In the Ringo region, a similar secret discussion was taking place. The young head of the Shimotsuki family, Shimotsuki Tomoya, was pacing back and forth in his study. Before him stood a secret messenger sent by Denjiro.
"That old fox Amatsuki Hidehiro is finally unable to sit still?" Shimotsuki Tomoya sneered. "But he's right - this is indeed a rare opportunity."
The messenger respectfully presented a letter: "This is Lord Amatsuki's personal letter. He hopes to discuss matters with you face-to-face."
Shimotsuki Tomoya took the letter and read it carefully by candlelight. His expression gradually shifted from mockery to seriousness, eventually becoming quite solemn.
"Tell Amatsuki Hidehiro that I will personally go to Kibi in three days."
As messages were secretly passed among the major families, under Wano Country's seemingly calm surface, undercurrents were surging. The Beasts Pirates' patrol teams still routinely inspected various areas every day, but they failed to notice that the commoners who used to bow their heads in greeting now had unusual expressions in their eyes.
Three days later, the Amatsuki residence once again hosted a secret gathering. This time, in addition to the core members of the Amatsuki family, Uzuki Karo from Udon, Shimotsuki Tomoya from Ringo, and Shimotsuki Munetika from Hakumai were all present in person.
The atmosphere in the reception hall was even more tense than last time. Everyone knew that this meeting would determine the future fate of Wano Country.
Amatsuki Hidehiro looked around at everyone and spoke slowly: "The fact that you all could come indicates we share common concerns. Kaidou's rule has seriously threatened Wano Country's traditions and order."
Shimotsuki Tomoya snorted coldly: "Lord Amatsuki, let's skip the pleasantries. We risked our lives to come here, not to listen to such formalities. Tell us your plan directly."
Amatsuki Hidehiro calmly unfolded a map: "According to reliable intelligence, Kaidou has taken at least two-thirds of his main forces. Among the officers currently stationed in Wano Country, King is responsible for holding Oni Island, Queen is in charge of Flower Capital's defense, and Moria is stationed at the Udon quarry. Additionally, Hyougoro and the Oniwabanshu regularly patrol various regions of Wano Country."
He pointed to several key locations on the map: "If we can launch simultaneous surprise attacks and cut off communication between them, we'll have a chance to defeat them one by one."
Uzuki Karo frowned: "Even so, our military strength is still far from sufficient."
"That's why we need the people's support," Amatsuki Hidehiro said gravely. "Kaidou's tyranny has made the common people miserable. As long as we raise the banner of rebellion first, I believe many will respond."
Shimotsuki Munetika suddenly spoke: "There's another crucial issue - weapons. Most of our samurai have had their swords confiscated. How can we fight the Beasts Pirates empty-handed?"
Amatsuki Hidehiro showed a mysterious smile: "Regarding that, I've already made arrangements. In the deep mountains of Kibi, we have a secretly built armory that can arm five thousand people. Moreover, we've prepared special weapons specifically targeting the officers Kaidou left behind."
The meeting lasted until late at night, and finally, the various families reached a consensus: on the night of the full moon half a month later, they would simultaneously launch the uprising. The Amatsuki family was responsible for containing King's forces, the Amatsuki family would deal with Queen, and the two heads of the Shimotsuki family would confront Moria and the Oniwabanshu respectively.
After the last guest had left, Amatsuki Hidehiro stood alone in the courtyard, gazing at the gradually setting moon. His eldest son, Amatsuki Hidetada, silently approached his father's side.
"Father, can we truly succeed?"
Amatsuki Hidehiro did not answer immediately. After a long while, he said softly, "Success or failure is not what matters; what matters is that we must try. Wano Country cannot live forever under Kaidou's shadow."
He turned and patted his son's shoulder. "Go and rest. There is still much preparation to be done tomorrow."
Amatsuki Hidetada seemed to want to say more but ultimately held back, bowed, and withdrew. Under the moonlight, Amatsuki Hidehiro's figure appeared particularly solitary and resolute. He knew that from this moment on, the wheel of fate for Wano Country had begun to turn, and the Amatsuki family would become the key force driving this transformation.
Amid the undercurrents of unrest in Wano Country, the two core executives of the Beasts Pirates, King and Queen, were discussing the current situation. As Kaidou's most capable subordinates, they had long sensed the lurking rebel forces within the country growing restless.
"Hmph! These rats are finally about to show themselves," King said coldly, crossing his arms. His sharp eyes gleamed dangerously through the gaps in his mask.
Queen puffed on his cigar and laughed dismissively. "Muhahaha, King, don't be so serious. They're nothing but a bunch of clowns. Even without Bullet and the others back, we can easily crush them with our current strength alone."
"Idiot!" King retorted without hesitation.
"What did you say?" Queen immediately flew into a rage, his skin beginning to show dense snake scales. "Damn you, King! Don't think you can beat me just because Kaidou isn't here now! I've gained the power of a Devil Fruit too."
King remained calm. "Idiot, relying too much on Devil Fruit power will make you the first executive of the Beasts Pirates to fall in battle."
"Don't be ridiculous!" Queen waved his hand scornfully. "Who in Wano Country besides you is a match for me now? I've already completed the first stage of modifications during this time."
King sighed, deciding to enlighten his arrogant colleague. "Let me ask you, what is Wano Country most famous for?"
"Obviously, it's..." Queen trailed off mid-sentence, his expression suddenly changing. "Are you saying those rebels have prepared Seastone weapons?"
"Isn't that obvious?" King said gravely. "Kaidou has long been promoting the exchange program for Mystical fruits in Wano Country. Do you think it's possible those guys haven't prepared Seastone weapons specifically designed to counter us?"
Queen's expression turned grim. "Damn it! In that case, I need to prepare thoroughly." With that, he no longer bothered to argue with King and hurriedly turned to head toward his laboratory.
King watched Queen's retreating figure, the corners of his mouth curling slightly beneath his mask. Though this colleague always gave him headaches, at least now they both understood they were about to face a real battle. The undercurrents in Wano Country were converging into turbulent waves, and the Beasts Pirates had to be fully prepared to remain undefeated in this coming storm.
Turning to gaze out the window, King saw the overcast sky foretelling the approaching tempest. He clenched his fist, silently vowing to protect the territory Lord Kaidou had conquered. King's figure vanished into the shadows.
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