264 One Piece: My Name is Jack

No matter how many emperors rise upon the sea, time marches on without pause.

The New Year had passed, and in just two months, the annual Fire Festival would take place once again. This year's festival carried special significance—it would be the first one held since Kaido became the Shogun of Wano.

Laughter filled the streets of Wano, and many pirates had already returned to Onigashima in preparation. Jack, in particular, had been hosting endless rounds of feasts, drinking down barrels like they were water.

...

Somewhere in the New World, more than twenty pirate ships were docked at the port of a small island. Thousands of pirates were celebrating in the midst of a grand banquet.

At the center of the largest table, Marco and Jozu suddenly shot to their feet, staring in disbelief.

"What did you just say? A declaration of war?!"

"That's the Beasts Pirates you're talking about! It's not just Kaido—there's also that monster, Jack!"

Faced with their shock, Luffy didn't say a word. Instead, he grabbed a chunk of roasted meat from the table and took a big bite, chewing slowly before speaking.

"No need to panic, Marco."

"Trafalgar."

Marco adjusted his glasses, his gaze landing on Law, who was sitting casually on a chair with his sword in his lap.

"You may be our ally, but that doesn't give you the right to make decisions for us."

"As an ally, I've already discussed this with Straw Hat-ya. The decision has been made."

"You—"

"Calm down, Marco."

Law glanced at Izou, whose empty sleeve swayed slightly. Without hesitation, he continued.

"If I recall correctly, Izou lost his arm in the war against the Beasts Pirates, didn't he? And during that battle, several captains from the Grand Fleet lost their lives."

He paused, then added with a sharp edge to his voice,

"And one more thing—I heard that during that war, Whitebeard's injuries flared up from fighting at full strength."

The table fell silent.

"If that war had never happened, maybe—just maybe—Whitebeard wouldn't have died at Marineford."

Jozu said nothing, while Izou absentmindedly ran his fingers along the empty space where his arm used to be. A flash of hatred flickered in his eyes.

After a long silence, Marco sighed and spoke in a low voice.

"Even so, we're no match for them. Attacking Wano like this would be suicide."

"Of course, we won't be doing it alone."

Law stood up, walking toward Marco with a determined expression.

"Dressrosa has been completely wiped out. I don't know how, but the only force capable of doing something like that is the World Government."

"During my battle against the Donquixote Family, I learned something—Doflamingo held a secret tied to the World Government."

"I don't know what that secret was, but one thing is clear—Dressrosa was destroyed because of it."

Law's voice grew heavier.

"And now, Doflamingo has become the sixth 'Disaster' of the Beasts Pirates. Do you really think the World Government will just let him be?"

"If we make our move against Wano, the World Government will seize the opportunity to act."

Marco shook his head.

"You know how strong Jack is. Even if you gathered all of the current Emperors together, I doubt they could take him down."

"Besides, even if the World Government wants Doflamingo dead, how can you be sure they'll actually send forces against the Beasts Pirates?"

Law smirked.

"I can't guarantee it... but someone else can."

Marco narrowed his eyes as Law turned to Luffy.

"Straw Hat-ya..."

Luffy wiped the grease from his mouth and looked straight at Marco, his eyes burning with determination.

"Shanks."

The name echoed through the air.

"I met Shanks recently," Luffy continued. "He heard my plan and agreed to support me."

"And Usopp's father—he's one of Shanks' crew."

Luffy clenched his fists.

"I have to do this. For Usopp."

He extended his hand forward, looking around at his crew.

"So, guys... you're with me, right?"

"What kind of dumb question is that? You're the captain—we follow your orders."

Zoro stepped up, placing his hand on Luffy's.

Sanji took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling before placing his hand in as well.

"Yeah. If we don't avenge our friends, what's the point of being alive?"

"Yohohohoho! I've already died once and lost my comrades once before. This time, I won't be left behind!"

Brook placed his skeletal hand on the growing pile.

"Usopp... "

Nami and Robin approached, eyes full of resolve. They exchanged a look, then added their hands, tears brimming at the corners of their eyes.

Jinbe exhaled a puff of smoke before stepping forward.

"If I've acknowledged you as my captain, then I have no choice but to fight—even if it means going against my own kin."

"Straw Hat! As long as Kaido isn't defeated, we stand together as allies!"

"Count me in!"

"Me too!"

One by one, the Straw Hat crew placed their hands together. Only Marco remained in place, watching his longtime comrades, Jozu and Izou, who had already joined.

He let out a helpless sigh before hopping into the air, wings spreading wide.

"Well, since there's no room down there, I guess I'll join from above."

"Hahahaha!"

Luffy grinned and adjusted his straw hat before leaping onto the table.

"Alright, guys!"

He thrust his fist forward.

"We're going to war with the Beasts Pirates!"

"ROOOOAAARRR!!"

...

News of Monkey D. Luffy's challenge to the Beasts Pirates spread like wildfire across the seas.

Crocodile sat in silence, scanning the newspaper. Beside him, Mihawk remained unmoved, while Moria clenched his fists in excitement.

"Hah..."

Crocodile exhaled and turned to face them.

"Well then... shall we join the fun?"

"N-No! Please, no! I don't want to run into that monster again!"

Tied up in the corner, Buggy whimpered as he turned his face away, pretending not to hear.

...

At the former G-1 branch, now the Marine Headquarters, Sakazuki remained silent for a moment before speaking in a low tone.

"Garp. We may have different ideals, but our determination to uphold justice is the same."

"You will lead the mission. Fujitora and Aramaki will accompany you. The Beasts Pirates must be eliminated."

Garp pulled his dog-head cap over his eyes and turned to leave.

"Sakazuki... being Fleet Admiral isn't easy, is it? The Navy's future is in your hands now."

"Garp..."

...

At Baltigo, Dragon stared at the reports in silence. Nearby, Ivankov clutched his head in frustration.

"Sabo is missing, and now Straw Hat-boy is picking a fight with that monster!"

"Dragon! What do we do?!"

Dragon folded the paper and stood up.

"You're coming with me. We're going to Wano."

...

"Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma! That little brat is picking a fight with Kaido?!"

Big Mom burst into laughter.

"Katakuri! Get ready! We're heading to Wano!"

As forces across the world began to move, countless reports landed before Kaido.

"The Marines? The Straw Hats? The Red-Haired Pirates? The Cross Guild? Big Mom?"

Kaido grinned.

"Supernovas, huh?"

He downed his drink and roared with laughter.

"Jo—y Boy... is he among them?"

Unlike Kaido, Jack frowned at the reports, muttering,

"This many people? What is this, a raid on a final boss?"

Queen groaned.

"I told you to keep a low profile! Now look what you've done!"

"Shut up!"