"I hope Zoro already knows that his identity has been compromised, and that Kanjuro is a spy," Usopp prayed in his heart.
"Speaking of which, I still find it a bit hard to believe that Kanjuro is a spy," Franky added. They were people who had fought side by side in Dressrosa, and the other party was one of Kin'emon's people, having served Kozuki Oden together. Logically speaking, it should have been absolutely impossible for such a person to be a spy.
Robin also nodded. "I also find it somewhat incredible, but the information has been corroborated. One of the Nine Red Scabbards was lurking by Orochi's side and was even an underworld boss; there's no mistake about it. So, the matter regarding Kanjuro is undoubtedly true as well. It's just that if this is the case, our entire operation might have been exposed to the enemy from the very beginning. Evacuating now is the wisest choice; otherwise, the people coming to capture us will already be at our doorstep."
Franky and Usopp both nodded. "Yeah, it's really hard to believe that someone who served Oden alongside Kin'emon and the others would actually be a spy."
"Actually, such a thing isn't strange. From what I understand, Kanjuro must have been a piece planted by Orochi in advance specifically to deal with Oden. This kind of thing is common in the underground dark world. What surprises me a little is that he was able to hide himself for so long without Kin'emon and the others noticing at all. From that perspective, I actually quite admire Kanjuro as a person," Robin said.
"True, that must require some serious acting skills, and he had to secretly pass information out while keeping everything seamless. Thinking about it that way, Kanjuro seems particularly terrifying," Usopp said. As he spoke, he couldn't help but shudder. To think such a person was their 'comrade' before was frightening.
"However, it's a good thing that the fact he's a mole has been exposed. Although we don't know who leaked it, it's ultimately a good thing for us. If we hadn't discovered Kanjuro was a mole, our subsequent operations would have had no secrets at all, which would have been very dangerous. Now we can still cut our losses in time," Franky said, not panicking at all.
"Mm, the only pity is that our mission wasn't completed and had to be forcibly aborted," Robin nodded. They all had missions when they infiltrated the Flower Capital, but now there was no chance to complete them. However, the exposure of Kanjuro the spy was a great thing for them. By comparison, although their missions weren't finished, it wasn't a huge problem; they would just continue to look for opportunities later.
"For now, let's go regroup with Kin'emon and the others. The Flower Capital is likely crawling with Orochi's men looking for us. We'll have to plan our next move carefully," Robin said. "One more thing: who exactly leaked the news about those two spies, and why did they do it? From the results, the person doesn't seem like our enemy, but they don't seem like our friend either. Because they dragged out the spies from both sides. It looks intentional," Usopp analyzed.
Robin and Franky also nodded in agreement. "Indeed, that person's purpose is likely to see us fight with Orochi, which is why they exposed the spies on both sides. However, this matter is more beneficial than harmful to us. After all, this is Wano Country. It would be very dangerous if our actions were always exposed right under the enemy's nose."
The three looked at each other, feeling very curious about the person who had proactively spread the news.
"Could it be someone from the Beasts Pirates?" Usopp said after ruling out other likely options. If it were someone from the Beasts Pirates, they might also be happy to see them fight with Orochi.
"Unlikely, right? Orochi and the Beasts Pirates are on the same side. Why would they undermine their own ally? I don't think it's them," Franky felt it wasn't the case.
"Robin, what do you think?" Usopp looked at Robin. She was the smartest one in the Straw Hat Pirates and had the most experience.
Robin pondered for a moment. "That speculation can't be dismissed. I think there might be some special individuals within the Beasts Pirates who might also want to see Wano Country fall into chaos."
Hearing Robin's speculation, Franky and Usopp were both surprised. "Could such a thing really happen?" That was the Beasts Pirates, and at the very top was Beast Kaido, one of the Yonko. He surely wouldn't allow his subordinates to be half-hearted, right?
"I heard that X Drake, who is also a member of the Worst Generation, proactively joined the Beasts Pirates. He seems to have a fairly high status now and isn't far from becoming an All-Star. This Drake was apparently a Marine Rear Admiral before. Although he later became a pirate, I feel there might be some special reason behind it. Spies are the type of people who care least about their own identity. Maybe he's one of those people," Robin analyzed.
"Drake, huh? True, he was the one leading people on a manhunt everywhere a few days ago. Seeing how hard he's working, maybe he really is just putting on a show for others to see. After all, none of the other high-ranking members of the Beasts Pirates have appeared. Only newcomers like Drake and that guy named Hawkins, who also joined recently and is now working under Drake," Usopp nodded. Over the past few days, he had been moving around the Flower Capital under the guise of a merchant and had gathered quite a bit of information.
"Well, let's not talk about that. Calculating the time, Luffy and the others should be arriving soon. We'll have to gather together then and re-discuss our next plan of action. There are less than twenty days left until the Fire Festival. We must hurry," Robin said.
"That's true. Let's go regroup with Kin'emon and Law first, and wait until Luffy arrives," Usopp and Franky both agreed. In the coming period, Orochi will surely try to capture them with Kanjuro's cooperation. They must be on guard.
Onigashima.
"Haruko, how is the plan progressing?" Yamato asked without looking back as she toyed with a potted flower. A few days had passed, and she thought there should be quite a reaction by now.
"Young Master, the moles on both sides have been exposed and have all fled. They will certainly regroup with their respective sides. Orochi's side has already contacted Lord Kaido, asking him to send someone to capture that member of the Nine Red Scabbards," Haruko replied.
"What about the little mice in the Flower Capital?" Yamato asked again.
"Same thing, they've all evacuated. Orochi's men didn't catch them. However, Orochi contacted us again, saying he'll send someone to cooperate with us in the capture operation. That person should be his undercover agent, Kanjuro," Haruko said.
