According to legend, Kozuki Oden possessed an object called a Soul Vessel, which could subtly influence the mind of its wielder, causing them to be infected and corrupted by Kozuki Oden.
This thing is Kozuki Oden's diary, but it was picked up by Absalom by some twist of fate.
Of course, the Horcrux theory is just a joke; the main responsibility for that incident still lies with Kaido.
If his educational methods hadn't been so violent, and if he hadn't locked Yamato up with a group of samurai who idolized Kozuki Oden, there probably wouldn't have been so many messy things later on.
Have you seen it?
"I've read part of it, mainly his diary, which records his seafaring experiences. However, I found it on the battlefield, and part of it was burned, so some key content is missing."
Absalom then presented the diary with both hands.
"The Void Century, the D Clan, Ancient Weapons. This book contains many things, but unfortunately the parts about the One Piece have been burned, and these things are somewhat blurry."
Oran didn't care. Even if the idea that this thing was a Horcrux was just a joke, Oran wouldn't care if it were Voldemort's Horcrux.
In terms of soul power and mental strength, there are really few he fears. According to the bald old mage Ryze, Oran is the strongest he has ever seen in terms of mental strength alone.
"Abu, don't talk about this stuff after we get out. It'll cause trouble if word gets out."
[The Founding of the Nation, Joy Boy, and the Underworld King of Wano Country]
Oden's diary contains a lot of information. Although it is fragmented due to the fire, it still reveals a great deal.
"Don't worry, Master, I understand. However, after Kozuki Oden dies, Wano Country will probably be entirely under Kaido's control. Right now, that general named Kurozumi Orochi is just a useless puppet."
Do you think we should change our plan?
"No need for now, maintaining the status quo is fine."
The current level of craftsmanship in Wano Country is not considered anything of high value to Oran. He can also process seastone, as evidenced by the unfinished stone statue in the plaza.
Oran is a world leader in weapons manufacturing and doesn't need to rely on Wano Country. The only problem is the basic resource of Seastone.
However, maintaining the status quo is enough. To seek greater benefits, it would be better to rely on the power of the fishmen.
There is a seastone vein in Wano Country. These veins don't appear out of thin air; they are buried in the ground.
According to historical records, the area beneath Wano Country that was submerged by the sea is an even older Wano Country, which means that seastone is also distributed there, and theoretically there should be mineral veins extending into the nearby sea.
Oran could easily discuss with the fish-men and have them explore and excavate in the waters surrounding Wano Country.
The whirlpools surrounding Wano Country are a natural barrier for the fish-men. Human ships fear whirlpools, but fish-men do not. To fish-men, a whirlpool is just a pit on the ground.
However, we haven't reached the first step yet. This task is somewhat complicated, and there's no need to start it for the time being.
"Wait, you just said... Oden is dead? Kozuki Oden??"
While Absalom was giving a more detailed report, he encountered Kurokas, who had come to Oran to discuss the hospital situation.
"That's right, it's Kozuki Oden from Wano Country."
"How is that possible? How could Oden, with his strength, die in Wano Country?"
"Dean Crocus, are you very familiar with him?"
"After we arrived at Firefly Island, we continued sailing on the Grand Line. After sailing for some time, Roger discovered what was missing to reach the final island."
Later, we fought Whitebeard and happened to discover a samurai from Wano Country who could read the Poneglyphs. Roger eventually borrowed him from Whitebeard, and we sailed together for a while.
Absalom didn't understand why Crocus was so curious about Kozuki Oden until Crocus explained what happened back then. Absalom then understood the reason and explained the Wano Country situation to him.
"You mean this situation has lasted for several years?"
"Um."
"What on earth is Oden thinking?"
Crocus didn't see anything wrong with Piltover trading with Wano Country. Oran didn't know Kozuki Oden, so it was his freedom to trade with whomever he wanted.
Moreover, if Oran doesn't make any deals with the pirates, they won't be able to get the stabilizer Roger needs.
Crocus couldn't understand why Kozuki Oden had remained completely silent and hadn't contacted anyone outside the community for so many years.
If it weren't for Absalom's information about Wano Country, given Wano's closed-off environment, Crocus would never have received the news of Kaido's death before Kaido became truly famous.
After all, they had sailed together for a while. Although he didn't have any admiration for Kozuki Oden, Oden was someone Crocus was quite familiar with. This death was a bit too stupid.
However, for Crocus, the relationship between Laboon and Brook is more important. Oden's death will make him mourn for a while, but it's not enough for him to feel the need to avenge him. After all, Kozuki Oden didn't choose to ask the outside world for help.
Afterwards, Crocus reported on the hospital's situation and recruitment as usual, and then returned to the lighthouse to retire.
He, Brooke, and Redfield are practically forming the island's senior citizens' choir.
"Master, I also got this."
After Crocus left, Absalom pulled out another piece of paper from his person, which was now bobbing in one direction.
"Life card? Whose?"
"It's a Vivre Card for Zou. Kozuki Oden had two Mink Tribe retainers, and I took this Vivre Card from one of them. I think Lady Kate might find it useful."
Life Cards are a special product of the New World. Although they are made of paper, they are impervious to water and fire.
It can reflect the owner's vitality and guide others in the owner's direction.
Zou is a mobile country, so the Log Pose can't find it. Even the Mink Tribe needs a Vivre Card to travel to and from Zou.
Kate had lost her Vivre Card long ago, which is why Absalom took action after seeing the other Minks, using his invisibility to steal the Vivre Card from them when they weren't looking.
Of Kozuki Oden's retainers, some went to the future with Momonosuke, some stayed in Wano Country, while Inuarashi and Nekomamushi, the two Mink Tribe members, chose to flee Wano Country and return to Zou, which gave Absalom his chance.
If they hadn't both had life cards, Absalom's actions would probably have caused them to get lost at sea.
Half withered.
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