Chapter 169: Alliance

Chapter 169: Alliance

Kurozumi Murasaki sat on the boat and motioned for Kaido to sit as well.

Kaido dropped himself onto the deck with a thud, his massive frame making the ship wobble slightly.

"Kaido! I wonder if you're interested in doing something big. I have a plan," Kurozumi Murasaki said, pouring Kaido a large bowl of wine.

Kaido didn't reply immediately. Instead, he downed the wine in one gulp and gestured for Kurozumi Muramaru to pour him another.

"Talk. I'm listening," Kaido said, his voice gruff as he continued drinking.

Murasaki leaned forward slightly, her tone deliberate and full of temptation.

"There's a nearby country called Wano Country. This place is unique—it rarely interacts with the outside world and is naturally fortified, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. The Kozuki family rules over it."

Kaido paused mid-drink and stared at Murasaki, his interest piqued.

Murasaki smirked, noticing his reaction.

"But that's not all," she continued. "Wano Country is rich in a rare ore called Seastone. It's an incredibly valuable material, and its uses are beyond imagination. It can neutralize the powers of Devil Fruit users, rendering them helpless—just like falling into the sea."

Kaido's eyes widened slightly, the mention of Seastone grabbing his full attention.

"Is Seastone really as magical as you say?" Kaido asked, his copper-bell eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Murasaki's expression for any sign of deceit.

"Of course! Why would I lie to you? Think about it—if this material were mined and sold, the profit would be astronomical!" Murasaki said confidently, her gaze never leaving Kaido.

Kaido leaned back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"What's your purpose?" Kaido finally asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

"My purpose is simple," Murasaki replied, her tone calm. "I come from Wano Country, and my goal is to help the Kurozumi family seize control of it. In return, I want to ally with you. You will become the shogun and protector of Wano Country, its ruler in all but name. Everything in Wano Country will be yours."

Kaido's eyes flickered with ambition, but he remained silent, processing the offer.

"Where is this Wano Country? Let's go there now. I'll agree to your proposal!" Kaido suddenly stood up, his voice eager.

"Don't rush!" Murasaki said, shaking her head. "Wano Country isn't as simple as you think. You're not strong enough to take it yet."

Kaido's excitement faded, replaced by a scowl. "What do you mean by that?"

"Wano Country isn't just some backwater land. It's home to countless samurai—what you call swordsmen. Some are even great swordsmen. You'd be fighting an army of skilled warriors. Do you really think you can win by yourself?" Murasaki's tone was firm, her words calculated to strike at Kaido's pride.

Kaido frowned, falling silent as he considered her words.

"I understand your eagerness, Kaido. I've dreamt of taking Wano Country my entire life. But I realized it's impossible alone. That's why I decided to seek allies. Originally, I considered Charlotte Linlin or Rockefeller Charlotte, but fate brought us together instead."

Kaido's interest reignited at the mention of Linlin and Charlotte, two names he held in high regard.

"You need to build your strength, Kaido," Murasaki continued. "You must gather powerful subordinates and grow stronger yourself. Only then can you challenge Wano Country."

Kaido stared at her for a moment, then nodded slowly. He knew she was right.

"Why me, though? Why not someone else?" Kaido asked, taking another swig of wine.

"Call it destiny," Murasaki replied with a sly smile, though even she didn't fully believe her own words.

Kaido chuckled, his earlier suspicion fading. "Fine. I agree. Let's do it."

"Hahaha! Then let's seal this alliance with a drink!" Murasaki raised her cup, signaling Muramaru to join.

Kaido grabbed his bowl of wine, and the three clinked their cups before downing their drinks in unison.

The alliance was officially formed.

---

Kaido stood after finishing his drink, his towering figure casting a shadow over the deck.

"I'm going to find my subordinates. There's an island nearby that would make a perfect base. When the time comes, you can find me there." Kaido pointed toward the island he had landed on earlier.

Murasaki squinted toward the vague outline of the island in the distance. Two horn-like peaks rose from its center.

"That's Onigashima, also known as Ghost Island," Murasaki said, a hint of surprise in her voice.

"Ghost Island, huh? I like the sound of that. Woooo-la-la-la!" Kaido laughed heartily, the name resonating with him.

Without another word, Kaido's body began to transform. Scales rippled across his skin, his body expanding rapidly until he was once again a massive azure dragon.

"Find me on Ghost Island when the time is right!" Kaido roared before taking to the skies, his serpentine form disappearing into the clouds.

---

After Kaido's departure, Kurozumi Muramaru turned to his sister, his face filled with doubt.

"Are we really doing the right thing by allying with Kaido? He's just a former Rocks Pirate trainee. Compared to us, his status is nothing!"

SLAP!

Murasaki struck Muramaru across the face, her expression cold.

"Fool! If Kaido wanted us dead, he could have done it already. His strength alone makes him a worthy ally, and he's only in his twenties. His potential is limitless!"

Muramaru rubbed his cheek, muttering under his breath but said nothing more.

"Remember, we're playing the long game. With Kaido's strength and our cunning, Wano Country will be ours. Patience is key," Murasaki said firmly, her eyes gleaming with ambition.

Muramaru nodded reluctantly, knowing his sister's determination was unwavering.

The Kurozumi siblings' alliance with Kaido marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would shake Wano Country to its core.

---

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