Marineford War: I Will Stand in the Sky

A man of this caliber... died so suddenly?

Beckman's astonished expression lasted for several breaths before he asked incredulously, "Could it be that Vice Admiral Yann perished together with 'Beasts' Kaido?"

Shanks, the "Red-Haired" man, grabbed the bottle in front of him and gulped down several mouthfuls, trying to process the shocking information with alcohol before finally answering.

"No, Kaido of the Beasts died at the hands of Dragon of the Revolutionary Army, and the entire Beasts Pirates were completely wiped out in the Revolutionary Army's surprise attack. As for Vice Admiral Yann..."

Mentioning this name, Shanks' lips twitched involuntarily as he spoke.

"He was shipwrecked in the Inland Sea of ​​Wano Country. He was unable to escape the whirlpool and was swallowed by the sea. He has been missing for two days now, and the World Government and the Navy have begun to determine whether he is dead."

"It sounds...like a joke, even more ridiculous than the reason you lost your arm," Hawkeye Mihawk commented incredulously.

It is true that Devil Fruit users are restrained by the sea and "Seastone". If they fall into the sea, Devil Fruit users who are "landlubbers" will normally drown.

However, for true powerhouses, the probability of drowning from falling into the sea is actually extremely low. In fact, in Shanks' life experience, this was the first time he had ever heard of a powerhouse of this caliber dying in a shipwreck.

[Chapter 531. So-called Loyalty and Righteousness]

The Red-Haired Pirates' reaction was just one example of what happened on the high seas. Countless civilians were shocked by the major events described in the newspapers and were thrilled by the Navy's victory.

Many other factions with their own intelligence networks were shocked by the changes that occurred during the "Wano Country" incident.

Kaido, the "King of Beasts," was killed; Vice Admiral Arn, the "Marine Hero," perished in a shipwreck...

In an instant, with the news of the deaths of these two top figures in the sea, all forces had to turn their attention to the "Wano Country".

The official appearance of the Revolutionary Army and Dragon, the arrival of Corazon, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and the Navy fleet all subtly suggest that Wano Country will become the center of the whirlpool that will follow.

The deaths of Kaido, the "Beasts," and Vice Admiral Yann, the "Marine Hero," are not the end; they may very well be just the beginning of the next round of war.

The "Wa Country," a closed-off country that has been isolated for centuries and completely cut off from the outside world, is the origin of the "Seastone" that forms the entire ocean. This isolated country has attracted the attention of countless forces.

……

Within the Whitebeard Pirates.

"Wano Country, the hometown of Kozuki Oden. I never thought that a country that has always been closed off would become the center of the vortex."

The white-bearded man, seated on his throne, rested his chin on his hand, his eyes reflecting precious memories.

Kozuki Oden, the man deeply remembered by Wano Country, was not only a member of the Roger Pirates, but also the former second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, second only to Marco in the crew.

Back then, Roger asked Whitebeard to borrow Kozuki Oden, and Kozuki Oden was deeply impressed by Roger's magnanimity, so he was temporarily borrowed to the "Roger Pirates". Afterwards, Kozuki Oden died in "Wano Country" after being subjected to "boiling in a pot" before returning to the "Whitebeard Pirates".

At this moment, a handsome man dressed in a kimono, whose appearance somewhat resembled that of a geisha from "Wano Country," was kneeling before the white-bearded man.

"Izo, have you made up your mind?" The usually domineering white-bearded man looked at Izo with a hint of affection and asked.

This man is none other than Izo, the 5th division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, with a bounty of 1000 million Berries. He was also a retainer who once followed Kozuki Oden.

"Father, back then, Lord Kozuki Oden temporarily left with Roger, leaving me in the pirate crew to wait for his return. Little did I know that it would be our last farewell."

"Izo was unable to follow Lord Kozuki Oden to his death, which led to Kozuki Oden being boiled alive. This is something I regret and lament for the rest of my life."

Izo slowly raised his head and looked directly at the white-bearded man, his eyes filled with tears but with unwavering determination as he spoke.

"Now that Wano Country has undergone a major upheaval and Kaido is dead, it is the perfect opportunity for Wano Country to escape its calamity and regain peace. This is the time for Izo to carry on the legacy of Lord Kozuki Oden and return to Wano Country to restore peace."

