[Chat Group For The Death] Chapter 76 - 80

Chapter 76: A Bad Move

The remnants of the Beasts Pirates fled the battlefield, their morale shattered, their bodies battered. The once-mighty force that terrorized Wano was now nothing more than scattered warriors trying to escape with their lives.

However, their retreat was abruptly interrupted.

A looming presence awaited them on the horizon, a crew standing in their path.

The Red Hair Pirates.

At the forefront, Red-Haired Shanks stood with his usual composed expression, his iconic blade, Gryphon, sheathed at his waist. His crew members, radiating strength and confidence, surrounded him, blocking the escape route of Kaido’s subordinates.

Flame Disaster King immediately took to the skies, flapping his enormous black wings as he moved in front of Shanks. His golden eyes gleamed with caution as he narrowed his gaze at the Yonko standing before him.

"Red-Haired Shanks," King’s voice was filled with wariness. "How did you appear in Wano? This land belongs to the Beasts Pirates. Are you here to provoke a war between our crews?"

Despite the dire situation, King refused to lower his guard. Kaido might have been captured, but that didn’t mean they would simply surrender. His priority now was ensuring the survival of what remained of their forces.

Shanks, however, merely grinned in his signature carefree manner.

"Relax," he said, raising his hands slightly as if to show he meant no harm. "I’m not here to fight. I came to stop the fight."

A sharp, cynical laugh escaped from Plague Queen, despite the visible injuries covering his massive frame. His mechanical enhancements whirred as he crossed his arms, smirking at Shanks.

"A peacemaker, huh?" Queen sneered. "You’re a Pirate Emperor, yet all you seem to do is meddle in other people's fights. What are you? The sea’s babysitter?"

Shanks chuckled, undisturbed by the mocking tone.

"The world isn’t ready to be in a complete chaos yet," he said simply.

Queen scoffed, rolling his eyes. "That’s rich, coming from a pirate. You make it sound like you’re keeping the peace or something."

Behind Shanks, members of the Red Hair Pirates burst into laughter at Queen’s words, their relaxed demeanor making it clear that they weren’t feeling threatened in the slightest.

"Boss, this guy’s looking down on you!" Lucky Roo snorted, taking a huge bite of his meat drumstick.

"How embarrassing," Yasopp grinned. "Someone’s actually questioning our captain’s way of doing things."

Shanks shook his head with an amused expression before glancing at Ben Beckman, his trusted vice-captain, who had been silently observing. Beckman’s sharp eyes scanned the wounded Beasts Pirates before he exhaled a puff of smoke and finally spoke.

"You guys are in bad shape," Beckman said matter-of-factly. "Judging by the injuries, you’ve just gone through a hell of a battle."

King’s eyes narrowed. "And what if we have?"

Beckman gave a knowing smirk. "We already know what happened," he said. "Lucas and your Beasts Pirates clashed. And from the looks of it... you guys were the ones running away."

King’s face remained impassive, but his silence spoke volumes.

Beckman’s expression didn’t change as he continued. "You’ve retreated, and Kaido isn’t with you. That only means one thing—he’s still fighting Lucas." He exhaled another puff of smoke. "And if you’re retreating… that means Kaido is losing."

Queen growled, but King remained composed, replying in an indifferent tone, "So what?"

Shanks raised an eyebrow at the apathy in King’s voice.

"It’s not like it’s his first time losing," King continued nonchalantly. "Losing battles is nothing new to Kaido."

And it was true. Kaido had been captured, defeated, and even tortured multiple times in the past. Yet, despite his defeats, his legend continued to grow, and his reputation as the "Strongest Creature" remained unchallenged.

Surviving his defeats only reinforced the fear surrounding his existence.

Shanks nodded in understanding. "You don’t have to tell me that—I know better than anyone. That’s why I’m not here to stop the fight to save Kaido."

A flicker of confusion crossed King’s usually stoic face. "Then why are you here?"

Shanks’ smile widened. "To save you."

The air grew tense.

King’s expression darkened. "You think we need saving?"

Shanks didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he took a step forward.

"Listen," he said seriously. "The Four Emperors don’t exist because of one strong individual. A pirate crew isn’t built on a single name. It’s built on its commanders."

His eyes scanned the injured commanders before him.

"If you all fall, the Beasts Pirates will cease to exist. Kaido’s strength alone won’t keep the empire standing."

His words hit home. The structure of the New World had remained stable for years because the Four Emperors balanced one another out. If one crumbled completely, the others would fight to fill the power vacuum.

Shanks' expression softened. "You’re all still alive. That means I got here just in time."

He turned, walking towards the battlefield.

"Let’s go watch the fight," he said casually. "I’ll mediate and make sure Kaido doesn’t end up permanently imprisoned."

King and Queen exchanged wary glances before reluctantly following.

By the time they arrived, the battlefield had mostly quieted.

Shanks’ eyes immediately landed on Lucas, who stood over a motionless Kaido, sealing seals glowing on the Emperor’s body.

A rare flicker of surprise passed over Shanks’ usually calm face.

"Didn’t expect you to be this fast," he admitted. His gaze shifted to Kaido. "You actually managed to subdue the King of Beasts?"

Lucas smirked. "Surprised?"

Shanks exhaled. "A little."

Then his expression turned serious.

"You’re planning to keep him imprisoned?" Shanks asked.

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?"

Shanks met his gaze. "Yes. I’m asking you to let him go."

Lucas blinked. Then, suddenly, he burst into laughter.

"Let Kaido go?" he repeated mockingly. "You must really love yourself to think I’d do that just because you asked me to!"

Shanks' smile faded.

His Conqueror’s Haki surged.

The atmosphere shifted.

A storm-like pressure erupted from Shanks, his invisible aura crashing toward Lucas like a tidal wave.

"You’re playing with fire," Shanks warned. "If you do this, you’ll send the world into chaos."

Lucas’ grin widened.

"So what?"

His own Conqueror’s Haki burst forth, colliding with Shanks'.

The ground shook. The sky cracked.

Purple lightning flashed violently as their wills clashed, sending tremors throughout the battlefield.

The surrounding pirates staggered, struggling to withstand the overwhelming force of two titanic presences colliding.

The Red Hair Pirates and the Beasts Pirates stood frozen in disbelief.

They had always known Shanks to have one of the strongest Conqueror’s Hakis in the world.

But what they were witnessing now...

Lucas wasn’t just matching him—he was suppressing him.

The air between Lucas and Red-Haired Shanks crackled with tension as their Conqueror’s Haki clashed, purple lightning streaking through the sky. The sheer pressure of their wills created an invisible storm, forcing weaker warriors to collapse, their bodies unable to withstand the overwhelming force.

But amid the chaos, Shanks’ eyes widened slightly as he studied Lucas, his senses honing in on something unfamiliar yet oddly familiar.

"Your Haki…" Shanks muttered, eyes narrowing. "It feels… familiar. Almost like Captain Roger’s Conqueror’s Haki."

Lucas met his gaze without hesitation. "Roger’s Haki is part of it," he admitted. "But it’s not everything."

Shanks sighed, realization dawning on him.

"I should’ve expected this." He shook his head. "You can even have multiple Devil Fruit abilities. It shouldn’t be surprising that you could inherit someone’s Haki as well."

