Though Michael had stepped out of the Shogun's residence first, he waited for the couple before moving forward together.
After all...
He didn't know the way and couldn't be bothered to use Observation Haki for something so trivial.
Thus, led by Kozuki Toki, Wano's two highest leaders and Michael made their way to the Overseas Trade Promotion Association.
"Father, there's actually another reason I have no objections to your approach."
"Oh? What is it?"
Michael was genuinely intrigued by Kozuki Toki's stance.
While he understood her deep emotional bond with his future self, the middle-aged Kozuki Toki was also an outstanding and mature national leader—someone who would never make decisions based solely on sentiment.
"Since its establishment, I served as the first president of the Overseas Trade Promotion Association. After me, there have been three successive presidents."
"And every year, I review the association's accounts... After all, with Fish-Man Island and Sabaody Archipelago in the picture, overseas trade has become Wano's most vital economic lifeline."
"But in recent years, I've noticed discrepancies between the recorded profit growth and the reports... So I've always had my doubts about this fourth president."
"Your actions provided the perfect opportunity to expose whoever's been meddling behind the scenes."
Michael nodded.
Reasonable.
Unbelievably fucking reasonable.
So reasonable it shouldn't even exist in the world of One Piece!
Man! What can I say!
"I have a feeling the truth might exceed your expectations."
Michael said this as they arrived—the association wasn't far from the Shogun's residence.
The staff showed no particular excitement at Kozuki Oden and Kozuki Toki's visit, suggesting the couple had made frequent inspections in the past.
"Where's President Higurashi?"
"In his office!"
"Good. Everyone can leave for the day. I have confidential matters to discuss with President Higurashi."
"Yes, sir!"
The staff brightened visibly.
As Wano's most profitable department, it was also the most exhausting—they worked like dogs every day...
Kozuki Toki unexpectedly gave them half a day off, which moved them to tears of joy.
In just half a minute, the entire Overseas Trade Promotion Association was completely deserted.
"...Let me just say, 996 or 007 work schedules are truly unacceptable."
"What are you talking about? I'm not one of those capitalists who need to be overthrown!" Kozuki Toki crossed her arms and glared at Michael indignantly.
"But I won't deny that, within standard working hours, they do have it tougher than other departments."
Michael grinned but didn't comment.
"Anyway, didn't we come here to check if President Higurashi is really up to something?" Kozuki Oden pointed upstairs.
"Shouldn't we focus on the main task?"
"Tch, father-daughter talk here, son-in-law, Shut it!"
"...Wow."
But Michael naturally knew priorities.
He took the lead and climbed the stairs.
Without delay, he arrived outside the president's office.
He reached out and slowly pushed the door open.
Inside, Momonosuke and Jack sat silently to the side.
Yamato was seated on the sofa, her spiked club "A-Ken" propped nearby.
Her hands gently massaged Kozuki Hiyori's feet.
On the floor lay an ugly old woman with broken legs, unconscious.
One glance at that face, and Kozuki Oden and Kozuki Toki's expressions darkened instantly.
That face was all too familiar to the couple!
Kurozumi Higurashi!
"Damn it! I thought she was dead years ago!"
"Oden, it's not your fault." Kozuki Toki frowned. "Back then... she fooled all of us."
At this moment, Kozuki Toki's mind was racing.
If the fourth president was Kurozumi Higurashi...
Then were the first two presidents really who they claimed to be?
After all, Kurozumi Higurashi was a user of the Clone-Clone Fruit.
How many more irregularities might be hidden in the years of account books she hadn't uncovered yet?
Suddenly, a hand patted her head.
It was Michael.
"Alright, don't dwell on the details for now." He then looked up at the others in the office. "Who's going to explain this to me?"
"Father!" Yamato abruptly stood and stepped forward. "Kurozumi Higurashi... was Kaido's inside agent in Wano."
"Tch, why am I not surprised?" Michael smirked dangerously. "So, this informant must have already told Kaido about my presence, right?"
"Yes, I heard Kaido say... 'Excellent.'"
"Of course he would. After all, whether it's the Beasts Pirates or the allies he's gathered again, they're quite formidable now... Not to mention, they've got Weevil in their grasp."
As he spoke, Michael walked to the sofa and extended his hand.
A gentle Holy Light enveloped Kozuki Hiyori's foot.
The swollen foot, nearly resembling a pig's trotter, finally returned to normal.
"You've got quite the temper, kid. Takes after me... Did you kick her yourself?"
"Uh yeah, Grandpa, hehe."
"You bet! That kick left me stunned!" Momonosuke rushed forward, vividly reenacting the scene with animated gestures.
Hearing this, Michael looked at Kozuki Hiyori with a hint of surprise.
Should he teach Kozuki Hiyori the RKO as well?
But such random thoughts lasted only a fleeting moment.
After healing Kozuki Hiyori, Michael turned his gaze to Kurozumi Higurashi.
The same Holy light formed into a sphere and struck Kurozumi Higurashi squarely on the forehead.
Under Michael's control, the amount of Holy light was precisely measured—just enough to wake Kurozumi Higurashi, but not a single trace of healing would reach her legs.
In fact, the sudden clarity of mind would even heighten her sensitivity to pain.
And so...
Kurozumi Higurashi awoke with a pained groan.
The moment she opened her eyes, she saw Michael.
And standing beside Michael, the grim-faced couple, Kozuki Toki and her husband.
Old foxes grow cunning with age.
Kurozumi Higurashi knew all too well that her ties with Kaido had been completely exposed.
"Heh heh heh, so you've all come, the Kozuki family," KurozumiHigurashi croaked, her voice grating yet oddly triumphant.
"Just wait. Soon, Wano will once again fall under Kaido's heel... Since you refuse to let the Kurozumi clan rule Wano... then let's all go to hell together."
"Ah, my apologies."
Michael said with a smile:
"Given that my name is Michael, not Lucifer, so..."
"Going to hell together won't be necessary."
"You can go ahead by yourselves."
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