"Before that, let us see how Lorne handles the Beasts Pirates' defensive line." The blond member of the Five Elders raised his glass of red wine, his eyes cold.
On the hall's screen, scenes from Wano Country played in real time.
The Fearless had already passed through the parted waterfall and docked securely at the shore.
"So this is Kuri?" Kuina stepped onto the scorched earth, her brow tightly furrowed.
"There's a sharp, acidic smell in the air. It's really unpleasant." Carrot covered her nose with a hand and coughed repeatedly.
"It's exhaust from the weapons factories. Kaido has turned this place into an arsenal." Ryan looked at the dead trees around them, his expression grim.
"Keep moving. Decayed Town is just ahead." Lorne strode forward at the head of the group.
"Captain, should we send someone ahead to scout first?" Ryan hurried after him and asked quietly.
"No need. We'll go straight there. Kaido's men probably already know we're here." Lorne remained composed, his steps never faltering.
"But the conditions here are awful. Even the water is purple." Kuina pointed at a nearby stream, its waters giving off a foul stench.
"Have the people of Wano Country been living in conditions like these all this time?" Carrot's large eyes filled with sympathy.
"Kurozumi Orochi and Kaido don't care whether ordinary people live or die, as long as they profit." Lorne's voice turned cold.
"They'll pay for what they've done. In blood."
"Sir, we found some footprints up ahead. They look fresh." A Marine ran over to report.
"Stay alert and be ready to fight at any moment!" Ryan immediately drew the sword at his waist and shouted the order.
"Yes, Vice Captain!" The Marines pulled back their rifle bolts and watched their surroundings warily.
Kuina also tightened her grip