Chapter 132

"Boom.... Boom.... Boom!!" The sound of punching echoed throughout the dark alleyway as Oden pounded an old metal pole in frustration and anger. He had been enduring this humiliation for over a year to save the citizens of Wano, who were being held hostage by Orochi. Every time he danced naked, Orochi would set a certain number of people free. Oden had even wandered around Wano to verify if Orochi was keeping his word.

"You have simply become pathetic, Kozuki Oden!" a voice echoed. Oden immediately turned towards the source of the sound, surprised that someone had managed to sneak up on him. Perhaps his anger had clouded his senses.

Seated on top of a building in a crouching position was a young teen with blonde hair and sharp eyes. Oden felt a sense of familiarity about the teen, as if they had met before. The teen gripped a sheathed katana, and Oden's eyes widened in recognition of the blade—it was the Sandai Kitetsu. But that wasn't the most pressing matter now. The teen's words echoed through the alleyway again.

"The right-hand man of Edward Newgate, one of the few people who truly knows the truth of this world, a man who conquered the Grand Line alongside Roger as part of his crew—for such a man, this is simply pathetic. How much more naive can you become, Oden-san?" I questioned, my voice a mix of sadness and disbelief.

Oden's anger subsided momentarily, replaced by a surge of shame and confusion. He scrutinized the teen, trying to place him where he had seen him before. The intensity of the teen's gaze and the familiarity of the blade indicated a connection to his past adventures, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly how.

"Who are you?" Oden demanded, his voice gruff from the raw emotions he was grappling with.

The teen's eyes softened slightly. "Someone who looks up to you, or rather looked up to you once upon a time, Oden-san. Someone who believes that the Kozuki Oden I admired wouldn't let himself be humiliated for so long without finding a better way to save his people."

Oden clenched his fists, the weight of his sacrifice pressing heavily on his shoulders. "You don't understand! Every week, people are freed. They live because of this humiliation."

"And how long can you keep this up?" the teen retorted. "What happens when Orochi decides that your dancing isn't enough anymore? Will you still dance while Wano falls deeper into despair?"

The words struck a chord in Oden. Deep down, he knew the teen was right. His current approach was only a temporary solution, and it was costing him his dignity and the faith of his people.

"I will find a way," Oden said, more to himself than the teen. "I have to."

The teen jumped down from the building, landing gracefully beside Oden. "Then start acting like the man you were. The man who sailed with legends. The man who sought to open Wano's borders to the world. That's the Oden people of Wano need."

"No! Acting against that bastard Orochi will only end up killing all the hostages he holds. At least now, he honors his word and releases people every week," Oden declared, his voice heavy with the burden of his decision.

"Hahahaha, how can a man like you be so stupid, Oden-san? Did you ever consider what happens to the new slaves Orochi captures every day? He releases one or two every week, but in return, he captures a dozen. So, pray tell me, how many years is it going to take for you to release all the hostages?" I mocked Oden, but my words seemed to strike him deeply, as if he had just received a revelation. He was internally conflicted; he had never considered the possibility of Orochi capturing new hostages because it wasn't part of their deal.

"No! Orochi may be the lowest of the scum, but he is from Wano. He wouldn't do such a thing that goes against the warrior's code," Oden said in disbelief, trying to convince himself that the humiliation he had endured was all worth it.

"And since when did kidnapping innocents and holding them hostage become part of the warrior's code, Oden-san? For a worm who is ready to stoop to such a level, do you think he would have a bottom line? The way I see it, Wano is inching toward destruction, and know this: your inaction is only making things worse for Wano and its people," I commented. If I could, I wanted to make things worse for Kaido. Although I had promised Doffy that I wouldn't confront Kaido directly, that didn't mean I couldn't make things difficult for him.

Oden's eyes widened as he absorbed my words. The realization that his efforts might be futile struck him like a blow. He had been enduring such humiliation, believing it was for the greater good, yet the reality of Orochi's deceit was like a dagger to his heart.

I stepped closer, my tone softening just a fraction. "Oden-san, the people of Wano need you to be the leader they believe in. They need the warrior who dared to dream of opening Wano's borders to the world. You can't save them by dancing naked in the streets; you save them by being the man they look up to, the man who would never bow to tyranny."

Oden's fists clenched, his body trembling with a mix of rage and shame. "I have to find a way to save them," he whispered, more to himself than to me. "But how?"

