Chapter 34: 34. The Victory Of The Scene

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- Through his calm confidence and strategic words, Alex had elevated his status even further in the eyes of his supporters, including Shimotsuki Yasuie. Despite trusting in Alex's abilities, Yasuie quietly resolved to keep the samurai forces ready as a backup. With Alex's remarkable ability to fly, Yasuie believed that, even if Alex's negotiations with Kaido went south, he could still escape unharmed. But if it came to an all-out war, he wanted to be prepared. After meeting with Kozuki Sukiyaki, who had chosen a quiet life in seclusion, Yasuie returned to Hakumai and discreetly began to rally his forces. Word of this soon spread, and warriors from across Wanokuni, inspired by the hope of true liberation, started to gather, ready to fight if called upon. The grand celebration of Alex's ascension passed, but an undercurrent of tension rippled across Wanokuni as the people prepared for a future free from Kaido's shadow. --- At that moment, Alex had arrived at Kaido's base camp on Onigashima. But rather than the tense atmosphere of a battle, there was a typical pirate banquet in full swing, with laughter and celebration filling the hall. "Is this... the Road Poneglyph to Raftel?" Kaido's eyes gleamed with excitement as he studied the massive red stone Alex had brought. Suspicion lingered, but his face betrayed an undeniable thrill. The only ones present, aside from Alex and Kaido, were the two All-stars, King and Queen, highlighting the importance of this moment. "I've fulfilled my part of the deal," Alex said, his gaze steady. "Now, it's time to see your commitment to our agreement." Kaido laughed, clearly pleased. "No problem! King!" Without hesitation, King produced a Den Den Mushi and began issuing commands. Both sides knew that the artificial Devil Fruits Alex had introduced were crucial for their alliance; backing out now would only invite chaos. As Kaido looked at the Poneglyph, a feral glint flashed in his eyes. The possibility of finding Raftel felt closer, and a thrill sparked within him. Even if he lost control of Wanokuni someday, the idea of seizing the One Piece drowned out any worries for the moment. "I never expected you'd be able to record that legendary Poneglyph so precisely," Kaido said, giving Alex an unusually direct look. "You're well-prepared, Alex. Who knows, you might even surpass that old lion in time." Alex gave a small shrug, casually dismissing the comparison. "Who's to say? But you're prepared to relocate?" According to their arrangement, Kaido could keep Onigashima, but it had to be moved beyond Wanokuni's borders. Kaido chuckled, a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "Worororo! Don't worry about that—I've got my own way of moving Onigashima out of Wanokuni!" Kaido had no intention of leaving his base in a spot where Alex could exploit it. With Alex's Float-Float Fruit in play, Kaido knew the island could be at risk if he stayed too close. If Kaido ever left Onigashima unguarded or if their alliance soured, Alex's power would give him a strategic advantage Kaido couldn't ignore. But Alex merely nodded. "Do as you like." Kaido grinned and pulled out a personal Den Den Mushi, tossing it to Alex. "The artificial devil fruit... I'll be waiting for news from you." As his words trailed off, Kaido's body began to shift and expand, his skin turning blue as he transformed into his dragon form. Without another word, he soared out the window, letting out a thunderous roar. Soon, tremors rippled through the ground as Kaido started to lift Onigashima with his flame clouds, preparing to relocate his fortress. With everything settled, Alex didn't plan to linger. Leaving Kaido to handle the relocation of Onigashima, he turned and departed, knowing his own plans for Wanokuni were just beginning to unfold. The liberation of Wanokuni from Kaido, a monumental event no one imagined would conclude so swiftly, was now unfolding exactly as Alex intended. With an eye for drama and reputation, Alex knew he couldn't afford for this victory to appear easy or effortless. Holding his Akazakura, he gritted his teeth and inflicted a few wounds upon himself, each cut a calculated move to create the appearance of a hard-fought battle. Time rewound. Earlier, the Den Den Mushi orders King had issued were executed by the Beast Pirates. All Beast Pirate troops stationed throughout Wanokuni received urgent calls and began to withdraw in scattered groups, leaving their positions empty. Strategic den den mushi's were left behind, transmitting a display of a fierce duel between Kaido and Alex—a carefully orchestrated battle recorded days ago. The abandoned Den Den Mushi transmitted the fight across Wanokuni, with the Flower Capital broadcasting the spectacle in massive projections throughout the city square. As people watched, awe and fear filled their hearts. The sheer ferocity of the blows, the tremors from each attack, and the sight of Alex's Akazakura clashing against Kaido's dragon form inspired a sense of palpable tension. To the people, it felt as though they were right there in the heart of the battle. In particular, the sight of Alex standing alone with his blood-red blade against Kaido's monstrous dragon form reminded everyone of the legendary "Dragon Slayer, Ryuma," whose exploits were well-known in Wanokuni. "Look at him! Shogun Alex!" "He's the hope of Wanokuni! Our strongest shogun ever!" "Shogun Alex is already facing Kaido! I'm going to join him!" "Me too! Let's fight for Wanokuni!" Cheers erupted from the crowd, while those able-bodied samurai grabbed their weapons and rushed toward Udon, ready to head to Onigashima to lend their strength to Alex's cause. Watching the broadcast, Kozuki Toki clutched her hands together, her heart filled with hope as she murmured, "Please, Alex—you must win!" Unknown to everyone, this "live" broadcast of the titanic clash was merely a recorded battle, crafted days prior. While the people of Wanokuni anxiously cheered for their shogun, Alex was in Kaido's base camp, calmly negotiating terms. As volunteer samurai rallied to Onigashima, eager to join the fight, Alex was busy applying fresh wounds to himself, giving the illusion of a fierce, hard-won victory. Finally, as the broadcast cut off abruptly, the warriors gathered in Hakumai at Habu Port, near the edge of Onigashima, saw a figure descending on a floating boulder. It was Alex, his clothes torn and soaked in blood, appearing like a triumphant yet battle-worn hero. Seeing him in such a state, the assembled samurai gasped in concern. Shimotsuki Yasuie stepped forward immediately, intending to assess his injuries. But Alex, refusing to waver, forced himself to stand upright. He panted from the "battle" but wore a determined expression as he raised Akazakura high above his head and addressed the crowd. "The battle is over! I have repelled Kaido completely!" he shouted, his voice unwavering. "I have forged a post-war agreement with him: he and his forces will never set foot in Wanokuni again!" "This is a victory without any casualties—Kaido has left our land, taking his fortress and his pirates with him!" "From today, Wanokuni's years of suffering are finally over!" In an instant, a wave of elation swept over the crowd. Cheers erupted at Habu Port, their voices ringing out in jubilant celebration for the victory of their new Shogun, Alex.