After leaving the Shogun Palace, Shimotsuki Ushimaru immediately gathered the other daimyo and Oden's retainers in a secluded courtyard. The space was surrounded by tall cherry blossom trees, their lush branches providing perfect cover from outside view and creating an ideal location for their secret meeting.
"Everyone," Shimotsuki Ushimaru lowered his voice, his brow furrowed deeply, "don't you find Lord Sukiyaki's behavior today quite unusual?"
Fugetsu Omusubi nodded: "Indeed it is. Just yesterday Lord Sukiyaki was firmly opposed to Kaidou becoming the Kuri Lord, so why would he suddenly change his mind today?"
"What's even stranger," Uzuki Tempura chimed in, his face filled with confusion, "is that Lord Sukiyaki has always despised outsiders like Kaidou, yet today he appeared so friendly toward him. This is completely unlike his usual demeanor."
While everyone was discussing animatedly, Kurozumi Kanjuro was also pondering privately. Though he didn't understand why Sukiyaki had suddenly changed his orders, having Kaidou control Kuri was precisely the crucial condition for the alliance between the Kurozumi family and the Beasts Pirates. He had to find a way to make this happen.
"I think it might be related to the Kurozumi clan's rebellion that Lord Sukiyaki mentioned," Kanjuro spoke up at the right moment, drawing everyone's attention.
Denjiro immediately pressed: "Kanjuro, what do you mean by that?"
All eyes in the gathering turned to Kanjuro, awaiting his explanation.
"I believe Lord Oden's sudden departure to sea may have made Lord Sukiyaki worry about potential rebellion in Wano Country," Kanjuro said slowly. "That's why he decided to appoint Kaidou as Kuri Lord. Firstly, this was Lord Oden's final order, and secondly, he wants to test each daimyo's loyalty to the Shogun Palace."
Shimotsuki Yasuie pondered thoughtfully: "You're saying..."
"Lord Sukiyaki fears repeating the tragedy from decades ago," Kanjuro continued. "Back then it was because the Kouzuki Family had no heir, and now it's because the heir has gone to sea. Both situations create a power vacuum, which explains Lord Sukiyaki's decision today."
"That makes sense. Damn the Kurozumi clan, causing trouble for Wano Country even in death!" Shimotsuki Ushimaru cursed angrily.
Everyone nodded in agreement, as if this was the only explanation that could account for Sukiyaki's sudden change of heart.
Hearing everyone cursing the Kurozumi clan, both Kurozumi Kanjuro and the silent Kurozumi Orochi nearby flashed with anger in their eyes, secretly vowing to make them pay once they gained control of Wano Country.
"But are we really going to just stand by and watch Kaidou become Kuri Lord?" Uzuki Tempura asked unwillingly.
Shimotsuki Yasuie sighed deeply: "For now, we have no choice. If we openly oppose this, we might be seen as rebels by Lord Sukiyaki."
"How infuriating! Lord Oden, why did you leave such an appointment!" Denjiro cried out in anguish, his fist slamming heavily against a cherry blossom tree trunk, shaking loose a shower of petals.
"Denjiro, if you don't wish to remain in Kuri, you can come to Hakumai," Shimotsuki Yasuie said with concern.
Denjiro shook his head firmly: "No, Lord Yasuie. Though Kuri's lord has become Kaidou, that place is the home we built together with Lord Oden. We will definitely protect Kuri on Lord Oden's behalf and never let Kaidou do as he pleases!"
Kawamatsu, Inuarashi, Nekomamushi, and Kurozumi Kanjuro also nodded solemnly in agreement.
The atmosphere in the courtyard grew increasingly tense, with cherry blossoms drifting down in the wind as if mourning the impending turmoil. Shimotsuki Ushimaru scanned the group and said gravely, "Since things have come to this, we can only accept this decision for now. But we must remain vigilant and closely monitor Kaidou's every move in Kuri."
"Exactly," Fugetsu Omusubi concurred. "If we detect any transgressions from Kaidou, we must report them to Lord Sukiyaki immediately."
Uzuki Tempura spoke with deep concern, "I can't shake the feeling this matter isn't so simple. Kaidou is an ambitious man - allowing him to control Kuri is like inviting a wolf into your home."
"But we have no other choice now," Shimotsuki Yasuie said helplessly. "Lord Sukiyaki's orders must be obeyed. However, we can secretly strengthen communication between the regions so we can support each other if anything happens."
As he listened to the discussion, Kurozumi Kanjuro sneered inwardly. Feigning sincerity, he said, "You all speak wisely. We should indeed remain vigilant. But perhaps Lord Sukiyaki has deeper intentions - maybe we should observe the situation for a while."
Denjiro clenched his fists, his eyes shining with determination. "No matter what, we Nine Red Scabbards will never disappoint Lord Oden. Even if Kaidou becomes Daimyo, we will continue to protect the people of Kuri."
Inuarashi and Nekomamushi exchanged glances and spoke in unison, "We'll also do everything we can to assist Denjiro."
Kawamatsu nodded firmly. "Kuri is our home - we will definitely protect it well."
Shimotsuki Ushimaru looked at these young men with a pleased expression. "With you all in Kuri, I feel much more at ease. Remember, if you encounter any difficulties, you can always come to us."
The evening glow filtered through the cherry blossom trees into the courtyard, adding a touch of solemnity to this secret meeting. Everyone understood that the situation in Wano Country was undergoing subtle changes, and they needed to prepare for the possible storm ahead.
After the meeting concluded, the participants dispersed one by one. Kurozumi Kanjuro and Kurozumi Orochi walked last, exchanging a meaningful glance. They knew their plan was progressing smoothly, bringing them one step closer to their goal of controlling Wano Country.
...
After leaving the Shogun Palace, Kaidou met with several of Kouzuki Oden's retainers in the outskirts of Flower Capital.
"Wororororo! You kept me waiting long enough!" Kaidou's booming laughter echoed across the empty outskirts as he looked down at the group. "Now, we shall return to my Kuri!"
Hearing this, Denjiro immediately stepped forward, his hand resting 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 defying Shogun Sukiyaki's orders?" He narrowed his small eyes, his voice suddenly turning cold. "That's the grave crime of rebellion!"
"Damn it!" Denjiro gritted his teeth, sweat beading on his forehead. "That's not what I meant..."
"Then what did you mean?" King spoke coldly, his gaze sharp as a blade beneath his mask.
Denjiro was momentarily speechless and could only lower his head in frustration. The surrounding air seemed to freeze, leaving only the rustling of wind through the leaves.
"Enough, let's not engage in meaningless arguments here. We return to Kuri."
Kaidou led the group onto the carriage. The sound of wheels grinding against the cobblestone road echoed distinctly through the silent path as the party sped off toward Kuri.
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