Chapter 737 The Counterattack
'New World, Wano Country.'
Wano Country's unique independence and distinctive terrain provide it with ample confidence.
This island rises like a towering peak directly from the sea, surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls that reach into the clouds.
The swift currents created by the outward-facing waterfalls form a natural defensive ring around the island, akin to the Marine's Calm Belt Triangle. However, while the Calm Belt is artificially created by the Justice Gates controlling sea currents, this is a natural phenomenon.
The sea current defense ring makes it nearly impossible for ships to approach, and with the addition of dense reefs and turbulent waves, even the slightest mistake could lead to shipwreck and death.
The sheer cliffs ensure that even ships that manage to get close can only leave in frustration. The height is such that, unless all conditions align perfectly, it is impossible to ascend.
For centuries, countless pirates have tried to breach Wano Country's defenses, but all have been thwarted by these two impenetrable walls.
Moreover, Wano Country does not rely solely on natural defenses to rest easy.
Here, there exists a profession known as "samurai," a title of respect for swordsmen with exceptional skills.
The samurai form the backbone of Wano Country's defense. Under the policy of isolation, they expel any invaders to prevent foreign ideologies from harming the people of Wano.
Throughout history, only one group of outsiders has managed to establish a foothold here!
That is the "Hundred Beast Pirates"!
…
'Wano Country's capital, Flower Capital.'
"Wūwawawawa, Hawkings, you died so tragically!"
In a traditional Japanese-style tea room, a giant figure sat cross-legged on the tatami, wailing loudly.
Large teardrops fell like buckets of water, soaking the clothes of those around him.
The Wano Country samurai delivering the message was no longer surprised by this, but as Kaido roared, the unintentional release of Haoshoku Haki still made him tremble uncontrollably.
After a while, Kaido's crying suddenly stopped, replaced by a raging fury.
"Marine!"
"Damn Marines! Do you really think I'm afraid of you?!"
Bang!
The wild and domineering Haoshoku Haki surged endlessly, and the fragile tea room was instantly blown apart by an invisible force. A terrifying sense of oppression lingered in everyone's hearts, and the surrounding area fell into complete silence.
"Kā hū hū hū hū, what's wrong, Kaido? Why are you so angry?"
Suddenly, a loud voice came from afar, accompanied by the crisp sound of wooden clogs stepping on stone. A middle-aged man with a wild appearance and a pair of mustaches walked in.
Seeing him, the Wano Country samurai who hadn't fainted immediately knelt and greeted him respectfully.
"General Orochi!"
"Oh, it's you!"
Kaido turned his gaze, and in the next second, he leaned in menacingly, his breath reeking of alcohol: "My man is dead, all because of that legend you're so afraid of!"
Kurozumi Orochi frowned silently, and a subordinate stepped forward to explain.
"General, the Wise King's subordinate, Basil Hawkings, is dead. The DJ, Scratchmen Apoo, has also been captured by the Marines and imprisoned in Impel Down."
"Hawkings? Ah, I remember now, the Mage who was overseeing the production at the weapons factory outside."
Kurozumi Orochi was startled.
"Even he failed?"
Given Kaido's nature of cherishing talent, it's normal for him to recruit subordinates, but they must be worthy of his attention.
The strength of the "Mage" Hawkings was undeniable. If not for his Devil Fruit not being a Zoan type, he could have easily joined Kaido's inner circle, the "Flying Six."
To think he was killed?
"Who did it? The Marines again?"
"Rumors say it was the Marine G-11 Base Commander, 'White Hunter' Smoker, a Logia-type monster."
The Marines are becoming more and more terrifying!
Kurozumi Orochi took a deep breath.
Unlike the people of Wano Country, who know nothing of the outside world, he is well aware of many external affairs. It is precisely because of this knowledge that he cooperated with Kaido, using his power to secure his own rule.
Now, the Marines are accelerating their presence in the New World. One day, the flames of war will reach Wano Country.
But not now.
Looking at Kaido, who was glaring at him, Kurozumi Orochi was not afraid: "Kā hū hū hū hū, the weak should be eliminated, Kaido!"
"You're not the type to turn against me over a failure, are you?"
"Hmph! Don't forget, Orochi, I never wanted to send anyone. It was your insistence that made me give the order. Are you saying this has nothing to do with you?!"
"Kozuki Toki possesses the power of time. Her prophecy is not just a simple threat; it is a reality that will inevitably occur!"
Kurozumi Orochi argued: "Once I am overthrown by the enemy, the founding of Wano Country will be at risk, and your weapons factory will not be spared. Fighting them is helping yourself!"
"I don't care; it's just a nonsensical prophecy. You say she controls time, but who can prove it?"
"Ugh...!!!"
Kurozumi Orochi suddenly felt a pang of pain in his liver. Yes, who can prove it?
If he hadn't been the shogun general before, he might not have come across the secret of Kozuki Toki's time manipulation. Now that Kozuki Toki has been dead for many years, who can prove it?
"Anyway, my man is dead, and you must give me an explanation!"
Looking at Kaido with a blank expression, Kurozumi Orochi wished he could travel back in time and slap himself.
Back when the Yonko were all present, how did he get so bewitched to seek him out?
From now on, if anyone says Kaido is foolish, I will skin them alive!
"Three weapons factories!"
"Hmm?"
"I mean I allow you to build three more weapons factories elsewhere. Are you satisfied now?"
"Well... it's a deal!"
From crying to anger to laughter, Kaido performed a dramatic transformation, leaving Kurozumi Orochi grinding his teeth in frustration, deeply believing he had been played by Kaido.
But it was indifferent!
Wano Country has so much land; as long as there is one plantation that hasn't been polluted, meeting the needs of the Flower Capital is easy.
As for the common people losing their land and being unable to survive, who cares about them?!
Seeing the two reach an agreement, the people around them breathed a sigh of relief.
Neither of these two was easy to deal with.
One dares to speak, and the other dares to act; it's common for them to fight over a disagreement!
At this moment, "Conflagration" Jin crossed his arms, speaking in a depressed tone through his mask.
"However, Kaido, it is well known that Hawkings has become a member of our Hundred Beast Pirates. If news spreads that he and Apoo were defeated by the Marines, it might cause some trouble."
"Indeed, it would be quite embarrassing..."
Kaido picked up his wine gourd and took a couple of swigs.
"Anyway, preparations are almost complete. Why not go find the Marines and let the government know I'm not to be trifled with!"
"Don't think that just because you killed Whitebeard and BIG MOM, you can disregard me!"
"Hey, Kaido!"
At this moment, Kurozumi Orochi stepped forward and said, "The twenty-year period of the prophecy is about to arrive. According to our agreement, you cannot leave at this time!"
"Tch, what are you so afraid of, Orochi!"
Kaido looked displeased: "With your strength, they were not your opponents back then, and they certainly won't be now!"
"I'm just being cautious..."
Kurozumi Orochi did not get angry but instead became serious, saying, "Don't forget, the prophecy speaks of nine people, yet only five have been found without corpses!"
"The remaining four must be guarded against!"
"…Troublesome!"
Seeing this scene, Kaido shook his wine gourd and commanded, "Then you go take care of it, Jin. Take our new fleet and go destroy that... G-11 Base!"
"Yes, Captain!"
'(End of Chapter)'
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