"Well..."
Looking at the incredibly alluring Komurasaki in his arms, Gawain pondered for a moment, then lifted Komurasaki's body and placed the courtesan on the ground.
While Komurasaki's wooden clogs stomped on the ground for a moment to find her balance, Gawain patted Komurasaki on the shoulder and turned to the Kurozumi Orochi in the form of Yamata no Orochi.
"Kurozumi Orochi".
"I am here!!!"
The Kurozumi Orochi hurriedly moved closer to Gawain; its enormous size caused many buildings to collapse as it approached Gawain.
Hearing the sound of collapse beside him, Gawain smiled for a moment, then raised his right hand.
Seeing Gawain's action, the Kurozumi- haired Orochi quickly raised its head, bringing its central heads closer to Gawain's hand.
Gawain placed his hand on the head of the giant Kurozumi Orochi, gently patted its scales a few times, then shook his head thoughtfully.
"Kurozumi Orochi..."
Gawain pondered for a moment before speaking.
"Wano Country is indeed an interesting place, but far too much hatred is brewing on this land..."
At this point, just as the Kurozumi Orochi's eyes widened, Gawain freed one hand and gently pulled out Shusui.
Laugh!
With a muffled thud, Shusui pierced the scales of the Kurozumi Orochi without any suspense, pinning the eight-headed Orochi firmly to the ground!
Feeling the pain in his neck, Kurozumi Orochi struggled desperately, but as soon as he made a move, Hancock leaped up and kicked Kurozumi Orochi a dozen times.
Kurozumi Orochi wasn't exactly a great warrior, even though he possessed a rare Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit...
Many things lose their original meaning once the word "but" is added.
Like Kurozumi Orochi, although he possesses one of the most remarkable abilities in the world, he doesn't actually rely on fighting or increasing his strength to survive!
Here, we must discuss the internal environment of Wano Country.
A long, long time ago—well, at least not before the Poneglyph appeared.
In short, in ancient times, there was more than one daimyo in Wano Country.
Whether it's the Shimotsuki Family, the Kozuki Family, or the Kurozumi Family to which Kurozumi Orochi belongs.
These kinds of families were all pillars of Wano Country back then.
But just before Pirate King appeared, or rather, around the time Kozuki Oden was born.
A crucial political struggle has emerged within Wano Country.
At that time, the Kurozumi Family was on par with the Shimotsuki Family, each responsible for managing a region of Wano Country and serving as a daimyo. They were both under the command of the Kozuki Family, the family of the Shogun of Wano Country.
But in the era of Kurozumi Orochi...
Faced with the increasingly weakened Kurozumi Family, the Kozuki Family launched a full-scale attack, annihilating the Kurozumi Family completely.
Among them, Kurozumi Orochi survived, living in a way that was far more humble than Liu Chan's, as a servant of the Kozuki Family, until the stage when Kozuki Oden gradually grew up.
Many things cannot be clearly defined as truly right or wrong.
In short...
This occurred during the period when Kozuki Oden chose to sail with Whitebeard and subsequently joined Roger's crew.
Some say that during that period, the Kurozumi Family launched an attack on the Kozuki Family's status because the Kozuki Family's heir was absent.
Some people say that this is simply the Kozuki Family's response to the Kurozumi Family 'Kurozumi Family growing power, which they fear will threaten their position.
In short...
Kurozumi Orochi became a servant of the Kozuki Family at a young age.
Those days must have been incredibly painful for Kurozumi!
In short, after Oden left, Kurozumi Orochi quickly seized control of Wano Country and, taking advantage of the old age of Kozuki Sukiyaki, the heir to the Kozuki Family, launched his plan to usurp the country!
At that time, Kurozumi Orochi's subordinates were all extremely skilled Devil Fruit User.
Although the Kurozumi Family perished long ago, the more dilapidated a large family is, the more likely it is that the destruction of the family will lead to the gathering of strength to support the family's last hope!
How many outstanding subordinates did Kurozumi Orochi have at that time?