Yamato finally raised her head. "I've pulled out the thorns on both sides. Now they'll have to have a fair and square fight."
"Young Master, who should we send to cooperate with him next?" Haruko asked.
Yamato thought for a moment. "How about Jack? Hasn't that guy been wanting to find someone to stretch his legs with lately? The Straw Hat Pirates, plus the Heart Pirates, plus the Nine Red Scabbards—that should be enough for him to handle."
"Young Master, didn't you say our people shouldn't work for Orochi?" Haruko was surprised.
"This time is different. It's a clash between our Beasts Pirates and them. Don't forget we still have bait in our hands that hasn't been cast out yet. The current situation is that Orochi needs to cooperate with our actions. What is that old guy most sensitive about? The Nine Red Scabbards. If I tell him we have two of the Nine Red Scabbards in our hands, what do you think Orochi will do?" Yamato narrowed her eyes.
Haruko thought for a moment. "Given Orochi's personality, he'll likely want to eliminate them as soon as possible. Plus, since he's a bit of a pervert, he might imitate how he eliminated Kozuki Oden back then and prepare to boil them."
"Haha, I thought so too. But before that, we need to try fishing with the bait. Regardless of whether it works, we have to try and see if any big fish take the hook," Yamato smiled. She wouldn't assume everyone was too stupid, but she wouldn't assume everyone was too smart either. The purpose of this series of plans was to make Orochi and Kin'emon's alliance fight, using their hands to eliminate Orochi first. Whether Kin'emon and the others were willing or not, Yamato was going to force them into a confrontation with Orochi. Only after they eliminated that freak Orochi would Yamato be willing to let the Beasts Pirates engage them in close quarters; otherwise, no way.
"Young Master, do you think any of them will fall for it? I think it's unlikely," Haruko said.
"I also think it's unlikely. After all, I'm openly telling them it's a trap and that I'm luring them. But until the results are out, who can say for sure? Maybe there's an idiot among them," Yamato shrugged.
Haruko's mouth twitched. "I feel like you're calling someone out by name, Young Master, short of just saying that guy in the straw hat."
"Haha, is it that obvious? I really do feel that if anyone takes the bait, it'll be him. After all, he's one of the few who can be considered an idiot," Yamato laughed.
Haruko thought about it carefully, and it really wasn't impossible. In other pirate crews, the Captain is always the strongest and smartest. The Straw Hat Pirates are different; their Captain is the strongest, but not the smartest—he's a troublemaker. Just then, a subordinate came to report that King was looking for Yamato to discuss something.
"Let's go. It should be Kanjuro who has arrived. Let's go meet him and, while we're at it, think about how to use this blade to achieve our goals," Yamato clapped her hands.
A moment later, Yamato and Haruko arrived at King's place. In the office, besides King, Jack was also there. Aside from them, there was a red-haired samurai: Kanjuro.
"Yo, Jack, long time no see. Did you get taller again?" Yamato waved in greeting.
Jack glanced sideways at Yamato. "Couldn't it be that you got shorter?"
"Hahaha, Jack, how is it that after not seeing you for a while, you've learned to tell jokes? Tell me, who told you that people can grow in reverse?" Yamato laughed. As she spoke, she habitually slapped Jack's arm. Jack was clearly prepared and dodged Yamato's hand instantly. From his movements, it was clear he was very practiced at this. Seeing Jack dodge, Yamato directly swung her hand back. With a smack, Jack didn't dodge this one.
"Yamato, you jerk, why use so much force?" Jack glared, his hand feeling a bit numb. He was certain she did it on purpose.
"This is how good friends greet each other. You'll get used to it," Yamato said matter-of-factly.
Jack was speechless. 'Good friends' greeting' my ass. She definitely hit him harder because he dodged the first one. "Petty fellow," Jack grumbled in his heart.
Beside them, King watched this scene without speaking, treating it as entertainment. To be honest, watching this was quite interesting. If he could, he would have liked to pour a cup of tea and sit down to watch. As for Kanjuro, he looked surprised. If King hadn't told him in advance that the Young Master of the Beasts Pirates was coming over, he wouldn't have believed Yamato was their Young Master.
"Young Master, let's talk business first," King spoke up.
Only then did Yamato restrain her expression and look toward Kanjuro, who was standing nearby. That one look made Kanjuro's face change drastically, as if he were being stared at by a terrifying beast; the hairs all over his body stood up.
"Greetings, Your Highness. I am Kanjuro, here by the Shogun's order," Kanjuro immediately lowered his head in a bow.
"No need to be so polite, we're all on the same side. Let's sit down and talk," Yamato smiled faintly. Beside her, Jack rolled his eyes as he saw Yamato giving the man a show of authority. This person really was a drama queen.
"Yes," Kanjuro's attitude was respectful, not daring to overstep in the slightest.
Subsequently, the group sat down.
"Kanjuro, right? What does your Shogun want you to do?" Yamato asked.
"I wouldn't dare. The Shogun sent me here to cooperate with your actions. However, the Shogun hopes to resolve those people as quickly as possible. I will provide whatever information you need to the best of my ability," Kanjuro said tactfully.
Everyone present looked surprised. This man really knew how to talk, and his ability to read the room was good too.
"Good. Since we know outside pirates have infiltrated and are targeting our Beasts Pirates, we won't sit idly by. The Straw Hat Pirates, the Heart Pirates, and Kozuki Oden's Vassals are our common enemies. How about this: we will send people to hunt them down, and you need to provide information on their hiding places. Is that a problem?" Yamato asked.
"Of course not. Although I've been exposed now, I can still guess a thing or two about how Kin'emon and the others will act," Kanjuro nodded.