Discovering the Thunder God Pirates, Kaido Is Coming!

Dressrosa's Royal Palace.

Once ruled by the Donquixote family, one of the original twenty royal families, this kingdom had been taken over by the Riku family after the Donquixotes relocated to the Holy Land 800 years ago.

However, a few years ago, Donquixote Doflamingo, a descendant of the original family and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, seized the kingdom with his crew, using conspiracies to claim the throne of Dressrosa.

Currently, in the grand conference room of the royal palace, Doflamingo sat silently.

"Why did you summon us, Young Master?" asked Trebol, who was responsible for protecting Sugar.

He entered the room accompanied by a little girl who appeared to be about ten years old. The girl wore a crown-shaped cloak styled like a teddy bear, sported a bob haircut, and wore a monocle over her left eye.

In her left hand, she carried a small basket filled with colorful grapes. She was leisurely eating them, one by one, from her right hand.

The girl was none other than Sugar, one of the officers of Doflamingo's crew. Though she looked like a child, she was actually much older, her aging process halted by the powers of the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit.

This fruit not only gave Sugar eternal youth but also the ability to transform living beings into toys with a single touch. Once turned into toys, the victims would be erased from the memories of others, bound by contracts that stripped them of free will, leaving them subservient to Sugar's commands.

Sugar's powers were a cornerstone of Doflamingo's control over Dressrosa, ensuring the kingdom's domination was seamless and undisputed.

For her protection, Doflamingo had assigned Trebol, one of his top officers, to stay by her side.

Doflamingo didn't speak immediately, leaning back in his chair and staring at the ceiling.

Soon, many of the Donquixote family officers gathered in the conference room, save for those dealing with their underworld businesses elsewhere.

"You've all heard that Law has joined the Thunder God Pirates, haven't you?" Doflamingo finally broke the silence, his signature sinister chuckle echoing."Fuffuffuffu! That guy really found himself a powerful backer."

"This was something we already knew," said Lao G, a muscle-bound, vein-popping elder of the crew. "Why bring it up again? Has the Thunder God Pirates arrived in Dressrosa?"

"Fuffuffuffu. Not yet, but I have a bad feeling."Doflamingo's tone turned grim as he continued, "I feel like Law will lead the Thunder God Pirates here to Dressrosa."

His words cast a shadow over the gathered officers.

The Thunder God Pirates were no ordinary group; they represented an unparalleled force in the New World. Their captain, Sanders, was a lawless figure who didn't hesitate to openly kill Celestial Dragons, defying the world government with impunity.

Hearing this, Trebol frowned. "Do we abandon this place then? This kingdom is the fruit of our years of hard work! If we leave, all of our deeds here—framing the Riku royal family, enslaving citizens, and usurping the throne—will be exposed to the world."

He continued, "If the truth comes out, the World Government will revoke your status as one of the Seven Warlords, Young Master."

The thought of abandoning Dressrosa, after all their schemes and sacrifices, was unbearable for the Donquixote family. And once their secrets were revealed, the World Government would waste no time punishing Doflamingo, removing his privileges as a Warlord of the Sea.

Even though the Warlords were part of the government's system, the government wouldn't hesitate to discard one of them under such circumstances.

The tension in the room thickened as Doflamingo and his officers began to weigh their options, uncertain of what the future held. Meanwhile, the specter of the Thunder God Pirates loomed ever closer over Dressrosa.

World Government and Marines Would Arrest Them Without Hesitation.If necessary, they could simply find another pirate to fill the role of a new Warlord of the Sea.There's no shortage of ambitious and powerful pirates on the Grand Line.

"Doffy, why don't we seek help from Kaido of the Beasts?"

"Our factory is located here in Dressrosa, and the Beasts Pirates likely won't stand by idly. The Thunder God Pirates may be strong, but when it comes to overall strength, the Beasts Pirates are still superior," suggested Diamante.

The Donquixote Pirates had a deep partnership with Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, effectively operating under the Beasts Pirates' protection. In the New World, most territories belonged to the Four Emperors. Pirates either submitted to them or sought to challenge and replace them.

As collaborators with Kaido, the Donquixote Pirates were loosely considered part of the Beasts Pirates' faction.

Indeed, the Thunder God Pirates were formidable. Diamante acknowledged that they were no match. But at most, the Thunder God Pirates had their captain, Sanders, and their vice-captain, the blind swordsman Issho, as their main combatants. The rest of the crew posed little threat.

Compared to the deeply entrenched power of a Yonko like Kaido, the Thunder God Pirates still had a ways to go.

"Kaido of the Beasts!"

Mentioning Kaido caused a bead of sweat to trickle down Doflamingo's forehead. The terrifying creature had left a lasting impression on him.

"I've already contacted King, Kaido's right-hand man," Doflamingo said. "He's agreed that if the Thunder God Pirates show up here, the Beasts Pirates will send reinforcements to support us."