To put it another way, whether it's the Mane Mane no Mi or the Barrier-Barrier Fruit...
These unique Devil Fruit, possessing special strategic significance, all belong to Kurozumi Orochi's subordinates.
Those people were all orphans left behind after the destruction of the Kurozumi Family!
Here, we must mention the power of Wano Country.
In the New World, many countries, lacking sufficient power to protect themselves, became Affiliated Nation of the World Government.
The remaining countries are those that did not become World Government Member States.
Most of those countries became pirate territory, lawless lands that even the navy couldn't control.
But Wano Country is different!
Back then, Wano Country was a terrifying nation that could barely withstand Whitebeard and Shiki, and even with the Three Emperors standing side by side, it was able to perfectly maintain its national political system!
Before Whitebeard arrived in Wano Country, Kozuki Oden, unable to find a worthy opponent, even set out to explore the vast ocean!
In short, the Wano Country was once so powerful that it was terrifying!
In that era, Kurozumi Orochi rose from the ranks of a servant, utilizing the various abilities of his clan's subordinates to finally usurp the power of the Kozuki Family!
In the mouths of the common people of Wano Country, Kurozumi Orochi's ascension to the throne was illegitimate.
At the same time, Kurozumi Orochi was indeed cruel and tyrannical, causing immense suffering to the people of Wano Country.
But ultimately...
Looking at the groveling, lowly Kurozumi Orochi before him, Gawain sighed softly.
"The hatred brewing in Wano Country is far too great."
You bastard, you've never considered the future of Wano Country in the past, and you've continued to exploit those guys relentlessly.
As a result, well...
At this point, Gawain casually patted one of the Kurozumi Orochi's heads.
"Now, as you can see, Kurozumi Orochi."
I have arrived here, and... I have basically subdued Kaido.
You don't think Kaido would find a way to turn the tide in his current situation, do you?
Next, I will defeat Kaido and then seize all power in Wano Country.
However, it's clear that even if I defeat Kaido, the people of Wano Country will find it difficult to accept me!
At this point, Gawain smiled slightly, then raised his index and middle fingers and gently shook them at Kurozumi Orochi.
Upon seeing Gawain's gesture, Kurozumi Orochi was slightly taken aback, then glared fiercely!
Once upon a time, before I was even the daimyo of Wano Country...
Kurozumi Orochi could never forget this gesture; it represented the master's rejection of his servant!
At that moment, the Kurozumi Orochi shuddered violently.
However, in just a moment, he quickly struggled out of the Yamata no Orochi's body and turned back into an ordinary person with a large head and a small body.
This Orochi was clearly much shorter Gawain, but he felt that its height was just right.
He bowed humbly before Gawain, carefully considering Gawain 'Gawain words as he spoke.
"Hehehehe, sir!"
"I'm exactly the kind of person you described, the kind of person who can make even the trashy civilians of Wano Country believe in you!!!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Kurozumi Orochi slapped his face hard.
"Believe me, Gawain, I have quite a lot of... experience in ruling this garbage country!"
The common people of this country are all bastards who need to be whipped and punished before they'll even slightly change their way of life!
"Please let me live, hehehehe. For the past fifteen years, I've been in charge of them. If you allow me to continue in charge, they will be just as humble as they have been during my reign!!!"
"Wait, Captain!!!"
As soon as Kurozumi Orochi finished speaking, Yamato, who was not far away, Yamato frowned.
"Captain, don't listen to this big-headed bastard's inflammatory words!"
During the years that bastard has been in power, Wano Country has suffered a great deal!
Although the common people of Wano Country don't say it outright, they have actually been waiting for Kurozumi Orochi to die for far too long!
"Captain, I am Kozuki Oden, born in this country and deeply knowledgeable about it, your most loyal ship..."
"Stop!!!"
In that instant, Gawain suddenly raised his hand, signaling Yamato to stop talking.
Faced with Gawain's obstruction, Yamato was slightly taken aback, then her chest tightened. She seemed to want to say something, but fell silent after a moment.
