Chapter 137: Joining Forces

Whitebeard's defeat, though anticipated, sent shockwaves through the Whitebeard Pirates. After all, Whitebeard had always been an invincible figure in their eyes, so this loss was a bitter pill to swallow for many. Luo Ning then offered surrender to the remaining captains, who readily accepted given Whitebeard's own defeat.

Having secured victory and claimed all the "free points" from Whitebeard's crew, Luo Ning turned his attention to his next objective.

"Are you planning to move against Kaido next? Not a bad idea. Why not join us!" Whitebeard, upon hearing Luo Ning's plan, expressed his own desire to participate.

"It's all for Kozuki Oden, isn't it?" Luo Ning looked at Whitebeard, easily understanding his motives. Whitebeard and Kaido hadn't had many personal conflicts; Kozuki Oden was the bigger issue.

When Kozuki Oden was still alive, he hadn't sought Whitebeard's help, and Whitebeard hadn't been fully aware of the situation. By the time he learned the truth, Kozuki Oden was already dead. Additionally, Kozuki Oden's death didn't hold the same weight for Whitebeard as Ace's did. Oden's disembarkation and subsequent clash with Kaido ended tragically, as one could imagine.

To put it simply, Kozuki Oden, unlike Ace, wasn't someone Whitebeard would have gone to war for if he hadn't been called upon directly. If Oden had been alive and actively sought Whitebeard's help, the outcome might have been different.

The problem, however, was that Kozuki Oden was dead. Whitebeard dared to attack Marine Headquarters to save people; it wasn't about killing, but a desperate act of rescue. But seeking revenge on Kaido for Oden? Whitebeard believed it wasn't something he could achieve.

The Four Emperors were all on a similar level. While there might have been slight power discrepancies, Whitebeard's age and injuries made defeating Kaido, who was currently at his peak, a difficult feat. Whitebeard himself acknowledged this. Attacking Marine Headquarters to save Ace was something he could desperately fight for, but taking down Kaido in revenge for Oden wasn't something he could manage.

He could have tried when he was younger and at his peak, but now, in his old age, Whitebeard simply couldn't do it. He knew rushing in with his crew would only lead to their demise. He'd eventually run out of fuel, exhausted by Kaido's relentless attacks. His crew wouldn't stand a chance against Kaido, and the entire Whitebeard Pirates could be wiped out in a vengeful rampage.

This was Whitebeard's helplessness. But things were different now. His strength had been fully restored, and someone like Luo Ning was already planning to deal with Kaido. Why not seize this opportunity to avenge Kozuki Oden?

"Gurarara! You saw right through me," Whitebeard boomed with a smile. "I've always wanted to avenge Oden, but it wasn't possible before. Now, I have a chance to try again. With you involved, there's no doubt about it!"

"I truly don't understand the appeal of this Oden fellow," Luo Ning said. "Everyone seems to hold him in such high regard."

In Luo Ning's opinion, Oden was a simpleton, utterly unsuited for real-world operations.

"Oden wasn't exactly the most practical man," Whitebeard admitted with a chuckle. "He did some things that were downright foolish, bordering on hated by some."

"But here's the thing," Whitebeard continued. "If you considered him a brother, he'd reciprocate in kind. He'd bend over backwards to help you if you needed him. Back then, he even chose to stay on my ship. That alone speaks volumes, wouldn't you agree?"

Indeed, many of Oden's actions were ridiculous, but his heart was always in the right place, especially when it came to his own people.

Luo Ning listened without arguing. While he couldn't deny Oden's foolishness, like stealing food from vendors, such actions undeniably caused hardship for Oden's people.

However, Oden's loyalty to his own was undeniable. He even vouched for Kurozumi Orochi, a decision that ultimately brought disaster.

For his people, Oden wouldn't hesitate to drag his subordinates down or even humiliate himself for Wano Country's citizens. This unwavering dedication was admirable, but it was his only truly shining quality.

Oden's character design clashed heavily with his actions, making it difficult for Luo Ning to find any merit in him beyond his loyalty.

As for Oden's son Momonosuke, Luo Ning didn't share the desire of some transmigrators to kill him. The boy wasn't inherently evil.

He considered turning Momonosuke into a eunuch or even altering his sex entirely. While such a fate might be more fitting for a "useless king," Luo Ning's fantasy powers were indeed capable of achieving it.

The despair such a transformation would inflict would undoubtedly be a harsh punishment.

Momonosuke truly was a feckless youth, unable to hold his own. Why? Because he'd been whisked away from Wano Country, never experiencing the hardships his people endured.

Thrust into this new time and space, Momonosuke showed no desire for self-improvement or a swift liberation of his homeland. Instead, he indulged in self-serving manipulation of others.

Frankly, he was a disappointment. In this regard, Kozuki Hiyori demonstrably possessed a stronger character.

Even if Wano Country were liberated, Momonosuke wouldn't be a suitable leader. While the position might be his by birthright, his absence during the country's 20-year suffering would leave him woefully unprepared for the role.

"Pops, are we going to Wano Country?!"

Izo, the captain of the 16th division of the Whitebeard Pirates, perked up with surprise at the mention of Wano Country. After all, he hailed from that very land.

He was painfully aware of Wano's current plight. While he yearned to liberate his homeland, he also understood Whitebeard's limitations against Kaido. Stuck in this seemingly unbreakable stalemate, Izo felt helpless.

But now, a glimmer of hope emerged. With Luo Ning and Whitebeard joining forces, resolving Wano's crisis wouldn't be an insurmountable task. Needless to say, Izo was brimming with excitement, eager to return to Wano Country and see the crisis there finally come to an end.