With the expedition imminent, the scattered forces of the Beasts Pirates were converging on Oni Island. The harbor was packed with warships, bustling with activity comparable to the annual Fire Festival.
At the center of the castle square, a crowd had gathered.
On a makeshift arena, two pirates were locked in fierce combat.
"Gahaha, finish him off!"
"Chop his head off!"
The pirates roared with bloodlust, many Headliners joining in the frenzy. Every pair of eyes gleamed with excitement and cruelty.
On the eve of an expedition, nothing stoked their fighting spirit more than bloodshed and death—this was a time-honored tradition of the Beasts Pirates.
Wealth, status, fame.
The victor would claim it all, while the fallen would be forgotten in an instant.
Third floor, corridor.
Gurd watched the carnage below for a while before quickly losing interest. He turned and headed toward the banquet hall nearby.
Kaido was gathering his officers for one final feast before the expedition, also to officially announce its commencement.
"Wororororo!"
Even from a distance, Gurd could hear Kaido's hearty laughter—his mood seemed exceptionally good.
As soon as Gurd entered the banquet hall, he drew the attention of numerous Headliners, some even shooting him challenging looks.
Over the past two months, Gurd had undoubtedly become the most talked-about officer in the Beasts Pirates. His previous act of blasting Doflamingo across the banquet hall had made quite the impression.
This had bred jealousy among many officers.
"Wororororo, it's Gurd!"
Kaido raised his sake cup, laughing heartily at the sight of Gurd before pointing to the front row. "Come, sit here. Today's a joyous occasion—no need to stand on ceremony."
The banquet hall fell silent instantly.
The Headliners froze, their expressions darkening immediately.
Though never explicitly stated, seating arrangements in the banquet hall were determined by strength. Only the strongest were permitted near Kaido.
And the spot Kaido had just pointed to was second only to the three All-Stars. How could it be given to some newly promoted weakling?
More importantly, rumors had been circulating that Kaido intended to select the six strongest Headliners to form the Flying Six. Many had been sharpening their claws for this opportunity.
Now, seeing Kaido's favor toward Gurd, it was clear he was being considered as a candidate.
Had Gurd been strong, it wouldn't have been an issue—strength dictated status in the crew, and Headliners like Ulti and Who's Who were living proof.
But who was Gurd?
A month ago, none of them had even heard his name!
How could they possibly accept this?
The Headliners' killing intent boiled over, their eyes filled with warning.
Dare to take that seat and see what happens?!
Feeling the murderous gazes around him, Gurd grinned and strode confidently to the front row. Swinging his cape aside, he sat down with imposing dignity before raising a fist to Kaido in salute.
"Thank you, Boss Kaido."
"Wororororo, I said no formalities today."
Kaido laughed heartily, raising his cup.
"Drink!"
"Gladly!"
Gurd felt thoroughly at ease as he picked up his sake bowl and clinked it with Kaido's.
Truth be told, having a leader like Kaido was truly refreshing—no airs of superiority, just like an elder brother who tried his best to accommodate his subordinates' needs.
Of course, the prerequisite was having strength!
Setting down his bowl, Gurd wiped the sake from his lips and asked with a smile, "Boss Kaido, you seem especially happy today. Did something good happen?"
"Wororororo, hic—indeed, there's cause for great celebration!"
Kaido seemed to have drunk a bit too much, hiccuping with a tipsy grin, his proud and boastful demeanor oddly endearing.
"Holdem!"
"Boss Kaido!"
Holdem stepped forward from the Headliners' seats. His towering, muscular frame, over three meters tall, exuded formidable strength, but the most striking feature was the lion's head growing from his waist.
An Artificial Devil Fruit user!
Gurd's expression shifted to surprise.
"SMILE?"
"That's right!"
Kaido laughed heartily. "Joker's subordinates delivered a new batch of Artificial Devil Fruits—this time, they're the real deal! Wororororo, Gurd, your luck is truly terrible!"
"Seems so."
