The Ruins of Oden Castle

Luffy grins widely while carrying Tama on his shoulder and declares, "I'M LEAVING HER TO YOU, UMAMI!!" Speed the centaur replies, "THERE'S NO REASON FOR ME TO LISTEN TO YOU!!" and "I'M A HEADLINER OF THE BEASTS PIRATES!! MY NAME IS SPEED!!" Tama, holding an apple, smiles and says, "OF THE RED BEAN PORRIDGE AND THE APPLE I ATE TODAY!! BIG BRO... I WILL NEVER FORGET THE TASTE..." and "IT'S ONLY NATURAL FOR A SERVANT TO PROTECT THEIR MASTER!!" Luffy adds, "TELL THE OLD MAN WITH THE NOSE THAT I SAID HI. I'LL BRING THIS DOG BACK TO YOU I PROMISE!!" and "I'LL MAKE SURE MY MASTER GETS TO TASTE AN APPLE, AS WELL!!" He later insists, "I'M GONNA KEEP THIS KATANA FOR A LITTLE BIT LONGER, AS WELL!! CAN'T BE A SAMURAI WITHOUT ONE, AFTER ALL!" while an unseen voice notes, "BUT YOU HAVEN'T EVEN BEEN USING IT..." and "LET ME TAKE A LOOK AT IT FOR A SECOND... SERIOUSLY." The true effect of the kibi dango is noted nearby.

Tama waves goodbye from Speed's back, shouting "SEE YOU LATER!!" as they ride away. In the background a voice yells "TAMA!!!" while a dog barks "WOOF WOOF!!" Luffy stands with a wide grin. Elsewhere, a voice calls "MISTER LUFFY-TARO!!" and another says "LET'S GO! I GUESS SHE DIDN'T FEED YOU THE DANGO TO MAKE YOU HER SERVANT, EHI" A large "ベン!" sound effect accompanies the departure. Villagers and a dragon-like figure react in the ruined town setting.

Kiku asks, "WHY ARE YOU COMING WITH US, KIKUI" while riding a large spotted creature. A voice replies "SO..." and another notes "NOBODY IS SUPPOSED TO BE AT THE RUINS OF ODEN CASTLE... SO WHY EXACTLY DO THEY WANT TO GO THEREI" Kiku answers, "OH, UM... I'VE WANTED TO GO AND SEE ODEN CASTLE FOR A LONG TIME...!!!" Luffy laughs and reassures her, "KIKU, DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT!! YOU'RE A GOOD, STRONG PERSON!!" while promising "ONCE WE GET TO THE CASTLE, I'LL SLIP AWAY... I DON'T WANT TO CAUSE ANY TROUBLE." A large crowd cheers "THANK YOU FOR THE TREASURE SHIP!!!" with cries of "FUNGAAA AAOOH!!" and "MY CHILD BECAME HEALTHY, TOO!!" Luffy looks surprised as someone remarks "WE'VE NEVER SEEN THIS MUCH FOOD BEFORE!!" Law appears, commenting on the situation. A voice states "THAT'S NOT IT. SHE'S HIDING SOMETHING FROM US."

In the Flower Capital, a voice asks, "CAN ANY OF YOU TELL ME WHAT AN ISOLATIONIST COUNTRY ISI" as the grand pagoda-filled cityscape fills the panel. "ALL RIGHT..." another replies. A framed sign reads "THE FLOWER CAPITAL-". In a lively tavern classroom, children and adults raise their hands shouting "PICK ME!! PICK ME!!" while asking "HOW ABOUT AN OPEN COUNTRYI" The teacher confirms "CORRECT." A burly man with a topknot declares, "IT'S WHEN A COUNTRY CLOSES ITS BORDERS TO THE WHOLE WORLD, IN ORDER TO PROTECT ITS PEOPLE!!" and a bespectacled figure adds, "I CAN, MISS!" The scene shifts to dramatic action: "IT WAS ODEN AND HIS NINE RED SCABBARDS!!" as shocked patrons react with wide eyes and sweat drops. A smiling woman with wavy hair and a fan listens while another woman with glasses warns, "IT'S WHEN A COUNTRY HAS OPEN BORDERS, ALLOWING EVIL PEOPLE OR EVIL IDEALS TO FLOW IN. IT'S AN ACT OF EVIL! THERE ARE MANY FOREIGN COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD THAT WANT WHAT WE HAVE IN THE WANO COUNTRY."

The wavy-haired woman continues, "A HERO APPEARED AND WAS ABLE TO DEFEAT THOSE EVIL SAMURAI!!...AS I WAS SAYING BEFORE, THAT OCCURRED OVER 20 YEARS AGO..." A small figure protests, "GYAAAAAH, IT APPEARED!! I DON'T LIKE TO HEAR THAT NAME, AFTER ALL." Patrons yell "HEY NOW, I DIDN'T CALL ON YOU GUYS FOR AN ANSWER" amid chaotic tavern reactions. A massive splash panel erupts with "IT WAS OUR SHOGUN, KUOZUMI OROCHI!!!!" as the crowd cheers wildly, one man striking a pose labeled "OROCHI TWO BLADE STYLE!!" The wavy-haired woman smiles softly while the topknotted man and others celebrate. She concludes, "AND THAT'S HOW THIS COUNTRY BECAME THE PEACEFUL NATION IT IS TODAY. RIGHT. THOSE EVIL PEOPLE ALL DIED 20 YEARS AGO..." The topknotted man is comically defeated, shouting "I GOT DEFEAT-ED!! OWWW WWW!! YAAAA AAAH!!"

