Passed unanimously. Objections overruled.
Zoro was ordered to stay behind and guard the place. After all, quite a few Revolutionary Army soldiers were recovering at their hiding spot. If the enemy discovered them, he had to make sure they could escape.
Chopper and the other wounded stayed behind as well, along with Nami. Considering the battle that might break out soon, anyone lacking sufficient strength could not come along.
It was cruel, but safe.
Following a crooked, winding passage, they arrived at the entrance to an upward tunnel. The elderly female ninja took the lead, nimbly pushing aside the cover with her hands and feet. Only after confirming no one was outside did she signal for the others to come up.
"Cross that mountain to the east from here, and you'll be able to see the ruins of Oden Castle. Azure Dragon Admiral... huh? Why are you ahead of us?"
Kanjuro had been about to explain the route when he suddenly realized that only Luffy and Sanji were behind him. Ron, who should have been following at the rear of the group, had vanished at some point.
Turning back again, they saw Ron standing on a tree trunk, shading his eyes as he looked into the distance.
"Is that Oden Castle? Even the ruins have such presence. I can't imagine how magnificent it must have been before it was destroyed."
Beyond the mountain blocking their way, a vast stretch of ruins appeared before Ron. The towering city walls remained majestic and imposing despite years of erosion.
At the same time, the warship-sized breach in the wall was even more shocking.
"Oden Castle before it was destroyed...?"
Kanjuro could not help recalling the past. To him, it had only happened a few months ago.
He then shook his head and said,