"Boqi, is it this way?"
"Woo..."
A large dog over a meter tall sniffed the tracks below, then gave a definite answer. It looked no different from an ordinary wolfdog, with a gray-black color, two distinctly noticeable black strips on its back, and a pair of slightly fierce red eyes.
Mightyena, tightly equipped now with the Wano Kuni's security forces, are chasing thieves.
As the weather got colder, not only did more people go out to work, but some idle ones also began to act.
Humanity is a group; even in the most beautiful places, there can be blemishes, and within a crowd of villains, there may be good people—it's all a matter of probability. However, the chance of finding good people among villains is very slim.
Following the Mightyena's steps, they continued to chase forward. Among a group of four or five people, there was only one Mightyena—not due to a lack of numbers but because only the pirate leader was recognized by a Mightyena.
Mightyenas are full of wild nature, and taming them is not an easy task. Yet, once tamed, they strictly follow their trainer's commands.
At that moment, they were tracking the target along the scent left by the opponent.
Although the heavy snow covered the footprints, it still left its own scent behind.
Starting from Flower Capital, Mightyena led them to the bridge leading to Ringo, where the snow-covered ground bore traces of other Mightyenas' footprints.
"Howl!"
The Mightyena called Boqi raised its head and howled, and in response, howls echoed from all around. The Mightyena race itself resembles wolves as social animals, ten being the most ideal team number.
This number maximizes the team efficiency in hunting or whatever task, and within the security team, they serve as guard dogs. Boqi is the leader among them, and this howl was its way of gathering information from its kind.
Based on the feedback from the howls, Boqi quickly led the security team to corner the thief in a snow cave.
This reflects a part of the current security changes in Wano Kuni. These petty thieves won't last long before getting caught. Hidden Port is heavily guarded, and ordinary people simply cannot get out, not to mention the giant Magikarp under the waterfall is not just for show.
Because the offshore environment of Wano Kuni is so tranquil, the evolution speed of these Magikarps is much slower than that of those from the outer seas. Their descendants have evolved into several Gyarados, yet their enormous size remains unchanged.
Within the limited area of Wano Kuni, these people will eventually be caught sooner or later.
...
Inside Flower Capital, General Kozuki Hiyori awoke from sleep. After being dressed by numerous attendants, she began her new day. As per the earlier promise, inside the palace, she was at the pinnacle of power, although her orders couldn't go beyond Flower Capital.
Except for appearing as a mascot in the annual rituals, the influence of the Kozuki family within Wano Kuni has reached an unprecedented low.
"Lady Hiyori."
"Leave me alone for a moment."
"Yes."
The two maidservants retreated respectfully, leaving her alone in the room. She gained some power but also lost her freedom. To leave the palace requires King's approval; if he is in a bad mood, everyone in the palace becomes fearful.
Inside the palace, King holds a notorious reputation, and a notion established earlier has slowly influenced her: Why was Momonosuke sent to the future while she remained here?
Although Kozuki Toki worried about being wiped out, Hiyori doesn't comprehend this at the moment.
While she contemplated life, the maid who had left approached King and reported Hiyori's situation truthfully. Over the years, the palace has gained more personnel. Superficially, these people show respect to Hiyori, but secretly follow King's arrangements.
These people share a common trait: their surname is Kurozumi.
Kurozumi Orochi suffered a big backlash, leaving his infamy within the Kurozumi family's bloodline. Coupled with the previous revolt initiated by the Kurozumi family, old and new debts were dredged up together, making Kurozumi the target of public scorn in Wano Kuni.
Even if some are merely distant relatives, they continue to face discrimination, especially those old remnants still loyal to the Kozuki family.
The Kurozumi surname makes survival in Wano Kuni a challenge, forcing some within the Kurozumi family to choose to fully submit to the Hundred Beasts in order to survive.
Many such individuals entered the Flower Capital's palace, gradually vanishing from the ordinary Wano Kuni people's view, with a tendency to clash with the loyal old retainers of the Kozuki family within the palace.
The original Kozuki family household attendants also dwelled nearby. According to protocol, they must apply to see Hiyori.
While not as convoluted as submitting forms three days in advance or awaiting approval within a week, oral consent is still necessary.
Like today, Kikunojo comes here, while Kawamatsu and Denjiro are forcibly tasked outside.
Kaidou had given them a chance; by choosing allegiance, they could change their situation, but they all refused.
Even Denjiro, at this time, maintains his stance. Due to various changes, Kyoshiro hasn't emerged; he no longer has the chance to hide his identity, therefore doesn't wish to pretend to pledge allegiance.
"Little Kiku, is it you today~"
"Plea...please keep your distance from me...."
"Don't be so shy. If the elder sister isn't afraid, why should you be? If you don't come over, I won't report the news to you."
Dad said to use magic to defeat magic, and transsexual individuals are such manifestations. Responding to a transsexual requires greater magic, much like an unreasonable female bully.
Such people abound in the pirate group, like this woman before Kikunojo, Drake, King's assistant.
A girl with pink braided hair and a facial scar, yet she carelessly flaunts it, teasing Kikunojo. His delicate appearance still manages to attract some women.
For instance, Drake took interest in him, making things challenging for someone who considers themselves female.
Most of the Hundred Beasts' assistants are of the same gender, as it makes many tasks easier, like Emmalyn with Shaina, Pierman with Mandfeish.
King is currently the sole exception. The outspoken Drake gets along well with him, and they've even exchanged interrogation insights.
Under semi-coercion, Kikunojo allowed Drake to gain some advantages before getting the opportunity to see Hiyori. However, for some unknown reason, he feels Hiyori smiles less as she grows.
Meanwhile, on Little Sky Island, several Ohara scholars excitedly gaze at the egg before them...