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Totto Land, Outer Islands.
The Fire Tank Pirates were stationed here, and with the Tea Party about to begin, they were responsible for receiving distinguished guests.
Inside the castle stronghold.
"Godfather, something big has happened!"
"Just now, Katakuri returned and challenged Mama, and now they're dueling in Brûlée's Mirror World!"
Upon hearing his subordinate's report, Bege was stunned for a few seconds before being overjoyed.
"The opportunity has come!"
Although he didn't know what was going on, Mama would definitely be exhausted after this duel, and she might even be injured.
The Tea Party was about to begin, and Mama had no time to recover or rest. Plus, with the loss of Katakuri, this was undoubtedly the best time to assassinate Mama.
Bege was ecstatic.
He had almost given up, knowing that he didn't have enough strength to assassinate Mama, no matter how brilliant his plan was.
The gap was too big.
But the opportunity was delivered right into his hands.
However, he still didn't have enough manpower.
Bege's expression changed erratically. He quickly remembered something and roared at his subordinate. "Where is the Straw Hat? Go check quickly!"
"Yes, Godfather!"
According to the intelligence he had received, Katakuri had gone to duel Bullet not long ago and had defeated the Straw Hat on the way.
Not long ago, the Straw Hat appeared near Totto Land, likely wanting to settle things with Katakuri during the Tea Party.
He needed a decoy!
If he could get the Straw Hat to lead the charge and attract the attention of the ministers, their assassination plan's success rate would greatly increase.
Bege bit on his cigar, a grin spreading across his face.
After two years of lurking, he could finally realize his ambition!
On the other side, Wano Country.
Prisoner Quarry, inner harbor.
Queen stood by the shore with the jailers, eagerly awaiting.
"They're here!"
As the Groudon entered the port, the jailers immediately puffed out their chests and bowed to Daichi, who disembarked from the ship.
"Welcome, Daichi-sama!"
"Hm."
Daichi nodded and snapped his fingers.
"Captain" Kid, "Massacre Soldier" Killer, "Mad Monk" Urouge, "Roar of the Sea" Apoo, and the Kozuki samurai Kin'emon and Kanjuro, as well as the ninja Raizo.
On the way back, he made a detour to Zou and brought along the ninja his subordinates had captured there.
"Hiss, they're all big shots!"
"As expected of Daichi-sama!"
"And Kozuki samurai!"
Seeing a row of captives, the jailers' eyes widened. Especially Kid and the others—after two years of trials, they were no longer the rookies they once were, but formidable figures making waves in the New World.
"Queen, they're in your hands. Don't let them escape."
"Mwahahaha, Daichi, you can rest assured. I'll treat these brats well and make them recognize reality as soon as possible!"
Queen was so excited that he beamed.
He knew a little about Kid and the others. Apoo had reported to him, but he didn't expect them to be captured so quickly.
Next was the interrogation.
If he could make these troublemakers submit, it would be a great achievement for him.
Queen leaned close to Daichi, glanced at Law behind Daichi, and asked in a low, nervous voice. "Daichi, this guy is from the Cross Guild. Why is he in Wano Country?"
"Don't worry, Law is my guest."
Daichi waved his hand.
Buggy was now also one of the Yonko, and his apparent strength seemed ridiculously strong. Not only did he have the golden combination of Buggy and Mr. 3, but also a host of Warlords.
It was natural for those who didn't know the inside story to be worried.
Besides, Queen was naturally timid.
"I'll be going now."
Daichi turned and left.
Kozuki Momonosuke was still on the ship and needed to be sent to Onigashima.
Leaving the Prisoner Quarry.
Daichi looked at Law.
"We part ways here. The Fire Festival will be held in half a month. If you want to join the fun, you can come, but no causing trouble. Is that alright?"
"Hm."
Law agreed.
Before taking down Doflamingo, he wasn't that interested in the Yonko. Besides, Daichi had been very good to him, so how could he repay kindness with enmity?
