Chapter 391 Reasoning
"Of course."
Facing the request from Whitebeard, Amatsuki Toki didn't want to resist, nor did she have the ability to resist.
After all, the clash just now, which could be called earth-shattering, was just a common greeting in the mouths of these Monsters. Having stayed on the Moby Dick for a while and witnessed firsthand the terrifying Combat Power of the Whitebeard Pirates and Whitebeard himself on the Grand Line, she simply couldn't muster any thought of resistance.
Moreover, she had also personally witnessed Nicholas summoning Thunder with a wave of his hand, and his shocking Terror Power in fighting Sea Emperor Kaido and Charlotte Linlin alone without losing ground.
It could be said that neither of these two people in front of her were people she and the remaining Power of the Kozuki Family were qualified to bargain with.
Her only two hopes were pinned on Zunesha, who was about to arrive in Wano Country, and Whitebeard, hoping they could help their Widow and Orphans fight against Nicholas for Lord Oden's sake.
Therefore—no matter what, she needed Whitebeard's Power.
"Come here, Yamato."
Hearing Nicholas's Words, Yamato came to Nicholas's side, glancing at Whitebeard from the corner of her eye. She knew that this uncle in front of her had driven away that Horned Gorilla.
Whitebeard also looked at Yamato with some doubt. Although he was doubtful, he refrained from asking.
"Come on, call him Uncle Newgate." Nicholas said to Yamato with a smile.
"Uncle Newgate." Yamato called out crisply.
Whitebeard was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, but he still nodded subconsciously.
Marco, Teach, and the other Captain of Whitebeard also quietly sized up Yamato.
Nicholas also opened his mouth to explain, "This is my newly adopted Daughter. Although she is Kaido's Daughter, that muscle-headed Weapon obviously doesn't know how to raise children."
Hearing Nicholas's Words, the Complexion of everyone, including Whitebeard, became a little strange.
As everyone knows, they call Whitebeard Pops, but now Yamato is calling Whitebeard Uncle, wouldn't this little loli be their peer?
Amatsuki Toki and Izo, upon hearing that Yamato was Kaido's Daughter, were not too surprised. Instead, they looked at Whitebeard, waiting for Whitebeard's attitude.
But obviously, they didn't get the result they wanted.
"Nicholas, let's talk." As Whitebeard's Words fell, he instantly became the focus of everyone present.
"Newgate, what do you want to talk to me about?" Facing the Gaze of everyone looking over, Nicholas calmly looked at Whitebeard.
As for Amatsuki Toki and the Kozuki Retainers on the side, did their Opinion matter?
Whitebeard didn't care about Nicholas's attitude towards the Kozuki Family. That's how it is on the Grand Line; you only have the Qualification to be valued by others if you have Strength.
After a brief Silence, Whitebeard solemnly said, "I hope you can leave Wano Country, but I know very well that it's absolutely impossible for you to leave Wano Country so easily, so... in exchange, I can agree to one of your Conditions!"
When Marco and his group heard the Conditions Whitebeard offered to Nicholas, the expressions of everyone changed slightly to varying Degrees.
Obviously, as Whitebeard's good sons, they understood the weight of Whitebeard's Promise. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that if Nicholas agreed, even if it was to attack Marine Headquarters or Mary Geoise, Pops would go.
Nicholas frowned slightly, instantly understanding Whitebeard's Plan.
Standing in Whitebeard's Position, Nicholas thought it was normal for Whitebeard to have such a Plan.
After all, Whitebeard didn't want to start a War with Nicholas. Once a War started, it would mean not only a War between him and Nicholas, but also a War between two Pirate Crew, and War would kill People.
If he could make Nicholas voluntarily withdraw from Wano Country through these Conditions, he could both give an account for his Friendship with Lord Oden and avoid starting a War with the Nicholas Pirates.
"Newgate, to be honest, the Conditions you offered are indeed tempting, but... I cannot accept." After understanding the crux of the matter, Nicholas said helplessly.
He was indeed a little envious of Whitebeard's Combat Power, but Wano Country was also a very important part of his Plan. Once he left Wano Country, it would be very difficult for him to find another Sea Fortress as impregnable as Wano Country.
Amatsuki Toki on the side also understood Nicholas's meaning, and immediately couldn't hide her disappointment.
But as it was a major Thing, she would not give up easily, pursing her lips and staring at Whitebeard, wanting to see what Whitebeard would do.
"..." Feeling Amatsuki Toki's urgent Mood, Whitebeard was also quite troubled for a Time.
He really couldn't decide Anything for Nicholas. But if he were to start an All-out war with Nicholas for this kind of Thing, he also couldn't bring himself to do it.
He had finally gotten the Family he had always dreamed of, how could he let his Family members fall into danger?
Seeing Whitebeard's Entanglement, Amatsuki Toki's lips moved, preparing to speak.
But just as she was about to open her mouth, Nicholas's Sound suddenly came.
"Speaking of which, I haven't fully occupied Wano Country, and I haven't even driven you to extinction like Kaido and Orochi. Is it interesting for you guys to keep pestering me like this?"
"Huh?" Hearing Nicholas's Words, the Whitebeard Pirates present were immediately stunned.
Amatsuki Toki's Face was full of astonishment, and as for Izo, he wished he could devour Nicholas alive, sleep on his Bone, and pillow on his Skin.
After all, Kin'emon's Corpse was still there and hadn't been carried down yet.
