Chapter 108: Chapter 89 – I will protect her
Denjiro stood up abruptly from his seat upon hearing Kozuki Hiyori's words.
With a tense face, he asked her:
"Why would that woman find you?"
"Has she discovered your real identity?"
Denjiro couldn't help but feel anxious.
Black Maria is a member of the Beast Pirates.
If Black Maria knew Kozuki Hiyori's true identity, it might also mean that Kaido is aware.
This would undoubtedly be extremely dangerous for Kozuki Hiyori.
Kaido is the man who defeated Oden Kozuki years ago.
If Kaido targets Kozuki Hiyori now, Denjiro believed that Kozuki Hiyori would stand no chance of survival.
Even if their remaining retainers sacrificed their lives to protect her, it wouldn't be enough.
For a moment, Denjiro thought it might be good for Kozuki Hiyori to leave Wano Country.
At least this way, her safety could be somewhat ensured.
"Don't worry, she doesn't know my identity."
"She just came to discuss something private, wanting me to ingratiate myself with a man."
Kozuki Hiyori shook her head, recalling what Black Maria had told her earlier.
According to Black Maria's plan, she was to arrange for some people to escort Kozuki Hiyori out to sea to find Arton.
After all, just waiting in the New World for Arton's arrival might mean he could have already been absorbed by some power, or he might have already formed an organization as formidable as any existing force.
By that time, getting Arton to join the Beast Pirates would be a very difficult task.
Therefore, rather than waiting, Black Maria preferred to take the initiative.
Unfortunately, as an officer of the Beast Pirates, Black Maria knew that neither she nor Ulti could conveniently leave Wano Country.
Conversely, apart from not being very suitable for seafaring in terms of strength, Kozuki Hiyori was much more adaptable than Black Maria and others in other respects.
Black Maria felt that as long as she could arrange some people to protect Kozuki Hiyori at sea, she might be able to arrange a meeting between Kozuki Hiyori and Arton before he reached Wano Country.
Then, as per the agreement, Kozuki Hiyori would need to stay close to Arton, allowing him to mention her, Black Maria, in the diary, thereby earning her points.
And if Kozuki Hiyori were to encounter danger and die after setting out to sea, Black Maria would simply consider it as losing a pawn that could have been used.
Black Maria had planned well, but what she didn't know was Kozuki Hiyori's true identity, and she underestimated Kozuki Hiyori's cunning.
Rather than following the plan laid out by Black Maria, Kozuki Hiyori preferred to approach Arton in her own way.
Of course, she also entertained the idea of using Black Maria to her advantage.
Denjiro's brow furrowed, and he looked at Kozuki Hiyori seriously.
After a moment, Denjiro bowed respectfully:
"I understand, Lady Hiyori."
"I trust that your decision is wise."
"However, before you leave, could I hear your plan in detail?"
Kozuki Hiyori nodded slightly:
"While I can't tell you everything, I will share what you can know."
"Denjiro, please trust me."
"When I set foot on Wano's land again, it will be time for us to take our revenge against Orochi and Kaido."
At this moment, a fire seemed to flicker in Kozuki Hiyori's eyes.
East Blue.
Syrup Village.
Pirate ship, deck.
"Arton, everything is ready."
"We just need to wait for Kaya to board, and then we can set off."
Carina, with her hands clasped behind her back, walked up to Arton with a smile.
"Kaya sure is slow. It's been quite a while." Uta pouted, looking in the direction of the village.
"Kaya has big responsibilities after all. She has many things to explain to Merry before she leaves. It's fine if saying goodbye takes a little longer." Arton smiled and raised his hand, pointing ahead. "And look, she's already here."
Uta and Carina followed the direction of Arton's finger.
Indeed, they saw Kaya approaching with a backpack on her back.
Behind her, Merry and Usopp each carried a large bundle.
"Sorry for making you wait, Arton-san."
After Kaya reached the deck with the help of Uta and Carina, she smiled apologetically at Arton.
"No worries, we still have plenty of time."
Arton took the two large bundles from Merry and Usopp's hands and shook his head.
Then, he turned to Merry and Usopp:
"Thank you both for preparing Kaya's luggage."
"But it's about time; we should be setting off."
Upon hearing this, Merry immediately showed a look of reluctance.
However, he knew Kaya had made her decision.
Since that was the case, he could not stop her.
And for this mysterious person, who in his eyes had cured Kaya's illness and resolved Kuro's problem.
Merry was quite reassured.
"Arton-san, I entrust Miss Kaya to you."
"Please, make sure to protect her no matter what."
Saying this, Merry respectfully bowed to Arton.
"Yes, Arton, if you dare to make Kaya sad, I won't forgive you."
Usopp raised his right hand high and spoke loudly to Arton, his expression complex, reflecting a mix of regret over his friend's departure and envy for his opportunity to venture out to sea.
"Don't worry, since Kaya is setting out to sea with me, she is my family." (t/n: should I use nakama?)
"And as family, I will naturally protect her with my life," Arton asserted with a firm nod.
Hearing this, Kaya couldn't help but purse her lips, her cheeks flushing slightly.
***
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