Wano, a country with closed borders.
It neither welcomes outsiders nor joins the World Government as a member state.
As a powerful nation in the New World, Wano's ability to remain isolated for so long is largely due to its uniquely advantageous geographical environment.
In the One Piece World, the most common sight is a small island, not very large, supporting a single country.
But Wano's island is not only vast but also has an exceptionally high sea level.
The main island was surrounded by towering rocky cliffs and waterfalls, while the external port faced Onigashima, the former stronghold of Kaido.
For the vast majority of outsiders, entering Wano Country essentially required ascending against the waterfalls.
And the success rate of going against the current...
Was truly abysmal.
In the original story, both the Whitebeard Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates had failed in their attempts.
Even the protagonist Luffy and his crew had stumbled here.
Izo, who was accompanying Michael as the representative sent by the Whitebeard Pirates to guide them, had originally intended to take Michael's group through the port—specifically, the Habu Port...
After all, despite being part of the Whitebeard Pirates, he still held the status of a retainer of the Kozuki Family.
Taking Michael's group to make an appearance wouldn't have been a problem...
Or so it should have been.
But after Michael docked the Seraphim Ship near a small islet by the waterfalls, Jack stretched out both hands—grabbing Yamato with his left and pulling Izo with his right.
Meanwhile, Michael first spread his Wings and took off, then grabbed Jack by the back of his collar.
Just like that, the three of them were carried into the sky by Michael.
"W-w-what?! Michael-san, what are you doing?!"
"Entering Wano Country, of course... Is there a problem?"
"But we could just go through the main port! As a retainer of the Kozuki Family, I can easily get you inside!"
"But doing so would also subject me to surveillance by the Shimotsuki Family, wouldn't it?" Michael glanced down at Izo with a smile.
"After all, your country is closed off—in other words, extremely xenophobic."
"Well, that's true..."
"As a debt collector, I think it's better to bypass the other daimyo and head straight for the Flower Capital."
With that, Michael's two large and one small pair of Wings flapped again, accelerating midair.
Soon, they soared over the towering waterfall cliffs.
But to Michael, these obstacles would eventually disappear.
After all...
These waterfall cliffs were formed to seal away Pluton.
For Wano Country to open its borders, these rocky walls had to be destroyed.
Pluton had to be released.
In a way, Wano could be considered the guardian of Pluton.
As the new landscape unfolded before him, Michael nodded.
Above the waterfalls lay an inland sea.
And here lay the main territory of Wano Country.
"Izo, which way is the Flower Capital?"
"It's right in the center. Fly toward the middle—the most bustling area is the Flower Capital."
Though initially startled by the sudden ascent, Izo—true to his role as the 16th Division Commander under Whitebeard—quickly adapted.
Following Izo's directions, Michael aimed straight for the heart of the distant country.
Even while carrying someone as large as Jack, Michael's flying speed was unimaginable to ordinary people.
Moreover, in this world, those capable of flight were exceedingly rare, so few would notice anomalies in the sky.
Flying boldly the entire way, Michael went completely undetected.
And this was despite him flying at a lower altitude to observe the surroundings along the way.
"Though I don't trust Kozuki Oden, compared to Kaido, at least he's a ruler who treats people as human beings..."
Michael entered from the westernmost part of Wano Country, passing through the area where Ace and Luffy had separately encountered the little girl Tama in the original story.
Originally, this should have been the Basket Village, polluted almost beyond habitability by Kaido's factories.
From a distance, while not exactly prosperous, the village was surrounded by vast farmland and appeared quite lively.
At least basic sustenance wasn't an issue.
Compared to the original story, the difference was night and day.
"From this perspective, Kozuki Oden at least meets the basic qualifications of being a ruler."
"Of course! Oden-sama is the most brilliant genius imaginable!"
As a retainer of the Kozuki family, Izo had always viewed Kozuki Oden through rose-colored glasses.
This was understandable—both Izo and his younger brother Kikunojo had been left homeless due to their father's circumstances before being taken in by Kozuki Oden during his travels across the country.
Though Kozuki Oden was childish, single-minded, and disregarded social conventions...
In a way, he filled the roles of both elder brother and father for Izo.
This explained why, even years after Kozuki Oden's death in the original story, Izo fought without hesitation to avenge him and save Wano Country.
Keep in mind, Izo was already forty-five years old then—thirty of those years spent with the Whitebeard Pirates.
First, Izo was indeed loyal...
Second, Kozuki Oden's treatment of Izo deserved such loyalty.
"You're truly devoted..." Michael looked down at Izo, who was being held by Jack.
"If Wano opens its borders... would you return?"
"Once matters here are settled, of course I'll return to the Whitebeard Pirates." Izo paused briefly before replying with determination.
"Oden-sama kindness was immense... but in my heart, Pops is equally important."
"Is that so?"
Michael nodded, then smiled.
"But please don't make that expression again... it doesn't suit your face at all!"
"Are you about to say I look too much like a woman?"
"No, your masculine qualities still show. But some people out at sea particularly favor your type, always saying things like 'A femboy? No, my adorable one who can't get pregnant'... ugh, just thinking about it is terrifying."
"...Michael-san, you don't have such preferences, do you?"
"What's with that guarded look! Do I seem like some femboy-loving pervert!?"
"Better safe than sorry..."
"...Jack! Throw Izo overboard!"
Jack sighed, his fearsome face somehow radiating righteousness.
"Michael-sama, you're being rather unreasonable here."
"Then don't actually let go! You dumb giant!"
Izo clung desperately to Jack's fingers, his scream piercing the sky.
---------
Read 40 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator