After completing the planned collection of strategic supplies and knowledge, Brian ordered the warship to set sail for a famous trading hub in the New World—Shadow Port.
Shadow Port was one of the most chaotic yet prosperous underground trading centers in the New World, and one of the few prosperous areas in the New World not under the direct rule of the Rocks Pirates—a rarity in these seas.
Shadow Port was not directly governed by the World Government or any major pirate crew. It served as a distribution hub for intelligence, weapons, slaves, and various rare materials.
Rumors suggested that the true mastermind and financial backer behind this island was a great pirate from the previous era, a figure renowned even in his time.
Although the individual was now elderly and frail, the island's status had long been established, and all major powers tacitly acknowledged it.
Brian chose this place primarily to gather the latest intelligence, especially regarding the movements of Rocks and the World Government, so he could make preparations several months in advance.
With the God Valley Battle drawing nearer, his sense of urgency grew increasingly palpable.
Aside from intelligence gathering, he also hoped to see if he could stumble upon some Devil Fruits on this island, preferably of the Zoan Type.
The auctions at Shadow Port were also world-famous.
The Black Submersible Warship eventually docked secretly on the seabed hundreds of kilometers away from Shadow Port. Brian, accompanied by Berlos and Agni, boarded a small submarine and quietly landed at Shadow Port.
The nights at Shadow Port were even more bustling than its days.
The massive harbor was filled with ships of all kinds, and people of various skin tones and races bustled between the docks and taverns. The air was thick with the decadent scents of rum, gunpowder, and money.
Upon disembarking, Brian and his companions immediately blended into the darkness of the port.
He avoided places where he might easily be exposed and instead headed straight for Shadow Port's most secretive intelligence trading spot—the Black Market Eye.
Inside the Black Market Eye, Brian paid a hefty sum of Belly to an information broker in exchange for a comprehensive report on the recent activities of major forces in the New World.
The report included information about the frequent troop movements of the Rocks Pirates, the unusual deployments of the Navy in the latter half of the Grand Line, and some speculative rumors about Ancient Weapons.
However, at the end of the report, an inconspicuous name caught Brian's full attention.
"Roger Pirates—recently spotted in the Shadow Sea of the New World?" Brian muttered to himself, a flicker of surprise and vigilance flashing in his eyes.
The Shadow Sea referred to the waters surrounding Shadow Port, meaning the Roger Pirates had recently appeared in this vicinity.
Ever since Gol D. Roger angered Rocks over two months ago, Rocks had flown into a rage and personally led a bloody purge of islands associated with the Roger Pirates' members.
It was this wave of bloodshed that triggered violent upheavals in the New World, ultimately igniting the region and leading to the current absurd situation.
Afterwards, the Roger Pirates for some reason never responded and even fled to the first half of the Grand Line, commonly known as the "Paradise" region, without returning.
Rocks later declared to the New World that the Roger Pirates were forbidden from setting foot in the New World.
Months passed, and the Roger Pirates made no major moves. Most people in the world had essentially accepted that they had truly backed down.
This intelligence indicated that the Roger Pirates had been sighted by pirates near a secret island close to Shadow Port half a month ago. Although the information broker treated this as a joke, believing Roger was merely sneaking back to assess the situation, Brian sensed something unusual.
"Given Roger's personality, he is not the type to act in secret," Brian thought with caution.
He immediately summoned the head of the Black Market Eye again and offered an irresistible, exorbitant price.
"I want to know all information regarding Gol D. Roger and his fleet's recent movements in the New World waters, the more detailed the better. This includes their ship characteristics, crew numbers, and most likely destinations," Brian said calmly, but the pressure of his Conqueror's Haki caused the Black Market head to break into a cold sweat.
The head immediately realized that this mysterious man before him was no ordinary individual. The amount of money offered and the oppressive aura he emitted indicated that his interest in the Roger Pirates had escalated to a strategic level.
A few minutes later, the head brought a more detailed internal report.
The report revealed that the Roger Pirates had not only returned, but their route was highly peculiar.
They had not engaged in any plundering in the New World, nor had they clashed with any Navy or pirate forces. Their objective was very clear, seemingly heading toward a fixed, secret destination.
"The Roger Pirates' destination is actually a Sky Island?" Brian was greatly shocked as he looked at the route marked on the intelligence.
Roger's route pointed toward a Sky Island in the New World known as "White Heaven," famous for its unique geographical location and abundant Cloud Minerals, yet it was not a strategic stronghold.
This Sky Island was not far from the waters where Shadow Port was located.
"What is he doing going to a Sky Island? Could he be searching for some ancient legend?" Brian pondered quickly.
Roger's movements appeared particularly conspicuous during this sensitive period in the New World. Rocks was currently busy deploying plans against the World Government. If Roger were to appear in the New World at this time, it could disrupt the entire balance of the region.
"Whatever the reason, Roger's appearance is a variable," Brian concluded. "If Rocks learns of this news, he will inevitably be distracted."
He turned to Berlos and Agni: "We cannot allow Rocks to be distracted at this time, nor can we let Roger, this significant variable, develop freely."
A cold glint flashed in Brian's eyes.
Rocks had an extremely low tolerance for Roger. If Roger caused any disturbance in the New World, Rocks would undoubtedly take action personally, diverting the Rocks Pirates' focus. This could also alert the World Government and the Navy to the movements of the Rocks Pirates, adversely affecting the subsequent God Valley Battle.
Brian's strategy was to eliminate all factors that could distract Rocks' attention before the decisive battle at God Valley.
"Berlos, return to the warship immediately and calculate the course to that Sky Island," Brian commanded.
"Master, do you mean we are going to pursue the Roger Pirates?" Agni asked with some excitement.
"Not pursuit—interception."
Brian coldly corrected him. "The appearance of the Roger Pirates in the New World has disrupted my plans. Before our Rocks Pirates complete their final preparations, no one is allowed to stir up trouble in the New World."
Brian understood clearly that this was an excellent opportunity.
The strength of the Roger Pirates was undeniable. Though few in number, their crew members were exceptionally powerful, ranking among the top in the New World.
Led by Roger, the trio of Rayleigh and Gaban—known as the Gold, Silver, and Bronze trio—were celebrated worldwide.
If they could engage the Roger Pirates at this time, it would not only further hone the combat capabilities of the Beast Girl Legion but also weaken a future competitor without Rocks' knowledge.
In the God Valley Battle, the Roger Pirates were one of the main forces obstructing Rocks' advance.
"To Sky Island, to meet this future Pirate King," Brian sneered. "I will make Roger understand that the New World is not a playground he can come and go as he pleases."
The three of them no longer considered replenishing supplies or attending auctions. They quickly left Shadow Port and secretly returned to the warship.
Under Brian's orders, the warship once again submerged into the deep sea at an astonishing speed, heading straight for the cloud-encircled White Heaven.
A clash with the future Pirate King's crew was about to unfold in the skies above the New World.
This unexpected interception would be the final and most severe test of his legion's strength before the decisive battle at God Valley.