"Denjiro..."
Kin'emon, the one considered the big brother among the group, looked at Denjiro, who was clearly eager to act, but hesitated to speak.
Although he didn't know why Denjiro said those words, Kin'emon could sense that Denjiro's actions this time were risky.
For Kin'emon, in the absence of clear information, his priority was stability. He intended to escort Toki and Momonosuke back to Kuri to gather more forces, then find a way to send Nekomamushi and Inuarashi out of Wano to seek reinforcements at sea.
After all, according to Nekomamushi, Lord Oden also knew formidable individuals on the sea.
When Kaido's capabilities were displayed, even if they couldn't reclaim Wano, Momonosuke's safety would be assured. He believed that Kaido would be willing to protect Momonosuke; after all, as long as Momonosuke was present, they would have the moral high ground to unify Wano.
"..."
The others were slightly surprised, understanding the reason behind Denjiro's decision.
"This is a chance, a rare opportunity. Regardless of what you all think... I will give my all to seize it! Because our strength is far too weak compared to those monsters!"
Denjiro's eyes gleamed with determination.
And beside him, Toki, with pursed lips, watched Denjiro with a serene smile. She wanted to say - I want to go too. After all, she knew that the man had once sought a lot of information from her. But she understood that she might not be of much value to Nicholas now, after what happened last time.
"Denjiro, I believe in you."
Toki turned her gaze to Denjiro, showing a serene smile.
Denjiro met her gaze, silent, his grip on his sword tightening.
"If this is a gamble, let's wager ourselves as chips!" Kanjuro, who seldom spoke, suddenly spoke up. He looked at Denjiro earnestly and declared, "We believe in your decision, Denjiro!"
His emotional speech infected Kin'emon and the others.
Yes.
They couldn't rely solely on Lord Oden's friends who might not even be willing to fight those terrifying monsters for a deceased lord. So, they decided to place their trust in Denjiro's judgment.
Denjiro paused.
"Now is not the time for impulsiveness, Kin'emon. Your most important task now is to escort the young master and the lady safely back to Kuri, ensuring they are not found by Kaido's minions or Orochi's men!"
Denjiro said seriously to Kin'emon. He could take the risk himself, as he had already entrusted his life to Lord Oden. But he couldn't bear to watch the young master and Lady Toki take risks.
Seeing Lady Toki and Kin'emon about to say something, Denjiro waved his hand and said, "I understand your thoughts, but I hope you realize that Lord Momonosuke is our hope."
He then turned to Nekomamushi and Inuarashi. "After escorting them back to Kuri, you two should immediately set sail to find Lord Oden's former comrades on the sea and inform them of what's happening in Wano. Also, if possible, I hope you can return to Zou. We need the Mink Tribe's strength! Please!"
Denjiro knelt before Nekomamushi and Inuarashi, knowing that Lord Oden's former comrades might not be reliable, given the circumstances. Therefore, he had to consider this option, and Zou was his backup plan. He understood how powerful the Mink Tribe warriors were during a full moon.
"Don't worry, meow. Whitebeard Pops will definitely come."
"Yeah, those folks in Zou will surely lend a hand once they hear about the situation in the Flower Capital."
Nekomamushi and Inuarashi affirmed.
Denjiro neither agreed nor disagreed with the Cat-Dog's words, then turned to Kikunojo and Kawamatsu.
"Kikunojo, you and Kawamatsu go with the Cat-Dog."
Hearing Zenjirou's words, Kikunojo and Kawamatsu were stunned for a moment, then hurried to say something, but Denjiro interrupted them with a wave of his hand.
"Kikunojo, you haven't seen Izo in a long time. This is your chance to meet him. Also, if the situation in Wano isn't favorable, you can live outside Wano with Izo. Don't come back to Wano."
"As for Kawamatsu, among us, only you can unleash your full strength at sea, even exceeding your usual capabilities. So, I entrust the safety of the Cat-Dog and Kikunojo to you."
With that, Denjiro turned and ran towards the direction of the Flower Capital.
"Sorry, Kikunojo, Cat-Dog."
In Denjiro's eyes, there was first a sense of guilt, then replaced by determination.
His arrangements largely exploited his comrades. He knew that although the Mink Tribe were once brothers of the Kozuki, that was a long time ago. Similarly, even if Lord Oden's former comrades were willing to fight for him, he had to consider the possibility that they might not be reliable anymore. Therefore, he sent the Cat-Dog to Zou, knowing that as fellow members of the Mink Tribe, they might be more effective.
As for why he sent Kikunojo to sail with them, it was because Kikunojo's brother, Izo, was likely now a core member of Whitebeard's crew. Even if Whitebeard was unwilling to fight for the deceased Lord Oden, would he refuse a request from Izo after learning about the situation in Wano? Would he let Izo risk his life knowing the situation in Wano?
After casting aside these thoughts, Denjiro looked at the city of flowers, which resembled doomsday. He knew that it would determine the future of Wano.
...
"Orochi is dead?"
Looking at the chaotic battlefield, someone finally remembered the giant snake who sat beside Kaido and Charlotte Linlin.
They couldn't imagine the horrifying attack being withstood by Orochi.
But just then, a heavy stone slab pushed aside by the shockwave rolled down from the ruins and crashed into the ground stirred by the battle's aftermath.
This obvious commotion immediately caught the attention of the Orochi Retainers who were considering finding another way out.
They looked towards the source of the sound, seeing the unharmed Snake Master emerging from the ruins.
Seeing this scene, the expressions of the Orochi Retainers were somewhat strange.
They were astonished that Orochi emerged unscathed in such circumstances, yet relieved that Orochi's survival meant they didn't have to worry about their escape route for now.
The Orochi Retainers and others quickly rushed to Orochi's side.
"Whoever destroyed this place...!!"
Emerging from the ruins, Orochi's eyes were bloodshot, gritting his teeth as he looked at the devastated scene before him, recalling the excruciating pain he endured. He vowed, "I will make them suffer!!"
The Orochi Retainers remained silent, subconsciously looking towards the central area of the Flower Capital where the clash was still ongoing.
Following their gaze, Orochi also saw Nicholas, who was battling Kaido and Charlotte Linlin and had just sent Kaido flying with a single slash. He chose to remain silent.