Trader In The World Of Pirates!!!

"The result of the battle was unexpected!" 

"Even with Heracross's power, the samurai fought Johnny for half an hour..." 

"In the end, Johnny barely won by a slight margin." 

"But the strange thing is..." 

Alvida paused and shifted slightly, revealing two samurai—a father and son—behind her, looking dazed and out of sorts. 

With just one glance, Kuina knew... 

This was Alvida using Jynx's power to hypnotize them.

With the increasing popularity of Pokémon in the pirate world, the hypnotic abilities of Psychic-type Pokémon have become a powerful tool for extracting information at sea.

While it might seem a bit inhumane, in the harsh world of pirates, such concerns are rarely taken seriously.

Alvida continued in her previous tone:

"Even though this samurai's strength is about the same as Johnny's, his recovery speed is even more terrifying—surpassing Johnny's, who is strengthened by Heracross's power!" 

As you know, trainers bonded with Bug-type Pokémon possess healing abilities comparable to monsters after their evolution. 

A sword wound deep enough to expose bone could heal in less than three days. 

And with Heracross's Fighting-type influence, Johnny's recovery is further enhanced. 

Yet... 

Despite these dual physical advantages, Johnny's recovery couldn't match that of the samurai, Kin'emon. 

It's simply unbelievable! 

Because of this, and trusting Koby's observation, Alvida decided to use extreme methods to hypnotize these two strangers into revealing their secrets. 

Unexpectedly...

The interrogation led to a shocking revelation!

...

"What?! The young lord of Wano, from twenty years ago?! Momonosuke, the sole heir of the Kozuki Clan?!"

Kuina and Zoro, both in the East Blue, were left wide-eyed, their mouths agape after hearing Alvida's report.

If it weren't for their knowledge of Jynx's powerful hypnosis, they might have questioned whether this story was just a far-fetched tale concocted under hypnosis.

However, in a world where a Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce controls thousands of realms, even time travel over 20 years didn't seem entirely impossible.

Kuina and Zoro quickly accepted the premise.

A brief, unspoken understanding passed between the two as the name stirred memories.

"Wano Country..."

Kuina and Zoro were no strangers to this land.

Not only because, two years ago, Doflamingo—the current Yonko—led the Donquixote family to create a pivotal moment in pirate history in Wano...

Defeating the mighty Kaido and becoming the first trainer to use the power of Pokémon to bring down a New World Yonko!

But also...

Through a chance conversation about the origins of Kuina's sword, Wado Ichimonji.

It was then that his master Koushirou told them that most of the residents of Shimotsuki Village were descendants of the Shimotsuki Clan from Wano Country.

Although even Koushirou himself had never been to Wano, the story had never weighed heavily on anyone's mind. 

Back then, Wano Country was still shrouded in mystery, an isolated nation barely noticed by the world.

Yet times had changed...

After Kaido's defeat, Doflamingo, ever the master of commerce, seized Wano's resources, making it a pivotal player in the New World.

While Doflamingo had fortified his hold on Wano and Onigashima, the current Shogun, Kurozumi Orochi, held sway over the people, thanks to his propaganda, portraying himself as Wano's hero.

Kaido may not have cared for Orochi's role, but Doflamingo was different.

As one of the most business-savvy Yonkos in pirate history, Doflamingo saw Wano as an untapped goldmine—a closed-off nation with treasures and potential for immense profits.

From its famed seastone reserves to its isolated mystique that would draw outsiders, Doflamingo knew Wano could fuel his growing empire.

And tourists meant toy slaves... 

Not from Wano's oppressed people, of course—they were far too weak from years of hardship.

Instead, the true labor force would come from pirates, marines, and other bold souls entering the New World.

A year ago, Doflamingo had already begun plotting to push Orochi out and seize full control of Wano.

To diminish Orochi's influence, the Donquixote family uncovered every scandal and misdeed, spreading them across Wano.

With Doflamingo's arrival in Wano, even Morgans, the president of the World Economic News, took notice, heading to Wano for an exclusive interview with the Yonko.

In that interview, Doflamingo revealed the legendary tale of Kozuki Oden.

Morgans, stunned by the hidden history, wrote a detailed exposé on Oden, causing a massive stir across the seas!

Even those who had no interest in Wano were shocked upon learning of Oden's incredible journey.

Kozuki Oden, the former shogun of Wano, who left his country, joining both the Whitebeard and Roger Pirates... 

And even reaching Raftel, the Final Island.

A man of such courage and legend, Oden had lived in an era that shaped the pirate world itself! 

But that's exactly the point!

After learning that Kozuki Oden had died due to the conspiracy between Kurozumi Orochi and Kaido...

The world couldn't help but question his intelligence!

Think about it...

Even just being a member of the Roger Pirates was enough to make him as legendary as Kaido.

But for someone like that to spend the last part of his life trapped in his enemies' schemes, turning himself into a laughingstock...

He not only failed to save the people of Wano from their suffering, but he also led his loyal retainers to their doom.

Many powerful figures and rulers across the New World, after hearing of Kozuki Oden's fate, couldn't help but feel disdain for him.

And that...

Was precisely what Doflamingo wanted.

He sought to diminish Orochi's power in Wano by exposing his despicable behavior, but he had no intention of elevating Kozuki Oden as a new spiritual leader for the people of Wano.

