One Piece Chapter 974: Onward to Onigashima!!

Inside a traditional Wano building, a helmeted armored figure sits and declares, "I WILL SCATTER THEM IN EBISU TOWN." A voice replies, "ALRIGHT," while another warns, "YOU'RE PUSHING YOURSELF AGAIN..." and a fourth states, "WITCHING HOUR-SAN, I GOT SOME MONEY, SO...!!!" A small bubble answers, "YES." A side note reads, "THESE TWO HAVE LONG SINCE HIDDEN..." In the next tier, a woman with elaborate rose hair ornaments and kimono listens as voices say, "IT MUST BE HARD FOR YOU!!" "NOT KNOWING THAT YOU'RE LORD ODEN'S DAUGHTER...." "OROCHI HAS COMPLETELY FALLEN IN LOVE WITH YOU," and "PLEASE CARRY SOME BLOOD IN YOUR KIMONO EVERY DAY." She responds with a neutral expression. Lower panels show a hand gripping a sword hilt as voices continue, "JUST A LITTLE LONGER TILL...20 YEARS!!" "JUST A LITTLE LONGER, IT'LL BE FINE..." and "IF SOMETHING HAPPENS WE'LL SEPARATE 'KOMURASAKI' FROM OROCHI WITH 'DEATH'." A distant castle view appears with motion lines.

A few months earlier, a massive floating castle hovers amid clouds as narration states, "A FEW MONTHS EARLIER." Onlookers exclaim, "THEY REALLY CAME BACK!" "THEY'RE HERE! THE SPIRITS ARE..." and "TOKI'S POWER WAS VERY REAL!" Inside, a horned man with wild hair shouts, "THOSE S...!!!! THEY TIME-TRAVELED HERE FROM THAT DAY 20 YEARS AGO!!!" while questioning, "DOES AN ABILITY LIKE THAT REALLY EXISTI THEY CAME FROM THAT BURNING CASTLEI!" Nearby, a spiky-haired man reacts with sweat drops. A list reads, "KIN'EMON, KANJURO, RAIZO, KIKUNOJO, MOMONOSUKE..." Three lower panels show a scarred man ordering, "IN THAT CASE, MAKE SURE YOU DON'T KILL THEM." A subordinate answers, "YES SIR!!!" while another figure points, "CONTINUE TO KEEP WATCH AT THE COAST!!!! THERE SHOULD BE SOME FELLOWS ENTERING THIS COUNTRY." A third growls, "MAYBE SOMEONE IS JUST MESSING WITH YOU CAUSE YOU'RE SCAREDI" The scarred man concludes, "IF THEY ARE ACTUALLY ALIVE, THEN I HAVE SOMETHING THAT I HAVE WANTED TO ASK THE REMNANTS OF THE KOZUKI FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS." and "THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT THIS!!! LOOK AT IT, THIS LETTER!!!"

A flashback shows a stage performance with figures fighting as narration reveals, "IT'S THE CLAN WHO KILLED THE DAIMYOS!" "THE MAN WHO ONLY KNOWS THE WAY TO LIVE ON STAGE," "AND LOST HIS PARENTS ON STAGE DUE TO WANO COUNTRY'S PERSECUTION!!!" "HE WAS BORN IN A PUBLIC THEATER......" and "THIS GUY CAN BE TRUSTED." A wild-haired man with a wide grin reacts, "AAAH!" In a smoky, chaotic scene filled with oni-like faces and dramatic effects, the same man declares, "YES, AND I GOT RID OF THE PEOPLE WHO KILLED YOUR PARENTS..." "YOU ARE THE DESCENDANT OF THE HEAD KUROZUMI FAMILYI!" "AND LIVES ON ACTING AS SOMEONE ELSE." "COMPLETELY LOST HIS HEART," while background text shows "KYOKYO KYO!" and "KYOKYO KYO!" He continues, "BUT IT'S ONLY THE PROLOGUE OF THIS STORY OF REVENGE!!" Lower panels focus on his intense close-up as he states, "THAT'S THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT'S GIVEN TO YOU ON THIS GRAND STAGE!! CAN YOU DO IT...I!" "WITHOUT ANYONE NOTICING IT!!" "AND DIED AS ONE," and "YOU'LL LIVE AS A REAL 'KOZUKI'!!" A small bubble questions, "KYOKYO KYO!"

