Chapter 102

Nightfall at Wanokuni

In a grand hall on the first floor of Onigashima, Buggy stood triumphantly on a massive reef, gazing down at the hundreds of celebrants below. Raising his wine glass, he let out a hearty laugh.

"Guys, we won this war! And it's a big victory. Cheers to our first real base for the Buggy Pirates!"

"Cheers!!!" echoed through the hall as everyone enthusiastically raised their glasses and began to feast.

The banquet featured exquisite dishes prepared by Panz Fry, along with various foods from the Boein Islands. The atmosphere was extraordinarily lively. Not only were the Buggy Pirates and the Kuja Pirates in attendance, but also the Red Hair Pirates, who had joined later, as well as Hawkeye and Dragon.

After signaling the start of the toast, Buggy returned to Shanks' side to drink and chat.

"Hahaha, I said Buggy, you guys did a great job this time!" Shanks exclaimed. "I didn't expect that the strength of your Buggy Pirates has reached such a level!"

"I'm afraid tomorrow's world news will be all about this! Oh, by the way, Morgans, what are you going to write?"

"Of course, that's a secret!" Morgans replied with a grin. "Hey Buggy, let Blueno take me back; I won't attend the banquet; I've already decided on the script!"

"Alright, Morgans. For... ahem, mutual benefit!"

"Let's go Blueno. Remember to find me again next time there's such Big News."

"Tsk, Buggy, you have quite the network. Morgan, who wouldn't even meet with the top executives of the world government, is here celebrating with you?"

"Hahaha, just a matter of mutual interest and using each other," Buggy replied.

As everyone continued their merry conversations, Dragon, sitting quietly on one side, suddenly posed a sharp question.

"Buggy, now that you've taken down Wanokuni, what will you do next?"

Buggy's mouth curved into a sly smile as he responded with a statement that left everyone puzzled, "Of course, I'll clean up the house before opening Wano to the world again."

The phrase "clean the house" hung in the air. Everyone who had been laughing and talking fell silent, lost in thought. The more they pondered Buggy's words, the more they thought about who would be the unlucky ones.

But before anyone could respond, Buggy's voice cut through the silence, "Who!? Don't hide; come out."

Hearing this, the deep thoughts of Gabban and the others were interrupted, and they all turned to follow Buggy's gaze.

Their surprise was evident as they saw movement in the shadowy corner of the banquet hall. This hall, the only part of the bottom floor of Onigashima that remained after the battle, offered a clear view of the sea from the left window sill where Buggy and his crew were gathered.

From the shadowy rear corner, a stone slab suddenly shifted. After Buggy's command, the large slab was removed with a "bang," revealing a woman with two horns atop her head who leaped out.

Boom!

As she emerged from the shadowy hole, her full appearance became clear to everyone. She had a pair of red devil horns and beautiful, long white hair that transitioned to green and then to blue from the top to the tips. Her hair was combed in the middle, with two stacks falling naturally in front of her ample chest, and a ponytail tied at the back. Golden earrings dangled from her ears.

Her tall figure was accentuated by a white sleeveless tight-fitting kimono adorned with blue embroidery and two diamond patterns on the chest. A large Shimenawa was tied around her waist, and she wore a wide red skirt and a pair of clogs on her bare feet. Around her neck was a slave-specific bomb collar, and her hands and feet were bound by special seastone chains.

The most striking feature was the enormous mace she held, identical to Kaido's.

Seeing this woman, everyone in the audience fell silent, their expressions filled with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

Upon seeing this woman, Buggy recognized her immediately.

Kaido's rebellious daughter, often called Kaido's son," the heir to Kozuki Oden's legacy, and Momonosuke's "father": Yamato.

Yamato, who had just emerged from the basement, noticed everyone's eyes on her and couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed.

"Um, you guys, I'm Kozuki Oden—"

"Hey, lass, feast as you please, but mind your words!"

Buggy interrupted her with a half-smile, "You should understand what Kozuki Oden represents in Wanokuni these days. Don't just idolize someone because you read their diary as a kid. The world isn't black-and-white. The adult world isn't that simple. Orihime Yamato."

Yamato's body shook, her bright almond eyes staring straight at Buggy in astonishment. "Buggy, do you know me?"

Shanks and the others also looked at Buggy in surprise.

Buggy shrugged and said, "Kaido's precious son—oh, I mean daughter, raised as a son."

