Initially, the people of Wano trembled under the iron-fisted rule of these outsiders, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire.
But soon, they noticed some unusual changes:
No longer could samurai arbitrarily kill 'obstructing' commoners in the streets.
The fertile lands seized by nobles were all returned to their original owners.
The newly appointed tax officials were so fearful they dared not collect a single copper coin more...
Gradually, the whispers in the streets and alleys began to change tone:
"What's so good about the Kozuki Family to miss? Were those days better than now?"
"I believe the Kozuki Family was better than Kurozumi Orochi, but that's just comparing degrees of badness."
"Setsuna-sama might not be a true Wano citizen, but he genuinely cares for us."
In a private room of a restaurant, the gathering crowd heard the discussion below.
Kawamatsu was furious. "These foolish people! To be bought over with a few small favors, completely forgetting the Kozuki Family's benevolence!"
"That's right! The Kozuki Family's gratitude can never be fully repaid!" A ninja nodded emphatically.
"I initially thought those people were good, but they turned out to be more vicious than the Beasts Pirates! They actually want to abolish our samurai privileges! Doesn't he know samurai are the symbol and foundation of Wano?!" A samurai roared in low, angry tones.
"We can't wait any longer, Hiyori-sama! Lead us in one more charge!" A samurai shouted, eyes full of expectation.
Hiyori simply remained silent. She didn't even have the courage to resist Orochi, let alone Setsuna, who had defeated Kaido.
She was filled with regret now. If only she hadn't spread those rumors.
She had just wanted to test Setsuna's limits, to see if he would be willing to return Wano's power.
Who knew he would be so sensitive, directly and brutally ordering the destruction of Wano's culture?
This approach was even more terrible than Kaido and Orochi's rule. Orochi only destroyed the people's bodies, but Setsuna was destroying Wano's spirit.
When 'Kozuki' was no longer a sacred surname... what difference was there from the nation's destruction?
Seeing Hiyori's silent retreat, Kawamatsu instantly understood her hesitation.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the disappointment in his heart. Addressing the group gravely, he said, "Everyone, the enemy's power is too great. It's not yet time to overthrow the tyranny. We should preserve our strength and prepare for Momonosuke-sama's return..."
At that moment, the door burst open.
A tall, thin man in samurai attire strode in, a fawning smile on his face. "All the traitors who miss the old nation are gathered here, every last one."
"Matsuda Yunosuke!" A samurai slammed the table, rising in fury, eyes wide with rage. "You dare betray us?!"
Yunosuke sneered. "You sewer rats who only dare to hide in the shadows think you can overthrow Setsuna-sama? I don't want to perish with you."
"You—" A samurai tried to curse but was stabbed through the heart by another samurai beside him.
"Lords, I am a good citizen!" The samurai who struck raised his blood-stained blade high. "I infiltrated them on purpose, just waiting to report them!"
That single stab seemed to open Pandora's box.
The samurai, once united in hatred, instantly turned on each other. Blades were unsheathed, slashing without hesitation at former comrades.
"I'm a good citizen too!"
"I'm the good citizen!"
Kawamatsu's face turned ashen. He should have realized earlier. Orochi had ruled this country for 26 years. The truly stubborn ones had long since died.
Hiyori was also terrified, staring in disbelief at the scene before her.
The samurai who had just vowed to die for her were now slaughtering colleagues to demonstrate their loyalty.
"Hiyori-sama, we can't stay in Wano any longer. I'll take you outside now," Kawamatsu said swiftly, cutting down several samurai trying to capture Hiyori to curry favor.
…
In the Flower Capital's palace.
Ace reported with regret. "Captain, we captured another group of samurai attempting an uprising. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough manpower, and the biggest fish slipped away."
"It's fine. Don't worry about it," Setsuna was very calm. He wasn't actually trying to exterminate the people of Wano.
"Oh, I have a task for you," Setsuna took out an invitation. "Go to Baltigo. That's the Revolutionary Army's headquarters. Deliver this invitation to Dragon."
Ace felt a surge of excitement. "Captain, are we starting the operation?"
Setsuna nodded slightly. "That's right. It's time to begin the overture."
…
On the seas of the New World, Shanks was leisurely enjoying fine wine.
Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi beside him rang.
The call connected. Setsuna's voice came through. "Shanks? I have a favor to ask."
Shanks raised an eyebrow. "Oh? For the world's strongest man to call personally, it must be something significant."
"Uta is going to hold the world's greatest concert," Setsuna's voice carried a smile. "I need you to go to Elbaf and ask the Giant Tribe to tune in on time."
Shanks nearly choked on his wine. "This kind of thing needs me to go personally?"
"I don't mind~" Setsuna deliberately drew out his words. "Then I'll just tell Uta her father thinks her concert is worthless..."
"Wait!" Shanks quickly set down his cup, speaking with righteous solemnity. "Such an important task must naturally be handled by me personally."
A light laugh came from the other end. "By the way, don't forget to make that guy Scopper watch on time too."
After the call ended, Shanks looked suspicious. "Really just for a concert? That guy is always so domineering. He shouldn't go this far just to please a woman. Could there be some deeper meaning to this concert that I'm missing?"
…
The Island of White Soil, Baltigo.
Following Bartholomew Kuma's coordinates, Ace finally found the Revolutionary Army headquarters.
When he stated his identity, the Revolutionary Army's members didn't dare be negligent, immediately summoning the Chief of Staff.
In the reception hall.
"So you're the Vice-Captain of the Gourmet Navigation Group?" A familiar voice came from the end of the corridor. "I'm the Revolutionary Army's Sabo. May I ask—"
Ace froze as if struck by lightning, then burst out with shocked and joyful cries. "Sabo! You're Sabo! You're alive?!"
"Huh? Do we know each other?" Sabo tilted his head in confusion, then his expression changed drastically. He clutched his head and fell to his knees. "Ah! My head hurts so much!"
Koala panicked, supporting him. "Sabo! What's wrong? Don't scare me!"
The intense pain came and went quickly.
When Sabo looked up again, his eyes shone with wild joy. "Ace! It really is you!"
Koala asked, confused. "Sabo, you know him?"
"Of course I know him!" Sabo threw an arm around Ace's shoulder. "We're brothers!"
"Brothers?" Koala's eyes widened. One was the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff, the other the Gourmet Navigation Group's Vice-Captain. Their parents' genes must be incredibly strong.
"So, which one of you is older?" Koala asked curiously.
"Haha, we don't know," Sabo laughed heartily.
"Huh? How can you not know?" Koala was utterly bewildered.
"We're not blood brothers. We're sworn brothers," Sabo suddenly realized. "Oh, right! I never asked, Ace, what's your birthday?"
"January 1st."
"Mine is March 20th. Looks like you're older," Sabo smiled. Their birth years were the same.
Dragon, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, was also surprised Sabo had such a connection.
After the joy of the brothers' reunion, Ace solemnly took out an exquisite envelope. "This is an invitation my Captain asked me to deliver to you, sir."
Dragon received it seriously, but was stunned upon opening it. "Uta... concert?"
An awkward silence fell over the reception hall.
Sabo was also confused. "This is your Captain's important mission?"
"The specific reasons are inconvenient to explain now. Just know that this concert is absolutely crucial," Ace said gravely. "You must remember to watch on time via Den Den Mushi."
Dragon fell into deep thought. He recalled Kuma's evaluation of Setsuna… an unfathomable man.
'Would such a man go to such great lengths just for a concert?'
"I understand," Dragon finally nodded. "We will watch on time."