Sailing: I was falsely accused of watching Nami bathe, but I'm blind.

He devoted a great deal of resources and attention to... monitoring Fishman Island!

Fishman Island, as the only passage connecting the two halves of the Grand Line (besides crossing the Red Line), is a must-pass place for all pirates who want to enter the New World.

Kai was almost certain that the Straw Hat crew would stay there for a while to resupply, rest, and gather information about the New World.

He needed to know what they had done on Fishman Island, who they had encountered, and how their strength had changed.

By planting spies on Fishman Island and monitoring the Den Den Mushi signals that might be communicating with Fishman Island, Kai began to closely monitor the Straw Hat crew's movements 10,000 meters below the sea.

Soon, all sorts of astonishing news reached his ears.

"Report, Admiral! The Straw Hat crew has confirmed their arrival at Fishman Island! And... upon arrival, they've already clashed with the island's inhabitants over some trivial matter!"

"Yes, as expected."

Kai was not surprised by this.

Given Luffy's troublemaking nature, it would be strange if he didn't cause some kind of commotion.

"Breaking news! A massive rebellion seems to be brewing on Fishman Island! An organization called the 'New Fishman Pirates,' led by Hody Jones, is attempting to overthrow the Ryugu Kingdom and declare war on the human world!"

"The new Fishman Pirates? Hody Jones?" Kai frowned.

He didn't know much about the internal affairs of Fishman Island, but he could sense that there seemed to be deeper conflicts and hatred hidden within (the long-standing historical grievances between the Fishmen and humans).

"Urgent report! The Straw Hat crew... has been caught up in this rebellion! They... seem to have chosen to side with the Ryugu Kingdom, and have broken out in a full-scale conflict with the New Fishman Pirates!"

"What?!" Kai was somewhat surprised.

He had thought Luffy and his crew would just be passing through, causing a ruckus on Fishman Island before leaving. He never expected them to... actively get involved in such a complex affair involving racial hatred and national turmoil? Was that guy really just doing it because he "couldn't stand it" or "at a friend's request"?

The information that followed left Kai speechless and annoyed.

"Report! Straw Hat Luffy... single-handedly... defeated Hody Jones and all his subordinates, who had taken a large amount of lethal drugs and whose strength had increased dramatically! And... prevented the giant ark 'Noah' from crashing into Fish-Man Island! Saved the entire Fish-Man Island!"

"He also... publicly announced that Fishman Island... is now under the protection of him, Straw Hat Luffy?!"

……

Kai remained silent.

He saved Fishman Island? Became a hero of Fishman Island? And openly declared that he would protect Fishman Island?

This guy... why is he always like this?! No matter where he goes, no matter what his intentions are, he always seems to be able to... unintentionally do some "heroic" feats? And then win people's hearts and expand his influence?

Kai was extremely puzzled by this, and even... annoyed!

In his view, Luffy's actions were nothing short of destructive! Destroying the existing order (for better or worse) and creating even greater chaos! While it was certainly a good thing that he was protecting Fishman Island.

However, this behavior will inevitably lead to greater conflicts between him and those pirates who covet Fishman Island or are hostile to the Fishman race, and even certain forces within the World Government! He is constantly making enemies for himself! Constantly dragging himself and those around him into increasingly dangerous situations!

Moreover, this "heroic" reputation will only allow his influence to snowball, making him an even more difficult and unpredictable "destabilizing factor" in the future!

This is completely contrary to Kai's ideal of establishing and maintaining "order" through powerful force and ruthless means!

Kai even began to doubt whether his decision to "finish off" Ace during the Marineford War, attempting to curb Luffy's ambitions by destroying his mental pillar, was... a complete mistake? This guy's vitality, and his... unique "charm" that always attracts and unites others, seemed... far beyond his imagination?

An even stronger desire to completely eradicate this "source of chaos" rose in Kai's mind!

What happened next further confirmed Kai's assessment of Luffy's "troublemaker" nature.

Just when Kai thought the Straw Hat crew would be a little more settled after the Fishman Island incident and were preparing to enter the New World, an even more explosive piece of news came, once again shocking the entire Grand Line (especially the New World)!

Straw Hat Road's fate is unknown?! He actually... openly declared war on one of the Four Emperors, "BIGMOM" Charlotte Linlin, on Fishman Island?!

The cause seems to be that Luffy ate the sweets that were supposed to be served to Big Mom? Then, when Big Mom confronted him via Den Den Mushi, Luffy not only didn't back down, but instead... gave Big Mom all the treasure he stole from Fish-Man Island (probably Hody and his crew from Chapter 653) as "compensation" (and still wasn't satisfied), and... arrogantly declared that once he arrived in the New World, he would personally defeat Big Mom and completely take Fish-Man Island under his control?!

When Kai heard the news, he simply... didn't know what expression to make.

Shocked! Speechless! Even... a little amused?

What an idiot! Does he even know what he's doing?!

The Four Emperors! Those were the sea emperors who ruled the New World for decades! Their terrifying strength and immense power were beyond his current comprehension!

He, a newcomer who had just recovered from his injuries and was about to step into the new world, actually... dared to declare war on a well-established Yonko just because of a little bit of sweets?!

This can't be described as just "reckless"! This is... utterly and completely reckless madness!

Kai could almost foresee that the Straw Hat crew's upcoming journey to the New World would be fraught with danger and a near-death experience! The wrath of the Big Mom Pirates was something they could not withstand at this moment!

However… amidst the shock, Kai also realized that Luffy's action signified that he had truly and irreversibly stepped into the highest-level stage of the New World! And… from the very beginning, he had placed himself at the forefront of a direct clash with the Four Emperors' forces!

This means that the new world in the future will inevitably become more chaotic and more...exciting because of the Straw Hat crew's arrival!

