"I don't think any of us right now are capable of leading this world."
X Drake, wearing a dark-blue swordsman's hat with an "X"-shaped scar on his chin, raised his head. Faced with the slightly provocative words of Urouge the Mad Monk, he remained completely unmoved.
"With only what we've accomplished so far, trying to compete with the true powerhouses of this world is nothing more than childish fantasy."
"Captain Drake is really steady and cautious, huh~"
Nearby, Trafalgar Law—wearing a hat with bear-ear patterns—slightly lifted his chin. One eye open, one eye closed, he wore an air of relaxed ease.
This stood in sharp contrast to the white bear Bepo behind him, whose tension was stretched to the limit.
After finishing his remark, Law shifted his gaze toward Capone, the first to speak earlier, and chuckled softly.
"But Captain Drake isn't wrong either."
"That's why Captain Capone specially gathered all of us here, right?"
"And I'm guessing the reason the Hawkins Pirates managed to arrive at the Sabaody Archipelago so promptly… was also thanks to you, Captain Capone?"
Raising an eyebrow, Law directly questioned Capone, the mastermind behind this meeting.
In an instant, every pirate in the room turned their eyes toward Capone.
Even Jewelry Bonney, who had been focused entirely on the food in front of her, glanced over while continuing to stuff herself.
Bonney: "Nom nom nom…"
Being stared at by several Supernova pirates with bounties exceeding one hundred million made the Mafia pirates accompanying Capone feel immense pressure, some of them even swallowing nervously.
Yet Capone himself maintained his boss-like composure. Calmly finishing the last bite of steak on his plate, he wiped his mouth with a napkin before turning to face the gathered Supernovas.
Despite his rough, brutish appearance, his manners were refined—almost aristocratic.
Setting down the napkin, Capone spoke:
"That's right. Hawkins did indeed come to the Sabaody Archipelago because he received my invitation."
"As for why I invited all the Supernovas here… I think even if I don't spell it out, you've already guessed."
A glint flashed through Capone's eyes, his expression layered with meaning.
Beside him, the relatively serious-minded Mad Monk Urouge let out a low chuckle.
"So… this is about cooperation?"
"Cooperation?" Scratchmen Apoo lifted his head, revealing piano-key-like teeth, his interest clearly piqued as his expression turned serious.
Capone continued:
"Anyone who's managed to sail from the Four Blues all the way here shouldn't be an idiot."
"You should all know very well that the world is currently standing at a crucial turning point…"
"First, Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division Commander Ace publicly executed a Celestial Dragon. Then, the Super Rookie pirate crew—the Straw Hat Pirates—stormed Enies Lobby and defeated Marine Admiral Kizaru. And today's news even brought up Blackbeard, who seized the Devil Fruit power of the legendary pirate Golden Lion…"
"This world is steadily marching toward the abyss!"
"And people like us—too small to truly matter, yet too big to be ignored—are completely powerless right now, left only to be battered by the storm of the era."
"So rather than waiting helplessly for that storm to arrive, why not take the initiative? Pool our strength, form a pirate alliance, and establish a foothold in the New World."
As Capone's words fell, the entire tavern fell silent.
Only Bonney continued eating without a care in the world.
Aside from Kid, that troublesome thorn, the remaining Supernovas were all rational individuals.
Especially for people like Apoo, cooperation with others was never an issue.
But only if there were tangible benefits.
A sharp light flickered in Apoo's eyes as he immediately pressed the question.
"So after we cooperate, what exactly are we doing? And what do we get out of it?!"
"Everything."
Capone answered bluntly.
"Do you really think that with the strength your crews have now, you'll have a good ending once you enter the New World?"
"In just the past few months, the Whitebeard Pirates have been rapidly expanding. The Big Mom Pirates are forming political marriages everywhere. The Beasts Pirates are recruiting talent indiscriminately. The Red-Haired Pirates remain as mysterious as ever. And the Marines have moved their headquarters right to the doorstep of the New World…"
"Not to mention the suddenly rising Blackbeard and the Straw Hat crew!"
