Build The Strongest Family in the Prirate World

Kaido of the Beasts began heading straight for Whole Cake Island. Meanwhile, aboard the Red Force: 

After reading the news that Gangplank defeated Big Mom, took over the Big Mom Pirates, and rose to the status of one of the Four Emperors, the red-haired Shanks wore a serious expression. In a deep voice, he said: 

"Is this sea about to fall into chaos again?" 

Shanks frowned slightly. Ben Beckman, who was also reading the newspaper, walked over with a thoughtful look and said: 

"But what does any of this have to do with us?" 

"We're the Red Hair Pirates—the freest crew on the seas." 

Hearing that, Shanks's frown disappeared instantly. He laughed heartily and said: 

"Hahaha! Let the old folks worry about the balance of the world!" 

"Alright, everyone, let's throw a party to celebrate the rise of the new Four Emperors!" 

Laughter and cheers erupted across the Red Force. 

In the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, the Five Elders' faces were filled with mixed emotions. 

The Five Elders had initially expected the Gangplank Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates to unite through marriage, creating a stronger alliance that would disrupt the world's balance while vying for the title of Pirate King. 

However, they hadn't anticipated that Gangplank would directly defeat Big Mom and forcibly absorb the Big Mom Pirates into his own crew. 

Although Bilgewater now lacked Big Mom's overwhelming personal strength, Gangplank's astonishing power made him far more dangerous than Big Mom ever was. 

"Planck has now claimed a seat among the Four Emperors. The New World will undoubtedly be thrown into chaos," one of the Elders said gravely. 

"Should we consider eliminating Gangplank?" 

"He's far too dangerous," the blond Elder added with a stern expression. 

Whenever a new Emperor rises, they are always tested by other ambitious pirates, eager to challenge their reign. 

The Five Elders typically paid little attention to ordinary pirates or even the Four Emperors. But Gangplank was different. 

He had stolen the Heavenly Tribute and seized control of Totto Land, renaming it Bilgewater. Now declaring himself king, Gangplank was a far greater threat than any of the other Four Emperors. 

The pirates and even the Five Elders usually wouldn't care much—but when it comes to the Heavenly Tribute, the Five Elders have no choice but to pay attention. 

Big Mom, for all her power, was primarily concerned with gorging on sweets and producing children. She forced her subordinates to control islands and demanded monthly tribute in desserts. 

But Gangplank was different. A true king doesn't just demand; he takes action and imposes his will. 

"It's difficult," muttered the bearded Elder, shaking his head slightly. 

"Unless we're prepared to usher in a new era by gathering all the elite forces of Marine Headquarters, the Shichibukai(seven war lords of the sea), and even CP0, and launching a full-scale war against the Four Emperors simultaneously..." 

"Otherwise, it's nearly impossible to eliminate him quickly. Right now, he's entrenched in the New World." 

The New World is the heart of pirate territory. 

Even if Marine Headquarters mustered two or three Admirals and their strongest forces, it would still take everything they had to challenge Bilgewater as it stands today. 

However, if the Marines sent a large force deep into the New World, it would provoke a reaction. The pirates of the New World—including the Four Emperors—would instinctively band together against the World Government's intrusion. 

Even if the pirates are at each other's throats most of the time, they all share one thing in common: no one wants the World Government meddling in their domain. 

The New World is unforgiving, even for Marines. Most Marine bases in that region are weak, their soldiers worn down by the harsh conditions and often acting more like pirates than lawmen. 

Deploying a small, elite force might go unnoticed. But moving a massive number of troops? That would light up the chaotic sea routes of the New World like a beacon. 

"So, are we just supposed to ignore him?" asked the bald Elder, his hand resting on the cursed blade, the First Generation Kitetsu. His tone was grave. 

"Don't forget—he stole the Heavenly Tribute." 

"As long as that man lives, it's a direct challenge to the divine order we've established!" 

Gangplank's theft of the Heavenly Tribute wasn't just a crime; it was an insult to the World Government's authority. 

What made it worse was that he faced no consequences. Instead, he only grew stronger, solidifying his power and influence. 

This could inspire countless other pirates to target the Heavenly Tribute as well. 

The Tribute is a cornerstone of the World Government's control over the world. It allows them to drain the resources of nations under their rule, weakening their strength and ensuring that the Government's grip on the pirate world remains firm. 

It cannot be allowed to falter or be destroyed! 

"It doesn't matter much," 

The somewhat bald Five Elders spoke quietly, his expression complex. 

"Gangplank defeated Big Mom and climbed to the top of the Four Emperors. In some ways, this might actually benefit us." 

"At the very least, it shows those foolish scum of the sea that not just anyone is worthy of targeting the Heavenly Tribute." 

When ordinary pirates dare to rob the Heavenly Tribute, it's treated as a grave crime—one that demands the deployment of Admirals and immediate, severe punishment. 

But what happens when one of the Four Emperors takes it? 

Oh, a Four Emperor stole it? That's a different story... 

The sheer reputation of the Four Emperors strikes fear into pirates across all four seas. Even the most reckless understand the overwhelming power of the Emperors. It's terrifying to think someone like Yamato exists in this world. 

"For now, let's hold off on taking direct action against Gangplank," the bald Elder continued. 

"According to our latest intel, Kaido is already heading to Cake Island." 

"Perhaps Kaido can deal with this problem for us, sparing us the effort." 

The curly-haired Five Elders, holding a stack of reports, added in a deep voice: 

"Rather than focusing on the chaos in the New World, we should perhaps shift our attention to the Four Seas and the first half of the Grand Line." 

"Things there haven't been very peaceful lately." 

A light breeze rustled the reports in his hands, flipping through the pages to reveal photographs of Swain, Vladimir, and the bounty hunter Sarah. 

The remaining lieutenants under Duke's command were growing stronger. 

And the one benefiting the most from all this was Duke himself. 

He had slain Piecro, defeated Big Mom, and brought two colossal powers under his banner: the Funeral Home and Totto Land. 

In this one move, he gained immeasurable wealth and influence. 

Consider this: how much money does an organization that dominates the assassin industry in the pirate underworld have? 

And how much treasure does one of the Four Emperors of the New World command? 

Of course, it's not as though Duke could claim all of it. 

Much of the wealth from the Funeral Home and Big Mom Pirates would need to be reinvested—used to secure loyalty, maintain operations, and recruit new members across their widespread networks. 

Similarly, Totto Land's resources couldn't be entirely monopolized by Gangplank. The upkeep and expansion of such vast forces require an extraordinary amount of money. 

Even so, after deducting funds allocated to Shadow Isles and Bilgewater, Duke's fortune had skyrocketed. 

Now, it seemed, he was preparing for his next big play.