A close-up shows a man with a pipe glaring intensely as he declares, "TO COMPLETELY BECOME SOMETHING IN IT'S ENTIRETY, THAT IS HIS ONLY SOURCE OF PLEASURE!!!" In a ruined wooden room filled with debris and flickering torches, a shadowy figure states, "I'M HONORED." Another voice adds, "I'VE BEEN LOOKING A PLACE TO DIE..." The narration continues: "THE PEAK OF THE MAN'S INSANITY CAME AFTER THAT, WHEN HE LEGITIMATELY INTENDED TO DIE ALONG WITH ODEN AND THE OTHERS DURING THE EXECUTION." A large horned man sits in a grand hall while a small kneeling figure listens. Balloons explain, "WAS ALSO USEFUL TO YOU. THE INFORMATION YOU GOT ON ODEN'S RAID I'M SURE," "I TOOK DOUBLE THE AMOUNT OF MONEY I NEEDED FROM HIS SAFE AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO BE ABLE TO JOIN HANDS WITH YOU PRECISELY BECAUSE I HAD THOSE FUNDS," and "EVERYTIME I WENT TO ODEN'S CASTLE TO BORROW MONEY..." The speaker reflects, "HE DID IT WITH SUCH DEVOTION, THE ONLY THING HE DID WAS TO SLOWLY BUT SURELY FEED ME INFORMATION. HE GENUINELY LIVED AS ONE OF ODEN'S VASSALS. HE HAS NO EMOTIONS AND BEFORE I STOPPED HIM, THAT IT WAS CREEPY."

A massive crowd gathers before a castle as narration reads, "THE LEGENDARY SAMURAI THAT HAS BEEN TALKED ABOUT FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION." SFX erupt with "ババ" and "ドドドド" while a box states, "CURRENTLY, 'THE FLOWER CAPITAL'." The story of the Kozuki clan unfolds: "THE STORY OF THE DEEP ROOTED FATE BETWEEN 'THE KOZUKI CLAN', AND THE 'KUROZUMI FAMILY AND THE PIRATE KAIDO'." Close-ups of furious faces show Luffy, Law, and others shouting with intense expressions. Text continues, "SINCE KOZUKI ODEN'S TRAGIC DEATH, IT'S BEEN 20 YEARS." Months later, allies gather: "SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THEY GAINED ALLIES WHO ARE WILLING TO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE TO FIGHT FOR THE SAME CAUSE." Luffy raises a fist amid the group as narration declares, "IN ORDER TO FULFILL KOZUKI ODEN'S DREAM OF OPENING WANO'S BORDERS, THE SAMURAI FLEW 20 YEARS INTO THE FUTURE."

Narration boxes declare, "WHO STOOD UP FOR THEM!! WEAPONS AND SHIPS ARE READY!!!" and "IT IS TODAY, THE DAY OF THE FIRE FESTIVAL, AT DUSK, THAT THESE RAID-WORTHY FORCES..." A warrior raises a sword high with a fierce cry amid leaping allies and dramatic impact lines. SFX "ハナハナ" and "ババ" burst across the page. Another box adds, "PERHAPS AS A RESULT OF THIS DETERMINATION..." The scene shifts to a stormy sea with massive waves and ships. A box proclaims, "AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT WAS PLANNED!!!" A voice shouts, "DON'T STOP US, LORD MOMONOSUKE!!!" Kin'emon yells desperately from the deck, "KIN'EMON!! KANJURO!! RAIZO!! KIKU!! KAWAMATSU!! INUARASHI!! ASHURA! STAY WHERE YOU ARE!!" The reply comes, "YES!!!!" and "IT'S SUICIDE!!!"

The harbor is in chaos with debris and raging waves. Narration states, "THE HARBOR WAS LITTERED WITH DEBRIS, THE WEATHER IN THE STORM!!! NO WAY OUT!!!" and "OF THE 4,200 SOLDIERS WHO WERE SUPPOSED TO GATHER THERE, NOT A SINGLE ONE SHOWED UP." A determined man with a headband grips his sword tightly. Allies shout, "AS LONG AS WE'RE ALIVE, WE WON'T GIVE UP!!!" Kin'emon stands firm, declaring, "IT IS THANKS TO OUR SMALL NUMBER THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO INTRODUCE OURSELVES EASILY TO KAIDO AND CUT HIS HEAD OFF WITHOUT BEING SEEN!!!" Another voice calls, "WE HAVEN'T GIVEN UP, LORD MOMONOSUKE!!!" A pained figure gasps, "UGH..." amid the crashing waves and lightning.