"Wano Country has been ruled by the Kozuki Clan since ancient times, how can a Weapon like you shamelessly say such Words!" Before Amatsuki Toki could speak, Kikunojo, who had been sitting quietly beside her, could no longer bear it and directly spoke.
"..." Nicholas raised an eyebrow upon hearing this and said, "How do you know that Wano Country has been ruled by the Kozuki Family since ancient times? The Celestial Dragons also say every day that they are Descendant of the Creator, do you believe it?"
Hearing Nicholas's Words, Kikunojo stared blankly at Nicholas, obviously shocked by Nicholas's Degree of shamelessness.
You must know that the Education he received since childhood was that the Kozuki Family was the only Rightful Heir of Wano Country since ancient times.
Nicholas, completely unable to understand Kikunojo whose worldview had been impacted, once again said straightforwardly, "And you want to make the People of White Dance and Udon return to the Rule of the Kozuki Family, have you asked them if they are willing?"
"Do the Opinions of those Commoner matter? Lord Momonosuke, as Lord Oden's Eldest Legitimate Son and the only Rightful Heir of Wano Country, will definitely lead Wano Country to a glorious Future." These were the Kozuki Retainers in the shadows of the Banquet Hall responsible for protecting Amatsuki Toki and Momonosuke who finally couldn't hold back. The one who spoke just now was Denjiro among them.
And Kanjuro also said with a serious expression and sonorous voice, "That's right, the great Your Highness Momonosuke will definitely lead Wano Country, which has suffered from hardship and oppression, to usher in Dawn!"
Nicholas looked at the Kozuki Retainers whose eyes were burning with Fury, wishing they could incinerate him, and smiled derisively.
"You Weapon, what are you laughing at? Is what we said ridiculous?" Raizo, who was short in stature, couldn't help but ask, seeing the mocking Smile on Nicholas's Face.
"So those People have already become Commoner in your eyes, huh? I wonder what you guys, who were even worse than Commoner more than ten years ago, are? A hoodlum who cheated and swindled on the streets all day? A good-for-nothing who incurred Usury everywhere and attracted the Mountain God for his own selfish reasons, almost destroying the Flower Capital, or the brothers of the Former Hanayanagi School who wandered and performed in Ringo, starving? Oh right, your father seems to have become a Sinner because he offended the Powerful People of the Past."
"A Pervert who roamed Kibi, snatching other people's hair everywhere to make pens and sell them, a Kappa whose mother was killed by Humans of Wano Country."
"How come after becoming Kozuki Retainers, you deny your Past so much? Those Ordinary People of the Past have become Commoner in your mouths?" Nicholas glanced at the Samurai whose Complexion of shock was hard to hide and said mercilessly.
And the Kozuki Retainers' Consciousness had not recovered. Obviously, they didn't know how Nicholas knew their Past. You must know that only they and Lord Oden knew about this kind of Thing.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 392: Still Gotta Rely on Fists to Talk
As Nicholas spoke, the gazes of the other members of the Whitebeard Pirates towards Denjiro and the others clearly shifted, becoming somewhat strange.
"What do you mean by saying all that, you bastard!?"
Denjiro said through gritted teeth. Clearly, those past events were undoubtedly a dark history for them, now that they had become Kozuki Retainers.
"Nothing much, just saying that the fool Kozuki Oden was willing to take you in as Retainers not because he was so great, but because he was simply a fool.
Among you people, who understands how to govern a country? Kuri was a picture of poverty in your hands. What makes you think you can lead the entire Wano Country to a better life? White Dance, which was once poor, now even the poorest people don't have to worry about clothes and food.
Can you, who have regained rule over White Dance, achieve that?
Remember, the reason the Kozuki Family became rulers, perhaps initially it was because they could bring a peaceful and prosperous life to Ordinary People, so they could become a Lord recognized by the people. It was because of everyone's recognition that the Kozuki Clan became the Shogun of Wano Country. If no one recognizes you, then what kind of Shogun are you?"
"Absurd! Such remarks are simply unreasonable! The Kozuki Clan has been the ruler of Wano Country for generations! This is an unchanging principle!"
Denjiro looked at Nicholas, who was sitting there with a sneering expression, and immediately anger surged into his heart, veins popping out on his face.
Kanjuro stepped forward in time and reached out to stop Denjiro, saying in a deep voice, "Denjiro, calm down. This is not the place for you to make a move."
"I now understand why those rebels in White Dance and Udon are unwilling to return to the rule of the Kozuki Family. If this fiend is not eliminated for a day, Wano Country will never be unified!"
The corner of Denjiro's eye twitched slightly.
At this moment, he finally understood that Nicholas's ability to make those in Udon and White Dance unwilling to return to the rule of the Kozuki Family was not only based on material things, but more importantly, on this dangerous ideology. One could imagine that after a few years, a dozen years, or even a generation, who in White Dance and other places would still recognize the legitimacy of the Kozuki Clan?
"For the sake of the legitimate status of the Kozuki Family in Wano Country, we must do something..."
"..."
Kanjuro looked at Denjiro, who seemed to be on the verge of losing emotional control, withdrew his hand, and instead rested it on his weapon.
Orochi had already met his curtain call, but his performance had not yet ended, so among the Kozuki Retainers, perhaps only his inner thoughts remained unprecedentedly calm.
Now it was almost time for the curtain call of the performance, so Kanjuro absolutely would not allow anyone to ruin his magnificent finale.
Denjiro also noticed Kanjuro's action. The anger that had already erupted could no longer be contained.