"How? ...Now that's something you'll have to figure out on your own," I said, a hint of amusement in my voice. "Originally, I didn't intend to intervene in the matters of Wano, but I need some information. I also need to rescue someone from my family who is imprisoned by Kaido. Who better to ask than the rightful Shogun of Wano?" I chuckled, unsheathing my black blade and displaying it in front of Oden.

"I'm looking for the blade of Shimotsuki Ryuma. I hope you can help point me in the right direction," I said. Oden's gaze sharpened, his hand instinctively going to Enma at his hip. His earlier vulnerability vanished, replaced by the fierce demeanor of a seasoned warrior.

"Why are you looking for the sword God's blade? Shusui is the treasure of Wano. Forget about ever getting your hands on that weapon. I don't know who you are, but you seem familiar. I'll let your comment slide this time. Leave Wano. My people don't like the presence of outsiders," Oden said, his grip on Enma tightening.

"It seems like you've buried everything from your past, Oden-san. You don't seem to remember the people you once knew. And just so you know, I wasn't inquiring about Shusui. I was talking about the blade that even the sword God couldn't tame," I responded, sheathing Kitetsu again.

Oden's eyes widened in shock at my mention of Ryuma's other blade. "You... You... Who are you? And how do you know about that blade?" His mind raced, trying to recall all his memories from the past, attempting to match my face to someone he knew. Then it struck him.

"Ross-kun?" Oden questioned, doubt etched in his voice. He remembered Ross from his time with Whitebeard and Roger; the kid was the protégé of the Marine Hero.

"Yes, it's me, Oden-san. It's been a long time," I confirmed with a nod, a nostalgic smile forming on my lips.

Oden's stance relaxed slightly, though his grip on Enma remained firm. "Ross-kun, it's been years. What are you doing here, really? And how do you know about that blade?"

I sighed, realizing the depth of the situation. "I'm here to rescue a member of my family from Kaido's clutches. And as for the blade, I have my reasons. But more importantly, Oden-san, Wano needs you to be the leader you were meant to be. The people are suffering, and you can't save them by dancing in the streets."

Oden's expression turned somber as he listened. "You wouldn't really understand even if I told you, Ross-kun. But how do you know all these things? Orochi must not have told you all this. Only a few people know the true reason for my behavior."

"Trust me, Oden-san. If you keep this stupid act up, you'll end up losing everything—your family, your children, your retainers, and finally, the whole of Wano will suffer for your stupidity."

"Even now, as we speak, your family is in constant danger. I originally wanted to get some information out of you in exchange for a favor, but seeing your condition, I don't feel like bargaining anymore. I can only pity the Oden I see in front of me now—a man with no backbone. For Roger's sake, I'll consider this doing him a favor."

"What do you mean my family is in danger, Ross-kun?" Oden demanded, a newfound clarity returning to his eyes.

I ignored his question and dissolved into lightning. After a few moments, I returned, carrying a sack, and tossed it in front of Oden.

"He's one of Orochi's men, posing as your retainer. Whether you believe me or not is up to you, but at least after prying the truth from him, I hope you come back to your senses." I sliced my blade through the sack, and its contents spilled out—Kanjuro's broken form.

Oden's eyes turned red with anger, and he drew both his blades, ready to attack. "By the way, he's a Kurozumi, if you didn't know. He's been Orochi's man from the start," I chuckled.

Oden's mind froze midway as he listened to the information I had just shared. He was a man who trusted his subordinates and would risk his own life to help them. But now, Ross was saying that Kanjuro was a traitor. If that were true, Oden shuddered at the thought of how many days he had left his children under Kanjuro's protection.

All it would take for Kanjuro to harm his children was a single swing. He turned to the battered and broken form of Kanjuro, who was unconscious. Just then, I threw a scroll over, which Oden caught and read. His countenance grew uglier the more he read; he recognized Kanjuro's ugly handwriting anywhere.

As I turned to leave, I glanced back at Oden, a small smile playing on my lips. "Remember, Oden-san, the path of a true warrior is never easy, but it's a path worth walking. For the sake of Wano and for those who believe in you."

"Wait... Ross-kun. If you're truly not after Shusui, then I don't mind telling you what I know. According to records, there was a blade forged alongside the Poneglyphs, made of the same material by my ancestors. It is supposed to be a blade much superior to even the current twelve supreme grade blades. It was forged so that the greatest warrior of Wano could wield it to protect the true history of this world." Oden paused while sheathing both his blades and continued.

"Ryuma-sama back then defended Wano singlehandedly from the World Government, so the Kozuki clan gifted the blade to the Shimotsuki clan. But unfortunately, even Ryuma-sama could not tame that blade, and it remained an heirloom of the Shimotsuki family until someone who could truly tame it arrived," he said in a hurried manner, thinking I would leave.

