87 New Bounties and War Plan

A few hours after the battle finished,

The aftermath of the battle between Kid and the crew against the Marines was devastating, the entire village and the port where the battle took place were in ruins with hundreds of dead bodies scattered around.

But thanks to the crew's newfound Devil Fruit powers, they not only survived but also inflicted significant damage on the Navy.

…

[Inside the Victoria Punk]

Kai and Whitey Bay returned after their scuffle with Weevil. Inside the cabin, everyone gathered as Kureha tended to their injuries. Kai instructed Heat and Wire to bring Weevil's body for Heat to reanimate as a zombie.

Kureha carefully wrapped bandages around Kai's chest following his wound's cleaning and closure "You've got to be careful, if you keep receiving this kind of wounds, your whole body will be full of scars in no time" she warned him.

Kai cracked a smile before answering her "We the Eustass family wear our scars with pride. A scarless man has not felt the hardship of life or the feeling of pain"

"Just warning you…" Kureha quickly finished applying bandages to him afterwards "Normally I would say that it will take you at least a couple of weeks to heal from that but it's strange…I noticed that your recovery time is very fast compared to normal people, I would have said genetics but not even your brother can recover from injuries as fast as you…"

"…The only one that can compare is Gin. I though only Zoan fruits grants fast recovery, what's the deal with you?" Kureha asked him.

"Just built different"

"Cocky bastard, I'll show who's built different after you heal!" Kid exclaimed flashing an annoyed expression at Kai before he glanced at Whitey Bay who sitting near him and asked "and why did you bring this woman with you? Don't tell me you're banging her or something?"

"No" x2. The two answered at the same time.

"She's an ally, she'll help us take down Wang Zhi" Kai informed him.

"Well, as long as she doesn't become a dead beat, I don't really care" Kid said.

"Watch your mouth punk, I've been sailing the seas before you were even born" Whitey Bay said with a glare.

"Hey, let's all take a breath and try to get along, shall we?" Killer stepped in, hoping to ease the tension between the two.

"Tsk... Anyway, Kai, I reached out to Crocodile using the Den Den Mushi. He's agreed to meet us at his hideout in a week. Says he's got everything prepared. We'll hash out the war plan then," Kid briefed Kai, who nodded in agreement.

"In that case, we'll set sail immediately!"

…

A Week Later…

[The news of the Navy and Warlord Weevil's humiliating loss on Turtle Shell Island spread fast worldwide, as the World Government couldn't keep it under wraps…]

[…The Eustass Pirates, led by their formidable captains, were notorious for their knack in plundering Devil Fruit powers, a skill that struck fear into many. Adding to their threat, most of the crew's key members wielded exceptionally dangerous abilities.]

[As such the government issued new bounties on their heads…]

=-=-=-=<WANTED >=-=-=-=

<'Red Demon' Eustass Kai>

<ℬ 600,000,000 –>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

=-=-=-=<WANTED >=-=-=-=

<ℬ 600,000,000 –>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

=-=-=-=<WANTED >=-=-=-=

<'Massacre Soldier' Killer>

<ℬ 400,000,000 –>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

=-=-=-=<WANTED >=-=-=-=

<'Big Eater' Jewelry Bonney>

<ℬ 181,000,000 –>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

=-=-=-=<WANTED >=-=-=-=

<'Berserker' Wyper>

<ℬ 170,000,000 –>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

=-=-=-=<WANTED >=-=-=-=

<'Foul-Play' Krieg>

<ℬ 156,000,000 –>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

=-=-=-=<WANTED >=-=-=-=

<ℬ 145,000,000 –>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

=-=-=-=<WANTED >=-=-=-=

<Saga >

<ℬ 110,000,000 –>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

=-=-=-=<WANTED >=-=-=-=

<Heat >

<ℬ 80,000,000 –>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

=-=-=-=<WANTED >=-=-=-=

<Wire >

<ℬ 75,000,000 –>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

=-=-=-=<WANTED >=-=-=-=

<'Witch' Kureha>

<ℬ 30,000,000 –>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

[Moreover, Whitey Bay and her pirate crew which were present and took part of that incident were also issued new bounties…]

=-=-=-=<WANTED >=-=-=-=

<'Ice Witch' Whitey Bay>

<ℬ 500,000,000 –>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

…

[Marine Headquarters – New Marineford, New World]

Located within the central building of New Marineford sits the Fleet Admiral's office. Currently, it's occupied by Fleet Admiral Sakazuki. He earned this position after engaging in a fierce ten-day battle with the previous Admiral, Aokiji, emerging victorious.

The fight was deadly that it left both Sakazuki and Kuzan with prominent scares on their bodies with the latter even losing his left leg as a result.

