Converging from All Sides, Alarming News of an Anomaly

"Rise--"

As Roman simultaneously activated his 'Float-Float Fruit ability' and 'Gravity Ability', the massive 'Moby Dick,' resembling a white whale, slowly rose into the air, leaving the Whitebeard Pirates in awe.

"This must be the Golden Lion's power,"

The captain of the 7th Division, wielding a giant meteor hammer, with messy brown hair and a mustache, resembling Captain Jack from the Caribbean, Lakyo, looked on with emotion. As a veteran of the Whitebeard Pirates, he had witnessed the scene of Golden Lion sparring with Whitebeard... or rather, fighting, and he was deeply impressed by the golden figure who could make the earth roll, islands float, and the ocean lose weight with a wave of his hand.

"That's right, but it's not just his. The ability I 'recorded' is far inferior to the original."

The original Golden Lion could keep more than a dozen islands floating at an altitude of 10,000 meters year-round, forming an artificial Sky Island —a secret base that even the navy could only dream of. But the Roman couldn't do that; it even struggled to move the 'Moby Dick'.

After all, a person's energy is limited, and even Roman couldn't develop all of the Devil Fruit abilities.

"This is the inland sea of Wano Country,"

As the massive 'Moby Dick' soared over the cliff in front of them, a freshwater area appeared before them. The 'Moby Dick,' already coated, slowly sank into the sea.

The petite Sunny Merry could easily find a shore and have Roman camouflage it with, and it would be safe. But the Moby Dick is a behemoth, like an aircraft carrier. If it didn't get detected, then the Beasts Pirates are practically blind!

"That's settled then, you wait for my signal."

As the fluttering white paper transformed into white doves and landed on the deck, Roman's spirit was also drawn away from here.

"Mom, we've entered the Beasts Pirates' territory. Lick lick~~"

The tall, obese Big Mom glanced at her eldest son, Charlotte Perospero, who seemed hesitant to speak.

"Say what you have to say!"

"Yes, Mom."

Wearing a top hat adorned with numerous lollipops, a slender figure with a long nose and tongue, and carrying a candy cane, Perospero stepped forward.

"Since those arrogant Straw Hat crew Pirates have chosen to invade Wano Country, we can simply ignore them. Kaido, having received our warning, will surely take them all down! And if we insist on entering Wano Country now, we might end up clashing with the Beasts Pirates first, giving the Straw Hat crew Pirates an opportunity..."

"Pero, it seems you've been living a life of ease for too long."

?

When she's not going crazy, Big Mom is definitely a qualified pirate captain and a qualified Queen.

—Although it is based on the standards of evil forces.

"On the high seas, all that matters is strength, reputation, and manpower..."

"This time, because of that birdman Morgans, the performance of our BIG MOM Pirates was reported in a terrible way, as if we were just stepping stones for the Straw Hat Pirates! This has caused our strength to be questioned, that's one thing!"

"At the same time, the Straw Hat crew did indeed wreak havoc at our wedding and even kidnapped the bride! And they didn't even leave a single life behind! What will the other powers on the seas think of us? That's the second point!"

"In this incident, we lost the Sun Pirates and Jinbe, as well as the Fire Tank Pirates Vinsmoke. Even many of my beloved children were injured. How can we swallow this insult? That's the third point!"

"Therefore, only we, and only we, can do the job of taking down the Straw Hat crew!!"

If Big Mom can't regain her footing quickly, those forces that have submitted to the BIG MOM Pirates might become disloyal, and then it will take a lot of effort to quell the repercussions of this incident...

Otherwise, the prestige that Big Mom has built up over decades as Four Emperors might be destroyed in an instant.

"Mom, I understand."

Perospero was not unaware of these principles, but:

"I have a bad feeling, like we've overlooked something—"

"Alright!"

Big Mom waved her hand impatiently.

"We're pirates, not fortune tellers! When did we start believing in 'premonitions' instead of the swords in our hands? —Or are you like Katakuri, able to 'foresee' the future?"

Faced with his mother's words, Perospero was speechless and could only suppress his doubts and focus on the upcoming battle.

Ruins of Kasa Village

On the enormous pine tree behind the village, the massive trunk appeared normal at first glance, but its interior held a hidden world. It was a building Roman had constructed entirely of paper. After all, the house that originally belonged to Tama and her apprentice was simply too...

"Ace is dead."

"Absolutely impossible, you must be lying! Cough cough cough..."

?

Roman, who had just helped the Whitebeard Pirates leap across the Wano Country Sea from the other side, came to his senses when he saw Tama crying her eyes out and Luffy serious.

"It's true, Ace died two years ago, and the whole ocean knows it."

Ah, this...

Ace: Oh no, I've become a substitute!

"Ahem, what's wrong?"

Having recovered from his AFK state, Roman gestured with his Tama towards Luffy, the little girl glaring angrily at Luffy. Although Roman had guessed what had happened after only overhearing a few words, this was still far too 'extraordinary'. Therefore:

"... That's how it is, so the two of them started arguing."

