The upcoming battle would be pivotal—a clash that would cement Kozuki Sukiyaki's stance as an adversary to the Marines. His confident declarations filled the room, but Denjiro could only feel bitterness. To him, Sukiyaki's arrogance bordered on recklessness.
Having spent years within Orochi's court, Denjiro had encountered numerous pirates from the Beasts Pirates. Though many of these rogues had downplayed the Marines' capabilities, there was an underlying respect whenever the names of renowned admirals or vice admirals were mentioned.
And now, the Marines had proven themselves capable of driving Kaido out of Wano—a feat even the samurai of the Kozuki family couldn't accomplish. How could Sukiyaki believe that they could take on an organization even stronger than the Beasts Pirates?
Denjiro initially hoped to delay Sukiyaki's plans, anticipating the arrival of prominent samurai from across Wano. He had even considered negotiating with the Marines—offering reparations in the form of food and supplies to mend the rift. But Sukiyaki's insistence on taking an aggressive approach left no room for diplomacy.
As Denjiro's unease grew, Sukiyaki's voice snapped him back to the present.
"Denjiro? Denjiro! What are you daydreaming about?" Sukiyaki called from his seat at the head of the chamber.
Startled, Denjiro quickly bowed low, apologizing for his lapse in attention. Thankfully, Sukiyaki was in high spirits and dismissed the matter with a wave of his hand.
With the meeting adjourned, Sukiyaki rose, a broad smile on his face. He affectionately invited Denjiro to accompany him to view his collection of intricately crafted girl dolls.
Watching the pair depart, Gankuro's jealousy burned like a fire within him. He couldn't help but notice Sukiyaki's preference for Denjiro, as evidenced by the informal way the general addressed him, even forgoing the customary title of "General."
In contrast, Sukiyaki's tone toward Gankuro remained distant and formal. The disparity stung, fueling Gankuro's ambition.
"Just wait until I return victorious," he thought, clenching his fists. "I will be the hero who unifies Wano Country. Sukiyaki will see my worth, and Denjiro won't stand a chance against me!"
Determined, Gankuro refused any distractions. Ignoring the samurai, ronin, and Yakuza leaders attempting to engage him, he returned to his camp. There, he immediately sent word to his subordinates stationed across Wano, instructing them to rally their forces in Hakumai.
Wano Country, Hakumai.
After reporting the dire situation to Luffy, Rear Admiral Darius, the temporary commander of the Marines stationed in Wano, arrived in Hakumai. By the time he reached the makeshift camp outside Good Luck Town, the Marine forces had regrouped.
Majority of Marine captain had already joined the evacuees from the Flower Capital. The scene within the camp was grim. Rows of injured Marines filled the makeshift infirmary, their bodies battered and broken. Many had lost limbs, their futures irrevocably altered.
Darius lifted the flap of the medical tent and was immediately met with the sight of Marines lying on cots, their faces etched with pain. A lieutenant with his torso heavily bandaged stepped forward, his expression filled with guilt.
"Rear Admiral," the lieutenant began, bowing his head. "The enemy was too strong. Despite our best efforts, we couldn't overcome them. Our commander, Colonel Ogg, was killed in the battle. In the end, I had no choice but to retreat with the remaining men who could still stand. It was only after receiving your orders that we evacuated the Flower Capital."
As he recounted the events, his voice trembled, and tears threatened to fall. The devastation weighed heavily on him.
Darius clenched his fists, his face hardening with barely contained anger. The other two captains standing beside him shared his sentiments. One, a grizzled Marine with a scar running across the corner of his mouth, gripped the hilt of his sword tightly.
"Damn those Wano people," the scarred captain spat, his voice filled with rage. "Ungrateful scum. If it weren't for us, they'd still be groveling under Kaido's rule, starving and oppressed. We freed them, closed their toxic factories, and gave them food. And this is how they repay us?"
His words echoed the collective frustration of the Marines. For days, they had gone out of their way to help the people of Wano. Food and supplies had been distributed to the poor, enslaved workers were freed from Kaido's factories, and medical aid was given to the sick and injured.
And yet, the Marines had been met with betrayal and violence.
"It's not about gratitude," Darius said quietly, his voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath it. "It's about justice. We came here to protect the innocent, and they slaughtered hundreds of our comrades in cold blood. They think we're weak because we showed them kindness. They'll regret underestimating us."
The other captain nodded grimly. "This betrayal won't go unpunished."
The Marines' morale hung in a precarious balance. The pain of their losses was fresh, but the spark of their resolve had not been extinguished. They would endure—and when the time came, they would fight back with everything they had.
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