THE STRONGEST CREATURE OF THE BEAST PIRATES

"Jack, I heard that you're quite skilled at taking beatings. Let me, your mother have a shot at you today!" Yamato's gaze locked onto Jack with a challenging intensity.

Jack's massive, elephantine eyes narrowed, his muscles tensing. If anyone else had uttered such words, Jack would have flown into a rage, ready to fight anyone—whether it was the Red-Haired Pirates or an Admiral—without hesitation. But this was Yamato, the daughter of Kaido himself.

Fortunately, just as Jack was about to lose his temper, Alastor arrived. Jack visibly relaxed at the sight of him, his tense expression softening into a relieved smile.

Though their relationship had shifted, and Jack no longer considered Alastor a subordinate, the two remained close friends. Whenever Jack faced difficulties, he still instinctively turned to Alastor for advice.

Alastor exchanged a knowing glance with Yamato, who returned it with a playful yet provocative look. Ever since she embraced her identity as a woman, Yamato had grown more feminine and commanding—qualities that often rubbed Jack the wrong way, especially when it came to Alastor.

"Alastor, what do you think we should do about this situation with Master Yamato?" Jack asked, his anxiety evident.

Alastor paused, breaking his eye contact with Yamato and clearing his throat. "Brother Jack, I think the most pressing matter isn't expanding our forces or building more weapon factories. The key right now is dealing with the remnants of Whitebeard's crew."

Jack blinked, confusion clouding his face. "Remnants of Whitebeard's crew? What do you mean?"

"It's about Sphinx, Whitebeard's hometown," Alastor explained. "Even after his death, there are still remnants of his crew—pirates like Marco and Jozu. And they've gathered there, holding a funeral for Whitebeard and Ace."

Jack's expression hardened. "The Whitebeard Pirates… they're still alive?"

"Yes," Alastor confirmed. "They've gathered on Sphinx for a funeral, but it won't be long before they start reclaiming their territory. The Beast Pirates took it, but they won't sit idle. They'll fight to take it back. And Blackbeard… he won't be far either."

Jack's eyes gleamed with excitement. "A big battle, you say? Now, you're speaking my language! I'll gladly welcome any challenge!"

---

Sphinx, a small and once peaceful island, had become the focal point of Whitebeard's legacy. Though it had once been a land of chaos, Whitebeard had restored order with his quiet, legendary presence. But now, the island was vulnerable, and the Navy had taken notice. Their focus on preserving the "stability" of the world often meant exploiting the weaker, unprotected nations, and Sphinx was no exception.

On the vast, beautiful grasslands of Sphinx, the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates—scarred, grieving, and broken—gathered for the dual funerals of their fallen captain and Ace. Tears streamed down their faces as they mourned, the once-vast pirate fleet reduced to fewer than 20,000 members, most of whom were wounded and grieving.

"We'll get our territory back, Marco," the red-haired Shanks said, placing a reassuring hand on Marco's shoulder. "It's not about what I couldn't stop. Whitebeard would want you to stand on your own strength."

Marco wiped his tears and nodded. "Thank you, Shanks. We'll take back what's ours."

Shanks sighed, his tone turning serious. "I have to be honest with you. Whitebeard's territory is no longer within our reach. With Kaido in control of it, taking it back isn't something you can accomplish with your current strength."

Diamond Jozu roared in anger, his fists clenched. "Red hair! Do you want us to accept this humiliation after watching our captain die?!"

Shanks' gaze remained steady. "I don't want to add to your pain, but fighting Kaido with what's left of your strength will only lead to more loss. I know how much Whitebeard's legacy means to you, but sometimes, we have to know when to pick our battles."

Vista gritted his teeth, his voice filled with rage. "Unforgivable, the Beast Pirates!"

Izou, a former retainer of Wano, spoke loudly, his tone fierce. "We cannot allow Whitebeard's territory to fall into Kaido's hands! If that happens, the countries Whitebeard once protected will suffer the same fate as Wano—becoming just as miserable and desolate!"

