"That's right!"
I only found out later!
I wanted to smash that idiot to death with a stick!
But the person is already dead; there's no way to bring them back.
The only thing to do is to cover up the traces and get rid of anyone who knows the truth.
I thought I could get away with it, but those Red Scabbard Samurai had such a keen sense of smell!
Jin said in a deep voice,
"According to intelligence, they seem to have found some of the guards from back then and, through some means, may have pieced together part of the truth."
Although there is no direct evidence pointing to Orochi or us, Kozuki Oden himself... has probably already become suspicious.
Given his personality, once he confirms the hostages are dead, he might very well abandon his restraint and choose to perish together with them.
Roy narrowed his eyes slightly.
In the original story, it was only after learning the truth about the hostages' deaths that Kozuki Oden decided to no longer endure it in his grief and anger.
He led the Nine Red Scabbards in a desperate charge against Kaido, but was ultimately defeated and boiled alive.
Although the timeline and details have changed due to my intervention, the key points of conflict seem to still exist.
" Kozuki Oden's strength should not be underestimated, and his retainers are all highly skilled."
Even if they win by fighting to the death, Wano Country will be thrown into chaos, affecting the production of Seastone and the flow of funds.
Roy analyzed,
"Can Kurozumi Orochi's armored forces withstand this?"
"Block my ass!"
Kaido scoffed.
"Aside from the old woman with the Clone-Clone Fruit and the old man with the Barrier-Barrier Fruit, who are a bit troublesome, Orochi's subordinates are all useless."
"With just them, the Nine Red Scabbards could turn the Flower Capital upside down."
"So, you need to prepare in advance, or... go back in person to oversee things?"
Kaido was silent for a moment, then shook his head.
"Now is not the time."
The three newly conquered islands in the east haven't been fully digested yet, and there are constant clashes with Big Mom's forces in the south.
I cannot leave the front lines for too long.
"And..."
Kaido glanced at Roy, his gaze carrying a meaningful meaning.
"I think that Kozuki Oden might not immediately launch an attack."
That guy may be a bit simple-minded, but he's loyal and values relationships.
He might hesitate until he is 100% certain that the hostage is dead, or until he finds conclusive evidence that we were behind it.
What he's more likely to do now is continue his investigation while secretly contacting other forces that might oppose Orochi.
Roy agreed with this assessment.
Kozuki Oden was a complex figure, possessing both the bravery and responsibility of a hero.
It also possesses naive idealism and excessive "benevolence."
In the original story, he only broke out after confirming the hostage's death. Even if he had some doubts before, he endured them because of the "agreement" and "just in case".
"So, what are your plans?" Roy asked.
"Complete the Bloodline Transplantation first!"
Kaido was resolute.
Strengthen our own power!
As long as Laozi, Jin, Queen become stronger, even if Kozuki Oden really brings people to attack, we can suppress them more quickly and minimize losses!
As for that idiot Orochi...
Let him deal with Kozuki Oden first, exhausting both sides' strength.
Once I'm free, I'll deal with them all at once!
Roy nodded. This was in line with Kaido's brutal and direct plan—overpowering skill with brute force while letting potential enemies wear each other down.
Roy thought for a moment, then slowly nodded.
"The plan is feasible."
"The matter of Kozuki Oden must be resolved eventually. With our current power and strength, we really don't need to worry too much."
"However, Kaido,"
"I suggest that after the transplant, you secretly return to Wano Country to make some arrangements."
At the very least, ensure the safety of the Seastone mines and key funding channels, and if necessary...
Roy paused, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"I can send some people over to assist."
After all, the stability of Wano Country is also related to our resource supply.
Kaido stared at Roy for a few seconds, then suddenly grinned.
"Hehehe! Roy, so you really do have designs on Wano Country after all!"
However, I like your straightforwardness!
"Good!"
"Once the transplant is complete and we see the results, we can discuss it in more detail!"
If this new technology can truly greatly increase my strength, Kozuki Oden...
"Hmph, nothing but a clown!"
An internal crisis in Wano Country that could potentially reshape the New World order was initially addressed in a brief conversation between the two.
Strength is always the fundamental prerequisite for solving all problems.
And now, the opportunity to gain even greater power is right before us.
"Now that everything's been explained, let's not waste any more time!"
Kaido suddenly stood up, his massive body exuding an intense sense of oppression.
"Take me to that lab! I want to see what kind of amazing thing Gracia's brain has come up with!"
Roy also stood up and addressed his colleagues in the meeting room, whose expressions varied.
"Please wait here."
Kaido.
If all goes well, the first batch of transplants can begin soon.
Stella, get everyone settled.
"Yes, Captain," Stella replied.
Roy glanced at Hawk Eyes, Bullet, and the others, nodded, and then walked side by side with Kaido toward the conference room door.
Jhin and Queen followed silently.
Yamato watched Kaido's departing figure, her lips moved, but in the end she said nothing.
He sat down again, his expression somewhat complicated.
Led by Roy, Kaido, King, Queen passed through the heavily guarded passage.
We entered Dr. Gracia's research base, located deep underground on a small island attached to Hachinosu.
The base's interior was clean and bright, exuding a futuristic feel. The alloy walls reflected a cold, metallic sheen.
Various complex pipes and lines are neatly arranged, and personnel dressed in white research coats move about busily and orderly in different areas.
A faint smell of disinfectant filled the air.
"Hmm... this place is quite nicely done."
Kaido looked around with great interest.
He has no interest in scientific research itself, but he does appreciate facilities that can produce strong results.
Jhin and Queen, on the other hand, seemed more professional.
Jin's gaze swept over the parameters displayed on some instruments, his eyes flickering slightly.
Queen went even closer to some of the culture devices, observing the wriggling tissue samples inside through the glass, muttering to himself...
"The cell activity is very high..."
The culture medium formula is quite interesting...
Soon, they arrived at the core area of the base.
Before a heavy alloy door, Dr. Gracia and several core researchers were already waiting.
"Boss Roy! Captain Kaido! Welcome to the core laboratory!"
Dr. Gracia came up and greeted him.
Everything is ready!
"Doctor, please skip the formalities."
Kaido waved his hand impatiently.
"Take me straight to the good stuff! Where are those 'embryos' that can make us stronger?"
"Plz follow me!"
Without further ado, Dr. Gracia turned and entered a complex password onto the control panel by the door.
Iris and palm print verification were also performed.
The heavy alloy doors slid open silently to both sides, revealing a brighter and wider passageway behind them.
The passageway was no longer flanked by walls, but by enormous, transparent reinforced glass panels that stretched from the ceiling to the floor!
Behind the glass were individual cylindrical culture chambers filled with a pale green nutrient solution!
And suspended inside the culture chamber...
They are "human bodies" with their eyes closed, as if they are asleep!