"The New World has long since become a land divided among heroes. There's no room left for people like us."
"If we don't want to become underlings the moment we step into the New World—or vanish into the river of history altogether—then banding together is the only choice we have!"
In one breath, Capone laid out the realities of the New World.
Born into the West Blue Mafia, he possessed information channels unavailable to other Supernovas.
That was precisely why, after analyzing the state of the world, he invited Supernovas who shared his predicament to gather at Sabaody—the endpoint of the first half of the Grand Line.
"…It does sound like cooperation would benefit us more."
After a moment of contemplation, Urouge—knowing Capone spoke the truth—was the first to voice his approval.
"Even if it's unclear how much things will change afterward, fighting alone really isn't good for our future."
"I'm willing to cooperate."
Urouge stated his stance outright.
Beside him, the usually silent Drake also nodded after some thought.
"I agree to cooperate as well."
As a Marine undercover agent, tracking pirate movements was his duty.
By joining forces with other Supernovas, he could report their activities to the Marines even more clearly.
"Just as I thought."
Already aware of Capone's intentions, Law pressed his lips together in a faint smile and, representing his crew, agreed as well.
On the verge of entering the New World, he needed greater strength and backing—especially to prepare for confronting the Donquixote Family.
By joining this alliance, he could use its power to weaken them.
If he was going to fight established forces in the New World anyway… why couldn't that force be the Donquixote Family?
Seeing one Supernova after another agree, Apoo hesitated repeatedly before finally choosing to join as well.
Of course, as a refined egoist, Apoo had no intention of truly sacrificing himself for the alliance.
When benefits were on the table, he'd be the first to rush in—but when real work was required, he'd be the last to move.
That was how Apoo survived.
"So what about you, Jewelry Bonney?"
"And just so you know, Hawkins—who's on his way here—has already agreed to my proposal to form a pirate alliance."
As several members finalized their decisions, the corners of Capone's mouth lifted slightly.
Twisting the gemstone ring on his finger, he cast a meaningful gaze toward the last remaining Supernova and posed the question.
All eyes naturally turned toward Bonney, who was still eating nonstop.
Sensing the attention, a flash of contemplation passed through Bonney's eyes—too subtle for anyone to notice.
Though only ten years old, her past experiences had given her a maturity far beyond that of ordinary adults.
She knew very well that if she refused now, she and her crew would likely be attacked by everyone present.
"And besides…"
Bonney's eyes flickered.
"This guy Capone clearly has access to information the others don't."
"Joining the alliance might make it easier for me to find clues about my father."
Countless thoughts flashed through her mind.
After taking a huge bite of pizza, she shrugged indifferently and nodded.
"Since everyone else is joining, I guess I will too."
"But don't expect me to work myself to death for you."
"Of course!"
With unanimous approval secured, Capone smiled knowingly. A subordinate lit a cigar for him, which he began to smoke with domineering ease.
"None of us are law-abiding types, so this alliance is nothing more than a bond to keep us connected."
"We can share intelligence when needed, and if you want help, you'd better offer something worthwhile."
"Even if we're going to pool our strength to take down someone in the New World, it'll still be decided by a vote."
Though the pirate alliance had taken shape under his initiative, Capone had no intention of positioning himself as its leader.
He knew better than anyone how difficult these bastards were to deal with.
And even if they ranked strength within the alliance, the initiator might not necessarily come out on top.
So rather than wasting time on unnecessary struggles, it was better to keep things simple…
An exchange of benefits for benefits has always been the most successful deal in this world.
Still, as the initiator, Capone felt it necessary to say something:
"As a start, I'll have my men send you the latest intelligence and developments from the New World…"
"You reckless idiots—don't go getting yourselves wiped out the moment you step in there."
As he spoke, Capone raised his wine glass toward the others.
