In the reception hall of the Flower Capital, the air was thick with suffocating tension. Kouzuki Sukiyaki sat upright in the main seat, his gaze sharp as he stared at Kaidou across from him. He spoke slowly, his voice steady and restrained: "Mr. Kaidou, the reason for inviting you to the Flower Capital this time is to seek your opinion on the position of Kuri Lord."
"Wororororo!" Kaidou let out an earth-shaking laugh, his rough laughter echoing through the hall. "You think I care about some Kuri Lord? A mere Daimyo position isn't even worth my attention!" His arrogant tone and undisguised contempt caused everyone present to visibly pale.
"Outrageous!" Fugetsu Omusubi was the first to slam the table and stand up, his usually gentle face now twisted with anger. His fingers were already resting on the hilt of his sword at his waist, his knuckles white from the force. Uzuki Tempura was equally furious, dangerous lights flashing in his eyes as his right hand tightly gripped his sword hilt, ready to draw at any moment. Though Shimotsuki Ushimaru and Shimotsuki Yasuie maintained surface calm, the chill in their eyes was enough to make one shudder.
The entire reception hall instantly became a scene of drawn swords and loaded crossbows, the air seeming to freeze solid. The guards' hands unconsciously tightened on their weapons, ready to respond to any potential outbreak of conflict.
"All of you, stop!" Kouzuki Sukiyaki's stern shout made everyone jolt. Though Fugetsu Omusubi and the others were unwilling, they suppressed their anger and returned to their seats.
Sukiyaki took a deep breath, his gaze returning to Kaidou: "So, Mr. Kaidou truly has no interest in the position of Kuri Lord?"
"Correct," Kaidou answered carelessly, his thick arms casually draped over the back of his chair.
Hearing this response, Sukiyaki and the present Daimyos all breathed a simultaneous sigh of relief. After all, allowing an outsider Pirate to serve as a Daimyo of Wano Country was something they could never accept.
However, just as everyone thought the matter was concluded, Kaidou suddenly changed his tone: "But..." He grinned, revealing a meaningful smile. "Kuri is, after all, territory Oden entrusted to me. As his life-and-death sworn friend, I'll keep this land safe for him until he returns to Wano Country."
These words struck like a heavy hammer, making the recently eased atmosphere tense again. Though Kaidou claimed not to care about the Daimyo position, he clearly stated his intention to actually control Kuri. This declaration made everyone present more uneasy than if he had directly claimed the title.
"Hmph, matters of our Wano Country don't require concern from a Pirate like you," Uzuki Tempura said to Kaidou.
"Wororororo! Are you looking down on me?!" Kaidou laughed loudly at this, but his sharp gaze fixed on Uzuki Tempura.
Though Kaidou himself looked down on the Pirate profession, that didn't mean anyone could insult him to his face.
"So what if I am!" Facing Kaidou's sharp gaze, Uzuki Tempura didn't flinch in the slightest.
"It seems you have a death wish!" Kaidou's tone grew increasingly severe.
As the situation grew increasingly uncontrollable, Sukiyaki suddenly recalled Denjiro's description of Kaidou's strength—extremely powerful, capable of fighting evenly with the current Oden, perhaps even stronger. Sukiyaki was well aware of his son's abilities, and the fact that Kaidou before him was not the least bit inferior to Oden was proof enough of the man's power.
Though protected by many Daimyo, Sukiyaki decided to play it safe and said, "Alright, Tempura, step back. Mr. Kaidou, please calm your anger. Today's banquet is to welcome you to Wano Country. Let us begin the festivities, and we can discuss any matters tomorrow."
"Sukiyaki-sama," Kurozumi Orochi immediately stood up and began preparing the banquet.
Under Kurozumi Orochi's direction, the attendants swiftly sprang into action. Exquisite Japanese dishes were served course by course, and the aroma of sake wafted from delicate vessels. However, the atmosphere of the banquet never truly relaxed.
Kaidou sat at the table, drinking heavily and paying no mind to the wary glances directed his way. His boisterous laughter occasionally rang out, starkly contrasting with the tense surroundings. Though the Daimyo maintained polite smiles on their faces, the vigilance in their eyes never faded.
The banquet continued in this strange atmosphere. The Daimyo each harbored their own thoughts, while Kaidou enjoyed the fine food and drink as if no one else was present. When the moon reached its zenith, Kaidou finally stood up: "That's enough for today. Wororororo! Thanks for the hospitality!"
With that, he strode purposefully toward the door, completely disregarding etiquette. The guards exchanged uncertain glances, unsure whether to stop him. Sukiyaki waved his hand, signaling them to let him pass.
Once Kaidou's figure vanished into the night, the reception hall erupted in a wave of discussion.
"That arrogant Pirate!" Uzuki Tempura gritted his teeth.
"He clearly wants to seize Kuri!" Fugetsu Omusubi said indignantly.
Shimotsuki Ushimaru frowned: "His strength is indeed not to be underestimated..."
Sukiyaki rubbed his temples wearily: "Everyone, let's end here for tonight. We'll discuss countermeasures tomorrow."
Though dissatisfied, everyone had no choice but to take their leave. After all had departed, Sukiyaki stood alone in the courtyard, gazing at the bright moonlight and sighing deeply. He faintly sensed that Wano Country was about to face a great storm.
······
Late at night, the Flower Capital guesthouse was brightly lit. Kaidou sat in the main seat, with Queen, Urouge, and Sebastian seated on either side. The room was heavy with a tense silence, everyone quietly waiting for something.
Suddenly, faint sounds came from outside the window. Hundreds of pitch-black bats silently swarmed into the room through the vents, circling under the dim light. These bats gradually gathered, finally taking human form—King's figure appeared before them. His face was slightly pale, but his gaze remained sharp.
"King, welcome back," Kaidou spoke first, a satisfied smile spreading across his rugged face.
Queen adjusted his sunglasses and let out his signature laugh: "Muhahaha, you're finally back. How did it go?"
Though Urouge and Sebastian remained silent, their gazes were fixed on King, clearly sharing concern for the outcome of this mission.
"Big Brother Kaidou, the mission is complete," King's voice was low and resolute.
Kaidou burst into hearty laughter upon hearing this: "Wororororo! Well done, King! You've accomplished a great feat this time!"
Queen excitedly slapped the table: "Muhahaha, it seems Wano Country will soon become the territory of our Beasts Pirates!"
Urouge and Sebastian also revealed pleased expressions, instantly enlivening the atmosphere in the room. Everyone's faces radiated the joy of impending victory, as if they could already envision the Beasts Pirates ruling over Wano Country.
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