The Flower Capital stood at the heart of Wano, the most prosperous city in the land. It was the place the people whispered about when they spoke of hope. From the waterfall that Bullet and the others had once seen, through the dense forest beyond, lay the road leading to the capital.
With Kaito and Kaido gone, chaos spread across Wano. Villagers ran in fear, desperate to escape the coming tide.
It took nearly an hour, even on fast mounts, for the group to reach the outskirts of what was once Pear Village.
An old man, trembling with panic, fell to his knees when he saw them approaching. His eyes widened in terror. Among them stood Kaido of the Beasts, along with others known across Wano as fearsome figures. The old man's voice quivered.
"My lord, spare me! I did nothing wrong!"
Kaito rode on a strange mount, the reins loose in his hand. Calmly he called out: "Old man, could you tell us the way to Flower Capital?"
The old man stared at him, bewildered. Why was Kaido asking instead of giving orders himself? A young man led him. Could the power in Wano have changed?
"Please forgive my disrespect, lord," the old man stammered, bowing.
Kaito slid from his mount and helped the trembling man to his feet. His voice was gentle as he spoke: "Don't worry. I only seek directions."
The old man nodded quickly. "Yes, yes — just follow this road. It will lead you straight there in little time."
Kaito nodded calmly and turned to leave. But before he rode off, he caught sight of a figure standing at a distance: a woman in a yellow kimono, vigilant and solemn. Kaito dismounted. His eyes met hers.
"Excuse me, miss," he said softly, "I am looking for someone."
No one spoke, but the woman's eyes flickered, uncertain. She introduced herself as Kikunojo.
She said quietly. "Please, pass on your journey."
Kaito smiled lightly. "It matters little. Wano has new masters now. My goal is not to dominate Wano alone but to reshape the entire New World. If your path does not cross ours, then you are free to go."
Without another word he mounted his beast and motioned for the group to continue. Those following Kaido hesitated, unsure, but obeyed.
Kikunojo watched them depart. She whispered: "Could this truly be the one who fought Kaido? If so — perhaps Wano's future has changed."
The road to Flower Capital was lined with cherry blossom trees — a rare bloom that, in Wano, flourished year-round. Petals drifted in the wind like snowflakes, covering the path in pale pink.
Upon arrival, Kaito and his group rode through the city gates. Locals paused mid-stride, eyes widening. Word of Kaido's subordinates preceded them, but the man leading them now was unknown.
Whispers rippled among the crowd: "Who is that? He leads Kaido himself." "Could that young man have defeated Captain Kaido?" "Are they heading toward the General's Mansion?"
Kaito ignored the stares. He did not waver as they approached a grand mansion at the far end of the main avenue. Two stone lions flanked the wide mahogany door. Guards stood watch.
One guard shouted: "Stop! What business has one such as you with the General's Mansion?"
His voice faltered when he saw the faces behind Kaito — Kaido's men. Fear washed over him. He bowed low and stammered: "Lord Kaido…, lords… please spare me…"
The other guard pale, powerless to resist such pressure.
Kaito led the group inside. Almost immediately, dozens of palace guards gathered under the command of Kuroshio Lang. When they saw Kaido, their faces drained of color.
Kuroshio bowed deeply: "Lord Kaido, Lord King, Lord queen, my lord — what brings you to the General's Mansion at this hour?"
Kaito's gaze swept over the crowd. His tone was calm, steady. "Where is the Kurozumi?"
Kuroshio hesitated, glancing first at Kaido, then down. "My lord — since he was called to the skies by Kaido sama, the general has not returned."
Kaito folded his arms. "Very well. Wano's new age begins with me. Kurozumi will cease to exist."
He turned to the gathered officers. "And you, Denjiro — your mission is over. You may return to farming if you wish. As for the Nine Heroes — stay in your place. Make no trouble. If peace reigns, you are safe. If you threaten it — I will act."
Silence filled the hall. Then someone — a figure among them — raised a voice:
"From now on, my name will be changed," Kaito declared. "This land will no longer be ruled by fear, but order. Strength will lead. Weakness will fall. The strong rise — the weak submit. This is our new code."
One by one the officers glanced at each other. None dared to speak against it. The notion of traversing the New World under Kaito's command hung heavy in the air — a promise of ambition, power, and danger.
Outside, Flower Capital's streets returned to their bustle. Petals drifted down, obscuring dusty footprints. But the eyes of Wano's people remained skyward.