The corner of Shanks' mouth twitched as he pointed to Yamato, wearing a slave collar and locked in seastone shackles. "You calling this slave as Kaido's daughter no son?"

"Pfft hahaha——"

"Captain, have you gotten so drunk that you are telling jokes now?"

"Why not? Your captain Buggy has been called 'Clown-Buggy' for decades, so it's normal to make jokes."

"Hahaha!"

"Shanks, you bastard, give me a break!"

Buggy held his forehead as everyone burst into laughter.

In the distance, Yamato watched the captain and his crew laughing freely, her beautiful almond eyes shining with longing.

"That's right, that's it! It's also recorded in Oden's notes. Is this the carefree life of pirates?"

Hearing her words, everyone felt a sense of irony.

Especially Yamato, who had seen Buggy's speech in the Zou before, was puzzled by his words. She frowned in confusion.

Buggy chuckled, "Yes, Yamato, this is the free life of pirates, but Oden didn't deserve it. No, to be precise, he couldn't handle this kind of life. It is precisely because Oden's freedom went too far that Wanokuni is in its current state. Yamato, I've heard about you, so you must have a deep understanding of being hungry, right?"

When Yamato heard this, her body shook violently. She thought of the time when she was so hungry she was about to pass out as a child—the memory of the kind man who called her "Ogre Princess-sama" and brought her food. It was a scene she would never forget. But the next day, she saw the body of that friend who had been good to her on the execution rack! Blood dripping and miserable! Her father had killed her friend. Since then, Kaido, her father, had died in her heart along with the man who gave her food and friend.

These thoughts flashed through her mind. Yamato nodded heavily and said seriously, "Yes, I understand!"

"Then you understand that millions of people in Wanokuni have not only starved for 20 years but have also slowly died in this country where the mountains, water, and animals are poisoned. Is it bitter?" Buggy looked directly into Yamato's eyes. "This is the mess left after your Lord Oden went too far! Wanokuni could have been richer and could have lived a quieter life, at least until Whitebeard died. But it was all ruined by your Lord Oden. Millions of Wanokuni people paid for his freedom! Even so, do you still want to be Kozuki Oden?"

Plop! Yamato's body trembled violently, and she sat down on the ground with blank eyes.

Seeing Yamato devastated by Buggy's words, Shanks immediately tried to lighten the atmosphere.

"Buggy, you've petrified the poor lass! Come on, let's have a drink!"

"Drink up! If you don't get sloshed, you can't call it a reunion!"

Buggy didn't say anything more. He joined the party with Shanks and the others, smiling. In the distance, Yamato was still sitting there with blank eyes.

The Next Day

World News Headlines

[Change in the World Order—Wanokuni Battle Report—Global Presentation]

Sea Circle Calendar, April 1501

Yesterday at noon, the God Slayer Pirates landed in Wanokuni and initiated a war with the Beast Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates of the Emperor Alliance. Thus began the War of the Three Emperors.

The combined strength of the Emperor Alliance in this battle totaled 130,000. In contrast, the God Slayer Alliance had less than 100 pirates, most of whom were part of Gekko Moria's private army.

130,000 versus 100—the numerical advantage is clear.

However, as the battle commenced, Godslayer, Clown Emperor and Dreamer of Peace, and Buggy led the charge and overwhelmed the audience with his second devil fruit power, causing chaos among the legions of the Hundred Beasts and Big Mom Pirates!

The war concluded decisively!

Enel (God Slayer Pirates) vs. Doflamingo (Emperor Alliance)

Enel emerges victorious, capturing Doflamingo.

Scopper Gabban (God Slayer Pirates) vs. Katakuri (Emperor Alliance)

Scopper Gabban wins, forcing Katakuri to retreat.

Bullet (God Slayer Pirates) vs. King the Wildfire (Emperor Alliance)

Bullet defeats King, who is captured.

Doringo (God Slayer Pirates) vs. Plague Queen (Emperor Alliance)

Doringo triumphs, capturing Queen.

Sunbell (God Slayer Pirates) vs. Drought Jack (Emperor Alliance)

Sunbell defeats Jack, who is taken captive.

Crocodile (God Slayer Pirates) vs. Pica (Emperor Alliance)

Crocodile wins, capturing Pica.

Sanjuan Wolf (God Slayer Pirates) vs. Gild Tesoro (Emperor Alliance)

Sanjuan Wolf triumphs, capturing Tesoro.