In fact, when publicizing these stories, he made sure to emphasize Oden's foolish actions.

Because Koushirou had once mentioned that their family originated from Wano...

Zoro and Kuina had taken the time to learn a bit about the country.

And after reading Oden's story, the two of them came to the same conclusion as the rest of the world...

He was brave but reckless, and ultimately useless!

But!!!

Today!!!

A boy suddenly appears out of nowhere claiming to be the young master of Wano?! Kozuki Oden's son?!

And he traveled here from 20 years in the past?!

This revelation immediately sparked Zoro and Kuina's curiosity.

At that moment...

An idea suddenly formed in Kuina's mind.

If Momonosuke is truly the legitimate heir to Wano as he claims...

Perhaps they could make a deal with Doflamingo!

After all, Doflamingo was the former ruler of Dressrosa, and his influence there was deeply entrenched.

Maybe he let King Riku reclaim the throne simply because he was too preoccupied or uninterested in running such a small country.

But once Doflamingo decided to expand his territory again, it wouldn't be impossible for him to retake Dressrosa.

By that time, their mercenary company would likely be on the radar of the Four Emperors.

And right now...

Their mercenary company could use Momonosuke's identity as leverage to strike an early deal with Doflamingo, avoiding unnecessary conflict in the future.

Kuina believed...

Doflamingo wouldn't refuse the legitimacy of Kozuki Momonosuke's claim to the Wano throne!

This way...

The mercenary company could secure a substantial profit and gain a powerful ally...

The Donquixote family could strengthen their control over Wano...

And Kozuki Momonosuke could fulfill his dream of expelling Kaido and reclaiming his title as the Shogun of Wano...

It was a win-win situation for all sides!

More allies mean more opportunities.

Their company had only just arrived in the New World and needed a stable foothold.

And with the backing of the Donquixote family, part of the Yonko Pirates, their path through the New World would be much smoother.

As for whether Momonosuke would end up a puppet ruler of Wano...

What did that have to do with them?

Kuina and Zoro weren't heartless, but they weren't so virtuous as to sacrifice their interests for a stranger.

Their morality stopped them from committing evil acts, but it didn't compel them to save every person in need.

Besides...

Without their help, Kin'emon and Momonosuke would have been swallowed up by the ruthless New World long before they could return to Wano.

In this way, they were actually helping Momonosuke!

With that thought, Kuina immediately spoke to Alvida through the Rotom Phone:

"Alvida, if what this kid says is true, then he's a key figure who could help us establish ourselves in the New World. He's a valuable bargaining chip!!!"

"I'm sending Zoro to join you in the New World as soon as possible..."

"When the time comes, follow his instructions and act!"

"And remember!!!"

"Make sure!!!"

"Before anything else, protect that boy!!! Do not, under any circumstances, let him out of your sight!!!"

Gulp.

Seeing Kuina's serious expression, Alvida realized the gravity of the situation, even though she didn't fully understand what had happened.

She immediately gave her word:

"Don't worry, Kuina!!!"

"From this moment on, I won't let that kid leave my side!!!"

"I'll await your next orders!"

"Good," Kuina nodded. "I trust you'll handle it."

After briefly discussing their recent situations, they ended the call.

Alvida's gaze immediately shifted to Momonosuke.

She turned to Johnny, Yosaku, and Koby:

"You heard Kuina's orders, right?"

"Go find some rope and tie that kid up!"

"From now on, I want him with me at all times."

"Huh?"

Koby looked confused and hesitated,

"But..."

"Alvida, that kid's a boy..."

"It's not going to be very convenient for you when you're sleeping or bathing."

"Maybe I should be the one to tie him up and keep him with me."

The kind-hearted Koby glanced at Alvida's bulky figure and fierce face...

Though they had been partners for years, he still couldn't bear the thought of letting a kid, Momonosuke suffer, and wanted to protect him.

However...

What greeted him was Alvida's fierce glare!

"You!?"

"Even Johnny and Yosaku are more reliable than you!" 

Alvida scoffed in disdain.

After all, Koby had a history of letting enemies go after they begged for mercy, which often complicated their missions.

If this scruffy-looking kid were to plead with Koby and cause the mission to fail, Alvida would have no choice but to apologize to Kuina! 

There was no way she would trust Koby with something this important!

So she angrily barked:

"Stop with the nonsense!"

"What are you all waiting for? Move it!"

"Do you want me to use force!?"

"Uh... this!?"

The sight of her mace in the air made the three of them freeze for a moment before quickly following her orders. They fastened an iron cuff, less than a meter long, between Momonosuke's waist and Alvida's wrist.

For added security, they also restrained the hypnotized Kin'emon.

After much bustling around...

Koby and the others let out quiet sighs.

Looking at Alvida's arm, which was thicker than Momonosuke's entire body, they couldn't help but silently pray for the boy.

They had no idea what Miss Kuina had planned for him, but it was hard not to feel a bit sorry for whatever came next.

Alvida shot a sideways glance at Momonosuke beside her...

Thinking about how this kid would now be eating, sleeping, and living with her, she couldn't help but secretly roll her eyes:

"Oh, you little brat... you're really getting lucky, aren't you?"