The people of Wanokuni never dreamed they had so many golden opportunities to rid themselves of Orochi and Kaido. Yet, it all crumbled due to Kozuki Oden's misguided actions!
At this moment, the collective spirit of everyone in Wanokuni was completely shattered. After an eerie silence that seemed to stretch on forever, an anguished cry pierced the air.
Kaido, who, along with Big Mom, was watching the live broadcast in the Flower Capital, erupted into even louder laughter upon hearing these wails. "Worororo, well, well, well. Buggy, you're right! Unfortunately, your Lord Oden didn't fight with me to death but died laughing!"
"Honestly, I never imagined it would be this easy to conquer Wanokuni. I was even prepared to abandon it. Yet, I claimed Wanokuni without a fight. I must say, I owe Kozuki Oden my gratitude. Wororo..."
Kaido's haughty laughter was like a cutting blade, slicing through the hearts of everyone in the Flower Capital. It appeared that even Kaido initially had doubts about the situation, which added to the irony.
"Hahahahaha!"The Beast Pirates joined in, sharing laughter that felt like a slap in the face to Kozuki Oden's retainers in the mines and the hidden samurais who followed the Kozuki clan.
During this moment, cries of pain echoed from countless corners. Their anguish, fury, and helplessness circled them in an unyielding grip, worse than any physical torment.
"Mamamama."
"Call a doctor! I am dying from laughing too much," Linlin couldn't contain her joy as she patted her sizable belly. "Kaido, you're cruel! You needed a hero's end for someone like that!"
Wanokuni was plunged into despair under the laughter of these two "Yonko." However, Buggy had no intention of letting these people off lightly. He intended to grind them into the ground and make them yearn for the better days he would bring, eventually elevating himself to god-like status. It was how the Kozuki clan would be forever shamed and relegated to the annals of history.
"Inuarashi, Nekomamushi, ever wonder why Kozuki Oden didn't seek help from others?" Buggy grinned maliciously.
Inuarashi and Nekomamushi echoed, "Yes, why indeed?"
The people of Wanokuni and the followers of the Kozuki clan shared this curiosity. What could have been going through Kozuki Oden's mind?
"First, let's consider Kozuki Oden! As Wanokuni's Shogun's son, bearing the future of the land on his shoulders, he was incredibly arrogant. Despite his impressive skills, heroism, and adventurous spirit, his lineage tied him to ignorance, recklessness, and irresponsibility."
"He was convinced he could do no wrong, failing to grasp the negative consequences his actions had on those around him and the entire wano. If he had hailed from a common family, he might have been celebrated as a formidable samurai, a hero, and a brave adventurer."
"But his status as a Shogun's son colored perceptions differently, turning him into a symbol of rashness and carelessness. In every endeavor, he believed he was the embodiment of bravery, unflinchingly following his moral code, believing he was the one who could reshape Wano."
"He thought his charisma alone could move Kaido. Is he taking Kaido for a fool? Attempting to align Kaido with his arrogant standards and then using charisma to conquer him? Simply ignorant, utterly mad!"
"I'd wager that Kaido almost lost his teeth from laughter at the time. Oden went to the streets daily, dancing naked and indulging himself! Little did he realize that his actions were systematically dismantling his dignity in front of Wanokuni, the Kozuki clan, and the entire samurai group who followed him."
"In turbulent times, people like Orochi seem to thrive on such foolish monarchs. They know they can easily wrest control from such inept rulers. And clearly, Kaido and Orochi succeeded."
"Kaido watched Kozuki Oden's downfall with great satisfaction. Even if it weren't for Kaido, there would always be others like Rondo and Mondo vying for Wanokuni. Its fall was inevitable."
"But rest assured, Kaido might not be the only one with Wanokuni in his sights. Yes, take solace in that..."
Inuarashi and Nekomushi: "..."
You're certainly a comforting presence, Buggy! Bullet, Gabban, and the rest couldn't help but smirk.
Truth be told, they never gave Oden much thought before. Yet, Buggy's analysis is uncomfortably accurate, revealing the harsh reality. If Oden were not the ruler of a Wano with a future at stake, his actions might be seen as heroic. In contrast, they are nothing short of a disaster for the Wano.
The current state of Wanokuni serves as a testament to Buggy's claims. He doesn't relent in his criticism of Oden and the Kozuki clan, as this is merely the prologue, and the reckoning is just beginning.
