Chapter 504 Unexpected

As the screen faded to black, the mood among the Straw Hat Pirates was somber. The recent broadcast had shown them their most significant defeat to date, with the fates of several members unknown and Luffy soundly beaten by Kaido. It seemed their journey could well end in Wano, a possibility none of them wanted to face. This realization brought not only immense pressure but also a strong resolve to overcome any future challenges. Their adventure was not just about joy and thrills; it was about survival, resilience, and the harsh reality of potential loss.

Across the sea in Wano, Kurozumi Orochi reveled in a false sense of security. Initially terrified by Toki's prophecy and the surprising appearance of an assault team, Orochi now saw Kaido's overwhelming strength as his guarantee of safety. With Kaido by his side, he felt untouchable and prepared to entrap Momonosuke at Oden Castle.

Orochi's celebration was cut short by strategic considerations. Aware that Kaido's presence alone might not deter all threats, particularly a vengeful Whitebeard seeking justice for Oden, Orochi knew they needed more allies. The only viable option was to form an alliance with another of the Four Emperors, Charlotte Linlin—Big Mom. Their combined force could possibly deter Whitebeard and stand against any opportunistic moves by the World Government.

Meanwhile, the Mink Tribe and Whitebeard Pirates were rallying to avenge Oden. They too felt a deep obligation to protect Momonosuke, a child of their longtime ally, born on Whitebeard's own ship. Failure to act would mean watching Oden's lineage die out—an unacceptable outcome.

As these forces converged, the seas of the New World grew turbulent with impending conflict.

Back in the first half of the Grand Line, the Straw Hat Pirates were oblivious to these developments. Despite gaining three healing potions from the Q&A session, their spirits were dampened by the realization of the threats that lay ahead. Their current strength was inadequate; they needed to become much stronger to face future challenges.

Their immediate goal was Sky Island, accessible via the Knock Up Stream. After days of waiting on Jaya Island, they received news from Cricket, a descendant of Mont Blanc Noland, that the Stream was about to activate. They positioned the Merry at the precise location, and as the sea erupted, the ship soared skyward on the powerful current.

Unbeknownst to them, Marine Admiral Akainu was hot on their trail, tasked by the Five Elders with capturing Luffy. After missing the Straw Hats on Jaya Island and learning they had ascended to Sky Island, Akainu was forced to abandon his immediate chase. Frustrated, he turned his attention to apprehending other pirates in the area, resolving to wait for another chance to capture the Straw Hats.

Back in Wano, the situation was escalating. The unexpected alliance between Kaido and Big Mom, prompted by the threat of a joint attack by Whitebeard and his allies, was a dire turn of events for the World Government. The Five Elders had hoped for a conflict that would weaken both Kaido and Whitebeard, making it easier to assert control over Wano and its valuable seastone resources. Instead, they now faced a united front of two Four Emperors, significantly complicating their strategic calculus.

Big Mom's movement from Tottoland to Wano confirmed the alliance, leaving the World Government scrambling to reassess their plans. With the balance of power dramatically shifted, the Five Elders quickly redirected Akainu to join forces with Aokiji and others already mobilized towards Wano, bracing for what could escalate into a full-blown war involving multiple global powers.

This emerging alliance between Kaido and Big Mom was an alarming development for the World Government, hinting at a conflict that could redefine the power dynamics in the New World and beyond.

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