"Huh? Outsiders! Fukurokuju, if you don't want your eyes to be pierced! Get out of the way, we're here to visit that guy Orochi," Ulti flared up, seeing the figure blocking their path. 'This guy clearly recognizes me, yet he's still putting on this dead-looking act.'
'Fukurokuju?' Looking at the figure in front of them, dressed in a purple kimono with a long head and earlobes, Leno recalled something. 'This guy seems to be the captain of Orochi's Oniwabanshu or something.'
"So it is Lady Ulti. My apologies. Everyone, please follow me."
He said, scanning the group. A glint of light flashed off his square glasses, and he immediately turned and walked inside.
"My lord is currently holding a banquet for his guests. If you don't mind, you are welcome to join," Fukurokuju's calm voice carried over.
"A banquet? Interesting. That means we can eat and drink to our heart's content," Yamato's eyes lit up, full of anticipation for the upcoming banquet.
"Then let's go together. It would be nice to taste the delicacies of the Shogun's Castle," Leno chimed in agreeably.
Led by Fukurokuju, the group made several twists and turns before finally arriving at the banquet hall.
Entering the hall, the first thing they saw was the tall figure in the main seat: Kurozumi Orochi, dressed in a golden kimono and wearing a golden crown. He was currently staring with a flushed face at the geishas who were playing instruments, singing, and dancing in the center of the hall.
Seated in two rows on the sides were Orochi's subordinates. Beautiful women moved among them, waiting on them. The air was filled with the aroma of wine, food, and cosmetics.
Orochi's excited cheers drowned out the sound of the instruments and reached their ears.
"My lord, Lady Ulti, from under Lord Kaido's command, has come to visit you with her friends," Fukurokuju's calm voice cut through the hall and clearly reached Orochi's ears.
"Ulti? Oh~ I remember, I remember."
"Everyone, please be seated quickly. Enjoy the performance and taste the food! Gye gye gye...."
Orochi, who was already a bit drunk, looked up at the newcomers, and his eyes instantly lit up. Seeing that the women were all rare beauties, his mood improved greatly, and he quickly invited them to sit down.
'Although he was devoted to Komurasaki, he would never refuse beautiful women who came to his door.'
"Why isn't Komurasaki here yet? I'm getting impatient." After seeing the beautiful women seated, Orochi remembered the Oiran Komurasaki, who had not yet appeared, and began to urge her arrival.
Beside him, in a lower seat, a samurai in a blue kimono with a huge topknot stood up with a smile and looked at Orochi.
"My lord, for the Oiran to come and see you, she must need to dress up properly. You mustn't be anxious."
As soon as he finished speaking, Komurasaki's mournful, low murmur was heard from the corridor outside.
"Is my lord blaming Komurasaki for being late?"
"Not at all, not at all! It's good that you're here, Komurasaki! Come, come to my side!" The moment he saw the Oiran, Orochi's eyes turned into hearts. He could see nothing else and eagerly wanted to embrace her.
Looking at the man in the blue kimono across from him, and then glancing up at Kozuki Hiyori, a playful expression appeared on Leno's face.
'I have to say, this Kozuki Hiyori is much stronger than her cowardly brother. Just for her, with no strength to even truss a chicken, to dare face Orochi alone requires immense courage.'
'And looking at Kyoshiro over there, he had to change his identity to infiltrate Orochi's side to protect Kozuki Hiyori. It shows his character.'
'Although Leno wasn't a big fan of Oden, he had to admit that Oden had a unique charisma. All his vassals remained loyal and protected his family even after his death, still carrying out the ideals he had before he died, never giving up after so many years.'
He glanced around. Apart from Orochi's Oniwabanshu subordinates and the Shogun's officials, everyone present was excitedly enjoying the fine banquet.
"Ara, the Shogun has guests today," Hiyori said, nestled in Orochi's arm, curiously sizing up Leno's group.
"That's right! They're also here for the banquet. I just don't know their purpose for coming," Orochi said, sipping the wine poured by the Oiran, tasting it with delight as he absentmindedly chatted about Ulti and her group's intentions.
Leno and his group, however, just glanced up at Kozuki Hiyori without a word and continued their own conversations.
The banquet hall was filled with cheers. Oniwabanshu members were getting handsy with the serving ladies, and Orochi would laugh loudly from time to time. It was a joyous scene.
Beside them, Yamato was letting loose, accepting all the delicacies that were served. She had never eaten so heartily before.
Leno glanced at his own group. They weren't very interested in the banquet and had to endure the greedy gazes coming from all directions from time to time.
He then stood up, walked to a spot below Orochi, and looked up at him.
"Lord Orochi, we came here today to ask for your help with something."
"Hmm? You are... what is it?" Orochi, who was drunk and drowsy, looked at Leno standing before him, a little confused. 'Who is this? Help with what?'
"I heard that the former Shogun of Wano Country, Kozuki Sukiyaki, was once imprisoned in the basement of the Shogun's Castle. We came today because we want to see that secret room where he was imprisoned."
"BANG"
"CRASH~"
The sound of wine glasses falling and tables being kicked over rang out, and the scene instantly descended into chaos.
The moment Leno said Kozuki Sukiyaki's name, Orochi was already mostly sober. His face was now ashen, and he stared at Leno in utter shock.
Beside him, Kozuki Hiyori and Kyoshiro also shot to their feet, their pupils constricting as they stared deadly at this guy who had appeared out of nowhere.
Orochi didn't notice their expressions, thinking they were just startled by his actions. He was currently staring at Leno with wide, murderous eyes.
"Who on earth are you? How do you know these things? Who sent you?"
"Don't be so nervous. I'm the adventurer Leno. As for how I know, of course, Kaido told me," Leno blurted out a lie without a second thought. 'Kaido isn't here anyway, who would know if it's true or not?' He waved his hand casually and said.
"Our purpose for coming here today is just to see that old secret room. We won't do anything else."
Hearing that it was Kaido's message, Orochi's heart relaxed a little, and he sat back down.
"Why do you want to enter that secret room? What's in it?"
"How should I know? I haven't gone in yet," Leno said, rolling his eyes, speechless at Orochi's attitude.
"No! How can the Shogun's Castle let a stranger like you enter and exit a secret place?"
Orochi's eyes darted around for a moment, and then he refused flatly. He didn't even know the situation himself; how could he let an outsider in?
"See? I said we should just beat him up, but you insisted on talking to him nicely. Now look, we still have to fight, don't we?"
Leno turned back helplessly and glared at Nojiko. He had followed her suggestion, but the other party didn't agree.
Nojiko met Leno's gaze, stuck out her tongue, and smiled sheepishly.
"Huangquan" suddenly appeared in his hand. Leno took a step forward, looking directly at Orochi.
"Since you refuse, I'll just have to beat you until you do. Are you ready?"
T/n:
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