Infinite Anime [179-181] (Patreon)

Chapter 179: The Fifth Calamity, Fujitora

Issho wondered, if the contents of the recording shell were true, was Kaido really governing Wano well? Was he actually building homes for the people, distributing them for free, giving them jobs to ensure they had enough to eat and wear?

Issho felt as if his worldview was collapsing. It took him a while before he asked, "What you're saying... is it true?"

"I can't be the one to say," Gusion replied. "Only after you see it for yourself, Mr. Issho, will it be real for you."

Issho nodded, "But why are you so good to the people? Is there some evil purpose behind this?"

He was blunt because, in his heart, he really thought pirates had no reason to act this way.

"Evil purpose?" Gusion laughed. "To the World Government, yes, perhaps this is evil."

Issho's expression darkened. "I knew it—you pirates never have good intentions."

"Mr. Issho, you misunderstand," Gusion said. "Do you really believe the world ruled by the Celestial Dragons is just? So many countries pay the Heavenly Tribute, and countless people starve because of it. Do you think this is justice?"

Issho was stunned. He was 42 years old, and since going to sea, he'd seen only the evil of pirates, but he never thought the Marines were true justice either.

As a wanderer, he'd seen many countries ruined by the huge burden of the Heavenly Tribute, some even forced to wage war just to pay it. To him, that was never justice.

Yet, with the World Government's rule so entrenched, he never really thought about the root cause of the world's suffering.

Hearing it from Gusion now, he suddenly realized the rot ran deep. He'd even considered joining the Marines to realize his sense of justice, but now, he doubted whether helping the World Government was any better than aiding evil.

All at once, he felt a deeper conflict within himself, greater than any doubts about Gusion's words. He didn't know how to realize his sense of justice anymore. Roaming the seas and helping the weak—how many could he save? Joining the World Government would be aiding evil. What should he do?

"It seems you already have the answer in your heart, Mr. Issho. Yes, the reason we're governing Wano well is to oppose the World Government and overthrow the Celestial Dragons' rule."

Gusion continued, "When Kaido was young, his country betrayed him and handed him over to the World Government. He had no choice but to become a notorious pirate. But even after gaining his own territory, he never forgot his original dream."

Curious, Issho asked, "What is Kaido's dream?"

He was always polite, and Gusion was as well, so he used honorifics.

"Kaido wants to overthrow the Celestial Dragons and create a fair world where status is based on individual ability, not on paying the Heavenly Tribute. Maybe it's a simple, even crude, ideal, and perfect fairness is impossible. But I still want to help him achieve this. At the very least, we want to abolish the Heavenly Tribute and end the Celestial Dragons' rule."

Gusion's words were like nails in Issho's heart, shaking him deeply.

Yes, this was what he truly wanted!

If the Celestial Dragons were overthrown and a healthier world order established, life would certainly improve for the people.

Looking at Kaido now, Issho saw him in a new light. He never imagined that an Emperor like Kaido could harbor such grand ambitions.

When it came to dreams, Issho believed Gusion and Kaido wouldn't lie to him. Everyone in the New World knew Kaido's reputation: brutal, yes, but never a liar or a cheat—especially not about dreams.

If what Gusion said was true, it made perfect sense: govern Wano well, make the people prosperous, spread that example across the New World, gather strength, and ultimately challenge the World Government.

Even if Kaido didn't truly care about the people, he couldn't oppose them if he wanted to realize his dream. Actions mattered more than intentions.

Issho suddenly realized that he and Kaido actually shared the same goal: to change this damned world and overthrow the Celestial Dragons!

His life's purpose now seemed clear, though he didn't yet put down his sword. He wondered whether Kaido's method or the Revolutionary Army's path would be more effective in toppling the Celestial Dragons.

"Mr. Issho, I've heard many stories about you during my travels," Gusion said, "and I believe you are a hero who cares for the people. So when Mr. King told me you were here, I didn't think about defeating you, but about inviting you to join us."

Gusion finally revealed his invitation.

"The Revolutionary Army is doing the same thing as you," Issho replied. "And I can't be certain everything you say is true."

Gusion smiled. "The Revolutionary Army only emerged in recent years. Do they have our military strength? A whole country to support them? I respect their ideals, and in some sense, we're allies, but right now, they're far behind us."

