Chapter 111: The World's Strongest Pirates!

New World

The Hunter Guild flag flapped in the breeze. Standing high above, Leno looked down from his position in the sky, the whirlwind carrying him a thousand meters up. He surveyed the terrain, estimating the island's dimensions. Callebali was shaped like a diamond, spanning about 140 kilometers east to west and roughly 80 kilometers north to south. Its landscape was rugged, mountains cutting across it, with high elevations in the east dropping toward the west.

The island was mostly mountainous, with a few volcanic peaks, conical in shape. The only flat lands lay along the southern and northern coasts, lending a striking contrast of coastlines and rugged hillsides. It was an island not well-suited for survival, yet it held a certain allure for those looking to settle.

Two freshwater rivers wound down from the highest peak, following the terrain, feeding what had once been the prosperous Kalai Kingdom. But the kingdom had fallen over a century ago, leaving behind only ruins and ancient temples.

According to Buggy, the Roger Pirates had visited this island in their time, searching for the Poneglyph and spending a while here. Back then, the island had been inhabited by a tribe of barbarians, but the Great Pirate Era changed everything. A flood of pirates surged into the New World, claiming territories, with fierce battles breaking out for control. Over time, the barbarians were displaced. Now, a pirate town flourished on the northern part of the island, fed by a river and sheltering pirates, fugitives, criminals, and the unfortunate souls taken by pirates, all making a life in this corner of New World.

Then Leno and his crew arrived, overthrowing the island's rulers—one of Whitebeard's subordinate crews—and bringing the town under the rule of the Hunter Guild.

"We've burned Whitebeard's flag, and the Whitebeard Pirates won't let that go unpunished!"

Inside the tallest building in the town, Leno's New World team gathered around a long table. Among them were Kuina, Luwell, and Hancock, head of the Hunter Guild's Daughter's Island division, along with Shark Star from the Fish-Men Island branch, each accompanied by their elite crews.

Some of Leno's key hunters from East Blue were also there, with Van Oka, Lu Qi, and other top members each leading a team of twenty. Robin stayed back on the ship as Leno's lookout, while Buggy, it seemed, had teamed up with some like-minded individuals, setting out on a quest for the golden land.

For now, Leno knew that these few trusted allies would be enough to help secure their new territory in the New World.

Leno folded his arms as Luwell spoke about the Whitebeard Pirates. "In the New World, Edward Newgate rules the largest territory," he said. "Second is Big Mom's Totto Land, then Kaido, and finally the old captain."

"The Whitebeard Pirates were founded two decades ago, and they've long been a force to match even the Roger Pirates. After Roger's death, Whitebeard became one of the Four Emperors of the New World. The crew has sixteen divisions, led by powerful captains, with over 1,600 members and 43 subordinate crews, each with their own island."

Shark Star shifted uncomfortably. "Whitebeard's reach stretches across the world; these are people we don't want to provoke lightly." Although Leno had beaten Kaido, the Whitebeard Pirates had done the same—and more than once.

But in a direct fight between Leno and Whitebeard? Shark Star wasn't sure if Leno would have the advantage.

Van Oka's usual stoic face showed a flicker of excitement at the thought of facing off against Whitebeard's crew. Edward Newgate was a legendary figure who had once stood toe-to-toe with giants like Kong, Roger, Garp, and Sengoku.

In the end, though, Leno would determine the pace of their next move, not Whitebeard. For now, their orders were to establish a firm foothold here, and the New World would be watching.

Leno looked sharply at Lu Qi and Van Augur.

"You two and your teams will handle security on the island."

"Pirate Town has about 2,000 residents. Among them are victims, criminals, and pirates. Many have ties to the Bagley Pirates, so stay vigilant and take extra care distinguishing who's who."

"Yes, sir!" they replied in unison.

Leno's tone hardened. "Anyone trying to cause trouble or capitalize on this situation—once confirmed—can be killed on sight. Show no mercy."

Neither Lu Qi nor Van Augur showed a hint of hesitation. With their reputations—a future CPO leader and a ruthless sniper for Blackbeard—they were no strangers to brutality. Leno had chosen them precisely because he knew Pirate Town harbored few innocents.

This was a town of pirates; who here would be worth saving? The elderly? Criminals and pirates only lived long because they were tougher or crueler than most. The women? Here, pirates made no distinctions when killing. The men? They survived by theft, not honest labor.

Even the children had grown up amidst bloodshed, and many had hearts as dark as any adult's. In a place like this, compassion was weakness. Only awe and fear would keep them in line, and Lu Qi and Van Augur were more than capable of ensuring that.

