One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 128: Queen the Plague is Scared!

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The arrival of Marco the Phoenix had plunged Orochi, his cohorts, and the already-desperate populace further into the abyss of despair. After their futile struggles and resistance, they lay defeated in the main hall of the shogun's palace, discarded like broken toys.

"Ian" Marco began, presenting a map marked with numerous red Xs, "these are the fruits of my reconnaissance across Wano. Please review them."

"Jack the Drought occupies Kuri. Queen the Plague holds Udon, and King the Conflagration is stationed on Onigashima, where the bulk of the Beast Pirates' forces, numbering twenty thousand, are also concentrated..." Marco detailed his findings, while Ian traced a path on the map with his fingertip, finally settling on Udon.

"Queen the Plague," he declared calmly, "I'll take care of him."

Ian nodded, his expression calm.

"Then I'll head to Kuri," Marco replied.

"Ian-sama, Uncle Marco, what should we do?" Hiyori asked, her voice laced with anxiety.

Despite being central to the liberation of her nation, she, the princess, felt powerless, a bystander in her own rescue.

Fortunately, she still had a dependable retainer.

"Hiyori-sama, while Ian-sama and Marco-san handle the Beast Pirates, we will take care of domestic affairs. I've prepared the announcement, the "Transmission Den Den Mushi." It's time to declare the return of the Kozuki clan!"

"However, this operation requires your strength, Hiyori-sama. Please lend me your aid," Kin'emon stated resolutely. He had already formulated a plan of action shortly after Orochi's capture, his gaze now shifting to Tashigi, who looked expectantly to Ian for instructions.

"You'll assist them in gathering intelligence and organizing recruitment," Ian directed Tashigi, unable to deny her eagerness. "I'll return soon, so I won't be taking you along this time."

"How inconsiderate, Captain! Do you find me bothersome and a hindrance?" Tashigi pouted, her words laced with playful indignation, prompting smiles from Hiyori and Komurasaki. "Ian-sama trusts your capabilities, Tashigi-san, which is why he's entrusted you with such an important task. You two truly have a close bond."

"Who's close to him?!" Tashigi retorted, though her skills in intelligence gathering were indeed lacking. Her assistance would undoubtedly prove invaluable to Hiyori and Kin'emon. She had already served in a similar capacity during their journey to the Flower Capital.

Recognizing her inability to match Ian's combat prowess, she sought to contribute in other ways, to provide support in any way she could.

"Be... return quickly," she finally conceded, swallowing the word "safe." In this world, she had no true grasp of Ian's power. If not for the need to legitimize Hiyori's claim as the rightful shogun of Wano...

Ian could likely single-handedly overthrow both Kaido and Big Mom, rendering this elaborate alliance with Whitebeard unnecessary.

Perhaps his true power would only be revealed during their inevitable confrontation with the World Government.

"Yes," Ian replied, a mixture of affection and exasperation in his voice as he ruffled her hair.

Tashigi's pout deepened. He always treated her like a child!

Time was of the essence. With the plan set, they immediately put it into action. Ian and Marco parted ways with Kin'emon and Hiyori, each group embarking on their respective missions.