"Kanjuro!"
Veins bulged on Denjiro's forehead as he also reached for his sword hilt, and slightly bent his knees, assuming a standard sword-drawing stance.
If he had originally suspected that there was a traitor among them, then after the deaths of Ashura Doji and Kin'emon, he had basically locked down who the traitor was.
"Denjiro, Kanjuro, both of you calm down!!!"
Raizo and the others beside them, watching the tense situation between the two, their complexions slightly changed, and they hurriedly spoke out to dissuade them.
Kanjuro said helplessly, "I am very calm, but Denjiro's emotions are clearly somewhat out of control at this time..."
"Kanjuro, you bastard, how long are you going to keep pretending..."
"Get out."
Just then, Toki's angry voice came over.
It could be said that her relationship with these Kozuki Retainers was not very close. After all, after she came to Wano Country, she interacted with these people more as the Madam of the Lord.
As for the pasts of these people, it could be said that she did not understand them at all.
But now, at this moment concerning the life and death of the Kozuki Clan, these people were actually fighting among themselves, which made Toki somewhat intolerant.
"Yes, Madam."
Faced with Toki's order, the two put away their weapons and then retreated to the side. As for saying they would go out, that was impossible. After all, their Lord Momonosuke was still here, and facing dangerous guys like the Whitebeard Pirates and Nicholas, how could they rest assured and leave.
Under the gaze of many eyes, Whitebeard stood up from his seat.
"Rumble..."
In the distant sky, thunder suddenly rumbled, dark clouds gathered, and it looked like a storm was about to arrive.
"Nicholas, let's have a fight. If I win, you will withdraw from Wano Country..."
As for losing, Whitebeard didn't think he would lose.
Nicholas looked calmly at Whitebeard and smiled.
"It seems that in the end, we still have to rely on fists to talk."
As Nicholas's voice fell, the massive Sea King Authority Ship slowly emerged from the storm, sailing towards Kuri Daimyo Palace.
Many shocked gazes from the Whitebeard Pirates looked towards the huge ship in the sky.
Where their gazes converged, figures stood on the Ship's Bow of the Sea King Authority Ship.
They were the main force of the Nicholas Pirates.
Among them, the most conspicuous was not Bell-lin standing in the center, but Vistad standing beside him.
This man in Nicholas's crew whose strength was comparable to a Sea Emperor, brought an incomparably powerful sense of oppression upon his appearance.
As the entire Nicholas Pirates crew appeared, the atmosphere at the scene changed abruptly.
Because, if the two sides really went to All-out war, then it would mean that Whitebeard might face the siege of two Top-Tier Powerhouse.
Suddenly, Nicholas looked at Kanjuro with some surprise, and then revealed a meaningful smile.
"Alright."
Nicholas said to Whitebeard, and this straightforward answer made Whitebeard also stunned for a moment, not knowing why Nicholas agreed so readily.
Then, figures falling from the Sea King Authority Ship landed around Nicholas in an orderly manner.
Vistad, Bell-lin and the others, surrounded Nicholas, as if they were surrounding a King.
Although Nicholas did not have the advantage in numbers, his aura was not inferior to Whitebeard's side in the slightest.
On the Whitebeard Pirates side, seeing the entire Nicholas Pirates crew appear, including Marco, their expressions were solemn, as if facing a formidable enemy.
Only Whitebeard, who had never feared any challenge, looked calmly at Nicholas and the others.
Battle was imminent.
"Gurararara, then let's go."
Standing in front of Marco and the others, Whitebeard strode forward with a hearty laugh.
In his sharp eyes, a chilling Fighting Spirit was brewing.
It could be said that Nicholas agreed to the condition he proposed, firstly to really fight each other once, and secondly, Nicholas gave him face.
Regardless of the outcome of the battle between the two, Whitebeard could be considered to have given Kozuki Oden and Izo an explanation.
...
Oden's Defeat Location.
Dark Clouds rolled in the sky, and Thunder rumbled.
Gale swept across the Ground, and Dust billowed.
In the center of the field, Nicholas and Whitebeard, located on opposite sides, looked at each other.
At this moment, both sides knew.
No matter who wins or loses this conflict, one side will have to leave Wano Country.
If Whitebeard wins, then Nicholas leaves, and vice versa.
"Gurararara... Let me see just how strong the famous Thunder God is."
In Whitebeard's eyes, a red luster flashed from his Pupil.
The Naginata in his hand was covered with a dense Armament Haki, and black-red Electric Arc continuously floated on his Naginata and around his body.
Just standing there, he exuded an astonishing presence.
Nicholas held a Long Sword, Thunder Pattern appeared on the surface of his skin, and the Lightning Feather Weave intertwined on his body. Facing the aura sweeping in like a raging tide from Whitebeard, his expression was calm.
"Then... let me show you."
As Nicholas's voice fell.
The sound of Thunder intensified.
Nicholas took the lead.
His entire Figure instantly transformed into a bolt of Lightning, rushing towards Whitebeard.
The extraordinary Speed, the Power contained in this Strike, and the omnipresent Lightning, as if the Thunder God was on an outing, all appeared before Whitebeard's eyes.
However—
Facing such an offensive, Whitebeard neither retreated nor yielded, and even the Fighting Spirit in his eyes became even more magnificent.
Since that Roger guy disappeared, how long had it been since he had felt like this? A Strongest standing at the peak is lonely, but at this moment, he felt the Blood in his Body surge again.
