"This is the situation."
"Previously, the World Government turned a blind eye to Wano Country, never pressing the issue of whether we were a member nation... because we've always maintained our isolationist policy."
"But now, as we gradually begin planning to open our borders, their invitation has arrived."
"Even... before the Marine has finished their cleanup operations in Wano, they're already rushing to recruit us."
In Wano Country, Kozuki Toki sat in the main seat, surveying the daimyo of Wano.
And the daimyo had no objections whatsoever.
Kozuki Oden, whose political instincts and sensitivity were practically zero, was better off leading the frontline teams in mine-clearing operations.
For many years, Kozuki Toki had effectively been the one making decisions for Wano Country.
At this moment, a hint of confusion was unavoidable on Toki's face.
Because the attitude of the World Government and the Five Elders was truly inscrutable.
Although the World Government had secretly supported Kaido's failed attempt this time, they hadn't openly intervened.
So for them to eagerly invite Wano to join the World Government now was practically laying their own dignity on the ground and inviting Wano and the Marine to step on it twice.
From Toki's understanding of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, they would never do something so meaningless...
They must have ulterior motives.
"Whether we become a member nation of the World Government or not makes little difference to them..." Shimotsuki Yasuie crossed his arms and analyzed calmly, "In fact, this so-called invitation seems more like an excuse... Their real goal is likely to meet with the Shogun and Lady Toki."
"There's certainly that implication..." Shimotsuki Ushimaru agreed with Yasuie's reasoning,
"However, I believe we should accept the invitation... After all, with both the Marine and the Revolutionary Army standing strong on the seas now, the World Government could easily become completely hysterical over any minor incident... Even if we want to oppose them, now might not be the time. Don't forget what they hold in their hands."
Ushimaru's words plunged everyone into silence.
That's right—the World Government possessed Uranus, a weapon capable of annihilating nations!
The threat of nuclear weapons is greatest before they're actually launched!
"In that case, it seems the World Government still intends to recruit us..." Kozuki Toki raised her head and said composedly, "Or perhaps they want our silence regarding the Dyna Stone incident... Regardless, Oden and I must make a trip to Mary Geoise."
The daimyo exchanged glances...
This seemed to be the only way.
Although Wano Country had always been a non-affiliated nation of the World Government.
But until the last moment, they didn't want to completely sever ties with the World Government...
Even if they had to, it shouldn't be Wano that made the first move.
Just as Kozuki Toki was about to make her decision, a familiar voice came from outside the door.
"Toki, you can set your mind at ease and go with Oden... I can guarantee nothing will happen to you on this trip."
"Father!?"
Kozuki Toki abruptly stood up, looking toward the man outside who had just retracted his angelic wings.
"Michael-sama."
Recognizing the newcomer as Michael, the daimyo nodded in respect one after another.
Whether it was Michael's father-daughter relationship with Kozuki Toki or his feat of defeating Kaido, the daimyo were utterly convinced by this "angel."
"Alright, alright, why so serious... I originally came to see Momonosuke... no, I mean to check on Rin, but I happened to overhear your meeting on the way." Michael pointed to his ears, "Sorry, my hearing has been a bit too sharp lately."
"Father, does that mean you approve of this matter?"
"There's nothing to refuse. The World Government may seem shaky now, but they haven't suffered any real damage—their top combat forces remain intact... Plus, with Uranus in play, they aren't in a position to fight to the death or risk mutual destruction."
"I see... So this time, the World Government simply wants to win over Wano?"
"Hard to say... More likely, they're testing your stance toward the Marines and the Revolutionary Army. As a major weapons producer, the World Government can accept your neutrality but won't tolerate you siding with anyone but them." Michael shrugged, "But don't worry. Now that I know about this, I won't let my own daughter walk into danger."
"You mean... you'll come with us to Mary Geoise!?"
"...Toki, have you been too tired lately? Your brain's not working right." Michael pointed at his own face.
"I'm Michael! The World Government doesn't harbor killing intent toward you two, but if I tag along, they'd probably mobilize their entire force to eliminate us on the spot... Of course I won't go to Mary Geoise. There's only one more time in my life I'll set foot there... the day I accept the World Government's surrender!"
"Then what do you plan to... do?"
"I'll reveal my presence in the waters outside Mary Geoise."
"But in that case... your relationship with Wano..."
"You don't actually think the World Government is unaware of our connection, do you?" Michael clapped his hands, "Alright, it's happily decided then... Quick, quick, take me to see my new granddaughter!"
The daimyo exchanged glances again, then nodded slowly.
With Michael here, they could rest easy.
...
"Ahahaha! When Toki first told me about her relationship with you, my mind was a complete mess! It's all fate, father of my in-law!"
"You can say that again! Not just you, when Toki called me 'Father,' I was completely stunned... A man in his thirties with an adopted daughter much older than himself... Who would believe that?"
Kozuki Sukiyaki laughed heartily, slapping Michael on the shoulder with an enthusiasm that was almost overwhelming.
He kept calling him "dear in-law," while the other daimyo covered their mouths, stifling giggles.
Meanwhile, after leaving the conference room, Shimotsuki Yasuie took a swaddled baby girl from one of his attendants.
"This is..."
"Oh, Michael-sama, you might not know this, but I have no descendants of my own, so I adopted an abandoned child... If she proves herself worthy in the future, she'll inherit the Shimotsuki name. If not, then as long as she lives peacefully, that's enough."
"What's her name?"
"Toko."
"May I... hold her?"
"Please be careful."
Michael nodded and gently took little Toko from Shimotsuki Yasuie's arms.
The faint traces of pink hair and distinctive brows were already visible. Without thinking, Michael swayed her lightly and murmured.
"How wonderful."
"In this life, may you laugh when you're happy and cry when you're sad—no longer bound by the mask of a forced smile."
"I will forge a future of freedom for all of you!"
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