Chapter 337: Nicholas is so evil!
Meanwhile, in Wano Country, as Kaido and Whitebeard clashed and the Beasts Pirates found themselves at a disadvantage, the regions under Kaido and Orochi's rule experienced a rare moment of peace.
Due to the immense pressure from the Whitebeard Pirates, Kurozumi Orochi and the Beasts Pirates lacked the strength to suppress the people of Wano. Coupled with secret collaborations among some rebels and the resistance of the samurai, many factories across Wano began to cease their emissions of black smoke and wastewater.
The return of the Kozuki clan heir also brought hope to the people of Wano, especially in places like the Flower Capital. Under the brutal rule of Orochi and the Beasts Pirates, they had come to long for the days when the Kozuki family was in power.
Even though they had been oppressed under the Kozuki rule as well, at least they lived with some dignity, unlike being sent to work endlessly in mines by Orochi without any reward.
As the saying goes, "You don't know what you've got until it's gone."
The comparison between the rule of the Kozuki family and that of Kurozumi Orochi made it clear that things could always get worse.
So when the Red Scabbards appeared with Lady Toki and the children of Oden, and told the people that the Whitebeard Pirates, who were driving back Orochi and Kaido's forces, were friends of the Kozuki family, the people of Wano felt a surge of hope. It seemed that everything was moving in a positive direction.
The citizens of Wano were filled with excitement and hope for the future.
This atmosphere was exactly what the Red Scabbards and Lady Toki hoped to see.
If they wanted to restore Wano to its former glory and rekindle the people's affection for the Kozuki family's rule, they first needed to show that the Kozuki could overthrow Orochi and expel the Beasts Pirates.
Then, with the backing of the Whitebeard Pirates, they could install Momonosuke as the new shogun at a time when the people's support was at its peak.
Lady Toki knew that young Momonosuke couldn't command respect on his own; his only advantage was his Kozuki lineage. With the help of the Red Scabbards, he would have to grow into a worthy leader.
"Like the Moon, you are ignorant of the Dawn. If there is one ardent wish that must be fufilled, it will be when nine shadows are cast woven together through twenty years of moonlits nights. Only then shall you understand the radiance of Dawn."
Lady Toki murmured to herself as she stood on the dilapidated balcony of Oden Castle in Kuri, gazing at the city streets slowly coming back to life.
Kin'emon, Kanjuro, Denjiro, and the others, dressed in their samurai garb, silently observed Lady Toki from behind. They knew the immense pressure she was under.
"Lady Toki, according to the information from Kiku, the Whitebeard Pirates have completely suppressed Kaido's forces. It's only a matter of time before Kaido is defeated, and Ashura Doji and his warriors are about to break through Orochi's final defenses."
Kin'emon reported respectfully to Lady Toki.
Hearing this, Lady Toki collected her thoughts and asked, "What about Hakumai and Udon?"
To her, Nicholas was a more troublesome opponent than Kaido and Orochi. Nicholas's strategy was particularly insidious; he had improved the living standards in Hakumai and Udon, allowing the people there to enjoy a good life.
Kin'emon, Denjiro, and the others fell silent at Lady Toki's question.
If Kuri and the Flower Capital were the regions most eager for the return of Kozuki rule, Hakumai and Udon were the least enthusiastic. Hakumai had become far more prosperous than the Flower Capital, and even Udon, though under Nicholas's control for a shorter time, had seen a significant improvement in living standards.
Even if Hakumai and Udon were to return to Kozuki rule, they couldn't guarantee maintaining the current quality of life. Nicholas had enriched Hakumai and Udon by trading with the outside world, a policy fundamentally opposed to Wano's isolationism. As loyal retainers, they couldn't advocate for changing this long-standing policy.
If they couldn't maintain the current prosperity, why would the people of Hakumai and Udon want to return to the previous impoverished state?
"Nicholas's methods are indeed insidious, giving the people a taste of a better life."
[An- Yes, he is very evil. Giving a better life is bad!! We must torture them as much as we can😂]
Seeing the troubled expressions of Kin'emon and the others, Lady Toki nodded in understanding.
...
In the seas of Wano.
"Pops, Kaido has retreated. Should we pursue him?"
Perched on the mast in his phoenix form, Marco looked down at Whitebeard and asked.
Before them, Onigashima lay in ruins, littered with the bodies of Beasts Pirates members.
"Not for now, Marco. Tell everyone to tend to the wounded, gather the spoils, and repair the ships."
Whitebeard instructed Marco. Despite their victory, the Whitebeard Pirates had suffered significant losses; at least five ships were completely destroyed, and many others were heavily damaged.
"Got it, Pops!"
Marco flapped his wings and flew towards the surrounding ships to relay Whitebeard's orders.
Shortly after Marco left, Izou, bandaged and accompanied by Kiku, Nekomamushi, Inuarashi, and Kawamatsu, approached Whitebeard and knelt without a word. They understood the heavy toll the battle had taken on the Whitebeard Pirates.
"Pops, everyone, thank you!"
Izou said as he bowed, pressing his forehead to the deck.
"Gurararara, Izou, this was a decision made by everyone. If you want to thank them, throw a big feast when we reach Oden's homeland."
"Yeah, Pops is right."
"We should definitely enjoy Wano's sake and see a geisha performance!"
...
After a brief rest, the Whitebeard Grand Fleet set sail towards Hakumai in Wano. With the Beasts Pirates defeated, their next target was Nicholas's crew.
"Pops, this is the Port of Habu. Landing here will lead us into Hakumai. Once we secure Hakumai, we can follow the river straight to the Flower Capital!"
Izou, holding a map of Wano, explained excitedly to Whitebeard.
"Pops, there's something happening at the port ahead!"
The lookout on the mast shouted urgently.
Everyone rushed to the ship's rail to look towards the port. They saw that the port and the coast were packed with people. It wasn't just a crowd of thousands; there were at least tens of thousands!
"Zehahahaha, who knew Oden was so popular in Wano?"
Teach laughed his trademark laugh as he looked at the mass of people.
"Izou, it seems a lot of people are here to welcome us."
Thatch joked, wrapping his arm around Izou's neck.
"Something's not right…"
Marco said, his voice tinged with concern. As the ship drew closer, the Whitebeard Pirates began to sense that something was indeed amiss.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
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