Though Izou had not returned to Wano in years, his connection to it remained strong. He still understood the dire state of Wano and what had transpired there.

Marco took a deep breath and spoke with unwavering determination. "We will carry on Dad's will and protect what he fought to protect in life!"

Hearing this, the red-haired Shanks realized further persuasion was futile. He sighed, rubbing his temples.

At that moment, Beckman, always calm and collected, interrupted. "If you're determined to press forward, heed this warning: Watch out for a woman who calls herself 'Joy Boy.' She's incredibly strong."

The mention of someone labeled as "Joy Boy" caused everyone—Marco, Joz, Vista—to take Beckman's words seriously. "Just calling yourself Joy Boy?" Marco muttered, his brow furrowed. "That's strange."

"And don't forget the man who disrupted the battle at the top," Shanks added with a grave expression. "Marco, Joz, Vista, you've all seen his power firsthand, haven't you?"

"Yes," Marco replied, recalling the figure crackling with thunder. His image remained vividly etched in their minds. "That man... he changed everything."

Without that unknown figure, Whitebeard's crew might have lost far worse. But the battle wasn't over just yet. The man's apparent purpose was to weaken the Navy, not to help Whitebeard's crew directly.

Shanks glanced around. "The Beast Pirates have emerged as the strongest force in the New World. With Kaido in control, the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates may find victory impossible."

The remnants, filled with anger, couldn't believe what they were hearing. Diamond Jozu bellowed, "Red hair! Are you asking us to accept this defeat? After everything Whitebeard fought for?!"

Shanks' gaze remained unyielding. "I'm not asking you to give up, but we need to be realistic. Kaido's power isn't something we can easily overcome now."

"We'll take back what's ours, Marco," Shanks said, patting the younger pirate on the shoulder. "It's what Whitebeard would have wanted."

Marco nodded, his eyes blazing with determination. "Thank you, Shanks. We'll fight for Dad's legacy, no matter what."

Meanwhile, on a ship far from the battlefield.

Shanks turned to Beckman, his expression thoughtful. "I wonder how Luffy is doing now. After losing his brother, when he returns to the seas, he'll grow stronger. There's no doubt about that."

Beckman took a drag from his cigarette. "If Mr. Rayleigh is with him, I'm sure Luffy will be fine."

Despite Yamato's skepticism about fate, Beckman remained loyal to Shanks, unwavering in his support. His role as Shanks' first mate was clear—no matter what decisions the red-haired captain made, Beckman would follow.

The outcome of the war at the top had diverged significantly from the original timeline. Dragon had appeared personally, rescuing Luffy and taking him to Baldigo, preventing Jinbei from forming a deeper connection with the crew. This altered the course of events.

Rayleigh had set sail for Baldigo, while Shanks and Beckman focused on the new realities. The remnants of Whitebeard's crew were now facing not only Kaido's might but also unseen threats that had altered their fates.

As the Red-Haired Pirates left the battlefield, Shanks couldn't help but reflect on what lay ahead for Luffy. "I wonder what kind of man he'll become... after all, he still carries the burden of his brother's death."

Beckman's calm assurance remained unwavering. "With Rayleigh by his side, Luffy will be fine. The line of Pluto is still intact, and fate hasn't turned its back on him completely."

Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Women, Niu arrived at the palace, stepping into a place few recognized anymore. The younger generations knew little of her past as a ruler. As she entered, the familiar faces of the Nine Snake Pirates gathered around her, anxious and hopeful.

One of them spoke, their voice trembling. "Lord Niu, you've returned... Snake Princess is in the bedroom. She seems ill."

Niu's expression hardened as she entered the bedroom, finding the empress lying feverish and weak. A strange look crossed her face as she observed the condition of Boa Hancock, the empress. A soft, knowing smile appeared as she muttered to herself.

"Has she fallen for some man? Unbelievable."

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