Whitebeard held the Naginata in his hands, and also poured all of his Power into it. The milky white Power representing the Tremor-Tremor Fruit Ability adhered to the Blade Edge of the Naginata.
Then, Murakumogiri, wrapped in Conqueror's Haki and the Tremor-Tremor Fruit Ability, directly and unhesitatingly blocked the Long Sword that came at an extraordinary Speed.
Clang—!
The sound, enough to tear apart the eardrums of Ordinary People, covered all the sounds in the world, even the Thunder that resounded through the heavens was suppressed.
Two extremely powerful forces collided, and Conqueror's Haki burst out.
Countless black-red Electric Arc, like a Spider Web, spread out in the center of the clash between the two.
Space seemed to be cracking under the collision of the two.
Everyone watched in shock or horror at the two Figures faintly visible in the center of the Battlefield.
"The Sky... is cracking!!!"
Someone noticed the Sky.
In the Sky above the point of collision between the two, a huge Crack appeared, with surging Cloud layers on both sides of the Crack.
"Ze hahahaha, truly terrifying."
Teach looked up and stared at the cracked Sky, his eyes flashing with brilliance.
"Didn't expect to see Pops so excited."
Looking at the clash between the two in the field, Jozu was not worried, but instead showed an honest smile on his face. Clearly, through the aura coming from the field, he could feel that Pops was really happy now.
"Just watching here makes one's heart surge."
Vista the Flower Sword also let out a sigh. Although his Swordsmanship was enough to rank among the best on the Grand Line, his battles could not produce such terrifying scenes that changed the celestial phenomena.
"Marco, what's wrong?"
Sachi beside him seemed to have noticed Marco's abnormality and couldn't help but ask.
"That Nicholas guy doesn't have Conqueror's Haki, but the feeling he gives me is very strange..."
Marco put his hand to his mouth, his brow furrowed, obviously very puzzled.
"Marco, didn't that Nicholas guy emit an aura that was not at all inferior to Conqueror's Haki when he fought Roger and Pops alone back then?"
With Teach's words, Marco also suddenly raised his head and looked at Nicholas.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 393: Magnificent Performance Before the Curtain Call
"Those two."
Squinting his eyes as he watched Whitebeard and Nicholas clashing in the arena, Denjiro's brow furrowed deeply.
It could be said that the strength the two of them were currently displaying could be described as despair-inducing. Moreover, this feeling of Wano Country's fate being held in the hands of others made him quite displeased inside.
And the only thing that gratified him was Momonosuke's performance under the terrifying aftershock of the two's aura clash.
It seemed that after a series of drastic changes, Momonosuke finally had a bit of the manner of a monarch. Facing the clash between Whitebeard and Nicholas that was enough to cause changes in the celestial phenomena, he didn't burst into tears and seek comfort; instead, his eyes were fixedly staring at the two people in the arena.
Even facing the impact of Conqueror's Haki, he only swayed slightly, and after a brief moment of absentmindedness, he recovered his mind. This kind of Momonosuke even made Denjiro have a thought in his inner thoughts that heaven was blessing Wano Country.
After all, Momonosuke as Lord Oden's bloodline, Denjiro always firmly believed that Momonosuke would definitely be able to reach Lord Oden's level.
What Denjiro didn't see was the resentful gaze that flashed across Momonosuke's eyes. Obviously, in Momonosuke's view, all the misfortune he had encountered were brought about by these outsiders.
If Kaido hadn't come, then what courage would Kurozumi Orochi of Wano Country have to usurp the country. And if there hadn't been Kurozumi Orochi's usurpation of the country, then he would still be the Shogun Heir of Wano Country, every day he would be enjoying a luxurious life, instead of being cooped up in Kuri, worrying every day, even when eating a Vegetable Pancake, he had to worry about being poisoned.
If Orochi hadn't usurped the country, he wouldn't have been so cruelly abused, and even lost the most important thing for a man. And after realizing that he was no longer a complete man, not only his body, but even his spirit was suffering devastation.
And the gaze of the Retainer and the people around him, filled with pity and regret, was tormenting him at every moment. Several times, Momonosuke had thought about ending it all to avoid suffering this kind of psychological torment that was worse than death.
But every time he faced death, he shrank back. Of course, if you were to say who he hated the most, it wasn't Kaido, not Orochi, but Kozuki Oden!
That's right, the person Momonosuke hated the most was his biological father, Kozuki Oden. He was the source of all misfortune. If he had been more decisive, and when he noticed the changes in Wano Country at that time, tried to find a solution instead of going to sea for his own pursuits, Wano Country wouldn't be in its current state.
Even after he returned to the country, if he had directly started a battle with Kaido and Orochi, instead of dancing a ridiculous dance in the streets like an idiot for years, he lost the best opportunity to set everything right, causing all the citizens of Wano Country to genuinely loathe the Kozuki Clan.
And just when everyone's gaze was focused on the arena, no one noticed Kanjuro's change. Kanjuro, behind everyone, his eyes were fixedly staring at Momonosuke's back. This would be his last magnificent performance in this grand drama.
Kanjuro suddenly burst forth, his action was so swift that even his companions around him didn't have time to react. Then, in the eyes of everyone, filled with shock and anger, the pen tip at the end of Kanjuro's sword sheath, covered in Armament Haki, directly pierced Madam Toki's belly.