Breathing heavily, Yamato looked intently at Gawain, listening to Gawain decision.
Upon seeing this, Gawain was slightly taken aback.
Yamato, Yamato was quite obedient.
Did she really see herself as his captain?
Or perhaps... this guy's illness regarding Oden is truly incurable?
While pondering, Gawain put his hands in his pockets and then smiled slightly.
"Yamato, I know you. Rather than saying you're that inexplicable Oden you're talking about, it's more like you're Kaido's daughter, aren't you?"
Interestingly, as Kaido's daughter, she remains indifferent to my attack on Kaido.
So, you don't even care about your own biological father, how can I trust you?"
At this point, Gawain raised his right hand, stopping Yamato from saying anything more.
After stopping her, Gawain waved and continued speaking with a smile.
"There's no need to emphasize your thoughts to me, Yamato."
No matter how much you emphasize it, or how you think about it, you cannot escape your background.
Kaido... sigh...
Please excuse my poor choice; he was my chosen one, the most suitable opponent for me after entering this New World.
But you...
"You're talking about Kozuki Oden, huh? Are you fucking serious?!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain looked at Yamato. Faced with Gawain's criticism, Yamato was stunned for a moment before glaring at himself.
Meeting Gawain's ambiguous smile, Yamato gritted his teeth for a moment, then roared.
"Kaido, Kaido he...!"
I have nothing to do with him, because I am Kozuki Oden! I am the Kozuki Oden who followed you, Captain, all the way to Laugh Tale, and finally managed to escape from the Celestial Dragon's ruins!!!
Kaido... Kaido...
He...?
Ahhh!!!
As soon as she finished speaking, Yamato's mask became loose, because she was clenching her teeth so tightly.
However, facing Gawain's scrutinizing gaze, Yamato ultimately didn't utter his final words.
Even Yamato felt a faint sense of guilt.
At least in her heart, she still felt a little guilty about impersonating Kozuki Oden!
Because she knew that she was not the real Kozuki Oden.
The reason she has been impersonating Kozuki Oden is simply because she admires that man so much that she cannot look directly at the brilliance he left behind!
Even looking at Gawain, who was clearly dissatisfied, Yamato felt...
If the real Kozuki Oden were here, he would surely be able to persuade Captain Roger before him!
The reason I was so easily overpowered by the captain is simply because I'm not Kozuki Oden!!!
Gawain had no idea what Yamato was thinking. If she did, she would probably slap her across the face to at least wake this foolish woman up first.
At this moment, seeing that Yamato had nothing to say, Gawain gently shook his head, then raised his hand and picked up the Kurozumi Orochi.
Grabbing Kurozumi Orochi by the collar until he was completely pulled up, Gawain looked at Kurozumi Orochi's trembling face and said with a cold smile.
"You say you know this country very well, huh, interesting."
Since that's the case, then follow me first. There are indeed some things I need you to do next.
If you do well, then...
Haha, maybe you really do have your own value.
I'm really looking forward to it!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain turned his head and nodded slightly to Hancock.
Then, Gawain picked up Kurozumi Orochi, still holding Komurasaki in his arms, and disappeared into the streets of the Flower Capital in the blink of an eye!
A moment later...
Wow!!!
Inside the remaining dilapidated Castle Keep, Gawain and his group appeared.
A moment later, Hancock nimbly appeared beside Gawain.
Gawain looked up and saw that Yamato, that idiot, had indeed failed to keep up. Although he claimed to be Kozuki Oden, he was actually far inferior to the real Kozuki Oden, that lunatic.
Immediately afterwards, Gawain casually tossed the disheveled Kurozumi Orochi to the ground.
Holding the Komurasaki in his arms with one hand, Gawain remained silent for a moment, then spoke coldly to Kurozumi Orochi.
"Kurozumi Orochi!"
I am Gawain, the patriarch of the Celestial Dragon Gawain Family, Gawain!
If you've read the newspapers in the past year, you should know what kind of person I am!
Do you know?
"I know!!!"
