Chapter 142: Attack on Onigashima
Despite the power of Kurozumi Orochi's Devil Fruit, Luo Ning found it irritating. He opted not to take it at this time, having another Soul Soul Fruit in his possession that remained uneaten. Consequently, he didn't retrieve the Devil Fruit after killing the giant snake.
Following Orochi's demise, Luo Ning conjured a booklet containing a list of these people's names and appearances. He handed it to Kozuki Hiyori.
An identical booklet was then given to Marco and the others.
"These two booklets hold different information," Luo Ning explained. "The one Kozuki Hiyori holds contains a list of Orochi's followers with their specific locations. The other booklet details the whereabouts of Kaido's subordinates within Wano Country. Marco, I entrust this task to you and your crew."
Due to the abundance of Kaido's people, Luo Ning needed Marco and his team to handle them.
"Leave it to us! Just some small fries," Marco declared after reading the booklet with his brothers. Once everyone memorized the locations, they dispersed and departed.
Instead of immediately confronting Kaido, they focused on eliminating all of his personnel within the country. Kaido himself could wait.
Hearing Marco's assurance, a strange expression crossed Luo Ning's face. He knew about another powerful figure in Wano Country: the bat user, sometimes referred to as the "Five Emperors."
Luo Ning felt a pang of frustration, likely directed at the anime's production team. He believed the pacing was sluggish, and the anime adaptation was inferior to the original manga.
This bat dragged Luffy and his crew through a tedious ordeal in the anime. It took Luffy and Zoro a combined effort to finally defeat it, earning it the ridiculous nickname Five Emperors.
Honestly, Luffy simply disregarded the bat's abilities and overpowered it with brute force.
Hiyori examined the booklet with a sigh. While she had identified many of Orochi's followers, it seemed there were more than anticipated. Even some who secretly opposed Orochi were listed.
"They were probably just putting on an act," Luo Ning mused. "While Orochi was undoubtedly repulsive, I have to admit he was a somewhat effective villain."
His biggest flaw was his lack of strength, ultimately leading to his demise at Kaido's hands.
Orochi's rise to power was a calculated move. He endured years of oppression, manipulated Kozuki Oden, and eventually seized the position of Shogun. He strategically collaborated with Kaido to eliminate the formidable Kozuki Oden.
Aware of Kozuki Oden's noble nature, Orochi exploited the citizens of Wano Country to pressure him, nearly eradicating the Kozuki family's loyal supporters. By the time Kozuki Oden reacted, it was too late.
In a way, Orochi was a cunning villain, similar to Blackbeard. However, Blackbeard's departure from the Whitebeard Pirates likely means he won't acquire the Dark Fruit in the future.
Without the Dark Fruit, Blackbeard is considerably weaker. Remember, he was even injured by Luffy in Impel Down.
At that time, Luffy's strength was comparable to an average Vice Admiral. He wouldn't have stood a chance against the stronger members at Marine Headquarters, hence his defeat and imprisonment. This further emphasizes Blackbeard's own average strength.
The night passed swiftly. The next morning, the citizens of the Flower Capital were astonished to find the giant snake's body hanging from the tallest building in Wano Country.
News of Orochi's demise, a former Shogun, was unexpected. Even more surprising was the revelation of Kozuki Hiyori's identity – a member of the Kozuki family.
Denjiro, who had been undercover as Kushiro to protect Hiyori, also shed his disguise and reclaimed his true identity.
This series of events led to Kozuki Hiyori assuming the title of Shogun. Meanwhile, Marco and his crew had been busy dismantling Kaido's forces throughout the country.
Marco's team breached the defenses, overpowering both the defenders and Queen, who was stationed there.
Queen initially attempted escape, relying on his ability. However, Marco and his crew, aware of the situation within and Queen's presence, surrounded him after dealing with the other locations.
Despite his strength, Queen was no match for the combined assault of multiple Whitebeard captains. Even escape was futile – Marco's flying ability gave him a clear advantage over a grounded opponent.
Queen was swiftly subdued and bound with Seastone chains, a fitting irony considering their usual purpose.
Those imprisoned also released. Kawamatsu, freed from his ordeal, joined the crowd in the Flower Capital. Seeing Kozuki Hiyori again filled him with immense joy.
Hiyori, however, felt a pang of guilt for leaving him without a proper goodbye, especially knowing the hardships he endured. Upon learning that Hitetsu had been imprisoned and forced to consume poisonous fish daily, she couldn't hold back her tears.
"By now, Kaido must have received the news," Whitebeard stated after everyone had gathered. "Someone must have relayed the information to Onigashima."
Indeed, Kaido was in a state of disbelief upon receiving the news. Waking up to find his entire Wano Country force dismantled sent him reeling. Everything he had built was collapsing.
Even Whitebeard and Luo Ning were unaware of the exact date they had arrived in Wano.
"What the hell is happening?!" Kaido roared. "Didn't the newspapers report Whitebeard remaining in his territory? And this Luo Ning, the same story! Why are they both in Wano as soon as I wake up?"
His suspicions turned towards the possibility of being manipulated by intelligence. His crooked nose tells me something's wrong.
King, equally speechless, confirmed, "I verified the information. Our spies in Whitebeard's territory did report their presence there. It must have been a lie! They targeted us while leaving behind imposters to deceive us!"
The realization that the Whitebeard Pirates in their territory were fakes, while the real ones had already infiltrated Wano, snatching control and capturing Queen, was infuriating for King.