The Third Division Captain, "Diamond" Jozu, couldn't help but speak up to advise, "Izo, the situation in Wano Country is unclear right now. It's far too dangerous for you to return to your hometown alone."

However, Izo remained silent in the face of Jozu's advice, who had treated him like a younger brother in the past. He simply bent down slightly, touched his head to the ground, and spoke loudly.

"Father, please grant me this willful request so that I may fulfill the duty I bear. If I can successfully fulfill my duty, I will surely return to your side to continue to serve you."

For a moment, the atmosphere on the ship froze.

Almost everyone understood that for Izo to return to Wano Country at this time would be tantamount to a near-death experience, with virtually no chance of him surviving and returning to the Whitebeard Pirates.

"Gurala la la..."

Just then, the white-bearded man burst into laughter. "Since this is my son's request, how can I, as his father, ignore it? My men, obey my command..."

But before Whitebeard could give his full command, Izo interrupted loudly, “Father, no, this is my own business.”

Whitebeard stared at Izo and said, "As a son, it is only natural for me to rely on my father and family."

He spoke with unwavering conviction in his Tibetan accent.

"But as a son, it would be a breach of loyalty to put my father in a dangerous situation. If the Whitebeard Pirates were to intervene in Wano Country, it could trigger a war that would affect the entire sea."

Finally, Izo bowed deeply to the white-bearded man before him, tears streaming down his face as he cried out his plea.

"Therefore, I only intend to return to Wano Country as a retainer of the Kozuki family. Please allow me to leave the ship temporarily so that I can fulfill the responsibilities and mission I bear on my own."

Seeing this scene, many cadres who were close to Tibet had tears in their eyes. The white-bearded man also tilted his head slightly, sighed softly, and then spoke.

“Since the child wants to spread his wings and fulfill his loyalty on his own, then as his father, I seem to have no reason to stop him. I grant you permission, Izo.”

With his forehead pressed against the deck, he replied, his voice choked with emotion, "I am deeply grateful, Father. I will remember your kindness for the rest of my life."

“Go. Marco, prepare the best ship and food for your brother. Also, spread the word throughout the sea that my son Izo is about to return to his homeland, Wano Country, to visit his family. Everyone with eyes, keep an eye on him.”

After saying that, Whitebeard waved to Izou, then picked up the sake jar next to him and started gulping it down.

……

Unlike the somber atmosphere of farewell in the Whitebeard Pirates, almost everyone in the Big Mom Pirates was on edge, afraid that the slightest movement would provoke Charlotte Linlin's wrath.

"Kaido, dead?!"

Charlotte Linlin gritted her teeth, her anger almost palpable. "That guy's dead?"

The Big Mom Pirates executives surrounding Charlotte Linlin remained silent, and even Perospero dared not answer Charlotte Linlin's question.

The fact that the sea had been continuously frozen by Admiral "Aokiji" Kuzan for the past few days had pushed Charlotte Linlin to the brink of unbearable rage.

Now that she has heard this news, Charlotte Linlin is almost at the point of losing control.

All the officers of the "Big Mom Pirates" nervously swallowed, mentally preparing themselves for what would happen if Charlotte Linlin really went berserk...

Just then, Charlotte Linlin, who was about to go berserk, suddenly remembered something and reached into her clothes to grope for something.

[Chapter 532. Kaido's Vivre Card (Third Update)]

The next moment, a piece of white paper, relatively inconspicuous compared to Charlotte Linlin's enormous hand, appeared on her fingertips.

Charlotte Linlin bent down slightly, her large, bell-like eyes fixed on the white paper in front of her, while her mouth slowly opened into a chilling smile.

"What? Kaido, you bastard, you're still alive, aren't you? But why does your Vivre Card look so strange?"

Charlotte Linlin muttered something, then handed the "Voice Card" in her hand to Perospero beside her and asked.

"Perospero, take a look at Kaido's Vivre Card, what's going on?"

Upon hearing this, the members of the "BIG MOM Pirates" present were all stunned, never expecting that Charlotte Linlin would possess the Vivre Card of "Beasts" Kaido.

It is important to know that the Life Card is a special piece of paper made from fingernails. It can reflect the owner's vitality and thus judge the owner's condition. In addition, it can also indicate the owner's direction at all times.