Lucas remained silent, gripping the hilt of his sword, Shusui, as the wind howled between them. His expression was unreadable, but his stance spoke volumes—he was ready to fight.

Shanks, however, chuckled and rested a hand on the hilt of Gryphon, his famed saber.

"Alright," he said with a grin. "I heard you inherited Captain Roger’s swordsmanship. Let me see it for myself."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, his amusement flickering briefly. "You’re really going to fight me?" His voice was calm but carried an edge of warning. "Let me remind you—I just fought Kaido, and I’m still at full strength. You’re not Kaido. You don’t have his ridiculous endurance or healing factor."

Shanks tilted his head. "And?"

Lucas smirked, a dangerous glint in his eye.

"A weak sea beast bit off your arm," he said mockingly. "Aren’t you afraid I might accidentally kill you?"

For the first time, a hint of embarrassment flashed across Shanks’ face. His crew behind him stiffened, trying not to react, but their captain had been called out.

"Where the hell did you get that information?" Shanks muttered.

Lucas waved a hand dismissively. "Don’t worry about that." His tone shifted. "So tell me, Shanks—is Straw Hat Luffy really the 'new era' you believe in? Are you doing all this just to wait for him?"

Shanks' brows furrowed slightly, his usual lighthearted demeanor flickering. But instead of denying it, he nodded.

"That’s right."

Lucas scoffed.

"What a bad move."

Shanks’ eyes darkened slightly, but Lucas continued.

"Why the hell would you pick Straw Hat Luffy?" His tone dripped with disdain. "Is it because he looks like Roger? If that’s your reason, then you’re a damn fool. The real Roger lost. What’s the point of betting on a mere imitation?"

His words were sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. But Lucas wasn’t finished.

"Or… did you figure out his real identity?" His eyes glowed with something unreadable. "Did you think that because he’s a D., he’s somehow destined to change the world? Is that it?"

Shanks remained silent.

Lucas sneered. "The whole 'bloodline' theory isn’t completely wrong, I’ll give you that. But being a D. doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. It’s not like they have some special power or divine right to rule."

Shanks tightened his grip on Gryphon, his patience visibly thinning.

"That’s enough," he said, drawing his blade.

Lucas smirked. "Ah, I see. You’ve run out of arguments, so now you want to fight. Typical."

Shanks didn’t respond. Instead, he lunged.

Steel clashed against steel.

Lucas parried the attack effortlessly, his own blade, Shusui, meeting Gryphon in a flash of sparks. The two warriors locked eyes as they exchanged rapid blows, neither giving an inch.

Unlike his brutal fight with Kaido, where sheer overwhelming force was the key to victory, this battle was different.

This was a duel. A test of swordsmanship rather than raw power.

Each movement was precise, each strike calculated. Shanks twisted his blade at the last second, attempting to catch Lucas off guard, but Lucas anticipated it, adjusting his stance and countering with a swift upward slash.

The wind howled as their swords danced, the battlefield becoming a stage for two of the world’s most skilled swordsmen.

In the Chat Group

While the battle raged on, the chat group was lively as ever.

Pirate King Roger: "This brat Shanks... he's really grown up."

Whitebeard: "Tch. That snot-nosed kid not only caught up to us, but he also got damn eloquent. Too bad I didn’t listen to him when he warned me about Ace going after Teach."

Pirate King Roger: "Wait, what? He warned you?"

Whitebeard: "Yeah. Told me Ace was being reckless, but I was too stubborn to stop him."

Pirate King Roger: "Damn it, Whitebeard! Why the hell didn’t you listen?!"

Whitebeard: "Tsk."

Whitebeard’s single-word reply carried more weight than any argument. Roger understood. Some things couldn't be undone.

Meanwhile, Lucas chimed in.

Lucas: "I have a question. Does Shank have a Devil Fruit, something like the Face Face Fruit, The guy goes around telling people to give him face, maybe that is his power?"

Pirate King Roger: "Face? Hahaha! That would be a ridiculous!"

Whitebeard: "Hmph. If such a fruit existed, I’d like to see what it does. But no, Shanks is a non-fruit user."

Lucas snorted. "Yeah? Well, what about Buggy the Clown? That guy must’ve eaten the Lucky Fruit because his luck is off the damn charts."

Pirate King Roger: "Buggy? What did he do?"

Lucas: "He accidentally fooled a bunch of legendary criminals into following him, somehow got recruited by the World Government as a Warlord, and is now being treated like a big deal."

Whitebeard: "I can confirm that. The clown luck is insane."

Pirate King Roger: "No way… But now that I think about it, Buggy’s always been ridiculously lucky. Still, he’s not a Lucky Fruit user—he ate the Chop-Chop Fruit."

Lucas: "Really? Damn. Here I thought you guys only got to Raftel because of Shanks' face face fruit and Buggy’s luck."

Chapter 77: Wow, What a Huge Gap!

The fierce clash between Lucas and Red-Haired Shanks continued, but it was becoming increasingly clear that Shanks was at a disadvantage. Their swords clashed in a dance of steel and sparks, yet no matter how many times Shanks tried to shift the momentum, Lucas countered him with uncanny precision.

A wide grin spread across Lucas’ face. "Shanks, your swordsmanship…" He parried a powerful strike and twisted his blade, redirecting the force of the attack. "It’s still not quite on Roger’s level."

Shanks' brow furrowed slightly, but he said nothing. He had expected as much.

Lucas suddenly shifted his stance, his muscles tensing as an aura of terrifying sword energy radiated from his blade.

"Divine Departure!"

A majestic and mysterious aura burst from his sword as he unleashed the very same legendary attack that Roger had once used. The blade moved like a living serpent, weaving through the air, bypassing Shanks’ defenses in an instant.

SLASH!

The attack struck true, carving into Shanks' side with a deep but non-lethal cut. A thin stream of blood trickled down from the wound.

Shanks exhaled, his hand instinctively pressing against the injury. But rather than frustration, a strange nostalgia flashed across his expression.

"Divine Departure…" he murmured, his lips curving into a small smile. "It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that technique in action. It brings back memories…"

Despite his wound, Shanks made no move to continue the fight.

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "That’s it?"

Shanks let out a soft chuckle. "I’m not your match," he admitted, shaking his head. "If I keep going, I won’t gain anything out of this fight. And if I lose badly, it’ll put my crew in danger."

With a wave of his hand, he signaled to his men.

"Since Kaido has already been captured, it’s up to you to deal with him as you please. I won’t interfere."

Lucas narrowed his eyes. "You’re giving up just like that?"

Shanks’ expression remained calm, but there was a depth of wisdom in his gaze.

"If my Red Hair Pirates fall here as well, the chaos of this era will spiral even further out of control. The balance of power is already shifting… I need to make the right call."

Lucas laughed. "Oh? That’s very responsible of you."

Shanks smirked. "You’d be surprised at how much I think about the bigger picture."

Lucas rolled his shoulders and sighed. "Well, if you’re not going to fight me seriously, then this is boring." He glanced toward the retreating Beasts Pirates.

From a distance, King and Queen were watching everything unfold, their expressions grim.