A drunken patron slurs, "LORD OROCHI IS SUCH A CAUTIOUS MAN!! -HIC-" while another yells "SHUT WUUUUUP, YOU WIDIGGOTT!!" and "YOU'RE BEING TOO LOUD!" Kyoshiro sits calmly in ornate robes, labeled "KUOZUMI FAMILY PURVEYOR-MONEY EXCHANGE HOUSE INEMURI KYOSHIRO," as a large man with wild hair exclaims, "MA-MASTER... MASTER KYOSHIRO!!" Kyoshiro replies, "DON'T BE SUCH A COWARD. EVEN IF THEY HEAR ME, I'VE ONLY SPOKEN THE TRUTH!!" The panel recalls the past: "IT IS SAID THAT... 20 YEARS AGO, ODEN'S WIFE STOOD IN FRONT OF THE BURNING CASTLE AND SAID THIS..." Kyoshiro quotes, "THEN IT SHALL BE THE ONE WHERE NINE SHADOWS ARE CAST, WOVEN TOGETHER THROUGH 20 YEARS OF MOONLIT NIGHTS. ONLY THEN, SHALL YOU KNOW THE RADIANCE OF DAWN." He adds, "YOU ARE LIKE THE MOON WHO KNOWS NOT OF THE DAWN. IF THERE'S ONE ARDENT WISH THAT CAN BE FULFILLED..."

A woman with dark hair listens as a man deciphers, "WHAT DID HE DECIPHER IT AS!I" and another snores "Zzz Zzz..." A graceful woman with a fan laughs, "HAHAHA!! THAT WAS JUST A CURSE MADE IN DESPERATION!!...BUT SHOGUN OROCHI DECIPHERED IT AS...!!" The scene explodes into a monstrous vision: "AND OPEN UP THIS COUNTRY'S BORDERS!!!" as a demonic figure looms with "AAAA HHHH!!!" A voice declares, "WE ARE NOW IN THE PROPHESIED 20TH YEAR!!" and warns, "IN 20 YEARS, ON A MOONLIT NIGHT... VENGEANCE WILL COME. NINE SAMURAI WILL APPEAR... THEY WILL KILL YOU...!!" In the present, Kyoshiro's group discusses, "WHAT COULD DEAD PEOPLE POSSIBLY DO TO HIM!I THE SAMURAI OF THE KOZUKI FAMILY DIED 20 YEARS AGO!! THEY WERE ALL DRIVEN INTO THE CASTLE... AND BURNT ALIVE!! HAHAHAHA!!" Kyoshiro concludes, "...THAT'S WHY THE SHOGUN IS SCARED OUT OF HIS MIND... THINKING THAT THE GHOST SPIRITS OF THE KOZUKI FAMILY WILL COME TO KILL HIM!! HA HA HA HA!! IT MAKES ME WANT TO DRINK ALONG WITH HIM!!"

Luffy stares in shock at rows of weathered gravestones in the overgrown ruins. "GravesI" he blurts. "That's because this place has been abandoned for 20 years. This place is pretty creepy." The stones bear the names Kanjuro, Kin'emon, Momonosuke, and Raizo. Luffy yells, "Huh!I What the hell are these!I" and "Now that I think about it... it's been a while since we talked to them, hasn't it!I Why are their names on these graves!I Did they die!I" A wide view reveals the crumbling stone walls and shattered remnants of a once-great castle. "There's no castle here!!" someone shouts. "We told you that these were the ruins of a castle..." A sign reads "Wano Country - Kuri The Ruins of Oden Castle." Luffy's group arrives on a large spotted creature. "We're here," a voice states. "Zoro went off on his own as well... We've been riding on this dog this whole time. I hope he didn't get lost..." Kiku appears, hand near her face, reacting with surprise. "Huh... Hey, Kiku!! Where's she goingI"

The ruined castle grounds stretch out as the group searches. "He's not hereeeee!I And hasn't been here for a while now. He isn't here... Where's Kin'emon!I He was supposed to wait here for us!!" Luffy panics, "Why are you talking like he's a ghost...!I Why are their names on the graves!I" A cloaked figure replies calmly, "Just as he was last night, and every other night as well. Chances are, he'll be here tonight." The scene shifts to a tense close-up with Kin'emon, now revealed, sweating and clutching his stomach. Luffy demands, "Tell me the full story! Did something happen that you don't wanna talk about!I" Kin'emon groans, "...Calm down... I don't think I'll be able to come out of the bathroom until late at night again... Oh no, no, no... I'm done for... It's not my place to tell you. So are they actually alive, then!I" Luffy reacts with shock, "Hm!I"

