After Hyogoro formally joined the Oniwabanshu, the situation in Wano Country underwent a significant change.
The social unrest triggered by Kozuki Sukiyaki's death was swiftly quelled. As a highly respected samurai leader in Wano, Hyogoro's submission sent a clear signal to the populace: Kaido's rule could indeed bring stability and progress to the nation.
This act had a powerful demonstrative effect. Many who had originally adopted a wait-and-see attitude towards Kaido's rule began to change their stance.
Even the radicals who had secretly plotted rebellion, attempting to drive Kaido out, had to temporarily lower their banners and reassess the situation. This was precisely the strategic consideration behind Kaido's vigorous efforts to secure Hyogoro's allegiance—by winning over this beloved samurai, he could not only effectively stabilize public sentiment but also dismantle the rebels' fighting spirit, laying a solid foundation for consolidating his rule.
Kaido sat upon the main seat in the great hall of the Shogun's castle, his thick fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. A stifling atmosphere filled the hall, punctuated only by Kaido's low, rumbling voice.
"Hyogoro," Kaido began, his voice echoing through the hall like muffled thunder, "those bandits in the Western Mountains have become far too unruly. Take your men and deal with them immediately. Those willing to submit, recruit them. The stubborn ones, send them all to the quarry in Udon." He paused, a glint flashing in his eyes. "I plan to expand the quarry. From now on, all of Wano's criminals will contribute their labor to seastone mining there."
Hyogoro frowned slightly, responding cautiously, "Lord Kaido, Udon is, after all, the territory of the Ugetsu Clan. Occupying it recklessly might cause unnecessary disturbance."
Kaido laughed heartily at this, his laughter shaking the window lattices of the great hall. "Wororororo! The Ugetsu Clan has its own troubles to deal with now. Ever since Ugetsu Tempura died due to the Kurozumi Clan's rebellion, the Ugetsu family has been locked in endless infighting over the position of clan head." He narrowed his eyes, revealing a look of certain victory. "An heir of the Ugetsu family has already taken the initiative to show me goodwill. A mere quarry won't concern them."
"I understand, my lord," Hyogoro replied respectfully, bowing his head to accept the order.
At that moment, Fukurokuju, standing to the side, rolled his eyes and stepped forward. "Lord Kaido, since we are expanding the quarry and concentrating criminals there, shouldn't we send a capable person to manage it?"
Kaido looked meaningfully at Fukurokuju. "Oh? You want to go?"
Cold sweat immediately beaded on Fukurokuju's forehead. He had sided with Kaido precisely to seek power and influence in the Flower Capital; why would he want to go to such a remote place? But facing Kaido's gaze, he didn't dare refuse directly. He could only steel himself and say, "Lord Kaido, this subordinate is willing to go. However, my strength is lacking. I fear I would be insufficient to intimidate the prisoners to be held there."
"Wororororo!" Kaido let out his signature laugh. "Don't worry about that. In a few days, I'll send a capable executive to hold down the fort at the quarry."
Hearing this, both Fukurokuju and Hyogoro knew Kaido was referring to one of his subordinates currently at Onigashima.
The atmosphere in the hall grew even more grave. Everyone understood that Kaido was taking further steps to tighten his control over Wano Country.
Kaido stood at the center of the hall, his gaze like torches sweeping over Fukurokuju and Hyogoro. His deep voice echoed within the hall. "Fukurokuju, Hyogoro, I must go to Onigashima. I leave Wano Country in your hands." He paused, emphasizing his words. "Remember, during my absence, Wano must remain stable."
"As you command, Lord Kaido," the two immediately bowed in salute, their voices tinged with awe.
Kaido gave a slight nod, turned, and strode out of the hall with steady steps.
In the courtyard, the light of the morning sun spilled over his massive frame, gilding his silhouette in gold. He suddenly stopped and looked back at the two men following closely behind, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
"It's time you witnessed true power," Kaido's low voice seemed to come from ancient times.
Before his words faded, his body began to undergo a startling metamorphosis. His muscles expanded at a visible rate, azure dragon scales flooding over his entire body like a tide, gleaming with a cold, metallic luster under the sun. His head gradually deformed and elongated, his limbs transforming into sharp dragon claws. In an instant, a nearly kilometer-long azure dragon soared into the sky, its colossal form nearly blotting out the sky above the entire Shogun's castle.
Fukurokuju and Hyogoro stared, dumbstruck, their faces etched with shock. The surrounding guards were even more terrified; some even fell to the ground, their weapons clattering as they dropped. They had never imagined that Lord Kaido possessed such a fearsome ability.
"This... this is the ability granted by the Devil Fruit Lord Kaido ate? How can there be such a terrifying Devil Fruit power?" Hyogoro's voice trembled slightly from shock, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
"This... this is Lord Kaido's power. So immense, so perfect," Fukurokuju said excitedly, gazing at Kaido's draconic form.
