The midday sun filtered through the dense canopy of the courtyard, casting dappled shadows across the training ground. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the mingled scents of earth and sweat in the air—evidence of the intense training that had just concluded.
Kaidou had just finished his lunch and was now training shirtless as part of his daily routine. His steel-hard muscles gleamed with a bronze sheen under the sunlight, each one a meticulously sculpted work of art that radiated unparalleled strength. Fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead, tracing the sharp contours of his face before dripping onto the hard stone floor of the training ground. Despite the heavy Seastone bracelets weighing him down, his movements remained swift and powerful. Every punch he threw sliced through the air with a sharp whistle, as if tearing the very atmosphere apart.
"Lord Kaidou, an envoy from the Flower Capital has arrived. Shall I bring him to you?" A samurai clad in traditional robes stood respectfully at the edge of the training ground, his voice soft yet clear in the surrounding silence.
Kaidou halted his movements, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He casually grabbed a specially made towel nearby and wiped the sweat from his body. "Bring him here," he commanded, his voice deep and magnetic, carrying an undeniable authority.
The samurai bowed and departed, returning shortly with a middle-aged man sporting a thin mustache. The visitor wore opulent robes and a jade pendant at his waist—a symbol of his status as an envoy—but upon seeing Kaidou, he immediately bowed deeply, his demeanor exceedingly humble. "Lord Kaidou," he greeted, his voice trembling slightly, betraying his inner tension.
"What does the Shogun send you for?" Kaidou feigned ignorance, though he had already guessed the purpose of the visit. His piercing gaze seemed to see right through people, causing the envoy to swallow nervously.
"Reporting to you, my lord," the envoy replied, still bowing, sweat visibly beading on his forehead. "The Shogun has fallen gravely ill and has summoned all Daimyo of Wano Country to the Flower Capital at once." His voice grew softer, dwindling to a near whisper by the end.
Kaidou furrowed his brow, a look of concern spreading across his face. "Is that so?" His tone held just the right amount of worry, but a faint, shrewd glint flashed deep in his eyes.
"I implore Lord Kaidou to depart as soon as possible," the envoy pleaded, bowing even lower, almost prostrating himself.
Kaidou pondered for a moment before turning to the samurai beside him. "Prepare the carriage. I will leave for the Flower Capital immediately," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument, each word firm and decisive.
"As you command!" The samurai bowed and hurried off, soon returning with a carriage ready. It was a specially crafted, luxurious black carriage adorned with intricate carvings, pulled by six tiger-like Mystical Beasts—a truly imposing sight.
"Let us depart," Kaidou said to the envoy, his voice brimming with unshakable authority. He strode toward the carriage with steady steps, each footfall seeming to shake the ground.
"Yes, Lord Kaidou," the envoy replied respectfully, maintaining his humble posture. He followed cautiously behind Kaidou, careful not to commit any breach of etiquette.
Just as Kaidou reached the city gate and was about to board the carriage, he suddenly stopped. His gaze shifted toward the distant sky, his brow slightly furrowed. "Lord Kaidou, what is it?" The envoy, seeing Kaidou halt his movement to board, also stopped mounting his horse and asked in confusion.
In the direction Kaidou was looking, a black dot rapidly enlarged, soon revealing a man with wings on his back, entirely wrapped in a black coat, landing on the ground from the air. It was King, his wings shimmering with a metallic luster under the sunlight, his black cloak flapping sharply in the wind.
"Brother Kaidou," King landed before Kaidou and called out respectfully. His voice was deep and powerful, carrying absolute loyalty to Kaidou.
"King, you've returned just in time. We'll go to the Flower Capital together," Kaidou said to King, a faint, satisfied smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
"Yes!" King nodded, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. He understood the importance of this mission and Kaidou's plan.
Immediately, Kaidou took King directly into the carriage. The interior was spacious and comfortable, luxuriously decorated with soft carpets on the floor and plush seats on both sides. Kaidou sat in the main seat, while King stood respectfully to the side.
The envoy, meanwhile, mounted a steed resembling a tiger. The Mystical Beast was pure white with a golden "king" pattern on its forehead, appearing majestic and imposing. It pawed the ground impatiently, emitting low growls that displayed its immense strength.
Since Kaidou's carriage was specially made, resembling a mobile house, it maintained its speed effortlessly even with Kaidou and King inside. Six Mystical Beasts moved in unison, pulling the carriage steadily forward, the wheels rumbling dully against the ground.
"King, is everything arranged?" Kaidou asked him, his voice lowered so only the two of them could hear.
"Rest assured, Brother Kaidou, Bullet and the others are ready," King replied equally quietly, his eyes shining with determination. He leaned forward slightly to ensure his voice wouldn't be overheard.
"Hmm," Kaidou nodded.
"Brother Kaidou, is something wrong?King keenly sensed Kaidou's shift in mood and set down the documents in his hand to ask. As a top executive of the Beasts Pirates, he was accustomed to maintaining a respectful posture before Kaidou.
