"Where is Vane-sama?"
At midday, Kozuki Hiyori returned again. It had become her habit to visit Vane every one or two days. Today she paused at the gates of Vane's residence, glimpsing dozens of floating islands overhead and Kaido of the Beasts circling the Flower Capital.
Since seagulls began delivering newspapers here, Wano's people heard rumors of the outside world. As nominal ruler, Hiyori often wondered about Vane's authority—as if she were merely a tool of Rhett Vane's rule. But Hiyori was no fool. Though she knew she was being used, she didn't care—she loved Vane. Many admired him from afar; she chose proximity.
Having learned of his deeds—defeating Kaido, freeing Celestial Dragon slaves, toppling Mariejois—Hiyori admired the youngest King of the sea. She found reasons to see him: to sit across from him, absorb his aura, hear his rich yet youthful voice, and feel his quiet strength.
Today she found only Esdeath at the doorway—cold, commanding, and unreadable. Not like Gion, gentle and warm.
"Where is Vane-sama?" she repeated, voice softer.
Esdeath said nothing at first. Then shrugged: "I have no idea."
Though she knew where Vane was, Esdeath refused to share. If Hiyori meant nothing to Vane, Esdeath would not micromanage—but her value stood far below Esdeath in Vane's regard.
Vane was perched on the peak north of the Flower City, among the Golden Lion and Kaido's company.
"May I wait inside until Vane-sama returns?"
Hiyori asked, voice tentative.
Esdeath shook her head. "It's being cleaned."
Hiyori paused, then nodded and stepped aside.
Esdeath offered a subtle smile before asking, "Have you told everyone that you were a disgraced woman?"
"What?"
Hiyori laughed lightly. She had purposely let the rumor spread—as a "fallen divine lady"—so people would treat her with respect and fear. In Wano, respect had long been owed to Orochi; now, it belonged to Rhett Vane and anyone associated with him.
The women in Wano gave her space. Her status—however manufactured—still protected her.
She asked softly, "Is that a problem?"
Esdeath's lips curved into a cruel grin. In a blink, an ice blade sliced past Hiyori's right ear—she lost a tuft of cyan hair and felt the rush of wind and pain as blood dripped. Esdeath whispered: "Be cautious next time. Once your head is gone, Vane won't call time for regrets. He would not mourn you. Hiyori—are you that foolish?"
Hiyori shuddered. She had truly tasted death. Esdeath dared to make that wound, and she knew Vane would not intervene on her behalf. Esdeath's threat was real.
Hiyori left trembling with fear and anger—incensed, but powerless. She realized clearly: despite her closeness to Vane, Esdeath ranked higher in his favor. Vane treated them all equally—only merit mattered.
Evening came. Golden Lion Shiki departed Wano. He planned to meet his old comrade Whitebeard. Their rivalry had spanned decades; their bond, forged through countless battles, remained. On the day Shiki escaped Impel Down, he went to Roger Town's execution platform and wept at the spot where Roger gave his final speech. Roger had been Shiki's most important friend—his execution a final act of insult by the World Government. The reunion on the Moby Dick was bittersweet: decades had passed; both men were old now—relics of a bygone era.
As he said his farewells, dozens of floating islands slowly receded behind him.
"Kaido-sama," Queen asked, watching the islands fade, "should we intercept Golden Lion along the way?"
"Do not bother me," Kaido grumbled. He wanted only to sleep. He reeked of alcohol from the journey. He was so drunk he could barely stand.
Queen winced. He realized Golden Lion had been granted safe passage by Kaido—Vane's presence had ensured that.
King, watching that retreat, whispered to himself: "That young man... he can keep both Kaido sama and Golden Lion at bay."
"Maybe," Queen replied as he returned to his chemistry lab for experiments, he continued plotting new brews—Kaido and Shiki secondary to his formulas.
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