The tense atmosphere, which had been like swords and bows drawn, quickly eased due to Oden's sudden change in attitude.

Ushimaru and the other samurai present looked on in bewilderment.

As a descendant of Shimotsuki Ryuma, Ushimaru's lineage was considered a prominent family in Wano Country, and he himself had followed the Kozuki family for many years. Oden was someone he had watched grow up since he was a child.

Ushimaru had thought he understood Oden, but now it seemed he didn't understand him as much as he thought.

Oden's sudden change in attitude was completely unexpected.

"Is it because of Whitebeard, who was just mentioned? Or is it…" Ushimaru frowned, utterly perplexed, then looked up at Kenji opposite him.

"…related to this guy in front of me?"

Ushimaru suspected that Kenji might have used some special Devil Fruit ability.

In fact, Kenji himself was a bit confused about this matter, only guessing it was probably related to Whitebeard.

However, since the other party was willing to lead the way, he wouldn't refuse, letting Oden curry favor with him.

"I didn't expect things to go so smoothly…" Kenji wasn't surprised by a prince-like figure acting as a guide. He was just surprised by how smoothly things were progressing.

"Hmm, speaking of which, Oden's face-changing speed just now was really fast."

"Is this… Wano-style face-changing?"

With Oden leading the way, Kenji casually followed behind, and the two entered Flower Capital surrounded by a group of samurai.

Then, to Kenji's surprise, Oden actually took him to visit various scenic spots and entertainment venues within Flower Capital. This guy wasn't just all talk, he actually got things done.

With Oden, this Lord of Wano Country and future Shogun, leading the way, the journey was very smooth.

Not only did no inexplicable people jump out to obstruct them, but Kenji was even able to enjoy special services not open to outsiders or even ordinary Wano Country citizens—being accompanied by a Oiran.

At close range, a fragrant breeze brushed his face, her red lips were like fire, her delicate nose was as exquisite as porcelain, and her innocent big eyes held a playful mischievousness.

Kenji looked at the Oiran beside him and sighed. Indeed, every beauty in the world has her own way of being beautiful.

The Oiran in front of him felt more like a girl next door, an enhanced version in terms of looks.

However, whether the temperament this Oiran was currently displaying was genuine or an act was unknown.

"If it's an act… then she's truly an epic, Oscar-level actress!"

That night, Kenji stayed in the pleasure quarter.

For the next few days, Oden continued to freely tour Flower Capital with Kenji.

During this period, Oden gradually hinted at his intentions.

The gist of these words was: What is your relationship with Whitebeard? Can you speak with authority to Whitebeard?

Although Oden didn't explicitly say it, his words, both direct and indirect, were nothing more than an attempt to ascertain Kenji's true relationship with Whitebeard.

However, Oden mostly used indirect methods.

For example, he repeatedly inquired about Whitebeard's information, and his intention was also very clear.

He wanted to infer and judge Kenji's true relationship with Whitebeard based on Kenji's understanding of him.

As for why he didn't just ask directly?

Presumably, Oden was afraid of angering Kenji, causing the latter to simply run away.

Furthermore, Oden was very certain that if Kenji ran away, he definitely wouldn't be able to stop him, after all, the other party's strength was clearly very high.

Unfortunately, Kenji had already seen through Oden's little scheme.

Kenji told Oden all the information he knew about Whitebeard, and this candid attitude actually made Oden admire him.

And after several days of touring.

On this day, Kenji finally received the mission completion prompt from the system.

[Through a few days of contact, you discovered that Oden is very interested in Whitebeard!]

[You informed the other party of all the information you knew about Whitebeard, finally successfully befriending the son of the Wano Country Shogun - Oden!]

[Mission (Main): Befriend or Subdue Oden! — Completed!]

[Reward: 3 Assignable Upgrade opportunities]

[Reward distribution...]

Within his vision, traits appeared out of thin air, emitting various colors of light, with the golden light being the most dazzling.

"It's finally completed… It seems that although Oden seemed friendly on the surface the past two days, the system determined it hadn't met the 'befriend' standard."

Kenji thought to himself, his gaze sweeping over the rows of traits before him, with a '+' sign representing upgrades appearing after each trait.

Many of these traits had reached Gold, and some were stuck at the point of advancement.

"Last time, the random upgrade was to the Sea King Power trait…" Kenji glanced at the Sea King Power, which was about to advance, his gaze not lingering.

Soon, he selected his target trait.

"The Steel Balloon trait has already reached 'Gold'… Then this time, it's you!"

Kenji's heart stirred, and he used his thoughts to control the '+' sign after the trait, and then clicked it repeatedly.

[Your Steel Balloon (Gold) has been upgraded… Dark Gold… Super Gold!]

[Current Steel Balloon (Super Gold)!]

[Your Steel Balloon trait has reached the highest rarity!]

The golden light of the Steel Balloon trait in his vision gradually deepened.

At the same time, Kenji felt a surging, tidal wave of power emerge within his body.

After Steel Balloon advanced to 'Gold' level, each upgrade would bring significant changes to his body, and the enhancement of his Physique led to an all-around increase in strength.

This Physique was too strong. After all, it was a Physique that single-handedly created a 'Four Emperors' level powerhouse.

"Hmm, I still have 1 assignable upgrade opportunity left!"

After the changes in his body slowed down, Kenji's attention returned to the trait interface.

He surveyed it back and forth, finally selecting the Giant Bloodline trait and using his last upgrade opportunity.

[Your Giant Bloodline (Light Gold) has been upgraded… Gold!]

[Current Giant Bloodline (Gold)]

[Name: Kenji]

[Traits: Armament Haki (Super Gold), Observation Haki (Super Gold), Conqueror's Haki - God's Domain (Light Blue), Physique - Human (Super Gold), Hand-to-Hand Combat (Light Gold), Swordsmanship (Super Gold), Sea King Power (Super Blue), Superspeed Regeneration (Dark Purple), Steel Balloon (Super Gold), Future Vision (Super Blue), Berserk (Light Purple), Giant Bloodline (Gold)]

"Too bad, if only there were more upgrade chances." Kenji quickly scanned the trait data, shook his head, and closed the system interface.

"Forget it, I'll find another opportunity to upgrade Giant Bloodline later…"

(End of Chapter)

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