Wano Country, a nation closed off from the world.
It does not receive outsiders, nor does it join the World Government as a World Government member nation.
As a powerful nation in the New World, the fact that Wano can remain isolated for so many years is largely thanks to its unique geographical environment.
In the world of One Piece, the most common sight is a small island that isn't particularly large, yet still supports a whole nation.
But Wano's island is not only large enough, its sea level is also extremely high.
The main island is surrounded by towering rock cliffs and waterfalls, and the external port faces Onigashima—Kaido's former stronghold.
For most outsiders, entering Wano basically requires climbing the waterfalls against the current.
As for the success rate of going upstream…
It's downright tear-jerking.
In the original story, the Whitebeard Pirates and the BIG MOM Pirates all failed.
Even Luffy and his crew, the protagonists, suffered a face-plant here.
Izō, who followed beside Michael as the representative sent by the Whitebeard Pirates to guide the way, was originally planning to simply bring Michael and the others in through the main port—Ringo Port...
After all, even though he was part of the Whitebeard Pirates, he still held the identity of a retainer of the Kozuki Family.
Bringing Michael's group in with his face recognition shouldn't have been a problem…
At least, that's how it should have gone.
But after Michael anchored the Seraphim near a small ring-shaped islet around the waterfall, Jack stretched out both hands—left holding Yamato, right grabbing Izō.
Michael then spread his wings first, soared upward, and grabbed Jack by the back of his neck.
Just like that, the three of them were carried straight into the sky by Michael.
"This—this—this! Michael-san, what are you doing!?"
"Entering Wano, of course… is there a problem?"
"But we can just go through the main port! As a retainer of the Kozuki Family, I can bring you in just fine!"
"But if we do that, wouldn't I also be under the surveillance of the Shimotsuki Family?" Michael lowered his head to glance at Izō, smiling. "You're a closed-off nation, which basically means… extremely xenophobic."
"…Well, that's not wrong…"
"As a debt collector, I think it's better to bypass the other daimyo and head straight for the Flower Capital."
Once Michael finished speaking, the three pairs of wings flapped again, accelerating mid-air.
Soon, they soared over the towering waterfalls and cliffs.
But to Michael, these barriers would eventually disappear.
After all…
Those waterfall cliffs exist for the purpose of sealing Pluton.
For Wano to open its borders, these cliffs must be destroyed.
Pluton must be released.
In a sense, Wano could be considered the guardian of Pluton.
Seeing the vast, open landscape before him, Michael nodded slightly.
Above the waterfall lay an inland sea.
And Wano's main territory was here.
"Izō, which direction is the Flower Capital?"
"The Flower Capital is in the very center. Just fly toward the middle—the most prosperous place is the Flower Capital."
Although Izō had been startled by the sudden rapid ascent, worthy of the 16th Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, he quickly adjusted.
Michael followed the direction Izō indicated and flew straight toward the center of the nation.
With Michael's speed, even carrying someone of Jack's massive size, he still possessed a flying speed unimaginable to ordinary people.
Adding to that, the number of people capable of flight in this world was extremely low, so few would notice anything unusual in the sky.
He flew openly the entire way, and somehow, no one noticed.
And this was despite the fact that Michael wasn't flying at high altitude—he kept low intentionally to observe the terrain.
"Although I don't trust Kozuki Oden, compared to Kaido, at least he treated people like human beings…"
Michael entered from Wano's far west, passing the place where Ace and later Luffy encountered the little girl Tama in the original story.
The woven-hat village that should have been polluted by Kaido's factories to the point of being nearly uninhabitable…
From afar, while it wasn't what one would call prosperous, the entire village was surrounded by vast farmland, bustling with life.
At the very least, people weren't starving.
Compared to the original timeline, this was far, far better.
"Looks like Kozuki Oden was at least competent as a ruler."
"Of course! Lord Oden was the most free-spirited genius there ever was!"
As a retainer of the Kozuki Family, Izō naturally viewed Oden through a glowing filter.
Understandable—Izō and his younger brother Kiku, lost in the streets as children due to their father, had been taken in by Oden during his travels across the country.
Oden was childish, stubborn, and completely ignored societal norms…
But in a sense, Oden had filled the role of elder brother—perhaps even father—for Izō.
That was why, even though Oden had been dead for many years in the original story, Izō still fought without hesitation to avenge him and save Wano.
Keep in mind, Izō was already forty-five years old then—thirty of those years spent with the Whitebeard Pirates.
He was loyal, yes…
But Oden had treated him in a way worthy of that loyalty.
"You're really loyal, huh…" Michael looked down at Izō, who was still held in Jack's hand. "If Wano opens its borders… will you return?"
"Once this is over, of course I'll return to the Whitebeard Pirates." Izō froze for a moment, then said firmly, "Lord Oden's kindness was great… but Pops is just as important to me."
"Is that so?"
Michael nodded and then smiled.
"But don't make that face again… it really doesn't match your looks!"
"Your next line is that I look too much like a woman, right?"
"No, I can still see the masculinity. But out on the sea, there are people who love your type the most—they're always saying things like, 'Trap? No, he's just a cute little thing who can't get pregnant…' Ugh, terrifying."
"…Michael-san, you don't have that kind of preference, do you?"
"What's with that wary look!? Do I look like the type who likes traps!?"
"Better safe than sorry…"
"…Jack! Throw Izō down!"
Jack sighed, and on his fearsome face appeared an oddly righteous expression.
"That's a bit unreasonable."
"Then why aren't you letting go!? You obedient giant idiot!"
Izō hugged onto Jack's fingers, his scream tearing through the sky.
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Fanfic is finished. 583 chapters in total on p@treon/tambeerg