After Hyougoro officially joined the Oniwabanshu, the situation in Wano Country underwent significant changes.
The social unrest originally triggered by Kouzuki Sukiyaki's death was quickly quelled. As a respected samurai leader in Wano Country, Hyougoro's submission sent a clear message to the people: Kaidou's rule could indeed bring stability and development to this nation.
This move created a strong demonstration effect, causing many who had originally adopted a wait-and-see attitude toward Kaidou's rule to begin changing their stance.
Even those radicals who had been secretly planning resistance activities and attempting to drive out Kaidou had to temporarily cease their operations and reassess the situation. This was precisely the strategic consideration behind Kaidou's efforts to recruit Hyougoro into his camp - through the submission of this beloved samurai, he could not only effectively stabilize public sentiment but also break the fighting spirit of the resistance forces, laying a solid foundation for consolidating his rule.
Kaidou sat on the main seat in the hall of the Shogun Palace, his thick fingers rhythmically tapping the armrest. An oppressive atmosphere filled the hall, with only Kaidou's deep voice echoing throughout.
"Hyougoro," Kaidou spoke, his voice rumbling like thunder in the hall, "those bandits in the western mountains have gone too far. Take your men and deal with them immediately. Recruit those willing to submit, and send all the stubborn ones to the Udon Quarry." He paused, a glint flashing in his eyes, "I plan to expand the quarry. From now on, all criminals in Wano Country will contribute their labor to Sea Stone mining there."
Hyougoro slightly furrowed his brow and cautiously responded, "Lord Kaidou, Udon is after all the territory of the Amatsuki clan. Occupying it rashly might cause unnecessary disturbances."
Kaidou laughed heartily upon hearing this, his laughter shaking the window lattices of the hall. "Wororororo! The Amatsuki clan has their hands full right now. Ever since Uzuki Tempura died due to the Kurozumi clan's rebellion, the Amatsuki clan has been fighting over the family head position." He narrowed his eyes, revealing a confident expression, "Heirs of the Amatsuki family have already taken the initiative to show me goodwill. They won't care about a mere quarry."
"I understand, my lord." Hyougoro bowed respectfully to accept the order.
At this moment, Fukurokuju, who had been standing nearby, rolled his eyes and stepped forward: "Lord Kaidou, since we're expanding the quarry and concentrating criminals there, shouldn't we send a capable person to manage it?"
Kaidou looked meaningfully at Fukurokuju: "What? You want to go?"
Fukurokuju immediately broke out in a cold sweat on his forehead. He had joined Kaidou to seek power in the Flower Capital - why would he want to go to such a remote place? But facing Kaidou's gaze, he didn't dare refuse directly and could only brace himself to say: "Lord Kaidou, I am willing to go. However, my abilities are insufficient, and I'm afraid I won't be able to intimidate the prisoners who will be held there."
"Wororororo!" Kaidou let out his characteristic laugh, "Don't worry about that. In a few days, I'll send a capable subordinate to take charge of the quarry."
Upon hearing this, both Fukurokuju and Hyougoro knew that Kaidou was likely referring to one of his current subordinates at Onigashima.
The atmosphere in the hall grew even more tense. Everyone understood that Kaidou was further strengthening his control over Wano Country.
Kaidou stood in the center of the great hall, his gaze sweeping over Fukurokuju and Hyougoro like a blazing torch. His deep voice echoed through the hall: "Fukurokuju, Hyougoro, I must go to Onigashima. Wano Country is in your hands." He paused, emphasizing his words, "Remember, stability must be maintained in my absence."
"As you command, Lord Kaidou," the two immediately bowed in reverence.
Kaidou gave a slight nod before turning and striding out of the hall with measured steps.
In the courtyard, the morning sun bathed his massive frame, casting a golden outline around him. He suddenly stopped and glanced back at the two following close behind, a meaningful smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
"It's time you witnessed true power," Kaidou's voice rumbled like it came from ancient times.
Before the words faded, his body began an astonishing transformation. Muscles swelled visibly as azure dragon scales surged across his body like tidal waves, gleaming with cold metallic luster under the sunlight. His head elongated and distorted while his limbs transformed into sharp dragon claws. In an instant, a nearly kilometer-long azure dragon soared into the sky, its colossal form nearly blotting out the sky above the entire Shogun Palace.
Fukurokuju and Hyougoro stood dumbfounded, their faces etched with shock. The surrounding guards were even more terrified—some collapsed to the ground, their weapons clattering loudly. They never imagined Lord Kaidou possessed such terrifying power.
