"Saint Figarland Garling…" Blackbeard, Teach, showed a strange smile. "Isn't this the esteemed Celestial Dragon? How did you come to deal with us pirates?"
"If you had spoken to me like that a few years ago, you would already be dead." Garling turned his head, the signature sunglasses gone, revealing eyes like a hawk, staring intently at Blackbeard. "But now, I have no interest in killing you… it's better to let you create some value for me."
"That doesn't sound like the person who once massacred everyone in God's Valley."
"That man was killed on Justice Island by Michael five years ago." Figarland Garling finally showed a slight smile. "The one you see now is just a ghost."
"A ghost can get so many Dyna Stones?"
Blackbeard's lips twitched.
If he believed this old man's nonsense, he wouldn't be Blackbeard.
Ghost?
Clearly, this was a monster whose eyes were completely filled with hatred.
Just as he said, Michael killed the "original him" five years ago, so now…
He probably dreams of seeing Michael dead.
Even if it means cooperating with pirates that Celestial Dragons have always despised!
"You don't need to worry about that… you just need to use these Dyna Stones to blow the Revolutionary Army—or Michael—into the sky." Garling paused, then continued, "Preferably Michael himself…"
"Ha ha ha! You really hate him, don't you." Blackbeard laughed.
In fact, among those secretly preparing to deal with Michael, Blackbeard had no real conflict with him.
Neither in terms of interest nor action…
At most, he fought with Weevil once.
But mercy of the heavens!
He didn't even win!
Kaido knocked Weevil unconscious and threw him into a prison.
However…
He was very willing to be part of this story of a legend's fall…
This would definitely raise his infamy to a whole new level.
"And one more thing, I have good news for you…"
"According to my informants, Michael has already arrived in Wano, and there's a girl called Yamato with him."
Saint Figarland Garling turned his head, eyebrows slightly raised.
"Kaido… congratulations. All three major targets are gathering in one place. Isn't this a perfect opportunity to finish everything at once?"
After saying this, he leapt off the cliff, disappearing from Kaido and Blackbeard's sight.
Kaido didn't stop him. Instead, he lifted his head, gazing at the bright moon, lost in thought.
Of course, he knew this was Garling's provocation.
But…
It was really hard not to fall for it.
Kaido's obsession with Michael had even surpassed his original obsession…
That is, he once thought the whole world was unbearably boring and wanted to start "the greatest war in the world."
But now…
He would never feel bored again.
Michael not only expelled him from Wano with a single letter, but also kidnapped his daughter and a pair of adopted children!
Making this damn powerful angel go to hell wasn't just his obsession—it was his greatest pleasure in life!
"So why is he telling you Michael's whereabouts at this time? Ha ha ha! What a hard thing to guess!"
"Teach, if you dare act sarcastically toward me again, I don't mind testing the power of these Dyna Stones on you first."
"You have quite a temper, Kaido."
…
"You want my country to fully support the Revolutionary Army?"
"Not only provide weapons and equipment, but also teach Seastone forging techniques to their craftsmen?"
"And every warrior who has reached the 'Iron-Cutting' level must be ready to step onto the battlefield against the World Government?"
Kozuki Oden repeated Michael's proposed conditions, then looked up, his smile somewhat forced.
"This… is really asking too much."
"This isn't asking too much; it's helping you." Michael sighed, explaining. "At this stage, the Navy's combat strength is sufficient. Your Wano is not lacking in power… and the World Government, because of what's hidden beneath your country, will definitely not let you go. It's just a matter of time."
"And your dream is to open the country, isn't it?"
"Opening the country means unsealing Pluton…"
"You are destined to stand completely against the World Government, fighting to the death. So why not hold onto a strong ally before the war even begins?"
"From this perspective, doesn't my condition seem less harsh?"
From beginning to end, Michael's voice was calm, almost emotionless.
But each word struck directly at Kozuki Oden's heart.
Now, Kozuki Oden was no longer the naive prince who believed anything spoken to him.
As a non-member country of the World Government, standing in the New World for so long, he had developed a certain political sensitivity.
Based on his assessment, what Michael said was very likely to happen.
The World Government's coveting of Wano had been obvious in the past five years.
Especially in the last two years, almost every month, the World Government sent Oden letters inviting Wano to join as a member.
And they had many additional conditions.
For example, allowing Wano to directly set prices for Seastone sold to the world.
Or, if Oden agreed to become a member and assist the World Government in releasing lost Pluton…
They were willing to recommend Oden's family to Mary Geoise, making them a new Celestial Dragon family.
Even so, Kozuki Oden still refused.
He didn't want to become fish on someone else's chopping board.
But… he couldn't see Michael's true purpose.
Although these conditions seemed harsh for Wano,
In reality, there was nothing that could truly undermine Wano's lifeline…
Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Army's reputation, due to their existence across the four seas, was firmly that of the righteous in the eyes of non-member countries.
Not to mention Michael himself.
Even if Michael was removed from the Navy, he remained an object of worship for most Marines and civilians.
"This… I need some time to think."
"Then take your time. I don't expect an immediate answer."
Michael stood, looking at Kozuki Oden's tall and imposing figure.
"I believe you won't regret it."
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Fanfic is finished. 583 chapters in total on p@treon/tambeerg