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One Piece: The Dragon All-Star - 104
🕑 Added 2025-09-17 20:39:30 +0000 UTCChapter 104: Prelude to War
New World, Allen Grove Island.
The once-bustling port had now become scorched earth. Towering flames illuminated broken ships and collapsed buildings, the air thick with gunpowder smoke and the metallic stench of blood.
Beast Pirates members lay scattered across the ground, their groans mingling with the silence of the dead.
At the port's center, the Beast Pirates flag that once symbolized dominance and authority hung limply from a charred flagpole, looking particularly defeated against the backdrop of destruction.
"Red Hair! Kaido-sama will never forgive you! He'll definitely avenge us!"
A Viking-dressed, heavily wounded pirate officer sat collapsed on the ground, looking up at the red-haired man with his final defiant roar.
Shanks looked down at him calmly. "That's exactly what I want."
He tilted his head slightly, signaling to his companion. "Monster, do it."
"Eek eek!"
A monkey with a small braid responded cheerfully, expertly tossing his torch onto the pre-stacked kindling beneath the flagpole.
Flames instantly surged upward, greedily licking the dry wood and quickly spreading up the pole with hungry intensity.
The flag bearing the Beast Pirates emblem was immediately consumed by fire.
The collapsed pirate watched in despair as the flag twisted, curled, and finally turned to ash in the flames, as if his very faith had been destroyed before his eyes.
This wasn't the Red Hair Pirates' first time orchestrating such a display.
Having decided on a direct confrontation, nothing boosted their own morale and struck at the enemy's spirit better than crushing island after island, personally tearing down and burning their flags in spectacular fashion.
The psychological effect was remarkable.
Morgans, who lived for spectacle, naturally wouldn't miss this prelude to an epic battle.
He specially reserved unprecedented huge sections in the World Economic Journal for coverage.
From the Red Hair Pirates' first aggressive invasion of Beast territory, every issue's front page was dominated by this approaching Emperor showdown, occasionally even rushing emergency supplements with detailed reports of each conflict.
It could be said that not just the New World, but the entire Grand Line and even the Four Blues had countless eyes riveted on this unfolding drama.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for the outcome of this war destined to change the sea's balance of power.
Would the Red Hair Pirates truly be crowned, establishing their undisputed "Emperor" status? Or would the Beast Pirates crush the challenger's ambitions with thunderous might?
The entire world was desperate to know the answer.
East Blue, Orange Town.
"Shanks, you bastard, don't you dare die. I haven't gotten my revenge yet."
Grand Line, first half.
Florian Triangle.
The massive Thriller Bark drifted like a ghost through the perpetual fog.
Outside the sinister castle at the ship's center, a battle had just concluded with decisive finality.
"You... bastard Rayleigh... damn it..."
A man with bizarre red-purple hair and an onion-shaped body was sent flying by a seemingly simple but terrifyingly powerful kick, crashing into the castle wall with bone-crushing force.
His eyes rolled back, consciousness blurring, black shadows like a tide uncontrollably spilling and separating from his gaping mouth.
His originally dozens-of-meters-tall swollen body rapidly deflated like a punctured balloon, finally returning to his roughly six-meter true form.
The man was Warlord of the Sea Gecko Moria.
Around him lay countless defeated zombies and his two loyal companions, Hogback and Absalom.
"Moria-sama!"
Perona, the gothic loli with pink pigtails, a crown, and a wine-red parasol, immediately rushed over tearfully, blocking the unconscious Moria and looking fearfully at the elderly intruder.
Silvers Rayleigh, with silver curly hair, glasses, and a vertical scar over his right eye, didn't continue attacking the frightened girl.
He simply sighed lightly, flexed his wrists with practiced ease, and said with slight self-mockery, "It's been so long since I've exercised like this... I really am getting old. Just dealing with Moria has left me somewhat tired."
Rayleigh's eyes no longer held their earlier battle-sharpened intensity, instead flowing with faint melancholy brought by passing years.
"We're all remnants of the old era, Rayleigh."
Crocus approached with a freshly delivered, ink-scented newspaper, equally wistful, handing it over with careful reverence.
"This turbulent sea ultimately belongs to the young now."
"Oh? News about that boy Shanks?"
Rayleigh took the paper, scanning the front-page photo of the spirited Red Hair Pirates crew, his weathered face immediately showing a delighted smile. "Hahaha, so he's reached this point too?"
"But he's facing the Beast Pirates, after all."