He leaned in, sincere. "Mr. Issho, we are closer to the goal."

Issho thought it over and saw the logic. If Gusion's claims about Wano were true, the Beasts Pirates would have a massive logistical advantage—joining them made more sense if he wanted to realize his ideals.

"I'll go with you," Issho said. "If Wano is as you say, then I'll join the Beasts Pirates."

He was calm, not blindly loyal—if he found Wano disappointing, he'd consider joining the Revolutionary Army instead.

"Then let me welcome you in advance, Mr. Issho," Gusion grinned. "And to be honest, we're not really a pirate crew anymore. We only educate newcomers to the New World. We don't plunder other countries."

He wasn't lying. Since settling in Wano, the Beasts Pirates had stopped raiding other nations. Kaido was busy enough managing Wano, and his fame brought many big merchants to him; weapons trade alone made him rich. With Gusion as strategist, the crew was transforming—no longer infamous for plundering, they were becoming more like the Revolutionary Army.

With time, people would remember Kaido as an Emperor and as Wano's wise king.

"You're very sincere," Issho said politely, then approached Kaido and the others, who were watching the scene unfold.

Kaido was beaming. The pirates and explorers were all shocked: in just a few minutes, a former enemy had become their new ally.

The crew's respect for Strategist Gusion grew, while the explorers felt a bit envious.

"Welcome!" Kaido didn't hide his delight. After all, Issho was even stronger than King and shared his ideals. As Gusion had said, he was the best kind of partner—strong and trustworthy.

"I, Issho, thank you, Kaido, for not rejecting me. I am willing to follow you in your great cause." Issho was polite and formal, which Kaido didn't mind—he was just happy Issho would follow him.

Of course, half his words were just for show. Only after seeing the beauty of Wano would Issho truly follow Kaido with all his heart.

After greeting Kaido, Issho turned to King. "Mr. King, sorry for offending you earlier."

King just nodded coldly. "Next time we spar, I won't lose."

"Hahaha! With a new comrade, let's have a banquet!" Kaido laughed, completely forgetting about looking for the Poneglyph on Sky Island.

Now, the Poneglyph was important, but not as much as building strength for the coming war against the Celestial Dragons.

So, instead of setting off, they held a banquet right there. Issho even hunted a Sea King for everyone to eat.

At the banquet, everyone mingled. Issho, seeing the crew gambling with dice, couldn't resist joining in.

After a few drinks, Kaido slapped his thigh. "Almost forgot—Issho, from now on, you're our fifth Calamity. As for your title..."

He thought for a while but couldn't come up with a good name.

Issho spoke up. "I don't like being called a Calamity. Since we're the Beasts Pirates, if I must have a title, let it be 'Fujitora'—the Wisteria Tiger."

Gusion almost choked on his drink hearing this.

Was this fate, or did Issho just love the name and use it everywhere?

"Fujitora, huh? Sounds great!" Kaido laughed, not bothered that his Calamity lineup was being broken. After all, "tiger" fit the Beast Pirates' theme.

Kaido drank, then looked at Gusion. "By the way, where did you get that recording shell? King wasn't back yet on housing distribution day."

Issho was also interested—he knew Kaido wouldn't act for show, which made Gusion's words even more credible.

But after the banquet, Issho felt he could trust Kaido and just wanted to see Wano with his own eyes.

"Oh, I thought it was a meaningful moment, so I asked around for a video shell, but could only find a recording one," Gusion explained. "I wanted to record Kaido's speech for Yamato, but it ended up as proof for Mr. Issho."

He wasn't a prophet—he had no idea he'd need to convince Issho later; the recording shell just happened to come in handy.

Kaido perked up. "So what did Yamato say after hearing it?"

"She said your speech was really stiff..." Gusion relayed Yamato's critique.

Chapter 180: Green Bull and Kizaru

Holy Land, Mary Geoise.

In a lavish hall at World Government headquarters, five tall elders sat on sofas.

"The New World has been restless lately. News of a Poneglyph on Sky Island has caused a stir," said Ju Peter, sipping tea.

"The Poneglyph isn't the worst of it. The news about surviving Lunarians on the Sky Island is even more troubling. If an Emperor gets them..." Nusjuro frowned.

