Wright had secretly arrived at G-5, and as expected, Rosinante's base commander office was fully soundproof—no need for a special chamber when discussing confidential matters.
Ace walked into the office, wearing a somewhat awkward expression.
"Sensei, the guests from Wano have arrived."
"Oh? Send them in… What's with that face?"
Wright looked at Ace with a spark of curiosity.
"Did something happen to them?"
"Uh… they're fine, technically. They just overate at the mess hall and can't move. I had to get someone to help them over."
"..."
Wright's eye twitched.
"Let them in… No, you go bring them in."
Ace left with a grin he tried to suppress, and a moment later, he returned with a thoroughly embarrassed Kin'emon and Momonosuke in tow.
"I am Kin'emon of the Foxfire, retainer of the Kouzuki Clan from Wano, here on behalf of Momonosuke-sama to greet the Fleet Admiral!"
Clad in a fresh kimono with twin swords at his waist, Kin'emon bowed deeply, doing his best to ignore the painful tightness in his stomach. To appear before the supreme commander of the world's largest military in such a disgraceful state—he felt utterly ashamed.
But the Navy mess hall… was just too wonderful.
After surviving for so long in Dressrosa on Kanjuro's painted food, even the starvation he endured as a retainer of the Daimyō of Kuri twenty years ago seemed mild. When Kouzuki Oden had abandoned his family to join Roger on the voyage to the Final Island, Kin'emon and the others had stayed behind to protect Lady Toki and her children. Not only did they have to govern Kuri, but they also endured constant assassination attempts, provocations, and schemes from Kurozumi Orochi. Life was unimaginably harsh.
Hunger was routine—Lady Toki, young Momonosuke, and Princess Hiyori had barely enough to eat.
Neither Kin'emon nor Momonosuke had enjoyed a proper meal in years. So, when Ace told them they could eat as much as they wanted in the Navy mess hall, the overwhelming bliss hit them like a truck.
Hence… this situation.
"I am Momonosuke, son of Kouzuki Oden, Daimyō of Kuri in Wano… I greet the Fleet Admiral!"
Momonosuke had changed into a clean pink kimono and, with his delicate features and polished manners, appeared rather cute.
While in Dressrosa, he, Kin'emon, and Kanjuro had made discreet inquiries into the Navy Headquarters. The name of the man standing before him now—this Fleet Admiral—was one he'd heard countless times.
Even though he was only eight, Momonosuke had come to understand well: the youngest Fleet Admiral in history had an extraordinary legacy.
He bowed with the highest formality, as his mother had taught him—a gesture reserved for presenting oneself to a Shōgun. Kin'emon had emphasized this countless times.
For now, he stood as the head of the Kouzuki Clan. They had come to plead for the Navy's aid.
And yet… Whitebeard was his father's sworn brother. Which means this man standing before him—the Fleet Admiral—was the one who personally cut down his uncle?!
That thought sent a shiver down Momonosuke's spine.
Wright, of course, understood exactly what was going through the boy's mind. For a warrior like Kin'emon, Wright needed some effort to read him. But for a child like Momonosuke? He could see right through.
"No need for such formality. You're guests of the Navy now. Please, have a seat. Ace, bring them some good tea."
Ace nodded, stepped forward, filled the teapot with fresh leaves, and poured in water. With a flash of flame from his palm, the kettle immediately began to steam and bubble.
He poured the tea for Kin'emon and Momonosuke. The rich aroma helped bring the two back to their senses.
So this is... Rear Admiral Ace's ability to transform into flame? Such precise control...
Kin'emon was quietly awestruck. In that single moment, he gained new respect for the Rear Admiral's strength—even if his assessment wasn't quite accurate.
As a seasoned warrior, Kin'emon understood the difference between swinging a blade to strike and using it to carve intricate patterns.
And Ace was only a Rear Admiral. Above him were Vice Admirals, Admirals… and then the Fleet Admiral.
What kind of strength must this man possess—someone who, even as a Vice Admiral, had once wounded Kaido?!
"You hail from Wano. Though your nation remains closed off, the Navy Headquarters—the greatest military force in the world—is far from ignorant about it."
Wright spoke. A subtle yet imposing aura seemed to radiate from him, giving his words a commanding weight.
"Over twenty years ago, Kouzuki Oden, Daimyō of Kuri, sailed as a crewmember with both Whitebeard and the Pirate King Roger. His name resounded across the seas. The Navy clashed with him more than once."
He looked at the clearly uncomfortable Kin'emon and the anxious yet awe-struck Momonosuke, then gave a small smile.
"Don't worry—I'm not here to hold you accountable for old history. Oden may have been a pirate, but you weren't."
"Kaido has entrenched himself in Wano. With its naturally fortified terrain and the Shōgun Kurozumi Orochi, who conspired with him, your nation has been turned into a massive weapons factory—fueling global tragedy."
"As one of the now-three Emperors, Kaido's tyranny and destruction in the New World is plain for the world to see."
"As a Navy dedicated to justice and protecting the seas, Kaido is an enemy we must bring down. In that regard… our goals align."
"But Orochi… Wano is not a World Government member. The Navy has neither the obligation nor the jurisdiction to interfere with its internal affairs."
Wright's bluntness pulled Kin'emon into focus. Though often comical and lecherous in demeanor, Kin'emon—as leader of the Akazaya Nine—was a brilliant tactician and well-respected in Wano. His reputation was well-earned.
"My lord is still young, so I shall speak in his stead, Fleet Admiral."
He exchanged a glance with Momonosuke, then set his teacup down and leaned forward earnestly.
"Fleet Admiral, we've come to you today… to request aid from the Navy!"
"You likely already know our identities, but I still ask your permission to explain the circumstances that have brought us here."
He locked eyes with Wright's golden-glinting gaze.
"You are renowned across the world, Fleet Admiral Wright. I stand here, cornered, gambling everything on you. If you truly uphold justice as the legends say… then please, hear what I have to say!"
"Wano has suffered under Kaido and Orochi's rule for over two decades. I believe the information we bring, along with our identities, offers the Navy the perfect reason to intervene!"
Kin'emon had long been prepared. The Akazaya had the moral authority, but not the strength. The Navy had the strength, but not the justification.
Wano was not just any nation. Even under Kaido's oppression, it retained great military power. But the country had been isolated for centuries and was hostile to outside interference. Without legitimacy, even the Navy might face rebellion from the locals.
As for the consequences of involving the Navy… if the Akazaya were to fulfill Oden's dying wish of "opening Wano's borders", then contact with the Navy was inevitable.
If that's the case, then better to remove the cancer now—Kaido and Orochi—with the Navy's help.
At the very least, unlike pirates, the Navy upheld justice. Even if the Akazaya perished, the people of Wano would not be forsaken.
"Fleet Admiral… is there any hope this gamble of mine might succeed?"
After recounting everything, Kin'emon finally exhaled. The helplessness, the fear, the exhaustion, the rage, the despair of these past days—it all came pouring out, impossible to suppress before this man.
"Hmm…"
Wright gazed thoughtfully at the stern Kin'emon and the nervous Momonosuke before finally nodding with a faint smile.
"Hope? Oh… I'd say you have quite a lot of it."
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