One Piece: The user of the Nen-Nen Fruit, who overturned the sea.

Roy's eyes lit up.

If that's the case, then the difficulty of Beehive Island is greatly reduced.

A former powerhouse who has become addicted to pleasure and whose strength has declined, plus a bunch of lowly subordinates...

"How strong is Wang Zhi exactly?"

To what extent has the Devil Fruit ability been developed?

Kaido recalled:

"The power of the Power-Power Fruit is very direct—it increases strength."

At his peak, Wang Zhi was said to be able to increase his power fiftyfold.

Combined with his physical prowess and domineering aura, a single punch could shatter a small mountain.

He paused:

"But that was many years ago."

He's been holed up on Beehive Island all these years, hardly ever fighting anyone, so his strength is definitely not what it used to be.

"That's good!"

Roy glanced at Barrett, who was already barely able to contain himself.

"Barrett, are you confident?"

Barrett grinned, his eyes burning with fighting spirit:

A power-type strongman? Perfect!

I want to try it too, to see if my White Tiger Fruit is stronger, or his Strength-Strength Fruit is more powerful!

Hawkeye said calmly:

"If needed, I can step in."

A great swordsman's strike cannot be blocked by mere brute force.

Tezzolo shrugged:

"My lightning strikes are the ultimate weapon against any challenge."

Crocodile, with a cigar in his mouth:

"I've been wanting to test these old-time powerhouses for a while now!"

The bear didn't speak, but silently clenched its fist.

Cyrus, Savage, Enel, and others were also eager to try.

Roy looked at his companions and made a decision.

"Okay, then it'll be Beehive Island."

Roy walked to the sea chart and pointed to the location of Beehive Island.

"We'll depart in three days. Our objective: to capture Beehive Island and establish the Roy Pirates' first base in the New World!"

"oh--!"

The crowd cheered in unison, their eyes filled with fighting spirit.

Kaido watched this scene with mixed feelings.

The energy and drive of these young people reminded him of his own days in the Rocks Pirates when he was young.

"Roy, kid, need my help?"

"Although Wang Zhi is a traitor, he was once a member of the Rocks Pirates."

"If I were to personally intervene, the battle could be resolved much faster."

Roy shook his head:

"No need, this is a battle of the Roy Pirates."

We need to use this battle to announce our arrival to the new world.

Roy looked at Kaido:

"However, I need you to provide more detailed intelligence—the defensive layout of Beehive Island, Wang Zhi's daily routine,

The attitudes of the island's merchants and residents... the more detailed the better.

Kaido laughed heartily:

"no problem!

Although Lao Tzu's intelligence network is not as extensive as that of the World Government, it is more than enough to investigate Beehive Island!

"I'll give you a complete intelligence report within three days!"

"Thank you very much."

The two bumped fists again.

The plan was thus finalized.

Three days later, the Roy Pirates will set sail for Beehive Island, firing the first shot in the New World.

Meanwhile, on Beehive Island.

Wang Zhi was holding a grand banquet in his palace, completely unaware that a storm that would change his fate was about to break.

That evening, a grand banquet was held at Skull Castle to bid farewell to the Roy Pirates.

At the banquet, members of the Beasts Pirates and the Roy Pirates toasted each other, creating a lively atmosphere.

Kaido and Roy sat in the main seats, drinking and discussing the details.

"Wang Zhi likes to hold a big banquet on the 15th of every month, when the island's guards are at their most lax."

Kaido said in a low voice,

"Three days from now is the 15th. You can launch a surprise attack then."

Roy nodded and noted it down.

"What about the island's fortifications?"

"The fortifications built during the time of Locke were very well done, but Wang Zhi has neglected their maintenance in recent years, and many of them have fallen into disrepair."

Kaido grinned.

"I've already sent people to get the latest defense plans; they should be ready by tomorrow."

As the two were talking, Master Tom came over with Iceberg and Grandma Kokoro.

"Captain Roy, I heard you're leaving Wano Country?"

"Tom asked."

"Yes, Master Tom."

Roy stood up and said respectfully,

"We're going to conquer a piece of territory in the new world."

But don't worry, once we've established ourselves abroad, we'll bring you over and help you realize your dream of building a sea-going train.

Tom laughed heartily:

"No rush, no rush! I'm doing quite well in Wano Country!"

Kaido provided me with the best shipyard and materials.

"This is a perfect opportunity for me to refine the design of the Ark Maxim."

He patted Roy on the shoulder.

"Go ahead and conquer! Once you've established your territory and need to build ports and railways, I'll definitely help you!"

"Thank you, Master Tom."

Roy said sincerely.

Grandma Kokoro handed Roy a small bottle:

"This is a special hangover remedy made by my wife. Take it with you; you might need it on the road."

Iceberg then took out a notebook.

"Captain Roy, here are some sailing tips and weather forecasting techniques that I've compiled. I hope they will be helpful to you."

Roy accepted them one by one, deeply moved.

These kind people, though they haven't known each other for long, have already become important partners to him.

Halfway through the banquet, Dr. Gracia arrived in a hurry.

The brilliant scientist looked somewhat tired, but his eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Captain Roy, I have an important discovery to report to you."

The doctor said in a low voice.

Roy's heart skipped a beat, and he gave Kaido a wink.

The two got up and left the banquet hall, going to a quiet conference room.

"Doctor, what's wrong?"

Roy asked.

Dr. Gracia adjusted his glasses, his tone serious:

"The latest progress on the 'lineage factor' transplantation experiment."

The experiment went smoothly; those who received the bloodlines of the Oni and Lunaria races experienced a significant increase in strength.

Kaido's eyes lit up: "This is great!"

But the doctor's next words made both of their faces darken:

"However, we discovered two serious side effects."

He brought up the experimental data projection:

"First, when the bloodline fusion rate reaches 75% or higher..."

Two small horns will appear on the forehead of the test subjects—a prominent characteristic of the demon race bloodline.

"Secondly, an abnormal bulge will appear in the scapular region of the back; that is the nascent form of the Lunaria's wings."

The doctor looked at Roy and Kaido:

"Simply put, the higher the degree of fusion, the closer the test subject's appearance will be to a hybrid of the Oni and Lunaria races."

Kaido frowned:

"What's the problem? Wouldn't it be more imposing to have horns and wings?"

My men wish they looked even more imposing!

But Roy's expression was grim.

He certainly knew what that meant.

If he himself undergoes a bloodline transplant in the future, will he grow horns on his head and wings on his back?

Although he craves power, he doesn't want to become a monster.

"Doctor, is it possible to eliminate these external characteristics?"

Roy asked in a deep voice,

"I only want the power and regenerative ability of the Oni bloodline, and the defensive power of the Lunaria race."

As for their physical characteristics... I don't need them."