"King, Kaido's right-hand man, is already a Lunarian. Kaido already has one," Warcury said, picking up a pastry.

"It's different. King was one of our test subjects; he doesn't know Lunarian history. But if there are more survivors, who knows what they might know," Mars said worriedly.

"What's there to fear? The Great Kingdom is history. Besides, the news isn't even confirmed," Saturn said.

After everyone shared their thoughts, a silence fell as they enjoyed their tea.

After a while, Ju Peter spoke again. "The people and place are too sensitive. We don't need open war with the Emperors, but we must ensure the past stays buried."

"Send an Admiral?" Saturn asked.

"No, that would be seen as provocation. Send some strong Vice-Admirals; just make sure there are no risks," Ju Peter said.

"But Vice-Admirals aren't strong enough. Kaido won't hold back, and they can't stop him if he lands," Warcury worried.

Ju Peter smiled. "According to intel, Big Mom's crew is already heading to Sky Island. The Emperors will likely clash. The Vice-Admirals don't need to face Kaido—just stall his subordinates. Once time is bought, our people will handle things on Sky Island."

"What if the Emperors team up against the Marines?" Mars asked.

"Then retreat," Ju Peter said simply. "We can't confront the Emperors head on. The Vice-Admirals are valuable assets; we can't waste them."

"Then let's proceed. I'll send orders to Marineford," Saturn said, ending the brief meeting.

Overall, the situation was under control. They wouldn't send an Admiral, so relations weren't at the breaking point. Any losses would be bearable.

As long as they bought enough time, their people could handle things on Sky Island.

And maybe the rumors of surviving Lunarians were just that—rumors.

…

On the vast New World seas, a huge ship sailed forward.

The flag was a pink-haired, lipstick-wearing skull, and the ship looked like a patchwork cake—the main ship of the Big Mom Pirates, "Queen Mama Chanter."

At the bow, a massive figure stood: Charlotte Linlin, the 56-year-old Emperor known as Big Mom.

She stuffed cake into her mouth, greedy and unrestrained, her face smeared with food.

She licked her lips, eyes fierce, staring into the dark sea toward distant firelight.

"Get ready for battle!" she shouted, pulling off her hat, which transformed into a huge blade.

Her crew was small but elite; her second son Katakuri was among them.

It was clear she hadn't brought all her top fighters—only Katakuri of the three Sweet Commanders. The others stayed behind to guard Totto Land.

After all, she couldn't be sure no one would attack her territory while she was gone.

To her, Kaido was just a junior from the Rocks Pirates days. She didn't think she'd have any trouble with him.

She wanted the Poneglyph, but even more, she was interested in the Lunarians. Her Totto Land was missing only three races, and Lunarians were one of them. She thought they were extinct, but it seemed she still had a chance to satisfy her collector's obsession.

Still, she expected to fight Kaido for it.

In the world of pirates, there was no room for sentiment. Even if she and Kaido were once close, now they were rivals for the Pirate King—competition first.

"Mama, the Navy is tailing us. Should I sink their ship?" asked Katakuri, towering over her.

"They're just pesky bugs. Ignore them. I can't wait to meet my old acquaintance," Big Mom said.

Katakuri was puzzled. He'd heard rumors of his mother and Kaido having history—would they fight to the death now?

But since his mother didn't care about the Navy ship, he was happy to ignore it. He didn't think the Marines would dare touch a Yonko.

The Queen Mama Chanter sped ahead, the firelight on the horizon growing closer—they neared the island below Sky Island.

…

Three nautical miles behind, a Navy battleship followed.

On deck, a tall, middle-aged man in a yellow-striped suit and Marine coat leaned on the railing, looking lazy.

"How scary, following Big Mom... I'm absolutely terrified," he said, but there was no fear on his face.

His subordinate, Rear Admiral Strawberry, watched him with a strange expression. Having served under Kizaru for years, he knew his strength and personality best.

In the New World, Kizaru was always saying things were scary, but easily defeated major pirates. As Admiral Zephyr's student, Kizaru was a rare genius, rising to Vice-Admiral in just over a decade and outclassing most Marines.

Rumor had it he'd soon be promoted to Admiral, which would benefit his direct subordinates, maybe even Strawberry himself.

