After leaving the Shogun's castle, Shimotsuki Ushimaru immediately gathered the other daimyo and Oden's retainers in a secluded courtyard. The courtyard was surrounded by tall cherry blossom trees; their lush branches and leaves provided excellent cover from outside view, offering a perfect location for a secret meeting.
"Everyone," Shimotsuki Ushimaru lowered his voice, his brow tightly furrowed, "Don't you all think Lord Sukiyaki's behavior today was extremely abnormal?"
Kazuki Mitsuyoshi nodded. "Indeed, it was abnormal. Yesterday, Lord Sukiyaki was clearly firmly opposed to Kaido becoming the Daimyo of Kuri. Why would he suddenly change his mind today?"
"What's even stranger," Ugetsu Tempura chimed in, his face filled with confusion, "is that Lord Sukiyaki has always detested outsiders like Kaido. Yet today, he was so friendly toward him. That is completely unlike his usual character."
As everyone was discussing this animatedly, Kurozumi Kanjuro was also quietly pondering. Though he didn't understand why Sukiyaki had suddenly changed his decree, having Kaido control Kuri was a vital condition for the Kurozumi family's alliance with the Beasts Pirates. He had to find a way to facilitate this.
"I believe it might be related to the Kurozumi clan rebellion that Lord Sukiyaki mentioned," Kanjuro spoke up at an opportune moment, drawing everyone's attention.
Denjiro immediately pressed him. "Kanjuro, what do you mean by that?"
All eyes in the room turned to Kanjuro, awaiting his explanation.
"I think Lord Oden's sudden departure overseas may have caused Lord Sukiyaki to fear a rebellion in Wano Country," Kanjuro said slowly. "That's why he decided to appoint Kaido as Daimyo of Kuri. Firstly, it follows the command Lord Oden left behind. Secondly, it's a way to test the loyalty of each daimyo to the Shogunate."
Shimotsuki Yasuke looked thoughtful. "You're saying..."
"Lord Sukiyaki fears repeating the tragedy of decades ago," Kanjuro continued. "Back then, it was because the Kozuki family had no heir. Now, it's because the heir has gone to sea. Both situations create a power vacuum. That's why Lord Sukiyaki made today's decision."
"You make a good point. Damned Kurozumi clan, causing trouble for Wano even in death!" Shimotsuki Ushimaru cursed indignantly.
Everyone nodded, seeming to accept this as the only explanation that made sense for Sukiyaki's sudden about-face.
Hearing everyone slandering the Kurozumi clan, fury flashed in the eyes of both Kurozumi Kanjuro and the silently watching Kurozumi Orochi. They secretly swore to make them pay once they controlled Wano Country.
"But, are we really going to stand by and watch Kaido become the Daimyo of Kuri?" Ugetsu Tempura asked unwillingly.
Shimotsuki Yasuke let out a long sigh. "For now, we can only accept it. If we openly oppose it, we'll likely be seen as rebels by Lord Sukiyaki."
"Damn it! Lord Oden, why did you leave such an appointment?!" Denjiro cried out in anguish, his fist slamming heavily against the cherry tree trunk, shaking loose a shower of petals.
"Denjiro, if you don't wish to stay in Kuri, you can come to Hakumai," Shimotsuki Yasuke said with concern.
Denjiro shook his head firmly. "No, Lord Yasuke. Although Kuri's daimyo has become Kaido, that place is the home that Lord Oden and we built together. We will definitely protect Kuri on Lord Oden's behalf. We will never let Kaido do as he pleases!"
Kawamatsu, Inuarashi, Nekomamushi, and Kurozumi Kanjuro also nodded solemnly in agreement.
The atmosphere in the courtyard grew increasingly heavy. Cherry blossoms drifted down in the breeze, as if sighing for the impending turmoil. Shimotsuki Ushimaru looked around at everyone and said gravely, "Since things have come to this, we can only accept this decision for now. But we must be vigilant and closely monitor Kaido's every move in Kuri."
"Right," Kazuki Mitsuyoshi concurred. "If we discover Kaido stepping out of line in any way, we must report it to Lord Sukiyaki immediately."
Ugetsu Tempura said worriedly, "I can't shake the feeling this isn't so simple. That Kaido is ambitious. Letting him control Kuri is no different from inviting a wolf into the house."
"But right now, we have no other choice," Shimotsuki Yasuke said helplessly. "Lord Sukiyaki's command must be obeyed. However, we can secretly strengthen communication between the various regions. If anything happens, we can support each other."
Listening to the discussion, Kurozumi Kanjuro secretly sneered in his heart. Putting on a sincere expression, he said, "You are all correct, my lords. We truly should remain vigilant. However, perhaps Lord Sukiyaki has deeper intentions. We might as well observe the situation for a while."
Denjiro clenched his fists, a determined light shining in his eyes. "No matter what, we, the Nine Red Scabbards, will never disappoint Lord Oden. Even if Kaido becomes Daimyo, we will continue to protect the people of Kuri."
Inuarashi and Nekomamushi looked at each other and said in unison, "We will also do our utmost to assist Denjiro."
Kawamatsu nodded. "Kuri is our home. We will definitely protect it."
Shimotsuki Ushimaru looked at these young people, a gratified expression appearing on his face. "With you all in Kuri, I feel much more at ease. Remember, if you encounter any difficulties, you can come to us at any time."
The last rays of the sunset filtered through the gaps in the cherry blossom trees, casting a somewhat tragic and heroic atmosphere over this secret meeting. Everyone understood in their hearts that Wano Country's situation was undergoing subtle changes, and they had to be prepared to face the possible storm ahead.
After the meeting ended, everyone dispersed. Kurozumi Kanjuro and Kurozumi Orochi walked out last, exchanging a meaningful glance. They knew the plan was proceeding smoothly. They were one step closer to their goal of controlling Wano Country.
...
After leaving the Shogun's castle, Kaido met with several of Kozuki Oden's retainers on the outskirts of the Flower Capital.
"Wororororo! You kept me waiting long enough!" Kaido's booming laughter echoed across the open outskirts. He looked down at them from his great height. "Now, it's time we return to my Kuri!"
Hearing this, Denjiro immediately stepped forward, his hand on his sword hilt. "What did you say? Kuri is Lord Oden's territory!"
Queen swayed his obese body and interjected in a mocking tone, "Muhahaha, Denjiro, are you planning to disobey Shogun Sukiyaki's command?" He narrowed his small eyes, his tone suddenly turning cold. "That's the grave crime of treason!"
"Damn it!" Denjiro gritted his teeth, sweat beading on his forehead. "That's not what I meant..."
"Then what did you mean?" King asked coldly, his gaze from behind the mask sharp as a blade.
Denjiro was momentarily at a loss for words and could only lower his head in unwilling silence. The air around them seemed to solidify, leaving only the rustle of wind through the leaves.
"Enough. No more pointless arguing here. We are returning to Kuri."
Kaido led everyone onto the carriages. The sound of wheels rolling over the stone-paved road was exceptionally clear on the quiet path as the group sped off in the direction of Kuri.
***
Dive deeper into the story with 30+ advance chapters, available now on Patreon!
patreon.com/CNBLUE
If you're enjoying the novel, please consider leaving a review. Your support is crucial and helps the story grow immensely. Thank you!