"Then, here's to a successful cooperation."
"To cooperation~!"
Everyone raised their glasses, wearing tacit smiles, each harboring their own thoughts.
But just as they were about to drink—
The tightly shut tavern doors were suddenly pushed open from the outside.
"I'm so hungry, so hungry~!"
"Boss! Hurry up and bring us some meat!!! I'm starving to death!!!"
A straw-hatted boy charged into the tavern, shouting at the top of his lungs.
Following him was a group of individuals with extraordinary bearing.
"Hey, Luffy, this place clearly sells alcohol! There probably won't be any good food here."
"We should ask the locals and find a famous restaurant instead!"
A long-nosed boy stepped forward with a suggestion.
But beside him, a green-haired swordsman carrying three long blades sniffed the air lightly, then grinned.
"Smells like good booze. This place seems pretty solid!"
"How about we just eat here?"
"If a place can sell good wine, its cooking probably isn't bad either."
The green-haired swordsman proposed cheerfully.
The next instant, however, a sharp glint flashed through his eyes as his gaze swept across the Supernovas.
"And besides…"
"There's more interesting stuff here than just the drinks."
"Let's go with this place."
Finally, a boy wearing a baseball cap smiled faintly and made the final call.
Hearing that, the others said no more and took seats at a suitable table.
The tavern owner, wearing an apron, hurried over.
"I'm terribly sorry, guests…"
Rubbing his hands apologetically, he said,
"This place has been booked out. Please find another restaurant."
"Next time! When you come next time, I'll definitely give you a huge discount!"
"Huh… why like this?!"
The straw-hatted boy's face instantly fell, and his stomach let out a loud gurgle.
This straw-hatted youth was none other than Monkey D. Luffy, who had just arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago, along with his companions.
Hearing the owner's words, Luffy was about to regretfully leave—
When Red suddenly raised a hand with a smile.
"No, this place is fine."
"I think everyone here won't mind us joining."
"Ah, well…" The owner looked awkward.
But when he turned toward Capone—the one who had booked the tavern—he saw fear flickering in the big boss's eyes.
Capone shakily set his wine glass on the table. After taking a deep breath to steady himself, he forced out a conflicted yet flattering smile.
"O-of course not."
"Please, make yourselves comfortable~"
"Wow! Thanks! You're a really nice guy…"
With permission granted, Luffy immediately burst into laughter and sat down, enthusiastically ordering food.
Because of the morning-long meeting, Sanji hadn't had time to cook, so Red and the others genuinely came here to eat.
They just hadn't expected that the very first restaurant they encountered after exiting the Hyperspace Hole would be hosting a Supernova alliance meeting.
"Interesting~"
Red smiled as he looked at the increasingly restless Supernovas in the distance.
…
…
Meanwhile.
The Supernovas, whose celebration had been interrupted, exchanged looks, communicating silently with their eyes.
There was no mistake.
That appearance, that crew, that presence, that straw hat…
These people were the legendary crew that defeated Marine Admiral Kizaru, with a total bounty of 7.5 billion Beli—
The Straw Hat Pirates!!!
Every Supernova pirate crew present instantly held their breath, not daring to make a sound.
Gulp—
Someone swallowed nervously, breaking the awkward silence—and successfully drawing the Straw Hats' attention.
Damn it!
Who was that?!
Several pirates immediately focused their gaze on the unlucky man behind Apoo who had made the strange noise.
The invisible pressure made the ordinary pirate break into a cold sweat, his legs trembling.
"The Straw Hat Pirates…"
Law, who appeared relaxed but whose body was already stiff with tension, muttered in a low voice. A deep look of confusion flashed in his eyes.
"Why are they here?!"
"To eat at a restaurant, of course."
As if responding to Law's thoughts, Red chuckled lightly after finishing his order, his gaze sweeping over the Supernovas.
"I never expected to meet all of you like this."
"Everyone… the Supernovas."
(End of Chapter)