Kaidou sat in his lavish seat, rhythmically tapping his fingers on the armrest. "Nothing major," his deep voice echoed within the cabin. "It's just that the envoy from the Flower Capital has arrived, but that bastard Queen still hasn't sent any word back." At this, Kaidou's frown deepened, a flash of anger in his eyes. "Hmph! I suspect he's gone wild in the Flower Capital's red-light district and completely forgotten his duties."
Three months ago, Queen had requested permission from Kaidou to go to the Flower Capital under the pretext of "monitoring the Flower Capital's movements." Although Kaidou knew full well that this pleasure-seeking subordinate was drawn to the Flower Capital's famous red-light district, he had agreed, considering Queen's generally good performance since Kaidou's arrival in this world. Unexpectedly, relying on the large amount of gold he carried, Queen had moved directly into the red-light district and become utterly engrossed in it.
"Big Brother Kaidou, after this operation is over, it's time to properly teach that damn fatty a lesson." King adjusted his mask, his tone carrying a hint of coldness. As the second-in-command of the Beasts Pirates, he had always held grievances against Queen's lax attitude.
Kaidou nodded slightly, then abruptly changed the subject: "By the way, King, how are those three doing now?"
King was momentarily taken aback before realizing Kaidou was referring to Kawamatsu, Inuarashi, and Nekomamushi. Ever since Denjiro mysteriously disappeared in Kuri six months ago, Kaidou had developed an interest in these three former retainers of the Kouzuki Family. Particularly Inuarashi and Nekomamushi - if they could be subdued, it meant potentially bringing the entire Mink Tribe under their command.
"The plan is progressing smoothly," King reported in detail. "Kawamatsu has encountered many of his tribesmen on Onigashima and has semi-joined us now. Although Inuarashi and Nekomamushi still claim to be Kouzuki retainers, under Bullet's military management, combined with nightly ideological education classes and my regular hypnosis guidance, their dependence on the Beasts Pirates is deepening."
After listening, Kaidou thoughtfully stroked his chin: "Three methods employed for half a year, and they still haven't forgotten Kouzuki Oden? It seems that man truly had some capability." He sneered coldly, "But it doesn't matter anyway. We won't need them in the short term, so let them stay on Onigashima for another two or three years."
"Big Brother Kaidou, what I'm truly concerned about is Denjiro," King's tone turned grave. "He's been missing for six months, and our people have turned Wano Country upside down without finding him."
Kaidou waved his hand dismissively: "That guy must have been hidden by someone. After this operation concludes, those dissatisfied with our rule will naturally reveal themselves, and we can capture them all at once." He stood up and walked to the window, pulling open the curtains. "Just a small fry, not worth worrying about."
Outside the window, the outline of the Flower Capital was clearly visible. A confident smile curled at the corner of Kaidou's lips: "King, prepare yourself. Soon, the entire Wano Country will be in our grasp."
Hearing this, King also looked toward the distant Flower Capital. After more than seven months of planning, this country was finally about to fall into Big Brother Kaidou's hands.
The carriage slowly passed through the Flower Capital's city gates, its wheels making dull sounds as they rolled over the bluestone pavement. Cherry blossoms fluttered along both sides of the street, but instead of heading toward the Shogun Palace as usual, the carriage changed direction and headed toward the Flower Capital's most bustling red-light district.
In the luxurious private room, brilliant lights shone as Queen, blindfolded with red cloth, frolicked with over a dozen gorgeously dressed courtesans. These women, each possessing outstanding beauty and graceful figures, giggled as they darted around the room, evading Queen's pursuit.
"Hahaha, don't run away, my beauties!" Queen spread his arms wide, his bloated body moving clumsily around the room. "Let Lord Queen pamper you properly!"
"Lord, I'm over here!"
"Come catch me, Lord Queen!"
Melodious voices rose and fell as the courtesans fluttered around Queen like butterflies. Suddenly, Queen made a fierce lunge and finally caught the sleeve of one courtesan.
"Got you!" Queen laughed triumphantly. Just as he was about to remove his blindfold, the room's carved wooden door was suddenly kicked open with great force.
"Who dares..." Queen angrily tore off the red cloth, but froze instantly upon seeing the newcomer. "K-Kaidou?!" The smile on Queen's face instantly solidified, his plump body trembling uncontrollably.
Kaidou's towering figure blocked the doorway, his shadow enveloping the entire private room. King stood silently behind him, his gaze icy beneath the mask. The courtesans, seeing the situation, immediately bowed their heads and discreetly withdrew from the room.
"Is this what you call 'gathering intelligence'?" Kaidou's deep voice contained suppressed fury as his eyes swept over the table laden with food and scattered garments.
Cold sweat beaded on Queen's forehead. "Boss, let me explain, I was just... I was..."
Before he could finish speaking, Kaidou's iron fist smashed heavily into his face. Queen's portly body flew out like a ball, shattered the paper door, and crashed heavily into the courtyard's artificial mountain, sending up a cloud of dust.
"You have ten minutes to clean up this mess." Kaidou said coldly. "Then come with me to the Shogun Palace."
Queen crawled out of the rubble, not bothering to wipe the blood from his nose. "The Shogun Palace? Is the plan beginning?"
Kaidou snorted coldly and turned toward the carriage. "After we're done with this matter, I'll settle this debt with you properly."