Roy's eyes lit up.
If that's the case, then the difficulty of Hachinosu is greatly reduced.
A former powerhouse who has become addicted to pleasure and whose strength has declined, plus a bunch of lowly subordinates...
What exactly is Ochoku's strength?
To what extent has the Devil Fruit ability been developed?
Kaido recalled:
"The power of the Strong-Strong Fruit is very direct—it increases strength."
At his peak, Ochoku was said to be able to increase his strength by fifty times.
Combined with his physical skills and Haki, a single punch could shatter a small mountain.
He paused:
But that was many years ago.
"He's been holed up on Hachinosu all these years, hardly ever fighting anyone, so his strength is definitely not what it used to be."
"That's good!"
Roy glanced at Bullet, who was already barely able to contain himself.
" Bullet, are you confident?"
Bullet grinned, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.
A power-type strongman? Perfect!
I want to try it too! Is my White Tiger Fruit stronger, or is his Strong-Strong Fruit more powerful?
Hawk Eyes said calmly:
"If needed, I can step in."
Great Swordsman's strike cannot be blocked by mere brute force.
Tesoro shrugged:
"My lightning strikes are the ultimate weapon against any challenge."
Crocodile, with a cigar in his mouth:
"I've been wanting to test these old-time powerhouses for a long time!"
The bear didn't speak, but silently clenched its fists.
Kyros, Savi, Enel, and others were also eager to try.
Roy looked at his companions and made a decision.
"Okay, then let's Hachinosu."
Roy walked to the sea chart and pointed to the location of Hachinosu.
"We'll depart in three days. Our objective: to capture Hachinosu and establish the Roy Pirates' first base in the New World!"
"Oh--!"
The crowd cheered in unison, their eyes filled with fighting spirit.
Kaido looked at this scene and sighed in his heart.
The energy and drive of these young people reminded him of his own days in the Rocks Pirates when he was young.
" Roy, kid, need my help?"
"Although Ochoku is a traitor, he was once a member of the Rocks Pirates."
If I were to personally intervene, the battle could be resolved much faster.
Roy shook his head:
"No need, this is a battle of the Roy Pirates."
We need to use this battle to announce our arrival to the New World.
Roy looked at Kaido:
"However, I need you to provide more detailed intelligence—the defensive layout of Hachinosu, Ochoku's daily routine,
The attitudes of the island's merchants and residents... the more detailed the better.
Kaido laughed heartily:
"No problem!
Although Lao Tzu's intelligence network is not as extensive as the World Government's, it is more than enough to investigate Hachinosu!
I'll give you a complete intelligence report within three days!
"Thank you very much."
The two bumped fists again.
The plan was thus finalized.
Three days later, the Roy Pirates will set sail for Hachinosu, firing the first shot in the New World.
Meanwhile, on Hachinosu...
Ochoku was holding a grand banquet in his palace, completely unaware that a storm that would change his fate was about to break.
That evening, a grand banquet was held at Skull Dome to bid farewell to the Roy Pirates.
At the banquet, members of the Beasts Pirates and the Roy Pirates toasted each other, creating a lively atmosphere.
Kaido and Roy sat in the main seats, drinking and discussing the details.
" Ochoku likes to hold a big banquet on the 15th of every month, when the island's security is at its most lax."
Kaido a low voice,
"Three days from now is the 15th; you can launch a surprise attack then."
Roy nodded and noted it down.
"What about the island's fortifications?"
"The fortifications built during the time of Rocks were very well-prepared, but Ochoku has neglected their maintenance over the years, and many have fallen into disrepair."
Kaido grinned.
"I've already sent people to get the latest defense plans; they should be ready by tomorrow."
As the two were talking, Master Tom came over with Iceburg and Kokoro.
" Captain Roy, I heard you're leaving Wano Country?"
Tom asked.
"Yes, Master Tom."
Roy stood up and said respectfully,
"We're going to conquer a piece of territory in the New World."
But don't worry, once we've established ourselves abroad, we'll bring you over and help you realize your dream of building Sea Train.
Tom laughed heartily.
"No rush, no rush! I'm doing quite well in Wano Country!"
Kaido, that brat, provided me with the best shipyard and materials.
"This is a perfect opportunity for me to refine the design of the Ark Maxim."
He patted Roy on the shoulder.
"Go ahead and conquer! Once you've established your territory and need to build ports and railways, I'll definitely help you!"
"Thank you, Master Tom."
Roy said sincerely.
Kokoro handed Roy a small bottle:
"This is a special hangover remedy made by my wife. Take it with you; you might need it on the road."
Iceburg then took out a notebook.
" Captain Roy, here are some sailing tips and weather forecasting techniques I've compiled. I hope they'll be helpful to you."
Roy accepted them all, deeply moved.
These kind people, though they haven't known each other for long, have already become important partners to him.
Halfway through the banquet, Dr. Gracia arrived in a hurry.
The brilliant scientist looked somewhat tired, but his eyes gleamed with excitement.
" Captain Roy, I have an important discovery to report to you."
The doctor said in a low voice.
Roy's heart skipped a beat, and he gave Kaido a wink.
The two got up and left the banquet hall, going to a quiet conference room.
"Doctor, what's wrong?"
"Roy asked."
Dr. Gracia adjusted his glasses, his tone serious:
"The latest developments in experiments on ' Lineage Factor ' transplantation."
The experiment went smoothly; those who received the Bloodline Transplantation from the Oni and Lunarian Tribe experienced a significant increase in strength.
Kaido's eyes lit up. "This is great!"
But the doctor's next words made both of their faces darken:
"However, we discovered two serious side effects."
He pulled up the experimental data projection:
First, when the bloodline fusion rate reaches 75% or higher...
Two small horns will appear on the forehead of the test subjects—a prominent characteristic of the Oni race bloodline.
"Secondly, an unusual bulge will appear in the scapular region of the back; that is the nascent form of the Lunarian Tribe's wings."
The doctor looked at Roy and Kaido:
"Simply put, the higher the degree of fusion, the closer the test subject's appearance will be to a hybrid of the Oni and Lunarian Tribe."
Kaido frowned:
"What's wrong with that? Wouldn't having horns and wings make it even more imposing?"
My men wish they looked even more Haki!
But Roy's expression was grim.
He certainly knew what this meant.
If he himself undergoes Bloodline Transplantation in the future, will he grow horns on his head and wings on his back?
Although he craves power, he doesn't want to become a monster.
"Doctor, is it possible to eliminate these external characteristics?"
Roy asked in a deep voice,
"I only want the power and regenerative ability of the Oni race, and the defensive capabilities of the Lunarian Tribe."
As for their physical characteristics... I don't need them."