Yonko

The Yonko are the four most notorious and most powerful pirate captains in the world, but are neither allies nor enemies of one another, preferring to remain autonomous under most circumstances. These four individually reside within the second half of the Grand Line (known as the "New World"), exerting impressive influence and control over dozens of other pirate crews and self-governing islands. In the decisive Battle of Marineford, Whitebeard, one of the Yonko, met his end towards the climax of the Whitebeard War. Blackbeard, his killer, subsequently usurped his position. Shanks, another member of the Yonko, arbitrated a ceasefire to end the aforementioned war. The Gorosei postulated that Blackbeard was the pirate closest to becoming the next Yonko, due to his possession of two Devil Fruit abilities and having complete knowledge about Newgate's sphere of influence. After the death of Whitebeard, Big Mom took over as the protector of Fishman Island in exchange for a large amount of candy every month.

Teach also usurped Whitebeard's position as the fourth Yonko as the Gorosei predicted, having managed to conquer most of Whitebeard's former territory and becoming stronger by hunting down powerful Devil Fruit users and taking their abilities after killing them. Kaido and the shogun of Wano Country executed Kozuki Oden and pursued his son and retainers in order to find out a secret about Raftel. It is revealed during a meeting between Sakazuki and the Gorosei that Kuzan has become associated with the Blackbeard Pirates. Kid's alliance eat as they discuss the news that since Doflamingo is tied to Kaido, the Luffy and Law alliance must be after him. As the crews celebrate the news, Killer states that their target is Shanks. Upon Doflamingo's defeat, Kaido's subordinates were seen trying to inform him of the destruction of the SMILE Factory and the end of his professional agreement with the Donquixote Pirates since they were arrested. Kid Alliance facing Kaido Kaido appearing at the Kid Pirates' hideout. Kaido went up to the Ballon Terminal, where he encountered Urouge, who learned of his intention to commit suicide and let him proceed. After jumping 10,000 meters below on the Kid Pirates' base, he came out of the hole unharmed and faces off against Kid, Apoo, and Hawkins. He starts yelling for Doflamingo to make preparations for battle and promises to start a massive war since he became bored with the world. Big Mom arranged with the leader of the Vinsmoke Family to marry his third son, Sanji, with her 35th daughter, Purin, and ordered her crew to apprehend Sanji.