As the days passed and the Fire Festival drew nearer, the people of Wano Country's various regions busied themselves with preparations.
In the outer waters of Wano Country...
The grand fleet of the Beasts Pirates returned in full force.
"We're almost there—inform Oni Island!"
Standing on the deck, the pirates gazed at the distant shores of Wano with smiles on their faces. After a six-month-long expedition, they had finally returned victorious.
Now, they could enjoy some well-deserved rest.
On the deck of one pirate ship, Ulti and Page One stood side by side at the bow, striking an imposing and cool pose.
Now, call them the Flying Six!
"Gurd is gonna be so shocked when he finds out we got promoted, wahaha!"
Ulti planted her hands on her hips, beaming with pride.
She couldn't wait to see Gurd and flaunt her new status. The thought of him nearly surpassing her before had made her nervous, but now—
She could boss him around again!
"Yeah, yeah."
Page One's eyes were lifeless as he nodded half-heartedly.
All he wanted was a quiet place to fish in peace, preferably without any interruptions—especially from his sister.
These past six months had been hell.
Exhausting, both physically and mentally!
Brother-in-law, I miss you so much!
Please, just take her away already!
"Page One!!!"
A furious roar echoed in his ears.
Ulti angrily grabbed her brother by the neck and shook him violently. "Today's the day we return home—smile, smile, wahaha!"
"Smiiile—"
Page One forced a grin that looked more painful than tears.
With you around, how could I possibly smile?
Life is meaningless.jpg.
On the deck of a neighboring pirate ship...
A man in a red suit, wearing a red bull-horned helmet and wielding a pink saber, clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Shut the hell up, you brats!"
"What?!"
Ulti immediately released her brother and snapped back furiously. "Who's Who, if you dare look down on us, I swear I'll kill you, wahaha!!"
"You couldn't even if you tried!"
Who's Who sneered.
During this expedition, he too had been promoted to the Flying Six, with a staggering bounty of 446 million Berries—the highest among them, surpassing even Ulti and Page One's combined bounties.
Two brats relying on their abilities? Not even worth his attention.
But his real target was someone else.
Who's Who took a drag from his cigarette and smirked at the siblings. "Heard you two are close with that Gurd guy?"
"So what?!"
Ulti's rage flared, her body shifting into her hybrid form as murderous intent burned in her eyes. "If you lay a finger on Gurd, I'll slaughter you!"
Page One also transformed, his clawed feet digging into the ship's railing as his gaze turned icy.
He could let the earlier insult slide, but if Who's Who targeted Gurd—he and his sister would make him regret it.
"How scary~"
Who's Who grinned, completely unfazed by their threats. Having been with the Beasts Pirates for five years, he was a veteran who knew exactly how strong the siblings were.
Ulti was somewhat threatening, with decent talent, but Page One? Just a brat who hadn't even grown into his powers yet.
Too green.
"I'm not the only one who wants him dead."
Who's Who stepped aside, revealing the pirates behind him.
"Kehahaha—"
The pirates licked their blades with sinister grins.
For this expedition, Kaido had selected five members for the Flying Six, leaving one position undecided.
Everyone knew that the last spot was reserved for Gurd, which left many capable Headliners deeply dissatisfied.
Though Gurd was strong—having easily defeated Holdem before the expedition—after half a year of relentless battles against renowned foes, the Headliners had grown several times stronger!
They weren't about to give up a Flying Six position without a fight.
"Those bastards!"
The siblings' expressions darkened.
They understood Gurd's predicament better than anyone.
During this expedition, the Headliners—including themselves—had fought like madmen on the front lines, even risking death, all for a chance at the Flying Six.
Had Kaido directly appointed Gurd to the Flying Six before the expedition, even if some Headliners were unhappy, they wouldn't have openly questioned it.
After all, there were still five other spots.
But by deliberately leaving one position for Gurd, Kaido had essentially thrown him into the fire, making him the target of every Headliner's resentment.
Once they returned to Wano Country, unless Gurd could utterly crush all challengers, the Headliners—their fury barely contained—would tear him apart.
