Winds and Clouds Rise

Somewhere in the New World, on the Baltigo, Baltigo.

This is the base of the Revolutionary Army, one of the most influential forces in the world, an existence unknown even to the World Government.

At this moment, the office of the Chief of the Chief of Staff the Revolutionary Army Headquarters was quiet, with only the rustling sound of drafting documents. After a while, the sound of writing slowed down and gradually stopped.

Sabo, who at a young age had become the second-in-command of the Revolutionary Army with his outstanding planning ability and far-sighted insight, carefully read through the quill pen in his hand one last time before letting out a sigh of relief and revealing a satisfied smile.

He murmured, "Once King Plata of the West Blue sees the sincerity of the Revolutionary Army, he will surely understand that prosperity is not built on the suffering of the people, but on the foundation of honesty and mutual respect. Only in this way can a magnificent edifice be built."

Thump--

A knock came at the door.

"Please come in."

The door opened, and a lively girl darted out. Her orange hair was hidden under her goggles and cap. She seemed to be in a very good mood and skipped in.

"Koala, you've come."

Sabo looked relaxed. The two were close in age, had grown up together since childhood, and shared the same aspirations, so they didn't hold back from each other in private.

"What mission is it now?" Koala teased.

Sabo laughed, "I need you to go to the West Blue to see King Plata. If you're in charge, there's nothing in the world that can't be accomplished."

"Come on, you're clearly just trying to get rid of me so you can go to that place!"

Under Koala's gaze, Sabo's face showed a slight unease. He coughed twice before becoming serious, "After all, that place is different from the countries we've visited before. It's mysterious, powerful, and doesn't welcome outsiders. The danger is also incomparable."

Koala pouted, glanced at the envelope Sabo had written, tucked it into her pocket, and said, "Dragon agreed?"

"Yes, Dragon and I discussed this matter for a long time before making this decision."

Sabo said, "Wano Country is one of the twenty founding countries that established the World Government. It not only possesses strong military power, but also has many extraordinary people among its people. Now that this new era has arrived, we need to spread the seeds of our ideals all over the world. Therefore, I must personally go to Wano Country. If we can get the support of the lord of Wano Country, we will be able to gather even more strength!"

Seeing Sabo's confident expression, Koala SMILE and said supportively, "Yes, as long as we all work together, the whole world can be ignited with the flame of hope."

"Yes..."

Sabo agreed, then, as if struck by a sudden thought, burst into genuine laughter. "Once this is over, I'm going to see someone."

"Portgas D. Ace, right? I remember you were reading the newspapers the whole time those days. I've never seen you so concerned about anyone before." Koala puffed out her chubby cheeks slightly, a hint of jealousy in her voice.

Sabo, oblivious to Koala's emotional shift, gazed wistfully out the window. "You know," he said, "The moment I heard news of Ace, all my memories flooded back. I remembered everything... It's truly shameful to admit, I should have been grieving the death of his adoptive father Whitebeard, who had cared for him for so many years, but the thought of him being rescued unharmed fills me with joy..."

He looked somewhat guilty, and paused again as he spoke, "Ace and Luffy, they are my one and only family in this world. I haven't contacted them for so many years, and I really miss them. With this rare free time after finishing my business, I will go see Ace."

"I just can't do anything with you..." Koala rubbed her forehead, her tone helpless yet full of concern. "Then you'd better take good care of yourself, eat on time, get enough rest, and don't get your clothes dirty, otherwise no one will wash them for you..."

Listening to Koala's rambling, Sabo could only manage a wry smile. Only after Koala finished speaking did he watch her leave, his eyes shining with anticipation once more.

Ace, we'll be meeting soon, and you'll be very surprised!

Wano Country is located in the New World. Although it is closed off from the world, it is still an undisputed powerful country. Without the permission of the Shogun of Wano Country, even Kaido of the Four Emperors who reigns over the sea, does not dare to set foot here easily, lest he cause trouble.

However, although Wano Country is large, it is not a monolithic entity, but rather a collection of various forces. The shogunate, which occupies the north, is the political center and the largest power in Wano Country. Its most powerful figure is the Admiral hostage and commands the feudal lords. Using the ancient system of enfeoffment and control, Wano Country is divided into several parts.

The ruler of a territory is called a daimyo, and those with great power, vast territory, and strong strength are called great daimyo.

The Kozuki Clan, residing near Falling Blossom Mountain in Kuri, is a powerful daimyo of this region. Inheriting the legacy of their ancestors, they have established a formidable presence in the southwest, becoming one of the forces in Wano Country that rivals the Admiral.

Night falls in the Palace of Kozuki.

Kozuki Oden was intently reviewing documents at his desk. As a daimyo, he was strict with himself and dedicated to his duties, making great contributions to improving the lives of the people under his rule. As a result, he not only won the love and respect of all the people in his territory, but also became famous far and wide.

The study door was pushed open, and the retainer Kanjuro entered. He knelt on the ground and reported a message: "Kozuki, the Izumo Society has sent an envoy, who is now waiting in the main hall."

"An envoy from the Izumo Society..."

Kozuki Oden raised his head, a slight look of confusion in his eyes.

In the central route of Wano Country, there is a pass called Peace-War Pass. Nominally, the Shogun governs the entire country, but the actual power to the east of the pass lies with the Izumo Clan. The Izumo Wano Country, forming a powerful society. Although they are not daimyo, their influence and penetration in the east far exceed that of the daimyo. They command the four tribes of demons and monsters, and even the Shogun does not dare to challenge their power, and can only acquiesce to their existence.

Why would members of the Izumo Society suddenly visit?

Kozuki Oden suppressed his doubts and asked, "Which member of the Izumo Society is it?"

Kanjuro said, "It is Tamamo-no-Mae- Mae."

"I see."

Kozuki Oden stood up. "Prepare a banquet and entertain them with courtesy."

"Yes, Kozuki." Kanjuro stood up and left.

After Kanjuro got up, Kozuki changed into formal clothes, left the room, and walked towards the hall.

After a while, there was a rustling sound on the roof, and a dark shadow "whooshed" past the study and rushed into the interior of the Palace of Kozuki.