Simultaneously, on the streets of the Flower Capital, the bustling crowds suddenly came to a halt.
People looked up at the sky in unison, their faces filled with shock and fear.
Exclamations of surprise echoed up and down the streets: "Look at the sky! What is that?"
"Heavens! It's a dragon! A giant dragon has appeared above the Shogun's castle!"
"Could this be the legendary divine dragon descending to the mortal world?" A massive azure dragon could be seen elegantly coiling amidst the clouds, its enormous body shimmering with a blue glow under the sunlight. Its scales flickered in and out of view within the clouds, each movement stirring up gusts of wind.
A giant shadow fell over the entire Flower Capital, blotting out more than half of the sunlight.
Lanterns on the streets swayed violently in the gale, shop signs creaking and groaning.
People covered their heads and sought shelter, yet couldn't help but look up at this rare, wondrous sight.
Kaido looked down upon the humans scurrying like ants beneath him and let out a heaven-shaking dragon's roar. Where the sound wave reached, even the roof tiles of the Shogun's castle trembled faintly, and tree branches and leaves in the distance shook violently.
This was both a display of might for his subordinates and a silent declaration to all of Wano Country—that he, Kaido, was the supreme ruler of this land. The azure dragon's form gradually receded into the distance, vanishing deep within the clouds, leaving behind only a city full of panic-stricken citizens and two subordinates still reeling from the shock.
Kaido's draconic majesty had shaken the soul of every person.
······
Within the main base on Onigashima, a scene of bustling, activity was underway.
This stronghold, meticulously crafted by the Beasts Pirates, now gathered seven to eight hundred elite members. Among them were over a hundred warriors from Fish-Man Island, more than two hundred elite pirates from all over the world, and the remaining four hundred-plus were new recruits enlisted from Wano Country over the past half year.
It was worth noting that the loyalty of these new members had undergone King's rigorous testing, ensuring their absolute allegiance to the Beasts Pirates.
In addition to these individuals, there were also nearly a hundred personnel invited from Wano Country and even other islands in the New World to prepare for the Flame Festival.
In anticipation of the upcoming Flame Festival, the entire crew was immersed in excitement and expectation.
King personally selected dozens of master chefs from all over Wano Country, ensuring tonight's banquet would offer the finest cuisine. These chefs had been meticulously chosen from the most renowned restaurants across Wano, each bringing their signature skills to the table.
Meanwhile, Sebastian was leading a dozen of his Fish-Man subordinates deep into the sea. Through their efforts, they successfully captured several massive Sea Kings. These precious ingredients would become the main course for tonight's grand feast, more than enough to satisfy everyone attending the celebration.
Queen, on the other hand, led his team in frantic preparations for tonight's opening performance. This talented scientist-performer had prepared many novel acts, vowing to bring the festival atmosphere to a climax from the very start.
Rumors suggested he had specifically developed several new types of stage effect devices, ready to surprise everyone.
Every corner of the main base showed signs of busy figures, crew members' faces beaming with expectant smiles. Some were responsible for decorating the venue, others prepared ingredients, and some were rehearsing their acts.
The entire Onigashima was enveloped in a festive, celebratory atmosphere.
This Flame Festival was of extraordinary significance. It was not only to celebrate the smooth completion of the main base but also Kaido's special recognition of the contributions his executives had long made to the Beasts Pirates. According to reliable information, Kaido had meticulously prepared gifts for each executive, which might include rare Devil Fruits.
Even more inspiring was that during the climax of the banquet, Kaido would also reward outstanding ordinary crew members with Devil Fruits.
Such news filled everyone with anticipation for tonight's celebration.
As night gradually fell, the Flame Festival was about to begin.
All of Onigashima was boiling, everyone eager to witness this unprecedented grand event.
Right at this tense moment, on the distant horizon, a massive black shadow was approaching Onigashima at an astonishing speed. The behemoth flickered in and out of view amidst the clouds, its colossal form nearly blotting out half the sky.
"Look at the sky! What is that thing?" A pirate carrying liquor stopped in his tracks, pointing fearfully at the sky.
His voice immediately drew the attention of his companions nearby. Everyone looked up at the terrifying figure drawing closer and closer.
"A dragon... it's a giant dragon!" another pirate shrieked, dropping the ingredients in his hands with a clatter.
These newly joined Wano Country members of the Beasts Pirates had never seen such a horrifying sight and immediately fell into chaos. "Quick, notify the executives! A giant dragon is approaching Onigashima!"
Panic spread through the crowd like a plague.
Some had already drawn their weapons, ready to fight. Others were so frightened their legs went weak. There were even those who directly fell to their knees, kowtowing in worship towards the sky.
However, some of the more seasoned pirates appeared exceptionally calm. They crossed their arms, proud smiles on their faces, as if appreciating a spectacular performance.
***
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