"Is this... the ability granted by the Wizard Fruit Lord Kaidou consumed? How can there be such a fearsome mystical power?" Hyougoro's voice trembled slightly from astonishment, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
"This is Lord Kaidou's power—so immense, so perfect," Fukurokuju exclaimed excitedly while gazing at Kaidou's Dragon Form.
Meanwhile, on the streets of Flower Capital, the bustling crowds suddenly froze.
People looked up at the sky in unison, their faces filled with awe and terror.
Exclamations rippled through the streets: "Look at the sky! What is that?"
"Heavens! A dragon! There's a giant dragon above the Shogun Palace!"
"Could this be the legendary divine dragon manifesting?" A massive Azure Dragon circled gracefully among the clouds, its enormous body shimmering with azure light under the sun. Dragon scales flickered in and out of view between cloud layers, each movement stirring powerful gusts.
The enormous shadow enveloped all of Flower Capital, blocking out much of the sunlight.
Street lanterns swayed violently in the fierce winds, while shop signs creaked and groaned.
People ducked for cover yet couldn't resist looking up at this rare spectacle.
Kaidou looked down upon the ant-like humans below and released a earth-shaking dragon roar. The sound waves made the Shogun Palace's roof tiles quiver and distant trees sway violently.
This served both as a warning to his subordinates and a silent declaration to all of Wano Country—that he, Kaidou, was the supreme ruler of this land. The Azure Dragon's figure gradually receded, disappearing deep into the clouds, leaving behind a city of terrified citizens and two subordinates still reeling from the shock.
Kaidou's dragon might intimidated every soul.
Onigashima headquarters was a scene of bustling activity.
This stronghold, meticulously built by the Beasts Pirates, now gathered seven to eight hundred elite members. Among them were over a hundred warriors from Fish-Man Island, more than two hundred elite pirates from around the world, and the remaining four hundred were new recruits enlisted from Wano Country over the past six months.
It was worth noting that all these new members had undergone King's rigorous loyalty tests to ensure their absolute allegiance to the Beasts Pirates.
In addition to these members, there were nearly a hundred personnel invited from Wano Country and other islands in the New World to prepare for the Fire Festival.
The entire pirate crew was immersed in excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Fire Festival.
King personally selected dozens of master chefs from across Wano Country to ensure the banquet would feature the finest cuisine. These chefs were carefully chosen from the most renowned restaurants throughout Wano, each bringing their signature skills to the table.
Meanwhile, Sebastian was leading a dozen Fish-man subordinates deep into the ocean. Through their efforts, they successfully captured several massive Sea Kings. These precious ingredients would serve as the main course for tonight's grand feast, enough to satisfy everyone attending the celebration.
Queen was busily preparing the opening performance with his team. The talented scientist and performer had prepared numerous novel programs, determined to bring the celebration's atmosphere to a climax from the very beginning.
Rumors suggested he had specifically developed several new types of stage effect devices to surprise everyone.
Every corner of the headquarters showed busy figures, with crew members' faces beaming with anticipation. Some were responsible for venue decoration, others prepared ingredients, while some were rehearsing performances.
The entire Onigashima was enveloped in a festive atmosphere.
This Fire Festival held extraordinary significance—not only to celebrate the successful completion of the headquarters, but also as Kaidou's special recognition of the Executives' long-term contributions to the Beasts Pirates. According to reliable sources, Kaidou had carefully prepared gifts for each Executive, which might include rare Devil Fruits.
Even more exciting was the news that during the banquet's climax, Kaidou would reward outstanding ordinary crew members with Devil Fruits.
Such news filled everyone with anticipation for tonight's celebration.
As night gradually fell, the Fire Festival was about to begin.
The entire Onigashima erupted in excitement, with everyone eagerly awaiting this unprecedented grand event.
At this tense moment, on the distant horizon, a massive dark shadow was approaching Onigashima at astonishing speed. The colossal figure loomed among the clouds, its enormous body nearly blotting out half the sky.
"Look at the sky! What is that?" A pirate carrying alcoholic drinks stopped in his tracks, pointing fearfully toward the sky.
His voice immediately drew the attention of surrounding companions, all looking up at the terrifying figure growing closer.
"A dragon... It's a dragon!" Another pirate screamed in shock, the ingredients in his hands clattering to the ground.
These newly recruited members of the Beasts Pirates from Wano Country had never witnessed such a terrifying sight and immediately fell into chaos. "Quickly inform the Executives! A giant dragon is approaching Onigashima!"
Panic spread through the crowd like a plague.
Some had already drawn their weapons, ready to fight, while others were so frightened their legs gave way beneath them. A few even dropped to their knees, prostrating themselves toward the sky in worship.
However, some of the more veteran pirates remained remarkably calm. They stood with arms crossed, proud smiles on their faces as if watching a spectacular performance.