"Then that settles it!"

"With the Beasts Pirates backing us, the Thunder God Pirates are nothing to worry about. Besides, there's no guarantee Sanders would start a war with us just for Law's sake," said Pica in his high-pitched voice.

Pica, one of the top officers in the Donquixote Pirates, was a user of the Stone-Stone Fruit, a Paramecia Devil Fruit resembling the powers of a Logia-type.

"By the way, where's Violet? Why isn't she here?" asked Trebol, glancing around the room and noting Violet's absence.

"Fuffuffuffu! I don't trust her, so I didn't summon her to this meeting," Doflamingo sneered. "However, I did instruct her to monitor the surrounding waters near Dressrosa."

Violet, originally Princess Viola of Dressrosa, was the second daughter of the former King Riku. As the user of the Glare-Glare Fruit, she possessed the ability to see through people's hearts and observe objects and events within a 4,000-kilometer radius, essentially serving as a living "clairvoyant."

When Doflamingo seized Dressrosa, he captured Violaand coerced her into joining his crew, valuing her Devil Fruit abilities.

Despite her utility, Doflamingo harbored no trust toward her. Furthermore, he had kept the information about Law joining the Thunder God Pirates and the possibility of their arrival in Dressrosa a secret from her.

Even when Diamante went to the Sabaody Archipelago to confront Law, the operation had been kept highly confidential, with only a handful of people aware. Although Violaknew Doflamingo had entrusted the Heart Seat to someone named Trafalgar Law, she had no knowledge of what Law looked like as an adult.

Thus, Doflamingo felt comfortable using her to monitor nearby waters for any potential threats.

At that moment, the Den Den Mushi on Doflamingo's desk began to ring.

Buru Buru Buru Buru!

His expression darkened as he stared at the Den Den Mushi. It was the one used to communicate with Violet.

Answering the call, a sultry female voice came from the other end.

"Young Master, 10 kilometers away, I've spotted signs of the Thunder God Pirates."

"Their course is set for Dressrosa."

"Fuffuffuffu! Understood. Keep watching," Doflamingo instructed before hanging up the call.

"Damn it! The Thunder God Pirates are really coming to Dressrosa!" Diamante said darkly, his face clouded with concern.

The very thing they feared most was now happening. None of them had expected that as they discussed the Thunder God Pirates, the crew would already be on its way to their stronghold.

"Fuffuffuffu! It seems Sanders truly values his ship's doctor," Doflamingo said with a cold laugh.

In his mind, Sanders likely had the same motive as himself. After all, who could resist the allure of immortality?

"What should we do now, Doffy?" Trebol asked, his voice tinged with unease.

"Prepare for battle. I'll reach out to the Beasts Pirates for assistance," Doflamingo responded decisively.

Without wasting time, Doflamingo dismissed the Donquixote Family officers, each heading off to make preparations. Meanwhile, Doflamingo relayed the news of the Thunder God Pirates' imminent arrival to the Beasts Pirates.

Elsewhere in Dressrosa, Violastood in a room, holding a Den Den Mushi in one hand. Her long, dark brown hair flowed elegantly, adorned with a red flower. Her light brown eyes, filled with suspicion, scanned the distance. She wore her signature flamenco-style dress, but her expression was anything but composed.

"Strange... Why did Doflamingo summon so many officers to the palace?" Violamuttered to herself softly.

During her earlier conversation with Doflamingo, she had instinctively used her Giro Giro no Mi abilities to observe him. She had seen the gathering of high-ranking officers around him.

But after giving it some thought, she dismissed the matter. After all, she wasn't the only officer left out of the meeting.

Instead, Violaturned her attention to a far more distant and intriguing sight—the Thunder God Pirates.

"Thunder God Sanders... What is that man coming to Dressrosa for? Is it good news or bad?" Violet's gaze was filled with worry—not for Doflamingo, but for the residents of Dressrosa.

She sighed heavily as her eyes wandered to the kingdom's citizens, many of whom had been turned into toys. Sadness flickered in her expression.

Suddenly, as she looked back at the Thunder God Pirates, something caught her attention that made her expression change dramatically.

On the top deck of the Thunder God Pirates' ship sat a mermaid with a charming, innocent face. She was resting her chin on her hands, gazing at the horizon with an expression of pure contentment.

"A mermaid?!" Violaexclaimed in surprise.

"Did the Thunder God Pirates just come from Fish-Man Island? No... She doesn't look like she was taken by force."

"Could she be a new member of their crew?"

Violafocused her vision on the other figures aboard the ship. To her astonishment, she noticed over twenty other fish-men and merfolk scattered across the deck.

But what truly shocked her was how the merfolk addressed the young woman: "Princess Shirahoshi!"

"Princess?! The Princess of Fish-Man Island?!"

"Just what did Sanders do to bring the mermaid princess onto his ship?" Violet's voice trembled with disbelief.

