Yamato's voice rang out with the innocence of childhood, yet the words she spoke carried the weight of a declaration.
"I have been betrayed three times, and so I have learned that all things in this world are nothing but deception."
"My anger shall never cease!"
"The first was by my creator — my so-called father. Consumed by jealousy, he imprisoned me, the one who aspired to godhood, and even sought to take my life!"
"The second was by my family — my friend, Black Maria. Bound by fear, she saw me as an abomination and cast me aside!"
"The third was by my attendant — the one I had hoped would bring me my fragrant, delicious meals. Controlled by their own weakness, they broke their promise to me — they passed out and forgot to deliver my food!"
"People cannot be trusted. I renounce them all. I reject and mock every aspect of the human world!"
"My heart shall never again be tainted by the mundane. I shall cast aside the inferior emotions of humanity. The emptiness within me shall be filled, as it was at the moment of my birth — like a pure white scroll — overflowing with reverence for the divine!"
"Have no fear. Pain is but a moment. Your era... is over!"
Yamato finished reciting the words in her childish voice, then turned to Ren and clutched her stomach pitifully.
"Can we eat now, Ren-sama?"
"Yes, we can. Once you've eaten, we'll head back."
Ren nodded with satisfaction. Onigashima still had plenty of food reserves — more than enough for Yamato to eat her fill.
Before they left, Yamato spoke up again.
"Oh, Ren-sama — there's also Black Maria. Could you take her with us too? She's my only friend."
That was what she said, but in truth, if Ren hadn't mentioned Black Maria's name during that earlier speech, Yamato probably wouldn't have even remembered she existed.
And so, following Rob Lucci, the Kuri Kindergarten took on two new students.
No — correction. It should now be called the Inazuma Kindergarten.
...
Over the past few days, Ren's household and all affiliated members had relocated from Kuri to the Flower Capital.
His future residence, the former Shogun's Castle, had been reconstructed into an even grander Tenshukaku.
A massive statue had been erected before the gates of the Tenshukaku, and further out, new headquarters for the Three Magistrates had been constructed.
Ayame continued to serve as head of the Public Security Force, Yuriko remained in charge of the Commerce Magistrate, and Keiko continued to lead the Finance Magistrate.
The capital city of the Flower Capital itself had been expanded as well. Those who had been living in Kuri were given the option to relocate here during this period.
It was a small privilege Ren extended to the people of Kuri, who had been the first to follow him.
Naturally, they had to pay for their own housing. But most people from Kuri weren't exactly short on money.
Beyond the Flower Capital, the other regions were also undergoing active reconstruction. Many of these areas had been nearly depopulated and could absorb a large number of displaced citizens.
Among those who had originally risen up alongside Shimotsuki Yasuyoshi against Kaido and Orochi, many had fallen in battle.
Kozuki Oden's retainers had suffered especially heavy losses — nearly all of them had perished during the war.
However, Shimotsuki Yasuyoshi, Shimotsuki Ushimaru, and Hyogoro were still alive.
Ren had intended to preserve the Shimotsuki clan's traditional status. Wiping out the old nobility entirely would have been unwise.
At the very least, it was important to project an image of generosity and magnanimity.
But Shimotsuki Yasuyoshi declined the offer.
"Forget about me. Let Ushimaru continue to serve as daimyo. That way, the Shimotsuki clan won't be completely erased."
Yasuyoshi let out a long, weary sigh. The years of resistance had left him profoundly exhausted.
He had no desire to involve himself in politics any further. All he wanted was for the country to know peace and stability.
More than a decade of rebellion. The Fuyuki and Kozuki clans had been wiped from existence.
Only the Amatsuki and Shimotsuki clans remained, weathering the storm.
Titles like "legitimate heir" and "rightful ruler" had long ceased to matter.
Especially since, from this day forward, the country would no longer be called Wano.
Ren didn't press the issue. After Yuriko had recorded all the relevant details, he took his leave.
One week later, beneath the ever-blooming cherry blossom tree outside the Tenshukaku in the Flower Capital — before the yet-unfinished statue of the divine — Ren revealed himself before the entire nation.
The Flower Capital was packed beyond capacity. It wasn't just the capital's residents who had gathered.
Countless displaced citizens and people from every region of the country had traveled here, all waiting for a glimpse of the legendary god.
They had come to behold the most magnificent and supreme figure in the mortal realm.
Ren stood there, his very presence like a bolt of lightning cast across the sky.
To look upon him was to feel awe. To hear of him was to feel both reverence and fear.
But his role today was simply to appear and nothing more. He didn't need to address the crowd.
After all, as the handsome Aizen had once said: "Admiration is the emotion furthest from understanding."
The greater the distance between god and mortal, the deeper the people's devotion to Ren would grow.
In time, it would replace even the Kozuki name, seeping directly into their very DNA.
The task of relaying Ren's decrees fell to the Public Security Force.
Ayame stood before the divine statue with her black hair tied high, clad in light armor.
Her posture was proud and imperious as she gazed down upon the gathered masses.
"The villains Kurozumi Orochi and Kaido tyrannized this nation for over a decade."
"Now, by the grace of the Great Lord Mikatsumikami, who has deigned to descend among us, the evils have been purged."
"With merciless lightning, the White Snake and the Wicked Dragon have been slain!"
"The one who now bears the title of 'Mikatsumikami Ōgosho,' the unquestioned sovereign of this land — shall become its true Shogun!"
"And this nation shall henceforth be known as Inazuma — a land of eternal paradise!"
Ayame's voice, amplified by the power of Ren's Ōnyūdō Fruit, reached the ears of every single person present.
Ren could hear their inner thoughts, so he knew that many were confused by the change of the country's name.
Yet not a single voice was raised in protest.
Having witnessed him slay the flying dragon and the white serpent with their own eyes, the people's faith in Ren had already reached an extraordinary level.
They might have questions, but none would dare voice dissent.
In their minds, any confusion was simply a product of their own ignorance — an inability to comprehend the true intentions of a god.
They believed that whatever Ren did, there must be a profound and divine purpose behind it.
In reality, Ren's reasoning was far less grandiose.
He just thought "Wano Country" sounded ugly. That was all.
Ayame went on to praise the rebel forces led by Shimotsuki Yasuyoshi, announcing that the Finance Magistrate would fund the reconstruction of every region.
Only after that did she address the appointment of the new daimyo.
"From this day forward, Shimotsuki Ushimaru shall continue as daimyo of the Ringo region."
"Shutenmaru shall serve as daimyo of Kuri."
"Kurotsuki Semimaru shall serve as daimyo of Hakumai."
"Amatsuki shall serve as daimyo of Kibi."
"Kujou Yayoi shall serve as daimyo of Usagi."
In truth, the power of these daimyo had been drastically reduced. They no longer had autonomy over military or financial matters.
Where once the regions had been附属 of the Flower Capital, they were now little more than provinces of Inazuma.
Ayame swiftly finished reading Ren's proclamation.
But just as she was about to step down, her chest swelled with fierce pride, and she roared at the top of her lungs:
"The Great Way is Vast, the Thunder God is Eternal!"
Hearing those words, something inexplicable ignited in the hearts of the assembled citizens.
Millions of voices joined together in a thunderous roar:
"The Great Way is Vast, the Thunder God is Eternal!"
[
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