Chapter 195 – Master Yamato
In the end, Hiyori Kozuki was persuaded by Denjiro. But what Denjiro didn't expect was that, after calming herself, Hiyori made a decision that completely shocked him.
"Denjiro, I understand. I won't act recklessly," Hiyori said, wiping away her tears. "But you don't have to throw your life away either. Since there's no longer any hope of saving my brother, there's no reason for anyone else to die needlessly."
She looked straight into Denjiro's eyes, her tone trembling but firm.
"You should find a way to contact Raizo, who's overseas. Tell him not to let Inuarashi and Nekomamushi bring the Mink Tribe back to Wano—it's too dangerous. Tell them it's my order, and that they must continue to wait…"
Her voice broke as tears rolled down her cheeks, but she bit her lip and forced herself to continue.
"Even if my brother is gone, I—Hiyori Kozuki—will carry on my father's will. I will defeat Kaido and Orochi one day, and restore the land of Wano. Tell them to believe in me… and to keep waiting."
"As for Ashura Dōji and Kawamatsu, who are still in Wano…" She paused, her shoulders trembling. "Please tell them I'm sorry."
Her composure crumbled, and she broke down crying. "I'm so sorry… ahhhh!"
"Lady Hiyori…" Denjiro's expression softened. He was first stunned, then moved—and finally, he smiled gently.
He walked forward and embraced her lightly. "You don't have to apologize. Our lives were saved by Lord Oden. Even if Kawamatsu and Ashura Dōji heard your words, they wouldn't resent you. They'd only feel relieved, like I do now."
"R-really?" Hiyori lifted her tear-streaked face, looking up at Denjiro.
"Yes." Denjiro nodded firmly. "For us, nothing in this world brings greater joy than seeing you grow strong with your own will."
He smiled and added, "Don't worry, I'll find a way to contact Raizo. I'll tell him and the others of your decision. I'm sure they'll be proud of you, Your Highness."
"Ahhh—" Hiyori cried again, clutching Denjiro's sleeve.
---
Wano Country — Kuri Region
At the ruins of Oden Castle, before the graves of Kozuki Oden and Toki, two figures sat in silence.
One was tall and muscular; the other short and round. They were Ashura Dōji and Kawamatsu the Kappa, two of the Nine Red Scabbards.
Kawamatsu gazed at the moonlit sky and quietly recited the words that Lady Toki had left behind twenty years ago:
> "When the world is shrouded in darkness and the moon hides like a queen,
Stand still and wait for the dawn.
In the twentieth year, nine shadows will cast the sunlight upon the eastern sea."
Kawamatsu sighed softly. "Ashura Dōji… do you still believe Lady Toki's prophecy will come true?"
"I don't know," Ashura Dōji muttered, shaking his head. He lifted a sake bottle and took a deep drink.
Although Momonosuke had indeed traveled twenty years into the future, the boy had since been captured by Orochi and Kaido. Now, only he and Kawamatsu remained of the Nine Scabbards. No matter how they looked at it, there was no hope left of defeating Kaido or liberating Wano.
That was why Ashura Dōji never gathered his old band of thieves from Mount Atama. He knew that dragging them into this hopeless battle would only send them to their deaths.
Kawamatsu also understood this bitter truth. Even so, they both knew that tomorrow, when the time came, they would still stand and fight.
Even if they couldn't save their young master, they could at least die alongside the final heir of the Kozuki clan.
---
Wano Country — Udon Region, Rabbit Bowl Prison Mine
In the dusty quarry, an elderly man with a short, plump frame and flame-shaped blue hair sat quietly in a corner. Tattoos of blue flames covered his shoulders and back.
He was Hyogoro the Flower, the former yakuza boss of Wano, who had once taught Monkey D. Luffy the secret of Ryuo—the advanced form of Armament Haki.
In his trembling hands was a newspaper announcing that Kozuki Momonosuke would be executed tomorrow in the Flower Capital.
Hyogoro's eyes filled with tears. His hands shook as he read the words again and again, unable to believe them.
---
Wano Country — Hakumai Region
Inside a humble home, a strange old man with an unchanging smile on his face was also reading the same headline. Tears streamed silently down his cheeks despite the permanent grin.
His name was Yasuie Shimotsuki, once known as the Daimyo of Hakumai. After helping the Kozuki resist Kaido and Orochi twenty years ago, he lost everything. To survive, he adopted the name Tonoyasu, living in Ebisu Town and helping the poor.
Because he had eaten a defective SMILE fruit, his body was cursed—unable to express any emotion other than laughter.
He turned toward his sleeping daughter, Otoko, a look of deep guilt in his eyes. Quietly wiping his tears, he left the room without a word.
---
Flower Capital — Prison Tower
In the dark corridors of the prison, a plump kunoichi with pink makeup slipped silently between the shadows.
She was Shinobu, once one of Kozuki Oden's loyal retainers. Though not one of the Nine Red Scabbards, her loyalty to the Kozuki family burned just as fiercely.
After sneaking deep into the prison, Shinobu finally reached the cell where Momonosuke was being held. But several armed guards from the Beast Pirates—the Gifter soldiers—stood watch outside.
She assessed the situation and realized there was no way to rescue the boy quietly. Steeling herself, she prepared to strike—
—when suddenly, the front gates of the prison exploded open.
BOOM!
A tall figure strode through the smoke. The newcomer wore a Hannya mask, a long divine robe, and shackles around both wrists. A large iron club—without spikes—was strapped to their back.
Before the Beast Pirates could react, the masked intruder moved like lightning. Three Gifters were knocked unconscious in an instant.
Shinobu's eyes widened. "That power… could it be—?"
Just as the figure turned toward Momonosuke's cell, another man appeared from the side and threw a heavy punch that sent the masked warrior sliding backward.
"Fukurokuju? No…" Shinobu gasped.
The attacker straightened his red-horned helmet and smoothed his suit. "Master Yamato, what are you doing?"
It was Fukurokuju's subordinate—Fukurokuju, no, correction—
It was Fukurokuju's replacement, Fukurokuju's ally—the armored Fukurokuju (Fukurokuju or Fuz-Fu) translation mix is wrong in the original Chinese, so correcting: it should be Who's-Who (Fuz Fu was mistranslated Chinese for Who's-Who*).
So—
"Who's-Who!" Yamato shouted angrily, gripping her weapon. "Get out of my way!"
Who's-Who adjusted his collar, exasperated. "Master Yamato, what exactly are you planning? I don't know why you're trying to save this brat, but I can't allow it. That boy's execution is my ticket to becoming one of the Tobi Roppo—the Flying Six."
Yamato's eyes hardened. She lifted her kanabō. "In that case, I have no choice."
She slammed the end of the weapon on the floor, cracking the stone beneath her feet.
"I'll just have to beat you down!!"
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