Kozuki Sukiyaki narrowed his eyes as he gazed at the disheveled middle-aged man who had interrupted the proceedings. The faint tattoo peeking out from under the collar of the man's kimono revealed his affiliation with the Yakuza.
Though Sukiyaki felt a wave of disdain and displeasure, he masked his emotions with a feigned air of magnanimity. Waving his sleeve, he said, "Very well, speak freely."
"Thank you, General," Gankuro replied loudly, bowing deeply. He then cast a sideways glance at Denjiro before stepping forward confidently. Once he gathered his thoughts, he began.
"General, this is the perfect moment! With the villain Kaido expelled and the traitor Orochi dead, the five regional daimyo of Kuri, Habu, Udon, Ringo, and Hakumai have all lost their positions. This creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to unify Wano Country under your rule!"
His words struck a chord with Sukiyaki. The initial disdain he held for the Yakuza faded slightly as he realized the truth in the man's argument. This was an unprecedented chance.
Traditionally, Wano's shogun could only govern the Flower Capital directly, while the other regions were ruled by local daimyo. Though the shogun held nominal authority over these lords, they often resisted central control, sometimes even threatening rebellion, as the Kurozumi clan had done years ago.
But now, with the daimyo either dead or missing—thanks to the chaos wrought by Kaido and Orochi—those barriers had been removed. This was Sukiyaki's opportunity to consolidate power and bring the entirety of Wano under his direct control.
The thought sent a thrill through him. Sukiyaki clasped his hands together, suppressing a triumphant laugh. His previously guarded expression softened as he looked at Gankuro with newfound appreciation.
Sensing the shift in Sukiyaki's mood, Gankuro pressed on eagerly. "Your Highness, I command over 400 elite Samurai. Combined with the allies I've gained over the years, I can muster an army of more than 2,000 men to march on the five regions. With your blessing, we can secure total control of Wano in no time!"
"Excellent!" Sukiyaki exclaimed, clapping his hands together. He furrowed his brow for a moment, recalling the man's name, before speaking again. "Lord Gankuro, you are a true patriot of Wano. Lead your men, and when you return victorious, I will reward you generously."
"Thank you, Your Highness!" bowed deeply, elation evident in his voice. His gamble had paid off—he now held the general's favor.
Denjiro, observing the exchange, grew increasingly anxious. He stepped forward, bowing low, and interjected. "Your Highness, with all due respect, isn't this decision a bit hasty? Loyal samurai from across the country are still making their way here to pledge allegiance. It may be wiser to wait until they arrive before forming a comprehensive strategy."
Sukiyaki paused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Ah, you're right. I nearly forgot about the samurai still en route."
Turning to Denjiro and Gankuro, he continued. "Denjiro, inform the samurai that they don't need to come to the Flower Capital. Instead, have them join Gankuro's army in the five regions. Lord Gankuro, I grant you command of the local Samurai as well. Do not let me down."
The two men's reactions could not have been more different. Denjiro froze, his expression a mixture of disbelief and disappointment, while Gankuro's face lit up with joy. Bowing repeatedly, the Yakuza leader exclaimed, "Thank you, Your Highness! I swear my loyalty and will not fail you."
As he spoke, Gankuro couldn't resist glancing at Denjiro. The other man's dazed expression only fueled his pride. Look at him, he thought smugly. He can't stand that I've claimed the general's favor. Soon, I'll be the one remembered as Wano's greatest hero.
While Gankuro basked in his imagined glory, Denjiro snapped out of his stupor. He prostrated himself before Sukiyaki and spoke urgently. "Your Highness, we cannot underestimate the remnants of Kaido's forces. Though driven from the Flower Capital, they still control large portions of Kuri and the surrounding regions. Their numbers are estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000. If we act prematurely with insufficient forces, they may regroup and launch a counterattack."
Before Sukiyaki could respond, Gankuro leapt to his feet, his face flushed with indignation. "What nonsense! You just don't want me to lead the army. Admit it, Denjiro—you're trying to undermine me!"
But Sukiyaki raised a hand, silencing him. Smiling indulgently, he addressed Denjiro. "I appreciate your concerns, Denjiro, but you overestimate the Marines and Kaido's remnants. I've fought the Marines before, and aside from a few powerful individuals, most of them are no match for our Samurai. Wano's samurai will easily repel these outsiders."
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