Luffy and Zoro Encounter Momousagi

Aokiji decided to leave the Marines. After making his resolve clear to Akainu, he went to find Wood once more.

"If the wishes and dreams you spoke of are truly as you described, then I'm willing to lend you a hand.

"But if I find out along the way that you've been lying to me, or that your original intentions have changed, then I hope you won't blame me for betraying you."

Hearing Aokiji's words, Wood smiled and agreed to his terms. He immediately reinstated Aokiji as an officer and completely let go of his wariness toward him.

With a major battle looming, Wood was naturally pleased to have gained another Admiral-level fighter.

Although Aokiji had lost a leg and was considerably weaker than before, damn it, even weakened, he was still a former Marine Admiral!

Now that Aokiji had fully joined them, Wood could set off for Wano Country without worry.

After all, things were different now. The World Government had openly fallen out with them, and to be honest, if Wood left Dark Island, its defenses would be too weak.

Although Ruth and Robin were already at the "Yonko's right hand" level, Aokiji could hold one of them off if he fought. If the World Government sent over enough additional forces, they might be able to seize Dark Island in Wood's absence.

But now that Aokiji had completely joined their side, the situation was different. A former enemy had become an ally.

With an additional fighter who was at the level of a "Yonko's right hand"—or even one of the Four Emperors—Wood was no longer so constrained.

As far as Wood was concerned, the Wano Country arc was utter crap. In his eyes, Kozuki Oden had brought his so-called tragic fate upon himself; he didn't deserve any sympathy.