Chapter 499

Kin'emon and his comrades were stunned by Kanjuro's confession. Even Nekomamushi, Inuarashi, and Denjiro, who were watching from afar, couldn't contain their shock. They had clung to a sliver of hope that Kanjuro's betrayal was a mistake, a misinterpretation by Luke. But now, confronted with the undeniable truth in Kanjuro's own words, the harsh reality set in: Kanjuro was the traitor.

His betrayal had led to Lord Oden's death and continued to wreak havoc, undermining their efforts and leading to countless losses, including the disastrous defeat of their 4,200 warriors two years later. The pain of such deep betrayal was palpable as Nekomamushi and the others watched, their faces twisted in anger and grief, yearning for vengeance against the man who had brought so much ruin.

In the video, Kanjuro boasted of his deception. "That's right! To die with you will be considered a complete character in the play! Ever since I lost my parents as a child, I've been looking for a place to die! I spend time with you, share joys and sorrows, gain complete trust. I do not resent anyone, and do not intend to hurt anyone! But I am always handing over information to Lord Orochi!"

"Why did you do such a thing?" they demanded.

"My full name is Kurozumi Kanjuro! Is this reason enough?" Kanjuro replied coldly. "The reason the original battle plan was leaked isn't from Law's subordinates. Yasuie sacrificed his life wonderfully to cover us changing the meeting point, truly admirable! But when it reaches my ears, there is no doubt that he is dead."

At that moment, the scene shifted to show several massive ships approaching—it was the Beasts Pirates' fleet. Compared to their small vessel, these ships were like behemoths of the sea. Kin'emon, overcome with rage at Kanjuro's laughter, drew his sword and beheaded him in one swift motion. But, shockingly, Kanjuro's severed head continued to speak.

"Hahaha! Without revealing my identity, being buried at the bottom of the sea with you here is actually a blessing... But Lord Orochi said this time, it's done, it's time to end," he declared, then abruptly ceased speaking.

The impossibility of a beheaded man speaking confused everyone. Kin'emon, lacking the abilities of the Ope Ope no Mi, couldn't have performed such a feat. Clearly, Kanjuro was not as simple as he had seemed.

Suddenly, Kanjuro's voice echoed from the distance, "I was also ordered to take Momonosuke to Onigashima."

"Kinemon!!!" Kinemon and the others spun around to see Kanjuro, alive and holding Momonosuke, smirking at them from the shore.

What was going on? The audience was equally baffled. How could someone beheaded on the boat appear alive on land?

They soon realized the beheaded Kanjuro was an ink clone, revealing the true extent of his powers. This realization came too late as they watched the Beasts Pirates' fleet close in on their small boat.

Despair set in. The failed attack seemed to confirm that they were not the protagonists of Oden's prophecy. With Luffy defeated by Kaido and their forces decimated by the spy, and now with Momonosuke captured, their situation was dire. If they could turn this around, it would indeed be a miracle.

This attack had drained the last of the Kozuki family's resources in Wano. Even if others came forward to challenge Kaido in the future, the Kozuki's involvement would be minimal.

Who, then, were the true protagonists of Oden's prophecy? The defeat seemed to disqualify Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. The realization that Joy Boy could be anyone who defeats Kaido set off a frenzied quest for power. The era of Dragon Hunting had begun, as countless eyes turned towards Kaido's throne, each person dreaming of overthrowing the World Government and ruling the world.

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