Vinsmoke was grumbling to himself, worrying about whether he could attend the Wano Country meeting.

However, in the West Sea, Lowe doesn't have this problem.

His only worry is that the Flower Country hasn't been conquered yet!

It's been a year now. From the moment he restarted his campaign against the Flower Kingdom, he has been at war with the Flower Kingdom for a whole year.

Dressrosa contributed many pirates who were recruited by them, including the "Dragon and Tiger Pirates," Wang Long and Yagyu Shikatoro, who are now shining on the battlefield and have killed many of the Flower Country's top fighters.

But it's still too slow.

The Flower Kingdom is a great power, a fact that Lowe knows. His family originated from the Flower Kingdom, but were betrayed and turned to the Insect Kingdom, where they have now become its kings.

His own reason for declaring war was also based on this revenge.

Large countries are difficult to fight.

The battle is almost over. According to the situation, they should be facing the last resistance force. The numbered "treasure navy" of the Flower Country has long been annihilated, and what remains are just stubborn resistance.

However, by now, the Insect Kingdom has lost many of its men, and the pirates who were brought in to provide support have also suffered heavy losses due to the battlefield.

If he were merely a ruler of a nation, he wouldn't have initiated this war, because even if he won, his insect kingdom would have nothing left and would be powerless to defend it.

But he's not just from the Bug Kingdom; he's a member of the 'Demacian Empire.' He only needs to fight, and the 'Demacian Empire' will definitely provide him with support.

Lowe never worries about insufficient support or infighting between member states. Such things may happen, but they will definitely not affect him.

If you ask why...

His sister is in Kuro's hands!

Although that white-haired perverted lolicon is annoying, you have to admit he's really something.

Having ended the era of the Four Emperors and become the Shogun of Wano Country, how could he not be powerful?

"call..."

On the other side of the battlefield, Lowe let out a long sigh of relief amidst his army, pushed a chess piece directly into the center of the enemy country on the sand table, and said, "The final battle, end it quickly, I'm going to Wano Country for the New Year!"

He didn't want to see that annoying guy, but he did want to see his sister.

And that ideal... this time it should at least undergo a transformation.

...

There were already quite a few ships heading towards Wano Country. The Marines were now sailing their warships with a certain recklessness, directly out of the World Government's sphere of influence, ignoring the pirates, and just sailing on.

There's no other reason than that there are simply too many of them.

The Marines invited by Kuro were all from his own faction, and they traveled together. Even if they weren't from the same faction, they were still colleagues as Marines. Moreover, since they were from the same faction, their strength would naturally be greater, and they wouldn't hold back.

Large numbers of warships sail the seas, and pirates will not unite until they have accurately targeted and attacked a pirate's territory.

Of course, that's what they thought.

Among the warships were those of Cass and Wilbur, who knew even more.

A year ago, they wouldn't have made such a move, but now that Mr. Kuro has become the shogun of Wano Country, the situation is different. The sea route they're taking leads directly to Wano Country, and all the pirates around them are on their side.

They had already sent a message to King and the other pirates that they were going to Wano Country for a meeting and that the pirates should behave themselves and avoid being encountered by them.

Long ago, they controlled the shipping route from Dressrosa to Wano Country; otherwise, they would have been attacked by pirates on their way there, which would have been unbearable.

Controlling a flight route is essential; they might even forgo other territories to secure control of that route first.

With this shipping route, many things can be exchanged and shared.

Do you really think Kuro single-handedly stabilized Wano Country?

Of course, Dressrosa deserves some credit.

There are people who have left Wano Country in the past. They first found these people, persuaded them with reason and emotion, and instilled their ideas in them. After these people agreed with them, they were secretly brought back to Wano Country. This created a new teacher or a new official. Through them, they spread their influence to other samurai in Wano Country. Then, led by Kuro, they directly guided them, which led to the current stability of Wano Country.

Of course, we should also thank Kurozumi Orochi and Kaido. Under their rule for more than 20 years, Wano Country no longer has any daimyo or nobles. There are only officials. And those less-than-ideal officials have long been removed from office through repeated reshuffles, becoming commoners and then 'disappearing'.

Thanks to the weapons from Wano Country, their pirate forces here have grown considerably recently. The World Government only comes to trade once every six months and is always worried about being robbed, but they don't have that problem. The shipping routes are open, and the weapons are distributed directly after they are acquired. Mr. Kuro is aware of this because David once made a trade request to the master. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy for them to bring the Wano Country people they collected back in.

"At this conference, we can determine our direction."

Wilbur looked at the sea, his voice brimming with emotion: "We've been accumulating strength step by step, and now we've reached a point where we can challenge those above us. It all depends on what instructions Mr. Kuro gives!"

"It's a hint!"

Cass corrected, "Mr. Kuro won't tell us yet. We have to figure everything out for ourselves. At this point, it's not time for us to turn against the World Government."

As he spoke, he clenched his fist and declared in a high-spirited tone: "We are not yet fully united. When we are fully united, when soldiers, workers, peasants, officials, and merchants stand together, that will be the time for us to raise our banner!"

“You’re absolutely right, Cass!”

"Let's work together, Wilbur!"

"Oh~ what are you all so excited about?"

Just as their gazes were about to spark, a flippant voice suddenly rang out from above.

Before they could even look over, a beam of yellow light shone down onto the deck, revealing a smiling old man in a park principal's uniform.

"Are the navy all this terrifying now? Would you mind giving this old man a ride?"

"General Borsalino?!"

Donald exclaimed in surprise.

"I'm no longer a general, you know. Calling me an inspector is fine, but..."

Kizaru smiled and said, "You can also call me the principal. My current job is the principal of a kindergarten."

"Inspector Borsalino..."

Wilbur narrowed his eyes, a sudden thought striking him. Had this guy overheard their conversation?

No, he was Mr. Kuro's superior, and he was the one who gave Mr. Kuro his position. Perhaps... he already knew?