Chapter 139: Personal Charm, Ryuunosuke's Goal!
After hearing Kuina's explanation, Ryuunosuke finally relaxed.
So that's what she was worried about.
Earlier, Ryuunosuke had just said those things based on his knowledge of the One Piece world. His real goal was to win over Conrad's trust. After all, the Mink Tribe is notoriously xenophobic.
Considering they'd just been captured and sold into slavery, it was only natural for them to harbor resentment—even toward those who helped them.
Sure, Conrad might be moved that Ryuunosuke saved them, maybe even choose to stick around. But to expect him to fully commit and entrust everything to the Dragon Hunter Pirates? That was a different story.
Of course, Ryuunosuke wasn't about to explain all this to Kuina. In her eyes, he had a heroic, larger-than-life image. There was no need to ruin that with behind-the-scenes scheming.
And more importantly—if he did try to explain—he'd have to reveal how he knew so much in the first place.
So… if it's a nice little misunderstanding, he might as well let her believe it.
---
"What exactly is the connection between the Kozuki Clan and your Shimotsuki Clan?" Ryuunosuke asked casually. "From what I know, your clan always played more of a support role in Wano. It's not like you were defeated—you all just stepped back into the shadows."
He leaned back, staring at her with genuine curiosity. "So Kuina, what is it you're trying to do?"
It was just vague speculation wrapped in idle talk, but then he tossed the question right back at her.
Hearing him speak so confidently about Wano Country, Kuina couldn't help but believe that Ryuunosuke was somehow connected to the Kozuki Clan. Maybe not directly involved—but at least related.
After all, he would've been just a baby during those events…
"Wano is being crushed under the heel of Orochi and Kaido," Kuina said bitterly. "That land has lost all hope. That's why… we have to stand up and take it back."
She hesitated, eyes dropping slightly.
"And the Mink Tribe is a critical part of the plan. That's why I was so concerned."
Even though she was now a crew member of the Dragon Hunter Pirates, Kuina still carried a heavy burden.
It was precisely because she trusted the crew—and recognized Ryuunosuke's incredible personal charisma—that she worried.
If Ryuunosuke really showed up on Zou, there was a good chance the Minks would accept him. Hell, they might even follow his lead and join the effort to liberate Wano.
But... Kuina didn't want that.
She wanted them—the ones from Wano—to do it with their own hands.
That's her mission.
"Don't beat yourself up over it," Ryuunosuke said gently. "We're partners, remember?"
"You've been fighting for my dream, so it's only natural for us to help each other out when it matters."
He smiled, shifting the conversation in a more philosophical direction.
Kuina had endured the destruction of her homeland and the loss of her family. She'd been forced into exile.
From a young age, her father, Koshiro, had taught her to be independent and strong-willed. And thanks to her extraordinary sword talent, he'd pinned high hopes on her.
That's why she faked her death.
(TL: So this is the reason why she is alive)
Koshiro knew that the more Kuina grew, the more attention she'd draw. It was to protect her—and to give Zoro the drive to become stronger—that he made that decision.
And Kuina… she had known what she wanted since the start. That's why she and Ryuunosuke worked so well together.
Just like Zoro, who's out there carrying that same dream on his back.
"I understand, Captain!"
Kuina dropped to one knee, her expression firm with unwavering loyalty.
"Whatever you command next, I'll follow it without hesitation!"
The system's loyalty binding was just a subtle psychological influence—something that would naturally deepen over time.
But Ryuunosuke's sheer charisma?
That hit like a lightning strike.
He had completely won her over. Her loyalty now was no different from those recruited directly by the system. It was a huge step forward.
"Alright, let's get ready to move," Ryuunosuke ordered.
Five Days Later – Sabaody Archipelago
The Dragon Hunter Pirates finally arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago.
Their presence immediately put both the World Government and the Navy on high alert.
This is close to Mariejois, after all.
If the Dragon Hunters went wild here, they could pose a real threat to the Celestial Dragons. With their strength, they might even make it to the top.
Fortunately, Admiral Borsalino was stationed nearby. If anything happened, he could at least stall them long enough for reinforcements to arrive.
But as for actually arresting the Dragon Hunter Pirates?
Sengoku didn't even consider it.
They had just shaken the entire Grand Line. Crime rates in several regions had even dropped because other pirates were afraid to make moves.
So unless the World Government gave a direct order, Sengoku wasn't about to make that call.
Taking action against the Dragon Hunter Pirates without a solid plan could backfire badly.
"Captain, are we just... partying here?"
Najenda sat inside a bar, sipping a glass of fine wine. Her expression was puzzled.
They'd already been here for a whole day, yet Ryuunosuke hadn't made a single move.
Instead, he told everyone to eat, drink, and enjoy themselves.
Only Hawkins had been given a real assignment—he was sent to take control of the lawless zone in the area.
Everyone else? It felt like a damn vacation.
"This is the gateway to the New World," Ryuunosuke finally said.
"Next stop is Fishman Island. Once we pass through there—we're officially in the New World."
"But before we go, we need to tie up every loose end here on the Grand Line."
He pulled out a detailed plan.
It was a massive map filled with names, notes, and battle strategies.
The Whitebeard Pirates. Blackbeard. The Seven Warlords of the Sea...
Everything was there. Every faction, every threat, even predictions of future developments.
Anyone could tell—this wasn't made overnight.
Najenda stared at the plan, stunned.
When did he even have time to prepare all this? Usually, Ryuunosuke was either training or resting. He rarely looked like he was handling intelligence work.
But this plan?
This was the work of a real mastermind.
Their captain... really is something else.
"Blackbeard, the Warlords of the Sea..."
Najenda traced the names, then looked up at him.
"Captain, are you planning to take their seats? Or are you going to destroy the whole balance?"
"Balance?" Ryuunosuke chuckled. "Nah, no need to break it... not yet."
"But if every Warlord ended up becoming my subordinate—well, that wouldn't be so bad, would it?"
He grinned.
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