Kuri was known as the most lawless region in all of Wano Country. Under the rule of its daimyo, the great Kozuki Oden, it had enjoyed a brief, shining period of peace and prosperity. But after Oden's tragic death, Kuri quickly fell back into chaos, becoming the most dangerous and untamed place in Wano once again.
On this particular night, under the dark sky, a covert operation was underway at Itate Port. This port held a significant place in Wano's recent history; it was here that the Whitebeard Pirates first met Kozuki Oden, and years later, it was the same shore where Portgas D. Ace had washed up. Now, it was the staging ground for an escape.
Seven dilapidated ships were docked at the port, their patched hulls and tattered sails a testament to their rough history. They were not much to look at, but they were the only seaworthy vessels the samurai of Wano could find for their desperate flight.
On the shore, a large crowd of samurai had gathered. Despite the poor state of their fleet, their spirits were soaring. They looked upon Kozuki Hiyori with expressions of pure devotion, their eyes shining with fanatic loyalty as if they were gazing upon their savior.
Cries of "Princess Hiyori!" and "The Princess is safe!" filled the night air. A palpable wave of relief and hope washed over the assembled warriors. "With you here, Wano Country can finally be saved!" one of them shouted.
Dressed in clean clothes and standing beside her loyal guardian, the Fishman Kawamatsu, Hiyori looked out at the faces of the loyal samurai. Kawamatsu had already explained the entire plan to her. In order to rescue her, these faithful retainers of her father had revealed themselves, putting their lives on the line. They could no longer hide in Wano under the oppressive rule of the shogun Orochi and the Yonko, Kaido.
The plan, masterfully crafted by Shimotsuki Yasuie, was to flee to the phantom island of Zou. There, they would regroup, train, and wait for two years before returning to Wano with the strength to challenge Kaido and Orochi. The immense weight of their sacrifice pressed down on Hiyori.
She bowed her head deeply, her voice thick with guilt as she addressed them. "I'm so sorry, everyone. It's because of me that you all have to leave your homes. But please, believe in me. I promise that in two years, we will return and take back Wano Country."
The samurai immediately roared back, their voices a unified chorus of support. "Don't apologize, Princess Hiyori! We believe in you!" one shouted. "This isn't your fault!" another added fiercely. "It's Orochi and Kaido who are to blame for everything!" "We will honor Lord Oden's will! Lady Toki's prophecy will surely come true!"
Their unwavering loyalty brought fresh tears to Hiyori's eyes. Kawamatsu placed a gentle, reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Princess, you should get on the ship. We don't have much time. We need to leave as soon as Yasuie and the others get here."
Hiyori nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Mm."
Just then, the first of the other leaders arrived. It was Hana no Hyogoro, the legendary yakuza boss. Trailing behind him was a large group of ragged but determined samurai he had freed from the brutal prisoner mines at the Quarry and the Weapons Factory. As he directed his followers to board the ships, his eyes fell on Hiyori, and they lit up with excitement.
"I never thought this old man would live to see you again, Princess Hiyori!" he exclaimed. "Me too, Mr. Hyogoro," Hiyori replied, her eyes scanning his form. She could see he was covered in injuries, and his breathing was heavy. "Are you alright?" "Don't you worry about me, Princess," Hyogoro said, trying to sound strong despite his exhaustion. "I might be old, but I was once the toughest yakuza boss in Kuri. I may not have the strength to defeat an All-Star like Queen anymore, but I'm still quick enough to escape."
He was a man who, in his prime, had fought Kozuki Oden to a standstill for an entire day. Even now, his strength was not to be underestimated.
"Thank you so much for everything," Hiyori said, her voice choked with emotion. "This is all my…" "No," Hyogoro interrupted gently but firmly. "Don't you dare say it's your fault. You are Lord Oden's daughter. My greatest regret is that I stood by and did nothing while Orochi and Kaido destroyed him and Lady Toki. I've lived with that shame every day for twenty years. I will not stand by and let them harm you, too. So please, don't be sad. Lady Toki's prophecy will come true. We will return to Wano, and we will take back everything that belongs to your father."
