"Just like that," Luffy began, his voice icy and measured, "the so-called honorable samurai of the Kozuki family attacked without provocation. A total of 271 Marines were killed, and many more were maimed, left to live the rest of their lives without limbs."
He paused, taking a deep breath to steady his anger. His sharp gaze landed on Yamato, who sat trembling, clutching the report in her hands. Her eyes darted across the detailed account, disbelief etched on her face.
Luffy's voice dropped, but the intensity of his words burned through the silence. "Yamato, let me ask you: how should Wano's laws punish such garbage?"
"This… I…" Yamato stammered, her confidence wavering. She lowered her head, struggling to reconcile the brutal truth laid out before her with the ideals she had held for so long.
Though Yamato admired the Kozuki family deeply, she couldn't deny the heinous acts described in the report. Her heart warred with her mind, but after several long minutes of silence, she finally spoke.
"Death," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "The penalty for such crimes is death. Those who kill indiscriminately are hanged… and whipped after execution."
Her words marked a reluctant rejection of Kozuki Sukiyaki, a man she had once respected. But to Luffy, her response was far too lenient.
"Just hanging?" Luffy scoffed, his tone laced with disdain. "That's far too easy for him."
He stood abruptly, brushing aside Yamato's turmoil. His attention shifted to Ain and Nami, his expression commanding. "Notify everyone and prepare for battle. The Stormbreaker will sail at full speed. We're heading to Wano Country immediately."
"Understood," they replied in unison, their voices steady despite the gravity of the situation.
Luffy turned back to the group, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room. His fists clenched, and for a brief moment, his murderous intent filled the air. "I had hoped to resolve things peacefully, but if someone wants to provoke us, I won't hold back."
In Wano Country, the last group of Marines stationed in the Flower Capital had been forced to retreat. Meanwhile, Kozuki Sukiyaki had returned to Shogun Castle, the symbolic seat of power and status.
Sitting at the head of the grand chamber, Sukiyaki looked down at the tatami below, where dozens of Samurai, ronin, and gangsters knelt respectfully. His triumphant laughter echoed through the hall.
"Hahaha! Everyone, please rise!" Sukiyaki declared. "With your help, I will reclaim my rightful position as shogun."
Among those kneeling was Denjiro, a former retainer of Kozuki Oden and one of the Nine Red Scabbards. Bowing deeply, his voice trembled with emotion. "Your Majesty, your words are far too generous. As a samurai, it is my duty to serve Wano and its rightful ruler. To serve the Kozuki family once again has been my greatest wish."
Denjiro raised his head slightly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Despite my shameful surrender to the enemy in the past, you have forgiven me and allowed me to serve you. For that, I am forever grateful."
Sukiyaki's chest swelled with pride as he gazed down at Denjiro. He had heard much about this loyal retainer, who had adopted the alias Kyoshiro to infiltrate Orochi's court and protect Kozuki Hiyori. Sukiyaki considered himself fortunate to have such a capable and devoted subordinate.
Feigning humility, Sukiyaki replied, "Denjiro, there's no need for such formalities. Your loyalty and sacrifices have greatly honored the Kozuki family. Were it not for your efforts, I would not have been reunited with my granddaughter Hiyori. Please, rise."
Tears streamed down Denjiro's face as he bowed even lower. "Thank you, Your Majesty! I will serve you with all my heart."
The other Samurai, ronin, and gangsters present watched the exchange with envy. For some, their loyalty to the Kozuki family was genuine. For others, it was simply a means to gain wealth and status. Yet, regardless of their motivations, all were acutely aware of Denjiro's favorable position.
Among the crowd was Gankuro, a prominent gang leader in the Flower Capital. His face twisted with jealousy as he watched Denjiro bask in Sukiyaki's favor.
"That bastard," Gankuro muttered under his breath. "He flattered his way into Orochi's court, survived his downfall, and now he's playing the loyal retainer again. Meanwhile, I've been stuck in the shadows all these years. Why does he get everything handed to him?"
Gankuro's resentment had festered during Orochi's reign, and seeing Denjiro rise to prominence once more only fueled his bitterness. Clenching his fists, he stepped forward boldly, interrupting the exchange.
"General, may I speak?" Gankuro's voice rang out, breaking the reverent atmosphere of the chamber.
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