The overall strength of Wano Country is not low, but since the deaths of the former Daimyo and Shogun, their strongest people are now the leaders of a few yakuzas.
These people are under the control of Hyogoro, who, based on his recent stance, hasn’t participated in any of this.
The strength of these rebellious forces isn’t very impressive; Wano Country’s native forces are enough to handle them. The Shinsengumi wasn’t established just to serve as a ceremonial guard but to maintain internal stability.
“Wait, just pretend you don’t know about this.”
“My lord, you mean…”
“No need to inform Hotei and the others; treat this as a drill to test their ability to respond to unexpected situations. Just let King and Delia know, so we can avoid causing a commotion that’s hard to control.”
Right after Kozuki Oden’s death, even though Kurozumi Orochi served as a scapegoat, many people didn’t believe the story, like the mountain bandits of Kuri.
Initially, some indeed tried to resist by force, but now they’ve all become key workers in the mines, contributing to Wano Country’s mineral output.
In recent years, Wano Country has enjoyed peace, and everything has been progressing in a positive direction. Although the Shinsengumi is an internal security force, it has gradually turned into a retirement place, mostly just helping find lost pets and catching petty thieves.
This assassination attempt happens to be a nice opportunity to test how good they are.
“As you command.”
Greninja took a few steps back and then disappeared into the shadows. Arceus didn’t take this matter seriously; causing trouble in Wano Country isn’t so easy.
No matter how meticulous the plan, even if everything goes smoothly, it’s futile if they can’t overcome the powerful core of the Beasts Pirates.
Even Kaido, who’s usually eager for a fight, wasn’t interested in this battle—they are too weak. These people’s attacks wouldn’t even be enough to sober him up.
The next day, in the Flower Capital.
Greninja returned last night but didn’t bother King and Delia; since it wasn’t urgent, he could wait until morning to report.
With those people’s strength, storming into the Flower Capital is impossible. Although Kozuki Hiyori is merely a puppet, there are ample Shogun forces here, with Hotei also currently patrolling outside the palace.
This is the work of the Shogun’s guard. It sounds serious but is actually very relaxed—at least, it’s been that way during Hotei’s tenure.
Yet he demands strict discipline from his men, fearing that their laxity might anger the Beasts Pirates and cost him his position. After all, he’s grown accustomed to the benefits his position brings, and he can’t accept returning to his previous life as a wandering samurai.
“Sir, you’re back.”
Seeing Greninja return, Hotei respectfully stepped forward to greet him. As the current leader of the Shinsengumi, he is theoretically on the same level as Greninja, the leader of Hiyori’s Oniwabanshu. But he knows well that there is a huge disparity in status between them.
“Beastmen” are common in the Beasts Pirates, including giant creatures, Minks, and Fish-Men, and even the isolated Wano Country has gotten used to it. Kawamatsu, too, has indirectly benefited, as ordinary citizens no longer see him as a strange kappa.
Greninja and Elizabeth, rare amphibian reptiles, have also long been accepted here.
Moreover, Greninja’s forces don’t end there. The population of Wano Country is also a nurturing ground for the Beasts Pirates. In addition to a large number of high-quality weapons, it also supplies a considerable amount of high-quality troops.
Apart from the Oniwabanshu, Greninja also has an additional ninja force under his command, commonly known as the Kōga-ryū Ninja. This group has now become Wano Country’s mainstream ninja faction, and Greninja himself is revered by them as the “God of Ninja.”
“The New Year Festival is approaching; stay sharp.”
“Yes, sir!”
Arceus had told Greninja that it wasn’t necessary to mention the matter, so Greninja didn’t say anything directly, only hinted at it. Whether or not Hotei understood was up to his own insight.
But judging by his reaction, Hotei didn’t grasp the deeper meaning behind Greninja’s words.
Afterward, Greninja went to look for King and Delia to relay Arceus’ intentions. Although the New Year Festival is a large celebration, it isn’t considered particularly significant by the Beasts Pirates.
They hold banquets frequently, and the New Year Festival is just a slightly larger banquet to them. Ordinary pirates might relax, but those in key positions would continue with their usual responsibilities.
The enemy wouldn’t abandon their plans just because of a festival, so King and Delia would attend the banquet in the early part and then return to their posts in the latter half. Typically, they would split shifts, with one covering the first half of the night and the other the second.
But Delia preferred taking the first shift; in her words, it’s better to stay awake the whole time. Waking up in the middle of the night after falling asleep is too torturous.
…
“Hey, Boss, looks like we’re in for some fun.”
“Boring. Did these weaklings actually sparked your fighting spirit?”
“Not really, but Boss, don’t you think it’s funny, when they assume we don’t know anything, while we act like we’re clueless but actually know everything? Their expressions will be quite interesting when the time comes, won’t it?”
Delia’s mouth curled into a strange smile as she pictured the interesting scene.
“Not really. Just make sure you keep your mouth shut and don’t go blabbing.”
“Relax, relax. My lips are sealed; don’t you know that by now?”
She knew exactly what King meant. This operation also involved people like Kikunojo, and if she leaked anything beforehand, it would ruin the effect.
The main difference between them and the others is that they still hold loyalty toward the Kozuki bloodline.
“Usually, it’s just fireworks and drinking, but this time is actually interesting. I hope they throw in a few new tricks.”
“You’d better hope the locals of Wano Country aren’t completely useless. If a minor rebellion forces us to step in, that would mean they’re truly incompetent.”
“True. But, Boss, how do we pretend to know nothing?”
“You don’t have to pretend—just be a little restrained. If you have nothing to do, go on patrol. I have other things to attend to.”
King trusted Delia. Though she seemed carefree, she actually knew her limits—aside from her endless cycle of borrowing and repaying money, she was very dependable.
Anyone who thought she was naive and tried to pry information from her would only end up trapping themselves. So, King only reminded her to be a little more restrained.
He then drew his sword, signaling that he was done listening to her nonsense.
Delia took the hint and left, while King began sharpening his blade.
“Trash has no right to exist…”
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