(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Kaido had always been meticulous in managing Wano Country.
No matter which region, a large number of Beasts Pirates members were stationed, and factories were established everywhere.
This was because Wano Country was the world's primary exporter of seastone, a resource renowned across the globe.
Wano's craftsmen were unparalleled, capable of crafting seastone into pieces as small as a nail and adjusting its concentration to meet various needs.
To maximize efficiency, Kaido had set up quarries in various mining areas.
The miners consisted of local civilians and those who had offended him, branded as sinners.
Some were responsible for daily management, while others handled inspections.
****
A quarry.
A few pirates patrolled the area, yawning as they exchanged opinions about the kabuki performances, they had watched the night before.
After much debate, they reached a conclusion.
"The performances in the Flower Capital are still superior."
At that moment, several figures leaped from the shadows, kunai in hand, and slit the pirates' throats in one swift motion.
Blood gushed from their necks, killing most of them instantly.
However, one pirate, a Zoan Devil Fruit user with the [Cockroach Fruit], survived.
While the fruit offered negligible strength enhancements, it granted him extraordinary vitality.
Despite having his throat slit, he wasn't dead—only severely injured.
"Enemy attack!" he roared, his voice hoarse but loud enough to alert the quarry.
Before he could react further, several ninjas surrounded him, stabbing him repeatedly.
"Damn it, why are people in this world so weird? How can someone survive after having their throat slit?" one ninja cursed as he stabbed.
But the damage was done.
The quarry was now on high alert, and a large group of pirates rushed out.
Among them was Sasaki, one of the Tobiroppo, who happened to be present.
"[Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique]!"
Just as the ninjas were about to be overwhelmed, a translucent barrier swept through the air, disintegrating the pirates into atoms upon contact.
Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, rubbed his aching back and glared at the assassination squad below.
"Pathetic! If you can't even handle a simple task like this, what good are you?"
Colt's words echoed in his mind: Ninjas don't need to assassinate—they just need to kill.
Onoki's attack served as a signal.
Hundreds of ninjas emerged from the jungle, charging into battle with fierce determination.
****
Meanwhile, in another Region...
Senju Hashirama led Konoha's ninjas to their assigned area.
This region had the strongest samurai presence and was home to the Shimotsuki family, renowned for their forging prowess.
As such, it was designated for Konoha's strongest to handle.
"Everyone, be cautious during the fight. Colt's goal is to secure Wano Country intact. If you're certain you can subdue the enemy without killing them, do so," Hashirama instructed.
"Understood!" the Konoha ninjas responded in unison, their morale sky-high.
Kakashi, who was accompanying Hashirama, added, "Also, replace your kunai and swords with seastone weapons. Many of the enemies are Devil Fruit users."
These seastone weapons had been painstakingly collected by Uchiha Madara over the years.
Now, they were being used against their original owners.
The ninja alliance soon encountered resistance, but the gap in strength was evident.
The pirates were quickly subdued by the ninjas' precise teamwork and superior tactics.
Before Colt's reforms, ordinary ninjas were weaker than pirates.
Genin and Chūnin could even be killed by civilians or firearms.
However, thanks to Colt's foresight—implementing the Pirate World's training methods and dietary regimens—the ninjas' combat prowess had skyrocketed.
Within hours, the Beasts Pirates were wiped out in that Region.
Even one of the Tobiroppo, was defeated by Senju Hashirama's overwhelming Armament Haki.
Even the local samurai were disarmed, and their swords confiscated.
"Leave half the squad to guard the prisoners. The rest will regroup and head to the Flower Capital. I'll go ahead!" Hashirama declared, summoning his Wooden Golem and charging toward the Flower Capital.
Among the crowd, Jiraiya watched with envy.
'The Flower Capital... Such a fitting destination for a hero like me!'
Kakashi, however, facepalmed.
'First Hokage, can you be a little more responsible? Are you really in such a hurry to see Madara?'
Suddenly, Kakashi felt a hand on his shoulder.
Turning, he saw Might Guy standing there, his trademark thumbs-up and a gleaming smile on display.
"Kakashi, I want to head to Onigashima. There are stronger opponents there. Even if Kaguya-sama doesn't need my help, I still want to test my strength against them."
Guy's enthusiasm was infectious.
If there was one person who had benefited the most from the Pirate World's training system, it was Might Guy.
His physical prowess had reached new heights, but he had hit a plateau.
He needed to experience tough battles to move forward.
Kakashi understood this well.
He nodded.
"Go. I'll explain the situation to Colt and ask him to convince Kaguya-sama to give you a chance."
****
Flower Capital Region.
The ninja coalition's advance was as smooth as expected.
Across Wano Country, aside from the Tobiroppo, the only high-level threat was Plague Queen, stationed in the Udon Region.
Terumi Mei was tasked with taking down Queen, but she soon found herself at a disadvantage.
It wasn't due to a lack of strength—Queen's grotesque appearance was so horrifying that it nearly made her vomit.
However, Terumi Mei's ninja instincts kicked in. With Konan's assistance, she combined her [Water Style] techniques with Konan's [Paper God Origami Technique], overwhelming Queen.
Even after Queen was incapacitated, the two women continued their assault, venting their frustration at being frightened.
The other ninjas watched in silence, too afraid to intervene.
****
News of the invasion spread quickly, reaching Kaido and his forces.
At the same time, Charlotte Linlin—Big Mom—arrived on Onigashima with four of her Sweet Commanders, ready to join the fray.