pertwk Chapter 157 A Plan That Was Prepared Long Ago
Chapter 157 A Plan That Was Prepared Long Ago
The lively banquet hall was instantly emptied, leaving only Moko, Kaido, and Doflamingo. Maria silently poured tea for the three of them before retreating outside the door. Just as she closed the paper door completely, Maria glanced at Moko, who was leisurely sitting on the sofa teasing Isla, with a complicated expression.
Maria had considered that Moko was hiding her strength, but she didn't know that Moko was hiding so much. Whether it was being evenly matched with Lord Kaido, or having even greater power, or the unexpected method of destroying an island thousands of miles away while in Wano Country, all of this made Maria feel truly terrified of Moko. Her wishful thinking of bringing Moko back to the island in hopes of having Lord Kaido suppress Moko vanished without a trace at this moment.
It's important to know that Moko had been under surveillance throughout her time in Wano Country. However, aside from enjoying flowers and tea, Moko usually just amused herself by teasing those she was supposedly monitoring. She didn't do anything out of line. As for Haru, the escape boats and passageways she had secretly prepared were already guarded by her men, all to crush their hopes of escape when they saw any chance of escape. But now it seems that all the escape routes prepared by that foolish maid were useless. After all, the Marine girl she served didn't need to escape at all. If she wanted to leave, she would probably just fight her way out.
But when exactly was all of this arranged? Since they couldn't contact the outside world while in Wano Country, it must have been arranged before entering Wano Country. But in that case, it's impossible that Lord King didn't notice. Although Lord King has a special relationship with Moko, Maria knows very well that Lord King would never betray Lord Kaido. So, in other words, before being captured, Moko had already made all the preparations and even considered all the possibilities that might happen.
The remaining forces hidden on Bouveles Island were something that even the World Government and the Navy hadn't been able to detect, yet they were easily found and blown up by the forces behind Moko? They had finally managed to negotiate a deal with the Navy, thinking they could make a profit, but Moko's actions almost left them penniless.
More importantly, the force behind Moko is definitely not the Navy. The news just reported refers to an unidentified enemy. The Navy wouldn't stoop to hiding their identity to attack an island. Moreover, the agents planted in the Navy haven't sent back any news of any Navy operations. Moko is a formidable opponent. With such meticulous thinking, strength, and power, making an enemy of such a person is never a wise choice.
So, what will Lord Kaido do next? Will he agree to this deal with Miss Moko?
Maria took a deep look at the closed paper door with its intricate floral and bird patterns, then sighed helplessly, withdrew her worried gaze, and went downstairs.
Inside the banquet hall, the three looked at each other, none of them speaking first. Ella excitedly grabbed Moko's folding fan, opening and closing it repeatedly. The crisp sound of the fan blades closing was making everyone anxious. Kaido's patience was also pushed to the limit by this noise. He slammed his hand hard on the table, making a loud noise. Ella was startled, and the folding fan flew out of her hand and landed on the floor with a thud.
Kaido's appearance was anything but kind; his tall stature and fierce expression brought tears to Isla's eyes. Isla trembled and threw herself into Moko's arms. She was naturally timid, but thanks to Moko's protection and the friendly atmosphere of those around her, she had grown much braver. But now, Kaido's menacing appearance, as if he were about to devour her, truly terrified her.
Moko gently patted Isla's back, her wide sleeves covering Isla. She glared at Kaido with dissatisfaction, and her words were like a freezing wind, not only extinguishing Kaido's arrogant and furious arrogance, but also freezing him with a thick layer of frost.
"Kaido, do you want me to blow up a few more islands?"
Kaido's lips were pressed into a straight line, and for the first time he felt helpless. Tsk, he might not be able to win if he fought, and he couldn't even scold him. The only source of income left in the family was all in the hands of this little ancestor. Damn it, no wonder everyone calls him an ancestor. He really is a living ancestor. How did that bastard Garp raise him?!
This was the first time Doflamingo had ever seen Kaido's humiliated expression. He couldn't suppress the smile on Doflamingo's face. Being humiliated by this little brat was one thing, but what was Doflamingo anyway? Kaido was furious. Was he watching the show? He couldn't handle this brat, but he could handle a firebird. He would get his revenge sooner or later!
"Speak, what kind of deal?"
Kaido took a deep breath, barely managing to suppress the frustration in his heart, and forced himself to speak calmly.
Moko gently stroked Ella, then looked up at Kaido, "Send me back and say the deal is done."
"That's it?" Kaido frowned, full of disbelief, not believing that this was all he wanted.
"that's it."
Moko remained calm. She had already promised Hiyori that she wouldn't interfere in Wano Country's restoration, so naturally she wouldn't have any other special requests. Moreover, the three islands that were bombed were roughly a third of Kaido's economic resources, and Doflamingo also profited from them. This time, the two of them had probably suffered considerable losses as well.
Although it wasn't enough to appease her anger, the two were still influential figures at sea, so she couldn't push them too far. After all, even a rabbit will bite when cornered, and these two weren't rabbits.
"Why do you think I would agree to your request? If I wanted to force you to stay, I might be able to do it."
Kaido narrowed his eyes dangerously at Moko. Despite the pressure, Moko's expression remained unchanged throughout, and even her breathing remained steady.
