Wano wasn't very large—traveling by Beast Cart, one could get from the northernmost Ringo to the southern tip at Jinbu Port in just a day.
Which meant: news traveled fast.
"Kaidou's daughter?!"
In just a week, Yamato's existence had shocked countless people across Wano. No one had expected that Kaidou actually had a daughter.
Not only that, she was about to open a hot spring spa in the Flower Capital, set to officially launch in a week.
Those who received an invitation were overjoyed. Those who didn't were on pins and needles—especially the wealthy and powerful, who would fight tooth and nail just for a chance to show up.
Everyone in Wano knew that the true ruler of the land wasn't the flashy and arrogant shōgun Orochi—but the protector king Kaidou himself!
If they could use this chance to get in Yamato's good graces, wouldn't that be a shortcut to fortune and power?
—
A secret base of the Kozuki loyalist samurai.
The gathered warriors were visibly thrilled.
"This is it!"
"We never expected Kaidou to have a daughter!"
"This is the perfect opportunity for revenge!"
"If we kill Kaidou's daughter, he'll suffer like never before!"
They all knew that even united, they didn't stand a chance against Kaidou. But they had no other choice.
Time was running out. Their bodies were aging, their lives like candles in the wind. They couldn't wait for the prophecy of Lady Toki's twenty years.
They refused to die in obscurity.
Even knowing they would perish, they wanted to die as true Kozuki samurai—with pride and fire.
Now, they had a shot.
They would make Kaidou feel what it meant to lose family.
—
Flower Capital – The Red Light District.
After a week of wandering, Rogan brought Yamato into the capital, heading toward the largest brothel in the pleasure quarters.
"Those rats should be taking the bait right about now."
A sly smile spread across Rogan's face.
If Kozuki remnants were easy to find, they'd have been wiped out by the Beasts Pirates already. He wasn't about to waste effort on a thankless task.
If they were hard to locate—then bait them out.
And he just happened to have the tastiest bait on hand.
Rogan glanced at Yamato and licked his lips.
A naive, rich, sweet beauty like her?
With a girl like this, his landlord ambitions could go way further!
Yamato, meanwhile, was eyeing the extravagantly dressed women in the shops on either side, a bit envious. She wanted to wear a pretty kimono too.
"Rogan, what's this place?"
"This here? It's a chicken coop."
Rogan beamed, pointing forward.
A parade of oiran was making its way down the street, escorted by guards—clearly heading for Orochi's castle.
"Over there."
"Huh?"
Yamato turned and gasped.
"She's so beautiful!"
"You'd look just as good if you dressed up."
Rogan sighed.
The girl had top-tier looks and figure—but way too much tomboy energy. She never dressed up and had zero feminine charm.
"I should dress up…"
Yamato looked at her outfit and blushed.
She felt… a little embarrassed.
"Who is she, Rogan?"
"Her?"
Rogan grinned.
"That's Komurasaki—famed across the capital and all of Wano as the number one… chicken!"
"Chicken?"
Yamato blinked in confusion, and her mind conjured a strange image of Komurasaki standing on a roof, crowing loudly at sunrise.
Cluck cluck–koooo!!
So scary!!!
"Don't let your imagination run wild. Come on."
Once the oiran parade passed, Rogan took Yamato to the largest brothel in the district—Komurasaki's establishment.
"I'm here to see Boss Kyoshiro."
"Please, come in. One moment."
Noticing Rogan's Beasts Pirates attire, the guards didn't dare be rude. They led the two inside for tea, then ran upstairs to report.
Boss Kyoshiro was sleeping.
It wasn't long before a bleary-eyed Kyoshiro appeared, looking worn out—as if his nights had been too wild.
At the sight of Rogan, Kyoshiro's rage surged.
That bastard!
He had thought that building a new storehouse would cost at most 200 gold. Now? He'd burned through over 2000 gold!
He'd been working overtime every day till five in the morning!
Ever seen the sunrise at 5AM?
He saw it daily!
Kyoshiro...
You must endure. Endure!
The most important thing for an undercover agent... is patience!
Forcing a smile, Kyoshiro grit his teeth and said:
"Why, if it isn't Brother Rogan! What an honor to have you grace my humble abode."
"Boss Kyoshiro, you're too kind."
Rogan bowed with a broad smile. "Don't worry, Boss. I'm not here to ask for repayment."
He said "not here to ask for repayment"—but the words "ask for repayment" were deliberately emphasized.
So… when's that 500 gold compensation gonna be paid, huh?
Kyoshiro's temple throbbed, barely holding back his urge to draw his sword.
You bloodsucker! Coming to my house to collect debts?!
If word got out, his honor as a capital samurai would be in shambles!
He took a deep breath, shoved the rage down, and said:
"Brother Rogan, you jest. Just 500 gold? I'll have it brought over immediately."
"Boss, you're so generous!"
Rogan beamed and praised him loudly.
Soon, a chest of 500 gold was placed before him.
Rogan swiftly stashed the gold and shamelessly added:
"Boss Kyoshiro, actually… there's another small favor I'd like to ask."
"…"
Kyoshiro fell silent for a moment, then casually glanced toward Yamato, who was happily munching on sweets. Suspicion flickered in his eyes.
Judging from recent rumors, if his guess was right—this slightly airheaded girl was Kaidou's daughter.
He had long known Kaidou had a daughter, though he'd never met her. King and Queen rarely spoke of her—and when they did, it was always in hushed, wary tones. All he knew was that she was a berserker, constantly challenging Kaidou in her pursuit of strength.
But this girl didn't look the part at all!
Kyoshiro looked back at Rogan.
What was clear, though, was that this man had a close relationship with Kaidou's daughter. Otherwise, there was no way he could host an opening ceremony in her name.
This was a connection worth investing in.
Only five years remained until the promised day. Before Lord Momonosuke returned, he had to build relationships with as many Beasts officers as possible—lay the groundwork for the coming war.
Today's favor might become tomorrow's advantage.
Kyoshiro took a sip of sake and gave his signature fox-like smile.
"Brother Rogan, if there's anything you need, just say the word. If it's within my power, I won't refuse."
"Boss Kyoshiro!"
Rogan wiped at the corner of his eye, touched.
What a good man.
If he didn't know Kyoshiro's true identity, he'd want to swear brotherhood right then and there!
Hehehe… well then, don't mind if I do.
"Boss, as you know, my hot spring resort is opening soon. So I'd like to borrow a few of your courtesans to help spice things up."
"Oh, that's all?"
Kyoshiro relaxed.
That was easy enough.
Just lending a few girls, right?
"How many do you need?"
"Well… just 100 for now."
"…How many??"
Kyoshiro's voice shot up.
His entire shop didn't even have fifty!
"100 courtesans!"
Rogan rubbed his fingers together with a smile.
"Oh right—Boss Kyoshiro…"
"Could I borrow Oiran Komurasaki too?"
"Without her to draw the crowd… it just wouldn't feel like a proper party!"
(End of Chapter)
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