The Great Voyage: The Props Master on the Straw Hat Ship

He gazed at the horizon and couldn't help but slowly reveal a smile:

"It seems the final battle is just around the corner."

611 The arrival of Shiryu and the others! The defeated Orochi!! The frenzied Fire Festival!!

Various regions gradually broke free from Orochi's rule and reclaimed their territories from the Beasts Pirates.

However, some people took this opportunity to quietly slip ashore.

For example, in the Nashimi region, despite the desolation of hundreds of miles, there is still a port called Genko Port.

Several white garments floated in mid-air as they landed, weary from their journey.

They wore strange masks, didn't speak, exchanged a silent glance, and then quickly disappeared from their spots.

In addition, in the northern cemetery of Linghou, amidst the wind and snow, lies a hidden harbor.

"What kind of hellish island is this?!"

A tall, burly man with purple hair and an iron bandage on his arm, who had just landed, cursed and swore:

"The waters outside the island were so dangerous, and the weather was still so bad after we arrived on the island."

"That idiot Kaido, is he out of his mind?! How could he choose to occupy an island like this?!"

The man was full of complaints, but his eyes were subconsciously scanning his surroundings, wary and alert.

"Muru ho ho ho, maybe it's just that the place where we landed on the island is a little different."

A woman's soft laughter followed.

It has a huge nose, a heavily made-up mouth, and a very fierce expression.

"After all, to avoid Whitebeard and the clash between the two sides of the Navy, landing on the island from here is the most suitable option."

A melancholy man's voice came from the side, "It's all fate."

He wore a peculiar hat, carried a long gun, and had a scope over his right eye.

"Uh... indeed, who, who could have imagined... that Whitebeard would also come here..."

The man, who looked like a sickly old man and was lying on the white horse, spoke intermittently:

"And the navy, even though... even though things are already like this... they still don't care... and have come here..."

His voice was breathless and he might stop speaking at any moment.

"Thump thump thump, hiccup, you'd better say less~"

A tall, burly man was standing nearby, holding a huge gourd and constantly sipping fine wine.

Judging from his appearance, I'm worried he might suddenly die from an illness.

"Hehehe, this should just be one area of ​​this country~"

A thin figure dressed as a mime actor kept twirling his cane and glancing around at his surroundings.

There was no sign of human activity; the area was deserted.

"And it's a rather desolate place too 々～ 。

He grinned, revealing his large, scarlet mouth, and chuckled, "Kaido won't be stationing any troops here."

"So, should we go find Kaido now, or..."

The tall man with purple hair spoke up and asked a question.

Then everyone's attention was focused on the man at the very front, a broad-chinned man with a sword at his waist, an airplane cap on his head, and a cigar in his mouth.

"Let's find a place to rest first."

The man with the broad chin exhaled a puff of smoke. "Let's rest and recharge before going after Kaido."

"Besides, our boss hasn't made any moves yet, so it's best not to announce it yet."

After hearing this, the others thought about it and had no objections.

Besides, after navigating the treacherous seas, the group was eager to find a place to eat and drink to their hearts' content.