Speaking of Vice-Admirals, he looked to the other end of the deck at a young man with long green hair—Aramaki.

Aramaki had joined the Marines only two months earlier, recruited for his overwhelming strength and immediately promoted to Vice-Admiral, causing resentment among veterans like Strawberry.

Strawberry had worked hard for years, fought in Buster Call operations, and even helped defeat Fisher Tiger. Yet, despite all this, he was still just a Rear Admiral.

Aramaki, not even 30, had instantly outranked him. Worse, Aramaki always acted cocky, constantly talking about justice, which annoyed the crew.

Still, Strawberry admitted Aramaki was indeed strong.

As a Logia user Woods-Woods man, his offense and control were impressive. He excelled at both capture and kill missions.

Some in the Marines said that with ten more years and some more merit, he could even reach Admiral rank.

Many were jealous, but knew that rank required matching strength, not just seniority.

For veterans, their strength was mostly set; Admiral was out of reach.

"Kizaru-san, are the Emperors really that impressive? If there's conflict, I could take her out myself, right?" Aramaki asked Kizaru.

"That's a scary way to think. Even Admirals struggle with Yonko. Best not get into a fight," Kizaru replied. "If you want to carry out your justice, survive first."

Aramaki shrugged. Young and brash, he'd defeated many with his Logia powers and Haki, and rarely faced a real challenge. He'd joined the Marines on a Captain's invitation, and even after meeting Admiral Zephyr, he felt unimpressed.

He'd heard the phrase "Admirals and Emperors are equals," and felt he was almost at Admiral level—why shouldn't he be able to take on a Yonko?

So, he was annoyed at their current orders: tail the Emperors' crews, delay their landing on Sky Island, and avoid open conflict.

He wasn't afraid; he wanted a Yonko's head for his own promotion—sooner than Kizaru, if possible.

And there was a special order: to kill the Beasts Pirates' Fourth Calamity, The Thunderstorm Gusion. Anyone who did would get huge merit—ordinary officers would be promoted three ranks at once.

Chapter 181: Clash of Emperors

Aramaki didn't know much about this Fourth Calamity, Gusion, but had seen his wanted poster and basic info—just a young man, weak in combat, only good at giving Kaido advice in Wano. Killing him should be easy.

If he succeeded, his path to Admiral would be shortened by five years.

If Kizaru did it, he'd be promoted instead.

But Aramaki thought Kizaru was too cautious to compete for the credit.

"Kizaru-san, should we prioritize killing Gusion?" Aramaki asked, testing Kizaru.

Kizaru gave him a strange look, "How much is your monthly salary, Aramaki?"

"Huh?"

Aramaki didn't get the point. "What does salary have to do with it? Headquarters told us to take out Gusion if possible."

Kizaru stared at him for a while, then nodded. "If you insist, the job's yours. I'll handle delaying their landing."

Aramaki was pleased—Kizaru was more considerate than he thought, giving him the chance for all the credit.

"Thanks, Kizaru-san. Let's work together to show these pirates what we can do."

Kizaru smiled, but Strawberry knew his true thoughts: basically, "You get paid so little—why risk your life?"

It was obvious how much Kaido valued Gusion, making him a top officer despite his lack of combat ability. Aramaki was naïve to think he could kill Gusion and escape.

Kizaru himself wasn't worried—he could always run away. But he had no intention of provoking Kaido; he just wanted to coast through the mission.

Being an Admiral didn't pay much more, and came with more work; better to take it easy.

…

Below Sky Island, the Beasts Pirates' celebration was interrupted.

Issho was the first to sense something off. He stopped playing dice and turned toward the dark sea.

"Mr. Issho?" asked a confused crewmate.

Issho didn't answer, but stood up and walked toward the harbor, tense.

Others looked in the same direction. Even with bonfires blazing, they couldn't see the dark sea, but could vaguely sense something coming.

A slightly drunk Kaido was snoring on the ground. King set down his wine and tried to wake him.

"There's a strong presence... probably an Emperor," Issho said, gazing into the darkness. If it were day, they'd have seen the massive ship and its aura already, but only Issho's keen senses picked up the incoming pressure.

Gusion borrowed a night vision scope and checked. "It's the Big Mom Pirates."

