In the dimly lit council hall of Oden Castle in Kuri, flickering candlelight cast the shadows of those present onto the ancient walls. Denjiro, having just returned from the Flower Capital, sat with Oden's retainers, bearing heavy news. The air was thick with tension, as if even breathing had become cautious.
"Denjiro, what did Lord Sukiyaki say?" Ashura Doji broke the silence first, his rugged voice echoing through the hall. His burly frame leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with anxiety.
Kin'emon couldn't help but urge, "Yes, tell us quickly." His fingers unconsciously tapped the table, producing faint sounds. The other retainers turned their expectant gazes toward him, instantly tightening the atmosphere in the council hall.
Denjiro took a deep breath and spoke slowly, "Upon hearing of Lord Oden's departure to sea, Lord Sukiyaki flew into a rage and declared he would sever their father-son relationship again." His voice was low and heavy, as if each word carried immense weight.
"What?" Raizo sprang to his feet, his eyes wide with shock. "Didn't you try to dissuade Lord Sukiyaki?"
"I did everything I could," Denjiro shook his head helplessly, "but Lord Sukiyaki wouldn't listen to any advice."
Kin'emon slammed his fist on the table, causing teacups to rattle. "This won't do! We must find a way to fix this."
Ashura Doji raised a hand to calm everyone. "I anticipated this would happen. But it's not irreparable. As long as we find Lord Oden quickly, Lord Sukiyaki will eventually retract his decision." His steady voice slightly eased the restless atmosphere.
"Ashura is right," Kiku softly agreed, her slender fingers gently stroking her teacup. "The priority is to speed up the shipbuilding progress and set sail to find Lord Oden as soon as possible."
Everyone nodded in agreement. After all, Sukiyaki and Oden had severed ties before, only to reconcile later.
Then Kawamatsu spoke up, his voice filled with concern. "What's more urgent now is the matter with Kaidou. These past few days, the people of Kuri have been spreading rumors that Lord Oden has ceded the Daimyo position to Kaidou. The situation is dire—many are starting to believe it."
"Preposterous!" Kin'emon stood up, slapping the table. "The Daimyo of Kuri can only be Lord Oden! This must be a rumor spread by those Pirates trying to seize Kuri!"
Kurozumi Kanjuro cleared his throat lightly. "I've investigated. The rumor didn't come from the Pirates. It was a few Samurai who drank at Oden Castle the other day—they let it slip while intoxicated."
Denjiro continued, "Lord Sukiyaki expressed a desire to meet Kaidou in the Flower Capital."
Ashura Doji frowned deeply. "In that case, we need to inform Kaidou immediately and have him depart for the Flower Capital at once. He's been moving around Kuri these past few days, and too many commoners have already seen him. If this continues, the situation will become even harder to control."
"Understood!" everyone responded in unison.
Under the candlelight, each person's expression appeared particularly grave.
The next morning, golden sunlight gently bathed the eaves of Oden Castle, casting a warm glow over the ancient fortress. A light breeze stirred, causing the cherry blossom trees in the courtyard to sway gently, scattering a few pink petals in the wind.
Kaidou stood alone in the center of the courtyard, his towering figure particularly striking in the morning light. With his arms crossed and brow slightly furrowed, he gazed deeply into the distance as if pondering something important. The sunlight illuminated his bronze skin, accentuating the contours of his robust muscles.
At that moment, Ashura Doji approached slowly with several retainers. He bowed respectfully and said, "Mr. Kaidou, Lord Sukiyaki requests your presence in the Flower Capital." His voice carried clearly through the morning air.
Hearing this, Kaidou's frown deepened. He replied in a low, forceful tone, "Oden entrusted Kuri to me. I should remain here to protect this land." His voice was deep and authoritative, leaving no room for doubt.
"Hmph! I think you're just trying to seize Kuri for yourself!" Kin'emon suddenly stepped forward, glaring at Kaidou with wide, angry eyes. "Your ambitions as a Pirate are now completely exposed!" His voice trembled with rage, and his hand already rested on the hilt of his sword.
"Seeking death!"A cold glint flashed in Kaidou's eyes as his furious Conqueror's Haki instantly erupted."
The overwhelming pressure swept through Oden Castle like a tidal wave, freezing the very air in the courtyard. Those with weak willpower collapsed unconscious one after another, while leaves in the courtyard rustled violently from the shockwave. Even some of the older wooden furniture began to crack under the strain.
Facing Kaidou's Conqueror's Haki, Oden's retainers all felt tremendous pressure. Denjiro and Kawamatsu barely managed to maintain their footing, though fine beads of sweat already dotted their foreheads. Inuarashi and Nekomamushi knelt on one knee, struggling desperately against the overwhelming force.
"Please calm your anger!" Kurozumi Kanjuro hurried forward to mediate, his voice trembling slightly. "Kin'emon merely acted impulsively. We beg your forgiveness." He bowed deeply, his forehead nearly touching the ground.
Kaidou snorted coldly and slowly withdrew his Haki: "Now I understand why Oden chose to go to sea. To think his retainers are Samurai who disobey their lord's commands—how pathetic." His tone carried clear disappointment and contempt.
"Muhahaha," Queen laughed heartily as he stepped forward, his obese body swaying. "All this time I've heard that the Samurai of Wano Country honor their promises, but it turns out they specialize in defying their lord's orders." His laughter echoed through the courtyard, sounding particularly piercing.
These words left the retainers present pale-faced and speechless. Ashura Doji clenched his fists so tightly his nails dug deep into his palms; Kin'emon hung his head, eyes filled with regret; Denjiro looked at the ground with complicated emotions.
After all, they had indeed defied Oden's commands, and could only bow their heads in shame.
A brief silence fell over the courtyard, broken only by the morning breeze gently brushing against everyone's clothing.
After a moment, Kaidou spoke: "Since the Shogun has invited me, I shall make a trip to the Flower Capital." His voice had returned to calm, yet still carried undeniable authority.
He had originally planned to go to the Flower Capital anyway, but had been angered by Kin'emon's disrespect. Now he could use this opportunity to go with proper justification. Kaidou's gaze swept over everyone present before finally settling on the distant horizon.
Thus, Kaidou immediately set off for the Flower Capital with several Executives, led by Denjiro, Kawamatsu, Inuarashi, Nekomamushi, and Kurozumi Kanjuro.
The sunlight cast long shadows on the cobblestone path behind their departing figures. Only a few drifting cherry blossoms and the still-unconscious samurai remained in the courtyard.
-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 40+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LegendaryTL
Thanks!