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"I've already met 'Dark King' Rayleigh, and 'Golden Lion' Shiki.
They both agreed."
He paused, then addressed the man opposite him in an even voice. "So, Kozuki Oden, what's your answer?"
Beside them, a gray-haired middle-aged man wearing a tengu mask turned slightly and asked in a low voice, "Oden, those two are...?"
"Powerful men,"
Oden answered at once, never taking his eyes off Rossi. "Men every bit as strong as I am."
The breathing behind the mask stopped for an instant.
Although much of what Oden had done since returning home had baffled his companions, no one questioned his strength.
This was a man who could fight a monster like Kaido to a standstill. His judgment carried weight.
Now this visitor named Rossi had casually gathered two allies of that caliber.
Just how terrifying were the "Celestial Dragons"
he had set his sights on?
As the Daimyo's thoughts drifted uncontrollably toward the seas beyond, imagining whether that world was filled with swordsmen and heroes, Rossi's voice cut in again.
"The next person I'm looking for is 'Whitebeard,' Edward Newgate."
"Brother?!"
Oden's pupils contracted.
He had sailed alongside that giant and truly called him his brother.
Whatever methods Rossi had used to convince Rayleigh and Shiki, if he faced Whitebeard...
"I'll challenge him."
Ignoring Oden's suddenly unsettled expression, Rossi continued evenly.
"If I win, he joins this war. If I lose, he can do whatever he likes with me."
He stood, his gaze settling squarely on Oden's face.
"So, Kozuki Oden."
"Are you willing to fight me without holding anything back now?"
"If I lose to you, naturally, I won't go looking for Whitebeard."
A brief silence filled the room.
"Ha!"
Oden suddenly laughed, scattering the stagnant air.
He stepped forward, his hand settling on a sword hilt at