Chapter 290 : In Zou 3

As the aftermath of Jack's attack settled, Kinemon gathered everyone around. His expression was serious, and everyone sensed that he had something important to reveal.

Kirito from the very beginning knew that these characters who suddenly started to travel with straw hats were important. Otherwise, they wouldn't be here at all.

"Everyone, I have something to confess," Kinemon began, his voice steady but solemn. "I am not Momonosuke's father."

...?

"WHAT !" 

'Knew it, That Oda surely cooked something. Let me guess, some sort of important figure and then asked to save their country and from some sort of tyrant or much more. 

That's how the story here usually goes right ?' Kirito thought with already knowing this gonna end.

"Momonosuke is the son of Kozuki Oden, the next Daimyo of Wano."

'Nailed it !'

There was a collective gasp from the Straw Hats and their allies. Luffy blinked in surprise, while Zoro and the others exchanged glances. Momonosuke stood by, a determined look on his face, showing a maturity beyond his years.

Kirito just hoped that whatever this was, had something to do with Wano. If not then it bye bye Zou, Bye bye Straw Hats and Bye bye pirates.

Kinemon continued, "We need to find the last member of our group, Raizo. He's the reason Jack attacked Zou."

"What!!"

When they finally located Raizo, it was a surprise to everyone. The "samurai" they had been searching for turned out to be a ninja and not the imposing figure they had imagined.

Raizo was stout, with a round face and an almost comical appearance. He didn't exude the power or presence one might expect.

All the straw hats and even Momonosuke and a few of the Mink tribe look at Raizo and then back to Kirito. Comparing them and internally thinking that Kirito is far better, at least when it comes to looks. 

But more than that, Kirito is powerful. He kills Doflamingo. Just no one can do that.

Kirito himself after seeing the completely disproportional person in front of him just pursed his lips tightly together. 

'I really have no idea why Oda likes creating characters like this. This man Raizo's head was at least the same size as the rest of the body. How the hell is that even practical? Especially or a Ninja. But somehow it works. 

Why becuase this is One Piece and Oda finds it funny...Sigh.' Kirito just kept his quiet. It wasn't worth saying anything right now. He knew that. 

Luffy, being Luffy immediately pointed out with his childish way "Hey, Raizo, you're a ninja, but Kirito looks way cooler!"

Bang

"Idiot don't say that." Nami hit chided as her invisible Haki was able to hit the future emperor of the sea. 

How?

No one knows. 

Or maybe she is not a normal person and has a certain connecting with a certain something which Oda will only explain by the end. 

possible !

Raizo scratched his head sheepishly. "I may not look impressive, but I assure you, I am skilled in the art of ninjutsu."

Kirito gave a small, reassuring nod. "Appearances aren't everything. Skills matter most."

With Raizo now part of their group, the Straw Hats, Heart Pirates, and members of the Mink Tribe gathered to plan their next moves. They knew they had two critical missions ahead of them.

Pedro, Carrot, and the other minks joined the meeting, bringing their insights and experiences.

"We need to split into two teams," Law said, taking the lead in outlining their strategy.

Luffy immediately jumped in. "I'll lead the team to save Sanji!" 

"Fine, not like anyone else gonna steal the possible from you. He is your cook." Law rolled his eyes. 

"I will go with you." 

"And Me" 

"Me too, and me and me" 

Nami, Chopper, Brook, Pedro and lastly even Carrot said respectively.

Pedro nodded, his face serious. "Big Mom's territory is dangerous. But I have been there before, I can help you. Not to mention, not many people know where the pone-glyph is in the Cake Island."

Chopper, although nervous, was resolute. "We'll save Sanji no matter what!"

Meanwhile, Kirito, standing beside Zoro, Robin, and Ussop, was ready for the second mission. "Our team will go to Wano. We need to gather allies and prepare for the battle to liberate the country from Kaido's rule."

Zoro grinned. "I'm ready. Better than attending that cook's wedding."

"We need to locate Kozuki Oden's allies and rally them for the fight. Wano's liberation will be a massive undertaking. But don't forget our main goal. Our main goal is to bring down Kaido."

Pedro looked at Kirito. "You're impressive, Kirito Dono. With your skills, we'll have a better chance."

Kirito, humble but confident, replied, "We'll do whatever it takes to succeed. I also have a reason to go to Wano." Kirito said as he thought of Asuna.

The teams were set. Luffy's group would head to Cake Island to rescue Sanji from Big Mom's clutches. Kirito's group would make their way to Wano, ready to gather allies and prepare for the coming battle against Kaido.

Luffy's team took Sunny while Kirito and others took other ship.

Luffy, always the spirited one, gave a thumbs up. "Let's save Sanji and take down Kaido!"

Zoro smirked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "We'll handle whatever comes our way."

With the final preparations made, the Straw Hats, Heart Pirates, and their allies set off on their respective missions. The journey to Whole Cake Island and Wano would be fraught with danger, but their resolve was unwavering.

As they sailed away from Zou, the memories of their time there and the bonds they had formed stayed with them. The adventures that lay ahead would test their limits, but together, they knew they could overcome anything.