Orochi was very diligent in spreading rumors, with the result that not only ordinary citizens but also other daimyo heard the news.
Wano Kuni is considered a major country among those of the Grand Line, but when something significant happens, word spreads quickly across the nation. Although there are no News Birds, messages can be sent swiftly between villages by arrow.
Not to mention, due to the Hidden Port, Shimotsuki Yasuie has had considerable dealings with the Hundred Beasts.
Among the various daimyo, he has the best relationship with the Kozuki Family. There were rumors back then that if Sukiyaki had no heirs, then Shimotsuki Yasuie would become the next General.
Furthermore, Shimotsuki Yasuie has helped the Kozuki Family a lot. Back then, when Kozuki Oden was fooled out of all his money by Kurozumi Orochi with just a few words, his retainers went to steal money from Shimotsuki Yasuie's home.
Of course, they were caught, but Shimotsuki Yasuie did not pursue the matter. Instead, he gave them money and funded their education in etiquette, allowing them to grow beyond their previous rough ways.
During the years Kozuki Oden was away, if not for his support, the Kuri District might have fallen into chaos. Oden's retainers could handle minor issues, but none were reliable with major matters.
Now, at this stage, the Hundred Beasts have established farms and ranches in Kuri and Hakumai. Seeing what was happening in his jurisdiction, Shimotsuki Yasuie did not intervene, because he could tell that the actions of the Hundred Beasts were beneficial to the people of Hakumai.
After hearing the news spread by Orochi, he understood things weren't so simple. The perceptive people in Wano Kuni could see that the Hundred Beasts Pirates and Kurozumi Orochi appeared to be on good terms but actually were not.
They could guess that Kurozumi Orochi's initial intention was to use the strength of Kaidou against them, but in the end, things seemed to have fallen apart, as the Hundred Beasts have their own ideas, which in many ways conflict with Kurozumi Orochi's thoughts.
Because of their close relationship, Kozuki Oden had told Shimotsuki Yasuie many things. If the arrival of the Hundred Beasts could truly change the living conditions of Wano Kuni's residents, then he wouldn't be too opposed.
But upon seeing the messages spread by Orochi, he immediately knew something was seriously wrong. Given the nature of Oden's retainers, they were likely to directly confront them.
The actions to execute Kinemon did not conform at all to the style of conduct the Hundred Beasts Pirates had displayed since their arrival in Wano Kuni, and since it was Orochi's confidants spreading the rumors, he believed there was a significant issue behind it.
There was still some time before the date Orochi had announced. To prevent them from acting impulsively, Shimotsuki Yasuie immediately went to Oden Castle in Kuri, and the moment he saw them, he knew he'd made the right decision.
"What are you planning to do?"
"Lord Yasuie, we are going to save Kinemon."
"Just a few of you? The Hundred Beasts Pirates have at least a thousand men here, not to mention Orochi's people. Where do you get the confidence to attack thousands? What have you been learning all these years! And do you not pay any attention to the state of Wano Kuni!"
If they had been more informed, they wouldn't so easily believe the information about executing Kinemon. Right when Shimotsuki Yasuie was reprimanding them, Tsuru also arrived there, having received a letter from the Hundred Beasts.
But she had never experienced such a situation and wasn't sure what to do, so she had to come here.
"Lord Yasuie, everyone, someone sent me this thing," she said as she took out the letter from the Hundred Beasts.
"Kinemon impersonated a member of the Hundred Beasts Pirates and broke into the Udon Mine with the intent to jailbreak. In the process, he injured seven guards and destroyed one building, sentenced to twenty years of labor at the mine for multiple crimes."
Attached to it was a string of bills, including medical expenses for the men injured by Kinemon, the cost of repairing the building, and various expenses for his own medical care, of course, also mentioning the crucial description about the Redemption Scroll.
"Sufficient compensation can reduce the sentence."
"As expected, they never intended to kill Kinemon. You almost fell for Orochi's scheme. It's so obvious yet you couldn't see through it, truly naive."
Shimotsuki Yasuie held significant sway over them, making the group lower their heads like kids caught by their teacher being scolded.
Even Kanjuro was no exception. Although he was an infiltrator, undercover agents are typically the most loyal under extreme circumstances, and until they receive new orders, they will do everything possible to gain the target's trust. This was Kanjuro's current state.
Moreover, he was very enthusiastic about role-playing and had completely immersed himself in the role of a Kozuki retainer.
"Lord Yasuie, about Kinemon..."
"Don't worry, Tsuru. This matter could probably be settled with money. First, gather the funds to ransom Kinemon, other matters will have to wait until Oden returns."
Whether it's Kurozumi Orochi or the Hundred Beasts Pirates, both are formidable characters to deal with for them. The Hundred Beasts Pirates due to their strength, and Kurozumi Orochi because of his position as Acting General.
Wano Kuni places significant importance on the position of General. Without the legitimacy of Kozuki Oden, some citizens might not support them. Orochi's current actions have not yet crossed their bottom line, so they need to wait for Kozuki Oden to return.
Moreover, what Shimotsuki Yasuie worried about was that should the interests of the Hundred Beasts Pirates and Kurozumi Orochi align due to such matters, and they truly unify, with Kaidou's military might plus Orochi's nominal General position, Wano Kuni will face utter devastation.
Eventually, Shimotsuki Yasuie only took Denjiro with him. First because Denjiro and Kinemon were already familiar with each other before they pledged their loyalty to Oden.
Secondly, because from a young age, Denjiro was adept at negotiations, or rather scams and deceptions, often able to acquire things at low prices. He was prepared to take Denjiro to have a good discussion about the price to ransom Kinemon.
However, they failed to notice that because of Shimotsuki Yasuie's arrival, Shaina had withdrawn the flames from her hand above the clouds.
...
Almost without pause on their return trip, Shimotsuki Yasuie took Denjiro and headed to Ghost Island. Hakumai managed the ports of Wano Kuni, and among them were skilled boatmen, competent enough not to capsize on the Inner Sea like Kojiro.
After stating their purpose, it didn't take much effort for them to meet the subject of this negotiation - King.
"I am the daimyo of Hakumai, Shimotsuki Yasuie. I am here on behalf of my friend Kozuki Oden to ransom his retainer - Kinemon. This here is his colleague Denjiro."
"According to our regulations, he should work at the mine for twenty years."
"We've already understood the situation, name your price."
"Ten thousand platinum."
With these words, both Shimotsuki Yasuie and Denjiro turned visibly pale; although they were prepared for a heavy price, this amount was simply non-negotiable.