43 43. The Marines retreat. Happy Kaido.

│3rd Person POV│

[Grand Line, New World, G5 Marine Base…]

After incapacitating Zephyr with a single blow, Kaido was thoroughly pleased at the moment.

After all, according to the prior agreement, his objective has been achieved.

Considering this, Kaido was not inclined to engage in idle talk and proceeded towards Zephyr.

"Kaido, what are you planning?"

"Kaido, you've already won; do you truly intend to kill everyone?"

"Kaido, if you dare to attack Teacher Zephyr, I'll fight you to the death."

"..."

Observing Kaido advancing, the expressions of all Marines present underwent a drastic change.

Admiral Candidate Tokikake, in particular, took a front position, and although he was anxious, he refrained from taking action directly.

Zephyr was no match for Kaido, and he, just an Admiral-Candidate, couldn't compete with him. A confrontation would likely result in an outcome similar to Zephyr.

Most crucially, Zephyr held a significant position within the Marines, such that Kaido wouldn't kill him.

However, the same didn't apply to Tokikake. Should he attack, Kaido might show no mercy, possibly leading to not just severe injuries but death on the spot.

"Marines, do you think we don't exist?"

"Oye Marines, the Beasts Pirates aren't here just to watch the show, you know."

"Ohoho, are you Marines asking for a group brawl?"

"..."

Before Kaido could respond, voices from King and the others behind him became audible.

With all three All-Stars at the lead and the Beast Legion just behind them, the Beasts Pirates had already stepped forward, creating a tense atmosphere with individuals prepared to act if a disagreement arose.

"Stop!!"

Observing this, Zephyr's weakened voice echoed from the ground.

As he stood up with the support of several Marine recruits, he looked at Kaido with a defeated but hateful look. However, he ultimately sighed, stating, "I lost! Kaido, as agreed, I'll evacuate the Marines from the G5 base."

"Very well!"

At this declaration, a slight smile appeared on Kaido's face.

With Zephyr showing reason, there was no need for further cruelty. Without any delay, Kaido waved his kanabo threateningly and declared, "Leave this place quickly."

"I will personally obliterate the G5 base and the entire island in an hour. If any of you Marines are still there by then, you'll be seeking your own demise."

"Asshole!"

"Damn it!"

Hearing this, all the present Marines turned pale.

The prospect of destroying the entire island meant there was no chance of rebuilding the base.

Even if reconstruction were considered on a different island, locating a Marine Base in such a strategically advantageous location would prove impossible.

At that moment, they felt an overwhelming sense of grievance and anger.

However, at this juncture, they couldn't refute Kaido and the Beasts Pirates, given Zephyr's defeat.

"I know."

With a sigh, Zephyr glanced around at the high-ranking Marines around him.

Even if he were to order them to fight to the death now, he was well aware that the chances of winning were none.

All the Marines would likely perish here by then.

"Teacher Zephyr."

At this moment, an unwilling voice sounded, "We will fight with them! With our numbers and the existence of the Admiral-Candidate Chaton, we can undoubtedly hold on for a while.

"Admiral Akainu and Admiral Aokiji are already on their way here. As long as we can persist for a while, we can protect the G5 base."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present from the Marines' side had their eyes lit up.

Although they were defeated, they were unwilling to see the G5 base, which the Marines had worked hard to build for so many years, be completely destroyed.

"Pfft~! Hahahaha!!"

However, before Zephyr could speak, King laughed disdainfully and said, "Is this Marine's credibility? Sure enough, you guys are not to be trusted at all.

"However, we already expected that you guys would go back on your word. Want to wait for Akainu and Aokiji to arrive here for support?

"Let alone them arriving in a short period of time, it's impossible for them to come here even if we give you two or three days.

"Do you guys want to know why!? Because Whitebeard has just made an agreement with us. He will block the reinforcement party for us.

"No one on the sea can come here to support you through Whitebeard's blockage."

Having said this, King stepped forward, stood beside Kaido, and said with a cold expression, "Kaido-sama gave an hour of time to you all. Anyone who doesn't evacuate within an hour will die, including you, Zephyr."

"What!? Whitebeard! He actually went to block the reinforcement ships?" Tokikake exclaimed in a small voice.

Hearing this, the Marines present were dumbfounded, including many Beasts Pirates who also had their eyes widened.

When they saw the Whitebeard Pirates leave before, they were still a little confused.

Now, after listening to King's story, they finally understood why the Whitebeard Pirates suddenly left.

It turned out to be to stop the Marine Admirals, completely cutting off the possibility of the Marines rushing to help here.

"Woro ro ro ro!!"

Kaido was also happy upon hearing this.

He never expected that King would actually reach such an agreement with the Whitebeard Pirates.

Although some price may have to be paid, there was no doubt that this was the last straw that would break the camel's back.

Now, there was no possibility of Zephyr and others starting an unnecessary fight.

"Everyone, we're withdrawing!"

As expected, knowing there was no possibility of successfully defending this place, Zephyr suppressed the grief in his heart and issued the order.

"Yes, Sir!"

"Yes, Instructor!"

"…"

Hearing this, everyone replied in unison and Chaton and the other Marine Vice-Admirals also acted quickly to organize the retreat.

However, at this moment, they no longer have the energy and confidence they had before.

Everyone looked downcast like a defeated hen and immediately began to mobilize the people in the Marine Base to evacuate the place.

"King, what was the price for Whitebeard's help?"

Seeing that the Marines had started to retreat, Kaido's smile became even wider as he turned to look to the side and asked.

"Kaido-sama, I promised to give the Whitebeard Pirates three thousand catties of seastone."

Without hesitation, King quickly revealed the deal he made as he said, "Besides, I also promised to hand over to them all the things, including the SMILE fruits that you promised before in three months.

"However, they would need to send someone to Wano Country to receive it. If the you're not happy with the price then, we-"

"Why should we go back on your word!?"

However, before King could finish speaking, Kaido raised his hand to stop him and stated, "What we have promised, we will give them. it's just three thousand catties of seastone, a broken sword, and some Artificial Devil Fruits.

"I can afford to lose them. Compared with destroying the G5 base now, this price is nothing."

At this point, Kaido paused for a moment, and then continued, "King, tell Whitebeard that Ron must also be present in the group coming to Wano Country in three months.

"If he comes, I will give them what we promised. But if he doesn't come, I will not recognize the deal!"

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