At the same time, across the Grand Line, the Four Seas, and the New World, an "unprecedented" shock was about to occur.
Today, Bai Ye was here, bathed in the sunlight that pierced through the cloud-covered sky. He stood atop a stone pillar, pulled up from the ground like an earth dragon turning over.
"It seems there should be no second attack," he muttered.
Indeed, while Uranus was undeniably powerful, scattered attacks were Bai Ye's biggest "weakness." Furthermore, it was impossible for the World Government to use it indiscriminately. If they could, there would be no need to establish the 'Marine, Shichibukai, and Four Emperors'—the so-called three major forces of peace. The power of 'Uranus' alone could hold the entire world in its grasp.
"So..." Bai Ye's eyes shifted. He glanced down, noticing Kaido below him, still in disbelief.
"Now it's your turn."
"Wait, wait! Wait!!!"
Kaido was snapped back to his senses by Bai Ye's indifferent voice. His body trembled as he stared at the man before him—his clothes torn, revealing a muscular frame. Kaido's face changed instantly, and his heart surged.
Was this the second time? No, even during the 'Valley of Gods' war, when Kaido wasn't as strong, he had witnessed the power of Rocks with his own eyes. There was no denying it—this man before him, even compared to the monster Rocks, was likely far stronger!
Kaido's mind raced—he would die. Absolutely die!
He recalled Bai Ye's previous words: "This will be the last sight you see." Kaido couldn't help but roar:
"Dammit, dammit!!!"
He never imagined that, as the strongest creature in the 'sea, land, and air,' there could be someone in this world who could kill him! Kaido couldn't accept it.
However, Bai Ye wasn't concerned with Kaido's thoughts at this moment. After all, if Kaido was ready to die, he should be prepared to be killed—it was only the most basic, superficial truth.
He raised Ryūjin Jakka, preparing to end Kaido's life. But suddenly—
"Ok?"
Swish!
A powerful aura emanated from the farthest point of the ruined battlefield. Then, a figure galloped forward, holding a long, western-style sword.
Almost immediately, the figure stood before Bai Ye.
The figure was well-proportioned, with striking red hair, three scars on his left eye, an empty left arm, and a long black cloak. The appearance and shape were unmistakable.
"Red Hair!" Bai Ye muttered.
"How did you b*****d make it to the first half of the Grand Line?! Could it be that you're here to kill me too?!" Kaido's voice was full of disbelief.
It was none other than Red-Haired Shanks, who had risen to become one of the Four Emperors years ago!
"Kaido, shut up, or I won't have the confidence to save you," Shanks said coldly, glaring at Kaido. "After all, your subordinates have already been defeated by us in the New World. They can't expect to save you."
"My subordinates? Did you b*****ds destroy Jhin's crew?!" Kaido's expression shifted, about to yell at Shanks. But then—
Kaido's eyes widened as he suddenly noticed something. Was the redhead here to save him? What the hell was Shanks thinking?
Red-Haired Shanks turned his attention back to the battlefield, his gaze scanning the ruins. He spoke slowly:
"There have already been enough losses in this battle. So, I'd like to ask if I can make a request—let this guy go."
As Shanks spoke, he pointed at Kaido with his sword.
Bai Ye looked at Shanks, and as a time traveler, he wasn't surprised by Shanks' appearance in the first half of the Grand Line. The Summit War had changed many things, but some things, like Shanks' involvement, had remained inevitable.
However, Bai Ye didn't mind if Shanks joined the Summit War.
An indifferent look appeared in Bai Ye's eyes. If Shanks was going to get involved, what gave him the right to ask for this "face" for Kaido?
Bai Ye looked at Shanks without regard for his status. He had no obligation to show any mercy to Kaido, who had just attempted to kill him.
Shanks, a junior, had no right to ask for such favors. Not even Roger, the "Pirate King," would have that right!
At Shanks' words, his expression darkened slightly.
"In that case, I'm afraid we'll have to be enemies. Although I'd really like to kill that guy, if he dies, the balance of the New World will collapse. That's not something I want to see." Shanks paused and then added, "Also, with your current physical condition... although you're strong, I doubt you have much left, right?"
Then Shanks glanced up at the horizon.
"My companion has arrived."
Moments later, several members of the Red Hair Pirates arrived, their powerful auras evident. The crew was strong, each member well-known and feared. The Red Hair Pirates, unlike the other Four Emperors' crews, emphasized "personal strength," leading to a highly skilled and balanced crew. No one in the New World would dare to mess with them.
However, Bai Ye wasn't impressed.
"An enemy of me?" Bai Ye looked at the approaching Red Hair Pirates, his face unchanged. "What you just said can be considered a declaration of war, right?"
The coldness in Bai Ye's words made Shanks' expression shift. Did this man plan to clash with the Red Hair Pirates alone, even in this situation?
Before Shanks could respond, one of his subordinates, a pirate with red, spiky hair and an impulsive temperament, couldn't contain himself.
"Hey! Our captain is showing you respect by not taking advantage of you. You don't think you can fight the entire Red Hair Pirates, do you? I'm sure even I'm capable of taking you on now!"
This was Rocks, a fiery, impulsive pirate who had just joined the Red Hair Pirates. Though he was deeply shocked by the ongoing battle, he saw this as the perfect opportunity to prove his worth to the crew.
However, Bai Ye merely raised a finger.
Shanks' face changed slightly as he realized what was about to happen.
Without waiting for the redhead to speak, Bai Ye launched a devastating shockwave at Rocks.
Bang!
Rocks was sent flying, his body crashing through the air.
The Red Hair Pirates members' faces darkened, and the crew seemed ready for a full-on battle. Bai Ye, standing calmly, spoke to them:
"Before you have real strength, you'd better not make such arrogant remarks. It'll only make you look weak."