Chapter 42: On The Eve Of The War, The Kozuki Clan Gathers

"Your Excellency, you are truly formidable. To think you managed to pit two Emperors of the Sea against each other."

At the mansion of Oden Castle in Kuri, the group gathered. Kozuki Hiyori, Denjiro, Ashura Doji, Inuarashi, Nekomamushi, and others were present, all visibly awed.

News of the Beasts Pirates fleet's destruction had spread like wildfire throughout Wano Country.

As the mastermind behind this operation, no one would believe it had nothing to do with Garros.

Carlos chuckled softly, noticing their astonished expressions.

"Since we've decided to reclaim Wano, ensuring the success of the plan is our top priority."

This operation was not only aimed at weakening the Beasts Pirates and paving the way for future actions, but also at securing the rewards from the system, specifically the powers of the second and fifth sons.

After selling out Jack, Carlos had upgraded his Observation Haki from Grandmaster level to near-peak level.

On the way back to Wano, he constantly tested it.

When fully unleashed, he could sense everything within a twenty-kilometer radius. In combat, this allowed him to clearly perceive his opponent's intentions.

He had even reached the level of "future sight," capable of glimpsing events a few seconds before they happened.

If he activated his Mangekyō Sharingan as well, not even enemies at the level of an Emperor's right hand would be able to touch him.

"Garros-kun, when do we begin?" Hiyori's voice, excited yet anxious, pulled Carlos out of his thoughts.

"Kaido has left Wano. As soon as he reaches Punk Hazard, we can initiate the final phase."

"But the question is, are you all ready?"

Denjiro nodded, unable to hide the joy on his face.

"I'm fully prepared. We have 10,205 men in total. But I must ask, where did you acquire such a vast amount of weapons and equipment?"

"Standard swords, muskets, seastone nets, seastone bullets, and even two hundred cannons...!"

"I've inspected everything. These are rare and exquisite items, enough to arm an army of 10,000! You couldn't buy these even if you had all the money in the world!"

Carlos waved a hand dismissively.

"No need to worry about the source. By the way, the Devil Fruits have been delivered, correct?"

Denjiro produced twenty exquisite boxes and placed them on the table.

"Rest assured, they are safe."

The two exchanged a serious look.

"I've heard that eating one of these turns you into a monster, forever cursed by the sea. You'll never be able to touch seawater again, adding countless weaknesses."

"As samurai, we place our trust in our martial arts and the swords we wield," Denjiro added, a hint of disdain in his voice.

Carlos noticed the mix of fear and revulsion in their eyes but didn't push the matter. Wano had been isolated for so long that the people had trouble accepting Devil Fruits.

Even if someone became a user, without proper training, it could bring more harm than good.

At that moment, Hiyori remembered something and placed two swords before Carlos.

"These are my father's legacy: Enma, one of the 21 Great Grade Swords, and this... the Second Generation Kitetsu, a gift from Tenguyama Hitetsu after he learned of our cause."

"I am but a weak woman with no power. These swords would serve a greater purpose in your hands."

The room, filled with seasoned swordsmen, immediately focused on the blades.

"Oden-sama's sword..."

"And the infamous cursed blade, the Second Generation Kitetsu..."

Reluctantly, they tore their eyes away from the swords and turned to Carlos with seriousness.

"Your Excellency, please accept them."

"You're sure you don't want them?" Carlos asked, surprised.

Both swords were of the 21 Great Grade Swords; any swordsman would be tempted.

Denjiro smiled bitterly.

"It's not that we aren't tempted."

"However, without your leadership, we could never have organized this operation. You've provided us with the necessary funds, weapons, and equipment. It's only right that you distribute them as you see fit."

"Besides, we don't have the confidence to control them."

"Enma drains its wielder's Haki uncontrollably. Only Kozuki Oden ever mastered it."

"And the Second Generation Kitetsu..."

"To wield it, one must possess extraordinary courage and strength. Otherwise, the sword will consume its owner."

Carlos nodded, understanding their hesitation, and carefully stored the swords.

He then turned his attention to Nekomamushi and Inuarashi.

Standing behind them were Pedro and Wanda, loyal retainers of the Kozuki clan.

Nekomamushi sat cross-legged, puffing on his pipe and exhaling thick clouds of smoke.

"Don't worry, we once served the Kozuki clan. We will naturally aid in the restoration of Wano."

"When Ashura Doji described your abilities, I found it hard to believe, but now that I've seen you in action, your reputation is well deserved," Nekomamushi said.

Hiyori looked at Carlos, her eyes shining with admiration.

"Without you, we would have had no hope."

"Please give the order!"

Carlos nodded, his gaze sweeping across the room before he spoke in a deep voice.

"Denjiro, your task is to eliminate Kurozumi Orochi and his Orochi Oniwabanshu."

Denjiro gently touched the hilt of his sword and promised solemnly.

"I've been waiting for this day for a long time."

Carlos then looked at Ashura Doji.

"You'll lead the forces to block the main routes between Wano and Onigashima."

"No problem."

Next, Carlos turned to Nekomamushi and Inuarashi.

"Kawamatsu, one of the Nine Red Scabbards, is imprisoned in the Udon Prison. There are many others there who can be valuable allies."

"The prison is heavily guarded, with Queen of the Beasts Pirates stationed there."

"But I trust in your strength. I'll leave this mission to the Mink Tribe. Once you've completed it, support the other areas."

"And I will handle the Beasts Pirates on Onigashima..."

Before Carlos could finish, Denjiro and Ashura Doji stood up.

"No!"

"We don't know when Kaido will return, or in what condition he'll be. These are all unpredictable factors."

"As the strongest among us, you must conserve your energy and be ready to face Kaido. You cannot afford to be drained by other battles."

"Leave the Beasts Pirates to us."

"As long as Kaido stands, everything else is meaningless."

"We will do whatever it takes to secure victory, even if it means sacrificing our lives!"

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