Feeling the warm liquid splashing onto his face, and Amatsuki Toki's smiling face, still wearing a gentle smile, immediately caused Momonosuke to scream out in terror.
Kanjuro ignored Momonosuke's reaction, but quickly pulled out the blood-stained pen tip, activated his Ability and directly drew several Samurai to separately block the surrounding Red Scabbards. And he directly grabbed Momonosuke and kidnapped him, and quickly distanced himself from the crowd.
"Kanjuro!!! What the hell are you doing, you bastard!"
Raizo angrily looked at Kanjuro, his tone still had a clear tremor. Kikunojo, with a nervous face, came to Amatsuki Toki's side to check on her condition.
"It seems it really is you."
Denjiro looked at Kanjuro, his Long Sword was drawn and pointed directly at Kanjuro. And Nekomamushi and Inuarashi still hadn't quite understood the situation. They didn't understand how the situation had suddenly become like this.
"Ka, ka, ka~" Kanjuro, holding Momonosuke hostage, looked at everyone and laughed. "The performance is almost over, and as the final lead actor, I naturally have to prepare for the curtain call. And this last scene, I will name it 'King Slayer!'"
"Curtain call, Kanjuro, what are you even talking about! And why did you hurt Madam Toki!" Kikunojo, while frantically helping Amatsuki Toki treat her wound, questioned in grief and indignation, obviously he couldn't understand why Kanjuro would suddenly attack Amatsuki Toki.
Facing Kiku's grief-stricken and indignant questioning, Kanjuro shook his head and said playfully, "I never intended to attack Madam Toki, my target was Momonosuke, that little Kid. I didn't expect him to actually notice my attack. But I also didn't expect him to actually push Madam Toki out to block this strike for himself."
"What!" Hearing Kanjuro's words, everyone, including Izo, looked in disbelief at Momonosuke who was being held hostage by Kanjuro. They really couldn't believe that Kanjuro's words were true.
And Momonosuke's eyes trembled, but his face had a look of 'it wasn't me'. "Don't be deceived by Kanjuro, how could Momo possibly push me? I took the initiative to step forward myself." Seeing the reaction of the Red Scabbards, Amatsuki Toki opened her mouth to explain for Momonosuke.
"So Kanjuro, it seems that the thing about Lord Oden planning a Surprise Attack on the Flower Capital back then was leaked by you? And afterwards, our many actions were also because you told Orochi and Kaido their information?" Denjiro coldly stared at Kanjuro and said.
"That's right." Kanjuro directly and without hesitation admitted these things.
"How is it possible, Kanjuro, how could you be a Traitor. If you were a Traitor, why would you have accepted the Boiling Pot Punishment with us back then? You need to know that if Lord Oden hadn't intervened at that time, you would have definitely died." Kikunojo was clearly somewhat unable to accept that a companion who had once gone through life and death together was actually a Traitor.
"Why!?" "Because my full name is Kanjuro Kurozumi." Looking at the grief-stricken and indignant Kiku, a hint of intolerance flashed in Kanjuro's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by coldness. For Denjiro and the others, he could say he didn't care, but for Kiku, who he had practically raised since she was little, even he couldn't bring himself to be completely heartless.
... Wano Country. Passing through Blade-Weapon Port and heading inland, it wouldn't be long before they reached White Dance. White Dance, which was once the most barren Place in Wano Country, was now a scene of prosperity. The citizens of White Dance, who once regarded even a mouthful of unpolluted water as a treasure, finally no longer had to worry about going hungry.
And at this time, in the outskirts of White Dance, tens of thousands of fully armed Army were gathering. "Presumably you already know how your current Life came to be. Now Lord Nicholas is in Kuri battling with the reinforcements invited by the Kozuki Clan! I don't want to say much more, what I can tell you is, if you don't want to return to those dark days of the past, pick up your Weapon and follow me! Go support Lord Nicholas!" As Ashina Isshin's words fell, the Army of White Dance began to advance towards Kuri!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 394: Ultimate Speed
Long Sword and Naginata blade edges clashed, constantly erupting with terrifying Pressure.
Two streams of substantial Aura, from Nicholas and Whitebeard, collided and pressed against each other in the Air, radiating an extremely terrifying Presence outwards.
Even people without enough Strength didn't even have the Qualification to stand nearby and watch the battle.
The confrontation between Top-Tier Powerhouses, every move they made caused heaven and earth to change color.
Whitebeard's Eyes were filled with incomparably fervent Fighting Spirit, his Gaze passed through the weapons locked in a Stand-off between them, landing on Nicholas.
"Gurararara, Lightning Brat, now I'm starting to believe you can actually do that Thing. But... let me see just what Degree you can achieve!"
Saying this, his Fist, enveloped in terrifying Tremor Power, went straight for Nicholas's Face.
Facing Whitebeard's attack, Nicholas reacted extremely quickly, almost the instant Whitebeard threw his Fist, he directly abandoned the clash with Whitebeard, using the enormous Power transmitted from the Naginata, his whole Person flew backwards in response.
Almost as soon as he flew backwards, avoiding Whitebeard's Fist filled with Tremor Power, Nicholas's Foot suddenly exerted force, and then his Figure instantly transformed into Lightning, his Figure disappeared into thin air, and when he reappeared, he was already behind Whitebeard.
Swish—!
Whitebeard's Fist full of Power immediately missed, directly smashing the Ground where Nicholas had originally stood, and spiderweb-like Cracks continuously spread out.
At the same time.