King's golden eyes narrowed. "What the hell is Shanks doing?" he muttered under his breath.

Queen, still clutching his injuries, frowned deeply. "This is bad. If Shanks isn’t going to help us, how the hell are we supposed to rescue Kaido?"

A heavy silence settled between them.

King finally exhaled, shaking his head. "Forget about it. Captain Kaido is strong. He’ll escape on his own."

Queen turned to him with a doubtful expression. "Are you serious?"

King crossed his arms. "Think about it. If we try to fight Lucas now, we’re basically handing ourselves over to die."

Queen clenched his fists, frustration evident on his face. "But what if Kaido can’t escape? This enemy is different from before. Lucas isn’t just strong—he has strange abilities that we don’t fully understand."

His gaze flickered toward Kaido’s motionless body, still covered in the black sealing runes. The sight sent a deep feeling of unease through him.

King let out a sigh, spreading his wings. "Even if we want to save Kaido, rushing in blindly is pointless. Retreat first. Wait for the right opportunity."

Queen hesitated for a moment, then growled in frustration. "Damn it…" He glared at Lucas from a distance before finally turning away. "Fine. Let’s get the hell out of here."

And with that, the last remnants of the Beasts Pirates vanished into the horizon.

Shanks, who had been quietly watching the exchange between Lucas and the retreating commanders, turned back toward Lucas.

"Lucas," he said, his voice serious. "Don’t underestimate Kaido."

Lucas gave a mocking laugh. "Oh? You still think he’s going to be a problem?"

Shanks’ eyes darkened slightly. "It’s easy to beat him. But it’s hard to kill him."

Lucas smirked. "And that’s exactly what makes him valuable. Wouldn’t it be a waste if I just killed him outright? He’s worth studying."

Shanks gave a knowing look but didn’t argue. Instead, he shrugged. "Well… if that’s your plan, then good luck."

With a final glance at Kaido, Shanks turned away.

"Red Hair Pirates, we’re leaving."

As he walked off, Lucas called out one last thing.

"You want to say hi to your captain?"

Shanks paused for a moment before chuckling.

"Roger entrusted this era to me. How I handle things from here… is my own decision."

Lucas tilted his head with interest as he watched Shanks disappear into the distance.

The Chat Group Roasts Shanks

Meanwhile, in the chat group, Lucas wasted no time in stirring things up.

Lucas: "So, what do you guys think about Red-Haired Shanks?"

Golden Lion Shiki: "What do I think? That brat’s got hard wings now! He’s acting like Roger can’t control him anymore!"

Whitebeard: "Haha! Roger, you brought up some bad crew members. Look at my sons—they’re loyal to the end. Meanwhile, your kid is out here acting all independent!"

Pirate King Roger: "Tsk! That’s because your crew is full of spoiled brats! My crew? They’ve all grown into men who can stand on their own! That’s what it means to be a real pirate!"

Lucas: "Yeah, yeah. Sounds like a whole lot of copium."

Roger was seething in the chat, while the rest of the group burst into laughter at the banter.

As the chat continued to descend into playful chaos, Lucas turned his attention back to the real world.

His gaze landed on Kin’emon and the other samurai, who were still kneeling on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably over Momonosuke’s death.

Lucas’ amusement vanished.

"Are you still crying?" His voice was sharp, cutting through the mournful atmosphere.

Kin’emon lifted his tear-streaked face, his voice trembling. "You don’t understand! Momonosuke was the son of Lord Oden—the future Shogun of Wano. With him gone, our hope is lost!"

Lucas' expression twisted into disgusted annoyance.

"And?" His voice turned harsh. "Crying isn’t going to bring him back to life. Kozuki Oden died, and guess what? The sun still rises every damn morning. What makes you think the world will stop for some brat?"

Kin’emon’s face froze.

Lucas sneered. "Wano will move on. With or without him."

The battlefield was still and eerily quiet. Kaido of the Beasts lay motionless, his massive body bound in golden restraints conjured by Lucas' Lion Fruit ability. The once-mighty Emperor, known as the strongest creature in the world, was now nothing more than a prisoner at Lucas’ mercy.

Meanwhile, Kin’emon and the remaining samurai of Wano still knelt in mourning, their heads bowed, their faces streaked with tears. The loss of Momonosuke had shattered them completely.

But their grief was cut short when Izo of the Whitebeard Pirates stepped forward, his expression resolute.

"Lucas-sama is right," Izo said, his voice firm. "Now is not the time for sorrow. Kaido has been defeated, but Wano’s struggle isn’t over. Kurozumi Orochi is still alive, ruling from the Flower Capital."

Kin’emon gritted his teeth, his hands trembling. "But… with Momonosuke-sama gone, who will rule Wano? Without the Kozuki heir, who will take the throne?"

Lucas scoffed, his voice filled with disdain.

"Are you seriously asking that?" He crossed his arms. "Who the hell decided that only the Kozuki clan could be Shogun? What kind of backward system is that?"

Kin’emon’s eyes widened in shock. "But—"

Lucas cut him off. "Look at your history," he said sharply. "If the Kozuki clan was the only rightful rulers, then what is Kurozumi Orochi? If leadership was only determined by bloodline, then why was the Kurozumi clan able to seize power?"

Kin’emon opened his mouth to argue, but the words died in his throat.

Lucas sneered. "Face it—the idea that only one bloodline should rule Wano is exactly why you ended up in this mess. Orochi was able to manipulate the system because Wano was already rigged in favor of dynastic rule. If you really want to save this country, then you need to change how it’s run."

A quiet murmur spread through the samurai ranks. Even Denjiro, one of the most steadfast retainers of the Kozuki clan, seemed uncertain.

Then, Kyoshiro (Denjiro’s alias) finally nodded.

"Lucas-sama is right," he admitted. "As painful as it is to say… Wano cannot remain trapped in the past."

His words shook the remaining samurai, but none could argue.

Then, unexpectedly, another voice spoke up.

"Lord Lucas is right."

Everyone turned to see Kyoshiro the famed leader of the Yakuza, stepping forward. His eyes were unreadable as he addressed the gathered warriors.

"If Wano’s fate depends on bloodline alone, then it is already doomed. If the people of Wano are to truly be free, then we must find a ruler based on merit—not just lineage."

Lucas smirked. "Glad you get it. But now comes the big question: Who should be Wano’s new leader?"

The samurai fell silent, uncertain.

Lucas rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then casually suggested, "I’ve heard of a guy named Shimotsuki Yasuie. Why not make him the new Shogun?"

The mention of the name stunned everyone.

"Shimotsuki Yasuie?!" Kyoshiro repeated in surprise.

The samurai exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves.

How did Lucas know about Shimotsuki Yasuie?

It wasn’t a bad suggestion. Shimotsuki Yasuie had been a respected Daimyo before Orochi’s rise to power. He had once ruled the Hakumai region, and his influence had been widespread. His wisdom and leadership had made him beloved by the people, and his connection to the Shimotsuki clan gave him strong political standing.

But more importantly—he wasn’t a Kozuki.

Which meant Wano could finally move past the idea that leadership had to come from one single family.

The Chat Group Discussion

As Lucas' proposal sparked discussion in the real world, the chat group had their own debate.