"Wait... No. She doesn't look like she was kidnapped... It seems like she came willingly. And there's even a prince of Fish-Man Island accompanying her!"

Indeed, Violasoon spotted Prince Fukaboshi among the crew, standing not far from Shirahoshi.

This revelation left her utterly stunned.

Since when had Fish-Man Island formed such a close relationship with the Thunder God Pirates? How could both their princess and prince willingly join a pirate crew?

This was monumental news.

If word spread that the mermaid princess and prince were aboard a pirate ship, the entire world would be thrown into chaos.

Fish-Man Island, a member nation of the World Government, held the right to participate in the Reverie. Such an alliance with pirates—especially one involving their royalty—was unthinkable.

The World Government might even remove Fish-Man Island from the list of allied nations!

Violapicked up the Den Den Mushi, intending to report this astonishing discovery to Doflamingo. However, her hand hesitated, her brows furrowed, and she ultimately decided to put it down without delivering the news.

Wano Country - Onigashima

King, the Wildfire, ended the call and walked away, heading straight for a spacious hall in the heart of Onigashima.

In the center of the hall sat a towering figure. This was a man with massive, muscular arms and horns protruding from his head, exuding a terrifying aura that seemed to rival that of an ancient beast.

This man was none other than Kaido of the Beasts, captain of the Beasts Pirates and one of the Four Emperors ruling the New World.

"Kaido-sama..." King stood before him.

"What's going on, King?" Kaido, reeking of alcohol, held a massive gourd of sake in his hand, his face flushed with drunkenness.

"The Thunder God Pirates have entered the New World."

"The Thunder God Pirates?"

Kaido blinked in confusion for a moment before the name finally registered.

"Oh, that Thunder God Sanders guy, right? I've heard of him. He's been causing quite a stir recently, even defeating that brat Jack."

"He's really come to the New World, huh?"

"Hahaha, finally someone interesting shows up in the New World!" Kaido took a big swig from his sake gourd and laughed heartily. His voice was deep and rough.

"I wonder if his Rumble-Rumble Fruit powers can kill me!"

"I've heard that people out there are calling him the fifth Emperor of the Sea."

"There is such a rumor," King replied calmly.

After all, Sanders had defeated Aokiji and even the legendary Golden Lion, Shiki. Such claims weren't entirely surprising.

"Hahahaha! The fifth Emperor of the Sea?!"

"What a joke! Do they think just anyone can claim the title of Emperor of the Sea?" Kaido scoffed dismissively.

Every one of the Four Emperors had built their reputations through countless battles. While Sanders had impressive feats, he was far from being worthy of such a title in Kaido's eyes.

"The Warlord of the Sea, Doflamingo, sent word that the Thunder God Pirates seem to be heading to Dressrosa to confront him," King said with a calm demeanor.

"You're aware that Doflamingo's SMILE factory is located in Dressrosa."

"Doflamingo? What did that guy do to piss off Sanders?" Kaido asked with a hint of curiosity.

"It seems the Thunder God Pirates' doctor has some unresolved conflict with Doflamingo."

King explained the situation as Doflamingo had relayed it to him.

"And that doctor is none other than the wielder of the Op-Op Fruit."

"That Devil Fruit is valued at 5 billion berries—said to have the ability to grant eternal youth."

In Doflamingo's view, with Sanders protecting Law, he had no way of acquiring the fruit's power. However, he also wouldn't let the Thunder God Pirates have an easy time. Doflamingo hoped to instigate a conflict between the Beasts Pirates and the Thunder God Pirates, ideally resulting in both sides suffering significant losses.

"Eternal youth? Hahahaha!" Kaido roared with laughter, tears forming in his eyes from laughing too hard.

"What's the use of eternal life?"

As one of the world's most powerful beings, Kaido cared little for eternal life. He only desired death—but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't die.

Seeing Kaido's indifference toward the Op-Op Fruit, King wasn't surprised.

"If Doflamingo falls or dies, the factory in Dressrosa will no longer be able to supply us with artificial Zoan Devil Fruits," King pointed out the consequences of a confrontation between the Thunder God Pirates and Doflamingo.

Kaido paused his drinking, his expression becoming slightly more serious.

The artificial Zoan Devil Fruits were crucial to the Beasts Pirates' power.

"So, Doflamingo is asking us for help?"

"Yes."

"Tell him the Beasts Pirates will assist, but the output of artificial Devil Fruits must increase by 50%," Kaido declared.

"Are you planning to go personally, or should I lead the fleet?" King asked.

"Hahahaha! I'll go myself to meet Sanders and test his strength. And while I'm at it, I'll help that brat Jack settle the score!" Kaido laughed uproariously.

King nodded, then turned and left the hall.

The fact that one of the Four Emperors, Kaido himself, was willing to step in was already giving Doflamingo considerable face.

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T/N:

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