After departing from Cake Island, the duo sailed away from the waters of the Totto Land Kingdom and eventually landed on a desert island in the New World.
Having endured days of intense battles, their injuries and exhaustion had reached a critical level. They resorted to hunting and fishing for sustenance on the island, taking a few days to recuperate.
Being Zoan warriors, their robust physical prowess helped them recover naturally, without the aid of medical supplies.
King, holding a bloodied sea fish, consumed it raw while observing L'Aquila starting a fire to cook their catch. He remarked, "The journey to Wano Country is still far. Flying alone would be too strenuous. We ought to seek out a ship next!"
In response, L'Aquila simply nodded in agreement.
Their entire fleet, along with their crew, had been decimated by the Big Mom Pirates, leaving only the two of them to rebuild.
Between bites of fish, King spoke calmly, "At least the task assigned by Mr. Kaido is now complete!"
While on Cake Island, King had noticed significant upheavals within the Big Mom Pirates. Though the details eluded him, one fact became clear to him.
Katakuri was now the true head of the Charlotte family, and they harbored deep concerns about Kaido and the Beasts Pirates. Despite not forming an alliance, they were unlikely to provoke them.
Following their duel in the mirror world, King engaged Katakuri in discussions, addressing the prospect of "alliance or declaration of war" directly.
As expected, the proud Katakuri eventually set aside his pride and accepted the invitation to the founding ceremony on behalf of the Big Mom Pirates. He agreed to bring gifts to mark the occasion and delve further into talks regarding the alliance between their factions.
Though it may be a blow to his dignity, this decision stands as the most favorable one for their current situation, with Katakuri prioritizing the interests of his family.
Having achieved his primary objective, King departed simply, showing little concern for the battleships and subordinates left behind. The only individual he held in high regard was the one by his side.
Subsequently, King addressed L'Aquila, stating, "There's ample time before the founding ceremony. We needn't rush back. There's another crucial task at hand!"
Recalling Kaido's request to uncover the whereabouts of the historical text detailing the road sign, pinpointed to Dressrosa and Zou, King planned to investigate both locations methodically. Given the significance of this quest, King was determined to retrieve the text by any means necessary.
L'Aquila, in his usual composed manner, absorbed King decision silently, ready to carry it out diligently without voicing his thoughts.
After some contemplation, King suggested, "The Elephant Master's movements are unpredictable. Let's head to Dressrosa first, as it's likely to be there! You know what to do once we arrive, correct?"
In agreement, L'Aquila nodded in understanding.
The significance of the historical text regarding the road sign must be kept confidential. Should news of the Beasts Pirates possessing multiple historical texts be divulged, it would undoubtedly draw the attention of the other Four Emperors and the World Government. Even if they cannot surpass Kaido in strength, it would lead to numerous complications.
The most discreet course of action involves obliterating the country where the text is believed to be concealed. To ensure secrecy, the target must be eliminated before locating the text. The risk of news leaking via a phone bug within such a vast country necessitates extreme caution.
Dressrosa, once governed by the original Seven Warlords of the Sea, the "celestial dragon" Don Quixote Doflamingo, was a crucial ally of Kaido. However, following Doflamingo's defeat by the Straw Hat Crew and subsequent incarceration in an undersea prison by the Marines, Dressrosa lost its formidable protection.
With no top-tier defenders left to oppose them, Dressrosa stood vulnerable to external threats.
During their discussion on the strategy to eradicate the country, a series of thunderous roars and tremors disrupted the tranquility of the island, causing birds and animals to scatter in alarm.
Reacting swiftly, the duo unfurled their wings and soared into the skies to investigate, their expressions filled with astonishment.
In the offshore waters, a towering elephant loomed, its colossal form piercing the heavens as it moved ponderously. Each of its steps reverberated through the sea, unsettling the surrounding islands with its immense presence.
Meanwhile, on another island in the New World, Jack's group encountered the former Ringbreaker Pirates.
The story begins a few days before Jack and his crew landed. Urouge and his companions were the first to arrive on the island, where they encountered a group of women and children who had taken refuge there. These were survivors from a merchant ship that had been attacked earlier.
When Jack's group approached, the people on the merchant ship knew they couldn't escape. In a desperate attempt, they placed the women and children on a small boat, hoping they could flee. Under the cover of the merchant ship, Jack and his crew, preoccupied with looting, paid little attention to them, allowing the survivors to escape.
The women and children drifted to this island, hoping to be rescued by a passing ship. However, they soon realized that most vessels in this treacherous sea were pirate ships, so they remained hidden deep within the island, fearing exposure.
After landing, Urouge and his crew discovered these starving and cold survivors. Moved by compassion, they provided them with clothes and food. Once the survivors had recovered somewhat, Urouge's group planned to escort them to the nearest Marine branch.
Unexpectedly, Jack and his crew also arrived on the island for a rest. The two groups soon crossed paths. When the women and children, whose families had been destroyed by Jack, saw these familiar demons, they screamed in terror and instinctively hid behind Urouge and his companions.
Sheepshead recognized Urouge immediately and shouted, "Master Jack, that's the Worst Generation pirate, Mad Monk Urouge! He previously defeated Snack, one of the Big Mom Pirates' generals!"
Jack sneered, "Another Worst Generation member. Just because he defeated Snack, he thinks he can flaunt his power! These Supernovas really don't know their limits!"
Throughout the encounter, they paid no attention to the women and children. Having attacked countless cargo ships, merchant ships, and even pirate ships, they naturally didn't remember these survivors.
A crew member of the Fallen Monk Pirates nervously said, "Captain, that's Jack the Drought, one of the Beasts Pirates' All-Stars! He's a maniac—we can't take him lightly!"
At this time, the outside world didn't yet know about Jack's resignation from his position as an All-Star, but his notorious reputation as the Drought still loomed large in the New World.
Urouge, unfazed, with his signature smile, stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and said, "Amitabha, you have committed many sins. Why not show some mercy today and lessen your karma?"
Hearing this, Jack asked calmly, "What nonsense is that monk talking about?"
Ginrummy replied, "He wants us to let them go."
Jack fell silent, staring intently at Urouge's smiling face.