Sword God Ryuma: "Shimotsuki Yasuie?"

Whitebeard: "You know him?"

Sword God Ryuma: "Not personally, but I recognize the family name. My full name is Shimotsuki Ryuma."

Pirate King Roger: "Whoa! You’re from a famous family?"

Sword God Ryuma: "Eh, it’s just a side branch. Nothing special."

Lucas suddenly smirked and added another thought.

"Wait a minute!" he typed. "Now that I think about it, Wano’s daimyo families all have ‘moon’ (Yue) in their names: Kōgetsu, Amatsuki, Shimotsuki, Fūgetsu… and then there’s Kurozumi."

Sword God Ryuma: "What are you trying to say?"

Lucas laughed. "Isn’t it weird that all these ‘moon’ families co-ruled Wano with the Kurozumi family, when ‘Kuro’ means ‘black’ and has nothing to do with the moon theme?"

A pause.

Whitebeard: "…That is weird."

Pirate King Roger: "Huh. Now that you mention it, it does seem odd that the Kurozumi clan was ever part of Wano’s leadership in the first place."

Sword God Ryuma: "You’d have to ask the elders of Wano. I was never interested in politics."

Lucas shrugged. "Meh. Kaido’s more interesting than Wano’s political drama. Time to move out."

With his decision made, Lucas turned back to his captive.

Kaido of the Beasts remained bound, his colossal form locked in the golden restraints Lucas had created. Lucas extended his hand, and the ground beneath Kaido shattered as an earthen platform rose beneath him.

Lucas floated into the air, effortlessly guiding Kaido’s imprisoned body along with him.

The power of the Float Floar Fruit was as graceful as it was terrifying.

"This ability is really something," Lucas mused as he soared toward the Flower Capital. It reminded him of Doctor Strange’s Ebony Maw, but if Ebony Maw weren’t so ugly, he might’ve been more popular.

As Lucas' floating platform approached the grand city, the chat group reacted to the sight of Wano’s capital.

First Hokage, Senju Hashirama: "So this is Wano’s capital? It looks completely different from the rest of the country!"

Golden Lion Shiki: "Shihahaha! What a beautiful place. No wonder you’re heading there!"

Lucas: "Nah, don’t get the wrong idea. Wano has only one city that looks like this. Everywhere else is a wasteland."

Whitebeard: "What do you mean?"

Lucas: "Exactly what I said. Outside the Flower Capital, Wano is nothing but ruins. Most people live in squalor and survive off the scraps from this one city."

Sword God Ryuma: "So… the entire country is like the ruined Kuri region?"

Lucas: "Bingo."

Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama: "That’s… horrific. Even during the Warring State Period  of the ninja world, things were never this bad."

The Flower Capital’s citizens looked up as Lucas descended, bringing Kaido along with him.

Gasps and whispers filled the streets.

"That’s Kaido up there?!"

"What happened to him?! Is he defeated?"

"And who is that guy? Is he heading toward the Shogun’s Palace?"

The people of Wano stared in disbelief—as the man who had defeated Kaido descended toward the heart of their nation.

Chapter 78: Do You Think This Is Possible?

"Master Orochi!"

The panicked voice of Fukurokuju, the leader of the Oniwabanshu, echoed through the lavish halls of the Shogun’s Manor. His usually composed face was now contorted with unease as he relayed the news.

"It has been confirmed—Kaido of the Beasts has truly been defeated."

Kurozumi Orochi, who had been reclining on a luxurious cushion, enjoying his sake, froze mid-drink. His hands trembled, and his face paled instantly.

"W-What did you say?!" he stammered, nearly choking on his words.

Fukurokuju continued, his voice grim. "Judging by reports, the one who defeated him is none other than Lucas, one of the Four Emperors, a man who holds equal status to Kaido himself."

Orochi’s face twisted in disbelief. "That’s impossible!"

Kaido—the invincible dragon, the embodiment of destruction—had been defeated? Orochi's biggest backer, the foundation of his rule, the source of his power… gone?

His hands clenched into trembling fists.

If Kaido was truly beaten, then everything he had built, manipulated, and schemed for was about to come crashing down.

Panic surged in his chest as he gritted his teeth. "No, no, NO! I refuse to believe this!"

Fukurokuju's voice was firm. "Master Orochi, you must flee at once. Lucas has close ties with both the Whitebeard Pirates and the Kozuki clan—he will not spare you."

Orochi’s breath came in short gasps, his mind racing.

"You're right… We need to leave!" he barked, his voice shrill.

Hesitation at this moment meant certain death.

His beady eyes darted around the room, searching for valuables. He grabbed a small chest of gold coins and tucked it under his arm. "To hell with everything else! I need to save myself!"

Just as he was about to rush out the door—

A frantic servant stumbled into the room, nearly falling to the floor.

"Master Orochi!" the man gasped, his face dripping with sweat. "Someone has arrived at the castle’s entrance!"

Orochi’s stomach dropped.

A chilling realization settled over him like a death sentence.

"Wh—Who is it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

The servant swallowed hard.

"It’s Lucas."

Orochi stopped in his tracks. His feet refused to move.

A dreadful, cold sweat ran down his back.

Slowly, with dread filling his every nerve, he turned his head toward the entrance.

And there he was.

Standing at the doorway like an executioner awaiting his final duty—Lucas.

And lying beside him, bound in golden chains, Kaido of the Beasts.

Orochi's breath hitched.

He felt his knees weaken.

Kaido—the indomitable ruler of Onigashima, the man he relied on for protection—was completely defeated.

His mind went blank.

This is a nightmare.

His body moved on instinct.

With no hesitation, Orochi collapsed to his knees.

His head slammed against the floor, his body shaking violently as he begged for his life.

"LORD LUCAS, PLEASE SPARE ME!"

His voice was pathetic, pitiful, and utterly shameless.

Tears mixed with snot as he groveled, pressing his forehead to the ground like a worthless worm.

"I—I'll do anything! Anything at all!" he sobbed. "Spare my life, and I'll serve you! I'll give you Wano! I'll surrender everything!"

Fukurokuju, who had been standing beside him, stared in disbelief.

For a moment, he had considered drawing his sword and making a last stand.

But now?

He looked at Orochi’s trembling form and felt nothing but contempt.

With a bitter sigh, Fukurokuju loosened his grip on his blade and followed suit—falling to his knees.

If Orochi had already thrown away his dignity, then resistance was pointless.

Lucas stared at them with an amused expression.

"Forgive you?" His voice was mocking, filled with cold amusement. "Do you really think that’s possible?"

Orochi shivered, but before he could plead again, Fukurokuju spoke first.

"My lord, I am innocent!" Fukurokuju declared, hurriedly distancing himself from Orochi. "The Kurozumi clan is the true mastermind behind Wano’s suffering! I have done nothing but follow orders!"

Orochi’s blood boiled with rage.

This bastard!

Before he could snap back, Lucas chuckled. "So, you’re saying Orochi is the only guilty one here?"

Fukurokuju nodded eagerly. "Yes! He manipulated us all!"

Lucas smirked and turned his gaze to Orochi. "And what about you? What’s your excuse?"

Orochi’s voice trembled.

