Many people even wanted to travel to Wanokuni to witness the war between the emperors firsthand.
However, due to Wanokuni's unique geography, getting there wasn't easy, which kept most ordinary pirates away.
Wanokuni is located in the second half of the Grand Line. There is no such kind of offshore coast around Wanokuni. It is surrounded by waterfalls and cliffs. It is more difficult to enter.
However, once inside, Wanokuni has an inner sea that divides it into several areas, primarily the main island and Onigashima.
Kaido's Beasts Pirates are entrenched in Wanokuni, but Kaido is not the true ruler.
Wanokuni is a land of warriors, famously home to the legendary dragon-slaying swordsman Ryoma.
The supreme ruler of Wanokuni is called the Shogun.
Historically, this position was held by the Kozuki family, to which Momonosuke and his father, Kozuki Oden, the former second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, belong.
While consolidating its dominant position, Kaido also turned Wanokuni into a weapon-producing country
When Whitebeard announced his war against Wanokuni and Kaido, it wasn't just Kaido who felt fear. The current Shogun of Wanokuni, Kurozumi Orochi, was even more terrified.
Kurozumi Orochi had gained control of the country in a bad way, leaving him in constant fear of losing his power.
This fear led him to collude with Kaido to maintain his rule.
With Whitebeard's declaration of war against Kaido, Orochi sensed that Whitebeard's intentions extended beyond just Kaido.
The word "crusade" implied a broader target: Wanokuni and Kaido.
This situation heightened Orochi's sense of crisis, fearing that he would be the first target of Whitebeard's actions.
Besides, Kaido doesn't care about him now, but he moves his pirate crew to the Onigashima island, and the main island of Wanokuni needs his own retainer to deal with.
"What should I do now?"
Kurozumi Orochi frightened all day in his Shogun mansion. He didn't know when Whitebeard would strike, but he knew it was only a matter of time.
From the first day the Whitebeard announced his declaration of war, Kurozumi Orochi was full of fear, but he had no choice. In front of Whitebeard, he had no resistance at all.
After so much back and forth in his chamber, Kurozumi Orochi settled on a strategy: to surrender willingly to Whitebeard.
Just as he once colluded with Kaido, now he sought refuge with Whitebeard.
"Although this will offend Kaido, at this time, we can only choose the side with a greater chance of winning." Kurozumi gritted his teeth, and he felt that Whitebeard's chance of winning was significantly greater.
By surrendering to Whitebeard, there's a chance he might spare him and allow him to retain his position, continuing to be the Shogun of Wanokuni.
Kurozumi Orochi reasoned that even if Whitebeard did decide to intervene in Wanokuni's affairs, he might appoint other family representatives to govern the region, sparing him from being killed.
Kurozumi realized that in the grand scheme of things, outcomes pale in comparison to preserving life. With this in mind, he resolved to await Whitebeard's arrival and surrender to him.
On the other hand, Momonosuke took a different path from Whitebeard, setting off alone with a small crew.
Under his banner, he rallied the nine legendary retainers of Kozuki Oden, known as the Nine Red Scabbards.
This move mean is to use his influence and presence in Wanokuni to recruit samurai and warrior who still loyal to Kozuki family come to his side
Momonosuke, Kinemon, Raizou, and the others had been separated before, but with Whitebeard's intentions now known, Kinemon and the rest deduced that Momonosuke had found Whitebeard.
So, they took the initiative to rendezvous and met along the way.
Momonosuke then led them to meet with the Mink clan leaders, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi. Both are part of the nine red scabbards, having formed a strong bond with the Kozuki family years ago. They are trusted and loyal allies.
As Whitebeard's Moby Dick continued its journey towards Wanokuni, Benjamin began mobilizing the forces of Whole Cake Island.
Charlotte Katakuri's pirate group was already on standby, ready to follow Whitebeard's orders.
Benjamin responded via the Den Den Mushi, instructing Charlotte Katakuri: "Get ready to move out. We don't need regular pirates. Just gather 20 elite fighters and head to the opposite side of Wanokuni."
"Understood,"
Charlotte Katakuri replied promptly before ending the call. He quickly gathered 19 elite individuals, along with himself, totaling 20 elite fighters, and set sail after adding the necessary sailors.
Although Charlotte Katakuri was originally part of the Big Mom Pirates, had seamlessly integrated into Whitebeard's crew for over two years.
They had grown accustomed to this lifestyle and had developed a deep fondness for Whitebeard.
Despite their eagerness to lead the battle when Whitebeard declared the war against Kaido, they knew that the main force should be reserved for such a large-scale war.
Thus, Whitebeard didn't approve their request to take the lead.
However, Whitebeard didn't exclude them entirely. Instead, he allowed them to set off from the other side of Wanokuni, effectively turning Wanokuni into a siege.
The nineteen people selected by Charlotte Katakuri were the top cadres from the former Big Mom Pirates.
The ship they took, named Transformation, was a gift from Whitebeard, symbolizing a new beginning.
The ship's flag featured Charlotte Katakuri's iconic scarf. Having lived comfortably on Cake Island for over two years, these crew members were full of passion and anticipation for the large-scale war ahead.
On their march, some began to eagerly anticipate the battles ahead, laughing and joking. However, as they passed an unknown island, they spotted a familiar figure.
"Brother Katakuri, look at that?!"
Smoothie said, spotting the figure on the island first.
In the past two years, Charlotte Smoothie had returned to Cake Island. When she saw the familiar figure, her mouth dropped open in shock, leaving her speechless.
Others, including Charlotte Katakuri, immediately looked over when they heard her.
On the shore of the island, a huge figure was lying down, seemingly resting. As they recognized who it was, their eyes widened in shock.
"That's Mother!"
Charlotte Katakuri exclaimed in a low voice, his eyes filled with disbelief. The huge figure was none other than the former Four Emperors Captain, Charlotte Linlin.
Everyone was stunned. They had believed Big Mom was dead after her defeat by Whitebeard, as she was sunk to the bottom of the sea nd there has been no news since then. ..
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TO BE CONTINUED
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