### Chapter 142: Kizaru Now Barks at Everyone He Sees

The battle ended under the astonished gazes of everyone present. They never expected the fight between the two sides to conclude so abruptly. They felt completely cheated, as if they’d lost everything, even down to their underwear.

Though they witnessed the peak combat power of the sea, it left them with an empty feeling.

Where was the carnage?

Where were the rivers of blood?

There was nothing.

Dressrosa didn’t bother to explain anything either. After receiving the order, they simply set sail and left the area. They had no interest in interrupting Uchiha Reijin's momentum at this time.

Kakashi hadn’t left yet. He arrived on the island, bringing with him the shackled Katakuri, who was still bound by seastone chains.

He didn’t expect Reijin’s plan to go so smoothly. It seemed like hardly any effort was required.

“Hmph!”

When Charlotte Linlin saw Katakuri, she immediately let out a cold snort.

Katakuri had disgraced their nation. If it weren’t for his loss to Reijin, Reijin wouldn’t have had the qualifications to sit at the same table with her.

Moreover, Charlotte Linlin now felt that she no longer needed Katakuri. The title of the Three Sweet Commanders was enough, and she wouldn’t include Katakuri in the future.

“Brother Katakuri!”

“Are you okay, Brother Katakuri?”

A few of his siblings rushed forward to unchain Katakuri. They had never seen him like this before.

The Katakuri they once knew was always the strongest man, the one who fought for years without ever showing his back to the enemy. He was the most powerful and charismatic figure in their eyes.

But now, he looked like he had just crawled out of a refugee camp.

The image of their invincible war god was beginning to crumble, making it difficult to look at him directly. They wanted to separate the current Katakuri from the one they knew.

“Charlotte Katakuri,” Reijin said as he looked at the now frail man.

This man had neither eaten nor drunk anything during his time in Dressrosa. Fearing he might starve to death, they had forcibly fed him at one point. His willpower was astonishing, to have endured for so long.

But Reijin liked people with such strong willpower. At the very least, Katakuri was obedient.

“Not bad! To withstand Uchiha’s eyes for so long!”

“In the upcoming battle against Whitebeard’s pirates, you and Kakashi will serve as the vanguard.”

Reijin didn’t even ask Charlotte Linlin for her opinion; he simply issued the command.

There was no need to ask. Katakuri no longer had a place in Totto Land. He would no longer be valued, probably reduced to nothing more than a gatekeeper.

But while Charlotte Linlin didn’t value him, Reijin did. Katakuri’s strength was too valuable to waste.

Charlotte Linlin narrowed her eyes as she heard Reijin give orders to her son directly. She felt like this guy was starting to overstep his bounds!

However, since it was a battle against Whitebeard, letting Katakuri serve as the vanguard didn’t really matter.

“Kid, we haven’t even finalized our partnership yet, so don’t get too full of yourself,” Charlotte Linlin said as she glared at Uchiha Reijin.

“Charlotte Linlin, we’ve already made a verbal agreement. Unless one of us backs out, there shouldn’t be any unexpected issues.”

“Do you think backing out would benefit you or me? After all, this cooperation is a win-win for both of us.”

Reijin looked at Charlotte Linlin and said. This old hag had such short-sightedness that she couldn’t even see that much.

Moreover, Katakuri no longer served any purpose for her. Why keep him around?

“Mamamama, you’re right. I won’t back out, so let’s leave it at that!”

“You can have Katakuri, but don’t let him appear in front of me again.”

“When I get back, I’ll start preparing for the wedding. I’m going to make a massive wedding cake!”

Charlotte Linlin was already drooling at the thought. Such a cake was something she couldn’t possibly resist. After a battle, she was already starving.

Though her children had brought her some sweets to fill her stomach, it wasn’t nearly enough.

Now, all Charlotte Linlin wanted was to go back and feast.

As for Katakuri, aside from his value in soul extraction, he was useless now. One defeat was enough to make Charlotte Linlin lose interest in him entirely.

Even though he was once her most proud creation, in the world of pirates, there was no such thing as familial affection.

“Wait a minute, Charlotte Linlin. Earlier, I mentioned that my country has other ninjas with special bloodlines. Aren’t you interested?”

“Other bloodlines? Are they stronger than the Uchiha Clan?”

“Heh, our clan is unique, but they have eyes that can see and perceive everything within a hundred kilometers. All enemies are exposed before them. I think you’d be very interested.”

