Within the Shogun's Castle in the Flower Capital of Wano Country, Kaido sat in a wide chair, holding a Den Den Mushi.
Occasionally, cherry blossom petals drifting outside were blown into the room by the wind, but Kaido's attention was completely focused on the call.
"So you've taken the Duchy of Dook?" Kaido's low voice echoed in the spacious hall.
From the other end of the Den Den Mushi came Bullet's steady report. "Yes, Big Brother Kaido."
The situation in the Duchy of Dook had been even more successful than anticipated. Under the combined assault of Beasts Pirates executives like Bullet, Moria, and Urouge, the nation had fallen within a single day. A savage grin spread across Kaido's lips, revealing his sharp fangs.
"Wororororo, Bullet, I'll need you and the others to garrison the Duchy of Dook for a while," Kaido said, his thick fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. "If you leave now, that piece of fat will be quickly carved up by other forces."
"Understood, Big Brother Kaido," Bullet's voice came through the Den Den Mushi. "However, this country's system is quite corrupt. Although Dook III attempted reforms and achieved some results, a significant portion of the nobility still monopolizes the nation's power. To completely control the Duchy of Dook, we may need to dispatch some personnel skilled in governance from Wano Country."
Kaido narrowed his eyes, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his red pupils. "I'll arrange that. Since the Duchy of Dook is now in our hands, those corrupt nobles have no further reason to exist."
"I'll handle it properly, Big Brother Kaido," Bullet responded crisply.
"You've done well this time, Bullet," Kaido's voice held a note of approval. "I believe it won't be long before your names resound throughout the entire New World."
After discussing a few more details, Kaido ended the call. He placed the Den Den Mushi back on the table, stood up, and walked to the window, gazing out at the bustling streets of the Flower Capital.
Kaido stared into the distance, a cold smile curling his lips. The fall of the Duchy of Dook was just the beginning. His ambition was gradually devouring the map of the New World.
Inside the Shogun's Castle, Kaido sat on the main seat with his eyes closed, resting. Candlelight flickered in the great hall, casting his silhouette on the wall, making him appear especially tall and imposing.
"Lord Myōō, a woman has come to the castle gates, saying she wishes to see you," a samurai reported, striding quickly into the hall and kneeling on one knee.
Kaido slowly opened his eyes. A flicker of impatience passed through his golden, slit pupils. "A woman? Since when can just anyone come to see me?" His voice was low and filled with oppressive force, his gaze like a blade sweeping over the kneeling samurai.
The samurai immediately felt a chill run down his spine, fine beads of sweat instantly appearing on his forehead. He internally regretted accepting the woman's gift for this audience; now his back felt cold, as if he were being watched by a wild beast.
"L-Lord Myōō," the samurai's voice trembled slightly. "The woman says she has important business... and... and that she is from eight hundred years ago."
"Eight hundred years ago?" Kaido raised an eyebrow slightly, a touch of surprise in his tone.
Seeing that Kaido seemed interested, the samurai hurriedly added, "Yes. She also says she is a sorceress who came to this era through a special ability."
A contemplative gleam flashed in Kaido's eyes, and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "Interesting. Bring her to me."
"As you command!" The samurai felt as if pardoned from a death sentence, immediately rising and quickly exiting the hall. His steps were hurried, almost a jog as he left the castle.
Outside the castle gates, a woman in a pink kimono waited anxiously. She had light green hair, gathered into two side buns, with red and yellow hair ornaments adorning the right side. Her kimono was embroidered with crescent moon-like patterns, and a finely crafted katana was sheathed at her waist.
"Sir, does Lord Myōō agree to see me?" Seeing the samurai emerge, the woman—Toki—immediately stepped forward to ask.
The samurai's face was dark. "Follow me," he said coldly. In a foul mood after nearly losing his life, he naturally had no kind expression for this woman who had almost caused his demise, but he dared not disobey Kaido's order.
Toki quickly followed the samurai's steps. Passing through multiple courtyards, she looked around curiously at the grand castle. The interior was heavily guarded, every aspect showcasing the owner's power.
When Toki stepped into the great hall, Kaido was seated imposingly on the main seat. His massive frame almost filled the entire throne. Toki unconsciously held her breath. This was far from the image of a "learned scholar" she had imagined.
"So you're the one who wants to see me?" Kaido's voice reverberated through the hall.
Toki composed herself, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Lord Myōō. I am a user of the Toki Toki no Mi, born over eight hundred years ago. Due to certain circumstances, I needed to travel to the future Wano Country, so I kept leaping through time and finally arrived in this era."
Her eyes were full of curiosity. Before coming to the castle, she had already toured the Flower Capital. The common people all said that their lives had gradually improved in recent years because Kaido had become the Guardian Deity King. This had piqued Toki's strong interest in this ruler.
Kaido examined the woman before him, noting the katana at her waist and her distinct attire. He asked in a deep voice, "What was Wano Country like eight hundred years ago?"
Toki was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting this question. After collecting her thoughts for a moment, she replied, "I apologize, Lord Myōō. Although my parents were from the Amatsuki Clan of Wano Country, I have never actually set foot on that land myself."
Kaido's gaze grew even more profound. He slowly rose to his feet, his tall stature nearly touching the ceiling. "What is your purpose in traveling through time?" His voice carried an irresistible authority.
Toki felt an intangible pressure, but she mustered her courage and met Kaido's eyes directly. "I am searching for an answer. An answer about Wano Country's future."
"And have you found it?" Kaido pressed, his gaze piercing.
"Not yet," Toki shook her head gently. "But I would like to request your permission, Lord Myōō, to allow me to stay in Wano Country. I wish to see with my own eyes the changes the people of the Flower Capital speak of."
Kaido pondered for a moment. He was indeed very interested in this woman who could travel through time. "Granted," he finally nodded. "Aside from a few restricted areas, you may freely come and go anywhere in Wano Country."
"Thank you so very much, Lord Myōō," Toki hurriedly bowed in gratitude, a look of thankfulness on her face.
Kaido noticed she still seemed to have something to say and asked directly, "Is there something else?"
Toki fidgeted slightly, twisting her fingers. "Lord Myōō, could I... could I borrow some money? To see you, I've spent all the money I had." A faint blush colored her cheeks as she said this.
"Wororororo..." Kaido let out his trademark laugh. "Very well. I'll have someone prepare money for you shortly. In the meantime, you may stay temporarily within the castle."
Toki bowed deeply once more. "I am immensely grateful for your generosity, Lord Myōō."
***
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