Kin'emon bows deeply in apology. "My apologies for not being able to come and welcome you personally...!!!" Luffy beams with relief, "Thank goodness!!" Kin'emon continues dramatically, "Heeeeey!! Luffy-dono!! I'm relieved that you made it here safely!!! Due to a certain blunder, I am currently experiencing intense diarrhea." Luffy shouts, "Kinnn!!!" and "Tra-guy, you liar!! They are alive!!" A label identifies the man as "Kozuki Family Retainer Foxfire Kin'emon." From the ruins, voices call out, "Who's there!I" and "Don't be so misleading!!" Kin'emon explains, "I was trying to tell you that he'll probably come out of the bathroom tonight." Luffy yells back, "TAP!!"

A dramatic reunion erupts as a woman leaps into Kin'emon's arms. "DWAGH!! You've finally returned!! I've been waiting to meet up with you for so long!! I've been shaking in anticipation of your return!!" Kin'emon cries out, "Maaaaaaster Kiiin~~~~" with hearts floating around them. The group reacts in confusion and surprise. "What, so she's an acquaintance of hisII" "Is Lord Momonosuke safe as wellI" "Even though I've been so worried about you! That's so cold of you!!" "Kiku...!! Why are you with them!I Why didn't you tell me that you were coming back!I" Luffy grins, "Hey, Luffy!! So you were able to make it here safely!I" Kin'emon answers, "In any case, these people are the powerful outside force we've been waiting on!!" Kiku covers her mouth in shock. "Yeah... I'm not sure where to begin, but... Does that mean that these people are...!I Huh!I Master Kin!!"

The Straw Hats burst into view with wild excitement. Luffy leaps forward, arms raised, shouting "LUUUUUU UUUFFFY!!!" Nami waves and calls out "O-NAMI~" with a heart, while Usopp, Chopper, and Brook cheer alongside her. Brook yells "WELL, WELL, IT LOOKS LIKE YOU GUYS WERE ABLE TO RETRIEVE SANJI-DONO!!" In the upper panels, Kikunojo reacts with shock, exclaiming "HUH!I 'MOMO'!I WAIT A MINUTE, LUFFYTARO... THAT'S RUDE! HE'S THE..." as Kin'emon greets them warmly: "LORD MOMONOSUKE!! I'M GLAD TO SEE THAT YOU'RE SAFE!!" and "OH, MOMO!! SO YOU'RE HERE TOO. IS THE OLD DOG GUY HERE AS WELLI" Someone in the background practices sword swings with a loud "ばーん". Luffy grins and replies "WELL, IF IT ISN'T LUFFY...!" The crew celebrates their reunion in the forest clearing.

Kin'emon continues explaining their search: "THEN WE FINALLY GOT IN TOUCH WITH KIN'EMON." "SO WE KNEW THAT YOU WERE ALIVE, BUT..." "WE WERE ABLE TO FIND YOUR VIVRE CARD." "WE SEARCHED ALL OVER FOR YOU!! WE EVEN WENT TO THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN TO LOOK FOR YOU!!!" Brook adds "YO-HOHO!" while Luffy is scolded for being late. A close-up shows a stern figure declaring "SO IT WAS YOU!! THE THIEF THAT THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT!!" and warning about safe food from the stolen farm. In the lower scene inside the ruined building, the group gathers as someone states "...FIRST OF ALL... IN REGARDS TO LORD MOMONOSUKE, THERE IS ONE THING THAT WE HAVE BEEN KEEPING FROM YOU THAT I SHOULD TELL YOU BEFORE WE PROCEED!" Another voice apologizes for the dirty house: "AHHAHAHA!! WHAT A DIRTY HOUSE!! MY APOLOGIES, BUT THESE RUINS WILL HAVE TO BE OUR BASE OF OPERATIONS FOR THE TIME BEING...!! THANK YOU ALL FOR TAKING THE TIME TO COME HERE!!"

Kin'emon looks tense and doubtful, muttering "BUT EVEN IF I TELL YOU, I DON'T THINK YOU'RE GOING TO BELIEVE ME...!!" Luffy urges him on: "HURRY UP AND SPILL IT!! YOU'RE HOLDING BACK TOO MUCH!!" Nami reacts with "HUHII" The speaker then reveals the group from the past: "THERE'S KANJURO AND RAIZO, WHOM YOU ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH. IN ADDITION TO THE THREE OF US THAT ARE HERE, WE ADD UP TO A TOTAL OF 5 PEOPLE!!" A dramatic close-up shows the intense face as the truth is declared: "BY TRAVELLING FORWARD IN TIME!!!" "THE TRUTH IS...!! WE CAME FROM THE WANO COUNTRY OF 20 YEARS AGO..." The massive sound effect and narration box emphasize "AN EARTH-SHATTERING REVELATION!!!" as Luffy and others react with shock: "WHA AAAAA AAT!!II"

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