Then, led by the man with the broad chin, the group of several people slowly disappeared into the area behind the bell.

~~~~~~~~~

The prophecy seemed to have opened a new chapter, while the previous era was slowly drawing to a close.

Like a thunderclap from a clear sky, it irresistibly reawakened the dark and chaotic Flower City, and even the entire Flower City, reviving the long-held desires in people's hearts.

Crack! !

At night, the city of the Flower Capital resounded with the sound of firecrackers, a sound that had not been heard for a long time.

Meanwhile, bright bonfire lanterns also shone throughout the city.

Fire sacrifices drive away evil spirits, the bright moon evokes thoughts of loved ones.

Today happens to be the annual Wano Country Fire Festival, and only on this day can the annual ban on alcohol be lifted.

Only then can the people of Wano Country shed their heavy pretense and freely cheer and celebrate, joyfully holding their own banquet.

Because the shogun who rules Wano Country, Kurozumi Orochi, will go to Onigashima to celebrate the festival with the Beasts Pirates.

Only when they are unattended can they roam freely in that ocean of joy.

This is a day of catharsis that only comes once a year, and it is precisely because of the existence of such a day every year that they have a rare glimmer of hope in the darkness of dawn and in this numb and painful life.

In the past, people struggled to survive under the oppression and tyranny of the powerful, living a life where they never knew when, where, or what would happen if they were destroyed by Orochi and Kaido's minions.

Nevertheless, they persevered and have waited until today.

Because of a poem, a prophecy, and a belief.

People firmly believe that one day, the warriors of Kozuki will come to save this country.

Eighteen years ago, the words spoken by Lady Kozuki on her deathbed became the unwavering faith in everyone's hearts.

Having endured the long winter nights by firelight, they used a dance of flames to drive away the demons and a giant Mingwang lantern to illuminate the darkness.

Everyone desperately hoped that time could stand still tonight.

On this day, no one will come out to supervise them, and the filthy weapons factory will not spew black smoke towards the blue sky of Wano Country.

The devils gathered on the island of demons, while returning freedom to the capital of flowers.

People put aside their prejudices, stances, and identities, and raised their glasses in celebration.

On this day, they can temporarily forget the cruelty of reality and talk about their shared dream—the Kozuki Samurai storm Onigashima and sweep away Orochi, Kaido, and all the demons and monsters that pollute Wano Country.

Repair this ravaged country.

Even in Ebisu Town outside the Flower Capital, the poor people who suffered from the artificial Devil Fruits and lost all other expressions except for their smiling faces brought out their treasured water.

To celebrate the holiday in this "luxurious" way.

No one will die innocently today, and the air is incredibly fresh.

The cheers of the people echoed in every corner of the country.

As per tradition, Kurozumi Orochi would leave for Onigashima, but~

This year, however, is quite special.

Orochi did not go to Oni Island, but the people of the Flower Capital still played joyful dance music there.

They have never been so happy and carefree as they are today.

That burning emotion was finally released, filled with joy, hatred, and exhilaration. All these emotions were directed towards the black charcoal serpent, already covered in bruises and a mess, bound to a cross in the town of Rakshasa.

Every passerby, or the Wano Country residents who came specifically to see the tragic state of Kurozumi Orochi, expressed their disgust in the most basic way.

"Pah!!"

The spittle flying everywhere almost drowned the giant black charcoal snake.

Amidst this mixture of hatred and elation (Li De's), everyone turned their gaze toward the main urban area.

Will the dawn they are all waiting for come after the darkness?

Even the most foolish resident knew that a single Kurozumi Orochi was no match for them.

Only by defeating Kaido, who stands behind him, can everything be considered settled, and true liberation achieved!

After a brief moment of worry, the residents of Wano Country were instantly infected by the joyful laughter of those around them.

Orochi has been defeated, and the Kozuki samurai have returned.

So, how far away can Kaido be from Onigashima?!

Everyone forgets about what will happen next, casting aside all worries and anxieties, and joyfully celebrates this festive occasion.

On this joyous occasion, right next to the general's residence, in the VIP room used to entertain guests.

"Is this really good?"

Denjiro had already removed his airplane-like hairstyle and tied all his hair back into a single braid.

He looked at Link, who was sitting there leisurely enjoying his meal, and asked softly.

612 He knew we would go to Onigashima to find him; Kaido's expectations; the conversation with the top signboard members.

"They just defeated Orochi like that, and what about Kaido..."

A hint of sorrow flashed in Denjiro's eyes.

Having followed Orochi for over a decade, he had numerous opportunities to kill him.

However, simply eliminating Orochi was not enough. Denjiro, who had been patiently waiting, was looking for an opportunity to defeat Kaido as well.

However, Orochi was easily defeated by the group in front of him.

This means that the Beasts Pirates have been alerted and are about to engage in a primal, head-on battle.

Kyoshiro didn't feel anything about his undercover career and achievements over the past ten years going to waste. In fact, he felt that being able to stabilize the entire Flower Capital as Kyoshiro's boss was a pretty good result.

But as for Kaido...

Having witnessed its power and terror in the great battle eighteen years ago, Denjiro couldn't help but feel some unease.

“We were detected by Kaido’s sea slugs as soon as we landed on the island.”

Seeing Denjiro's expression, Link, knowing what he was thinking, couldn't help but chuckle.

“Kaido and his crew already knew about our arrival, so they made preparations well in advance.”

As Link spoke, he gently put down his teacup, but to Denjiro, it sounded like a thunderclap in his heart.

"But if that's really the case... 510."

He opened his mouth in shock, as if to say something.

"You mean, since Kaido knew about our movements and the news of Orochi's defeat reached him, why didn't he react at all?"

Link glanced at him, and seeing him nod, he continued:

"That's because in his heart, Orochi was nothing more than a dispensable person."

"At worst, after we quell the rebellion, he can just find anyone to take over Orochi's position."

"Therefore, the problem he faces is simply how to defeat our group."

"As for why they didn't come..."

Link's gaze passed through the window, across the city of lights and dancing lights, and down to the island of demons surrounded by surging waves.

"What kind of logic is it to abandon one's own stronghold and base to pursue the enemy?"

He chuckled softly: "Waiting in comfortably for the enemy to tire themselves out would be more comfortable than anything else if a fight broke out."

"Moreover~"

“He knew we would go to Ghost Island to find him.”

Rumble~! !

The wind whipped up dark clouds, and on the vast sea, boundless black clouds shrouded the island of Oni, which had never seen a ray of sunlight all year round.

Kaido sat alone in his stone house, pouring fine wine into his mouth.

"Come on, come quickly!!"