October 1, 1492, Sea Calendar, Shogun Palace, Flower Capital, Wano Country, New World.
The first rays of morning sunlight pierced through the thin mist, gently illuminating the golden upturned eaves of the Shogun Palace. Cherry blossom trees in the courtyard swayed lightly in the breeze, their pink petals drifting down with the wind, adding a touch of soft beauty to the imposing structure. The entire palace was enveloped in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, as if completely isolated from the chaotic wars raging outside.
Deep within the palace, in the master bedroom, Kaidou lay on his back on the spacious bed. Awakened by his internal clock, his sharp dragon eyes slowly opened, the initial confusion in his gaze gradually clearing. He tilted his head slightly and saw seven disheveled women lying haphazardly beside him—some still lost in dreams, while others murmured indistinctly in their sleep at his movement.
As the de facto ruler of Wano Country, Kaidou never lacked women throwing themselves at him. Under Queen's meticulous arrangements, he had selected over a dozen exceptionally beautiful women to serve as his concubines. Last night, to celebrate his subordinates passing their evaluations, he had indulged more than usual, drinking several jars of strong liquor, leading to the current scene.
Kaidou carefully moved the women aside, his movements unexpectedly gentle. He casually grabbed the black trousers scattered on the floor and put them on, then walked out bare-chested, his robust upper body exposed. In the morning light, his bronze skin gleamed with a metallic sheen, the vivid dragon tattoo on his back seeming ready to soar into the sky under the sun.
Passing through the winding corridors, Kaidou headed straight for the conference hall. When he pushed open the heavy carved wooden door, he found King, Queen, and Urouge had been waiting for some time. To his surprise, Bullet, who should have been stationed at Oni Island, was also present. The expressions on the faces of his top officers were grave, and an unusual tension hung in the air.
"King," Kaidou strode toward the main seat, his voice deep and powerful, "What's happened? Or has another foolhardy pirate crew come to Wano Country to serve as laborers?" As he spoke, he took a wine jug from an attendant and gulped down a large mouthful, amber droplets of liquor trickling down his chin.
"Big Brother Kaidou, there's trouble," King addressed him directly, his tone unusually serious.
"Hmm? What is it?" Kaidou set down the wine jug, his brow slightly furrowed.
"The fleet transporting the Adam Treasure Tree to the underground world auction was robbed. The person in charge, Griffith, was severely wounded by the attackers. If not for the Fish-man on board who immediately took Griffith and escaped through the sea, even then only Griffith and two Fish-men survived from the entire ship," King reported grimly.
Kaidou's eyes instantly turned dangerous. He slowly rose to his feet, his tall figure casting a shadow across the conference hall. "Who was it?!" His voice rumbled like thunder, filled with suppressed rage.
"The intelligence Griffith brought back concerns the Slash Pirates who entered the New World about three months ago. Their captain is Russell, a user of the Quick Slash Fruit ability, with a bounty of 270 million Belly," King immediately reported.
"Big Brother Kaidou, additionally, the forces we previously dispatched to establish a foothold on Kaz Island were repelled by the Duke Kingdom's fleet. They've now retreated to Cyprus Island for regrouping," King added.
Upon hearing this, Kaidou suddenly erupted into low, rumbling laughter: "Wororororo... It seems I haven't taken action for quite some time. Now even random stray dogs dare lay hands on my subordinates." His laughter carried bone-chilling murderous intent, causing the temperature in the entire conference hall to seemingly drop several degrees.
After a moment of contemplation, Kaidou issued his commands: "King, you take Gavin and Nickson with you. Bring me the head of that so-called Slash Pirates captain."
"Understood!" King immediately acknowledged, a flash of battle spirit gleaming in his eyes.
Kaidou then turned his gaze toward Bullet: "Bullet."
"Big Brother Kaidou," Bullet stepped forward promptly, his massive frame resembling a small mountain.
"You take Moria, Urouge, Sebastian, and Morris with a team to wipe out the Duke Kingdom for us, and incorporate their territory into the Beasts Pirates," Kaidou commanded in an unquestionable tone.
Bullet grinned, revealing his stark white teeth: "Understood. I'll make sure the Duke Kingdom learns the price of crossing us."
"Go now! Make the name of the Beasts Pirates resound across the seas, and let the title of Calamities echo throughout the waters!" Kaidou declared to the group.
Kaidou had referenced the organizational structure from the original work. As the supreme ruler of the Beasts Pirates, he proclaimed himself "Governor." Beneath him were established the "All-Stars" as the highest-ranking executives:
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Fire Calamity King, age 17, user of the Zoan-type Bat Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Vampire Form.
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Military Calamity Douglas Bullet, age 16, user of the Zoan-type Dog-Dog Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Makora Form.
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Plague Calamity Queen, age 26, user of the Zoan-type Snake-Snake Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Yamata no Orochi Form.
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Ice Calamity Kuzan, age 19, user of the Logia-type Ice-Freeze Fruit.
Below the "All-Stars" were executives of the "Flying Six" level:
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Gecko Moria, age 20, user of the Paramecia-type Shadow-Shadow Fruit.
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Bartholomew Kuma, age 17, user of the Paramecia-type Paw-Paw Fruit.
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Urouge, age 17, user of the Zoan-type Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Zoan, Great Monk Form.
Further below were the "Headliners" level executives:
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Fish-Giant Sebastian, age 25, renowned for his enormous size and monstrous strength.
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Swordmaster Hyougoro, age 40, master of both types of Haki.
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Swordmaster Nul Morris, age 21, admired for his exquisite swordsmanship.
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Commodore Gavin, age 20, user of the Zoan-type Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Ancient Zoan, Brachiosaurus Form.
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Cedric, age 23, user of the Zoan-type Gray Wolf Fruit (Common Zoan).
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Nickson, age 22, user of the Zoan-type Horse-Horse Fruit (Common Zoan).
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Griffith, age 25, user of the Zoan-type Elephant-Elephant Fruit (Common Zoan).
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Pellic, age 22, user of the Zoan-type Bug-Bug Fruit, Common Zoan, Beetle Form.
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Bao Henderson, age 24, user of the Paramecia-type Ripe-Ripe Fruit.
Paramecia-type Curl-Curl Fruit user Ginny, age 21.
Kaidou had specifically decreed that only those aged 20 or above could formally join the expeditionary forces. Thus, underage members like Diamante, Kyros, and Karuri could only remain in Wano Country to continue their training.
It is worth mentioning that during these six months of special training, Kuzan, Kuma, and Ginny—having endured life-and-death trials alongside their comrades—ultimately chose to formally join the Beasts Pirates. Under Kaidou's almost cruel training methods, these young individuals were forced to rely on one another, and over time, they not only came to acknowledge each other but also embraced the ideals of the Beasts Pirates.
Unlike other pirate crews who engaged in pillaging and destruction, the Beasts Pirates had established a relatively comprehensive order within their territories. As long as civilians were willing to work, their basic living needs were guaranteed. This unique approach to governance was one of the key reasons these young people chose to stay.