Crocus's tone carried barely perceptible worry as he looked at Rayleigh apologetically. "Sorry, if I'd known it was this timing, perhaps I shouldn't have been so urgent about asking for your help."
"It's not your fault."
Rayleigh waved dismissively, his gaze still fondly on the newspaper. "Since Shanks hasn't asked us for help, it means he believes he can handle it himself. We old-timers should just watch from the sidelines. As you said, the new era has its own course to follow."
They were former comrades with Shanks and Buggy, worthy junior companions, but definitely not nursemaids who needed to handle everything for the next generation.
"Thank you so much, Rayleigh-san! Crocus-san!"
A gentleman-dressed skeleton with an impressive afro bowed deeply to both men with heartfelt gratitude.
"Without your help, I never could have reclaimed my shadow from that monster."
Brook's voice carried genuine emotion as he expressed repeated thanks.
"No need for such formality." Crocus smiled warmly. "I was merely fulfilling my promise to Laboon."
His gaze then fell on the katana. Brook gripped tightly in his left hand, surprise flashing in his experienced eyes. "Isn't that the Dragon-Slaying Samurai Ryuma's sword?"
"Yes, indeed."
Brook explained with reverent respect. "After gaining true freedom from Moria's control, Ryuma-san voluntarily gave up his undead existence, returning my shadow to me. As his final request, he entrusted me to find a truly worthy master for this legendary blade."
"He didn't want his beloved sword to sink with him on this sunless ship."
Though Ryuma had been revived using Brook's shadow and inherited his masterful swordsmanship, Brook was no match due to Ryuma's tremendous strength from his living days.
Brook's repeated failures to reclaim his shadow over the years had been precisely because of this overwhelming disadvantage.
Fortunately, with Rayleigh's assistance this time, they had thoroughly defeated Moria, giving Ryuma the opportunity to choose his own fate.
With their business concluded, the three departed together.
Riding the island whale Laboon, they left the Florian Triangle to the heroic melody of "Binks' Sake" echoing across the fog-shrouded waters.
Alabasta.
In a luxurious office filled with the spoils of criminal enterprise.
"Just wait... once I find that Ancient Weapon, I'll drag all you so-called Emperors down from your thrones!"
A golden hook violently pierced through the World Economic Journal, even penetrating deep into the hardwood desk below with savage force.
Kuraigana Island, outside the castle gardens.
The world's greatest swordsman, "Hawk Eyes" Dracule Mihawk, had finished his morning farming routine.
Wearing a simple sun hat and farmer's attire, he blended seamlessly with the lush surrounding vegetables he tended with meticulous care.
Any outsider witnessing this scene would have their jaw drop in disbelief.
Now Mihawk sat on a luxurious sofa that seemed incongruous with the rural setting, an elegant tea table before him laden with seaweed rice balls for his afternoon meal.
Several giant baboons wearing matching small sun hats and mimicking his precise behavior sat quietly nearby, sharing in this peaceful ritual.
"Red Hair Pirates and Beast Pirates?"
Mihawk devoured rice balls at an astonishing rate of three per bite while scanning the newspaper headlines, his sharp mind deep in tactical consideration.
He wasn't troubled by having acquaintances on both sides of the conflict, but rather considering whether to personally witness this historic spectacle.
Emperor-level battles greatly excited his warrior's soul.
But after careful consideration, he reluctantly abandoned the idea.
Anyone could predict that this Emperor war would attract intense Marine and World Government surveillance, possibly even direct intervention.
If he appeared at the battlefield rashly, it would be nearly impossible not to get dragged into the conflict.
He didn't fear the Marines, but mandatory World Government orders still required careful consideration.
Unless he planned to abandon his convenient Warlord of the Sea status immediately.
"Shanks, Kai, will you two finally face each other? How exciting this promises to be."
Mihawk murmured to himself, his lips rarely curving into an anticipatory smile tinged with genuine curiosity.
Lost in strategic thoughts, he unconsciously reached toward the tea table to grab another rice ball.
But his hand found only empty air.
Mihawk puzzledly shifted his gaze from the newspaper, immediately freezing in stunned disbelief.
The tea table before him was completely barren. Where were the rice balls that had been piled like a small mountain just moments before?
Only three baboons with obviously bulging cheeks remained nearby, rice grains conspicuously stuck to their guilty mouths.
Seeing Mihawk's piercing stare, the three baboons grinned mischievously and snickered, then turned and fled rapidly on all fours.
"Green, Blue, Yellow! Stop right there, you thieves!"
Wano Country, Onigashima.
