Wano Country, Kuri Province, Hailou Town.
Hyougoro had officially claimed the title of daimyo of Kuri, a fact acknowledged by Ametsuki Maiken, and tacitly accepted by the two Shimotsuki daimyos. In the end, even Kozuki Sukiyaki had no choice but to issue a formal decree recognizing Hyougoro's position—Brook's influence was simply too overwhelming to ignore.
The last time Whitebeard Newgate and Brook set foot in Wano, their terrifying presence left even Wano's greatest samurai, Shimotsuki Toramaru, feeling outclassed. Ashura Jakun, now a great swordsman—albeit the weakest of the rank—had earned the envy and respect of Wano's samurai.
In Wano, the Hell Pirates operated under the name Hell Underworld, avoiding the term "pirate crew." Hyougoro, Kuri's daimyo, stood as a key vassal of this shadowy organization.
Wano's samurai had seen the glory that came with joining the Hell Underworld. Hyougoro, once a mere Flower Capital gangster, was now Kuri's daimyo. Ashura Jakun, a former Udon bandit, had risen to great swordsman. Rebel families in Kuri were appointed as town leaders, and down-on-their-luck samurai who joined the Hell Underworld now owned lavish estates in the prosperous Hailou Town, decked out in gold and silver, climbing the ranks to wealth and power!
This sparked a frenzy among the Flower Capital's struggling samurai, who flocked to Hailou Town in droves, eager to enlist as soldiers in the Hell Underworld.
...
Today, Hyougoro summoned the town leaders of Kuri to prepare for Brook's arrival. Even Ametsuki Maiken showed up.
When word spread that Brook was coming to Wano, Kozuki Oden slipped out of the Flower Capital at dawn, racing to Hailou Town. This time, he was determined to sail with Brook, no matter what!
The Hell Pirates' arrival was more extravagant than ever. They didn't just sail in—they brought the entire Hell Giant Fortress, a colossal floating citadel that loomed over Wano like a black storm cloud. Even Hyougoro and his vassals trembled at the thought of it crashing down and obliterating Hailou Town.
Airships descended onto Hailou Town, leaving Hyougoro and his retainers in awe. Just how terrifying was their lord's power?
Ametsuki Maiken doubled down on his decision to align with Brook. Loyalty to the Kozuki clan? To hell with that! The power gap was undeniable—only a fool would choose otherwise.
Brook's influence brought wealth to Rabbit Bowl, ensuring its people thrived. Meanwhile, under the Kozuki clan, only the Flower Capital prospered, while other regions scraped by.
"Is this the lord of the Hell Underworld? They're a force to be reckoned with, even in the New World! I heard from surrendered samurai that Brook-sama rules over ninety islands!"
"Ninety islands? That's like ninety Wanos! Does that mean Brook commands ninety generals?"
"Unbelievable! So Sukiyaki's shogun status is just that of an ordinary vassal out there?"
Wano's samurai buzzed with excitement, their envy growing for the first wave of struggling warriors who had joined Brook and struck it rich.
...
Suddenly, a massive projection screen lit up the sky, and Brook's skeletal figure appeared, startling the less worldly samurai.
"Greetings, warriors of Wano! I'm here to announce a mission that'll shower you with gold and a chance to join the Hell Underworld!"
Brook's voice boomed as a dazzling array of Devil Fruits materialized behind him.
"Across Wano, I want you to hunt for fruits with swirling cloud or vine patterns. Each fruit you find is worth one thousand gold coins!
What's more, we're recruiting sorcerers! Anyone who brings us a sorcerer or information about one will earn a hefty reward. For a life of riches, get moving!"
Brook showcased the Devil Fruits, flaunting treasures that could make any Wano citizen's jaw drop.
The samurai were stunned. One thousand gold coins?!
A few fell into deep thought, vaguely recalling seeing such fruits somewhere but unable to pinpoint where. Others felt their hearts race, sensing a golden opportunity but keeping their excitement under wraps, slipping away quietly.
Some rushed to report known sorcerers, eager for the bounty. In Wano, "sorcerer" was a dirty word—Zoan Devil Fruit users were often mistaken for monsters and attacked on sight. Even Nekomamushi, and the fishman Kawamatsu nearly got lynched as beasts until Oden saved them, earning their loyalty.
"Jahaha! Brook's a genius! These Wano folks don't know the value of what they're sitting on. How many Devil Fruits will we snag this time?" Golden Lion Shiki roared with laughter. In the New World, every Devil Fruit sparked a bloodbath to claim.
"I'm heading to Ringo to get Shimotsuki Kōzaburō to forge me a new weapon. Anyone coming?" Whitebeard Newgate figured he'd be more useful getting his blade crafted than sticking around.
"Count me in!" Shiki replied, anchoring the Hell Giant Fortress in the waters between Onigashima and Hakumai before heading to Ringo with Newgate.
Redfield and Charlotte Linlin decided to join later—forging a weapon wasn't a quick job, and there was no point waiting around.
...
Brook led the rest of his crew into Hailou Town, where Seastone stockpile was stored, ready to be loaded onto the Golden Ark for transport.
"Hyougoro, daimyo of Kuri, pays respects to Brook-sama!" Hyougoro knelt on one knee in a vassal's salute, followed by the town leaders behind him.
"That's enough," Brook said, accepting their gesture. "The mission I announced on the screen is your top priority. Scour Wano for those patterned fruits and track down any sorcerers!"
Hyougoro and Fukujin Kishoten bowed, accepting the command.
"Understood, my lord!"
"Brook, it's great to see you again!" Ametsuki Maiken greeted, a hint of deference in his tone. His next words piqued Brook's interest.
"I've seen one of those patterned fruits before. In Shimotsuki Toramaru's estate, there's a fruit that never rots, with those exact patterns. It's got to be what you're looking for!"
Maiken sighed inwardly. If only he had such a fruit, he'd have offered it up already.
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