Among the factories planned for reconstruction, half would be dedicated to processing seastone. King stated this firmly, his tone unwavering.
"Too few. The factories that pollute must be destroyed, and only the clean ones should remain," Kaito replied. "If we're spending this much, we might as well rob a piece of heavenly gold or drag a Celestial Dragon here so the World Government pays for it."
King, Queen, the Tobiroppo, and Issho stood frozen for a moment.
Boss, they thought, not everyone is like you, someone who can face a Marine unit alone and force billions of Berries out of them.
"Don't worry about the money. I'll handle it. Just do exactly what I said," Kaito continued.
"Understood, Kaito sama."
…
Three days later, the words spoken by Kaito in the General's Mansion had spread across Wano at incredible speed. In every village, the people discussed his promises constantly, though many began to doubt.
In Pickle Village, dawn brought another day of hunger. Faces were thin and pale, their eyes tired and hopeless. Three entire days had passed. Kaito's words had been beautiful, but they had received nothing.
"It seems we were deceived again. Wano might fall into suffering just like when Kaido ruled," an elder muttered, his voice trembling.
"What a shame. We were so hopeful," a young man sighed.
Kikunojo stared at the village entrance, disappointment clouding her expression. "I knew it. Wano still needs to be rescued."
Suddenly, the ground trembled.
Boom, boom.
At the far end of the village, a massive caravan approached. Leading it was Issho, dressed in white, his expression calm and steady.
"T… that's…"
"Food. There's food!"
"What Kaito said was true. It's all true!"
Joy erupted through the village.
Moments later, Issho and the others rolled into Pickle Village with carts piled high with supplies. He stepped down slowly, his eyes facing the crowd.
"These are fresh supplies and clean water. They're safe," Issho announced. "Kaito sama keeps his word. Based on your population, each person will receive thirty catties of food and water. This is enough for three days. After that, we'll distribute again."
He continued, "The harmful factories across Wano are already being demolished. Once the rivers are restored, we'll guide everyone back into farming. Until then, all food and water will be supplied by us. Kaito sama promised stability, and he will deliver it."
"Is… is this real? Am I dreaming? I never thought I'd see hope in Wano again," the old man cried openly.
His tears triggered an outpouring from the villagers. Their cries were not of despair, but rebirth, joy, and relief long denied.
Issho smiled gently. "Don't cry. Today marks a new beginning. Everything will improve from here. Come collect your food and water."
"Line up, everyone! This is the aid Kaito gifted us!" the old man shouted.
"Treat the food with care," a young couple said to a pirate crew member.
"Yes, Issho sama," the man answered respectfully.
Issho turned and walked toward Kikunojo.
"What do you need from me?" Kikunojo asked, brows raised, though her distrust had noticeably softened after witnessing Kaito's actions.
"The captain asked me to inform you. Our forces are limited, and we cannot protect every village at every moment," Issho explained. "If there's trouble in the future, deal with it however you see fit. You're familiar with the identities of the Nine Heroes. You understand we do not hide."
"What if the criminals are pirates?" she questioned.
"Capture them. Hand them over to us. Kaito sama intends to clean out the filth within our ranks as well."
Kikunojo considered this. "For the sake of the villagers… fine. But I hope he truly wants to give Wano a better life."
Issho nodded. "He does."
He then retrieved a purple jade pendant carved with the figure of Susanoo and placed it in her palm.
"The captain asked me to give this to you. Consider it a commission."
"What does it mean?"
"From this moment, you are the village chief. If trouble arises, show this pendant when our people arrive. They will respect your authority. Use it to protect your village and guide your people."
Kikunojo stared at the pendant, emotions swirling. She should have felt proud, yet she was one of the Nine Heroes who once served Kozuki Oden. Accepting this felt like stepping onto Kaido's ship, fighting beside the man who killed her former lord.
Her heart tightened.
But looking at the villagers laughing, crying, finally hopeful… her hesitation deepened.
"These concerns were expected," Issho said softly. "This pendant represents authority for this village alone. It does not mean you have joined our pirate crew. Kaito sama understood your conflict."
Kikunojo let out a long breath. "Then I'll accept."
Issho then placed a small Den Den Mushi into her hands. "Use this. If trouble arises, call us immediately and we'll send help."
"Thank you," Kikunojo said sincerely, bowing her head.
"It's only right."
When they finished speaking, Issho departed, leaving behind the cheers of Pickle Village. Joy and tears filled the air.
Scenes like this appeared in village after village. That day, Kaito's reputation in Wano surpassed even Kaido.
…
Far from the noise, ancient trees towered over the quiet forest where Kaito walked beside Ulti. Her nonstop talking and complaints had carried on the entire way, yet it filled the woods with a strange liveliness.
Eventually, Ulti looked up. "Kaito sama, what are we doing out here?"
"Looking for someone. You remember this place, right?"
"Yeah. There used to be a village here before it was destroyed," she answered.
"It was destroyed," Kaito agreed, "but two people remain. I'm here to convince them to move somewhere safer. It'll be easier to manage Wano that way."
"Seriously?" Ulti leaned in so close she almost pressed her forehead against him. "There are people still living here?"
"Of course," he shrugged.
Both transformed slightly using their abilities, speeding through the forest until they reached a massive wooden house built high into a tree.
"Who are you?"
A young girl stepped out, no more than a small loli with violet hair, dressed in a patched green kimono. She stared at them, cautious yet curious.
"My name is Ayanami Kaito," Kaito said, placing a gentle hand on her head. "Where are your parents?"
____
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