"Extra, extra!"
Less than half a day after Orochi's death, the obituary spread throughout Wano Country. The people of every region, who hadn't even had dinner yet, were stunned.
After confirming the news was true—
"Hahaha, let's drink tonight!"
"Wife, bring out the stored food—we're adding a dish to celebrate!"
"It's been so long since we've been this happy."
Gongs and drums roared, firecrackers crackled, and laughter echoed through every region as if the annual Fire Festival had arrived early.
Ebisu City, construction site.
Shimotsuki Yasuie and Hyogoro huddled together, sipping wine with complex expressions—joy mixed with melancholy, awe tinged with worry.
"To think that pirate took down Orochi without shedding a drop of blood."
Though the Tile Newspaper credited a pirate for Orochi's death, both men were sharp enough to read between the lines.
When Gurd had first told them of his plan to overthrow Orochi and take his place, they had assumed he would quietly build his strength before launching an all-out war against Orochi.
While that would fit a pirate's style, it would inevitably stain him with the disgrace of betraying an ally—an utterly shameful act for samurai who valued honor. How could they ever fight for him in the future?
Yet, against all expectations, Gurd hadn't broken ties with Orochi. Instead, he had emerged as the "hero" who turned the tide.
Ebisu Town, Shutenmaru, Kyoshiro...
Now that the dust had settled, everything—save for the unpredictable arrival of the pirate Fire Fist—had likely been part of that man's calculations.
"The younger generation is formidable!"
Hyogoro sighed.
In terms of strategy and courage, he genuinely admired Gurd. But in terms of allegiance, his feelings were dominated by unease and fear.
In five years, it would be the time of Lady Toki's prophecy—when the Kozuki Clan would return with reinforcements to face Kaido in a decisive battle.
The Beasts Pirates lacked nothing in strength. What they lacked was a strategist like Gurd, capable of controlling the grand scheme. With him in the picture, the Kozuki Clan was in grave danger.
Hyogoro and Shimotsuki Yasuie exchanged glances, seeing the same helplessness, bitterness, and anxiety in each other's eyes.
Wano Country was already in that man's grasp. Its future now rested solely on his will.
"Today's a day for celebration. Don't think too far ahead."
"You're right. Let's drink."
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
General Castle.
Since the upper half of the castle had been reduced to ruins in the battle, the gathering of daimyo and officials was held in the first-floor hall.
By noon, the hall was packed with nobles—not just regional officials but also representatives of various samurai families.
With the shogunate's seat at stake, how could they not attend in person?
Even before the meeting began, officials and samurai factions had already begun taking sides.
Among them, the five daimyo stood out the most, their demeanors haughty, each surrounded by clusters of samurai families.
Traditionally, if a shogun died without an heir, the next shogun would be chosen from among the daimyo.
Side chamber.
All members of the Oniwabanshu were present—except for their captain, Fukurokuju, who had been burned to a crisp. After three days of treatment, the rest had recovered enough to move normally.
Da Black knelt on one knee before Gurd, his expression tense as he reported, "Lord Gurd, all the regional daimyo and officials have arrived."
"Good."
Gurd nodded calmly, his gaze sweeping over the Oniwabanshu.
Not a single one dead—like cockroaches.
Truly, if you want to kill someone, you must reduce them to ashes.
"Time for our entrance."
First-floor hall.
Gurd appeared with Yamato in tow.
All eyes were drawn to them, and when they saw the Oniwabanshu following behind the pair, their expressions involuntarily changed.
The Oniwabanshu had always been loyal only to the Shogun—why were they trailing behind Pirates? Could it be that the Oniwabanshu intended to defect to the Pirates?
And why were Pirates standing in the position of authority?!
"Everyone, welcome to General Castle."
Gurd swept his gaze across the room, taking in everyone's reactions. Clearly, these trash didn't want to see him and Yamato here.
Hmph. Asking for death.
Gurd curled his lips into a smirk and pushed Yamato, who was lost in thought, forward.
"Today, we've gathered you all to announce that the next Shogun of Wano Country will be Her Highness Yamato, the Daughter of the Wisdom King. Does anyone have objections?"
A direct declaration.
Everyone froze, then erupted into uproar.
"Absurd!"
Himi Daimyo stepped forward angrily, fuming as he questioned, "How can the position of Shogun be given to a Pirate who knows nothing? Governing a country isn't the same as fighting battles—it requires wisdom!"
"That's right!"
"Even if she's the Wisdom King's daughter, she can't ignore the laws and traditions!"
Several other daimyo also stepped forward.
Before coming here, they had all assumed the position of Shogun would naturally go to one of them. Yet suddenly, someone had swooped in to steal it.
How could they tolerate this?!
They had dreamed of becoming Shogun!
Gurd stared at the daimyo and couldn't help but grin savagely.
He had originally planned to find an excuse to pick a fight, but these fools couldn't hold back and jumped out on their own—saving him a lot of trouble.
Gurd wasn't in a hurry. Instead, he turned his gaze to the Oniwabanshu.
Da Black immediately stepped forward to declare, "The Wano Country Ninja Corps, the Oniwabanshu—5,000 strong—pledge loyalty to Shogun Yamato!"
"Hm."
Gurd gave a slight nod, then calmly looked at Hotei.
No threat, no expectation.
But the calmer his gaze, the more it made Hotei's heart race.
Unlike the foolish daimyo, he had personally witnessed the ruthlessness of the man before him. If he didn't declare his stance now, he might not live to see the next sunrise!
Hotei surrendered at lightning speed: "I second the motion. The Wano Country Patrol Unit—5,000 samurai—will henceforth pledge loyalty to Shogun Yamato!"
The Oniwabanshu and the Patrol Unit.
The two strongest military forces in Wano Country had both sworn allegiance to Yamato, meaning her ascension to Shogun was now set in stone.
Gurd nodded in satisfaction, then turned a smiling gaze toward the five daimyo.
"Now, what was it you were saying earlier?"
"..."
The daimyo were utterly dumbfounded.
What in the world was happening? Why had the Oniwabanshu and the Patrol Unit sided with Pirates? Even if the Pirates had the Wisdom King's backing, they shouldn't be interfering in Wano Country's internal affairs!
Gurd raised an eyebrow in mock surprise.
"Why is everyone silent? Don't you want to speak?"
"We..."
The daimyo gulped.
This was bad!
Gurd snorted coldly.
"When Shogun Orochi was assassinated, Her Highness Yamato led the samurai on the front lines and crushed the Spade Pirates, who were responsible for his death!"
"Where were all of you then?"
"As for whether Her Highness Yamato can govern Wano Country well—the development of Ebisu Town speaks for itself. Can any of you do better?"
"Her Highness Yamato becoming Shogun is the will of the people!"
In terms of merit, Yamato single-handedly defeated Fire Fist Ace. In terms of governance, she personally oversaw the construction of Ebisu Town.
Faced with such overwhelming achievements, even the most resentful daimyo couldn't find a single flaw.
Gurd lifted his chin, his gaze icy.
"What are you waiting for?"
"..."
After a few seconds of silence, everyone knelt before Yamato, pressing their foreheads to the ground.
"All hail General Yamato!"
Night fell.
Gurd stood at the edge of Great Serpent Castle, overlooking the Flower Capital below, with a group of Oniwabanshu ninja standing behind him.
"Publish in tomorrow's Tile Newspaper that the daimyo, overwhelmed by guilt for failing to protect their lord in time, took their own lives!"
"And stab a few knives in their backs for good measure!"
(End of Chapter)