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"Kaido-sama," King said, casting a wary glance at him.
The implications were clear. Five years was a long time to wait on a promise, especially considering how the Beasts Pirates had been strung along by the Kozuki clan's resistance before. And, with the current 50% profit from the arms trade, many within the crew were already reluctant to keep sharing this much with Wanokuni's leaders.
"That's final," Kaido said, his decision unwavering.
Kaido had made up his mind. He didn't expect immediate results from the artificial Devil Fruits, but he was willing to wait if the potential rewards were high enough. And whether this was an empty promise or not, he'd find a way to test Alex's claims soon enough.
Overall, his losses here were manageable: some potential future profits from arms, and part of Wanokuni's hidden resources. But considering he was still an outsider ruling Wanokuni, he knew the lingering threat of the samurai and the risk of civil unrest complicated his hold on the region. A conflict there could disrupt arms production, impacting his core interests.
So, as long as his primary gains remained intact—the arms profits—Kaido could afford to make this deal. In exchange, he'd receive a crucial Road Poneglyph and the possibility of building an all-Zoan army, which aligned perfectly with his dream of a Beasts Pirates empire.
In Kaido's mind, this was a win-win deal that posed no real loss.
Alex, too, found himself satisfied. This deal eliminated any obstacles to his own takeover of Wanokuni. And the so-called check he'd issued Kaido was hardly a sacrifice: the Road Poneglyph he promised wasn't even the original, just a rubbing, which would be sufficient for Kaido's needs.
As for the artificial Devil Fruits, they were a known element of the broader scientific world, something that could indeed be accomplished with the right connections. Once he found Caesar Clown, he could make this part of the plan a reality.
'Not to mention,' Alex thought, 'Wanokuni's greatest asset lies beneath it: the ancient weapon, Pluton."'
With Pluton in his grasp, Alex could secure control over Wanokuni in a way that far surpassed any profits from arms trading. For now, he and Kaido shared a common interest, and under mutual calculations, their cooperation was sealed.
"So, Alex," Kaido rumbled, "what's your plan? Even without our interference, taking control over Wanokuni's people won't be easy. Those samurai are as stubborn as they come."
Alex's expression was calm and confident. "No need to worry about that. The fact that I'm negotiating with you about Wanokuni's future shows that I'm prepared."
The key to subduing Wanokuni's fiercely loyal citizens lay in assuming the title of Shogun—a symbol of legitimacy in Wanokuni. Kurozumi Orochi had taken that position by claiming Kozuki Sukiyaki's endorsement. Similarly, Alex had a plan to claim the throne with his own version of Kozuki Sukiyaki's legacy.
Just then, the familiar ring of a Den Den Mushi interrupted them. King answered it, then quickly looked up, realizing something he had forgotten. "Kaido-sama, there's been an incident—the Nine Red Scabbards have escaped!"
Kaido's joyful expression immediately darkened. "Explain. Now."
King spoke quickly. "After Kozuki Oden regained consciousness, he unleashed a powerful burst of Conqueror's Haki, stunning nearby guards. Somehow, he managed to help the Nine Red Scabbards break free from their restraints and escape."
"Where is Oden now?" Alex asked, his face grim. He couldn't afford any unexpected disruptions to his plan.
King continued, noting the seriousness in both Kaido's and Alex's expressions. "Oden didn't flee with the others. He stayed behind deliberately, buying them time. We've taken him back to the prison for now, as a precaution."
With Kaido and his top officers away, the remaining pirates were reluctant to risk splitting their forces to pursue the Nine Red Scabbards, knowing the trouble Kozuki Oden alone could cause if he escaped.
Despite the escape, Alex remained calm. "It's still manageable. But Kozuki Oden must be removed from the picture entirely. My plan doesn't leave room for any living heirs of the Kozuki clan."
Kaido gave a menacing grin. "Don't worry. I'll make sure Oden is taken care of."
With that, Alex took a Den Den Mushi from his coat, tossed it to Kaido, and rose into the air, the stone beneath his feet lifting him off Onigashima as he prepared to leave. Watching him depart, a hidden figure on Onigashima observed him carefully, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Once Alex was gone, King turned to Kaido. "Kaido-sama, can we really trust that guy? He's still a Float-Float user, after all."
Kaido tossed the Den Den Mushi to King and stood. "He wants Onigashima gone because of the terrain," he noted, "and that Conqueror's Haki of his... it's the same kind of pride the old Shiki had. That guy's offer isn't just for show."
Then Kaido laughed, his voice booming. "Worororo, as for this so-called 'alliance'? Bah! It's just a mutually beneficial arrangement. We're pirates! We believe in two things: strength and profit!"
Kaido's tone shifted to one of anticipation. "Now bring Oden back to me! I want to enjoy a little fun before his execution!"