Upon hearing Foxy's confession, Bai Yu slowly withdrew his palm.
"Hmph… So, how exactly do you want to cooperate?"
Foxy, feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from his chest, exhaled deeply and responded with a sheepish grin.
"You came all the way here—could it be to take part in the Dead Sea Race as well?"
Bai Yu asked directly.
"Yeah! I mean, of course! After all, it's—"
"I see now. You're here for the 300 million Berries prize and the Devil Fruit reward," Bai Yu interrupted, piecing the situation together before Foxy could finish.
"Devil Fruit reward?"
Bai Yu raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"You didn't know?" Foxy blinked in confusion, then leaned closer and lowered his voice. "Word is, this year's competition offers not just 300 million Berries, but also a rare Devil Fruit as the grand prize."
Hearing that, Bai Yu's eyes sharpened with realization.
No wonder the intel had already spread even to the Marine branches.
So the prize wasn't just money—it was the power to change fate.
Despite the infamous curse of the sea that accompanied a Devil Fruit, its appeal was undeniable. Some eaters, like Marco the Phoenix, could ascend to legendary heights—assuming they were lucky or strong enough.
Such a reward was bound to attract chaos.
"In that case, I need your ship and your crew," Bai Yu said after a pause. "When this is all over, we split the winnings fifty-fifty."
"What do you say?"
After a moment of calculating silence, Bai Yu added, "Also, due to… certain circumstances, I'd prefer you not mention my identity to others. Treat me as an anonymous ally."
He would use the Foxy Pirates as a convenient front, a disposable cover when needed.
"Fi—Fifty-fifty?!" Foxy blurted, visibly stunned.
He had been bracing himself for an 80-20 or worse—maybe even 90-10.
To be offered a fair deal instead? That was more than he dared to hope for.
Without hesitation, he nodded enthusiastically.
"No problem at all! Anything you need, Mr. Bai Yu! I leave it all in your hands!"
Foxy beamed like he had just found a gold mine.
With someone as powerful as Bai Yu joining him, Foxy felt their odds of winning skyrocketing.
"Then it's settled," Bai Yu said calmly. "If anyone asks, just say I'm a member of your crew."
"Oh—and I brought two subordinates with me."
As he finished speaking, Bai Yu clapped his hands.
Koby and Helmeppo immediately stepped forward.
"Welcome! Welcome aboard!" Foxy greeted them warmly, entirely misreading the situation.
Mistaking Koby for someone as powerful as Bai Yu, he welcomed both with open arms, showering them with hospitality.
---
The next day.
Bai Yu and his companions boarded the Foxy Pirates' ship, setting sail for Hannabar Island.
Along the way, they passed by numerous small lookout vessels—pirate sentries patrolling the route.
Only ships identified as pirate vessels were allowed through.
Bai Yu silently praised his own foresight.
Had they attempted to enter on a Marine vessel, they would've triggered a mass escape before even reaching the island.
With that danger avoided, the journey to Hannabar proceeded smoothly.
"Mr. Bai Yu, feel free to explore the island after docking," Foxy said as they arrived.
"The race will begin tomorrow, and there's a grand banquet tonight to welcome all crews."
By now, Foxy's speech had become far more respectful.
"Understood," Bai Yu replied simply.
As the crew disembarked, Bai Yu, Koby, and Helmeppo broke away from the group to scout the island.
Their mission was twofold—evaluate the competition and memorize the terrain for strategic purposes.
"It's really lively here," Koby remarked, wide-eyed.
The center of the island was crowded beyond belief.
Once a relatively quiet place, Hannabar had now become a pirate marketplace, buzzing with activity.
"Where there are people, there's business," Helmeppo added, glancing at the pop-up shops and stalls.
Indeed, most of the island was overrun with pirates. The scale of the gathering was far larger than in previous years.
Bai Yu nodded, expression thoughtful.
"More participants than usual. Likely drawn in by the Devil Fruit."
Every year, the Marines had kept an eye on the Dead Sea Race. But this time, with such a prize, the pirate turnout had nearly doubled.
They spent the day walking through the island's zones, noting terrain changes, routes, and vantage points.
By the time they had completed a full circuit, the sun was already dipping below the horizon.
Bai Yu also gathered information about the race format.
The rules were brutally simple—there were none.
The pirates would begin from the north shore and circle the designated sea route around Hannabar.
Then, they would sail into the dangerous upwelling current that surrounded the island, before reaching the final checkpoint—located atop a high elevation at the island's center.
Violence between ships wasn't just allowed—it was expected.
Past races had seen entire crews wiped out mid-race.
This year, the organizers even added new challenges to thin the herd and heighten spectator excitement.
Once fully informed, Bai Yu and his subordinates returned to the central plaza as the night banquet began.
Foxey soon found them again.
Thanks to his relatively low bounty of 24 million Berries, the Foxy Pirates were seated at a far corner of the event grounds.
Bai Yu didn't mind—being out of the spotlight suited his plans perfectly.
"Mr. Bai Yu, as you requested, I've compiled a list of all confirmed competitors," Foxy said, handing over a worn scroll.
Bai Yu took it and skimmed through quickly.
Several familiar names jumped out at him.
Executioner Xiao Laya.
The giant twins, Poppy and Bogo.
Crimson Axe Picaro.
Killer Whale Fishman Willie.
Each was infamous on the Grand Line—with the possible exception of Xiao Laya, whose record was more mysterious than notorious.
And finally, his gaze stopped on the most prominent name.
Gasparde.
Just as the 188th Branch's intelligence had warned.
He's here.
"Welcome to Hannabar, everyone!"
A voice echoed out from the center stage.
"The annual Dead Sea Race kicks off tomorrow!"
Cheers erupted around the plaza.
The spotlight swept across the crowd as the host's voice soared with excitement.
"And now, allow me to introduce this year's top contenders!"
"First up—the fearsome fishman who commands the currents—Willie the Killer Whale!"
Applause and commotion exploded as the lights focused on one of the central tables.
The competition had officially begun.