Chapter 143: Kurozumi Orochi's Schemes

When the Rocks Pirates were around, their kingdom had pledged allegiance to them. Now, they've returned as a member nation of the World Government.

But there's no guarantee the World Government won't abandon them or fail to act, allowing Li Yuan to destroy their kingdom before stepping in to clean up.

"I must establish connections with those in power, preferably linking up with the World Nobles, or else I'll be in danger."

King Soman of Baikal Kingdom pondered.

After dealing with the pirate crew's matters, Li Yuan returned to Wano.

"That damn Kurozumi Orochi has taken all our craftsmen. The weapon factory he's set up is a place no one can survive!"

"Please, give me some food; I haven't eaten in two days!!"

"What a beauty you are, with the potential to be a courtesan. Come with me, and I'll ensure you feast daily!"

"General Li Yuan, please, save us!!"

"..."

Upon returning to Wano, Li Yuan disguised himself and wandered through the areas he didn't control.

There, he witnessed the suffering of the people, with many refugees begging on the streets.

Meanwhile, some samurai and merchants still lived in luxury, truly a case of "rich households reek of meat and wine while the bones of the frozen dead lie by the roadside."

He also visited the weapon factory, where craftsmen lived harsher lives than miners, many dying from exhaustion.

Kurozumi Orochi was aware of these issues but ignored them, or rather, this was his intention.

He wanted Wano to fall into disaster so he could better control his territory.

Knowing his power was limited, he chose to weaken his territories, preventing rebellion.

Witnessing Kurazukuri and the Flower Capital thriving under Li Yuan's rule, where everyone had food and no vagrants roamed, the people began to pray for Li Yuan to appear.

They wished for him to suppress Orochi and transform their regions to be like Kurazukuri, where they could eat their fill.

This was their most earnest wish!

"It's time to unify Wano."

After understanding the situation in Hakumai, Ringo, Kibi, and Udon, Li Yuan realized the time was right.

All of Wano's negative emotions were now directed at Kurozumi Orochi.

Li Yuan's previous actions, killing the shogun and occupying Wano, were overshadowed by Orochi's atrocities.

This was the result Li Yuan wanted.

If he had forcefully taken Hakumai, Ringo, Kibi, and Udon earlier, opposition would have been fierce, and he might have had to kill thousands to suppress dissent.

Such a violent method could have backfired or carried significant risks.

But by allowing Orochi to bring disaster to Wano and then appearing as a hero to save it, opposition would be erased.

"This approach is similar to Crocodile's scheme in the original story to take over Alabasta."

"No wonder Crocodile used this tactic; if successful, it secures the entire kingdom."

"As long as the aftermath is handled cleanly, there won't be any hidden dangers. It's a good method!"

Li Yuan said, stroking his chin.

With that, he headed towards Kurozumi Orochi's location.

Their deal was known to only a few.

To prevent the deal from being exposed, Li Yuan needed to eliminate Orochi and those in the know.

"Mumaru, how can we make Li Yuan give me the position of shogun of Wano?"

Kurozumi Orochi inquired.

After ruling Hakumai, Ringo, Kibi, and Udon, Orochi set his sights on Kurazukuri and the Flower Capital.

Especially the Flower Capital, the seat of Wano's shoguns throughout history.

Orochi was deeply obsessed with becoming the shogun of Wano.

Initially, his deal with Li Yuan was for the shogun's position.

But now, with Li Yuan occupying the position, Orochi wanted to take it from him.

However, Li Yuan was too strong to defeat, so Orochi sought a clever approach.

"Shogun, force won't work, but we can use interests to negotiate."

"Li Yuan wants Wano for profit. If we offer enough, it won't be an issue."

Kurozumi Mumaru suggested.

"Hahaha, you're right. Double the offerings from the weapon factory, the seastone mining, and tributes. He'll be tempted!"

"But we also need to make our relationship with Li Yuan public. Wano's anger can't be solely on me."

"Bring Li Yuan in, let Wano know their savior is like me!"

Orochi said excitedly.

The thought of Wano's foolish commoners realizing their hoped-for savior was his ally thrilled Orochi.

Even imagining it, he couldn't help but laugh maniacally.

"Is that so? What a pity, your plan will never succeed!"

Li Yuan suddenly appeared before Orochi.

Hearing Orochi's words, Li Yuan was glad he arrived early.

If Orochi had revealed their deal, his plan could have been ruined.

"Li Yuan, why are you here!!"

Orochi felt a chill, realizing he had just thought of violating their agreement not to reveal the deal.

Yet, just as he considered it, Li Yuan appeared.

"Why am I here?"

"I said when we made the deal, if it was leaked, I'd take your life!"

"And you ask why I'm here?"

Li Yuan said with interest.

"Buzz!!!!"

As he finished, his Conqueror's Haki exploded like a hydrogen bomb, enveloping several kilometers.

Red lightning, like an ocean wave, engulfed everyone within range.

In just a second, everyone within range, except for Orochi and Kurozumi Mumaru and Kurozumi Mucian, was knocked unconscious.

"Li, Li Yuan, what do you want to do!!"

Though not knocked out, Orochi was drenched in cold sweat.

He couldn't believe Li Yuan was there to kill him, and his legs nearly gave out.

Ignoring his words, Li Yuan swung his Seven Star Sword at Orochi's neck.

"Clang!!!"

Seeing the eerie green-glowing sword, Orochi nearly fainted.

Fortunately, a transparent barrier blocked the sword.

"Oh? The Barrier-Barrier Fruit!"

Seeing his sword blocked, Li Yuan turned to Kurozumi Mumaru, the Barrier-Barrier Fruit user.

In the Rocks Pirates, Mumaru and Mucian were valued for their ability to read Poneglyphs, not their combat prowess.

The Barrier-Barrier Fruit provided immense defense, often considered invincible.

"Yes, Li Yuan, my defense is unbeatable. You should leave, don't waste your time."

Mumaru said confidently, never having his barrier broken.

"Arrogant fool, there's no invincible fruit power in this world!"

"Infinity: Domination: Evil Dragon Breaking Army!!"

As he spoke, his Seven Star Sword enveloped in Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki.

The Infinity Sword Intent turned into a fierce dragon, merging with the sword.

As the sword swung again, the room filled with the dragon's presence.

Despite his confidence in the barrier, Mumaru broke into a cold sweat, covering it with Ryuo to enhance defense.

"Crack!!!!!!"

As the sword, carrying dragon energy, struck the barrier, Mumaru's Ryuo shattered.

The invincible barrier was broken instantly.

The dragon energy slashed Mumaru's neck, ending his life.

"I..."

Mumaru never expected Li Yuan to kill him without a word.

Did he not care about their past camaraderie on the same ship?

"Li Yuan, dare you slaughter a fellow crewmate!!"

From behind, a figure Li Yuan knew well appeared.

It was the New World's former ruler, Rocks, whose eyes carried the same menace, exerting immense pressure.

"You dare appear before me, imposter!"

"Even if you were the real Rocks, I'm not afraid now!!"

Li Yuan scoffed, aware of Kurozumi Mucian's Copy-Copy Fruit ability.

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