Chapter 70: 70. One Person, One Emperor, Isn't That Natural?

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- Though she had expected it, Charlotte Linlin still felt a pang of disbelief hearing Kaido admit it himself. Back when they sailed together in the Rocks Pirates, she'd prided herself on knowing Kaido better than anyone. Otherwise, she wouldn't have gifted him the powerful Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit. It was more than just an act of kindness; Charlotte Linlin genuinely saw Kaido as a younger brother. For the proud Charlotte Linlin to consider him family was no small thing. Beyond their similar builds, Kaido's raw potential and growing strength had impressed her deeply. She believed that, given enough time, Kaido would one day stand among the elite, on par with her and Whitebeard. Perhaps, after all these years apart, he'd finally reached that level. So when Kaido admitted it outright, she was taken aback. Her voice carried a hint of doubt. "It was that brat Alex who forced you out?" "Enough with the nonsense, Linlin!" Kaido's voice burst from the receiver, thick with irritation. "I came to an agreement with him. I let him take Wanokuni!" Charlotte Linlin's interest sharpened immediately. "An agreement, huh? And what kind of deal would that be?" Kaido didn't hesitate to shut her down. "Why would I tell you? We're still pirates, after all!" His refusal left Charlotte Linlin's smile frozen, a scowl taking its place. "Really stingy, Kaido. But if I take Wanokuni for myself, I'll hear about this little 'agreement' directly from Alex." Kaido snorted, dismissing her threat. "If you think you can, Linlin—be my guest!" Click. The line went dead. Furious, Charlotte Linlin hurled the Den Den Mushi, but a white, glutinous ball of mochi caught it safely midair, preventing any damage. Katakuri, having intercepted the phone, glanced at his mother. "Are you planning to move on Wanokuni, Mama?" Settling back into her seat, Charlotte Linlin smirked. "Naturally. Now that Kaido has pulled out, whatever agreement they had doesn't concern me. Besides, I've been curious about the source of that boy's Devil Fruit for some time." The Float-Float Fruit's ability to turn an island into a floating Sky Island intrigued her deeply. As for Wanokuni's forces, Charlotte Linlin didn't consider them much of a threat. After all, as a ruler who commanded vast power, she barely saw them as obstacles. As for Alex's strength—since he'd struck a deal with Kaido, he was clearly no weakling. But Kaido's power didn't surpass hers, so why would she worry about some upstart who'd barely made his mark in the New World? Decision made, Charlotte Linlin leaned back, considering her next steps. Meanwhile, Kaido had dialed another Den Den Mushi—this one belonging to Alex. Moments later, the tiny receiver lit up, and the Den Den Mushi, with black, tousled hair, took on Alex's casual tone. "Kaido," the voice drawled, "calling me directly? What's the occasion?" "You're in Wanokuni, but you must have seen today's news," Kaido began. "You went out of your way to stir up this mess. With that scheming mind of yours, you must know what's coming next." Alex chuckled from the other end of the line. "Hehehe, the World Government loves its hype. I figured they'd send the Marines to Wanokuni—some fertilizer for my reputation." Hearing Alex's mocking laughter, Kaido took a swig from his sake jug, holding the Den Den Mushi as he grinned. "Worororo! An affiliated island, sure, but everyone knows the background of Wanokuni. The Marines wouldn't risk an all-out war in the New World. It's not their territory, nor is it the World Government's." He continued, "Shiki in the past did even more than you, yet stayed safe in the New World." "So you know it's all just talk," Kaido went on. "But you should also know that Wanokuni is one of the New World's treasures, and a lot of people have their eye on it. With your little 'fame,' Linlin's already making plans to attack." "Hah, is that thanks to you?" Alex replied casually. "Naturally. She knew I held Wanokuni back then." Kaido's tone shifted to his true purpose, extending an offer. "That old hag's no joke. Need my help?" Alex scoffed. "You, doing me a favor? Don't tell me it's out of the goodness of your heart. What's in it for you?" "Of course it's for my benefit," Kaido replied smoothly. "Pirates only work for profit." He paused, waiting for Alex's answer. But Alex wasted no time refusing. "No need. This is my problem to handle, and you don't have to worry about your precious artificial fruits, either. Besides, the World Government only talks big because they have no idea what I'm capable of now. I'm not the same man who fought you back then." There was a hint of pride and confidence in Alex's voice, even through the Den Den Mushi. "In fact, this might be the perfect chance to claim the title of the Third Emperor." Kaido laughed, though his face darkened. "Bold words, Alex! Very well—I'll wait and see if you can back them up." Seeing his offer rejected, Kaido was about to hang up when Alex spoke up, taking a turn at the conversation. "Kaido, you'd better be more worried about yourself than me." Kaido frowned, puzzled. "What's that supposed to mean?" "Since Charlotte Linlin's headed for Wanokuni, do you think Whitebeard will sit idly by? Don't forget, Kozuki Oden—the man you killed—was one of his crew. Don't count on me to take the heat for you." Kaido's expression soured, and he muttered in frustration. He knew the truth of Oden's death would come out sooner or later, but with Wanokuni closed off, he'd managed to keep it hidden until now. Years ago, when his Beast Pirates were less established, he would've feared Whitebeard's wrath. But now...things had changed. He wouldn't be moving so freely in the New World if they hadn't. "Alex, you brat!" Kaido growled. "Of course. We're partners, aren't we?" Alex said with a wicked grin. "One of us has to face an Emperor—it's almost too perfect."