Chapter 66.1 : War Begins!!

New World, Rear Section.

Marco's expression was incredibly serious, his eyes locked onto the figure flying ahead.

The chase had been going on for more than a day.

That bastard King had no intention of stopping for a fight; he was just running away.

Along the way, he was unleashing fire, devastating the towns below.

Marco had lost count of how many times he felt furious; all he knew was that by the time he saw the towns consumed by flames, he felt numb.

But there was one thing he had never forgotten.

He had to catch that bastard!

At that moment, ahead of him...

King, flying swiftly forward, hesitated slightly as the sound of a Den Den Mushi echoed in his arms.

He didn't even need to answer.

King glanced back at Marco, who was hot on his tail.

The game was over.

In an instant, the flames behind him vanished, and then—whoosh!—King transformed into a shadow, speeding forward.

What?!

Marco was momentarily stunned.

How could he be so fast?

"Bastard! Don't run!!"

Marco nearly screamed. Although he hadn't fully processed what was happening, he instinctively sensed that something terrible was about to unfold.

However, the speed difference was too great. Even with all his strength, Marco could only watch helplessly as King flew further and further away, until he disappeared into the depths of the sky.

Marco felt a sudden surge of panic in his heart.

Where is that guy headed next?

This is bad! I need to inform Pops immediately!

Whitebeard Pirates.

Marco quickly made the call.

"...Pops! It's like this! I suspect that King is on his way back right now!"

Marco's voice was filled with urgency. "But I can't match his speed! Even if I try to rush back, I'll be way too late!"

"Now I see!" 

Whitebeard finally understood the plan of the Beast Pirates. He glanced back at the Moby Dick, where the clouds above revealed that the dragon hadn't moved far away.

That bastard Kaido has been harassing us every day for the past few days.

It seems he was trying to ascertain our position.

His aim was to seize the opportunity for a final showdown while Marco was absent, and King could quickly return.

Kaido is certainly playing his cards well.

But...

"Don't worry, Marco," Whitebeard chuckled heartily. "Do you think I'm someone who loses easily? Even if you're not here, do you really think I'd lose to that bastard Kaido?"

Upon hearing his admired father's words, Marco couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

That's right, Pops is the strongest man in the world!

With him around, what difference does it make if I'm not there?

"If Kaido wants to fight, that's exactly what I'm hoping for!" 

Whitebeard said with a grin, "If he keeps bothering us and the Beast Pirates stay holed up in Wano, I won't be able to do anything against them!"

But now, things are different!

"I understand, Pops! I'll hurry back as fast as I can!"

Whitebeard was ready for battle.

In the sea where the Beast Pirates were located, time passed after that day.

Ships plowed through the waves, their heavy hulls crushing the surging tides. The gathering sails looked like dark clouds floating over the sea, blocking the sun and creating an imposing spectacle.

Ian stood on the deck of the Winged Dragon, looking up as a colossal figure descended from the sky.

"Dad!"

Behind Ian, Yamato cheerfully waved at the azure dragon above.

The enormous head tilted down, and as it opened its mouth to speak, a gust of wind rushed forth. "How much longer until King arrives?"

"I contacted Uncle King yesterday. He said he's on his way back, so he should be here soon."

Ian replied, "We can make our move now."

"Ha ha ha! I've been waiting forever!" 

The laughter of Kaido filled the air, making the sails of the Winged Dragon swell with energy.

In the next moment, the massive azure dragon soared into the sky. "Leave Whitebeard to me; you all can handle the rest however you like!"

As soon as the words were spoken, Kaido seized Flame Cloud and took off into the sky, quickly flying ahead.

The Whitebeard Pirates were just ahead in the ocean.

"Accelerate!" 

Ian commanded.

From a nearby ship, Queen voiced his displeasure. "I told you, the one giving orders here is me!"

The fleet sped up, heading toward the waters ahead.

Before long, an island came into Ian's view.

The Whitebeard Pirates were on that island.

They were waiting for the Beast Pirates' grand arrival.

Ian couldn't help but marvel. Truly, this was Whitebeard.

He must have known that Uncle King was on his way back, right? 

To engage in a final showdown with the Beast Pirates while likely missing a top-tier fighter—only Whitebeard could take such risks.

On the small island ahead…

"Pops! They're coming!" 

Thatch stood atop a tall rock formation on the coast of the island, which was dotted with similar peaks. He held a telescope, scanning the horizon where a massive fleet was approaching.

"There must be nearly ten thousand of them! The main force of the Beasts Pirates is here!" 

"On board, there's—" 

As he focused his gaze, he exclaimed, "Queen! And that brat! Aside from King, both of the top officers are here!" 

"Ku ra la la la! Have they finally arrived? I've been waiting forever!" 

A giant of a man plunged his enormous naginata into the ground beside him. Not far behind him, the commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates and the captains of allied pirate crews were all on high alert. 

Beneath his captain's hat, golden hair danced in the wind blowing in from the sea. 

"Sons! Prepare for battle!" 

"Oh!!!" 

The coast erupted in cheers. 

The Whitebeard Pirates had never feared a fight. 

"Well then, let's give them a proper greeting!" 

Whitebeard clenched his right fist, his muscles bulging. A semi-transparent white orb suddenly appeared above his fist, and a low buzzing sound filled the air, causing the surrounding atmosphere to vibrate slightly.

"Seaquake!" 

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