"I—I was manipulated!" he stammered. "The two elders of the Kurozumi clan—Higurashi and Semimaru—they are the ones who used me! I never wanted any of this!"

His body quaked as he rambled on.

"I was cast out! The people of Wano despised me since birth! I had no choice but to follow the Kurozumi clan’s will!"

Lucas stared down at him in silence.

Then, he laughed.

"What a pathetic excuse."

Orochi flinched.

Lucas' voice hardened, his gaze turning cold. "You had no choice? You ruled Wano for decades. You chose greed, cruelty, and selfishness at every step. That was your choice."

Orochi shook his head furiously. "No, I—"

Lucas raised his hand, and a sharp crack of golden energy surged toward Orochi, sending him crashing into the wall.

Orochi coughed up blood, his vision blurring.

From the chat group, Sword God Ryuma’s voice rang out in disgust.

Sword God Ryuma: "This… is Kurozumi Orochi? The ruler of such a great country?"

Whitebeard: "Unbelievable! He’s blaming two dead people for all of his crimes? I’ve never seen such a cowardly bastard!"

Pirate King Roger :"This guy… how did someone like him ever become Wano’s ruler?"

Lucas: "Funny you ask. This actually has a lot to do with Kozuki Oden."

Sword God Ryuma: "Oden?"

Lucas: "Yeah. Orochi first infiltrated Shimotsuki Yasuie’s house. He was nothing more than a lowly servant. One day, he stole from the household and framed Kozuki Oden for it."

Sword God Ryuma: "Did Oden clear his name?"

Lucas: "No. Want to know what the kind and noble Kozuki Oden did to the man who framed him?"

Whitebeard: "I have a bad feeling about this."

Pirate King Roger: "Me too. If Oden did something stupid, then everything makes sense."

Lucas let out a laugh.

Lucas: "After being framed by Orochi, Oden didn’t punish him. Instead—he recommended him to his father, Kozuki Sukiyaki."

Silence.

Then—

Sword God Ryuma: "…WHAT?!"

Whitebeard: "You’re joking!"

Pirate King Roger: "This guy is an absolute idiot!"

Lucas : "Oden’s kindness doomed Wano. And in the end… he and his family paid the price for it."

The air outside the Shogun’s castle was thick with tension.

As Kurozumi Orochi lay on the ground, trembling in fear, the allied forces of Wano arrived.

Marco and his crew had landed, standing among the samurai of Wano who had fought for years to reclaim their homeland. Kin’emon and the remaining retainers glared at the fallen Shogun, their hands twitching over their weapons.

Their eyes burned with rage.

This man—this coward—was the very reason Wano had suffered for decades under Kaido’s rule. He was the reason their lord, Kozuki Oden, had died.

If not for Lucas standing there, they would have torn him apart on the spot.

Lucas glanced at the whimpering Orochi and waved his hand indifferently.

At his command, the golden platform beneath Orochi tilted, sending the sniveling man flying into the air.

"NO—!" Orochi screamed as he was launched skyward.

From the ground, Shutenmaru’s sharp eyes followed the trajectory.

His grip tightened around his blade.

With a grim look, he drew his sword.

The moment Orochi was within reach—

Shutenmaru slashed.

The sound of steel cutting through flesh echoed across the courtyard.

Orochi’s body twisted midair, his form shifting into his mythical devil fruit for, Yamatano Orochi , and sprouting eight massive snake heads.

His mouths roared, his fanged jaws snapping wildly.

"I’M INNOCENT!" Orochi screeched, his voice filled with desperation. "WHY CAN’T YOU JUST LET ME LIVE?!"

But Shutenmaru’s rage burned too hot.

He had waited twenty years for this.

The battle between Shutenmaru and Kurozumi Orochi began.

Lucas didn’t bother to watch.

His attention shifted toward Fukurokuju, the leader of the Oniwabanshu.

"You’re supposed to be a ninja, right?" Lucas asked casually. "Then why don’t you show me some real ninjutsu?"

Fukurokuju’s eyes lit up.

A chance to prove his worth?

He nodded enthusiastically, signaling his subordinates.

"At once, my lord!" he declared.

The ninja forces of Wano moved in unison, demonstrating their tricks—vanishing into shadows, conjuring smoke bombs, and using their agility to weave between attacks.

Fukurokuju explained each move excitedly, believing he was impressing Lucas.

But Lucas only watched for a minute before letting out a bored sigh.

"This is it?"

In the chat group, a certain First Hokage was incredibly disappointed.

Senju Hashirama: "This is the ninjutsu of the pirate world? This is nothing but cheap tricks!"

Senju Tobirama: "Pathetic. They don’t even seem to have Chakra."

Lucas: "Yeah, there’s no Chakra here. This world runs on Devil Fruits and Haki."

Senju Tobirama: "That explains a lot. But it’s strange—why is their Taijutsu so incredibly strong? The human physiology of this world seems different from ours."

Whitebeard: "You mean body proportions?"

Senju Tobirama: "No, it’s deeper than that. In our world, even the strongest hand-to-hand combatants have limits. Here, people are using physical strength alone to create attacks that can split mountains and seas."

Pirate King Roger: "We’ve talked about this before. Every warrior in this world has a natural limit, but those with talent have much higher ceilings."

Lucas smirked.

Lucas: "Don’t underestimate the Taijutsu of your world, Second Hokage."

Senju Tobirama: "Oh? And why is that?"

Lucas: "Because in the ninja world, there exists a Forbidden Technique called the Eight Inner Gates," Lucas: "When fully opened, it allows the user to surpass their natural limits, achieving godlike speed and power."

Tobirama was silent for a moment.

Then—

Senju Tobirama: "Is that so? A technique like that… I regret not living long enough to witness it."

Lucas: "Don’t worry. You’ll see it soon enough."

Lucas waved a hand, dismissing Fukurokuju and his ninjas.

"That’s enough," he said flatly.

He had lost interest in their tricks.

Turning to Denjiro, he asked, "You’ve been undercover in Orochi’s ranks for a while. What do you think? Are these ninjas worth keeping alive?"

Denjiro stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"They were mostly in charge of protecting Orochi, but they didn’t commit the worst crimes," he admitted. "Killing them all might leave Wano without a reliable ninja force for a while."

Hearing this, Fukurokuju was moved to tears.

"Denjiro-sama! Your mercy knows no bounds!"

But before Fukurokuju could celebrate too much—

A sudden shout interrupted the moment.

"KANJURO, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

Kin’emon’s furious voice rang out.

Lucas raised an eyebrow and turned to see what was happening.

There, standing amidst the samurai—was Kanjuro.

One of the Nine Red Scabbards.

But something was off.

Kanjuro stood with a calm expression, his brush sword raised. His fingers twitched, and suddenly—

A massive ink beast emerged, lunging toward Shutenmaru.

Everyone froze in shock.

"What…?" Kin’emon’s face went pale.

Kanjuro laughed softly.

"Did you really think I was one of you?" he said, his voice filled with mockery.

"My real name is Kurozumi Kanjuro."

The world seemed to freeze.

"NANI?!"

The samurai stared in disbelief.

Kanjuro smiled casually. "That’s right. I was never your ally. I was sent by Orochi."

He raised his brush again, painting another monstrous creature.

