Wano Country had never been a place of peace, neither now nor twenty years from now.
Black had barely been in the country for a few days and was already growing bored.
But news from Flower Capital quickly reached him
Hyogoro, the underworld boss and a longtime ally of Kozuki Oden, had been supposedly killed by Kaido along with his subordinates and wife because he refused to bow to Orochi and Kaido.
Black immediately realized that the decisive battle between Kozuki Oden and Kaido was imminent.
Although Hyogoro was not actually dead, but imprisoned, everyone in Wano believed the rumor.
Upon hearing this, Oden summoned the Nine Red Scabbards at once. He crushed a sake bowl in his hand, shards digging into his palm, yet he seemed oblivious to the pain.
"Hyogoro and his wife… they're dead. Kaido did this."
Kin'emon's pupils narrowed sharply.
"What? They promised… five years!"
Denjiro slammed his scabbard to the ground with a thunderous bang.
"We've been played like fools for five years! All we received were lies!"
Oden stood tall, half of his face shadowed, his tone calm but his fury barely contained:
"It's my fault. I thought giving concessions would bring peace, but I allowed the venomous snake to consume Wano Country. But today… the venomous snake shall be beheaded!"
"Lord Oden…" The Nine Red Scabbards could barely contain their excitement. They had waited far too long for this moment.
Oden's voice deepened. "Tonight, will you follow me to Onigashima and take Kaido's head?"
The Red Scabbards kneeled in unison, plunging their weapons into the ground.
"No regrets, even if we die!"
"Good!" Oden laughed heartily, exuding grandeur. "Go back and prepare; tonight, we act!"
This was Kozuki Oden's plan in full: a surprise attack aiming for Kaido's head. He had not factored in the power gap or the plan's potential failure. He was overconfident, believing he could strike Kaido before the Beasts Pirates could react.
Meanwhile, after the Red Scabbards departed, Lady Toki emerged from her room, worry etched across her face.
"Is now truly the right time for battle? Didn't you say only twenty years from now would someone defeat Kaido and save Wano?"
Oden remained composed, projecting authority.
"If I simply swallow my anger and do nothing to avenge Hyogoro, then what is the difference between living and dying? I am the Shogun of Wano Country. No matter what, I must protect this land!"
…Elsewhere, after leaving Oden, Kanjuro contacted Orochi, detailing Kozuki Oden's plan. Orochi panicked, immediately summoning Kaido via transponder snail.
Kaido laughed uproariously.
"Wororororo… impressive courage. Fine. Don't worry. Let them come. Today, I will crush them completely!"
Hanging up, Kaido returned to his drink. Orochi's heart eased slightly but he continued pacing, consulting Kurozumi Higurashi about countermeasures.
Night fell. Oden bid farewell to his family, then stood before the Nine Red Scabbards. No speeches this time—he drew Ame-no-Habakiri and pointed it toward Onigashima.
"Depart!"
As Oden's group moved toward Onigashima, Black concluded his own days of leisure. He withdrew his gaze from the geisha, standing.
"They're starting. We should go too."
"Oh yeah!" Perona cheered, following eagerly. She had spent her days bored in the entertainment district, craving mischief.
Black led them through a circuitous route to a secluded courtyard. Stella stepped forward, gently knocking.
"Who's there?" a wary voice called.
Seeing Black remain silent, Stella did not answer either.
Finally, the door opened, revealing a delicate, fair face. Long, light green hair flowed like silk, glimmering under the moonlight. Orange bows and purple beads adorned it. She wore a pink kimono with white trims along the collar and sleeves. Her eyes were bright and gentle.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady," Black greeted with a smile.
Lady Toki's expression hardened. "You are… from the World Government?" She stepped back, intending to close the door, but Mandy held it open.
Black walked in, surveying the courtyard with a smirk.
"Orochi bears quite the grudge against the Kozuki family; after seizing the throne, he didn't even arrange a proper place for you."
Momonosuke and Hiyori, hearing the noise, ran out to investigate. Lady Toki hurried to shield them.
"What is your purpose here?" she demanded.
Black shrugged. "Nothing much… I heard Wano Country has a red poneglyph. Can the Lady tell me where it is?"
"You, from the World Government… here for a poneglyph?" Lady Toki's eyes widened, disbelief written on her face.
Black raised an eyebrow. "It seems the Lady knows something."
He realized: she was from over eight hundred years ago, and the ancient war had not truly ended.
Lady Toki spread her arms in front of the children, retreating cautiously.
"I will not tell you the poneglyph's location. You will not take it!"
Black chuckled, shaking his head. "Lady, I'm speaking nicely. Do you think I'm easy to deal with?"
He stepped closer, gaze sharpening.
"Mandy! Cut off that perverted brat's hand!"
Mandy, standing behind Black, vanished instantly and reappeared beside Momonosuke, swinging her sword with lethal precision.