Faced with Gawain's question, Kurozumi Orochi immediately gave his answer!
Upon hearing Kurozumi Orochi's words, Gawain smiled slightly, then gently reached out and stroked Komurasaki 'Hiyori back.
Dragging Kurozumi Orochi's beloved woman to the throne, Gawain sat down, embracing Komurasaki as he spoke softly.
"Very good, now that you know me, you can roughly understand many things."
Now, it's clear that I've led my people to attack Wano Country, especially the territory of Kaido the Four Emperors of the Sea!
Kaido is already tied down by my subordinates and friends. Considering he's not even strong enough to make me lift a finger, it's unlikely he can defeat me, right?
Therefore, I feel I have the right to bypass him and make certain decisions regarding the current Wano Country!
At this point, Gawain felt Komurasaki's body tighten in his arms, so Gawain gently patted Komurasaki's back to comfort her.
Seeing this, Hancock also came closer and gently stroked Komurasaki's sideburns.
"This hairstyle is very interesting, it's very similar to my own. Although I've always kept this hairstyle, they always like to call it the princess cut."
So, are you a princess too, you pretty little green-haired girl?
Amidst laughter and chatter, Hancock followed suit and sat down on the throne, next to Gawain, snuggling closer to Gawain and gently massaging Komurasaki's slender ankles.
At the same time, Kurozumi Orochi seemed to have figured something out. He raised his head, covered in sweat, and looked at Gawain with a determined gaze.
"Gawain, I... I truly do not understand your orders!"
Hehehehe, how foolish I am!
But I know that no matter what you want me to do, even if you make me order all the civilians of Wano Country to commit suicide on the spot.
I will do my best to use my influence to make that happen!
As soon as he finished speaking, Kurozumi Orochi lowered his head, concealing his expression.
At the same time, after a brief silence, Gawain looked at the Kurozumi Orochi with appreciation!
Gawain has always held this view.
Whether it was Xiang Yu, Liu Bang, or chaotic scoundrels like Huang Chao and An Lushan.
Since those guys were able to disrupt an era, they must possess considerable abilities!
Just like Kurozumi Orochi right now!
Because Kurozumi Orochi just said one thing correctly!
Gawain genuinely felt that Wano Country's population was far too large!
Seeing Komurasaki's worried look, Gawain chuckled and narrowed his eyes, then laughed.
"Kurozumi Orochi, you are indeed impressive. No wonder you were able to seize the opportunity and snatch the position of Shogun from the Kozuki Family."
Tsk tsk, look at Wano Country right now.
It seems that too many people harbor hatred and disgust towards the World Government, especially towards me... or rather, towards the Celestial Dragon.
I can understand their feelings, because, well, even things like the Poneglyph were created by Wano Country.
But...
Every piece of history has its own significance. Perhaps the Poneglyph of that time are no longer needed in the present era?
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain smiled leisurely and then gently brushed aside Komurasaki's bangs.
As he dialed the number, Gawain continued speaking, facing the shocked Komurasaki and Kurozumi Orochi.
"Look, hehe, my war with Kaido will inevitably cause considerable harm to Wano Country."
Even if I grant Wano Country a liberated ending after this war, some people will inevitably remember everything they just lost, and thus harbor resentment towards me and my forces.
You Wano Country have so many similar traditions. And you guys hold grudges so much, hehe.
"Then, you two should think it over carefully. What exactly do you want me to do to ensure that after I defeat Kaido, I can have a peaceful and grateful Wano Country?"
At this point, meeting Komurasaki's wide, shocked eyes, Gawain raised his hand and gently rubbed Komurasaki's head.
While massaging the dazed Komurasaki, Gawain glanced at the Kurozumi Orochi and shook his head.
"You'd better work hard, Kurozumi Orochi, because... you're not my only option!"
Of course, you're another person who needs to work hard and make choices.
At this point, seeing Komurasaki's increasingly stiff expression, Gawain raised his hand and gently pinched Komurasaki's cheek, saying...
"You agree, right, Kozuki Hiyori?"