"Second, consider Kozuki Oden, who stands guilty of ignorance! When Oden became a daimyo, Orochi frequently asked to borrow money from him, and Oden always obliged despite never being paid back due to feeling sorry for Orochi and respecting his relationship with Yasuie. Orochi approached Oden humbly, but in reality considered him to be an enemy, as he was actively working to overthrow the Kozuki Family from the shogunate and rule in Oden's place, and was spending the money Oden gave him to manufacture weapons"
"Lastly, Kozuki Oden, guilty of laziness! Despite holding the rank of Daimyo of Kuri, he shirked important national affairs, leaving them to others."
"Even if Kaido hadn't stolen Wanokuni, it was only a matter of time before an ambitious figure like Kurozumi Orochi seized it. He'd ultimately lose power, tarnishing the Kozuki clan. Never underestimate the ambitions of individuals, especially in such tumultuous times!"
"Oden may have died unjustly, but what about the people of Wanokuni? Thanks to a foolish ruler, they've lost everything, rendering their so-called samurai honor appear archaic, ignorant, and downright ridiculous!"
"My verdict is simple: it's beyond saving, a lost cause. Let's bid it farewell."
Members of the Mink Tribe: "..."
Retainers of the Kozuki Clan: "..."
People of Wanokuni: "..."
What was meant to be a celebratory banquet fell into somber silence after Buggy's remarks. At this moment, Blueno on the side was astute and commended, "So, how can the country be saved?"
All eyes of the world were fixed on this impassioned man.
"Simple!" Buggy chuckled, as if he held the world in his grasp, raising a finger.
"One, remove Kaido and Orochi, and rebuild! Two, dismantle the old system and enhance the environment. Three, promote education, open the borders of Wanokuni, and connect with the rest of the world! Achieve these three points, and the revitalization of Wanokuni is within reach."
The people of Wanokuni, who were brimming with excitement, had their hopes dashed with the first point. Inuarashi and Nekomamushi let out a long, resigned sigh.
Inuarashi smiled wryly, saying, "Back to square one."
"Yes," Buggy nodded with a smile. "In reality, the result is the same for all of you. Whether the Kozuki clan can make a comeback or not in twenty years, even if the prophecy holds, who will step up to defeat Kaido for you? Who would be so recklessly brave? What motivation would others have to do this for you?"
Buggy's words cut deep, revealing a harsh truth. Indeed, even if the Kozuki clan were to make a comeback in twenty years, or if the prophecy proved accurate, who would rid them of Kaido?
The World Government?
The Marines?
Big Mom?
Or Red-Haired Shanks?
Impossible.
Suddenly, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi turned their heads to look at Buggy with a glimmer of hope. Buggy lived up to their expectations, nodding slowly and smiling.
"That's right, on this journey, I genuinely intend to go to Wanokuni and defeat Kaido."
As soon as these words left Buggy's lips, the entire Mink Tribe erupted in surprise.
Only then did they realize that the man sitting in front of them, chatting and laughing, was the same individual who had defeated Kaido and Sengoku in the Punk Hazard Battle. New World Yonko, the man known as God Slayer - Clown Emperor Buggy!
They hadn't expected him to be willing to take action. Wanokuni, too, descended into a frenzy at this moment.
Kaido, who was watching the live broadcast in the Flower Capital, became somber and then sneered.
"Hmm, I knew something was amiss. First, belittle Oden, then hang the Kozuki clan on the pillar of shame, and now you reveal your plan to us! And finally, do you wish to win the hearts of the Wanokuni people?"
"Impressive, truly impressive, Buggy, the man who defeated that bastard Sengoku in scheming.' You always find a way to surprise me! So come, let's see how you intend to break our alliance!"
"Wororororo!"
"Mamamama!" Charlotte Linlin also joined in the laughter.
In contrast to the confident demeanor of Kaido and Linlin, King and Katakuri exchanged glances, both bearing concerns. Indeed, Buggy the God Slayer was living up to his reputation. Until the very end, no one could predict his true intentions.
Despite the initial satisfaction of seeing Kozuki Oden and the Kozuki family shamed by Buggy, Kaido's words instantly stirred them from their daze.
Was Buggy exploiting Kozuki Oden to subdue Wanokuni? Such tactics were nothing short of terrifying! However, at this very moment, Buggy's words snapped everyone in the Mink Tribe Principality out of their stupor.
"You don't seriously think I'm going to kill Kaido for the Kozuki clan, do you? And avenge Kozuki Oden, is that what you believe?"
As soon as Buggy posed these questions, the smiles on the faces of the Mink Tribe and the Kozuki clan supporters froze.
On the side, little Boa couldn't contain her laughter, while Robin discreetly covered her mouth with a grin. Buggy had quite the knack for snappy remarks, and it was contagious.