Nicholas flashed to Whitebeard's back, and the Long Sword in his hand also flashed with Sharpness.
And almost immediately after throwing his Fist, Whitebeard's Waist instantly exerted force, driving the Naginata in his hand, suddenly sweeping horizontally towards his back, smashing towards Nicholas with overwhelming force.
Originally, in Nicholas's view, when Whitebeard's Fist missed, the Flaw that was revealed was very large, after all, according to the human body's force exertion structure, it could be predicted that as he suddenly withdrew his Power, the Power Whitebeard applied to the Naginata and when throwing his Fist would cause his Upper Body to stagger forward, thus losing Body Balance.
This Flaw, for Nicholas, was undoubtedly an excellent Opportunity for Attack.
However, Whitebeard, whose Battle experience was rich to the extreme, didn't give Nicholas any Opportunity at all.
The instant Nicholas's Figure disappeared, he suddenly twisted his Waist, grabbed the tail end of the Naginata, and using centrifugal force, swung the Naginata in his hand towards Nicholas who appeared behind him.
In the Air, bursts of Air being exploded by the Naginata resounded.
"What an old fox..."
Watching the Naginata whistling from the side, Nicholas's Pupils slightly constricted, the Long Sword that was originally slashing towards Whitebeard's back was quickly reversed, blocking on the Trajectory of the Naginata's horizontal sweep.
Clang!!!
Long Sword and Naginata collided again, and suddenly Sparks burst out.
A violent Air Wave derived from this, with the Long Sword and Naginata as the center point, suddenly Bursted out, sweeping towards the surroundings.
Along the way, the Ground shattered, and countless gravels were swept up in the Air Wave.
And the Long Sword and Naginata of both sides also separated as soon as they touched.
Whitebeard, who utilized the Power brought by inertia, clearly gained the Advantage in this brief exchange between the Two people.
The continuous surging Power transmitted to the Long Sword, forcibly shook Nicholas directly and sent him flying backwards.
And in mid-air, Nicholas's Eyes, glowing with red light, stared intently at Whitebeard hidden in the dust, while Observation Haki always firmly locked onto Whitebeard, preventing his pursuit.
After landing, his feet braced against the Ground, plowing out two deep marks on the Ground, dissolving the force applied to his Body.
However, Whitebeard did not choose to take advantage of the situation to pursue, but after adjusting his Figure, he held the Naginata in his hand and walked towards Nicholas.
"Gurararara, you really are a cunning Kid."
While speaking, Whitebeard swung the Naginata in his hand and smashed it heavily on the Ground in front of him.
Bang!
The Ground was instantly blasted into a large pit by Whitebeard's immense Power.
In the flying dust, there were streaks of Lightning mixed in, obviously an ambush set by Nicholas, but it was discovered by Whitebeard.
"Gurararara, Lightning Brat, you should be clear that ranged attacks can unleash the maximum Power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, and fighting me in close combat is not a good choice."
After destroying the trap, Whitebeard put away his Naginata, looked at Nicholas and said.
"Who knows? Maybe I want to challenge my weakness?"
Nicholas said with an indifferent smile.
Whitebeard didn't say anything more about this, in fact, he was also clear that if he and Nicholas really went all out in a Battle, then Kuri would probably be completely destroyed, after all, the Tremor-Tremor Fruit activated at Full Power could be completely called a Natural Disaster.
"Then I'm going to attack."
Watching Whitebeard holding the Naginata standing still, Nicholas's Eyes narrowed slightly, and then he gripped the Long Sword in his hand tightly.
*Crackle*.
Nicholas stepped on the Ground with one Foot, accompanied by Lightning radiating from Underfoot.
Nicholas's Figure was like Lightning, rushing towards Whitebeard.
While rushing forward, he swung his Sword, unleashing massive Flying Slashes.
At the same time.
At his Side, streaks of Lightning began to construct Lightning outlines identical to Nicholas.
In just the blink of an Eye, dozens of Figures exactly the same as Nicholas appeared at Nicholas's Side, and directly scattered, rushing towards Whitebeard from different directions.
Nicholas then raised the Long Sword in his hand towards Whitebeard, accompanied by the Rumble-Rumble Fruit being activated at Full Power, the strange Long Sword floated in front of Nicholas, maintaining synchronization with him, and Electric Arcs visible to the naked Eyes began to appear on the outside of the Blade.
Lightning Greatsword - South - Electromagnetic Sword!
As the acceleration completed, the Longsword in front of Nicholas pierced straight towards Whitebeard directly in front at an incredible Speed.
And Whitebeard's Eyes narrowed slightly, although the Power and Speed of Nicholas's move exceeded his expectations, but he, who had already completed his charge-up, would not easily back down, the Arm holding the Naginata suddenly swelled with Muscle, and veins and Blood Vessel like coiling dragons.
He poured all his Power into the Naginata, and then slashed fiercely towards the incoming Long Sword.
However, Whitebeard obviously underestimated the Speed of the Long Sword that had accelerated, and the Lightning Clones that Nicholas had previously separated out, all directly came to Whitebeard's Side and detonated.
These Lightning Clones did not seek to inflict Damage on Whitebeard, their mission was to disrupt the momentum Whitebeard had built up!
In an instant.
Almost in a thousandth of a second, the Long Sword instantly pierced through Whitebeard's Body, and then went towards the distance behind Whitebeard, leaving a deep trench on the Ground, and finally directly blasted through the Mountains in the distance.
Not far away.
