In the Ringo region, a similar secret conversation was taking place. Shimotsuki Toshiya, the young head of the Shimotsuki family, paced back and forth in his study. Before him stood a messenger sent by Denjiro.
"So the old fox Kazuki Hidehiro has finally lost his patience?" Shimotsuki Toshiya sneered. "But he's right. This is indeed a rare opportunity."
The messenger respectfully presented a letter. "This is Lord Kazuki's personal letter. He hopes to speak with you face-to-face."
Shimotsuki Toshiya took the letter and read it carefully by candlelight. His expression gradually shifted from mockery to seriousness, and finally, to a touch of grimness.
"Tell Kazuki Hidehiro I will personally come to Kibi in three days."
As messages were secretly passed among the great families, under Wano Country's seemingly calm surface, undercurrents were churning violently. The Beasts Pirates' patrols still made their routine daily inspections across the land, but they failed to notice the unusual glint now present in the eyes of the commoners who once bowed their heads in greeting.
Three days later, the Kazuki Estate once again hosted a secret gathering. This time, in addition to the core members of the Kazuki family, the Ugetsu Elder from Udon, Shimotsuki Toshiya from Ringo, and Shimotsuki Munechika from Hakumai were all present in person.
The atmosphere in the reception hall was even more tense than the last meeting. Everyone knew this conference would decide Wano Country's future fate.
Kazuki Hidehiro looked around at everyone and spoke slowly. "The fact that you all have come means we share the same concerns. Kaido's rule has severely threatened Wano Country's traditions and order."
Shimotsuki Toshiya snorted coldly. "Lord Kazuki, spare us the pleasantries. We risked our lives coming here not to hear that. Tell us your plan directly."
Kazuki Hidehiro calmly unfolded a map. "According to reliable intelligence, Kaido has taken at least two-thirds of his main force. Among the officers currently left to defend Wano Country, King is stationed at Onigashima, Queen is responsible for the defense of the Flower Capital, and Moriah holds the quarry at Udon. Additionally, Hyogoro and the Oniwabanshu patrol various regions of Wano Country regularly."
He pointed to several key locations on the map. "If we can launch simultaneous surprise attacks, sever their connections, we'll have a chance to defeat them one by one."
The Ugetsu Elder frowned. "Even so, our forces are still far from sufficient."
"That's why we need the people's support," Kazuki Hidehiro said gravely. "Kaido's tyranny has made the people's lives miserable. As long as we are the first to raise the banner of rebellion, I believe many will respond."
Shimotsuki Munechika suddenly spoke. "There's another crucial issue—weapons. The swords of most of our samurai have been confiscated. How can we fight the Beasts Pirates empty-handed?"
A mysterious smile appeared on Kazuki Hidehiro's face. "Regarding that, I've already made arrangements. Deep in the mountains of Kibi, we have a secret arsenal, enough to arm five thousand men. Moreover, we have prepared special weapons targeting the officers Kaido left behind."
The meeting lasted late into the night. Finally, the great families reached a consensus: on the night of the full moon, half a month from now, they would launch their uprising simultaneously. The Kazuki family would be responsible for tying down King's forces, the Ugetsu family would deal with Queen, and the two Shimotsuki lords would handle Moriah and the Oniwabanshu respectively.
After the last guest departed, Kazuki Hidehiro stood alone in the courtyard, watching the moon sink slowly in the west. His eldest son, Kazuki Hidetada, walked silently to his father's side.
"Father... can we really succeed?"
Kazuki Hidehiro did not answer immediately. After a long while, he whispered, "Success is not what matters most. What matters is that we must try. Wano Country cannot live forever in Kaido's shadow."
He turned and patted his son's shoulder. "Go and rest. There is much preparation to do tomorrow."
Kazuki Hidetada seemed to want to say more but held back. He finally bowed and withdrew. In the moonlight, Kazuki Hidehiro's figure appeared particularly lonely yet resolute. He knew that from this moment on, the wheel of Wano Country's destiny had begun to turn, and the Kazuki family would become the key force driving this revolution.
Amidst the churning undercurrents in Wano Country, the two core officers of the Beasts Pirates, King and Queen, were discussing the current situation. As Kaido's most capable lieutenants, 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, his arms crossed. His sharp eyes, visible through the slits of his mask, gleamed with a dangerous light.
Queen puffed on his cigar and laughed dismissively. "Mwahahaha! King, don't be so serious, man. They're just a bunch of clowns. Even with Bullet and the others not back yet, we can crush them easily with our current strength."
"Idiot!" King retorted without hesitation.
"What did you say?!" Queen immediately flew into a rage, his skin beginning to show dense snake-like scales. "Damn you, King! With Kaido-boss not here, don't think you can beat me! I have Devil Fruit power now too."
King maintained his calm demeanor. "Idiot. Relying too much on Devil Fruit power will get you killed. You'll be the first officer of the Beasts Pirates to fall."
"Don't be ridiculous!" Queen waved a hand dismissively. "Who in Wano Country right now besides you is a match for me? I've already completed the first stage of modifications during this time!"
King sighed, deciding to enlighten his arrogant comrade. "Let me ask you, what is Wano Country most famous for?"
"Obviously, it's..." Queen stopped mid-sentence, his face suddenly changing. "You're saying the rebels have prepared Seastone weapons?"
"Isn't it obvious?" King said darkly. "Kaido-aniki has long been implementing the Devil Fruit exchange program in Wano Country. Do you really think it's possible those guys haven't prepared Seastone weapons specifically meant for us?"
Queen's expression instantly turned grave. "Dammit! In that case, I need to prepare properly." With that, he could no longer be bothered to argue with King and hurriedly turned to head towards his laboratory.
Watching Queen's departing back, the corner of King's mouth under his mask curled up slightly. Although this colleague always gave him a headache, at least now they both understood they were about to face a real battle. Wano Country's undercurrents were converging into a raging tide, and the Beasts Pirates had to be fully prepared to remain undefeated in this coming storm.
King turned to look out the window. The overcast sky foretold the approaching tempest. He clenched his fist, swearing silently to protect the territory his Captain had carved out. King's figure melted into the shadows.
***
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