The applause gradually settled.
Kaito stood at the center of the stage, already eager to finish his speech.
Public speaking was clearly not his preferred battlefield.
He cleared his throat once more.
"…And…"
"…Thank you all for coming."
His gaze swept across the hall.
Visitors.
Merchants.
Villagers.
Allies.
Friends.
"…We hope you enjoy your time here."
A few people smiled while others nodded politely.
Kaito paused briefly before deciding to keep things simple.
"…That's all."
The crowd chuckled softly.
Even Feina behind the stage covered her mouth to hide a laugh.
Kaito immediately continued before anyone could stop him.
"…Our people will now serve today's dishes."
At that exact moment—
the large side doors of the Grand Hall opened.
Rows of maids and servers entered carrying trays filled with food.
The smell alone immediately spread throughout the room.
Fresh steak.
Grilled chicken.
Roasted vegetables.
Fish dishes.
Fresh bread.
Soup.
Wine.
Juice.
And numerous desserts prepared specially for the celebration.
The crowd immediately became excited.
Children sat up straighter.
Visitors looked toward the arriving food with interest.
Even some of the VIP guests smiled.
Kaito stepped away from the podium.
His duty completed.
The hall erupted into applause once again as the feast officially began.
From the VIP section—
Bomb raised a thumb.
"…Shortest speech in history."
Kaito sat down beside him.
"…Exactly as planned."
Saito laughed while servants began serving the guests throughout the hall.
For the moment—
the celebration was proceeding perfectly.
At the front of the Grand Hall—
the VIP table was finally filled.
Saito sat at the center while the mayors, Kuro, Shiro, Herion, Mina, Kaito, Bomb, and several honored guests occupied the surrounding seats.
Soon—
the maids arrived carrying silver trays loaded with food.
One by one, the dishes were carefully placed across the long table.
Steak grilled to perfection.
Smoked chicken.
Fresh vegetables.
Soup.
Bread.
And various desserts prepared specially for the celebration.
The aroma alone filled the hall.
Saito looked around at everyone gathered.
Then he smiled.
"…Let's eat, everyone."
The others nodded.
"…Finally," Bomb said immediately.
The feast officially began.
Throughout the Grand Hall, guests eagerly started eating.
Almost immediately, praise began spreading from table to table.
"…This steak is incredible."
"…The seasoning is perfect."
"…Where did they find a chef like this?"
"…The smoked chicken is amazing."
"…I need this recipe."
Laughter and conversation quickly filled the hall.
Even at the VIP table—
Shiro looked genuinely impressed after taking a bite.
"…This is excellent."
Saito grinned proudly.
"…You should praise our chef."
Mina nodded while continuing to eat.
"…Whoever made this deserves a raise."
Meanwhile—
inside the enormous kitchen behind the hall—
the true battlefield was taking place.
Pyvi stood at the center of organized chaos.
Cooks moved in every direction.
Pots boiled.
Meat sizzled.
Orders flew constantly.
Pyvi tasted a spoonful of soup.
"…More salt."
A cook immediately adjusted the recipe.
She moved to another station.
Tried a piece of steak.
"…Good."
Then another dish.
"…Send this one out."
Workers rushed to obey.
Despite the chaos—
Pyvi remained completely calm.
Like a general commanding an army.
Another maid hurried over.
"…Miss Pyvi, we're running low on roasted vegetables."
Pyvi immediately pointed toward another counter.
"…Use the reserve stock."
"…And tell the second kitchen to increase production."
The maid nodded and hurried away.
Pyvi watched the activity for a moment before allowing herself a small smile.
Outside—
hundreds of people were enjoying the celebration.
Inside—
she was making sure they stayed happy.
After the meal was finished—
the maids returned carrying elegant bottles and polished cups.
One by one, wine was poured for the guests at the VIP table.
The atmosphere had become warm and relaxed.
Laughter echoed throughout the Grand Hall.
Visitors were still praising the food while musicians quietly played in the background.
Saito picked up his cup and stood.
The others at the VIP table looked toward him.