He now wanted to travel around Wano Country, experience the local customs, and it would be even better if he could have a strong opponent to fight against.
Soon, they parted ways.
The Groudon sailed toward Onigashima.
Speed came up to Daichi and asked, somewhat confused. "Daichi-sama, you seem to care a lot about those rookies."
"Don't underestimate them."
Daichi smiled slightly.
How could he not care? Almost all the rookies of the Worst Generation were potential stocks. As long as they didn't drop out midway, in a few more years, Law and Kid could also have the potential to become Yonko.
And unlike Kid, Law's ambition wasn't that great, his character was also very good, and he wasn't a fool like Luffy.
He had investment value.
He still needed the Pirate Alliance to charge into the Holy Land with him.
"Wororororo!"
Onigashima, hearty laughter echoed.
"Governor Kaido knows you're coming back today. He's very happy."
"Then I'll have to drink a few more cups later."
Daichi arrived at the banquet hall, threw Kozuki Momonosuke, whom he was holding, onto the ground, then looked at Kaido, who was sitting in the main seat.
"Kaido, long time no see."
"Wororororo, Daichi."
Kaido laughed happily, pointing to the seat next to him. "Come quickly and sit down for a drink. I've been waiting for you for a long time."
"Alright."
Daichi smiled and took his seat, feeling puzzled.
Kaido was in a very good mood. That smug look was written all over his face, which was quite rare before.
What on earth was worth being so happy about?
"This brat... I remember him!"
Kaido looked at the trembling Kozuki Momonosuke, his gaze suddenly sinking. He spoke coldly. "I remember you. You're still as pathetic as you were back then, not at all like Kozuki Oden's son."
Momonosuke curled into a ball, and seeing Kaido's face, he couldn't help but recall the scene of Oden Castle's destruction.
For others, that event had happened twenty years ago, but for him, only two or three months had passed.
The memory was still fresh.
Momonosuke was filled with terror.
He wanted to escape so badly... Revenge or anything... He couldn't do it at all. He just wanted to leave, he just wanted to live.
"Truly disappointing."
Kaido's gaze was cold.
If this brat could show a bit of manly spirit, he might have looked at him with higher regard, or even given him a chance.
But his pathetic appearance, exactly as it was back then, made him not even have the desire to kill him. It was nothing but disappointment.
"Lock him in the dungeon, and on the day of the Fire Festival, send him to the Shogun's Castle for public execution below the castle!"
"Yes!"
The last bloodline of the Kozuki Clan would be executed in front of the people of Wano Country, completely extinguishing their last hope for the Kozuki's return. It could also be used to resolve some minor issues.
The Kozuki Remnants were like rats that couldn't be completely eradicated. Since they yearned so much for Kozuki's return, they would surely risk their lives to save their young master!
"Wororororo!"
Kaido stopped thinking about the Kozuki matter, his mood instantly brightened, and he laughed as he looked at Daichi.
"Come, drink!"
"Alright!"
Daichi picked up his sake bowl and gulped down a large mouthful.
"Kaido, you seem to have something happy going on?"
"Wororororo, that's right!"
Kaido beamed like a child.
"I plan to announce this matter to the public at the Fire Festival, but you're different. I'll tell you secretly first."
"Linlin and I have decided to form an alliance!"
"Ah?!"
Daichi was stunned.
Alliance?
Looking at Kaido's boastful expression, as if he had the world in his hands, Daichi felt a bit helpless.
It must have been decided a few months ago.
He remembered that he and Yamato had beaten Kaido up back then, and after that, Kaido went to reminisce with Linlin.
He was probably stimulated!
The problem was... the situation in Totto Land was very bad!
The Tea Party was currently underway, and Stussy had gone to Totto Land. He would ask her what the situation in Totto Land was like tonight.
Daichi thought for a moment and raised his cup.
"Kaido, drink up!"
"Wororororo, cheers!"
Let's be happy for a while!