Kuri, Oden Castle.
"What?!"
Upon hearing Sukiyaki's command, the faces of Ashura Doji and the others were filled with shock and disbelief. They looked at each other, momentarily speechless.
"Wororororo! From today on, I am the Daimyo of Kuri!" Kaido laughed arrogantly, sweeping a thick arm through the air. "Bring me all the official documents from Kuri!"
Oden's retainers clenched their fists, their knuckles turning white. Kin'emon's veins bulged on his forehead. Just as he was about to step forward to argue, Ashura Doji and Denjiro grabbed him tightly from both sides.
"As you command, we will prepare them immediately," Raizo replied, forcibly suppressing his anger and lowering his head. His voice trembled noticeably, yet he had to maintain a veneer of respect.
Kaido laughed in satisfaction and swaggered toward the main hall with King and the others. The heavy footsteps gradually faded. Only after confirming they were gone did Ashura Doji and the others release Kin'emon.
"Have you all gone mad? Why bow your heads to that bastard?" Kin'emon shook off his companions' hands and demanded angrily. His voice echoed in the empty corridor, carrying long-suppressed fury.
Denjiro sighed and lowered his voice. "He's the Daimyo now. We have no choice. If we want to stay in Kuri, we must endure for the time being."
Kiku bit her lower lip hard, tears of unwillingness glistening in her eyes. "Are we just going to let Kaido have his way?"
Ashura Doji patted Kin'emon's shoulder. "How is the shipbuilding progress? As long as Lord Oden returns, everything will be alright."
"It will still take some time to complete. It's the first time building a ship capable of long-distance ocean travel, so the shipwrights are being very careful," Kin'emon said, calming down slightly, though his voice remained tense.
Denjiro turned to Kiku. "You'll go deliver the documents later. Remember, until Lord Oden returns, we must maintain the status quo." He sneered. "An outsider pirate from overseas? I doubt he can even read Wano's official documents."
"Alright," Kiku nodded.
...
Kaido sat upright in the council hall of Kuri's Tenshukaku. The thick, solid-wood table was piled high with official reports from various districts. The last rays of the setting sun filtered through the paper doors, casting light on his massive frame, adding a touch of majesty to this pirate leader. The council hall was deathly quiet, only the rustling sound of turning pages echoing in the spacious room.
His thick fingers lightly turned the pages of the documents, his sharp gaze scanning each line of text. Kaido's brow furrowed and relaxed intermittently. Through these densely packed words, he was gradually grasping the detailed situation of the Kuri region. As the newly appointed Daimyo of Kuri, he needed to understand every aspect of this land as quickly as possible.
"Queen," Kaido suddenly spoke, his low voice rumbling like thunder in the council hall.
Queen, who had been dozing off, jolted awake, hurriedly wiping drool from his mouth. "Y-yes, Boss Kaido!" He fumbled to straighten his crooked glasses, afraid of being caught napping.
Kaido pushed a file to the edge of the table. "Kuri's autumn harvest season is approaching. I want you to develop a batch of agricultural machinery to help local farmers improve their harvesting efficiency." He paused, a gleam flashing in his eyes. "Remember, these tools are to be distributed in the name of the new Daimyo of Kuri."
Queen scratched his head, puzzled. "Boss, why should we help those commoners—" He regretted the words before he could finish.
"Idiot!" Kaido snorted coldly, slamming the table as he stood up, causing the entire wooden table to shake. "Do you think I'm doing charity?" He rose to his full height, his tall figure almost blotting out the light from the window, his shadow enveloping everyone present.
Kaido looked around, his gaze sharp as a torch. "King, Urouge, Sebastian, you are responsible for recruiting new members in the Kuri region." He deliberately slowed his speech, ensuring each word was clearly heard. "Remember, do it properly. The compensation can be slightly increased."
King gave a slight nod, understanding gleaming in his eyes behind the black mask. "Understood."
Only then did Queen have a sudden realization, flatteringly smiling. "Boss, are you planning to pressure Oden's retainers?" He rubbed his hands together, a fawning expression on his face.
"Exactly," Kaido sneered, sitting back down in the seat of honor. "Only this way will Oden's retainers be unable to resist setting sail to search for Oden." He turned to King, his voice carrying an unquestionable command. "When the time comes, contact Bullet and the others. Deal with these troublesome fools at sea. That way, Kuri will fall completely into our control."
Upon hearing this, all the subordinates immediately nodded in agreement. Unified responses echoed in the council hall.
One day later, the official appointment document from the Shogunate arrived in Kuri. On the gilded scroll, Kaido's name was neatly written in the position of Daimyo of Kuri; the bright red seal was particularly glaring under the sun. Attendants posted the document all over the town. The sound of gongs echoed through streets and alleys, announcing the new master of this land.
In the fields of Kuri, several peasants huddled together, talking in low voices. An old farmer with a face full of wrinkles said mysteriously, "Have you heard? Lord Kaido is going to give us new farming tools!" He warily glanced around, afraid of being overheard.
A younger peasant beside him showed a skeptical look. "Really? That pirate—" Before he could finish, a companion hurriedly stopped him. "Shh! You must call him Lord Kaido now. After all, he is the new Daimyo!" He nervously covered the young man's mouth.
A thin, small-statured peasant rubbed his hands together, anticipation on his face. "Who would have thought the new Daimyo would be so good, caring about us right after taking office." He gazed at the distant rice paddies, a hopeful light in his eyes.
At that moment, a burly man with a full beard suddenly barked sharply, "Shut up! Do you intend to betray Lord Oden?" He clenched his fists, his face full of anger.
The thin peasant was startled, then retorted defiantly, "What betrayal of Lord Oden? Lord Oden's command was for Lord Kaido to become Daimyo of Kuri." He pointed at the bearded man, his voice gradually rising. "I think it's you who wants to betray Lord Oden. Otherwise, why wouldn't you listen to Lord Oden's command?"
"Damn it, I, I..." The bearded man was immediately left speechless, his face flushing red, unable to utter a rebuttal.
Similar conversations played out in every corner of Kuri. In taverns, marketplaces, and fields, people whispered, discussing this sudden change. Some were pleased, others worried, but everyone felt the changes occurring in this land.
The flag of the Beasts Pirates began to fly on the castle towers, the black flag with white patterns flapping loudly in the wind. Recruitment stations sprang up like mushrooms after rain at various key strongholds, attracting all sorts of people.
In the town center, elaborate tents displayed fine weapons and glittering treasures. Uniformed recruitment officers enthusiastically explained the various benefits of joining the Beasts Pirates to passersby: "Food and lodging provided! Generous monthly pay!"
In remote villages, pirates brought food and medicine, painting a beautiful future for the impoverished peasants. "Join us, and you can change your fate!" They thumped their chests in assurance, sincere smiles on their faces.
***
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