The Whitebeard Pirates, who had originally had their Attention drawn by the sudden change in the Kozuki Clan, only now reacted, and then hurriedly rushed towards the Position where Whitebeard was.
As for the life or death of that Kid from the Kozuki Family, it was simply not worth mentioning compared to Whitebeard's safety.
"Pops..."
Izo, who was originally in a Stand-off with Kanjuro, looked at Whitebeard who had been suddenly pierced through the Chest by a Sword, and couldn't help but mutter to himself.
And on the other side of the Battlefield.
Yamato, being pulled by Bell-lin, had a Face full of excitement.
"So strong."
Within the Battle circle.
Whitebeard looked at the penetrating Injury in his Chest, his Complexion slightly unsightly.
Although the Injury looked terrifying, he knew that his Vital point had not been injured, or rather, Nicholas had shown mercy.
Otherwise, that Strike just now would have been aimed at his Heart.
"Pops!"
Marco came to Whitebeard's Side and quickly helped him treat the Wound, while Jozu and others all entered a Battle State, vigilantly watching Nicholas.
"You really are amazing, Nicholas, you won."
Whitebeard looked up at Nicholas and said.
And Nicholas shook his head, it could be said that his move had the suspicion of being opportunistic, relying on the unexpectedness brought by ultimate Speed.
"Gurararara, a win is a win, I really didn't expect the Speed of your Sword to be so fast."
Whitebeard's mind couldn't help but recall Nicholas's Sword just now, it could be said that his Observation Haki absolutely captured the Trajectory of that Strike, but the only thing he didn't expect was that the Speed of that Sword would be so fast.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 395 Exile
"Ha, ha, ha, Whitebeard seems to have lost. Izo, aren't you going to check on your Pops?"
Kanjuro, who had been paying close attention to the Battlefield, let out a cheerful laugh.
For him, the threat level of these Retainers of the Kozuki Family was not high. After all, after more than twenty years of getting along, they were already very familiar with each other. What he truly cared about were Nicholas and Whitebeard, those guys.
After all, if those Monsters wanted to stop his final Performance, then he wouldn't have a magnificent Curtain Call. And the most important point was, since it was a grand Curtain Call, how could there be no witnesses? And Nicholas and Whitebeard's Status fully qualified them to be witnesses to the fall of Kozuki.
Facing Kanjuro's provocation, and the choice between being concerned about Whitebeard's safety and Kozuki Momonosuke's safety, made Izo's Inner Thoughts particularly painful. He wanted to go to Whitebeard's Side with Marco and the others, but he couldn't abandon Kozuki Momonosuke's safety.
"Ha ha ha, how truly ugly, Izo. Since you have already chosen to leave Wano Country, why come back to wade into these Troubled Waters? Is this Kid really worth you giving up your Future?" Kanjuro pinched Momonosuke's Neck, and said looking at Izo, his Tone full of sarcasm.
"How would you kind of guy understand the two words Loyalty and Righteousness!" Izo gritted his teeth and looked at Kanjuro.
And Kiku on the Side seemed to have finally realized that Kanjuro was no longer their Partner, and had Betrayal their Monarch. Staggered to stand up from Toki's Side, using his only remaining Arm, he drew his Sword and pointed it directly at Kanjuro. He wanted to personally sever their former Bonds.
"Nin~." Accompanied by the Sound, several round balls rolled to Kanjuro's Foot. Accompanied by a bang, white Smoke rose up, and thick Smoke immediately appeared In front of Kanjuro, even within a radius of three meters, vision was impossible.
"Denjiro, Nekomamushi, Inuarashi, Kiku, hurry up, rescue Young Master!" Raizo, who released the Smoke to disrupt Kanjuro's Line of Sight, quickly said to his Companion on his Side.
Denjiro and others also quickly reacted and directly jumped into the Smoke.
And in the Smoke, Kanjuro also looked vigilant. Almost at the moment the Smoke rose, he activated his Devil Fruit Ability, and drew a large number of Small Animals around him. As long as someone touched them or was discovered by them, these Small Animals would issue a warning.
At the same time, as Kanjuro waved his brush, more than a dozen Momonosukes bound by Ink Rope also appeared around Kanjuro one after another, mixed in with the real Momonosuke.
But these small Actions made by Kanjuro, in Denjiro's opinion, were completely useless. Almost at the moment Raizo's Smoke rose, his Observation Haki immediately locked onto Kanjuro's Position and Momonosuke's True Form.
As for Nekomamushi and Inuarashi, it goes without saying. The two of them could lock onto Momonosuke and Kanjuro just by relying on their Sense of Smell.
Soon, intense fighting Sounds came from within the Smoke. Because they both only had one Arm left, in the fierce Battle, it was difficult for Kanjuro to spare Energy to pay attention to Momonosuke.
Soon as the Smoke gradually dispersed, the Scene inside was revealed. Kanjuro knelt on the Ground propped up by his strangely shaped Weapon. Several Wounds appeared on his body, while Denjiro, Nekomamushi, and Inuarashi stood together. In the middle of them was Momonosuke who had been Captive by Kanjuro before.
"Denjiro, kill that Traitor." Looking at Kanjuro's miserable Manner, Momonosuke issued the order without hesitation.
"As you wish." Denjiro was silent for a moment, then directly holding his Long Sword, unhesitatingly slashed at Kanjuro's Head.