"Kaido, you will agree."
"?" Kaido raised an eyebrow.
"Guess how many more of your outlying islands I can blow up."
Moko spoke of it so casually, as if blowing up an island was as simple as eating and drinking. Moko had indeed not been in contact with the outside world these days, but that didn't mean Mika hadn't. Mika and Sweet Fruit had a unique telepathic connection. Moko only needed to have Mika tell Sweet Fruit about her recent situation, and Shanks would naturally make a decision.
After learning that Doflamingo and Kaido had been in contact, Moko had Yubi send people to investigate the important economic islands hidden under Kaido's control. Any island with economic transactions would definitely not escape Moko's intelligence network. Bouveles Island was indeed hidden, with funds flowing through dozens or even hundreds of islands, and its islands were scattered all over the world. If Moko's intelligence network had not been so well-established, it would have been difficult to find out.
Moko had initially considered blowing up Bouveles Island, but the plan was delayed for various reasons and had not been implemented. Now that she had been tricked into coming here, Moko naturally did not let go of this ready-made opportunity for deterrence, so she left a message on Candice Island to carry out the plan.
As for matters concerning her life and safety, Yubi would certainly not act rashly. Back on the day she reunited with Shanks, Moko had informed Moko's management that Shanks had equal rights with her and that Shanks had the right to dispose of everything Moko had. Upon receiving this information, Yubi would definitely consult Shanks.
After that, things became simple. Shanks would refine and implement the initial plan, and Moko just needed to wait for news. And right now, barring any unforeseen circumstances, half of the Kaido Pirates' economic islands outside are firmly in Shanks' hands.
Seeing Moko's serious expression, Kaido hesitated. He dared not gamble. Perhaps Moko was just bluffing him, but what if she was telling the truth? Maintaining a pirate crew was incredibly expensive. Just supporting these people would take up a large portion of the crew's income, not to mention the various profits from external dealings. Trade from Wano Country alone was far from enough.
The best solution now is indeed to agree to Moko's request and send the little rascal back unharmed. However, Kaido is truly unwilling to send him back like this. After all, an important island could be lost just like that. This time, he not only failed to make a profit but also suffered a loss. The Navy has also become more wary of him, and their future actions will probably not be so carefree.
This feeling of frustration is damn familiar. Blowing up an island—comes back to the day, wasn't it he who blew up the red-haired guy's island? Is this karma?
(Shanks: You stole my wife, so what if I blow up a few of your islands!)
In the end, the one who benefited the most... Kaido squinted at Doflamingo. Sensing the danger, Doflamingo stopped pretending to be deaf and dumb, crossed his legs and spoke casually and incoherently. His sunglasses concealed the emotions in his eyes, and he became increasingly nonchalant.
"Let's agree to this deal, Kaido. After all, the beautiful Moko has already said so, hasn't she?"
Although Kaido was heartbroken about losing the three islands, after so many years at sea, his important businesses were certainly under his watchful eye and wouldn't suffer a devastating blow. Doflamingo, on the other hand, clearly had other plans. After much hesitation, Kaido nodded.
We need to reassess Moko's value and risks. If Moko were an ordinary person, it would be a high-return, low-risk situation. But now, it's clear that the risks are much greater. Rather than waiting for Moko to blow up a few more islands, we should send this little devil back as soon as possible.
"Then I hope you will prepare as soon as possible. After all, I can't guarantee that if people outside see that I haven't returned yet, they might suddenly get the urge to bomb a few more islands and set off fireworks."
Before Kaido's strange expression could contort, Moko smiled faintly and turned to leave, her footsteps disappearing into the darkness. Kaido then smashed the recently replaced lacquered table in front of him to pieces with a single punch.
"Fufufu, Kaido, relax. It's just a few islands, and those research findings are no longer needed."
Hearing that it wasn't needed, Kaido suddenly turned his head to look at Doflamingo, "Looks like the experiment is complete?"
"Of course, there's good news from Punk Hazard Island, but shouldn't we be more curious about Miss Moko right now?"
Seeing the interest slowly rising in Doflamingo's eyes, Kaido remained silent. As someone who had directly clashed with Moko, Kaido knew just how formidable she was. Facing his furious pressure, she remained composed, her domineering aura seemingly weak, yet every trace concealed deadly intent. The slightest lapse in concentration would be like falling into an abyss. Doflamingo couldn't handle such a woman, but he had no intention of offering any advice. He had suffered so much this time; how could Doflamingo not bleed a little along with him? The best outcome would be for the two of them to fight, and he could simply sit back and watch.
"Ha, there are plenty of women. I have no interest in conquering a prickly one. If you're interested, then go for it. Didn't the Navy agree to your conditions by taking her back? Get going as soon as possible. I'm not keeping guests here right now."
Kaido glanced at Doflamingo, got up and strode away, his impatience to get rid of him written all over his face. Doflamingo wasn't angry, and after Kaido left, he stretched and stood up.
"Kaido is really old-fashioned. Women are more interesting to conquer when they're thorny, right? But..." If Kaido knew this woman was from Shanks' side, would he have given up so easily? Things are getting more and more interesting, fufufu...