Kuzan resigned from his position after that battle with some information about him stating that he joined the Blackbeard Pirates a few months ago.

"Those punks from the Worst Generation again…" With a cigar in his mouth, Sakazuki stood in his office balcony while reading the newspaper in rage. His veins bulged and eyes widened before exclaimed in anger "As long as I am here, I won't let them do as they please!!"

"The last time the Eustass Pirates were seen leaving Turtle Shell Island a week ago." An officer stated while standing behind Sakazuki.

"What about Blackbeard? He's been going on a rampage hunting down ability users, I'm positive that both are using the same method to steal Devil Fruits" Sakazuki remarked before turning on his heels and moving towards his desk before taking a seat.

"We have nothing new on Blackbeard…" The officer approached the desk before continuing "But there is an old report of the two crews clashing once in Drum Kingdom a year and a half ago, however the result of this clash remains unclear"

Sakazuki squinted his eyes, taking a puff from his cigar before blowing smoking from his mouth and nose "Blackbeard is an Emperor of the Sea, we can't just go after him without a strong reason…"

"…keep an eye on their movements, I'll make sure to have those red-haired bastards behind bars next time they cause trouble!"

…

[A Certain Sea in The New World]

A massive battleship that has a large log on each side resembling a raft could be seen floating on the ocean. Its sails are pitch black with 'BLACK BEARD' written on one of the sails and a Jolly Roger that consist of three scowling skulls, one looking left, one looking forward, and one looking right and behind them there are cross intersected sets of bones, in addition to the classic two.

[Blackbeard Pirates main ship, the 'Saber of Xebec']

Blackbeard was standing on top of the ship's figure head while reading the newspaper with a wicked grin. Unlike a year and a half ago he looks very different, he has grown his beard longer and split it into multiple sections and wears golden hoop earrings and a bigger tricorne with his Jolly Roger in front. He also wears dark blue pants with light blue floral designs on them, red and white striped socks and silver buckles on his swashbuckler boots.

[An Emperor of The Sea – Commodore of the Blackbeard Pirates, 'Blackbeard' Marshall D. Teach, Dead or Alive ℬ 2,047,600,000 – ]

"How interesting, I thought they've given up on pirating…'Red Demon' Kai and 'Captain' Kid, to think they'll comeback even more powerful than before, things are getting more interesting in the New World! Zehahahaha!!"

"600 million?! Isn't that too much of those stinky brats?!...Thinking about it, was that really Whitebeard's biological son?" Burgess asked while standing behind him.

"Don't be stupid, that guy looked nothing like him!"

"More importantly…It seems that we have reached our destination" Laffitte remarked while holding a Vivre Card in his hand which was slowly moving towards the enormous creature that materialized in front of them.

It's a massive elephant with incredibly tall legs.

"That's Zou…that elephant is so massive I can't believe it!!" Burgess exclaimed in awe as he quickly moved to the helm and started steering the ship towards him.

"Zehahaha!...Let's see if you were speaking the truth or not, Eustass Kai!...Your life will depend on it, I'll chase you to the ends of the earth if you tried to fool me, Zehahaha!!" Blackbeard clenched his fist tightly before calling for Doc Q "Hoi Doc! Get Stronger over here! We're going to the top, Laffitte bring Burgess with you, the rest will stay here!"

"Right away Commodore Teach!!"

…

[Atop of Zunesha, Kurau City]

Blackbeard could be seen riding a Pegasus along with Doc Q while Burgess was holding into Laffitte's legs who is flying using a pair of white wings.

The Inuarashi Musketeer Squad who are responsible of protecting the city tried to fend them off, however they were no match to the Emperor of the Sea, and they had no choice but to retreat and call their ruler Duke Inuarashi for help. The latter recognized Blackbeard right away.

"What's the meaning of this?! Why are you attacking Zou?!" Inuarashi confronted him, his anger evident. Without hesitation, he drew his rapier and infused it with Electro.

"I never expected to meet you again, Zehahaha!...Is this how you greet an old friend? We both were crewmates of the Whitebeard Pirates, I even got to sail with your dear master Oden before he died!" Blackbeard exclaimed, grinning widely and revealing a set of broken teeth.

"Screw you Teach!! Don't you dare mention his name!!"

"Hehe…I know that you have it here" Blackbeard said with a threatening tone of voice "I'm gonna take it back with me, the Road Poneglyph!"

"How did you--"

"--You'll either show me where you keep it, or I'll obliterate this entire island!"

"I won't let you do as you please!" Inuarashi responded before charging towards Blackbeard.