Just as the Blade Edge was about to fall on Kanjuro's Neck, suddenly a Lead Bullet directly attacked Denjiro. Denjiro reversed his Blade and directly blocked this Lead Bullet, then looked in the direction the Lead Bullet came from. His Complexion suddenly became extremely ugly. There was Nicholas and his group, and the Sniper who fired the Gun was from Nicholas's group.
Kanjuro, who had originally closed his eyes and waited for death, also revealed a surprised Expression. He didn't understand why Nicholas would intervene to save him.
And behind Nicholas was Whitebeard and others. At this time, Whitebeard also showed his Monster-like Physique. His chest was only wrapped in circles of Bandage, just like nothing had happened.
"Izo, according to the Agreement, we are leaving Wano Country, do you want to leave together?" Marco looked at Izo and asked.
Although Marco had already guessed Izo's decision, he still wanted to give Izo an Opportunity, an Opportunity to choose his own Life.
Looking at Whitebeard and the faces he had been with day and night, Izo helplessly shook his Head. For him, when he chose to follow and become Kozuki Oden's Retainer, his own Life had already been given to Kozuki Oden. Not being present in the Battle many years ago was already a dereliction of duty, then he will definitely not be absent from this Battle concerning the Life and death of the Kozuki Family now.
Izo knelt on the Ground and bowed his Head three times to Whitebeard, it was also to thank Whitebeard for his Care over the long Time.
And after Izo made his decision, Whitebeard didn't say anything more, but led the Whitebeard Pirates towards the direction of Moby Dick.
Just like when Kozuki Oden chose to board Roger's Ship back then, he Supports every choice made by his Sons.
"Nicholas, are you really going to go for the kill?" Denjiro held his Sword in one Hand and glared at Nicholas.
"Go for the kill? No, no, no, I'm just curious about what's so magical about this Person of Prophecy, so can you hand him over to me? As long as you hand him over to me and let me Research him, I can guarantee your safety." Nicholas looked with a Smile at Momonosuke who was being protected behind Denjiro.
He was still a little curious about Fate. And this Little Devil seems to possess the Voice of All Things like Roger and Luffy, but what he seems to be able to hear is only the Voice of Zou. Even so, there is still considerable Research Value, even if he can't Research anything, isn't there still Vegapunk, old buddy? Big Shot who can create Cyborgs by hand, maybe he can really come up with some results.
And hearing Nicholas's Words, Momonosuke immediately panicked. Nicholas's Smile in his eyes was undoubtedly like a Demon's smile.
Almost at the same Time, the Ground Underfoot of everyone suddenly trembled. The Whitebeard Pirates who were originally about to leave also stopped their Footsteps and looked in the direction the Sound came from.
Following their Gaze, soon a dark mass of cavalry appeared on the horizon, and behind them followed a large number of infantry.
"They are Hakumai Soldiers." Marco recognized at a glance the leader among the Hakumai Soldiers and the Banner of White Dance.
"It really is..." Jozu didn't know how to describe this Scene anymore. After all, the Kozuki Clan, which is known as the Orthodox of Wano Country, was about to be resolved by others, and no one came to Support them. On the contrary, the Hakumai Soldiers, who were defined as Rebels, seemed more like they were standing on the side of Justice.
Of course, if Dorag were here, he would definitely say "Popular Sentiment can be utilized, The Benevolent are Invincible!"
Looking at the large number of Hakumai Army that suddenly appeared, Amatsuki Toki and others' Complexion became even uglier. Because this meant their chances of survival were even slimmer.
Soon Ashina Isshin came In front of Nicholas and others, dismounted and knelt on one knee: "Lord Nicholas, Ashina Isshin brings 15,000 Hakumai Soldiers, come to Support!"
"Get up, you are thoughtful."
"You ungrateful wretch, have you forgotten the Pride of the Samurai of Wano Country!? Actually relying on Pirates!" Denjiro saw this Scene and directly rebuked.
"Samurai's Pride? That kind of Flashy but without Substance Things, I threw it away long ago when the Hakumai People were starving! And..." Saying that, Ashina Isshin took out a scroll.
"After soliciting Opinions from White Dance, Udon, Kibi, Ringo, Flower Capital and other Places, all Residents of Wano Country decided to implement Exile on the Kozuki Clan!!! Wano Country no longer welcomes you!"
"What!" Hearing Ashina Isshin's Words, Amatsuki Toki, Kikunojo, Denjiro and Izo and others' Faces were all filled with disbelief. Obviously they were unwilling to accept this Answer.
The Monarch was actually Exiled by the Citizens, what a Disgrace!
"I cannot agree with this Deceiving the Ruler and Disregarding Superiors Action!" Raizo, who had always been considered taciturn, suddenly erupted and charged towards Ashina Isshin. He wanted to seize the Document that brought Disgrace to Kozuki.
Facing Raizo's outburst, Ashina Isshin, the White Dance Sword Saint, did not choose to use his Sword, but covered his leg with Armament Haki. At the moment Raizo arrived, he kicked Raizo in the Face with one Foot.
As the foot surface covered with Armament Haki contacted Raizo's Face, Raizo's Facial Features squeezed together, even directly caved in, like a deflated dough. And a crisp Bone Fracture Sound was also heard.
Raizo flew backwards with his Face full of Blood and fell to the Ground with a thud. After struggling painfully on the Ground for a moment, he directly fell into a faint.
"Raizo." Denjiro shouted, an Expression on his Face revealed extreme anxiety.
It can be said that every bit of Power is extremely important to them now.
(End of Chapter)