In the New World, on Blackbeard's territory.
"Alliance Leader, news from Dressrosa: Kuzan went alone to attack Blackbeard!" Urouge reported the news from Dressrosa to Uchiha Hikaru, who was sitting at the bow with his eyes closed in rest.
After reaching an agreement with Buggy that day, Hikaru had followed Buggy's army on a long-distance raid straight into Blackbeard's heartland, half monitoring him and half sweet-talking him, to prevent Buggy from backing out midway and ruining the larger plan. Sure enough, the moment they entered Blackbeard's territory, an unexpected piece of news arrived from Dressrosa, their main base.
"Hm?" On Hikaru's Konoha, Buggy and Mr. 3 were visiting as they discussed battle plans. Urouge's report made Hikaru raise his head in confusion. "Alone?"
Urouge nodded. "Yes, alone. Dressrosa's local forces are assembling, but they haven't deployed. The Germa army has already turned back to reinforce them, but Kuzan directed them to harass Blackbeard's flank from the side."
Everyone was somewhat shocked. Their original plan had been to lure Blackbeard back to defend his territory, then ambush him along the way. They had not expected Dressrosa to start the war first.
Hikaru's brows drew together slightly.
Law, standing nearby, said, "Can Kuzan be trusted? If he took command and rashly sent troops into a head-on clash with Blackbeard, causing Dressrosa severe casualties, then he's highly suspicious as a spy, isn't he?"
Buggy swallowed nervously, filled with envy. He had never expected even Marine Admiral Aokiji to defect to Uchiha Hikaru. A powerhouse like that would be sought after anywhere.
Hikaru tapped the table, his delicate brows lifting slightly. After pondering for a moment, he analyzed, "Even if he were a spy, he wouldn't charge into battle alone. Our original tactic was to attack from three sides, but Kuzan moved first despite