Queen had no reason to refuse.
After all, among the Three Calamities, even his status had subtly slipped beneath that of the "Son-in-law Lord."
If Luo Xing gave an order, it wasn't a request — it was law.
So when Luo Xing told Queen to select a hundred elite Gifters and wait for instructions, Queen obeyed without question.
Luo Xing, meanwhile, returned home — to speak with Yamato about his plan to reshape Wano.
Yamato had just emerged from the Time-Gravity Chamber, her body still glistening with the sheen of training.
She wore the tight, flexible combat suit Luo Xing had designed — and the way it hugged her athletic form could make even a monk stumble.
When she heard Luo Xing's words, her expression lit up.
She threw herself into his arms with unguarded joy.
"Husband, I knew you wouldn't lie to me!"
Her voice was bright and sincere — and the press of her body through that clingy suit was… distracting.
Yamato quickly looked up, eyes full of excitement.
"So what's your plan to change Wano?"
Luo Xing smiled slightly, his tone calm and deliberate.
"That snake, Kurozumi Orochi, must die — but not quietly. His death has to be seen by every citizen of Wano.
The people need to watch the tyrant fall with their own eyes."
He paused, then looked her in the eye.
"And you, my wife, will be the one to execute him.
Afterward, you'll take his place as Shogun of Wano."
"Once you've done that, we can start improving people's lives — little by little."
Yamato nodded earnestly, though a tiny pout formed on her lips.
"But I don't want to be shogun… I want to sail with you, to see the world outside!"
Luo Xing's smile softened.
"The title is just a symbol.
Once the rules are set, the people can govern themselves.
It won't stop us from exploring the seas together."
At that, Yamato's eyes shone again, her doubts melting away.
That night, she was more affectionate than ever — and Luo Xing discovered that even stretch fabric had its limits.
The Next Day
Luo Xing departed for the Flower Capital, bringing Queen and one hundred elite Gifters.
Each of them, empowered by the Mutant Cells, now possessed strength comparable to the former Flying Six.
Every single warrior was worth a bounty in the hundreds of millions.
The Shogun's Palace was already buzzing when he arrived.
Orochi stood at the entrance, flanked by guards, his grotesque face twisting into a forced grin.
When he saw the monstrous aura radiating from Luo Xing's troops, his eyes nearly popped out of his skull.
"L-Lord Consort Luo Xing… how are your men this strong?!"
Compared to them, even his best retainers — aside from Kyoshiro — looked like street thugs.
Luo Xing replied coolly:
"Because they've all consumed the Mutant Cells."
"Mutant… Cells?"
Orochi's beady eyes glittered with greed.
If his men could gain that kind of power, he'd never have to fear Kaido again.
He'd finally be untouchable.
"Luo Xing-dono," Orochi said, his smile wide and oily, "I heard you brought a hundred of those Cells for me. Is that true?"
His sycophantic face was almost unbearable to look at.
But Luo Xing didn't show a flicker of disgust.
Instead, he smiled warmly — the kind of smile that promised both gifts and graves.
"Of course it's true. How could Father-in-law Kaido refuse something the great Shogun desires?"
Orochi clapped his hands in glee, nearly tripping over his own robes.
"Excellent! Excellent! Then where are they—?"
Luo Xing lifted a hand, interrupting him with practiced grace.
"This matter is far too important to discuss outside. Let's continue inside the palace."
"Y-yes, yes, of course! Inside, inside!"
Orochi nodded frantically, leading the way toward the great hall.
Inside the Shogun's Hall
A grand banquet awaited.
Orochi had prepared everything: music, sake, roasted meats, and courtesans.
Only Luo Xing and Queen took seats at the table; the Gifters waited outside.
Orochi kept only his "loyal" captain Kyoshiro beside him — and one other guest.
The Flower Capital's most renowned beauty — Komurasaki, the top courtesan in Wano.
In truth, she was none other than Kozuki Hiyori, daughter of the slain daimyo, Oden.
Her graceful dance filled the hall with elegance.
Silken sleeves swirled like petals, her pale skin gleamed beneath lamplight, and that faint, teasing smile could stir even a monster's heart.
No wonder she was Wano's number one oiran.
Even Luo Xing — who'd seen Yamato's divine beauty up close — couldn't deny that this woman was exceptional.
When her dance ended, Orochi applauded madly, his tongue nearly lolling out.
Queen's eyes shone with hearts, his perverted brain already composing a melody.
Luo Xing alone remained composed, sipping sake with a faint smile.
Komurasaki, trained by years of playing both geisha and spy, sensed immediately that this man was different.
His calm was unnatural — the calm of a predator among fools.
Her intuition whispered: This one is dangerous.
Then Orochi's voice broke the silence.
"Komurasaki! Pour a drink for Lord Consort Luo Xing!"
Normally, Orochi would have demanded she pour for him.
But tonight, he was fawning — desperate to please.
Komurasaki glided over, her smile soft and perfect.
"My lord, please accept this cup."
Luo Xing looked at her — just once.
And that single glance made her heart jolt violently.
It felt like he could see through everything — her mask, her lies, her very soul.
"Thank you," he said simply, and drained the cup in one motion.
When he looked away, Komurasaki realized she was trembling, her palms slick with sweat.
Her back was drenched beneath the layers of silk.
"Shogun Orochi," Luo Xing said smoothly, as if the tension in the air didn't exist,
"the Mutant Cells can vastly enhance your guards' power.
This is a perfect opportunity to show all of Wano your might."
Orochi blinked, intrigued.
"How do you mean?"
"Gather the famous figures from every province — Kuri, Kibi, Udon, Ringo, and Hakumai.
Let them all witness your guards consuming the Mutant Cells.
Broadcast the entire ceremony through transponder snails across Wano.
The people will see your loyal men grow stronger before their eyes…
and their fear of you will multiply."
Orochi's eyes lit up like fireworks.
He slammed his hands on the table, nearly spilling the sake.
"Brilliant! Brilliant, Luo Xing-dono!
Yes, let them all see! Let everyone know the might of their Shogun!
Once they've witnessed it, none will dare defy me again!"
He burst into drunken laughter, guzzling sake and toasting Luo Xing repeatedly.
Luo Xing smiled back — cold and patient.
If you want a man to die, he thought,
first, let him go mad.
Enjoy your triumph while you can, Kurozumi Orochi.
Your end begins the moment they start watching.
Advance Chapters available on Patreon
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