"Very well then…Hoi, Defend this place if you can! Zehahahaha!!" Blackbeard rolled his fist back and then punched the air in front of him, cracking it and causing severe damage to the city as the shockwaves cracked the ground, destroyed the buildings and even made Zunesha feel pain.

*CRACK*--KA-BOOOOM!!!

The Blackbeard Pirates and Inuarashi along with his Musketeer Squad engaged in a short battle that ended up with the latter's defeat and were forced to give away the Road Poneglyph they were protecting in Whale Forest.

"Damn it! I can't believe they took the Poneglyph that we swore to protect!"

"How did they even know of its existence here?"

Inuarashi was lying face up on the ground with very serious injuries on his body "Huff…Huff…At least we took a copy of it before they did so"

…

[Tora Island, New World]

Tora Island is a mountainous spring island with huge mountains and even bigger trees. At the base of the largest mountain there is a castle which is currently occupied by Crocodile after he defeated the previous owner making this place his base of operation.

(Picture of the Island)

At the island's shores there are seven ships docked among them is the Victoria Punk, Icebreaker and the Sea Scourge. The rest are part of Crocodile's fleet that he's been building for a while now using some of the gold that Kai gave him before they parted ways in Sabaody Archipelago in order to start a business and rebuild his strength again.

Using his intelligence and leadership he managed to make a name for himself in the Underworld and quickly became one of the influential figures and recognized as one of the Underworld Emperors taking the epithet of 'Phantom'.

He became heavily involved in weapon smuggling and goods trading and also founded a small group of mercenaries recently and managed to recruit a few big names with a good price like Suleiman the Beheader and the Funk Brothers. Kai also had future plans to start selling Devil Fruits that he steals through him.

Currently all the important figures i were gathered at the main hall of the castle.

"You've blown up all over the news just a few days after you appeared again…" Crocodile remarked while reading a newspaper in amusement. He smirked before turning towards Kai and Kid's direction and addressed them "…It's been a while since the last time we've met"

(Here is some Pictures of Crocodile)

"Yeah, you've made quite the name for yourself and even gathered some new subordinates" Kai responded while shifting his gaze to the people standing behind Crocodile, among them Daz Bonez was standing the closest as his right-hand man.

"Thanks to your funding, I'll make sure to repay you as soon as possible" he said, taking a puff from the thick cigar he was smoking.

"You don't have to. Consider it as an investment"

Crocodile raised an eyebrow pausing for a moment before cracking a grin "Speaking of that, there is still someone who owe me a huge debt that I completely forgot about. I should probably pay him a visit later on"

Kai was about to break into laughter when he heard that but managed to maintain his composure and appear unaffected.

"Let's not waste our time and get straight to business" Kid said as he leaned forward placing a Wanted Poster on the table.

Everyone got very serious when they saw that, Crocodile narrowed his eyes before calmly saying "Wang Zhi…"

"That's a lot of Berries on his head, I expect no less from the boss of Pirate Island" Whitey Bay slowly turned her head towards Kai while asking "You sure about thi--" However she was surprised when she saw a savage grin on his face that sent shivers down her spine.

"…Am I sure about this? Kahahaha!! You should ask yourself that question..."

"Because I'm damn sure about it!!"

Kid grinned when he heard his brother's words "That's the reaction I expect from my brother…Hey, Crocodile, what information do you have on him?"

"Over the past few weeks, I've been collecting some intel. Firstly, it seems Wang Zhi has ties to the Underworld. His primary dealings revolve around weapons and slave trading which they all undertake in Rocky Port…"

"…Apart from the thousands of pirates that will come out swarming on you like bees with no end once you set foot on the island, Wang Zhi himself has a large fleet that boasts a fair amount of strength as well as several prominent commanders serving under him"

"It's called Pirate Island for a reason; we will surely be outnumbered in this battle" Killer commented while standing behind the sofa where Kai and Kid were sitting.

"Did you bring the stuff we told you about before?" Kid asked Crocodile.

"I managed to get my hand on few dozen corpses of some pirates and some prisoners that you could use as zombies. I've locked them down in the castle's dungeon so you could take a look at them later" he replied, then added "Can't your crewmember just use the pirates and the corpses in the battlefield?"

"Corpses needs the shadows stollen from living people, going through that process in the midst of a battlefield is pretty challenging add to that the people who gets their shadows stollen can't make contact with the sunlight or they well be vaporized and their shadows will disappear" Heat answered.

"I see…"

Kai turned to Whitey Bay and asked her "Did you contact any of your allies?"

"I've contacted some people I know; I won't promise a lot but there will be help coming" Whitey Bay replied.

"Good, once all forces are gathered and everyone is ready, we'll set sail to Hachinosu!!"

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