CHAPTER 280 RETURNING TO WANO
In an instant, the entire New World became turbulent. Zephyr's actions commanding the NEO Navy had received extensive newspaper coverage. Everyone anticipated the pirate emperors' and Navy's responses.
Now, those responses had arrived. Neither the Beast Pirates' deployment nor the Navy's sailing was secret. A certain world-class news mogul had published the information immediately.
This chaotic New World, which hadn't experienced major upheaval in years, was finally becoming lively. People began waiting—waiting for war's arrival. What would the New World become? Those living in these waters felt uneasy.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the New World, at NEO Navy's temporary headquarters:
"The enemy is the Beast Pirates plus a massive Navy fleet!" A man dressed flamboyantly like a Wano ninja, carrying a long katana, looked panicked. "Zephyr-sensei, direct confrontation gives us zero chance of victory!"
The Beast Pirates alone were terrifying enough, let alone the Navy deploying their elite forces. According to intelligence from Fish-Man Island, three admirals had deployed simultaneously this time! Direct engagement would pulverize them instantly.
"No need to panic, Binz," Zephyr remained calm. "The enemy is indeed formidable, but we're not fighting alone."
The flamboyantly-dressed man, Binz—also Zephyr's student, a Paramecia Luxuriant Fruit user.
"Exactly right."
Just then, the temporary conference room door opened as a tall figure strode in. "So I came immediately."
"Brett!" Binz exclaimed joyfully.
"You came quickly," Zephyr exhaled with relief, smiling. "Then let's skip pleasantries. Brett, what's the plan?"
Fleeing like homeless dogs to hide anonymously in some ocean corner would avoid enemy attacks. But choosing that—what difference from death?
"Zephyr, engage the Navy in delaying tactics. Don't clash directly," Brett said. "Help me buy time. Don't worry about intelligence failures causing Navy capture—our intelligence capabilities aren't weak either."
Tesoro, Morgans, plus Charlotte Linlin whose relationship remained decent currently. Combined, though still inferior to the World Government, they should suffice for now.
"Delaying is manageable. But Brett, what will you do?" Zephyr asked.
"First, dissuade a certain someone," Brett said. "If everyone swarms together, the battlefield becomes too chaotic."
"Oh?"
---
Brett didn't linger at Zephyr's location. After eating, he transformed into a dragon and ascended skyward.
Watching his departing figure, Ain couldn't help but sigh. "Before truly interacting with him, who could have imagined such a man?"
Zephyr nodded lightly. Indeed—who'd have imagined the person initially regarded as an enemy would become the most reliable partner?
Brett transformed again into his crimson dragon-man form, treading clouds, trailing long lightning streaks across the sky. His speed remained characteristically lightning-fast.
Without much time passing, he'd reached his destination. Looking down from the sky, that massive island came into view.
This enormous island was surrounded by towering walls. Inside those walls, an inner sea suspended above the ocean.
This nation's name was Wano Country. The nation ruled by the Beast Pirates.
Now Kaido and his pirate crew had sailed away—perfect timing for a raid. Coming here meant giving Kaido a compelling reason to return. The Navy was troublesome enough—better not let Kaido meddle in this war.
That was Brett's thinking.
Having visited Wano previously, he wasn't worried about getting lost. Brett flew across Wano trailing sparks and lightning.
Soon, a reasonably prosperous city appeared before him. The Flower Capital—arrived.
So next, should he cause immediate havoc, or find someone first?
---
The Flower Capital's nightlife remained prosperous. While other regions of this nation had nearly become ruins, this place alone—the city where Wano's shogun resided—maintained its original appearance.
People living here, though cautious, ultimately lived more happily than residents elsewhere in this nation. Even after nightfall, the city hadn't rested, remaining brilliantly lit and lively.
In one district stood a reasonably prosperous residence—home to Kyoshiro, Wano's famous ronin, Shogun Orochi's foremost warrior.
Night had grown deep. Having drunk heavily at a city tavern with his ronin subordinates until late, Kyoshiro staggered home. Just after closing the door, preparing to sleep:
"You've kept me waiting quite long," a voice suddenly emerged from darkness.
"..."
His drunken aura vanished instantly. Cold dread shot from his feet to his skull. Completely undetected. If this person bore ill intent, he'd already be dead unknowingly.
His right hand immediately gripped his waist katana's hilt. Powerful Ryuo coated the blade.
"No need to be tense. If I wanted you dead, I'd have killed you last time."
The figure emerged from darkness. Moonlight illuminated his appearance.
"You're—" Kyoshiro's usually narrowed eyes couldn't help but widen.
He recognized this man. Rather—unforgettable. As this man said, if he'd wanted to kill him, it would've happened last time.
So Kyoshiro's tensed muscles relaxed slightly. He understood that, barring accidents, this man wasn't his enemy.
"Good, you've calmed down," Brett smiled. "I have a question—where are your people?"
"..." Kyoshiro didn't answer. He hesitated.
"Relax. I've come to help again. Kaido's currently absent from Wano—the perfect opportunity has arrived," Brett smiled. "Though temporarily unable to expel Kaido from this nation, at minimum—we can start with a certain someone."
Kyoshiro's eyes widened.
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