The group reacts in shock. Someone says, "SOMEONE... NO, WE ALL THOUGHT OF THAT!!" Another adds, "SO OUR STRATEGY HAS BEEN STALE... ONCE AGAIN!!!" A third voice notes, "IT'S STRANGE, THOUGH...!!!" Tension rises as one figure declares, "THERE'S MOST LIKELY AN ENEMY INFORMANT WITHIN OUR MIDST...!!!" and admits, "I DIDN'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT, BUT..." and "I DON'T WANT TO KNOW." The scene shifts to the group arguing. "IT'S EXACTLY LIKE KIKU SAYS!!!" one shouts. Another insists, "ELSE NONE OF US WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD." A voice commands, "YOU HAVE TO BE THE PROACTIVE ONE THAT TAKE HOLDS OF THE SITUATION BY TELLING US TO *FIND THE INFORMANT!!!* AND DISPOSE OFF HIM!!!" Kin'emon is directly confronted: "KIN'EMON!!! THIS IS NOT LIKE YOU!!!!" Others yell, "KIN!!! LET'S GET THIS OVER AND DONE WITH!!!" and note, "...HOWEVER, THE INFORMANT WON'T JUST SIMPLY GIVE THEIRSELF UP."

Kanjuro's face fills the panel with a fierce grin as he declares, "EXACTLY THAT!" and "I AM," while others react with "!!!!I" He continues his confession: "SINCE, I WAS A KID, EVER SINCE I LOST MY EMOTIONS, I'VE ALWAYS BEEN SEARCHING FOR A PLACE TO DIE." "YES THAT'S RIGHT, AND IT'S PRECISELY BECAUSE I'D HAVE DIED WITH YOU ALL THAT I WAS ABLE TO FULFILL THE PERFECT ROLE!!!" The others are stunned. "STOP JOKING AROUND, ALL OF US WERE ALMOST EXECUTED IN A BOILING POT!!!" someone shouts, followed by "KAN-JURO!!I" Kanjuro explains, "FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, THE KANJURO YOU ALL KNOW NEVER EXISTED." He adds, "THE ONLY THING I DID WAS TO CONTINUOUSLY FEED MASTER OROCHI, INFORMATION." "AND I ALSO NEVER INTENDED TO HURT ANY OF YOU," "DIDN'T RESENT ANY OF YOU," "OBTAINED YOUR ABSOLUTE TRUST..." and "I EXPERIENCED JOY AND SORROW TOGETHER WITH YOU ALL ON A DAILY BASIS."

Kanjuro reveals his true identity with a menacing glare: "KANJURO KUROZUMI!!!" He asks, "HOW'S THAT FOR A REASONI" and "MY NAME IS" while others demand, "WHY WOULD YOU DO SUCH A THINGI!" The fallout continues as one cries, "SAY THAT YASUIE GAVE HIS LIFE TO CHANGE THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE MEETING! BUT SINCE I'VE BEEN INFORMED, THEN... HE DIED NEEDLESSLY!" Another reflects, "THE EVENT THAT FOLLOWED WAS REALLY BEAUTIFUL." Accusations fly: "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU LEAKED OUR PLAN AND SOLD OUT OUR COMPANIONS!" Inuarashi is confronted: "WHEN JACK APPEARED, YOU STARTED TO GET SUSPICIOUS, INUARASHI!!" and "WHY DIDN'T YOU SUSPECT ME...I!" The final line warns, "WITHOUT THE VIVRE CARD, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TO ZOU!"