Roman nodded at Nami's whispered explanation. Just as he had thought, they could ignore them for now, because Ace was ready to step into the limelight openly—provided they could take Wano Country first!

"Alright, you two."

"What's past is past. Let's think about what we should do next."

Roman clapped his hands. Although Oden had caused them trouble, the fighting force left behind by this country was still quite good. At least the Nine Red Scabbards average rank was equivalent to a cadre, were quite capable fighters. Since they were helping their shogun avenge him anyway, there was no reason to let them just sit back and watch the show, was there?

Well, actually three are missing: Kin'emon, Kurozumi Kanjuro, Raizo, but their fighting strength...

Let's not even mention Kin'emon, who was chased all over the place by Dressrosa grunts when he was weak and stood up to Kaido when he was strong. Kin'emon Kurozumi Kanjuro is actually an undercover agent of Kurozumi Orochi, the current shogun of Wano Country. Raizo... he is said to be a ninja but only knows one clone technique. He is a guy who can only pass the genin exam by luck.

In summary, the true powerhouses among the Nine Red Scabbards are still in Wano Country: Ashura Doji and Kawamatsu, these two masters who can fight the All-Stars for days and nights are the real fighting force!

As for those two cross-dressers Kikunojo and Izo... Hiyori Denjiro who infiltrated Wano Country...

It's hard to say.

However, there's no problem guaranteeing him a top-tier crew member, since Izo is the captain of the 16th division of the Whitebeard Pirates.

There was also the once stunning twin-tailed ninja, now a chubby, Fat Big Mom named 'Shinobu'...

Never mind, anyway, no one in the Straw Hat crew needs to be 'forced to mature'.

"Then, Tama."

As Roman spoke, he turned to look at the Tengu Swordsmith 'Hitetsu' beside him, "Could you please show us around? I've heard that the samurai of 'Wano Country' are all men of steel, so there must still be people who are dissatisfied with Kaido."

Although these words were addressed to Tama, they were actually a question to the Tengu Swordsmith 'Hitetsu'. As a legendary swordsmith of Wano Country, he couldn't possibly be unaware of those who were rebelling against Kaido and Kurozumi Orochi's rule. Of course:

"·········"

Facing the silent Tengu Swordsmith, Roman accepted the orange juice Sanji offered. This disguised building, named 'Paper Dance: Straw Hat crew Mansion Technique,' not only boasts a spacious hall but also a kitchen, bathroom, and over a dozen rooms! Only Devil Fruit user like Roman, who has mastered the art of manipulating his abilities, could enjoy such a place.

"I know what you're worried about,"

Roman took a sip of orange juice, looking at the bewildered Tama and the Tengu Swordsmith 'Hitetsu', who was clearly hesitant despite wearing a mask.

"They're just afraid that we're actually Kaido's people, and that they're staging a conspiracy to lure out and kill you rebels."

"I·····"

"That's only natural," Roman waved his hand to interrupt him. "Trust is built on mutual understanding. If it weren't for your Wano Country's closed-door policy, you would know that the feud between our Straw Hat crew and Kaido's Beasts Pirates is not something that can be resolved in a few words."

"However, once these 'old friends' arrive, I believe you will put your doubts aside."

Inuarashi and Nekomamushi's crew have already departed from Zou, accompanied by Raizo; and the Whitebeard Pirates have already landed in the Wano Country Sea, also have Ace and Izo. Given their connections to Wano Country, they will likely soon be able to assemble a powerful force, and then, with the Straw Hat crew as the main force, take down Kaido's Beasts Pirates...

When the time comes, the title of the Yonko will surely be well-deserved!

"Since you've said so, there's no point in hiding it. It would make me seem petty. Besides, this information is 'common knowledge'."

The Tengu Swordsmith, sitting upright, slowly spoke:

"When it comes to Wano Country, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the powerful 'samurai'! And their loyalty and indomitable spirit."

"Indeed, there have always been many samurai who are dissatisfied with Kaido's rule, but compared to the henchmen who are subservient to that Kurozumi Shogun, as well as Kaido's many 'True Striker' and even the Six Generals and the All-Stars above them:"

"They were either hiding or being forced to work themselves to death in the quarry in Udon! Even the legendary 'Flower Capital Hyogoro' was imprisoned there..."

Hmm, it seems I still need to make a trip to the quarry. It's full of fighters who oppose Kaido, and there are also Haki fighters like Flower Capital Hyogoro.

"Take our Kasa Village, for example. We used to have three samurai as our protectors. The wild animals they hunted were poisonous, but after a long period of detoxification and cooking, they were still barely edible. However, a year ago, they were defeated and captured by a new recruit named 'Drake,' who had joined Kaido's ranks. Now, that guy has even risen to the rank of one of the 'Six Musketeers'..."

"Hey, Drake? I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before?"

Seeing Luffy's confusion, Robin, who was diligently studying the books from Wano Country, casually gave a reply.