Hiyori nodded, but her worried expression remained. "Mr. Hyogoro… has Kaido really not returned to Wano yet?"
The question made Hyogoro's expression turn grim. "We don't know for sure. This whole operation is a gamble. We had to be prepared for the worst to get you and Denjiro out of Kaido's territory. But for now, it seems our gamble has paid off. He hasn't shown up, which likely means he hasn't returned." He paused, his gaze hardening with determination. "And if we're wrong… if our luck runs out and he appears, you don't need to worry. We will all fight to give Kawamatsu the time he needs to get you to the sea. He's a Fishman. Once you're in the water, even Kaido and his Devil Fruit powers can't touch you."
Kawamatsu stepped forward, his voice a low, reassuring rumble. "Don't be afraid, Princess. I will protect you with my life."
Hearing their resolve to sacrifice themselves for her, Hiyori couldn't stop the tears from falling. All she could do was pray that the monster known as Kaido had not yet come back.
As more time passed, figures began to emerge from the sea onto the Kuri coastline. A wave of joy and relief swept through the crowd as they recognized the arrivals. Cries of "It's Mr. Denjiro!" and "Mr. Shutenmaru is here!" echoed across the beach. "Nekomamushi, Inuarashi!" "Lord Yasuie!" "Izo!"
Among them were Gyukimaru and Shinobu, who were both unconscious from their exposure to the seawater—a harsh reminder of the weakness that came with their Devil Fruit powers.
Finally, after so many long years, Oden's retainers were gathered together again. Seeing the thousands of samurai assembled, their spirits unbroken, was proof that Oden's will had not been forgotten. It was a powerful sight that rekindled the hope of finally freeing Wano.
The ever-composed Shimotsuki Yasuie, though visibly moved by the reunion, raised his voice to address the crowd. "Everyone, please calm down! It seems Lord Oden's spirit is watching over us tonight. Our plan has gone smoothly so far, but we can't let our guard down. We are only truly safe once we have left Wano behind. Once we're gone, even Kaido won't be able to find us."
Hiyori nodded, a hint of her earlier fear returning. "He's right. Everyone, please get on the ships quickly!"
The samurai scrambled aboard the seven waiting vessels. The decks were crowded, but everyone managed to find a spot. Without any further delay, the ships cast off, catching the powerful current that flowed away from Wano's closed-off shores and out into the open sea.
More than ten minutes passed. As the small fleet sailed on the rolling waves, the samurai looked back at their homeland shrinking in the distance. A mix of sadness and disbelief was etched on every face.
"We did it," Hana no Hyogoro said, letting out a long-held breath. "Our gamble paid off. We actually escaped." Shimotsuki Yasuie, who had been tense the entire time, finally allowed the worry to fade from his face. They all knew that no matter how perfect their plan was, it meant nothing against a force of nature like Kaido. But they had succeeded.
"Princess Hiyori," Yasuie said, turning to her with a smile. "Our next destination is Zou. Once we arrive there, it will be nearly impossible for Kaido to find us." Nekomamushi grinned broadly. "You will be welcome guests in our home!" "Indeed," Inuarashi added. "Everyone on Zou will be overjoyed to host you."
A wave of joyous laughter and chatter spread across the ships. The feeling of freedom was intoxicating. Seeing that everyone was ready, Yasuie raised his voice to give the final command to the fleet. "Alright, everyone! Set your course! Our destination is Zou!"
A massive cheer erupted from all seven ships. "OHHH!!!"
But their celebration was cut brutally short. A blinding, crimson light suddenly tore through the night sky, descending upon them from above. Lost in their moment of joy, they didn't notice it until it was too late—until the searing heat engulfed them. A monstrous voice roared a single, devastating attack.
"Heat Breath!!!"
BOOM!
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