Chapter 17: Subduing Shutenmaru and the Tenryu Bugyo
Jail Dragon Break was a technique originating from the Amenonuhoko, the Heavenly Cloud Slicing Sword, in the Inuyasha movie Swords of an Honorable Ruler.
Ren was not actually using that move. He was merely naming the slashes released by the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi. In the future, if he were to obtain another Devil Fruit, such as the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, he might even be able to perform techniques similar to Azure Dragon Break, or perhaps even Musou no Hitotachi.
After a single strike, the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi in Ren's hand dissipated, revealing the chipped blade beneath.
At the same time, the clouds above Head Mountain dispersed. Ren had held back and not used his full power, yet the bandit stronghold had already been reduced to ruins by the previous slash.
Shutenmaru lay on the ground, his body covered in wounds, appearing almost lifeless.
However, he still had a breath left. Lying on the ground, he stared up at Ren.
"I never expected… such terrifying power," Shutenmaru said, coughing up blood. "I lost. Do whatever you want."
His posture, as though he were offering his neck for slaughter, made Ren look at him with mild surprise. It seemed this man was not afraid of death.
"I want to end the chaos in Kuri and turn it into a place where people can live in peace," Ren said calmly. "What do you think?"
"You bandits all deserve death. Do you want to use this chance to do something useful with your pardoned lives?"
"Make this… Kuri also become," Shutenmaru coughed again, blood staining his lips, "a place where people can live in peace?"
His eyes widened, bloodshot, his gaze trembling. Ren's words struck him deeply.
Shutenmaru was different from the criminals who fled to Kuri. He had been born in this hell. The world Ren described was something he had only imagined as a child.
"Can something like that really be done?"
"Why not?" Ren replied.
As long as one had enough power, there would always be a way to force the world to conform to one's will. Kaido had oppressed Wano Country for many years and succeeded. There was no reason Ren could not govern Kuri into order.
"In that case," Shutenmaru nodded slowly, "count me in."
Ren had not expected such an easy agreement. He was not Kozuki Oden. Without the Kozuki name, it was strange for people to trust him so readily.
At that moment, the severely injured Shutenmaru plunged his sword into the ground. Gripping the hilt with both hands, he forced himself to stand.
"No one who ever came to Kuri had such an idea."
"This hellish place was abandoned by the country long ago," he said hoarsely. "So… I'm willing to try with you."
Shutenmaru's appearance was almost comical, with his round body and thick, sausage-like lips. Yet in Ren's eyes, he finally showed some backbone.
"In that case, once your injuries recover, follow me and gather the remaining bandits," Ren said. "Recruit those willing to submit. Anyone who still treats Kuri as a paradise for crime should be killed."
Ren was merciless.
Many of the bandits in Kuri were beyond saving, including many of Shutenmaru's former subordinates.
Ren needed their strength, not their loyalty. If they worked honestly, they could live. If they believed they could continue doing whatever they pleased, they were mistaken.
"I understand," Shutenmaru said quietly.
Three days later, although Shutenmaru and the others were still wrapped in bandages, it no longer hindered their movements.
The Head Mountain Bandits had been the strongest force in Kuri. By subduing them, Ren had completed more than half of his objective. What remained were the scattered bandit groups.
He did not need to act personally. These former Head Mountain Bandits had now become his blades.
Even so, after some thought, Ren still planted the Serpent's Seal on them, Shutenmaru included. They were pardoned criminals, and Ren had no intention of extending unnecessary trust.
The bandits moved swiftly. Before long, the other groups were either wiped out or forced to submit. All those willing to surrender were brought before Ren.
During this time, Ren remained on Head Mountain. Over the past few days, the area had changed significantly. Some bandits were sent out, while others stayed behind voluntarily to help construct the Daimyo's Mansion.
"Lord Ren," someone reported while kneeling, "all the larger bandit groups have been dealt with. However, a few fled into the southern forests and could not be found."
Ren nodded.
"They won't cause trouble," Shutenmaru said. "They probably won't even survive in those mountains."
The beasts of the Pirate World were ferocious, especially in the New World, where powerful creatures roamed freely.
"Leave them," Ren said. "Shutenmaru, organize the remaining bandits into an army. From now on, maintaining order in Kuri will be your responsibility."
"I will not pay you. In the past, you were destroyers of order. Consider this work atonement for your sins."
Shutenmaru nodded without hesitation.
This was not merely because of the Serpent's Seal. Even without it, he would not have objected. Since he had chosen to follow Ren and change Kuri, this was only right.
"In that case," Ren continued, "it's no longer appropriate to call you bandits. From today onward, you are the Tenryu Bugyo."
He had long intended to rename the country Inazuma once he ruled Wano Country. Establishing the Tenryu Bugyo now would serve as the foundation of his military authority.
"From now on, robberies are forbidden. All women who were abducted must be returned. Announce the construction of the Daimyo's Mansion throughout Kuri."
Shutenmaru knelt. "Understood."
"Oh, one more thing," Ren added. "Tell the villagers that the Daimyo's Mansion is under construction. Anyone willing to help will receive food in exchange for their labor."
Work-for-relief was effective. Ren did not need much from them physically. What mattered was preventing a mentality of survival through handouts alone.
As Shutenmaru prepared to depart, Ren was already planning the next step. Once the Daimyo's Mansion was complete, these same people would be used to help the villagers reclaim wasteland and rebuild Kuri from its roots.