The two nodded and headed off to begin their work.

Turning to Sharkstar, Leno continued, "You and your fish-men will patrol the nearby waters."

"Yes, President!" Sharkstar replied confidently. He'd become more composed after his last assignment. Unlike humans, fish-men had natural advantages in the sea, allowing them to stay hidden as they patrolled.

Sharkstar had been guarding the waters around Elegia and keeping Sea Kings at bay. His pure nature had even won him the friendship of young Uta.

"Stay alert for any islanders sabotaging the waterways or suspicious vessels approaching," Leno instructed.

"Yes, sir!" Sharkstar headed off to fulfill his duty.

Hancock, eager and bright-eyed, asked, "Master Leno, what about me?"

"There are still many ruins on the island. Dangerous creatures may be lurking there, so take Gendan and the others to clear out the threats."

The female warriors of the Kuja Pirates were natural hunters, skilled in jungle combat and well-suited to this environment.

"Also," Leno added, "draw a topographic map of the island and send it to the Glass Ball Island designer."

"Consider it done!" Hancock responded with a smile but stayed put. She wanted to see what orders Leno would give to Luwell, refusing to leave his side.

"Luwell, you and Kuina will lead the logistics team and oversee population registration in Pirate Town. Create files for everyone. Anyone who refuses to cooperate is to be expelled. Those who resist will be handled by Lu Qi and Van Augur."

"Understood!" Luwell and Kuina nodded, then went on their way.

Pleased with her task, Hancock rose, stepped forward, and planted a kiss on Leno's cheek, leaving a distinct lip print. Her glossy, well-shaped lips curved into a smirk as she glanced provocatively at Luwell.

Horrified, Luwell glared back before stepping forward herself. Without a hint of hesitation, she returned Hancock's gesture, pressing her lips against Leno's cheek.

Flustered, Leno shook his head and gave them both a light slap on the back. "Enough! Get to work. If you two keep this up, you're both going back to your posts."

The women exchanged a reluctant truce and went off to complete their tasks, while Kuina watched curiously, munching on an apple. At fourteen, under Gion's guidance, Kuina had started to understand certain things, but her only passion remained the sword.

For her, there was no contest—if she ever considered starting a family, Leno would be the obvious choice. However, she had no idea what Hancock and Luwell found to fight over.

Meanwhile, news spread swiftly across Kale Bali Island about the arrival of the [Hunter Guild].

Kingdom of Dressrosa.

When the newly crowned King Doflamingo heard the news, he chuckled darkly. "Fuffuffuffu! That guy's finally here!"

"A storm is brewing in the New World, and another giant enters the fray. What's his interest, I wonder… Whitebeard?"

Doflamingo's eyes glittered. "Send word to Kaido. He might want to know."

Just then, Torrebol shuffled in. "Doffy, the weapon factory is complete!"

"Fuffuffuffu! Those toys will love their new home. Let's spread our arms across the world!"

Mary Geoise.

The Five Elders looked over CP9's intelligence.

"Leno entered the New World? Targeting Whitebeard's territory?"

"Perfect. Let him try his luck there."

"A land full of monsters, ideal for someone like him. Let him plant his roots there!"

They had watched Leno's growing influence with suspicion and, despite his low profile after the last war, feared he might suddenly cause trouble. Fortunately, his recent restraint had given them a reprieve, though a faint worry lingered. Leno was known for his cunning—was he merely building strength, waiting for his chance to strike back?

But in Mary Geoise, there were whispers…

"Master Im's strength is recovering…"

"Vegapunk's research is advancing…"

"Kaido's experiments with artificial Devil Fruits are another move forward."

The Elders' concerns lessened. Leno was strong, but he was just one man. How could he compete with them?

"Perhaps we can use this to push Whitebeard against Leno," one of the Elders suggested.

"Whitebeard won't stand for harm to his family. He'll go after Leno without hesitation."

In the turbulent seas, thunder crashed across the skies near the Moby Dick.

"Father, don't push yourself," Marco said, worry evident on his face.

"Yeah, leave it to us!"

Bista and Joz joined in, equally concerned.

Whitebeard, fresh from an infusion, brushed off their concerns, gripping his long-handled sword.

He walked to the bow, the pride and fire of a legend in his stance. A burn scar marked his back, a rare reminder of his sacrifice for his crew. Recently, he'd even fainted from years of injuries and the toll of battle.

But to him, it was nothing. His sons were by his side, and that was enough.

"Gu la la la! My body's fine! Sons, let's set sail!"

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