"Of course it was Kaidou. How could a petty person like me harm the lady and the young master? Besides, Lord Oden, I'm sure you've heard the rumors; it was originally done by Kaidou's people.
It's just that they later found a new reason to cover it up. Do you believe a pirate would go fishing for goldfish?"
Kurozumi Orochi seemed to be completely in character, not showing any fear even with a knife to his throat.
"I'm sure you're also aware of Lord Kinemon's situation. Initially, Kaidou wanted to execute him directly, but I managed to handle it through negotiations. I've been silently contributing to Wano Kuni all along."
.....
"Shameless! Godfather, this person is so shameless!"
Above Ghost Island, watching the scene broadcasted on the television Rotom, Yamato was full of shock. To her, Orochi was just talking nonsense. Although she didn't fully understand all the situations, she didn't see Kaidou as the type of person Orochi described.
Moreover, those things weren't done by the Hundred Beasts Pirates.
"This is the world of adults, a world full of deception. Look at how he's abandoned his dignity to survive, spouting nonsense. Do you know why?"
"Mm...."
"Because he's too weak. Yamato, as my daughter, you must never become a weakling, understood?"
Kaidou directly gave Yamato the answer. In his view, everything Orochi did was because of his weakness.
Kaidou still had some paternal feelings for Yamato, though his way of teaching was far from successful. However, this approach wasn't too unconventional; even Garp's teaching wasn't much different, where a slight mistake could cost one's life.
The biggest difference was that Luffy only met a Red Hair and then wanted to become a pirate, whereas Yamato was directly brainwashed.
But now, things were different; Kaidou still harbored his paternal love for Yamato.
"Remember this guy's face; he's the one who deceived your godfather when we first arrived in Wano Kuni."
"Got it. This guy is a complete villain and very ugly too."
...
Meanwhile, with Kozuki Oden, after a series of Orochi's nonsense, he indeed began to have doubts.
"Lord Oden, this position was originally yours. By rights, now that you are back, it should be returned to you. But forgive me, I can't let you become the General right now."
"Hmm?"
"If you were to become General now, Kaidou would definitely sense something amiss, and Wano Kuni would inevitably be plunged into war. While I believe in your strength, Kaidou isn't weak either.
Moreover, domestically, there are a thousand strong pirates and several extremely powerful commanders. If war breaks out, there would certainly be significant casualties among the people."
He intended to instigate Oden against Kaidou, but not to start a fight immediately. Otherwise, his own good days would be over. So, Kurozumi Orochi, using concern for the people as an excuse, suggested that Kozuki Oden should not start a war.
This really struck a chord with Kozuki Oden. Before he left, he was decisive enough, but upon returning, he became hesitant.
War inevitably brings casualties, a truth even Luffy understood, but Oden couldn't bring himself to do it.
"I have a plan. Kaidou's people must already know you're here. Right now, he still trusts me somewhat. We can use this to dismantle Kaidou's vigilance and then take him down unexpectedly. Lord Oden, what do you think?"
"What plan?"
"You could perform a naked dance to make Kaidou let down his guard, while someone trustworthy secretly accumulates power to take him down at the right moment."
....
In the Hakumai Region, at the Shimotsuki Yasuie residence, Kozuki Oden had arrived. In the end, he couldn't bring himself to cut down Kurozumi Orochi directly.
Not that he believed Orochi, as there were definitely lies in his words, but he agreed with Orochi on one point: starting a war now would lead to significant casualties, something he couldn't accept.
"Lord Oden, is this what you discussed with Orochi?"
"Yes, Yasuie. What's happened in Wano Kuni over these years that I didn't know?"
"Pretty much as you know, although I don't think Orochi's words are reliable, Oden, dealing with Orochi is just a small matter for you. Even if his position as Acting General was given by Lord Sukiyaki, you are still the only son of Lord Sukiyaki.
But Kaidou is different. I have to admit, the things he's done have significantly improved the living conditions for some of Wano Kuni's residents. That's the most frightening part. He's digging at Wano Kuni's roots."
This was Shimotsuki Yasuie's most straightforward observation. The Hundred Beasts Pirates were targeting the people's hearts, but due to Wano Kuni's unique situation, the progress was relatively slow.
There was no comparison between Orochi and Oden in all aspects. To Yasuie, as long as Oden said the word, Daimyos from all regions would cooperate in eliminating Kurozumi Orochi.
But Kaidou was different; he not only possessed powerful force but also was gradually gaining recognition from the people of Wano Kuni.
"Kaidou is ambitious. While many of his actions are beneficial to the people, Oden, Wano Kuni belongs to the Kozuki Family. I think we can temporarily ally with Orochi to drive Kaidou out first and then figure out the rest.
But his plan...."
"If it works... I don't really care about my reputation."
"No, Lord Oden, Orochi's words aren't trustworthy either. If we really need to do this, secrecy is a must; otherwise, we won't be able to fool Kaidou. To be safe, I should accompany you to talk to that Orochi again."
...
So, Oden and Shimotsuki Yasuie returned to the Flower Capital at night to meet Orochi again. This time, Orochi was not as arrogant as before; his face was full of humility.
"Lord Oden, Lord Yasuie, what do you think of my plan?"
"Orochi, you should know what consequences this will bring."
"Yes, I know. But only this kind of humiliating approach can make Kaidou believe me.
Moreover, after it's done, I can make a public statement to the entire Wano Kuni, explaining Lord Oden's sacrifice for the people.
Lord Yasuie, you can vouch for this too, and accumulating power should be entrusted to you, as you are the most trustworthy among all the Daimyos."
Kozuki Oden nodded at Shimotsuki Yasuie, who then took out pen and paper.
"Words alone are not enough. Let's make a written agreement, Orochi. This document will be kept by me and made public once the matter is exposed."
"Of course, of course, that's necessary. After all, it's about Lord Oden's reputation. But, Lord Yasuie, there are some things you still need to consider...."