"Hmm, not bad."
Shamrock sat cross-legged, leisurely clipping his nails, "Did you also send out a distress signal to Kaido, mimicking the Hundred Beasts Pirates?"
"Of course!"
Killingham grinned widely, "Lost over a hundred people at once, including one who was about to be promoted to the Flying Six. This really delivered a slap to the Hundred Beasts Pirates! Kaido, that hot-tempered guy, will definitely hold it against him!"
"That Xiano never kills civilians, so not to leave doubts, even though I wanted to get rid of all the lowlifes on the island, in the end, I didn't touch any of them and killed only the pirates. What do you think, Deputy Leader? Was my work meticulous enough?"
"When the two sides go to war, the Endgame's overall strength is several levels below the Hundred Beasts, basically doomed to fail. If Xiano dies in battle, it means he's just that, not destined to become a god."
"But if he escapes alive, becoming a stray dog, then we can recruit him, grant him favors, and promise to help him avenge Kaido. Left with no options, wouldn't he obediently join our Divine Knight Order?"
"Even hearing it again, it surely is a good plan."
Shamrock nodded in satisfaction, looking at Killingham, "If the recruitment is successful this time, I will report this to my father, and credit you for the achievement."
"Thank you, Deputy Leader, for your guidance!"
Killingham hastily bent over in a bow, but ended up falling face-down on the grass, buttocks pointing skyward, snoring loudly in sleep.
"If you're going to sleep, at least pay attention to the occasion, you fool!"
Shamrock's forehead bulged in anger, as he kicked over.
------
Morning Star Island.
"...In summary, it's incitement and then recruitment; if I guessed right, that's about it."
Xiano withdrew his gaze from Mary Geoise, turning around.
Upon hearing his analysis, Robin and Jack were slightly stunned.
"A frame-up from the Divine Knight Order..."
After pondering a while, Robin frowned and said, "Lost over a hundred people; if the Hundred Beasts have already received news, they might be mobilizing for war now. Captain, are we really going to war with the Hundred Beasts now?"
"Going to war?"
Xiano grinned, laughing aloud.
If the fight is inevitable, then let it be war. There's nothing to fear!
Compared to the Hundred Beasts in terms of troop size and lower cadre numbers, Endgame does have a considerable gap, but in high-level combat power, not at all lacking!
He against Kaido, the Three Calamities against the Three Disasters!
Moreover, with the Hundred Beasts coming across the sea, they need a large number of troops to stay back, unable to fully mobilize, the outcome is uncertain!
But he is never a hot-headed fool.
Even if going to war with the Hundred Beasts, it should be initiated by either him or Kaido, declaring war openly, and fighting honorably.
Rather than being framed by the Heavenly Celestial Dragons, foolishly letting misunderstandings ferment, being used as a pawn!
Thus.
He took out the Radio Snail from his pocket, and under Robin's and Jack's perplexed gazes...
Directly dialed Kaido's number:
"Hello, Kaido?"
When did the boss exchange contacts with Kaido? Jack listened in shock.
"Worororo..."
The Radio Snail quickly connected, mimicking Kaido's sinister cold laughter, "I was just preparing to personally ask you for clarification, Xiano brat. Didn't expect you to call first."
"Cut the crap, Kaido, listen to me first, don't let misunderstandings ensue, I hate such dramas the most."
Xiano snorted coldly, repeating his analysis to Kaido.
After a brief silence, Kaido's voice turned solemn:
"The Divine Knight Order, last dealt with them during the Divine Valley affair... If they're trying to recruit you, sounds like something those bastards would do."
"Seems you've personally witnessed quite a lot, even you refer to them as bastards?"
"Quit the sarcasm, brat, I can tell."
Kaido said coldly, "However, this time I owe you one, in return, Morning Star Island is yours! Don't think I'm stingy compared to Whitebeard! Later, I'll send a ship to collect the bodies; you just need your subordinates to cooperate... Quinn! Where are you! Pass my orders to stop the wartime preparation, let King continue his tasks, no need to rush back!"
So this guy, while saying he's preparing to call me for clarification, was actually mobilizing the entire army, readying to fully launch an offensive?
Xiano speechlessly hung up the phone, putting the Radio Snail back into his pocket.
Honestly speaking.
The Divine Knight Order's strategy this time was indeed flawless, and the plan executed perfectly.
But unfortunately, they completely underestimated his understanding as a transmigrator.
And underestimated the connection between him and Kaido.
— If two people mutually wish to defeat, or even kill, each other, and exchanged numbers for the convenience of dueling... can that be considered a relationship.
"What should we do, Captain?" Robin asked softly.
Xiano squinted his eyes, looking at the nearby beach piled with bodies, smirking:
"The Heavenly Celestial Dragons gifted me such a grand gesture within my territory. If I don't return the favor, how could I abide by the principle of reciprocation?"
Clearly rejected.
Yet here it is, unending.
Do they really see themselves as gods capable of taking and giving at will?
Did the lord mean this...?
Jack was first puzzled, then his eyes lit up.
"..." Robin's breath also caught.
Of course she knew.
Their captain, leader of the Endgame, Xiano, was never one to swallow grievances quietly.
Moreover, the captain now stands at the world's pinnacle, on equal footing with the Four Emperors.
Those who dare challenge shall bear the wrath from the Sea Emperor!
But, is it really this soon...?
The Heavenly Celestial Dragon...
A strike against the Heavenly Celestial Dragon?
Robin's body involuntarily trembled slightly.
------
World Economic News Agency Headquarters.
Morgans was chomping on a cigar, cross-legged, going over the latest news drafts.
Suddenly, his office door slammed open, an agitated subordinate rushed in.
"President!" The subordinate shouted breathlessly, "Xiano... Lord Xiano is seeking you!"
"Calm down, show some decorum... Huh?"
Morgans initially didn't process it, continuing leisurely browsing drafts, then suddenly his eyes bulged, the cigar nearly dropping from his mouth, "Who did you say?"
"Who else, of course, the World's No.1 Sword Master, Sea Emperor Xiano!"
The subordinate swallowed, voice trembling, "It's Lord Du·Feld acting as an intermediary, helping him get in touch with us. The phone's already connected, Lord Xiano is on the other end waiting for you!"
"Quick! Connect it!"
He slapped the desk and grabbed the phone.
Broobroo~
The call quickly connected, Xiano's deep and calm voice transmitted:
"Morgans, it's been a while since our last contact."
"Lord Xiano!"
Morgans rubbed wings together, voice ingratiating and eager, "How can you say that, the Cake Island tea party wasn't long ago, your five-day battle against Kaido without faltering still lingers in my mind... To have a figure like you personally make contact truly astonishes me! Is there anything I can assist you with?"
From the other end, Xiano chuckled lightly:
"Indeed, there is a matter I need your help with."
"Feel free to tell me!"
Morgans' eyes gleamed, ears perked up in excitement, "Is it an exclusive interview for publication? Or someone you're planning to deal with?"
All good news!
Xiano's name is synonymous with buzz; not to mention his recent bout with Sengoku that boosted their sales significantly.
"I am indeed planning to deal with someone; however, the target's status is a little special, somewhat hard to find, so I'd like you to help me locate them."
"Hahaha, what a jokester!"
Morgans laughed out loud, "No matter how special the status is, what could surpass an Admiral's significance? It wouldn't matter to you, so tell me, who?"
"The Heavenly Celestial Dragons."