In the future, the people of Wano Country will gradually realize that the Kozuki family is just a mascot, and with or without them, things will be the same.
The absence of a Shogun, and whether there is a mascot or not is the same for the new Wano Country. The three stages of development of Wano Country have already been decided and it is now in the second stage.
There have been Kozuki family members who became Shogun at a young age, and Kozuki Sukiyaki is one such example. Shortly after his birth, the Shogun of Wano Country passed away and he became the Shogun before he was old enough to understand anything.
But at that time, he at least knew some things, and the daimyo at that time were also sincerely assisting the Kozuki family. That’s why Kozuki Sukiyaki was able to take over power smoothly when he came of age.
But now it’s different. Six-year-old Kozuki Hiyori knows very little, and the Beasts Pirates are not the daimyo who are loyal to Wano Country. Appointing a child of this age as a Shogun may appear to uphold the Kozuki’s rule, but she is clearly going to be a puppet.
“You’re just talking nonsense! That’s not the truth at all!”
“The truth is determined by the victors, and whether you believe it or not doesn’t matter. The common people of Wano Country believe it, we believe it, so it is real. Also, we’re not here to negotiate with you; we’re here to inform you.”
They unfortunately had no choice at all. At this moment, they were like fish on a chopping board, and not just any fish but dead fish, who couldn’t even flop around. They had no qualifications to negotiate terms with the Beasts Pirates.
“Don’t think we only have this one option. This is just the simplest among various plans, achieving our goals with the least cost and effort. Your actions will determine the treatment of your little princess.”
“Whether she lives in comfort or serves others, it all depends on the three of you, Mwahahaha!”
The reason Queen was chosen to speak on behalf of Kaido in this matter was because his image was more suitable here. It could be said that there was no one more suitable for this villainous role.
In an instant, the pressure fell on Kikunojo, Kawamatsu and Denjiro.
With Kozuki Oden’s death, Kozuki Momonosuke going to the future, and Kozuki Toki’s disappearance after leaving a prophecy, the safety of Kozuki Hiyori was now the responsibility of these retainers who were left in Wano Country.
“What exactly do you want us to do?”
“You will pledge your loyalty to your Princess Hiyori as before and protect her. However, if any unwelcome rumors surface, you know what will happen.”
“We want to see Princess Hiyori.”
“No, you cannot see her now. Only when Shogun ascends to the throne will you have the qualification to see her. However, for now, you must kneel and pledge loyalty to the future Wise King.”
Saying that, Queen stepped aside, making way for Kaido, and waited for the three’s response. Loyalty was a significant matter in Wano Country, even if it was currently a mere verbal commitment, but in the past, they had never spoken these words to anyone other than Kozuki Oden.
Now, with Hiyori as the hostage, they began the first act of submission. The first to kneel was Kawamatsu, who believed he had failed to protect Kozuki Hiyori and let her fall into the hands of the Beasts Pirates.
At this moment, he had completely abandoned his dignity. Denjiro and Kikunojo followed suit, making the same gesture, and in the background, a loud shutter sound was heard.
Two pirates behind a folding screen were carrying a massive camera, and there was quite a bit of smoke there. Queen had put in a lot of effort to find this old-fashioned camera. It wasn’t easy to find this vintage piece from an island outside.
“Excellent, a historical moment has been recorded. Your expressions right now are quite amusing.”
The reason for creating such a commotion was to observe these expressions. At least for now, his objective has been achieved.
“You ba*tard.”
Watching Queen’s smug look, the three below gritted their teeth but had to endure it due to Hiyori.
“These are the ashes of Kozuki Oden. That guy was quite a good opponent. You can take care of his vigil yourselves before his burial.”
After saying these words, Kaido left since his purpose for coming here had been achieved. Queen, following closely, also intended to leave, but before doing so, he gazed at the tearful Kikunojo and felt that this “young lady” was quite extraordinary.
So, he pinched Kikunojo’s face a few times and made a few flirtatious remarks before finally leaving. Over the years in Wano Country, he had been a frequent visitor to the Red-Light District, spending quite a bit of money there.
“Wait, Boss Kaido, slow down. We still have some things to do. According to your schedule, you need to personally deal with the remnants of the defeated army within Wano Country. After all, the future Wise King must make some effort.”
“I know. I hope there are some interesting opponents among them. Anyway, Queen, you’re actually into that?”
“Huh? Boss Kaido, what are you talking about?”
“He means that guy is a man, idiot Queen!”
Omanyte slowly crawled out of Queen’s back. As an important spy, Omanyte couldn’t stay away from people for too long, and its autonomy was much higher than that of ordinary Den Den Mushi
“A man?”
“The human you were flirting with, his pheromones are clearly masculine. Only a fool like you would mistake him for a woman.”
There are many people within the Beasts Pirates who are difficult to deal with, but the one who frustrates Queen the most is actually Omanyte. Because of its importance in eavesdropping on intelligence, it holds a high rank even among Den Den Mushis.
Moreover, due to the World Government agents’ bizarre work schedules and time zone differences, their communication often occurs during the night in Wano Country, so Queen is often not in his best state.
Influenced by Shayna and King, Omanyte gradually started using an exclusive nickname for Queen, but compared to terms like “moron” or “useless,” Omanyte’s choice of words were actually quite polite.
In the past, Queen might have argued with Omanyte, but this time he didn’t. The revelation that Kikunojo was a man seemed to have had a significant impact on him.
It doesn’t matter to him if a man dresses as a woman, but he just happened to flirt with a man dressed as a woman.
He glanced at his mechanical hand and felt it was time for an upgrade. He should also learn from Yamato and create a “2.0” counterpart.
Meanwhile, Kozuki Hiyori also woke up. She had fainted due to the smoke from the burning Oden Castle, and then she was taken away by Kawamatsu through the water route, so she had been unconscious all this time. She had only just regained consciousness at this moment.
Hearing the commotion around her, people seemingly shouting “Lady Hiyori has awakened”. But, when she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was King wearing an all-black mask, and it nearly made her faint once again.
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