Saito raised the wine slightly.
"…For our future."
One by one—
the others lifted their cups.
Takashi.
Fein.
Gein.
Rick.
John.
Kuro.
Shiro.
Herion.
Kaito.
Bomb.
Even Mina reluctantly raised hers.
The cups met with a chorus of soft clinks.
"…To our future."
Everyone drank.
Saito sat back down and looked around the hall proudly.
The banners hung above.
The guests were smiling.
The food had been a success.
The hall was packed.
The villages were united.
For a brief moment—
everything felt perfect.
Saito leaned back and sighed happily.
"…Best anniversary ever."
Then he looked toward Takashi.
"…So?"
"How is it?"
Takashi glanced around the hall.
The organization.
The attendance.
The security.
The atmosphere.
Then he nodded.
"…It's good."
"…Everything went according to plan."
Saito's grin immediately widened.
Takashi looked directly at him.
"…You did well, Saito."
Saito looked genuinely pleased by the compliment.
Then Takashi took another sip of wine before adding:
"…Even though I handled most of it."
The entire VIP table burst into laughter.
Saito pointed accusingly.
"…You didn't have to add that part."
Takashi shrugged.
"…Historical accuracy matters."
Even Kaito smirked slightly.
Bomb laughed openly.
Shiro nearly spilled his drink.
Meanwhile, throughout the Grand Hall, the celebration continued in full swing—
with no one realizing that this peaceful anniversary would soon become a memory everyone would compare future events against.
Outside the Grand Hall—
the celebration continued without slowing down.
Many guests began returning toward the village center where more attractions awaited them.
The Bypass performers were preparing another show.
Merchants called out from colorful stalls.
Children ran through the streets carrying snacks and souvenirs.
The entire village felt alive.
Near the entrance of the hall—
Kuro stood quietly watching the crowd.
For once, he wasn't drinking.
Wasn't joking.
Wasn't mocking anyone.
He simply watched.
His members mingled freely among the villagers, laughing and enjoying the festival alongside everyone else.
A small laugh escaped him.
Then he exhaled slowly.
Footsteps approached.
"…Enjoying the view, former enemy?"
Kuro didn't even need to turn around.
"…Maybe."
Saito stepped beside him and looked out at the village.
The blue flags fluttered proudly overhead.
The distant sound of music drifted through the air.
Kuro folded his arms.
"…This village changed more than I expected."
He shook his head slightly.
"…Sometimes I think."
"If I had thought of all this first…"
His eyes wandered across the crowd.
"…Maybe I'd be standing here as the true gangster."
Saito immediately grinned.
"…What can I say?"
"I beat you fair and square."
Kuro scoffed.
"…You did."
For a moment, neither spoke.
The sounds of celebration filled the silence between them.
Then Kuro spoke again.
"…I used to believe something."
Saito glanced at him.
Kuro continued.
"…The strong stand above the weak."
"…The strong get opportunities."
"…The strong decide the future."
He watched a group of children running past with Blue Scarf flags in their hands.
"…Like the early bird gets the worm."
Saito listened quietly.
Then Kuro laughed to himself.
"…But you proved me wrong."
Saito blinked.
"…How?"
Kuro looked directly at him.
"…Because when we first met…"
"You came to challenge me with nothing."
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"…A sword."
"…And one assassin standing behind you."
He pointed toward the village.
"…I had a gang."
"…Territory."
"…Money."
"…Influence."
"…Everything."
He laughed again.
"…And somehow I still lost."
Saito rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.
"…Well…"
Kuro shook his head.
"…Not because you were stronger."
"…Not because you had more people."
He looked toward the crowd celebrating below.
"…You beat me because your will was stronger than mine."
For a moment—
the former gang leader and the young leader stood together in silence.
Watching the territory that had grown from that single confrontation.
Then Kuro smirked.
"…Don't let it get to your head."
Saito immediately pointed at him.
"…Too late."
Kuro groaned.
"…There he is."
"The idiot I remember."
And for the first time in years—
Kuro found himself genuinely happy that he had lost.