However, I turned to him with a hint of expectation in my eyes. "Tell me, Oden-san, where is that blade now?"

"Well, the blade isn't in Wano anymore, Ross-kun. Close to three decades ago, a group from the Shimotsuki clan and its retainers illegally left Wano. The group was led by Shimotsuki Kozaburo, one of the greatest swordsmiths of his time. Enma was also crafted by that man," Oden said while caressing his blade.

"But then we lost all track of them. No one knows where they are or if they are still alive to this day," Oden said with sadness, although he wanted to help me. This matter was something that happened three decades ago.

"Hahahahaha!" I started laughing like a madman, not knowing what to say. If I were a regular person in this world, I would have to resign to fate and give up. But now, because of my knowledge, I knew exactly who Oden was talking about and where they were. Even Oden did not know about their whereabouts, but I did.

I calmed myself down. Now that I had a solid lead, I didn't have to blindly search for a weapon that could suit me. I took a deep breath and looked at Oden, who was staring at Kanjuro with mixed feelings. He couldn't bring himself to believe that Kanjuro had betrayed him, but the scroll in his hand was solid proof of the betrayal.

"Oden-san, because you gave me such great news, let me also give you some juicy news in return. Onigashima is currently under siege as we speak. Kaido is completely occupied, fighting a massive army of the dead. If you are going to take care of Orochi, now is the best time. And the Barrier-Barrier Fruit isn't invincible; there's a limit to how much punishment each barrier can take." I commented while looking in the direction of Onigashima. With my observation Haki, I could detect what exactly was going on in there.

"I suggest not going solo this time. You have loyal retainers; it is their duty to serve you, so don't take that away from them. You can't disrespect them like that. Maybe, if fate allows, we can meet again, Oden-san, for I have a bat to catch—a thick, fat bat!" I couldn't help but chuckle as I turned around and started walking away.

Oden's eyes widened, and he gripped the scroll tighter, his mind racing. The pieces of the puzzle were finally falling into place, and the weight of his responsibility pressed heavily upon him.

"Oden-san," I called out, glancing back one last time. "Remember, your people need you now more than ever. It's time to reclaim your honor and liberate Wano from its oppressors."

"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you the most important piece of information. That woman, Kurozumi Higurashi, by Orochi's side, is the current user of Mane Mane no Mi. So don't be deceived by what you see. Trust in your senses, Oden-san."

With that, I disappeared into the shadows, leaving Oden to contemplate his next move. The spark of hope had been rekindled, and I could only hope that it would blaze into a fire that would consume Orochi and Kaido's tyranny.

Oden stood there, the weight of the scroll and the betrayal it represented sinking into his soul. His mind replayed the countless times he had trusted Kanjuro, the moments of camaraderie and loyalty, now shattered by the truth. He knew he couldn't ignore this any longer. His people, his family, and his retainers were counting on him.

He looked up at the sky, the moonlight casting a pale glow over the alley. "My people... I have failed you long enough," he whispered, determination hardening his features. "No more. The time for dancing is over."

With a resolute stride, Oden made his way back to the palace, dragging Kanjuro along, his mind set on a single goal: to reclaim Wano and bring justice to those who had toyed with him. The words of the young teen echoed in his mind, reminding him of his duty and the strength he once wielded.

As he approached the palace gates, his retainers rushed to his side, concern etched on their faces. "Oden-sama, what is the matter?" Kin'emon asked, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword.

"We have been deceived," Oden replied, his voice steady but filled with an unyielding resolve. He tossed the broken form of Kanjuro and passed the scroll over. "But no more. Gather everyone. We march to the capital tonight."

His retainers exchanged glances, confused at first, but then reality sank in, a mixture of relief and determination spreading among them. "As you command, Oden-sama," Kin'emon responded, bowing deeply before rushing off to rally the others.

As the retainers assembled, Oden addressed them, his voice carrying the weight of his newfound resolve. "Tonight, we fight for our freedom. We fight for Wano. No more humiliation. No more suffering. We will reclaim what is rightfully ours."

A chorus of determined voices rose in response, the retainers ready to follow their leader into battle. Oden glanced at the horizon, where Onigashima loomed in the distance. The battle ahead would be fierce, but with the spark of hope rekindled, they were ready to face whatever lay ahead.

And so, under the cover of night, Kozuki Oden and his loyal retainers set forth on a journey to reclaim their homeland, driven by a newfound determination and the hope of a brighter future.

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