Cooperation

That's really a headache.

Sirius thought to himself.

Hiyori is an important partner to him, and if the enemy is anyone else, no matter who they are, Sirius will face them together.

But Teacher Kaido is different.

That man was definitely a scumbag, but he was also my savior and mentor.

Although he said he had repaid his debt of gratitude when he set sail a few years ago, he still doesn't want to fight Teacher Kaido unless absolutely necessary.

After all, he was Yamato's father, and the benefactor of Jack, Maria, Ulti, and Page One.

Fighting him for the sake of the stone was the limit of what I could do.

Because the stone is essential; it's something you absolutely need to achieve your dream, and even Teacher Kaido wouldn't give it up for it.

Not to mention that he had made a promise with Yamato a long time ago that once they became stronger, they would go back and give Teacher Kaido a good beating as a way of repaying him for all those years of tough training.

However, helping Hiyori and restoring its nation are different.

Even though he still has to fight the Beasts Pirates, his goal is only to take the stone and beat up Teacher Kaido.

They wouldn't think about driving the Beasts Pirates out of Wano Country, nor would they think about helping Hiyori re-establish the Kozuki Clan's rule.

Ultimately, the events in Wano Country are none of his concern, while Kaido is closely related to him.

I lacked a compelling reason to participate.

Therefore, the Hiyori --

Sirius stared intently at the Hiyori.

Would you give me that reason?

Everyone was looking at Hiyori.

Even Yamato, looked slightly serious at this moment.

Everyone was waiting for Hiyori's answer.

Luo couldn't help but sigh softly.

Oh dear, isn't this supposed to be a banquet? Why has the atmosphere suddenly become so tense?

So, Hiyori, what will you decide? Will you ask Sirius for help?

Would you be willing to bet everything on us?

"I want to change Wano Country,"

Hiyori did not directly answer Sirius's question, but said, "I want to free that country from its current state of ruin."

"Therefore, I must kill the rampaging Orochi and drive Kaido, who shelters him, Wano Country!"

Sirius listened attentively.

Nekomamushi and Inuarashi clenched their fists in excitement.

This is exactly what they have been hoping for.

"But this is my responsibility, the responsibility of our Kozuki Family,"

Hiyori said calmly, "It's not because the Kozuki Family has been the rulers of Wano Country for generations, but because of my father's mistakes that this country has ended up like this."

"Therefore, making Wano Country better again is my inescapable responsibility as a father and daughter, and it has nothing to do with anyone else."

"Your Princess Hiyori-- "

The Nekomamushi and Inuarashi were both startled.

How could you say that about Lord Oden?

Lord Oden was also deceived by Orochi and Kaido.

However, they also had to admit that this Princess Hiyori had indeed inherited Lord Oden's extraordinary spirit.

She was a true daughter of a samurai family.

"So Sirius,"

Hiyori and said, "Just like we agreed at the beginning, I won't ask for your help."

"Understood."

Sirius nodded slightly. "But our goal will not change, and our battle with the Beasts Pirates will not change."

Unless Teacher Kaido is willing to honestly hand over the stone and admit that he shouldn't have used such harsh educational methods back then.

Otherwise, this battle is inevitable.

"So this is a good time for me too." Hiyori suddenly winked playfully.

Of course, it's a good time.

If the ultimate goal is to drive the Beasts Pirates out of Wano Country, then there is probably no better time than the upcoming battle between the Sirius Pirates and the Beasts Pirates.

"Therefore, Captain Sirius, I think we can cooperate."

Hiyori smiled.

But her expression was very serious.

"Cooperate?"

Sirius couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"I will cooperate with you not as a member of the Sirius Pirates, but as the last heir of the Kozuki Clan, Kozuki Hiyori!"

Hiyori said seriously, "Although our goals are somewhat different, at least before you take the stone, we have a basis for cooperation, right?"

"How cunning, Hiyori," Maria couldn't help but sigh softly.

"Since we're discussing cooperation in the name of Kozuki, then,"

Sirius smiled and shook his head. "Hiyori, do you think we need more outside help if our target is only the Beasts Pirates?"

Hiyori pursed her lips.

Even if the Beasts Pirates are strong, they are definitely not much stronger than the Charlotte Family.

Perhaps, due to the lack of middle-level managers, they are not even as good as the Charlotte Family.

The Charlotte Family was defeated by their overwhelming superiority, so what can the Beasts Pirates do?

"But," Sirius sighed again, "Has the Charlotte Family joined forces with the Beasts Pirates? If so, wouldn't we need some outside help?"

Hiyori's eyes lit up instantly.

"Of course!" the Nekomamushi Shopkeeper couldn't help but exclaim, "Our opponents are two Pirate Emperors!"

"Then let's make it this way."

Sirius said earnestly, "Kozuki Hiyori, until we take the stone from Teacher Kaido, we are partners."

"But one thing is certain: our target is only stones."

"Certainly!"

Hiyori nodded heavily.

"Well then, Hiyori, if you want to cooperate, you'll need to put in enough effort."

Jack asked, "What cards do you have left to play?"

Since we're speaking as partners now, we need to be a little stricter.

"And of course, we're here too!" Duke Inuarashi shouted.

The Nekomamushi looked at Hiyori and said solemnly, "Lord Oden was our benefactor. How can we remain indifferent when our benefactor dies!"

Hiyori bowed deeply to the Nekomamushi and Inuarashi, saying, "Thank you so much."

"It's not just us,"

Inuarashi said, "There must still be many samurai and heroes in Wano Country waiting for the call to counterattack!"

Hiyori said, "Over the years, Mr. Denjiro has been secretly contacting samurai who are dissatisfied with Orochi's tyranny, and he should have already gathered a considerable force."

"Is Denjiro still alive?" Nekomamushi's face lit up with joy.

"And Mr. Ashura, I heard there's a group of thieves on the first mountain in Kuri, that should be them," Hiyori continued. "Also, Mr. Kawamatsu, he's still in Wano Country, but we don't know his location yet."

"Ashura is alright too? That's great! The strongest guy is still alive!" Inuarashi exclaimed in surprise. "And Kawamatsu too! He's also a formidable force!"

They were captured by the people of Wano Country along with Kawamatsu, and were later rescued by Oden. The three of them share a special bond.

"Not bad," Jack nodded slightly, "That is indeed a very strong force!"

Nekomamushi and Inuarashi represent the Mink Tribe, while the samurai of Wano Country are also a force to be reckoned with.

When both are combined, they are a force to be reckoned with, and no one should underestimate them.

"Kindness?"

Suddenly, Hiyori paused for a moment.

"What's wrong?" Yamato asked.

"It's Zunesha," Hiyori said, somewhat bewildered. "He said that if it concerns Wano Country, then he can help."

"Huh? No way? Zunesha?" Inuarashi and the other two were shocked.

"He said Wano Country is special," Hiyori said.

"This is truly," Sirius couldn't help but laugh, "A delightful surprise."

"It was indeed a surprise, and then, I thought,"

Hiyori and said, "I also have a best partner!"

"Yeah?"

Sirius was somewhat surprised.

Who is it?