"From the very beginning, I was a spy planted within Kozuki Oden’s retainers."

Kin’emon’s eyes burned with rage. "You… you TRAITOR!"

Kanjuro chuckled. "I was thinking of keeping up the act a little longer, but…" He shrugged. "There’s no point anymore."

His gaze swept over the furious samurai.

"The Kurozumi clan is finished. So I’ll die with them."

His smile never faded as he raised his sword, ready for battle.

Lucas watched with amusement.

"Well," he murmured, "this just got interesting."

With enemies on all sides, Kanjuro fought viciously.

But in the end—

He fell alongside Orochi.

And with that, the Kurozumi clan was finally eradicated.

Chapter 79: Please Be a Human Being!

Lucas stood in the Shogun castle of Wano, arms crossed, staring down at Kaido of the Beasts, who lay bound and motionless before him. The once invincible Emperor, feared across the seas, was now nothing more than a sealed experiment waiting for his fate.

His gaze flickered with intrigue as he opened the chat group interface.

Lucas: "@Howard Stark, can you send me your scientific research strength?"

A moment later, the brilliant scientist of the Marvel Universe responded.

Howard Stark: "Scientific research strength? No problem!"

A notification popped up.

Ding! Howard Stark sent an exclusive red envelope (Scientific Research Strength – Low Level) to the group owner Lucas.

Lucas stared at the "Low Level" label with mild disbelief.

Howard Stark was an absolute genius, one of the greatest minds in his world. His work in energy sources, weapon technology, and AI rivaled even the modern advancements of his son, Tony Stark.

Yet his scientific research strength was only low-level?

Something clicked in Lucas’ mind.

Wait… is it because of the time period?

Lucas narrowed his eyes, quickly realizing the truth.

Howard Stark had been limited by the era in which he lived. If he had modern tools and knowledge, he would have undoubtedly surpassed his own limits and revolutionized technology even further.

It wasn’t his talent that was the issue. It was the time he was born into.

Lucas smirked.

Golden Lion Shiki couldn’t help but mock the situation.

Golden Lion Shiki: "What’s this? I thought that this Howard Stark was supposed to be as brilliant as Vegapunk? Turns out he’s not so special after all!Shihahahaha"

Whitebeard: "Gurararara! Seems like scientific research strength isn’t just about intelligence. It must also depend on the level of technology available in the user’s world."

Pirate King Roger: "So if Vegapunk joined this chat group, would his scientific research strength be low-level too?"

Howard Stark went silent for a moment before replying.

Howard Stark: "…I don’t know, but I suddenly feel very underappreciated."

Lucas chuckled.

Lucas: "Don’t be discouraged. Give me your scientific talent instead."

Howard perked up.

Howard Stark: "Scientific talent? Now that’s a different story!"

Ding! Howard Stark sent an exclusive red envelope (Scientific Research Talent – Top) to the group owner Lucas.

Lucas accepted the red envelope, his mind instantly buzzing with newfound scientific comprehension.

The knowledge clicked instantly.

"So that’s how it is…" Lucas muttered.

With Howard’s scientific talent, he could now analyze, improve, and create technology at a level far beyond what this world had ever seen.

Lucas turned back to the chat group.

Whitebeard: "How is scientific talent different from scientific research strength?"

Lucas smirked.

Lucas: "Scientific talent is the potential to innovate and understand concepts. Scientific research strength is how much knowledge and resources you already have access to."

He continued explaining.

Lucas: "For example, Howard Stark’s talent is top-level, but his research strength was limited by his time period. If he had access to modern or alien technology, he’d be unstoppable."

Howard chuckled in amusement.

Howard Stark: "I like the sound of that!"

Lucas' smirk widened.

Lucas: "Put it this way—if Howard Stark had enough resources, he could easily destroy this entire world."

The chat fell silent.

Then—

Golden Lion Shiki: "…Are you serious?!"

Lucas: "Dead serious. The three Ancient Weapons of this world? Nothing compared to what Howard could build."

Pirate King Roger: "Then… what’s the point of Raftel’s treasure?! If technology can wipe out entire civilizations, does the One Piece even matter?"

Lucas laughed.

Lucas: "That’s the thing. When I arrived in this world, everything lost its meaning."

Marco approached, bowing slightly before Lucas.

"Lord Lucas," he said respectfully, "We’ve found Shimotsuki Yasuie. He has personally requested to meet with you. However…"

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "However?"

Margao hesitated before continuing.

"He does not wish to be Wano’s next Shogun."

Lucas chuckled. "Well, let’s hear him out."

Not long after, Shimotsuki Yasuie arrived.

The elderly daimyo was small in stature, his frail frame resembling that of a child rather than a leader. His face, wrinkled with deep lines, carried an ever-present smile—but beneath it lay decades of hardship.

His presence alone commanded respect.

In the chat group, Sword God Ryuma was stunned.

Sword God Ryuma: "This is Shimotsuki Yasuie?"

The legendary swordsman had expected a great warrior, not a man who looked worn down by suffering.

Whitebeard: "Why does he look like that?"

Pirate King Roger: "Did the Kurozumi clan do this to him?"

Lucas sighed.

Lucas: "Just like the villagers of Ebisu Town, Shimotsuki Yasuie suffered greatly under Orochi’s rule. Twenty years of oppression left him looking like this."

Shimotsuki Yasuie bowed politely.

"Lord Lucas," he said with a smile, "I am honored by your kindness, but I must decline. I am not the right person to be Wano’s next Shogun."

Lucas tilted his head. "Then who do you think is?"

Shimotsuki Yasuie’s smile widened.

"Kozuki Oden’s daughter, Kozuki Hiyori," he said.

Lucas was stunned.

"The Kozuki family still has a living heir?"

Shimotsuki Yasuie nodded.

"Kozuki Hiyori is alive and well. She has remained hidden within the Flower Capital all these years, waiting for the right moment."

Lucas frowned. "But… isn’t Wano a male-dominated society? Would they even accept a female Shogun?"

Shimotsuki Yasuie chuckled.

"They will—if she proves herself."

In the chat group, Whitebeard’s eyes widened.

Whitebeard: "I almost forgot! Oden had a son and a daughter! What happened to her?"

Lucas smirked.

Lucas: "She’s been hiding as the most famous oiran in the Flower Capital."

Sword God Ryuma: "…Oden’s daughter is a courtesan?"

Lucas grinned.

Lucas: "Don’t get it twisted—Hiyori isn’t weak. Unlike her useless brother, she learned how to manipulate Orochi’s men into giving money to the poor. She’s been fighting in her own way."

Sword God Ryuma hummed in thought.

Sword God Ryuma: "Now that you say that, it makes Momonosuke seem even more pathetic."

Lucas laughed.

Lucas: "That’s exactly why I won’t be making her Shogun. I’m still choosing Shimotsuki Yasuie."

Outside, Lucas regarded Shimotsuki Yasuie with calm yet piercing eyes.

"I understand your reasoning for suggesting Kozuki Hiyori," Lucas said, his voice steady. "But unfortunately for her—and for you—you are the better choice to be Wano’s shogun right now."