Reijin chuckled. The Byakugan might seem weak now, but once it evolved into the Tenseigan, its potential could rival the Rinnegan.

However, achieving that transformation was incredibly difficult. It would require a millennium of reproduction to form a large clan of Byakugan users. Besides, Reijin wouldn’t allow the birth of the Tenseigan.

The Uchiha Clan was the main force, and the Hyuga Clan would always remain subordinate.

“X-ray vision? What a peculiar ability. What do you want in return?”

Charlotte Linlin laughed loudly, intrigued by the ability. It reminded her of the Three-Eyed Tribe. Her wish was to gather all the world’s races in Totto Land, and now Uchiha Reijin was offering her another. Of course, Charlotte Linlin wouldn’t refuse, even if it meant giving up something in return.

“A Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit!”

“No way! I don’t have anything like that. Don’t even think about it.”

“Well, you did just give me Katakuri, so I’ll give you a discount. How about two Zoan fruits and one Paramecia?”

In a few words, Reijin agreed to send a member of the Hyuga Clan to Charlotte Linlin to have children with her.

Charlotte Linlin would gain another rare ability for Totto Land, while Dressrosa would benefit from acquiring a few Devil Fruits.

After finalizing the agreement, Reijin boarded the ship bound for Dressrosa. As soon as he got on, he lay down on the spacious sofa.

“Kakashi, later on, send Hiashi Hyuga to Charlotte Linlin, along with the Uchiha clansmen selected by Elder Hoshi.”

---

“Hiashi Hyuga, this little rascal hasn't quite grasped reality, so let's send him over to Charlotte Linlin's place to toughen up and learn some patience.”

“Once he gets his act together, we'll bring him back. I bet he'll be so moved he'll cry his eyes out.”

Raijin closed his eyes and gave Kakashi instructions.

Hiashi Hyuga has always been the pesky one in the Hyuga clan.

He's never fully bowed down to the Uchiha clan.

After spending so much time at sea, he's still dreaming of outworking the Uchiha to take back the initiative.

Or maybe he's hoping to side with Tsunade to secure a spot in the Navy.

This delusional attitude is making even Tsunade a bit restless.

Tsunade was almost ready to surrender to Raijin, but this guy is still stirring the pot, trying to seize power.

Hiashi Hyuga really can't get his act together.

Raijin doesn't like this type one bit!

Since he can't create value,

Raijin will just use him for his own benefit.

Raijin has zero mercy and won't show any favoritism towards Hiashi Hyuga.

Kakashi nodded, his face as expressionless as ever.

After all, there's nothing to say to someone who's as stubborn as a mule.

You can't exactly have the Uchiha clan sweet-talk Hiashi Hyuga.

Hiashi Hyuga isn't exactly a heartthrob.

Following orders from Uchiha Raijin, he contacted Dressrosa.

And took the chance to bond with Katakuri properly.

After all,

Katakuri now looks like a stray dog abandoned by his master.

So pitiful.

“I already knew about this before they went to war.”

On the desk in the Sengoku Office sat a phone bug, and two figures were inside the room.

One was Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Navy Chief of Staff, and the other was the current Navy Admiral, Aokiji.

On the phone bug were Kuzan and Sakazuki dialing in together.

They recounted the battle between Dressrosa and Wano.

But in their words, Kuzan seemed a bit targeted against Dressrosa.

This made Sengoku frown slightly, feeling Kuzan was missing the bigger picture.

“Marshal Sengoku, could it be that Dressrosa offered you something? I just didn't expect the Navy Marshal to allow a World Government ally to collaborate with a great pirate. Doesn't that seem a bit off?”

“If Marshal Sengoku can't provide a reasonable explanation, I'll go to Mariejois to impeach you for inaction and other misdeeds. I'm quite interested in the position of Navy Marshal myself. After all, if I were in that position, I wouldn't slander good people or cover up shady dealings.”

“I would definitely eliminate the bad guys and restore peace to the sea!”

Before Kuzan could respond, Aokiji started acting all shady and accusatory.

Sengoku and Tsuru instantly turned their gazes towards Aokiji.

Both sighed; Zepyhr had hurt Aokiji too badly.

Originally a slacker in the Navy, Aokiji now seems like a mad dog.

He wants to bite anyone he sees, especially targeting Sengoku.

Now, whenever Sengoku does anything even slightly against Navy justice,

Aokiji barks wildly.

“Aokiji, stop rambling here. I will never go against my sense of justice.”

