Roy and Crocodile exchanged a glance, understanding each other perfectly.
Crocodile hadn't expected Roy's words to be proven true so quickly.
On the other end of the phone, Kaido's voice boomed like thunder, amplified through the Den Den Mushi.
The suppressed rage could be heard throughout the interrogation room.
"That bastard Kurozumi Orochi! He's colluded with the World Government! He's up to no good in the shadows!"
"And Kozuki Oden and his gang of lunatics! They found out about the hostage murders and have completely blown it up!"
They are preparing to unite various forces to overthrow Lao Tzu's rule!
" The World Government, the Navy, and CP0 personnel are swarming into Wano Country like flies! The situation is completely out of control!"
Roy's face darkened.
My worst fears have come true.
Wano Country, a samurai nation that has closed itself off from the world.
Because of its unique Seastone resources and important strategic location, it has always been one of the foundations of his alliance with Kaido.
If Wano Country descends into chaos and the supply of Seastone is disrupted, it will not only affect weapons production and defense fortification on Hachinosu, but also give the World Government an opportunity to exploit the situation.
Completely sever his connection with Kaido.
There are too many reasons why it shouldn't fall into the hands of the World Government.
"Calm down, Kaido."
Roy said in a deep voice,
"Explain in detail, what's the situation now?"
Kaido's suppressed rage came from the other end of the phone, with the sounds of explosions and fighting faintly audible in the background.
"That idiot Kurozumi Orochi secretly bribed some of my peripheral subordinates and even got in touch with agents of the World Government."
Those CP0 members promised that as long as he could stabilize Wano Country,
I support him becoming a true 'general,' someone who is no longer under my control."
" Kozuki Oden has confirmed that all the hostages from that year were killed by Orochi, and he has now gone completely insane."
He contacted all the samurai he could still muster, including the reclusive former Nine Red Scabbards, and they were preparing to launch an uprising in the Flower Capital.
"What's even more troublesome is that the World Government sent many skilled agents to infiltrate Wano Country— "
CP0 elites, Vice Admiral from Marine Headquarters, and possibly even...
Admiral- level guy.
"I'm surrounded on three sides now!"
Kurozumi Orochi stabbed him in the back, Kozuki Oden fought him head-on.
The World Government is causing destruction everywhere!
" Roy, I need help!"
A rare hint of anxiety appeared in Kaido's voice.
Even this Beasts Pirates felt the pressure when facing attacks from multiple sides.
Roy took a deep breath, his mind racing.
Hachinosu has just been purged, its internal threats have been eliminated, its defense system is now solid, and the Sun Pirates have been initially integrated.
Now is the perfect time to rush to the aid of Wano Country.
But Hachinosu cannot be left unattended.
He looked at the core members in the interrogation room—
Crocodile, Lucci, and Barrett, Bullet, Hawk Eyes, Kuma Tesoro, and others whom they sensed through Telekinesis were scattered throughout the area...
" Kaido, give me thirty minutes."
Roy said decisively,
"I've made arrangements for Hachinosu; I'll take people there immediately."
"Fine! I'll be waiting for you!"
Kaido hung up the phone.
Roy put away the Den Den Mushi and glanced at everyone present.
"Did you hear that?"
Crocodile nodded.
" Wano Country is indeed in trouble."
Lucci remained silent, but a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
Ten minutes later, in the conference room on the top floor of the palace.
All the core members of the Roy Pirates were present.
Roy didn't waste any words and gave the order directly:
" Bullet, you will be in charge of command of Hachinosu while I'm away."
"The defense system, daily operations, and combat readiness are all entrusted to you."
Bullet grinned.
"Don't worry, with me here, Hachinosu is as stable as Mount Tai!"
" Hawk Eyes, you're in charge of the outer fortress defense, and... coordination with the Sun Pirates."
"Anyone trying to take advantage of the situation is yours."
Hawk Eyes nodded slightly.
"Clear."
" Crocodile, the intelligence network continues to operate at full capacity, focusing on the movements of Navy G-1 and the reactions of the major powers in the New World."
"Notify Bullet immediately of any unusual activity."
Crocodile, with a cigar dangling from his lips, exhaled a smoke ring.
"Don't worry, Captain. Hachinosu's eyes will not close."
"Xiong, you are in charge of security in the residential area, the academic area, and the laboratory. Ensure absolute stability in the rear."
"Add more personnel to Dr. Gracia's side; provide 24-hour protection."
The bear nodded gently.
I will protect everyone.
" Kyros, Savi, Enel, Pea, Charon, you five will assist Bullet and Hawk Eyes in defending the fortress."
" Stella, Scarlet, the internal affairs and coordination are yours."
Those whose names were called responded in unison, "Understood!"
Finally, Roy looked at Tesoro and Yamato.
" Tesoro, come with me to Wano Country."
Your speed and maneuverability can come in handy at crucial moments.
" Yamato, you're coming back with me."
Tesoro's eyes lit up.
"Hehe, time to stretch my muscles again!"
Yamato gripped Genzo's hand tightly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
Wano Country, the place where she lived for many years.
Kaido... Father... Kozuki Oden... and those memories from the past.
She took a deep breath and nodded solemnly.
"Yes, Captain."
Everything is arranged.
Roy stood up, his gaze sweeping over every face in the room.
" Hachinosu is now in your hands."
"We'll meet in Wano Country."
Ten minutes later, the Ark Maxim quietly rose into the air, transforming into a golden streak of light and disappearing into the northern horizon.
On the deck, Roy, Tesoro, Yamato stood side by side, watching the silhouette of Hachinosu gradually disappear into the distance.
"Boss, just how chaotic will things get in Wano Country?" Tesoro asked seriously, his usual playful demeanor gone.
Roy was silent for a few seconds, then slowly spoke.
"It's probably more chaotic than we imagined."
Kurozumi Orochi, Kozuki Oden, the World Government, CP0, the Navy...
Multiple forces are all vying for control of that closed-off island nation.
"Plus Kaido's Beasts Pirates, and those ancient, hidden forces..."
" Wano Country will soon become a giant meat grinder."
Yamato gripped Genzo's hand Yamato and said in a deep voice,
" Kozuki Oden... that person was very strong. He was able to fight my father to a draw back then."
"What if he joins forces with the World Government..."
"Won't."
" Kozuki Oden's pride would not allow him to cooperate with the World Government."
"But he won't let Kaido and Kurozumi Orochi go either."
Therefore, the worst-case scenario is--
While dealing with the World Government, we also have to contend with its rebel army.
Tesoro smacked his lips.
"A three-way battle, plus outside forces taking advantage of the chaos... this situation is getting complicated."
Roy laughed.
"It's more interesting when something is difficult to deal with."
"This chaos may not be all bad."
The Hidden Secret of Wano Country--
Clues to Ancient Weapon, Poneglyph, and the ancient samurai traditions—
Perhaps, it will surface amidst this chaos.
He gazed into the distance, his eyes deep and thoughtful.
"We're involved in more than just Kaido's crisis."
"Moreover, it was a turning point in an era."
The Ark Maxim accelerated, breaking through the clouds, and sped towards the burning land of warriors.
Behind them, Hachinosu gradually shrank and eventually disappeared into the sea of clouds.
Ahead, a storm powerful enough to reshape the New World order awaits.
The flames of war in Wano Country are about to be ignited.
And Roy will once again stand at the center of this storm.