The greatest fear of those in power is neither the enemy nor national disaster, but usurpation, someone coming to seize their throne.
Upon hearing Imai claim that Kozuki Oden intended to steal his position, the Shogun immediately snapped to attention, his focus intensifying twelvefold as he demanded that Imai explain in detail.
Seeing the Shogun's expression, Imai smirked inwardly, knowing he was already halfway to success. He immediately launched into his prepared rhetoric. "Your Excellency, think back to today's meeting. When Daimyo Oden spoke of bringing outsiders into our country, did you see that look of absolute confidence on his face? Those people must possess extraordinary combat power, at the very least, they likely aren't much weaker than Wind Calamity Queen."
"Isn't that a good thing? They could withstand the Wind Calamity," the Shogun frowned, puzzled.
"Even if Kozuki Oden's move successfully resolves the matter with Wind Calamity Queen, do you really think, Your Excellency, that it will be so easy to ask those people to leave once he has brought them in?" Imai countered. The question instantly struck a chord with the Shogun.
That's right. If he brings in such a powerful force, wouldn't his strength surpass mine in an instant?
Furthermore, if he repels the Wind Calamity, wouldn't he become the hero of Wano Country? At that point, who would truly be the Shogun—me, or Kozuki Oden?
The Shogun's expression turned grave, but a few seconds later, his face contorted with worry. "But if we don't adopt Oden's idea, how do we defend against the Beasts Pirates' assault?"
Imai had already devised a countermeasure for this. He said, "Your Excellency, do not worry. I have already thought this through for you. We can thwart Daimyo Oden's conspiracy while simultaneously forcing the Wind Calamity to retreat, to the point where even Kaido would not dare to attack."
Overjoyed, the Shogun urged, "Quickly, tell me!"
…
The following day, the Shogun reconvened all the Daimyo and retainers. Once everyone had gathered, he shot a look at Imai. Understanding the signal, Imai stepped out from the ranks and addressed the crowd. "I have a plan: Extreme Isolationism."
Everyone was stunned. Isolationism? Isn't Wano Country already in a state of isolation?
Sensing the confusion on their faces, Imai smiled and continued, "The isolationism I am proposing is far more thorough and secure than our current policy."
Imai began to detail his vision.
The current isolationism was merely a policy of neutrality, not joining the Government and not entangling with the Yonko. The newly proposed "Extreme Isolationism" involved completely sealing the national gates, effectively encircling Wano Country within impenetrable walls.
Berries would be replaced by Wano's own internal currency to sever all trade ties with other islands, with all industries being monopolized and controlled by the Great Daimyo families.
After hearing Imai's proposal, Kozuki Oden furrowed his brows deeply. He spoke up, "While this might strengthen Wano's defenses, having the Daimyo families monopolize the nation's industries is unsuitable. Furthermore, absolute isolationism will cause a total blackout of intelligence flow."
Although Oden's objection was well-reasoned, the Shogun already suspected him of treason. He didn't listen to a single word, brushed the objection aside, and signaled Imai to continue.
…
Half a day later, at Wind Calamity Queen's camp ten miles outside Wano Country, a group of samurai arrived.
Queen's subordinate, Elburn, received the report and went out to meet them. The arrivals were indeed the samurai of the Kozuki Clan, led by Kozuki Oden.
As the ace of the Sabre-Tooth, Elburn squinted at the chests Oden had brought. "Hey there, Samurai-san, what's the meaning of this?"
"I know why you've come to attack Wano. Here are 500 million Berries. Consider it compensation. I hope you will leave Wano Country at once." Oden's expression was grim; he had clearly suffered a setback during the morning meeting.
"This doesn't seem right, does it?" Elburn rolled his eyes upward. "Our boss, Kaido, demanded 2 billion Berries. This little bit... it'll be hard for us to report back."
"If it's two billion today, it'll be three or four billion tomorrow. Pirates are insatiable," Oden said coldly.
Elburn shrugged. "Then there's nothing for it. Please take your five hundred million back. Let's continue the war."
Oden smirked. "Elburn, ace of the Sabre-Tooth, do you really think your Beasts Pirates can afford to keep fighting Wano right now?"
The crew behind Elburn looked enraged. Accustomed to arrogance, they wanted to rush forward and teach the opposition a lesson. Behind Oden, Kin'emon and the others drew their katanas. For a moment, the air was thick with killing intent, heavy and suffocating.
"...What makes you say that? You think the Beasts Pirates aren't a match for Wano?" Though Elburn didn't move, a dangerous aura radiated from him.
Kozuki Oden pointed back toward the towns of Wano. "As of now, Wano has entered a state of total defensive isolation. With just the Sabre-Tooth alone, you are no match for us. You'd need at least one more of the Three Calamities, or your Captain himself. But even if Kaido comes personally, don't think for a second you can breach our walls without wasting a significant amount of time. And if your Captain is away for too long..."
At this point, Oden paused, his tone turning into a direct threat. "Elburn, what do you think would happen if we sent word to the Immortal Pirates right now? As the arch-rivals of the Beasts Pirates, would they miss such an opportunity? And then there's Big Mom, who is also watching like a hawk from the middle of the New World. Do you think she would just sit idly by?"
Elburn and the crew of the Sabre-Tooth all paled. They understood exactly what Oden meant.
Wano had entered a state of total defense, confident that the Beasts Pirates couldn't break in quickly. If Kaido dared to commit to a siege, the samurai would use that time to sell the intel to the Immortal Pirates, giving them the chance to wipe out the Beasts Pirates' home base in one fell swoop. If that happened, no one would have a good time.
It had to be said, Imai's move was brilliant. However, he hadn't considered the far more serious problems that would arise after total isolation.
After a moment of agonizing hesitation, Elburn gritted his teeth and ordered, "Withdraw!"
Without even bothering to take the 500 million Berries Oden had brought, Elburn reported the situation to Wind Calamity Queen (who was still taking a nap) and decided to retreat.