Kaidou's deep voice echoed through the empty hall: "This is a Celestial Dragon family, or more precisely, former Celestial Dragons."
Before his words faded, an overwhelming killing intent suddenly erupted from King. The air seemed to freeze over with a layer of frost as the temperature plummeted. His fists clenched tightly, knuckles cracking with a grating sound. Beneath his mask, his eyes glowed with dangerous red light, his entire being resembling a beast on the verge of rampage.
"King, calm down." Kaidou's voice remained steady, yet carried an undeniable authority.
King's body trembled slightly as that terrifying killing intent gradually receded. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and bowed his head in apology to Kaidou: "My apologies, Brother Kaidou. I lost my composure."
Kaidou nodded with satisfaction, his gaze turning profound once more. He understood better than anyone that topics concerning Celestial Dragons would always touch the deepest wounds in King's heart.
"King, this family voluntarily abandoned their status as Celestial Dragons several years ago, wanting to live like ordinary people," Kaidou continued.
"How could there be such naive Celestial Dragons," King's voice carried a tone of incredulous mockery.
"Indeed, too naive," Kaidou sneered coldly. "So they were severely bullied by commoners on an island for two years. If those people hadn't worried that actually killing Celestial Dragons would bring disaster, their entire family would have died long ago."
King nodded thoughtfully: "Then why did Brother Kaidou take them in?"
A sharp glint flashed in Kaidou's eyes: "First, because of their two sons. I fed one of them the Heal-Heal Fruit. Used properly, this fruit can change the course of a battle. The other has good potential - with proper training, he won't be weaker than Moria and the others."
He paused before continuing: "Second, I want Queen to secretly research the Celestial Dragons, to see if their bloodline hides any secrets. Although their family has had the chips representing their Celestial Dragon status removed, if Celestial Dragons were truly worthless, I don't believe that person hiding behind the scenes would continue to support those trash."
King remained silent for a moment before slowly nodding: "I understand. Rest assured, Brother Kaidou. Since you've taken them in, I won't treat them differently."
Kaidou said nothing more, simply reaching out to give King's shoulder a heavy pat.
Five days passed in the blink of an eye, and soon it was time for the Beasts Pirates' annual Fire Festival.
The morning sunlight sprinkled across the sea surface, creating shimmering waves. Kaidou's tall figure stood at the port, his black cloak swaying gently in the breeze. He crossed his arms, gazing toward the horizon with a faint smile playing on his lips.
In the distance, a massive white whale ship slowly approached.
The Moby Dick's sails were particularly striking under the sunlight, the iconic whale-shaped bow making it instantly recognizable as the flagship of the Whitebeard Pirates. On the deck, Whitebeard Edward Newgate leaned on his naginata, his white beard flowing in the sea breeze.
"Wororororo, Newgate, long time no see!" Kaidou's booming voice echoed across the sea. He spread his arms wide in a welcoming gesture.
"Gurararara, Kaidou." Whitebeard's hearty laughter was equally loud. "It's been years, but you've really impressed me. I never expected that trainee who only knew how to fight would now be capable of governing a country so effectively."
Kaidou laughed heartily upon hearing this. He certainly understood the meaning behind Whitebeard's words.
In truth, though Newgate didn't know the exact details of how Kaidou had seized Wano Country, based on the information he'd gathered during his time there, he could roughly guess the methods Kaidou had employed. However, the series of policies Kaidou implemented after taking over Wano Country had genuinely shocked Newgate.
As for liberating Wano Country, aside from whether it even needed liberation now, even if it did, Newgate had no intention of intervening. After all, pirates like Kaidou who seized countries weren't rare, though they weren't common either. In the face of overwhelmingly powerful individuals, these countries were completely defenseless, open to being taken at will. Compared to others, Kaidou's methods were relatively decent.
"I never expected it either, Newgate." Kaidou narrowed his eyes. "You, who always talked about finding family back then, are now collecting sons everywhere. I thought you'd be like Linlin, having a bunch of children yourself!"
Hearing this, Whitebeard's smile widened. "After all these years, your tongue has grown sharper, Kaidou."
"Likewise." Kaidou shrugged. "Well, we can save the reminiscing for later. Today is a grand occasion for our Beasts Pirates - let's first enjoy the Fire Festival properly!"
As he spoke, Kaidou made an inviting gesture. On both sides of the port, members of the Beasts Pirates stood in orderly rows, their cheers rising and falling. In the distance, the festival bonfires had been lit, the towering flames heralding an extraordinary night.
This year's Fire Festival was again hosted by Queen, and it had to be said that Queen had quite a talent for this sort of thing. The festival he hosted directly brought the atmosphere to its peak. During the celebration, Kaidou fulfilled last year's promise by producing the Zoan-Type Elephant-Elephant Fruit and the Zoan-Type Bug-Bug Fruit Hercules Beetle Form - the latter being the other Devil Fruit obtained back in Greenbit.
These two fruits were given to Griffith and Pellic respectively, both possessing considerable strength and potential. Though Newgate was surprised by the distribution of the Devil Fruits, he didn't comment. However, when gold worth three billion was carried onto the center stage, Newgate nearly felt tempted to rob the Beasts Pirates right then and there.
After distributing the fruits and gold, the all-night revelry began. That evening, everyone let their guard down and happily gathered together to drink.
Kaidou and Newgate sat together arm wrestling while drinking heavily, the two going back and forth as barrel after barrel was emptied. King and Bullet were competing to see who could eat more, with piles of various delicacies before them. Their ravenous eating drew cheers from those around them. Queen dragged Marco onto the stage to dance, his clumsy moves making Marco chuckle despite himself. Moria competed with members of the Tontatta Tribe; though their sizes were vastly different, they were having great fun. Urouge and Kuzan chatted together, seemingly having found common topics and conversing happily. Ginny brought Kuma and Whitey Bay together to play dice, their laughter never ceasing. Enel was having a blast with Doflamingo, Rosinante and others, electric sparks flashing amidst the joyful atmosphere.
As the night deepened, the bonfire burned brighter. Members of the Beasts Pirates sang and danced, their laughter echoing throughout Oni Island.
Kaidou and Whitebeard were already red-faced from drinking but continued competing in their drinking contest. Queen's singing voice soared to the skies, off-key but full of passion.
Marco watched the lively scene before him and couldn't help but sigh, "It's really been a long time since I've been this relaxed."
Whitebeard patted Kaidou's shoulder, "You brat, you're getting better at enjoying life these days."
Kaidou laughed heartily, "When life gives you joy, you should enjoy it to the fullest." As he spoke, he raised his barrel again and clinked it with Whitebeard's.
On the distant sea, moonlight cast a silver glow that intertwined with the firelight from Oni Island. This night, there were no distinctions between friend and foe, no differences in stance, only pure joy and friendship. Perhaps this was the freedom and happiness pirates pursued - living to the fullest on this great sea, enjoying every moment without reservation.
When the first rays of dawn sunlight fell upon the sea, the people who had reveled all night gradually dispersed.
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