Generally speaking, such an exceptionally important item is only entrusted to the closest and most trusted person. Otherwise, if betrayal occurs, the existence of the Life Card means that even if the owner of the Life Card runs to the ends of the earth, the holder of the Life Card will still be able to find them.

Perospero was shocked by the relationship between Kaido of the Beasts and Charlotte Linlin, which was even more trusting than he had imagined. He quickly turned his attention to the Vivre Card that Charlotte Linlin handed him.

Logically speaking, if the life force of the Vivre Card owner declines, the area around the Vivre Card will gradually turn to ashes. Once the Vivre Card owner dies completely, the Vivre Card will also disappear at the same time.

However, the Vivre Card handed to her by Charlotte Linlin showed no signs of damage or turning to ashes, except for a large number of dense creases on it.

Perospero pondered for a moment and replied, "Mother, this... perhaps it's because Kaido's life force is being suppressed by something, which is why his Vivre Card is in this state."

"Ok?"

Charlotte Linlin was initially puzzled, then asked directly, "Simply put, Kaido is still alive, right?"

Perospero cautiously replied, "If the owner of this Vivre Card is Kaido, then Kaido should still be alive."

After a pause, Perospero opened his palm, letting the Vivre Card move freely and slowly in a certain direction on his hand.

"Mom, the direction indicated by the Vivre Card doesn't seem to be 'Wano Country'."

"Looks like that bastard Kaido has probably been captured again, right?"

Charlotte Linlin said dismissively, then picked up the Vivre Card from Perospero's hand, tore off a small piece, glanced at it, and threw the small piece of Vivre Card in front of Snack and Cracker, the "Sweet Commanders," and gave the order.

"Go, find out where that idiot Kaido is, and find a way to rescue him."

"Yes, Mom."

Snag picked up the Vivre Card and responded in unison with Cracker.

"Oh ho ho ho, in that case, that idiot Kaido owes me two huge favors, right?"

Charlotte Linlin couldn't help but chuckle, her mood seemingly becoming increasingly cheerful. Her previous bad mood from being constantly hindered by Kuzan vanished, and she directly gave the order.

"Let's turn back to the World of Warcraft. There's no need to get entangled with that brat Kuzan anymore."

"Yes, Mom..."

Upon hearing this, Perospero couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

After all, it would be quite difficult to drive away or kill Kuzan on the ocean, so it would be perfect if Charlotte Linlin were willing to return to Whole Cake Island.

Subsequently, under Perospero's command, Charlotte Owen, as the user of the "Heat-Heat Fruit," once again used his ability to thaw the ice on the sea surface.

Unlike before, when Charlotte Oven thawed the ice ahead, allowing the Big Mom Pirates' fleet to slowly sail towards Wano Country, this time Charlotte Oven thawed the ice in the direction of Whole Cake Island, causing the Big Mom Pirates' fleet to turn around and return the way it came.

Meanwhile, on an ice surface ten miles away from the "BIG MOM Pirates" fleet, Kuzan put down his binoculars, stroked his chin, and muttered to himself.

"Could it be that with the death of Kaido the Beasts and the end of the war between the Navy and the Red-Haired Pirates and the Beasts Pirates, the Big Mom Pirates have completely given up on getting involved?"

"Hmm? We can't rule out some kind of conspiracy, like planning to circumvent the situation. Let's keep an eye on things a bit longer..."

Kuzan muttered to himself, then mounted the bicycle placed to the side and leisurely rode far behind the "BIG MOM Pirates" fleet.

……

Above the clouds in a certain sea area, a giant monolith, enveloped in air bubbles shaped like bear paws, sped rapidly in a certain direction.

On that stone tablet, Kaido's exposed eye suddenly opened, filled with a furious desire to destroy everything.

'Lingling, hurry up, hurry up and let me out. Tefimo Yann, Dragon, Corazon, Hancock…'

"I'm going to tear those bastards to pieces!!!"

……

However, no matter how angry and resentful Kaido was at that moment, he couldn't hear it as he was diligently training... no, nurturing his daughter Yamato on Onigashima.

At this moment, under the distant gaze of Yann, Yamato, who was carefully running through the dilapidated "Demon Island," stopped at a certain place.