Gurd shrugged helplessly.
Hah, his luck was just fine!
Holdem stood at the center of the hall, his gaze locking onto Gurd with undisguised bloodlust. "Boss Kaido, I wish to challenge Gurd. Grant me your permission!"
"Hmm?"
Kaido's brow furrowed.
This was supposed to be a joyous occasion—drinking and celebrating were the priorities. Turning the banquet hall into a battlefield would only ruin the mood.
But judging by the restless energy among the Headliners, this fight was inevitable.
Kaido turned to Gurd.
"When challenged, one must not back down."
Gurd smirked, rising to his feet and stepping toward Holdem. His tone was calm. "You have one minute."
"..."
Holdem's eyes instantly flooded with veins, his rage erupting as he drew the Meito from his waist and slashed at Gurd with all his might.
"Clang!"
The blade was caught—by Gurd's bare hand!
"Impossible!"
Holdem's disbelief was palpable. Even with the enhanced strength of his lion powers, his full-powered strike had been stopped effortlessly.
And that hand...
It wasn't human!
"Is this all you've got?"
Gurd asked coolly as his body rapidly expanded, his skin hardening into steel-like exoskeletal armor. In moments, he had transformed into a monstrous half-human, half-beast hybrid.
"Crunch!"
His claws shattered the blade!
Holdem staggered back in horror, his body trembling uncontrollably.
What kind of monster was this?!
"BOOM!"
The banquet hall doors exploded outward as Holdem, drenched in blood, crashed onto the central arena in the plaza.
Silence fell over the hall.
The Headliners stared at Gurd, who had reverted to human form. Their previous hostility had vanished, replaced by shock and lingering fear.
He was terrifyingly strong!
Even Kaido and the Disasters' expressions shifted as they studied Gurd—surprise, delight, wariness—all mingling together.
"My apologies, Boss Kaido."
Gurd turned to Kaido, gesturing helplessly at the shattered floor leading outside and the obliterated doors.
"I may have... overdone it."
"Wororororo, no matter!"
Kaido roared with laughter.
He hadn't expected Gurd to become a Devil Fruit user. The specifics of his ability didn't matter—what mattered was that his forces had grown even stronger!
"Bring more drinks! Tonight, we drink until we drop!"
Gurd returned to his seat, keenly aware that the hostile glares had significantly diminished. The display of power had served its purpose.
Fear, not respect—that was the way of pirates.
After several rounds of drinks, Gurd raised his glass to Kaido.
"Boss Kaido, for this expedition... I plan to stay on Oni Island."
"Oh? And why's that?"
Kaido frowned.
Gurd's strength was considerable—keeping him on Oni Island would be a waste of manpower. This expedition might very well lead to clashes with other Four Emperors' crews. The more fighters, the better.
Gurd explained in a low voice, "This expedition has mobilized all of our Beast Pirates' elite forces, which will inevitably leave Oni Island's defenses weakened. If enemies seize this opportunity to attack, it could lead to irreparable losses."
"In the New World, there are countless silver-tier players lurking in the shadows, waiting for their chance!"
"Moreover, I've received intelligence that Fire Fist Ace, who defeated Hanafuda, has entered the New World. His chosen route may pass through Wano Country, and I suspect Fire Fist has his sights set on your head!"
"Therefore, I intend to remain and guard Oni Island!"
"I assure you, as long as Princess Yamato and I are here, unless one of the Four Emperors arrives in person, not a single mishap will occur on Oni Island!"
His reasoning was sound.
Kaido frowned in contemplation.
Gurd's concerns were indeed worth guarding against.
The treasure was one thing, but there were far more precious things within Wano Country—things that absolutely could not afford even the slightest mishap.
"Very well, Oni Island is in your hands!"
"Thank you for your trust, Boss Kaido!"
Gurd smiled.
"Boss Kaido, when you return triumphant before the Fire Festival, I'll prepare a grand gift that will surely surprise you!"
"Wororororo, I look forward to it!"
(End of Chapter)