Shimotsuki Yasuie’s brows furrowed in confusion. "Why? Princess Hiyori has done so much during Kurozumi Orochi’s reign. Surely, she’s more suited—"

Lucas raised a hand, cutting him off. "You’re talking about how she helped the poor? Useless."

Yasuie blinked, taken aback.

"For the majority of Wano’s people," Lucas continued, "she may have aided some in secret, but her life under Orochi’s rule was still one of comfort and glamour. While they drank sewage, she wore silks. While they starved, she dined on banquets. To them, she will always be an outsider."

He fixed Yasuie with a knowing smile. "And you? You suffered as they did. You drank the same foul water, endured the same torments, and look at you now—your very appearance reflects their pain. That makes you someone they can trust, someone they can rally behind."

Yasuie fell silent, his mind working through Lucas’ words.

After a moment, he nodded slowly, his shoulders sagging as he accepted the truth.

"You’re right," Yasuie admitted. "The people would trust someone who has suffered alongside them."

But an idea struck him. His eyes brightened as he asked, "Then… after I abdicate, can Princess Hiyori become shogun?"

Lucas chuckled. "I don’t care. Once Wano’s freedom is complete, you can step down and hand over the reins to her. I have no objections."

Yasuie’s expression lit with gratitude. "Thank you!"

"Don’t thank me yet," Lucas said, his tone turning serious. "I promised someone I would help Wano rebuild, but I’m not interested in wasting my time here. You’re the quickest way to stabilize the country. Finish the job, and I won’t interfere after that."

In the chat group, the banter resumed as Sword God Ryoma sighed in disappointment.

Sword God Ryuma: "Lucas, you’ve wasted my feelings."

Lucas: "Don’t be like that. We made a deal. No need to talk about feelings—I’m not marrying Wano, am I?"

Sword God Ryuma: "You…!"

Whitebeard: "Gurararara! Calm down, Ryoma! Lucas has already done more than enough. Kaido is captured, Orochi is dead, and Wano will soon rebuild. What else could you want?"

Sword God Ryuma: "I didn’t want anything in particular. I just feel like he’s getting away with being too smug."

Lucas: "Huh? Do you still need me to protect Wano after all this?"

Ryoma grumbled but conceded.

In truth, he knew Wano still needed Lucas’ protection, so he swallowed his pride and continued.

Sword God Ryuma: "I’ll acknowledge that your fighting philosophy is exceptional. And for the record, Wano owes you much—far more than I’d like to admit."

Lucas smirked. "Now that’s what I like to hear. You should make a habit of saying more truths like that. Simple, unpolished, but honest."

Sword God Ryuma: "…Definitely. I’ll do my best."

Not long after Yasuie left, a figure entered the room, moving with elegance and grace.

Dressed in a stunning kimono, Kozuki Hiyori—or Komurasaki, as she was known in the capital—approached Lucas.

Her every movement carried a sense of refined beauty, and her eyes held a curiosity that Lucas found almost amusing.

"You’re Kozuki Hiyori?" Lucas asked, raising an eyebrow.

She smiled softly, her voice like silk. "I prefer it when people call me Komurasaki or just Hiyori."

Lucas studied her for a moment.

It wasn’t hard to guess what she was thinking. The way her gaze flickered to Kaido, bound and defeated at his feet, spoke volumes.

Kaido had ruled Wano like an immovable mountain, an undefeatable force of nature. Even her father, Kozuki Oden, had fallen before him.

And now, here he was—broken and bound—because of Lucas.

Lucas could see the admiration stirring in her eyes.

"Princess Hiyori," he said, his tone casual, "you should know that Kaido’s defeat doesn’t mean Wano’s problems are over. The country is still scarred from decades of oppression. The road ahead will be full of challenges."

Hiyori nodded, her expression serious. "I understand. Wano will face endless obstacles, but with your protection, we can rebuild."

Lucas raised an eyebrow.

"Protection, huh? Did Yasuie put that idea in your head?"

Hiyori blushed, looking down shyly.

"Yes," she admitted softly. "He suggested that if I could win your favor, Wano would truly be safe."

In the chat group, Pirate King Roger let out a loud laugh.

Pirate King Roger: "Huh? Did the screen just go black? What’s happening?"

Whitebeard: "Lucas must be doing something he doesn’t want us to see."

Sword God Ryuma: "What are you up to, Lucas?"

Lucas smirked.

Lucas: "It’s not me. It’s her. Don’t you see? She’s here to… how should I put this… borrow a seed. And who am I to refuse such a beautiful woman?"

Chat Group: "…!"

Lucas: "Relax, I’m just kidding. But she’s intriguing, so I decided to talk to her seriously. She thinks Wano needs my protection, and I’ll admit… I might just humor her."

Whitebeard: "I’ve never seen someone so shameless."

Lucas: "Call it what you want. Consider it compensation for the failure of her brother, Momonosuke. At least she’s capable of making decisions."

Chapter 80: Limitations of Paramecia Abilities

Shimotsuki Yasuie officially ascended to the position of Shogun of Wano, marking the beginning of the country’s restoration.

However, rebuilding a nation was no easy task. Kurozumi Orochi had left Wano in a state of ruin, and the scars of Kaido’s tyranny ran deep.

Despite becoming Shogun, the most luxurious residence in Wano—the Shogun’s Castle—remained occupied by Lucas.

It was only natural.

After all, Lucas was the Supreme Emperor of Wano now.

His life had been relaxing in the past few days, filled with fine sake, entertainment, and the company of Hiyori every night.

Though Wano lacked modern luxuries, the Flower Capital had its charms—interesting culture, talented artisans, and exquisite performances.

However, there was one thing that truly bothered Lucas.

His research on Kaido had hit a roadblock.

Despite his scientific talent, he couldn’t progress as fast as he wanted.

The reason?

It was simple.

Howard Stark—despite being a brilliant scientist—was not a biologist.

He specialized in engineering, mechanics, and weaponry. His knowledge of biology and genetics was basic at best.

And in Howard Stark’s era, genetics was still in its infancy.

Compared to Vegapunk, who had already perfected cloning technology, Howard’s biological knowledge was severely outdated.

Lucas sighed, staring at Kaido, still bound by golden chains.

"Whatever," he muttered.

With top-tier scientific talent, it was only a matter of time before he mastered biology as well.

In the chat group, Golden Lion Shiki scoffed in amusement.

Golden Lion Shiki: "Are you really planning to study now?"

Lucas: "Why not?"

Pirate King Roger: "It just sounds… boring."

Whitebeard: "That’s right! You’ve already turned off your perception several times in the past few days. It’s getting a little dull."

Howard Stark: "Personally, I don’t mind. Learning about other worlds is quite fascinating."

Lucas smirked.

Lucas: "Don’t worry, I already have a solution."

He quickly tagged the Second Hokage in the chat.

Lucas: "@Senju Tobirama, send me the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu."

Senju Tobirama: "What do you need that for?"

Lucas: "I’ll let shadow clones study for me. Once dispelled, they’ll transfer their knowledge back to me. That way, I can master everything in the shortest time possible."

A brief pause.

Then—

Senju Tobirama: "…That’s actually a brilliant idea."

Senju Tobirama: "A Ninja actually did this in my thim. But most shinobi couldn’t handle the mental backlash when multiple clones dispelled at once."

