One Piece: The user of the Nen-Nen Fruit, who overturned the sea.

"That's right!"

"I only found out later!"

I wanted to smash that idiot to death with a stick!

But the person is already dead, and there's no way to bring them back.

The only thing to do is to cover up the traces and get rid of anyone who knows the truth.

I thought I could get away with it, but those Red Scabbards had such a keen sense of smell!

Jin said in a deep voice,

"According to intelligence, they seem to have found some of the guards from back then and, through some means, may have pieced together part of the truth."

Although there is no direct evidence pointing to Orochi or us, Kozuki Oden himself... has probably become suspicious.

Given his personality, once he confirms the hostages are dead, he might very well abandon his restraint and choose to perish together with them.

Roy narrowed his eyes slightly.

In the original story, it was only after learning the truth about the hostages' deaths that Kozuki Oden decided to no longer endure it in his grief and anger.

He led the Nine Red Scabbards in a desperate charge against Kaido, but was ultimately defeated and boiled alive.

Although the timeline and details have changed due to my intervention, the key points of conflict seem to still exist.

"Kozuki Oden's strength should not be underestimated, and his retainers are all highly skilled."

Even if they win by fighting to the death, Wano Country will be thrown into chaos, affecting the production of Seastone and cash flow.

Roy analyzed,

"Can we withstand Kurozumi Orochi's armor?"

"Block my ass!"

Kaido scoffed.

"Aside from the old woman with the Imitation Fruit and the old man with the Barrier Fruit, who are a bit troublesome, Orochi's subordinates are all useless."

"With just them, the Nine Red Scabbards could turn the Flower Capital upside down."

"So, you need to prepare in advance, or... go back and oversee things in person?"

Kaido was silent for a moment, then shook his head.

"It's not the right time yet."

The three newly conquered islands in the east haven't been fully digested yet, and there are constant clashes with Big Mom's forces in the south.

"I cannot leave the front lines for too long."

"and……"

Kaido glanced at Roy, his gaze carrying a meaningful meaning.

"I think that Kozuki Oden might not immediately launch an attack."

That guy may be a bit simple-minded, but he's loyal and values ​​relationships.

He might hesitate until he is 100% certain that the hostage is dead, or until he finds conclusive evidence that we were behind it.

What he's more likely to do now is continue his investigation while secretly contacting other forces that might oppose Orochi.

Roy agreed with this assessment.

Kozuki Oden was a complex figure, possessing both the bravery and responsibility of a hero.

It also has naive idealism and excessive "benevolence".

In the original story, he only broke out after confirming the hostage's death. Even if he had some doubts before, he endured them because of the "agreement" and "what if".

"So, what are your plans?" Roy asked.

"Complete the bloodline transplant first!"

Kaido was resolute.

"Strengthen our own power!"

As long as Laozi, Jin, and Quinn become stronger, even if Kozuki Oden really brings people to attack, we can suppress them more quickly and reduce losses!

As for that idiot Orochi...

Let him deal with Kozuki Oden first, exhausting both sides' strength.

"I'll deal with them all when I'm free!"

Roy nodded. This was in line with Kaido's brutal and direct plan—using brute force to overcome skill, while letting potential enemies wear each other down.

Roy thought for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"The plan is feasible."

"The matter of Kozuki Oden must be resolved eventually. With our current power and strength, we really don't need to worry too much."

"However, Kaido,"

"I suggest that after the transplant, you secretly return to Wano Country to make some arrangements."

At the very least, ensure the safety of the sea stone mines and key funding channels, and if necessary…

Roy paused, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"I can send some people over to assist."

After all, the stability of Wano Country is also related to our resource supply.

Kaido stared at Roy for a few seconds, then suddenly grinned.

"Hehehe! Roy, so you really do have designs on Wano Country after all!"

However, I like your straightforwardness!

"good!"

"Once the transplant is complete and we see the results, we can discuss it in more detail!"

"If this new technology can truly greatly increase my strength, then Kozuki Oden..."

"Hmph, just a clown!"

An internal crisis in Wano Country that could potentially reshape the new world order was initially addressed in a brief conversation between the two.

Strength is always the fundamental prerequisite for solving all problems.

And now, the opportunity to gain even greater power is right before us.

"Now that everything's been explained clearly, let's not waste any more time!"

Kaido suddenly stood up, his massive body exuding an intense sense of oppression.

"Take me to that lab! I want to see what kind of amazing thing Gracia's brain has come up with!"

Roy also stood up and addressed his colleagues in the meeting room, whose expressions varied.

"Please wait here."

Kaido and I will go to the lab first.

If all goes well, the first batch of transplants can begin soon.

Stella, get everyone settled.

"Yes, Captain," Stella replied.

Roy looked at Hawkeye, Barrett, and the others, nodded, and then walked side by side with Kaido toward the conference room door.

Jhin and Quinn followed silently.

Yamato watched Kaido's departing figure, her lips moved, but in the end she said nothing.

He sat down again, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

Led by Roy, Kaido, King, and Queen passed through the heavily guarded passage.

They entered Dr. Gracia's research base, located deep underground on a small island attached to Beehive Island.

The base was clean and bright, filled with a futuristic feel. The alloy walls reflected a cold, metallic sheen.

Various complex pipes and lines are neatly arranged, and personnel dressed in white research coats move about in a busy but orderly manner in different areas.

The air was filled with a faint smell of disinfectant.

"Hmm... this place is quite nicely done."

Kaido looked around with great interest.

He has no interest in scientific research itself, but he does approve of facilities that can produce strong results.

Jhin and Quinn, on the other hand, seemed more professional.

Jin's gaze swept over the parameters displayed on some instruments, his eyes flickering slightly.

Quinn went even closer to some of the culture devices, observing the wriggling tissue samples inside through the glass, muttering to himself...

"The cell activity is very strong..."

The culture medium formula is quite interesting...

Soon, they arrived at the core area of ​​the base.

Before a heavy alloy door, Dr. Gracia and several core researchers were already waiting.

"Boss Roy! Captain Kaido! Welcome to the core laboratory!"

Dr. Gracia came up and greeted him.

"Everything is ready!"

"Doctor, please skip the formalities."

Kaido waved his hand impatiently.

"Take me straight to the good stuff! Where are those 'embryos' that can make us stronger?"

"plz follow me!"

Without further ado, Dr. Gracia turned and entered a complex password onto the control panel by the door.

Iris and palm print verification were also performed.

The heavy alloy doors slid open silently to both sides, revealing a brighter and wider passageway behind them.

Instead of walls, the passageway now features massive, transparent reinforced glass panels that extend from the ceiling to the floor!

Behind the glass were individual cylindrical culture chambers filled with a pale green nutrient solution!

And suspended inside the culture chamber...

They are "human bodies" with their eyes closed, as if they are asleep!