He didn't expect the same alliance as in the original story. The situation was different; both Kaido and Big Mom were still young and ambitious, with no reason to team up. They were after the Poneglyph and thus enemies.

"What now, Kaido?" Issho asked the now-awake Kaido.

Kaido, still woozy, muttered, "Linlin? She really came? Sink her ship and feed them to the fish."

Issho immediately unleashed his strike.

The sea twisted and sank—his Gravity Blade: Fierce Tiger slashed toward Big Mom's main ship.

"Mama!" her children screamed. As Devil Fruit users, if the ship sank, they'd be doomed.

Unlike Kaido's side, Big Mom could see with the bonfire's light. The moment Issho attacked, she reacted instantly.

She didn't use her Devil Fruit's fancy powers. Trusting her own strength, she gripped her sword, Haki crackling with dark red lightning.

Her massive form twisted, swinging forward as she bellowed, "Ikoku Sovereignty!"

A giant wolf rose before her—her vertical shockwave met Issho's horizontal slash.

With her legendary power, Big Mom's attack cut through Issho's strike, crashing toward the island.

Issho was forced to draw again to dispel her attack.

Meanwhile, Big Mom used Prometheus' power to propel the ship forward, racing toward the island below Sky Island.

"Kaido—!" Big Mom shouted, a ferocious grin on her face, sword in hand, riding Zeus' cloud as she leaped ashore.

Issho grew serious. Sheathing his sword, he unleashed gravity in a circular area, pinning Big Mom down as she landed, destabilizing her.

Her immense body pressed down, and the stone underfoot cracked and collapsed toward the sea.

"Zeus!" she yelled, trying to fly.

Zeus rushed beneath her, barely stopping her from sliding into the sea.

On the verge of falling, Big Mom snarled, "Brat!"

She unleashed her Conqueror's Haki in a storm of dark red lightning, blasting the area. Many of the Beast Pirates' younger members fainted; even Gusion broke out in a cold sweat.

Big Mom steadied herself on Zeus, then advanced to attack Issho.

She had just used top-tier Haki to break free of his power—a rare skill among even the strongest.

As one of the oldest pirates alive, Big Mom of course had mastered it, though not perfectly.

Issho realized he'd underestimated her. Fighting an old Emperor with just a Devil Fruit was hopeless—they all had powerful Haki.

He was strong in both Observation and Armament Haki, but in a close fight with Big Mom, he would lose.

As he weighed his options, a burly figure jumped out—Kaido, swinging his club to meet Big Mom's blade.

Conqueror's Haki clashed, red lightning flashing, shockwaves rocking the island.

Kaido and Big Mom struggled, equally matched, faces grinning—not from joy, but from the madness of battle.

"Linlin, I told you—if you ever show up again, I'll kill you!" Kaido growled, still half drunk, but quick to act when Issho's move failed.

"Oh? The little boy from back then now talks big, huh?" Big Mom sneered.

Her crew landed as well, facing off with the Beasts Pirates. But without orders, neither side made the first move.

Gusion watched from behind Kaido, fascinated by the close-up clash of Emperors and their full-power Haki.

"King, take Gusion and the two kids to Sky Island. I'll handle things here," Kaido ordered without turning.

He had no intention of reconciling with his old friend. This was war.

Gusion was his valued strategist, but not a fighter—too easy to get hurt in the chaos. Same for the young Ulti and her brother.

Not that Kaido wanted to bring kids to war, but he wanted to train them. Usually, big battles were planned in advance, and weaker crew would be sent away.

He hadn't expected Big Mom to show up in the dead of night and attack.

Worse, he now noticed a Navy ship trailing the Big Mom Pirates! If the Marines got involved, Gusion and the children would be in danger.

He tallied their forces. With Issho on their side, the Beasts Pirates had the upper hand even if King left. So he ordered King to head for Sky Island, retrieve the Poneglyph, and find his people.

"Let me go! I can fight!" Ulti struggled as Gusion grabbed her by the collar.

"If you don't want to be captured by the World Government as a slave, behave," Gusion warned.

Ulti fell silent. She knew from the recent Sun Pirates incident how twisted the Celestial Dragons were. A girl like her, with a rare Devil Fruit, would be their favorite target.