"My, my, life in your Wano Country is quite splendid."
Michael's group followed Kikunojo as their guide, admiring the intricately carved beams and painted rafters of the shogunate's inner courtyard with mild admiration.
"These were expanded over generations by past shoguns... But for Oden-sama, even with all his retainers living here, it still feels somewhat empty."
"It seems Kozuki Oden still considers you all family, even after becoming the shogun of Wano Country."
Michael shrugged.
In a Wano Country that hadn't endured the prolonged tyrannical rule of Kaido and Kurozumi Orochi, there naturally wasn't the twenty-year time gap story between the Kozuki family and the Nine Red Scabbards.
The entire nation had veered onto an unpredictable path ever since Michael entrusted Morgans to deliver that letter years ago.
But at least in Michael's view... this path wasn't bad.
Of course, that depended on Wano Country ultimately being useful to him.
Turning another corridor, they came upon a moderately spacious garden.
Within it, a beautiful woman in cherry-colored kimono with light green flowing hair sat amidst the flowers...
Spanking a child.
The so-called "child" wasn't some underage brat, but a tall man bearing resemblance to Kozuki Oden, though with softer, more maternal features.
Nearby stood a maiden with emerald-green hair, the spitting image of the woman.
"How many times must I tell you! If you want to sail the seas and become a great pirate like Whitebeard, you'd better train properly!"
"Waaah, mother, I've just been cooped up too long... I miss all those big sisters outside!"
"You disgraceful beast, Momonosuke! Swallow those tears this instant!"
Michael raised an eyebrow.
If this tall young man was called "Momonosuke," he must be Kozuki Oden's son - that Kozuki Momonosuke topping every fan's kill list.
Thus, the woman currently stretching Momonosuke's cheeks and intermittently slapping him must be Kozuki Oden's wife, the Time Fruit user of the Paramecia class...
Though in this timeline, she might never need to use her ability again.
The smiling maiden nearby was naturally Kozuki Hiyori, who in the original story was forced to become a courtesan.
"These must be Kozuki Oden's family?"
"Yes... Eh? Michael-sama, what are you—?"
Kikunojo nodded instinctively, only to see Michael decisively pivot toward the garden.
His turn was so abrupt and swift that Kikunojo couldn't even intercept him.
"As guests, it would be rude not to greet our hosts when we see them."
Izo patted the nearly petrified Kikunojo, chuckling:
"You'll get used to it. Michael acts entirely on impulse... but don't worry, he's certified a good man by Pops himself."
Kikunojo's mouth twitched.
What good was Whitebeard's certification!?
Wasn't he a pirate!?
Besides, given the harsh terms he'd just imposed on Oden-sama, how could this man possibly qualify as "good"?
But with intervention now impossible, Kikunojo could only hurry after with Izo.
Kozuki Toki was currently asserting maternal authority, disciplining her wayward son.
Mid-lesson, before she could even raise her three-meter ruler, a group of strangers suddenly appeared before her.
She frowned and instinctively shielded her two children behind her...
Even though they were already adults.
"Who are you!?"
"Uh, was I a bit too abrupt?" Michael asked awkwardly, looking at Kozuki Toki's defensive expression.
"Not just 'a bit' abrupt," said the ever-considerate Jack.
"Think about it—what kind of normal person just walks into someone's garden with an eight-meter-tall armored grouper fishman? The fact that they didn't immediately assume you were here to kidnap someone already speaks volumes about their calm temperament."
"I've noticed your sarcasm has gotten sharper lately, Jack..." Michael chuckled and patted Jack's calf.
"Then why didn't you stop me earlier, you little rascal?"
"Sarcasm is one thing, but following orders is another." Jack spread his hands, expressing his helplessness.
Meanwhile, Kikunojo and Izo caught up.
"Lady Toki, it's been a long time."
"Huh? Izo! Is that really you, Izo!"
The moment Kozuki Toki saw Izo, her wariness instantly turned to joy.
"You left little Kikunojo in Wano and never even came back to visit!"
"Well... I'm back now," Izo replied sheepishly, scratching his cheek with a finger before quickly pointing at Michael.
"Ah, Lady Toki, this is the former Grand Inspector of the Marines, the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff, Lord Michael."
"Mi... Michael!?"
Hearing Michael's name, Kozuki Hiyori, who had been hiding behind Kozuki Toki, suddenly perked up.
She rushed forward, looked up, and scrutinized Michael closely...
Then immediately hugged him without hesitation!
"Idol! My idol, you actually appeared in front of me!"
"I pray every day for the angel Michael to descend from the heavens and bless me with his presence!"
"And today! My dream as Kozuki Hiyori has finally come true!"
"Waaah, please sign all my merchandise!"
"This is the request of a lifetime!"
Her dramatic wailing instantly reminded Michael of someone.
How was this any different from Yamato back then!?
"You! You're also a crazy fan of Father!?"
Sure enough, Yamato—who had been looking somewhat uneasy revisiting this place—suddenly brightened up.
After plucking Kozuki Hiyori off Michael, Yamato immediately lifted her hakama, revealing an assortment of Michael merchandise hanging inside!
"A fellow fan sister!!" Kozuki Hiyori burst into tears at the sight of Yamato's collection.
"Do you know how painful it's been all these years, being the only person in Wano who cares about Michael-sama merchandise!?"
"I know! I know exactly how you feel!"
The two girls, practically ready to become sworn sisters on the spot, hugged and cried together.
As the parental figures, Michael and Kozuki Toki were instantly plunged into an awkward silence.
Only Momonosuke, who had just been scolded earlier, stared intently at Yamato's face...
Then abruptly spoke up:
"I... remember you!"
"Those crimson demon horns and gradient white hair..."
"You're Kaido's daughter!"
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