The Kyoshiro Family the largest yakuza syndicate in the Flower Capital. Its boss, Kyoshiro, was known as the most loyal dog of Shogun Orochi.
While running illegal operations such as gambling, extortion, and protection rackets, the Kyoshiro Family also handled the Flower Capital's security and did so legally.
Additionally, as one of Orochi's subordinates, Kyoshiro was considered an ally of the Beasts Pirates, and held a high status even able to communicate directly with the All-Stars.
Good greeted him with a wide smile:"Well, if it isn't Boss Kyoshiro himself. I didn't expect you to come in person what an honor!"
Kyoshiro didn't reply. His ever-narrowed eyes scanned the wounded samurai at Good's feet and the corpses buried under rubble, a flicker of pain crossing his heart.
Damn it. I came too late!But no matter how angry he was, he had to endure.
That incident was fifteen years ago. He had long since mastered the art of patience. He was no longer Denjiro, vassal of Kozuki Oden — now, he was Orochi's lapdog: Kyoshiro.
Suppressing his rage, Kyoshiro smiled and spoke in an official tone:"Young man from the Beasts Pirates what exactly happened here?"
"These trash tried to assassinate me."
Good grinned, bent down, and slit the pant leg of the samurai leader, revealing a crescent moon-shaped tattoo.
"Kozuki samurai!"
The crowd gasped in shock.
Not just Kyoshiro and his underlings were present several curious citizens had gathered. Seeing the tattoo left them stunned.
The last time Kozuki samurai had appeared in the capital was years ago.
Good narrowed his eyes, sneering at Kyoshiro:"Who would've thought the Flower Capital's security had gotten this bad? Letting Kozuki samurai sneak in… Boss Kyoshiro, if you're short on manpower, our Beasts Pirates can lend a hand."
"Apologies, young man. This was indeed our oversight. Allow me to offer my sincerest regrets."
Kyoshiro smiled as he apologized.
The Flower Capital was Orochi's turf. Beasts Pirates could visit, sure — but stationing troops would be crossing a line.
Still, the man probably didn't mean that literally. This was just polite posturing — applying pressure to squeeze out some form of compensation.
Clever bastard.Kyoshiro became more serious. Among Kaido's thugs, very few had brains. This one required caution.
"What should I call you, brother?"
"Good, Vice-Captain under Runtie."
Good proudly gave his name, deliberately mentioning Runtie.
Among the Beasts Pirates' Headliners, Runtie was near the top — just beneath the All-Stars — meaning even Kyoshiro had to take her seriously.
"Runtie's right-hand, Good…"Kyoshiro muttered, suddenly recalling a report from the previous night. A slit in his squint opened slightly in surprise.
"You're the Devil Muscleman!?"
…What?Good was dumbfounded.
Devil Muscleman?Was that supposed to be him?
Which bastard gave him that nickname!?
In his mind, a dramatic inner monologue began playing:"In 1974, I fought my first kickboxing match in Southeast Asia…"
After a three-second silence, Good crossed his arms, flexed his muscles, and tensed every fiber of his body to look even more massive and intimidating.
"…That's right. I'm the Devil Muscleman."
"Hissss!"
A chorus of gasps followed.
Say what you want "Devil Muscleman" sounded terrifying. Coupled with Good's sheer size and build, he instantly intimidated the entire crowd.
Kyoshiro wasn't fooled, but his evaluation of Good rose sharply. Gaining fame in the Beasts Pirates was no small feat.
One thing was certain this man would become a high-ranking officer in Kaido's crew. Maybe even a core figure.
Troublesome.
Kyoshiro glanced at the wrecked building.
For this level of destruction, money alone wouldn't be enough to cover the damages.
Then there was the Kozuki samurai at Good's feet. If he didn't intervene, the man would be sent to the prison quarry a fate worse than death.
Without revealing his true identity, Kyoshiro hoped to save him. After all, those samurai were once his comrades.
After a few seconds of thought, Kyoshiro spoke in a low voice:"Brother Good, the appearance of a Kozuki remnant in the capital is our fault. Please allow me to handle this man. Rest assured I'll give you a satisfactory explanation."
"Haha, of course I'll give Boss Kyoshiro some face."
Good smiled widely.
He'd left the man alive on purpose just waiting for someone to ask for him.
He pointed at the rubble:"But, these bastards wrecked the property I just bought. Rebuilding it… is going to cost a fair bit."
"Put it on my tab!"
Kyoshiro didn't hesitate.
Truth be told, he was broke. All his money went to helping the poor. But if money could solve this, it was a relief.
If things escalated, those brainless pirates might really storm the capital — who knows what chaos they'd unleash?
Besides, it was just rebuilding a single warehouse. Not that expensive. Worst case, he'd rob a few more rich folks tonight as "Ugly Third Son," his vigilante persona.
Good gave him a dramatic thumbs-up and loudly praised:"As expected of the most beloved hero in the Flower Capital — so generous, Boss!"
"Overpraise."
Kyoshiro replied calmly.
You killed my brothers and made me pay for it.I'll remember this.
"Oh right, almost forgot."
Good rubbed his chest muscles, feigning pain:"That fight left me seriously wounded. I'm in no condition to enjoy sightseeing anymore. Say, Boss Kyoshiro… about some compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, and emotional trauma…"
"…"
Kyoshiro's face twitched.
Even after 15 years under Orochi's rule, with an acting skill polished to perfection — right now, he almost wanted to draw his blade and kill someone.
With his reputation and influence, even Orochi treated him with caution — and this bastard dared to extort him openly!?
Infuriating!
Kyoshiro inhaled deeply.
So many people were watching — he couldn't ruin his image as a hero.
"500 gold!"
"Deal!"
Good grinned from ear to ear, content with what he'd gotten.
Heh heh… more money to buy property!
Wasting no time, Kyoshiro led his men and the Kozuki samurai (and their dead allies) away from the scene.
"No wonder he's the great Boss Kyoshiro!"
"So cool!"
"With him here, the capital feels safe!"
The crowd buzzed with excitement.
In their eyes, Kyoshiro had swiftly resolved a crisis and once again protected peace in the Flower Capital.
"Tsk tsk… what a perfect ending."
Good clicked his tongue in admiration.
The crowd was reassured, Kyoshiro took away his comrades' bodies, and he made a fortune.
That's a triple win.
An absolute jackpot.
The warehouse soon fell quiet — only Good remained.
"That guy sure can endure."
Good stared in Kyoshiro's direction.
He knew Kyoshiro's true identity. If given the chance, he'd kill him too.
Now that he was aboard Kaido's ship, the Kozuki were his enemies. Even if he didn't hunt them down, they'd come for him.
But for now, his status was too low. Starting a fight with someone so powerful could backfire.
Good shook his head and looked at the warehouse.
He hadn't picked such a remote property at random.
"Gurururu~"
The cracks from the earlier battle had unknowingly filled with steaming water, bubbling at the surface.
It was a hot spring.