news that could be beneficial.

According to my findings, they might not be as ruthless as we thought, and surprisingly, sometimes they even show support towards civilians, granted it's not much but is lot more than most pirates ever show."

"Very well then, wait for the good news. That's all."

Koala didn't give Sabo a chance to respond. After ending the call, she looked up and then hurriedly headed towards the Eternal Gale.

Simultaneously, Tatsumaki, Albedo, and Power were making their way toward their docked boat.

In their hands, they held bubbles resembling colorful balloons – each bubble containing the treasures they had just got from the bustling shopping street.

"Captain and the others seem to be gearing up for some fun, don't you think? What do you say we break the routine and take a leisurely walk instead?" Tatsumaki suggested, tilting his head sideways.

"Works for me," Power replied with an indifferent shrug.

Tatsumaki inquired once more, "What about you Albedo?"

"Compared to shopping, I find comfort in returning to Lord Carnes's side..." Albedo's words trailed off into a smile, her eyes forming a pair of aesthetically pleasing curves.

Yet, her sentence had barely concluded when Tatsumaki and Power exchanged a disdainful glance, their expressions revealing a hint of scorn.

"Is there any problem?" Albedo queried, her brow furrowed slightly, and confusion evident on her face.

Both Tatsumaki and Power swiftly shook their heads, their voices harmonizing in a simultaneous response.

"Nothing at all."

Simultaneously, as their voices subsided, a feminine voice came from behind them.

"Excuse me, but are you affiliated with the Gale Emperor Pirates?"

"Excuse me?"

The trio turned their heads almost in unison, their gazes converging on the speaker.

"And who might you be? "Albedo's demeanor remained impassive, though her tone conveyed an undertone of indifference.

"Perhaps she's come seeking revenge. Given our array of enemies, it wouldn't be far-fetched," Power chimed in, her voice tinged with a lighthearted tone.

With a serene smile on her lips, Koala appeared unperturbed by Power's misinterpretation. She spoke with a composed manner.

"If I remember correctly, you are Power, right? One of the commanders of the Gale Emperor Pirates."

"But you completely misunderstood me, Ms. Power, allow me to clarify myself."

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