“Zepyhr has already informed me about this beforehand, so no need to be suspicious.”

Sengoku squinted his eyes and coldly replied to Aokiji.

“Zepyhr.”

A flicker of anger flashed in Aokiji's eyes.

He was the one Zepyhr betrayed, and Sengoku still dares to mention Zepyhr.

“Ahem, this was also proposed by the King of Dressrosa. The Seven Warlords organization is weak at sea, and some of the members they’ve taken in are just name-droppers. Pirates at sea have underestimated this title a lot.”

“So, Uchiha Raijin, the King of Dressrosa, plans to use the battle with Charlotte Linlin to build Dressrosa’s reputation and add some clout to the Seven Warlords!”

“The Seven Warlords are his position. He doesn't want these pirates going around causing trouble! This also benefits our World Government and Navy since building a reputation is hugely beneficial for us!”

Sengoku cleared his throat and reiterated Uchiha Raijin's words.

But he didn't mention anything about Dressrosa and Charlotte Linlin collaborating.

Because,

Zepyhr never brought it up.

Not even Captain of Dressrosa mentioned a word.

Now he's completely baffled, only able to mumble incoherently.

“Marshal Sengoku, I'm asking why you're collaborating with Charlotte Linlin instead of fighting her. What's in it for us?”

“Is there some unspoken reason? You’re not willing to spill the beans! There are no outsiders here.”

“Everyone here is an important figure in the Navy; we have the right to know.”

Aokiji leaned in, almost trying to yank Sengoku out of his Marshal position.

The others all looked towards Sengoku, wanting him to spill the beans.

“Enough, this isn't complicated. Our Navy isn't prepared yet!”

“Do you expect Charlotte Linlin and Dressrosa to go to war, making us lose an ally?”

“Now that Dressrosa has become a sharp sword for our Navy, already deep behind enemy lines, we're just waiting for the Navy to be ready to strike Charlotte Linlin’s heart whenever we want!”

“Are you still doubting Sengoku’s loyalty to the Navy? Sengoku has been a loyal Navy officer for so many years, always dedicated to the Navy.”

At this point, Tsuru spoke up, providing her analysis.

Tsuru could tell Sengoku wasn't ready with an excuse, just stalling to cover something up.

Probably got screwed over by Zepyhr, but they're old comrades.

What else can be done? Now they just have to let it slide.

Anyway, in Tsuru’s view, the collaboration between Dressrosa and Wano benefits their Navy.

As long as Charlotte Linlin isn't on guard, when the Navy is ready to overthrow the pirate era,

They can easily take a big chunk out of Charlotte Linlin, directly toppling her rule over Wano.

This is pretty beneficial for their Navy.

After all,

They can only look on the bright side since things have already happened this way.

Even if they wanted to think of something complicated,

It’s no use.

“Marshal Sengoku, is that really the case?”

Aokiji stared at Sengoku.

It was like questioning Sengoku’s sense of justice.

Meanwhile, Kuzan and Sakazuki on the phone bug were waiting for Sengoku’s response.

They knew this was Tsuru’s after-the-fact move.

Although convincing, they preferred Sengoku to say it himself.

“Exactly.”

Sengoku finally nodded, closing his eyes. This was all his old buddy’s fault.

Yet here he is, taking the blame in the Navy!

But Zepyhr has always been dedicated to the Navy.

He doesn’t want to come off as a shameless cheat.

“Tch.”

Aokiji looked at Sengoku with contempt.

Even a high-ranking Navy Marshal is being treated like a dog.

Is there any hope left for the Navy?

Meanwhile, Sea News started to ramp up.

The battle between Dressrosa’s King and Charlotte Linlin spread across the seas.

Everyone knew that Dressrosa’s King and the great pirate were evenly matched.

In the newsroom, Morgan’s room had a huge, shiny gold block.

This encouraged Morgan to hype up Raijin even more, almost wanting to deify him.

Meanwhile, the much-discussed Uchiha Raijin hadn’t successfully returned to Dressrosa yet.

Because a massive pirate ship was blocking his way, the gigantic ship exuding pure intimidation.

The ship with Raijin onboard looked tiny in front of it.

“Whale Ship.”

Kakashi, eyes wide in surprise, forgot to flip the pages of his book, staring at the ship before him.

How could he not know this ship? It’s the symbol of the world’s strongest men, the Whitebeard Pirates.

(The End of Chapter)