The Amatsuki family estate in the Kibi region of Wano Country was brightly lit. An air of tense solemnity hung over the ancient residence, which had been passed down for hundreds of years. The exquisite paper sliding doors were shut tight, blocking out all external noise, leaving only the rustling of the pine trees in the courtyard carried by the night wind.
Inside the reception hall, more than twenty nobles dressed in magnificent kimonos sat upright and still. The silk of their garments shimmered with a soft luster in the candlelight, and the family crests worn at their waists displayed their respective prominent statuses. A grave expression was etched on every face, their gazes frequently shifting to Amatsuki Hidehiro, who sat at the head of the room.
Amatsuki Hidehiro sat in the main seat, clad in a dark green kimono with the Amatsuki family's unique Moon Wheel Crest embroidered on the collar. The clan head, nearly fifty years old, had a composed face, and his brow held an imposing air of authority. His long, slender fingers tapped lightly on the low table before him, producing a dull thudding sound.
"Well?" Amatsuki Hidehiro finally spoke, his voice low and powerful.
A man in a deep blue kimono seated below him immediately bowed. "Lord Amatsuki, your subordinate has dispatched three fleets to investigate the seas surrounding Wano Country. We can confirm that the Luminous King... no, that Kaidou has indeed left Wano Country with his main fleet."
A slight stir immediately rippled through the reception hall. The nobles exchanged glances; some faces showed joy, while others appeared worried.
"Excellent!" a slightly agitated voice suddenly exclaimed. Denjiro straightened up from his seat. He wore a simple brown kimono, which made him stand out conspicuously among the lavishly dressed nobles. "Kaidou's departure is the perfect opportunity for us to reclaim Wano Country!"
Amatsuki Hidehiro frowned slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping over to Denjiro. This former retainer of the Kouzuki Family had been lying low throughout Wano Country ever since he sensed the Beasts Pirates were targeting him. He had been secretly contacting various forces and planning multiple operations against the Beasts Pirates.
"Denjiro, watch your words," Amatsuki Hidehiro said in a deep voice. "Even if Kaidou is not here, Wano is still garrisoned by his top officers like King, Queen, and Moria. Not to mention the forces of Hyougoro and the Oniwabanshu. With our current strength, acting rashly would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock."
Denjiro leaned forward eagerly. "But Lord Amatsuki, if we miss this chance, we'll have even less of a chance of winning when Kaidou returns with his main force!" His voice was tinged with anxiety. "Besides, the policies Kaidou is implementing are shaking the very foundations of our Amatsuki family in Kibi. If this continues, the common people will soon forget who the true masters of this land are."
These words made Amatsuki Hidehiro's expression darken. Indeed, the land reforms and tax policies implemented by Kaidou had severely damaged the Amatsuki family's interests. The farmers who had once been dependent on them were beginning to operate independently, and the wealth the nobles had accumulated for generations was slipping away.
If not for this, he would not have risked considering rebellion against Kaidou. After all, this "Luminous King" was the very person Kouzuki Sukiyaki had entrusted the country to on his deathbed.
"The problem is, even if we combine the full strength of the Amatsuki family, we have no chance of victory." Amatsuki Hidehiro's fingers tapped the table again, the rhythm more hurried than before.
A glint of cunning flashed in Denjiro's eyes. "Lord Amatsuki, Kaidou's policies haven't just hurt us. The Uzuki family of Udon, the Shimotsuki family of Ringo, and the Shimotsuki family of Hakumai—their interests have been harmed as well. If we could unite these Daimyo..."
Another commotion arose in the reception hall. The nobles whispered amongst themselves, discussing the matter animatedly. Amatsuki Hidehiro raised a hand to signal for silence, his deep gaze fixed on Denjiro.
"Are you confident you can persuade them?"
"I certainly can't do it alone," Denjiro admitted frankly. "But if they know that Lord Amatsuki intends to take the lead, I believe all those who are dissatisfied with the policies Kaidou has enacted will rise up in resistance."
Amatsuki Hidehiro fell into deep thought. The candlelight cast shifting shadows on his angular face. After a moment, he slowly nodded. "Very well, Denjiro. I'll leave this matter to you. Remember, you must be extremely cautious."
"I understand," Denjiro said, bowing solemnly. "To bring Wano Country back to the right path, I will do everything in my power."
Amatsuki Hidehiro's gaze swept over the nobles present, his voice low and firm. "Everyone, what has been discussed today must be kept strictly confidential. Before the time is right, any rash move could bring about our utter annihilation."
The nobles all bowed their heads in assent. The night wind blew through the courtyard, causing the paper doors to rustle faintly, as if bearing witness to this conspiracy that could change the fate of Wano Country.
After the meeting concluded, Denjiro quietly left the Amatsuki estate. Cloaked and under the cover of night, he moved swiftly through the streets of the Kibi region. His figure flickered in and out of sight under the moonlight, eventually disappearing down the path leading to the Udon region.
Meanwhile, Amatsuki Hidehiro stood alone in the courtyard, gazing up at the bright moon in the night sky. The clan head, who had always been known for his composure, now had a tightly furrowed brow. He knew that once he set foot on this path, there was no turning back.
The night grew deeper, and the lights of the Amatsuki estate were extinguished one by one. But in various corners of the Kibi region, rumors of this secret meeting had already begun to spread quietly. Some sharp-witted merchants noticed that the once-peaceful streets were suddenly filled with many unfamiliar faces, all hurrying along with wary eyes.
In the most secret basement of the Amatsuki family, several core retainers were taking inventory of their weapons. Swords and blades glinted coldly in the candlelight, and suits of armor were neatly arranged on racks. Amatsuki Hidehiro's second son, Amatsuki Hideaki, was carefully inspecting each piece of equipment. His movements were meticulous, but fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead.
"Young Lord, these weapons are enough to arm three hundred men," an elderly retainer reported. "But we are still far short of the number we need."
Amatsuki Hideaki nodded. "Continue to procure them secretly, but do it in small, separate purchases. Remember, we absolutely must not attract the attention of the Beasts Pirates."
At the same time, in the Udon region, Denjiro had successfully infiltrated the territory of the Uzuki family. Disguised as an ordinary merchant, he used the pretense of selling tea leaves to successfully secure a meeting with the Uzuki Karo.
"Is the Amatsuki family really planning to make a move?" the Uzuki Karo asked in a hushed voice, his fingers unconsciously stroking the rim of his teacup.
Denjiro gave a slight nod. "Lord Amatsuki has made his decision. But he needs the support of all the families."
The Uzuki Karo was silent for a long time before finally letting out a sigh. "Kaidou's policies are indeed too outrageous. The mines our Uzuki family has managed for generations, and now the quarries in Udon... Kaidou takes whatever he wants..."