Defeat is predestined!

Let's rewind to a little earlier, around the same time when the Wano Country loyalists under the command of Orochi made their move.

After being slashed down from the sky by Charlotte Linlin, creating a deep trench on the ground, Kozuki Oden of the Kozuki Clan had already risen to his feet once again. For fighters of their caliber, their physical resilience was extraordinary. At this moment, the enraged Kozuki Oden charged once more towards the Dragon.

"You two, get out of this country! Never come back!"

With the shattering of the earth beneath their feet, enveloped by fierce winds, Oden slashed.

"Kozuki Dual Blade Style: Shiratori!!"

The aura wrapped around the blades manifested into a slashing strike, tearing through the air. Under this immense attack, even the air seemed to wail in agony.

"Thunderous Bagua!!"

The dragon form in the sky suddenly took on a humanoid shape as Kaido's surroundings were enveloped in dark lightning. With a ferocious aura swirling around him, explosive in nature, the club covered in Armament Haki descended upon Kozuki Oden.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Linlin, having been caught by Zeus in her descent from the sky, observed the battlefield with keen interest.

Kaido, descending from the heavens, clashed with Kozuki Oden, wielding his lightning-wrapped club against the dual blades leaping from the ground.

Boom!

The earth shook, winds howled, rocks shattered, and soil flew.

"Marvelous!"

Emerging from the smoke, Kaido's laughter echoed. "Oden, you never fail to surprise me. But..."

A fierce grin stretched across Kaido's face, burning with battle lust. "Attacks like these won't even leave a scar on me! Come on, let's have a glorious battle!"

With that declaration, Kaido, exuding a monstrous aura, transformed into a monstrous dragon, his body covered in azure scales. Another pair of sharp coral-like horns extended from his forehead, and a massive dragon tail sprouted from his waist, cracking the ground with every swipe.

In the meantime, Kozuki Oden remained silent, merely meeting Kaido head-on.

Clearly, the situation in Wano Country was dire. Perhaps the only hope lay in defeating Kaido and severely crippling Big Mom to salvage any chance of survival.

As the battle raged on between Kaido and Oden, wreaking havoc that extended for miles, a few kilometers away, Orochi grew increasingly anxious. He bit his nails, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Not good, not good! That damn Kaido is going all out against Oden! Are those two planning to demolish the entire Flower Capital? And why hasn't Big Mom made a move to help Kaido deal with Oden?"

"Hey! Fukurokuju! Think of something! Take Oden down quickly! Otherwise, the Flower Capital will be lost!"

"Please rest assured, Lord Orochi."

Fukurokuju spoke calmly. "Kozuki Oden no longer has any chance of victory. If I may explain why, please look over here."

He gestured towards a certain direction.

Following his gesture, Orochi looked over and saw the Wano loyalists approaching.

And behind them, brought by the ninjas under the command of the Wano loyalists, were Lord Oden's wife, Toki, and their son, Momonosuke.

In fact, according to the speed of the Wano loyalists, they should have returned to the Flower Capital long ago.

The reason for their delayed arrival was due to a slight mishap on the way.

They were unexpectedly ambushed by remnants of the former Wano loyalists and the Kozuki Clan stragglers from Kuri.

Although many of the Wano loyalists had defected to Orochi, it was inevitable that some loyalists to the Kozuki Clan managed to escape during the purge. They never expected these individuals to dare launch a direct ambush.

After a prolonged battle, during which the Wano loyalists eliminated all remnants of the former loyalists and Kozuki Clan stragglers, a considerable amount of time was lost.

"Mmhahahaha! Excellent, excellent!"

As the last of the former loyalists and Kozuki Clan remnants were vanquished, Orochi's mood lifted considerably. "You've done splendidly! I'll reward you handsomely later!"

The defeat of the former loyalists brought relief to Orochi, as their expertise in infiltration and assassination posed a significant threat. Moreover, with hostages in hand, he felt assured of his victory!

Shortly afterward, Orochi witnessed the arrival of his retainers.

Though their clothes were tattered and they bore some wounds, it was evident they had emerged victorious.

"Mhuhuhuhu! Fantastic work!"

"Marvelous job!"

"Even if Oden somehow manages to defeat Kaido, there will be no chance of a comeback for him!"

Having studied Kozuki Oden extensively as his lifelong nemesis, Orochi was confident that Oden's fate was sealed. With a plethora of cards up his sleeve, he was convinced that Oden's downfall was inevitable!