Denjiro, unaware of Sukiyaki's true intentions, clenched his fists with determination. In his mind, the Shogun's favor was genuine, and he vowed to repay it with his unwavering loyalty.
"To fight off the enemy for the Kozuki family... No," he corrected himself internally, "to fight off the enemy for my Kozuki family."
Fully embracing his new role as the heir to the Kozuki name, Denjiro turned to face the retainers. He bowed deeply, his voice filled with resolve.
"My Lords, the Kozuki family stands at a crossroads, teetering on the edge of calamity. I humbly ask for your support to overcome this dire situation. Let us stand united for the sake of Wano Country. I, Denjiro, swear to repay your kindness with great rewards once we emerge victorious. Please, lend me your strength!"
The retainers exchanged glances, a mixture of ambition and resignation passing through their expressions. In unison, they knelt and kowtowed, their voices echoing in the chamber.
"Denjiro-dono, we are at your command!"
Above Wano Country
From the sky, Wano Country resembled a giant volcanic crater, its geography both breathtaking and surreal. Nestled within this natural fortress, the capital city exuded an aura of mystique and impenetrability.
"Unbelievable! There's actually a country like this. The New World never ceases to amaze," Nami said, her voice tinged with awe as she gazed out the floor-to-ceiling window.
Hancock, standing nearby, studied the terrain with a critical eye. She nodded in quiet agreement.
"No wonder Wano has been called a fortress that even the World Government cannot breach. With this kind of natural defense, it's a miracle the Marines managed to gain a foothold here. If Kaido hadn't been lured away, taking this land would have been nearly impossible."
Her comparison to Kuja Island was inevitable. Once shielded by the Calm Belt, her homeland had lost its primary defense when the World Government developed a method to traverse the zone safely. In contrast, Wano's unique geography made it far more secure—a stronghold nearly impervious to outside attack.
Inside the Ship
While the women admired the view, Yamato's restlessness filled the cabin. She circled Violet like an anxious child, her voice a stream of nervous chatter.
"How is it? Is this Shogun really Kozuki Sukiyaki? And Luffy—did he fight with the Kozuki samurai? What did you see?"
Violet, her eyes closed as she used her Devil Fruit powers to scan Wano Country, finally snapped. "Enough! Shut up, Yamato. If you say one more word, I won't tell you anything!"
Yamato froze, her hands instinctively covering her mouth. Yet her nervous energy betrayed her—her legs bounced uncontrollably, and her eyes darted toward Violet with unspoken desperation.
Deep down, she clung to a faint hope. Perhaps Sukiyaki wasn't as cruel as he seemed. Perhaps the Kozuki family's honor remained intact.
After what felt like an eternity, Violet finally opened her eyes. She looked at Yamato with a mix of pity and disappointment.
"I'm sorry, Yamato," Violet began softly, "but based on what I've observed, the man is most likely Kozuki Sukiyaki. However..." She hesitated, her voice turning sharp. "He is not the great leader you think he is.
"While his retainers prepare for war, this so-called Shogun is busy indulging himself with women. I see no sign of honor or virtue in him."
Yamato's heart sank, but Violet wasn't finished. "What's worse, I saw the bodies of fallen Marines in the Flower Capital. They've been left to rot, desecrated by birds and beasts. No effort was made to honor or bury them."
"What?!"
Yamato's knees buckled, and she collapsed to the floor, her face pale with shock.
Ain, Hina, and Kujaku, who had overheard the conversation, were immediately incensed.
"That bastard dared to defile Marine corpses?!" Ain shouted, gripping her sword with white-knuckled fury. "I won't forgive him for this!"
Hina and Kujaku's expressions darkened, their anger barely contained. As proud Marines, they could not tolerate such a vile act. Their oaths to protect justice extended to ensuring that their fallen comrades were honored, not defiled.
Hancock, Nami, and Koala shared their outrage, their expressions hardening. Any lingering sympathy they might have felt for Sukiyaki vanished in an instant.
Even Olivia, who rarely involved herself in such matters, swallowed nervously at the palpable tension in the room. She moved to Yamato's side, gently helping her stand and guiding her to a quieter corner.
"Yamato," Olivia said softly, "don't do anything rash. This betrayal is not your fault. The people of Wano Country turned their backs on their benefactors. Don't let misplaced loyalty cloud your judgment or cause you to act against Luffy."
Kalifa adjusted her glasses and stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "In every group, Yamato, there are both good and bad people. Not all samurai are virtuous Samurai. Sukiyaki's actions prove that even those with noble titles can be despicable."
Yamato remained silent, her shoulders slumped. The last remnants of her hope had been crushed. The honor and ideals she once associated with samurai were gone, shattered by the harsh reality of Sukiyaki's betrayal.
For a long moment, she stared at the floor, her thoughts a swirling storm. Then, finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Perhaps you're right. There are good and bad people in every walk of life. Even among samurai, there are those who repay kindness with blood. Sukiyaki is proof of that."
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