And it wasn't just the Headliners. The other Flying Six members, like Who's Who, also saw Gurd as an enemy.
After all, they had fought tooth and nail for their promotions, while Gurd could just waltz in without lifting a finger. How could they not resent him?
The problem was, they couldn't interfere.
Such was the law of the Beasts—the weak were trampled underfoot, and no one could break the rules.
Ulti kicked the ship's railing in frustration, shattering it.
"Kaido's a damn idiot!"
"Sis, watch your mouth!"
Page One broke out in a cold sweat, quickly grabbing his sister's arm. If he didn't stop her, who knew what other treasonous nonsense she'd blurt out.
"Sis, I think this might be Kaido's way of testing Gurd."
"Testing? What do you mean?"
Ulti's anger cooled slightly.
Page One frowned, voicing his thoughts: "Gurd stayed behind in Wano Country, so he couldn't earn any merits to qualify for the Flying Six. But if he can defeat all challengers, his promotion would be undeniable."
"That makes sense!"
Ulti's eyes lit up.
Promotion wasn't just about strength—it required achievements too. Just like how Headliners needed Kaido's permission to challenge an All-Star, they first had to prove their worth.
Gurd, stuck in Wano, had little chance to earn such merits.
Kaido was giving him a chance.
Of course, this all hinged on Gurd having the strength to back it up. Without that, no amount of favoritism would help.
"Fine, I forgive Kaido!"
"..."
What exactly are you forgiving him for?!
Page One rubbed his temples, exhausted.
Dealing with such a hot-tempered, loose-lipped sister was exhausting. He seriously doubted whether Gurd could ever keep her in line.
"Look, we're at the waterfall."
A massive waterfall came into view.
The Beasts fleet passed through the falls, entering the underwater tunnel before reaching the submerged lift. The enormous elevator roared to life, transporting the fleet up to Wano Country.
Ulti tugged at her brother excitedly.
"Page One, do you think Gurd will come to greet us?"
"Probably."
Page One wasn't entirely sure.
Normally, Gurd would definitely come to the hidden port to greet them, but whether he was there to welcome them was another matter.
After all, Kaido was present as well.
How could it possibly be their turn to be welcomed!
When the entire fleet arrived at Wano Country and sailed into the spacious harbor, the pirates were instantly stunned by the scene before them.
On both sides of the river.
Flags fluttered, and drums and gongs resounded!
The spectacle, the crowds!
The pirates were dumbfounded, even wondering if they had come to the wrong place.
When had they ever received such a welcome before!
"Boom boom boom!"
The rapid drumbeats immediately caught the pirates' attention, even drawing the gaze of Kaido and the three All-Stars.
It was Gurd!
On a makeshift stage.
Gurd, holding a guitar, teamed up with Green Worm and three others to form a rock band. Though their singing and dancing skills left much to be desired, they made up for it with sheer enthusiasm.
As the fleet approached, Gurd raised his hand toward the sky.
"Are you ready, boys?!"
"Whoo-hoo!"
The four acting daimyo—Green Worm and his companions—immediately leaped to Gurd's side, striking passionate poses like some dinosaur squad.
On the backdrop behind them, a massive banner unfurled, revealing an enormous portrait of Ulti surrounded by countless hearts.
The Ulti Fan Club had arrived!
"Lady Ulti is peerless in the world!"
"Lady Ulti is brilliant beyond compare!!"
"Lady Ulti is so beautiful she could make fish sink and birds fall from the sky!!!"
The fervent chants echoed across the harbor.
The pirates stared in stunned silence, while even Kaido and the three All-Stars twitched at the corners of their mouths. Then, as one, everyone turned their gaze toward the ship where Ulti was.
Slap!
Page One covered his face with his palm.
This... was just too embarrassing!
Special thanks to the generous tip of 5000 points from "Catching a Sheep," wishing the boss ever-increasing handsomeness, eternal youth, immortality, and everlasting life—sending hearts!
Thanks also to the 100-point tip from "Reading Under the Lamp," wishing you good food, good drinks, and excellent health—sending hearts!
(End of chapter)