Wano Country wasn't large. Traveling by Beast Vehicle, it took only a day to go from the northernmost Kibi to the southernmost Habu Port.
Thus, news spread quickly.
"Kaido's daughter!"
Within just one week, Yamato's existence had shocked countless citizens of Wano. No one had expected Kaido to have a daughter.
Not only that, but Kaido's daughter was also opening a Hot Spring Club in the Flower Capital, set to officially open in a week.
Those who received invitations were overjoyed, while those who didn't were on pins and needles—especially those with some wealth and status, who would do anything to attend.
Everyone in Wano knew full well that the true ruler of the country wasn't the ostentatious Orochi Shogun, but the Guardian King, Lord Kaido!
If they could use this opportunity to build a connection with Kaido's daughter, wouldn't that mean soaring success and reaching the pinnacle in one step?
A secret Kozuki Samurai hideout.
The samurai gathered together, each ecstatic.
"This is perfect!"
"Who would've thought Kaido had a daughter!"
"This is our best chance for revenge!"
"Kill Kaido's daughter and make him suffer unbearable pain!"
The samurai present knew full well that even united, they couldn't defeat Kaido, but they had no other choice.
As time passed, their bodies had become like candles in the wind—they wouldn't last until the twenty years Lady Toki had prophesied.
They refused to die in obscurity. Even if they knew death was certain, they would die as Kozuki Samurai, going out in a blaze of glory.
But now, an opportunity had appeared.
They would make Kaido feel the pain of losing a loved one!
Flower Capital, Pleasure Quarter.
After wandering for a week, Gurd brought Yamato to the Flower Capital, preparing to visit the largest brothel in the Pleasure Quarter.
"Those rats should have taken the bait by now."
A smile spread across Gurd's face.
If the Kozuki Remnants were easy to find, the Beasts would have wiped them out long ago. He had no interest in thankless tasks.
Since they weren't easy to find, he'd make them come out themselves.
And conveniently, he had the most delicious bait right beside him!
Gurd glanced at Yamato next to him and couldn't help licking his lips.
What a perfect, naive, rich beauty!
With this girl around, he could afford to be even bolder with his rent-collecting plans!
The girl looked at the gorgeously dressed women in the shops on either side, feeling a twinge of envy. She wanted to wear beautiful kimonos too.
"Gurd, what kind of place is this?"
"This is a chicken coop."
Gurd grinned brightly, pointing ahead.
Under heavy guard, a grand procession of the courtesan was parading through the streets, heading in the direction of Orochi Castle.
"Look over there."
"Huh?"
Yamato turned to look and couldn't help gasping.
"What a beautiful woman!"
"If you dressed up, you wouldn't be any worse than her."
Gurd sighed helplessly.
This girl had an excellent figure and looks, but she was too masculine, disliked dressing up, and had none of a woman's charm.
"If I dressed up..."
Yamato looked down at her own outfit and flushed red with embarrassment.
It felt a little shameful.
"Gurd, who is she?"
"That one?"
Gurd smirked.
"Her name is Komurasaki. She's the most famous—chicken—in the Flower Capital, renowned throughout the country!"
"Chicken?"
Yamato looked puzzled, an absurd image forming in her mind of Komurasaki standing on a rooftop, crowing loudly.
Cock-a-doodle-doo~!
How terrifying!!!
"Stop imagining nonsense. Come with me."
After the courtesan procession passed, Gurd led Yamato to the largest brothel in the Pleasure Quarter—the very one where Komurasaki resided.
"I'm here to see Boss Kyoshiro."
"Please come in and wait a moment."
Seeing the clothes Gurd was wearing, the guards didn't dare to be negligent. After inviting the two inside for tea, they immediately went upstairs to report.
Boss Kyoshiro was still asleep.
It didn't take long before a drowsy Kyoshiro appeared before them, his exhausted appearance making one wonder if his nightlife had been too lively.
The moment he saw Gurd, Kyoshiro's hand twitched toward his sword in fury.
That damn bastard!
Originally, he thought building a new warehouse wouldn't cost much—200 gold at most. But now, the expenses had exceeded 2,000 gold!
For days, he had been working overtime until 5 a.m.!
Ever seen the sunrise at 5 a.m.?
He saw it every damn day!
Kyoshiro.
You must endure, hold it in!
The most important thing for an undercover agent was patience!
Kyoshiro forced a smile, grinding his teeth as he spoke. "Ah, Brother Gurd! What an honor to have you visit my humble abode."
"You flatter me, Boss Kyoshiro."
Gurd grinned, cupping his hands in greeting. "Don't worry, Boss Kyoshiro. I'm not here to collect debts."
Though he said he wasn't, the words "collect debts" were deliberately emphasized, making his meaning crystal clear.
So, when's that 500 gold compensation coming?
A vein throbbed on Kyoshiro's forehead as he suppressed the urge to cut someone down.
This bastard, coming to his home to collect debts!
If word got out, how could he maintain his reputation as the capital's chivalrous rogue?
Kyoshiro took a deep breath, suppressing his agitation, and said solemnly, "Brother Gurd, you jest. It's just 500 gold—it'll be delivered right away!"
"Such generosity, boss!"
Gurd beamed, clasping his hands in exaggerated admiration.
Soon, 500 gold was placed before him.
Gurd swiftly pocketed the money, then shamelessly added, "Boss Kyoshiro, actually, there's one more thing I'd like to ask of you!"
"..."
Kyoshiro paused, subtly glancing at Yamato, who was busy stuffing her face with pastries, a hint of suspicion in his mind.
Based on recent rumors, if he wasn't mistaken, this seemingly simple-minded girl was Kaido's daughter.
He had long known Kaido had a daughter but had never seen her in person. Whenever King or Queen mentioned her, they spoke in hushed tones, only revealing that she was a berserker who constantly challenged Kaido to grow stronger.
She didn't seem the type!
Kyoshiro averted his gaze and turned back to Gurd.
One thing was certain—this man was closely connected to Kaido's daughter. Otherwise, he wouldn't have held the grand opening ceremony in her name.
He had to foster good relations!
With only five years left until the promised day, before Momonosuke's return, he needed to build ties with the higher-ups of the Beasts Pirates to prepare for the coming war.
Doing a favor today might pay off unexpectedly in the future!
Kyoshiro took a sip of sake and flashed his trademark fox-like smile. "Brother Gurd, speak your mind. If it's within my power, I won't refuse."
"Boss Kyoshiro!"
Gurd wiped a fake tear from his eye, deeply moved.
What a good man! If he didn't know the other's true identity, he'd swear an oath of brotherhood with him just for this generosity.
Hehehe, then I won't hold back.
"Boss, as you know, my Hot Spring Club is about to open. So, I was hoping to borrow some prostitutes from you to help out."
"Oh, is that all?"
Kyoshiro exhaled in relief.
This was simple.
Just lending a few people—no big deal.
"How many?"
"Well, let's start with a hundred for now."
"How many???"
Kyoshiro's voice suddenly shot up!
The total number of prostitutes in his shop didn't even reach fifty!
"A hundred prostitutes!"
Gurd grinned, rubbing his fingers together.
"Oh, and Boss Kyoshiro."
"Lend me Courtesan Komurasaki too."
"Without a courtesan to liven things up, the excitement just won't be the same!"
(End of chapter.)