Jinbei (God Slayer Pirates) vs. Tobiroppo (Emperor Alliance)

Jinbei defeats the Tobiroppo, capturing them.

Boa Hancock (God Slayer Pirates) vs. Virgo, Perospero, Owen, and other cadres (Emperor Alliance)

Boa Hancock wins, killing Virgo and forcing the rest to flee.

The above records show the God Slayer Pirates' cadres achieving complete victories across all battles!

AT LAST,

Captain of the God Slayer Pirates—God Killer—Clown Emperor—Dreamer, Buggy vs. Twin Emperors Kaido and Big Mom

Buggy wins! Kaido and Charlotte Linlin are defeated.

Captain of the God Slayer Pirates—God Killer—Clown King—Dreamer, Buggy vs. Fifth Emperor—Blackbeard—Marshall D. Teach

Buggy wins! Blackbeard is seriously injured and flees with Kaido & Linlin.

Summary: The Wanokuni War—The God Slayer Pirates Claimed a Major Victory

This comprehensive war power of the Wanokuni War surpasses even the Summit War. The World News and Morgans bring you this report.

When this edition of the "World News" was published, it shocked the entire sea!

"God, isn't this God Slayer Pirates too terrifying? They've ignited several major wars in just a few months. What are they trying to do? Turn the world upside down!"

"What do you know? Buggy is chasing his dream! How can pursuing dreams be considered turning the world upside down?"

"They're too strong, these God Slayer Pirates! A man should go out to sea and fight alongside such a crew so his life isn't in vain. This year's taxes? Forget it. Raise the sails and set sail!"

"I like Buggy's words, 'What if the Four Emperors ally themselves? We're taking on the Four Emperors alliance down.' From now on, I'll target that man!"

"Buggy, the dreamer, has finally taken his first step! I think this is a historic moment. The three emperors of the new world have not been able to stop Buggy's march!"

"Unbelievable! None of the three emperor-level powerhouses could stop this godslayer. It's too strong!"

"Brothers, let's set sail! I want to follow in the footsteps of Buggy!"

Today, the world is abuzz with excitement. Wanokuni is no exception.

The Capital of Flowers

At this moment, the Flower City Square was filled with people from all over Wanokuni. A massive 100-meter diameter curtain hung from the city wall, with a den den mushi projecting images from the opposite tall building.

This scene was being broadcast simultaneously across Wanokuni's regions: Kibi, Udon, Ringo, Hakumai, and Flower City itself.

That's right—Buggy was ready to do what he does best: live broadcast!

Standing on a high platform of yellow sand beneath the city wall, Buggy held a microphone in his hand and opened his arms wide.

At the same time, the hundreds of thousands of people in the Flower Capital let out a thunderous cheer.

"Ahhhh! It's Buggy-sama. He is finally here!!!"

"Buggy, I love you!!!"

"Long live Lord Buggy!!!"

The waves of deafening cheers echoed throughout Flower City and across all districts of Wanokuni, where people were watching the live broadcast and raising their hands in unison.

At this moment, Buggy raised his hand and pressed it down.

Immediately, the cheers ceased, and all of Wanokuni fell silent, eager to hear what their new leader had to say.

"Wanokuni is dead! Wanokuni died the day it fell into Kaido's hands twenty years ago!"

"Since it is a legacy of the old times, let it be swept into the sea of history! Starting today, Wanokuni will cease to exist. I will give it new life!"

The first part of Buggy's speech left the people of Wanokuni stunned and in disbelief.

As murmurs of confusion began to spread, Buggy raised his left hand, and everyone fell silent once more. Such was the power of Buggy!

At this moment, Buggy was the god of Wanokuni. His speech in the Zuo had captivated the hearts of Wanokuni's people. He had come, defeated the alliance of Kaido and Big Mom, and emerged victorious.

He had done everything he promised! Thus, the support of Buggy by the people of Wanokuni was fanatical.

"I envision Wanokuni as a whole new country from now on! A place where there is no discrimination, where everyone is treated equally! A land that is peaceful, friendly, and inclusive! A nation that serves its people and is built by the people's blood, sweat, and hard work! Therefore, I name it the Crimson Empire!"

At that moment, cheers of "Long live Lord Buggy!" resounded through the sky, not just in Wanokuni but across the territory of the newly named Scarlet Empire.

While the people chanted "Long live Lord Buggy," he responded, "Long live the people; long live the Crimson Empire!"

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