This also means that... if Kai wants to pursue his goals in the new world, he will inevitably... have more direct and frequent interactions and conflicts with these top powers!

The stage of a new world has been set! And he must... catch up as soon as possible!

As the Straw Hat crew officially entered the New World and immediately made headlines by declaring war on the Four Emperors, the Marine Headquarters' strategic focus began to shift entirely towards the New World.

While the campaign to eliminate pirates in the first half of the Grand Line continues, its priority has clearly decreased.

The Navy's core mission has become to curb the expansion of the Four Emperors' power in the more chaotic and dangerous waters of the New World, deal with the powerful newcomers (Supernovas) who are emerging like mushrooms after rain, and guard against the ever-growing and increasingly threatening Revolutionary Army.

As a rising vice admiral who was being groomed (and closely monitored) by the Navy Headquarters, and as the ace of the "Special Operations Force" that was adept at handling all kinds of tricky missions, Kai's mission focus naturally shifted as well.

The orders he received increasingly pointed towards... the new world!

He was likely transferred directly to the waters near the entrance to the New World, which is also one of the Navy's most important forward positions in the New World—the G-5 branch—to monitor and deal with various pirates entering the New World from Fishman Island, especially those... the "Supernovas" who are under close surveillance.

Chapter 109: The Slaughter of the Straw Hat Crew Begins in the New World!!!

Kai had heard of the G-5 branch.

That was the most ruthless, and also the most...chaotic, branch of the Navy in the New World.

It is said that most of the naval soldiers there are "problem children" who were eliminated from the first half of the Grand Line. They are undisciplined and some are even... morally ambiguous? This is completely different from the strict and solemn atmosphere of the Marine Headquarters.

However, the combat effectiveness of the G-5 branch is also beyond doubt.

The fact that they can survive in such a close area to the territory of the Four Emperors, where pirate activity is most rampant, and still carry out missions effectively, is enough to prove their strength.

And the one in charge of this "problem children" base... seems to be... that old acquaintance who has always been "entangled" with Straw Hat Luffy—Smoker!

Kai could imagine that when he appeared in the waters near the G-5 branch as a lieutenant general, and might even need to coordinate or cooperate with Smoker on some missions, quite a bit of "spark" would probably fly between the two of them.

Smoker, though stubborn, is indeed a pure and righteous Marine who hates evil.

He would never give a kind look to a "colleague" like Kai, who has a complicated background, acts ruthlessly, and may even have "unjust blood" on his hands (from killing Ace)!

As for Kai, he also didn't have much affection for Smoker, a Marine who, in his view, was somewhat "naive," overly obsessed with superficial "justice," and repeatedly outmaneuvered by Straw Hat Luffy.

Between the two of them, due to their different understandings of "justice" and their past grievances (mainly concerning the Straw Hat Pirates), an extremely tense and delicate relationship is bound to develop.

Besides Smoker, Kai also noticed another name in the intelligence about the G-5 branch—Vergo.

Vergo is said to be Smoker's superior, a powerful vice admiral of the Navy Headquarters who is trusted by the high command (especially during the time of Fleet Admiral Sengoku), and also the supreme commander of G-5 base.

But strangely, the information about this Lieutenant General Vergo seems somewhat... vague and contradictory? He rarely appears in person and acts quite discreetly?

Kaina's hound-like intuition made him harbor a subtle, almost imperceptible, suspicion about this Vergo.

He silently memorized the name and all the information related to the G-5 branch.

He sensed that his future mission in the New World would likely have a significant intersection with this naval base, which was full of "problem children" and potential secrets.

Perhaps... you might encounter some unexpected people and things there again?

Thinking of this, a cold smile curled at the corner of Kai's mouth.

New World...G-5...Smoker...Vergo...

And then there are those reckless "supernovas" who have just stumbled into this sea area...

It seems that the days ahead shouldn't be too boring.

His heart, long accustomed to battle and killing, even... faintly felt a... bloodthirsty excitement?

Kai's naval career in the New World quickly got on track.

With his formidable strength and efficient, ruthless style, he quickly established his "reputation" (or rather, fearsome reputation) in the waters near the G-5 branch.

Whether they were unruly pirates or equally undisciplined G-5 soldiers, none dared to show the slightest negligence or provocation when facing this "blind" vice admiral with his empty eyes and ruthless attacks.

His relationship with Smoker, as he had anticipated, was filled with tension and... subtle antagonism.

Smoker still adheres to his own set of "justice" that is fiercely opposed to evil and clearly distinguishes between right and wrong, and is full of vigilance and distrust towards Kai, a guy with a complicated background and "unscrupulous" methods.

Kai, on the other hand, also disapproved of Smoker's methods, which he considered somewhat "naive" and "inefficient."

Although both belong to the Navy, they often have some...unpleasant frictions in terms of mission coordination and ideology.

Of course, given Kai's rank (Vice Admiral, possibly equal to or slightly higher than Smoker) and strength, as well as Fleet Admiral Akainu's subtle support, Smoker couldn't really do anything to him.

As for the mysterious G-5 base commander, Lieutenant General Vergo, Kai had a few... brief, official contacts (such as reporting through Den Den Mushi, or at a very few high-level meetings).

Each encounter deepened Kai's suspicions about Vergo.

Vergo struck him as too calm.

It was so calm...it was almost unnatural.

Although his aura was powerful yet restrained, befitting the status of a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral, Kai's keen Observation Haki always managed to detect beneath that calm exterior a subtle, deliberately concealed sense of incongruity and a dark aura similar to Doflamingo's manipulative nature!

This Vergo... there's definitely something wrong with him! Kai silently made that judgment in his mind.

But he made no announcement or took any action.