"Why, Buggy! We're allies!" Nekomamushi exclaimed, desperation evident on his face.
"We are comrades," Buggy admitted with a shrug. "Whitebeard and Oden were even sworn brothers, like family. Ever wonder why old man Whitebeard never sought revenge for Oden? Or perhaps you believe Whitebeard didn't even know about Oden's fate?"
Nekomamushi's eyes widened, revealing a hint of puzzlement. Indeed, why hadn't Whitebeard avenged Lord Oden?
"Why...," Inuarashi began, letting out a long sigh. He was finally getting a straight answer from Buggy.
"Because of Oden, he committed a foolish act. When his life and the fate of his country were at stake, not asking for help from a brother like Whitebeard was akin to treating him as an outsider. Furthermore, Oden returned to Wanokuni and gained fame and status without extending an invitation to Whitebeard and the others as guests."
"Many foolish choices led to the outcome."
As Buggy pointed out earlier, the human heart is exceedingly fragile. Even if Whitebeard considered Oden a brother, Oden's actions consistently treated Whitebeard as an outsider. How could someone as proud as Whitebeard stand for it? Given Oden's chosen path, why should Whitebeard seek revenge for him? Arrogant, foolish, and indolent. Buggy truly hits the nail on the head.
"Regrettably, as the ruler of the Mink Tribe, I failed to see this and nearly plunged our tribe into the abyss of ruin," Nekomamushi was flabbergasted.
The Mink Tribe residents were left in astonishment. Everyone in Wanokuni was equally dumbfounded. The Kozuki clan supporters suddenly grasped the truth. It made sense. Now it all became clear.
Even Kaido, after giving it some thought, seemed as though he had just realized it. He raised his right hand and clenched his fist into his palm, muttering, "I always wondered why Whitebeard never inquired about Oden during the past decade. I used to think I concealed it quite well. Now it appears that it was Oden's thoughtless actions that broke Whitebeard's heart."
King, on the side, also sighed deeply and added, "I must admit, that Oden fellow was truly senseless. If I were Whitebeard, I wouldn't be bothered by him."
Linlin clutched her stomach, delighted, and exclaimed, "No wonder you asked me to help you if old man Newgate ever approached you, you'd owe me another favor. It was because of this, wasn't it?"
"Newgate must be fuming, right? I mean, as sworn brothers, Oden never told Whitebeard about this. Kaido, your luck is truly amazing!"
The laughter of the two demon kings unraveled the long-held doubts in the minds of many. The people of Wanokuni had already grown resentful of Kozuki Oden and the Kozuki clan. Even the most ardent Kozuki clan supporters began to waver.
Had Wanokuni simply lost its way? They had powerful allies. Numerous opportunities for revival were within reach.
But it seemed all hope was lost. Countless Kozuki retainers clung to one another, shedding tears. After a moment of astonishment, the residents of the Mink Tribe also appeared dejected.
Nekomamushi, his feline form slumping, lay down on the ground and mumbled, "Hey, Buggy. Are you saying that Oden was so hopeless? Was there nothing worth pursuing in that man?"
"Absolutely! Without a doubt!" Buggy affirmed emphatically. "Didn't I tell you? If he hadn't been the son of Wanokuni's Shogun, if he hadn't been the Daimyo of Kuri, his future potential could have easily rivaled Kaido's."
"He possessed unparalleled courage and fearlessness, coupled with a chivalrous spirit even I can't match. He's unquestionably someone worth following. A pirate captain, an adventurer, a hero—label him however you like, as long as it's not 'Wanokuni's Daimyo.'"
Nekomamushi responded with exhaustion, "Damn it!"
Boom!
In that instant, Duke Inuarashi, who had remained silent all this while, suddenly dropped to his knees before Buggy.
He placed his hands on the ground, lightly struck the ground with his forehead, and implored, "Buggy, please save Wanokuni! You don't have to be part of the Kozuki family. You can come to Wanokuni at will. For the sake of our partnership! This is the last contribution I can make to Wanokuni as a loyal Kozuki retainer."
"To hell with the twenty-year prophecy!! When you arrive, the sky of Wano will be clear, and peace will finally descend upon Wanokuni. Yonko Buggy, please extend a helping hand and bestow peace and prosperity upon Wanokuni!"
At this moment, under the watchful gaze of all, Buggy rose slowly. He walked to Duke Inuarashi's side, placed a hand on his shoulder, raised the other toward the sky, and declared calmly, "Your wish shall be granted."
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