Lucas tilted his head. "Why?"

Senju Tobirama: "Because all the memories return at once, it puts a huge strain on the mind.

Lucas laughed.

Lucas: "That won’t be an issue for me."

Tobirama nodded in agreement.

Senju Tobirama: "True. The people in your world have absurd physical endurance. Many of the downsides of our forbidden techniques wouldn’t even affect you."

With that, a notification appeared.

Ding! Senju Tobirama sent an exclusive red envelope [Forbidden Technique – Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu] to the group owner Lucas.

Whitebeard raised an eyebrow.

Whitebeard: "A forbidden technique?"

Senju Tobirama: "It’s only ‘forbidden’ because of the mental strain it causes. But for someone like Lucas? Completely safe."

Howard Stark hummed.

Howard Stark: "Even if you can learn quickly, where will you find the necessary technology?"

Golden Lion Shiki laughed.

Golden Lion Shiki: "The World Government, of course! They have the most advanced scientific division, with resources from the Future Kingdom and Vegapunk, whose intelligence is 500 years ahead of humanity!"

Pirate King Roger grinned.

Pirate King Roger: "So what you’re saying is… we should raid the World Government?"

Lucas smirked.

Lucas: "That’s actually a great idea."

The chat fell silent.

Then—

Lucas: "Anyone know where the Marine Science Division is? I’d love to pay them a visit."

A few seconds passed.

No one answered.

Lucas sighed.

Lucas: "No one? Seriously? How disappointing."

Golden Lion Shiki: "They keep that location top secret. Even among the Four Emperors, no one really knows where it is."

Lucas shrugged.

Lucas: "No big deal. The World Government isn’t the only force with advanced science. I already know a place with plenty of biological research."

Whitebeard: "Oh? Where?"

Lucas grinned.

His mind flashed to a certain location—one that had always fascinated him in this world.

The place where some of the most dangerous biological experiments were conducted.

A place where science and cruelty blended into one.

Lucas: "Punk Hazard."

The chat group went silent for a moment.

Then—

Pirate King Roger: "Punk Hazard? What’s that?"

Whitebeard: "…I’ve heard rumors about it. A forbidden research facility where some of the darkest experiments in the world were conducted."

Lucas: "Bingo. Vegapunk used to work there. Before he left, it was home to some of the most twisted biological experiments ever seen."

Golden Lion Shiki: "So you’re saying… you’re going to loot Punk Hazard?"

Lucas laughed.

Lucas: "Exactly. If I can’t get my hands on Vegapunk’s research directly, I’ll take whatever’s left of his old experiments."

After addressing most of Wano’s pressing issues, Lucas set out alone, leaving Kaido of the Beasts in the care of Marco and his allies.

The seal Lucas placed on Kaido, coupled with the Flying Thunder God Mark, ensured that any potential escape attempts would be futile. With Kaido effectively neutralized, Lucas turned his focus toward another target—Punk Hazard, the island infamous for its deadly environment and scientific history.

As he approached the island, Lucas opened the chat group and posed a question that had been nagging him.

Lucas: "Do you guys think Kaido of the Beasts is truly indestructible? Sure, his body is tough, and his defense and recovery abilities are unparalleled, but there are countless ways to kill someone."

Golden Lion Shiki: "Like what?"

Lucas: "For starters, what about feeding him two Devil Fruits?"

Golden Lion Shiki: "That wouldn’t work. Kaido is an anomaly. Even if he manage to eat another Devil Fruit, while he can’t carry the power of that Devil Fruit, there’d will be no conflict to kill him since the Devil Fruit will just reincarnate in other sea."

Sword God Ryuma: "Is this because of his race? I can’t imagine dragons having such peculiar traits."

Lucas: "What about Paramecia Devil Fruits? Some abilities are terrifying. For instance, the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, which turns people into toys, or Ain’s ability to reverse time on objects and living beings. Couldn’t they be used to kill Kaido?"

Shiki let out a hearty laugh.

Golden Lion Shiki: "You’re giving their abilities too much credit. Sure, they’re strong, but they all have user limitations. Take my Float Float Fruit—I can lift entire islands into the sky, but I can’t uproot the Red Line. Unless they are truly stronger than Kaido, maybe then that their fruit power can affect Kaido."

Whitebeard chimed in, his laughter rumbling.

Whitebeard: "Gurararara! That’s right. Even the Devil Fruits you mentioned have their drawbacks. Ain’s ability to reverse time depends on her stamina and development. She wouldn’t be able to affect someone as strong as Kaido, at least not in her current state."

Lucas frowned thoughtfully. "Is that true?"

He pulled out a Den Den Mushi and contacted Ain directly.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries (and a few teasing remarks), Lucas got his answer.

Ain explained that her Devil Fruit ability required significant development to affect larger areas or stronger targets. While she could reverse time for small objects and weaker opponents, her current level of physical strength and Devil Fruit mastery made it impossible to affect someone as powerful as Black Arm Zephyr, let alone Kaido.

Lucas sighed.

Lucas: "Makes sense. If the World Government has captured Kaido so many times without killing him, it’s clear they’ve tried everything. If they couldn’t kill him, there’s probably no surefire way—at least not yet."

He closed the call and turned his attention back to the chat group.

Lucas: "There’s no such thing as a truly invincible Devil Fruit ability, which is reassuring. I’ve always worried about being blindsided by abilities like the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, but now I know even they have limits."

Shiki interjected.

Golden Lion Shiki: "Back to this island, it feel familiar—what’s with this place? Half is covered in ice, and the other half is magma. I’ve seen some strange islands in the New World, but this one is something else."

Whitebeard: "Gurararara! I know this place. Isn’t this where Akainu and Aokiji fought their ten-day duel?"

Pirate King Roger: "Now that you mention it, I remember that. So the ice and lava here are their doing?"

Lucas: "Exactly. Their battle changed the entire landscape of the island."

Fire Fist Ace: "What are you doing here, Lucas? This island’s supposed to be deserted. It’s impossible for people to live in such extreme conditions."

Lucas grinned.

Lucas: "Wrong. Not only are there people here, but there are quite a few."

He landed on the island, stopping in front of a massive iron gate.

"This used to be a World Government research facility," Lucas explained. "It was abandoned after a scientist named Caesar Clown caused a catastrophic experimental accident."

Whitebeard hummed thoughtfully.

Whitebeard: "You think the World Government left behind any useful data? That seems unlikely. They’re usually very thorough about erasing their tracks."

Lucas shook his head.

Lucas: "I’m not here for data. I’m here for a scientist. Caesar Clown, the one who caused the accident, returned to this island and turned it into his personal laboratory."

Shiki burst out laughing.

Golden Lion Shiki: "Shihahahaha! A scientist returning to the site of his own disaster? That’s bold!"

Whitebeard: "It’s more reckless than bold. But it sounds like he has connections to back him up."

Lucas: "Exactly. Without a backer, he wouldn’t have the resources to rebuild here."

Suddenly, Lucas’ thoughts were interrupted by a group of bizarre creatures emerging from the shadows.

Their upper bodies were human, but their lower halves were those of animals. Each hybrid carried a weapon, their eyes filled with hostility.

"Intruder!" one of them barked. "Kill him!"