"'Red Flag Drake,' like Luffy, Roman, Zoro, and you, was one of the Supernovas two years ago: one of the 'Worst Generation.' We brushed past them when we were in Sabaody."

"Oh~~"

Although we don't know which one Luffy was thinking of, but:

"He actually Kaido's crew! I'm going to beat him to a pulp too! -- Wait a minute,"

Luffy, unusually, stroked his chin and began to think.

"We attended Sanji's wedding a while ago. Big Mom's crew also had a Supernovas from our generation who later rebelled and left the Big Mom Pirates. His name was... yes, it was Bege! Could this Drake be the same?"

What are you thinking about?

Usopp was trying to use the slingshot from the side, made a sarcastic remark.

"Every time we encounter someone, a traitor appears in another pirate crew to help us. Do you think we're the protagonists of a novel?"

Ah, this...

Roman glanced at Usopp, just as he was marveling at how Usopp had 'hit the nail on the head'—

"Actually, when it comes to those who dare to defy Kaido and Orochi, there is indeed a force in Wano Country..."

Oh, is it Ashura Doji's bandit gang, or Flower Capital Hyogoro's former subordinates?

"Their name is 'Bad People',"

Puff!!!

"Roman, what are you doing—"

Ignoring Luffy, who had been sprayed with orange juice by him, Roman rubbed his temples.

"Sorry, it seems I've been too tired lately and am having auditory hallucinations..."

You must have misheard. It's probably some kind of delinquent group or delinquent organization.

"Now the 'Bad People' are—"

"Etc!!"

With one hand rubbing his temple and the other making Buddha's Palm gesture, Roman interrupted the Tengu Swordsmith. He didn't know what expression to wear to face all of this.

"Are you sure you mean 'Bad People'? And not some other organization name... No, no, let me put it this way, they wouldn't happen to be called 'Thirty-Six Heavenly Spirits and Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends'..."

"Hmm, so you already knew?"

I know nothing!

How did the "Bad People," detectives and thieves from the Tang Dynasty, end up in Wano Country? This art style... it's more like the Flower Country!

No, thinking about it carefully, the Flower Country should also be under the protection of the Imperial Guards...

"What the hell is this 'Bad People'? Then I'm the Great Leader!"

"... Why do you say that, Your Excellency? The Bad People have always only had a deputy commander..."

Facing the Tengu Swordsmith's... well, because of the mask, it was actually a pair of puzzled eyes. And the other Straw Hat crew giving him equally bewildered looks, Roman took a few deep breaths.

Don't panic, panicking won't help!

If Joy Boy could inscribe "Golden Dream" on the Poneglyph, it's not surprising that a "Bad People" organization has emerged in Wano Country. —The facts are what they are; dwelling on them is pointless. So:

"Could you introduce me to this 'Bad People' organization?"

As Roman spoke, countless white doves detached from the camouflaged tree trunks, scattering and flying in all directions to intensify reconnaissance! Although Wano Country had received unexpected 'reinforcements,' Roman was far from happy! Because:

What do staff officers hate the most?

That's the variable beyond intelligence!

As for this mysterious 'Bad People' organization... if the Tengu Swordsmith in front of him doesn't cooperate, Roman wouldn't mind using some 'unorthodox' methods.

"Can,"

However, the reason the other party readily agreed was not because this legendary swordsmith named 'Hitetsu' was without suspicion of the Straw Hat crew, but because:

"'Bad People' is located in Zhonghua Town, east of Kibi, which is the only prosperous place in the country besides the capital."

"So, that 'Bad People' is really powerful?"

Roman suppressed his frustration at having his plans disrupted and began gathering information about this unexpected situation.

"Of course, the 'Bad People' is a powerful and ruthless organization. Whether it was Kurozumi Orochi's usurpation twenty years ago or the Beasts Pirates' rampage in Wano Country over the past twenty years, they simply stood by and watched."

"But if anyone dares to set foot in Zhonghua Town with hostility, they will only return as corpses! Even the Beasts Pirates are no exception. Kaido once tried to destroy Zhonghua Town as he would other towns, but for every number of Bad People he killed, several times that number of his subordinates were killed the next day!"

"It even included two former 'Six Sons', and I heard that the Bad People are all masters who come and go without a trace. There are also dense tunnels connecting the entire 'Kibi' region beneath Zhonghua Town. So in the end, even the Beasts Pirates had to withdraw from that area, causing a large number of samurai who were persecuted by the Beasts Pirates and Kurozumi Orochi to gather there."

Ah, this...

The Bad People, skilled in 'Guerrilla Warfare' and 'Tunnel Warfare'... what kind of ridiculous combination is this?

But--

Putting aside these frustrating aspects, this "Bad People" should be a small but elite organization with high mobility and explosive power. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to hold onto a territory under Kaido's control and even take down two of the "Sixth Division." In other words:

I'm afraid their leader is also at the 'Division Commander' level...

We must plan this carefully.