Kai had just finished a lengthy Den Den Mushi call that had tested his patience considerably.
"Don't worry, Hancock, I'll be perfectly fine. Really! I promise you that!" His tone carried rare patience and gentleness reserved for those he truly cared about. "Be good, listen to me, and just stay safely on Amazon Lily."
After finally pacifying the worried Hancock, Kai sighed in profound relief.
Nearby, Robin, in professional attire that elegantly showcased her black-stockinged legs, gracefully closed a document, her lips curving in playful teasing. "Kai-sama really is quite the devoted romantic."
"When flowers bloom so beautifully, not appreciating them would make me seem utterly insensitive to life's finer pleasures."
Kai replied grandly without shame, even casting his appreciative gaze toward the beauty before him. "Just as before me now blooms a flower that combines wisdom and beauty with a particularly enchanting fragrance."
Robin possessed a naturally floral scent, a detail that never escaped his notice.
As the saying goes, if one has no shame, no one can shame them.
Kai never hid his romantic nature from anyone. His frank attitude made it nearly impossible to criticize him for it.
Of course, on these lawless seas, such behavior wasn't particularly unusual among powerful men.
Robin gave Kai a charming eye-roll, though she was secretly somewhat moved by his words.
This man clearly possessed terrifying power sufficient to dominate everything through sheer force, yet he always showed her surprising respect and courtesy, only occasionally indulging in verbal flirtation.
Precisely because of this restraint, Robin occasionally engaged in counter-flirting of her own.
This playful exchange had become their tacit little game of mutual appreciation.
After their lighthearted banter, Robin straightened up for serious business matters.
"Wano's commercial taxes for last month have been fully collected, totaling five percent growth over the previous month. Amigasa Village has requested funding to build a dam for better water resource regulation. King Riku has agreed in principle, but implementation must be postponed due to the current war preparations."
Robin fluently reported Wano's recent governmental data with crystal clarity, never hesitating or stumbling over the complex figures.
Compared to deciphering dry, obscure Poneglyphs filled with ancient mysteries, handling this living data concerning national welfare seemed not only easier but genuinely interesting to her analytical mind.
Kai leaned back in his chair silently, only occasionally nodding acknowledgment of her thorough reports.
Robin's adaptation speed continued to astound him.
In mere days, she had mastered most administrative work he delegated to her with professional competence.
Now, aside from personal combat training that couldn't be delegated to anyone, Kai had essentially become a completely hands-off manager.
Wano's day-to-day governance had King Riku, while weapons and Seastone trade operations had Robin coordinating everything. He only needed to hear Robin's comprehensive briefings to stay informed.
After completing her internal affairs report, Robin seamlessly transitioned to war preparation updates.
"The Rayquaza has completed all supply loading, and the hull structure has undergone comprehensive reinforcement and repairs. We can depart at your command."
"Excellent work."
Kai grinned with satisfaction. Only decisive action remained now.
Just then, Yamato burst through the doors with characteristic enthusiasm.
"Kai, we're finally leaving!"
Robin watched Kai's departing figure with mixed emotions, unconsciously pursing her lips as she softly called after him. "Kai-sama, please return to us alive."
Kai turned back with a confident, dashing smile that could melt hearts. "Don't worry about me. I haven't picked this beautiful flower yet! I won't die so easily with such motivation."
With that declaration, he turned and strode away with decisive purpose.
His words left Robin momentarily stunned, an imperceptible blush coloring her normally composed cheeks.
Onigashima Harbor.
The massive port buzzed with countless voices and overflowed with fighting spirit that seemed to electrify the very air.
The three All-Stars, Yamato, all the Tobiroppo, numerous Headliners, Shinuchi officers, and countless pirate minions had gathered in this historic assembly.
Everyone's gaze focused intently on the commanding figure atop the elevated platform.
"The war begins!"
Kaido's wild laughter rolled across the harbor like thunder from the heavens themselves. "Let the whole world witness our true power! Prepare yourselves for the fight of your lives, you magnificent bastards!"
"OHHHH!!!"
The pirates' deafening, excited roars instantly erupted with volcanic force, shaking the very foundations of the island.
"Depart!" Kaido raised his massive arm and shouted the command that would change history.
With that single word, the Beast Pirates' colossal war machine began operating at maximum capacity.
Teams of pirates boarded their respective warships in predetermined order, organized yet fanatical in their eagerness, awaiting the massive mechanical elevators to transport them and their vessels to the submarine port that would lead them to the open sea and their destiny.