Kanjuro attacks from behind, shouting "KAN-JUROO OO!!!" as chaos erupts on the massive ship. A massive sound effect "ドドドドドドド" shakes the scene. Someone yells, "IT SHOULD HAVE ALL BEEN VERY SUSPICIOUS FROM THE BEGINNING!!!, ANY AND EVERYTHING!!!" and "BEFORE IT CAME TO THIS, WHY DIDN'T ANY OF YOU DOUBT YOURSELVES!!I" Kanjuro mocks, "HEY YOU LOT!!! IT'S TRUE!!! JUST LIKE MASTER OROCHI SAID, THERE ARE ACTUALLY SOME DUDES HEADING FOR ONIGASHIMA ON A SMALL BOAT!!!" "WAHAHAHA!!! THESE GUYS ARE CRACKING ME UP!!!" Reactions explode: "WHAT!IIII MASTER MOMONOSUKE!!!!!" "KINE-MON!!!" "WHAT'S KANJURO DOING ON THE HARBOR!!!I" and "BRING MOMONOSUKE ALONG WITH YOU TO ONIGASHIMA HE SAID!!!" The narration states, "BUT THIS TIME I WAS STOPPED BY MASTER OROCHI." and "YOU DID WELL!!, THIS IS THE END!!" HE SAID." The final panel shows the group in horror: "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! IT'S ACTUALLY THE NINE SCABBARDS FROM THAT TIME." "ARE YOU THE SPYI"

The group stares in shock as the massive drawing of Kanjuro's crane ship begins to crumble. "SEEMS LIKE THE KANJURO THAT ALL KNEW WAS JUST A DRAWING," someone mutters. A samurai questions with "III" while another figure declares, "THEN THE ONE HERE IS..." as a ZIIP ZIIP sound effect rings out. Below deck, the real Kanjuro's "me"—a grotesque, octopus-like creature—emerges from the water, roaring, "OOOO! THE 'ME' THAT HAS ATE, SLEPT AND WOKE UP!!! IS MY STRONGEST 'ME'!!!!" Allies react in horror: "OH! IS THE SHIP FIXED ALREADYI!" and "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU GUYS...TO THINK YOU CAN KEEP DOZING OFF IN THIS KIND OF SITUATION." A small creature asks, "WHAT IS THATI" while the monster cackles "HIHI!" Suddenly an explosion rocks the scene as a voice calls out, "SORRY, WE ARE A LITTLE LATE..." followed by massive kanji SFX and the command "FIRE-!!!!" amid screams of "WAAH!!!" and "なははは!!"

Chaos erupts on the stormy sea as the samurai realize something lurks beneath the waves. "THERE'S SOMETHING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WATER!!!!" Kin'emon shouts. Explosions and massive waves batter the ships while voices cry, "DIDN'T WE SINK ALL THE ENEMY SHIPSI!I" and "HOLY WAVES! WHO THE HELL ARE THESE PEOPLEI!" A samurai yells, "YOU UNDERESTIMATE THE SEA, SAMURAIS!!!!" as the vessel is torn apart with "WAAH!!" and "HIIIPOOO-!!!" Another demands, "TO SET SAIL ON SUCH A SMALL BOAT IN SUCH A STORM!!! ARE YOU IDIOTS OR WHATI!" and "WHATI! YOU AREI" From the wreckage, a figure growls, "I WAS ALMOST ABOUT TO SINK THEM ALL FOR GETTING IN MY WAY!!!! THERE WERE A STUPID AMOUNT OF SHIPS AND SAMURAIS GATHERED BY THE HARBOR OVER THERE BUT WHAT THE HELL IS THATI!" An attack strikes from behind with "Oİ!" and the warning "THIS TIME AN ATTACK CAME FROM BEHIND!!!"

The battle intensifies as multiple ships clash in the storm. Voices shout, "YOU BASTARDS! BUT THEY'RE PIRATES, AREN'T THEYI!I" and "THEY'RE FROM THE 'WORST GENERATION'!!! I THOUGHT WE CAPTURED THEM!I" Luffy bursts forward with a massive grin, yelling "YOU FIGHT PIRATES!!!" while declaring "WHEN YOU'RE ON THE SEA," as the chaos continues around him. Allies call out "LUFFY!!!" and "LUFFY-DONO!!!" One figure questions, "IF YOU THINK I'M GOING TO LET YOU GO TO KAIDO!" while another notes, "IT'S A DIFFERENT MATTER NOW!! WE WERE JUST SUPPOSED TO SINK SOME SAMURAIS ON A BOAT...!!" Luffy responds excitedly, "I WASN'T WARNED ABOUT THIS!" The scene shows the Straw Hats' ship advancing with the cry "FORWARD, MA NOW!!" amid the raging waves and clashing forces.

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