Wano Country, the Shogun's Residence.
The noon sunlight spilled into every corner of the Shogun's Residence, making the imposing structure shine brilliantly. Cherry blossom trees in the courtyard swayed gently in the breeze, pink petals drifting down with the wind, adding a touch of softness to this fortress-like estate brimming with a murderous air.
Accompanied by a gust of wind, Kaido reverted from his azure dragon form to his human form, landing steadily in the very center of the residence's courtyard. His towering frame cast a long shadow in the sunlight, his black cape snapping loudly behind him. The guards immediately knelt on one knee, saluting in perfect unison, displaying the Beasts Pirates' strict discipline.
"Big Brother Kaido." King, who had been waiting for some time, hurried forward to meet him, his voice from beneath the mask unable to completely hide his delight. He performed a respectful bow, his black wings slightly folded. The sunlight reflected off his black mask, casting a cold gleam.
"King, you've worked hard this whole time," Kaido's deep voice echoed in the courtyard. He reached out and gave King's shoulder a firm pat, the force great enough to make the ground tremble slightly.
"It was my duty," King straightened up, his tone resolute. His black leather boots made crisp sounds on the stone-paved path.
Kaido glanced around, his gaze sweeping over the neatly lined-up guards in the courtyard. "Hmm, let's talk inside," he said, striding with large steps into the interior of the Shogun's Residence.
The two passed through a long corridor, their footsteps echoing in the spacious residence. Soon, they arrived at the central hall, the very core of the Shogun's Residence. Kaido walked straight to the throne at the head of the room and sat down without ceremony. The throne was crafted from the wood of the Adam Tree, intricately carved with dragon patterns that glittered in the sunlight. His eyes scanned the mountainous pile of documents beside it, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.
"Big Brother Kaido, since we could only communicate via Den Den Mushi before, many matters weren't made clear," King moved a stack of files onto the table before Kaido, the papers rustling as they slid. "Let me report on the situation over the past few months."
Kaido casually picked up the topmost document; the paper looked particularly fragile between his thick fingers. "Go ahead," he said, a note of laziness in his voice, but his eyes were sharp as blades.
"In the first month, several daimyo of Wano, instigated by Denjiro, launched a rebellion," King's voice was calm and forceful. "However, we suppressed it quickly. We took the opportunity to purge a batch of nobles who were exploiting the people."
Kaido nodded, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of the throne, producing a dull sound. "Well done."
"Over ninety percent of Wano's land has now been redistributed," King continued, pulling a map from the files and spreading it out. "The assets of those daimyo have also been seized and moved to Onigashima. The gains from this operation alone are enough for us to expand our operations several times over."
A satisfied smile tugged at the corner of Kaido's mouth. He picked up the sake jug from the table and took a large gulp. "Hahaha! Excellent work, King! Although our Beasts Pirates aren't short on money, we certainly don't mind having more." The liquor dripped from his chin, leaving dark stains on the opulent carpet.
"There's one more matter to report." King retrieved a small wooden box from his breast pocket. Opening it revealed a section of branch emitting a faint, phosphorescent glow. "The Adam Tree branch we purchased at a high price has been successfully cultivated on Onigashima thanks to the ability of Bo Henderson's Juku Juku no Mi. We've used it to construct several new ships, and the results are excellent."
Kaido took the box, his large fingers carefully caressing the miraculous branch. "This time, I've brought back the Tontatta Tribe," a glint flashed in his eyes. "They call themselves the 'Green Planters,' and are said to be peerless in cultivating plants. From now on, have Henderson work with them to specialize in cultivating the Adam Tree."
"Understood," King bowed his head respectfully. "I will arrange it immediately. This Adam wood can not only be used for shipbuilding but can also be exported as a specialty product of Wano."
Kaido placed the box on the table, his gaze shifting to the window. "Any other major events?"
"Aside from those, there's only the bountiful harvest in Wano two months ago," King opened another file. "Since currently only the Shogun's Residence collects taxes, the lives of the common people are much better than before. The various policies we are implementing in Wano are also progressing more smoothly."
Kaido nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm, popular support is important. However..." His voice suddenly turned serious. "King, this time, although I hired Newgate, the Whitebeard Pirates would have come regardless. So, no matter how many trivial matters pile up in Wano, strength must always come first. Understand?"
"I understand, Big Brother Kaido," King replied solemnly.
Kaido stood up and walked to the window. "King, on this voyage, besides recruiting five or six promising apprentices, I also found two excellent combatants."
"Oh?" Upon hearing Kaido's words, King looked up with curiosity.
"Yes," Kaido turned around. "However, they still have some resistance to joining the Beasts Pirates, so it will take time for them to adjust. I believe in time, they'll come around. One is a user of the Logia-type Hie Hito no Mi. The other is a user of the Paramecia-type Nikyu Nikyu no Mi. Both their current strength and potential are not inferior to you or Bullet."
"That strong?" King was somewhat surprised, his eyes widening slightly behind the mask.
"Correct," Kaido walked back and sat on the throne. "So, to prevent them from sneaking away before joining the Beasts Pirates, I've sealed their abilities with Seastone. Both are what you'd traditionally call 'good guys.' So, as long as they don't try to leave Wano before they submit, let them go wherever they want within the country."
"I understand, Big Brother Kaido," King immediately grasped the meaning. "I'll have someone guide them to have a good look around Wano, to make them understand there's a fundamental difference between our Beasts Pirates and other pirate crews."
Kaido nodded in satisfaction, taking another swig from the sake jug. "Right. Regarding those two newcomers, just have people observe them discreetly. Don't interfere too much. Letting them see the changes in Wano for themselves will be more effective than anything we say."
"Yes," King replied respectfully. "I'll assign a few clever subordinates to handle this."
"King, there's one more thing," Kaido said, looking at King.
"What else is it, Big Brother Kaido? Please tell me," King asked, looking at him.
"This time, aside from them, I also recruited a family," Kaido stated.
"A family?" King was puzzled upon hearing this. What was so special about a family?
***
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