Hana no Hyogoro, the undisputed top yakuza boss of Wano Country two decades ago, commanded immense prestige and trust among underworld factions across all regions.
At the mention of Hyogoro's name, the four yakuza bosses immediately lost control, drawing weapons as they charged at Gurd.
"You damn Pirate! Boss Hyogoro died fifteen years ago!"
"How dare you deceive us!"
"Using our boss as leverage? Don't think we're afraid of you!"
"Let's settle this now!"
Boss Hyogoro was the man they respected most—someone they'd willingly die for. Hearing Gurd's words now naturally enraged them.
Gurd stared directly at the four men and calmly asked, "Are you four really that eager for Hyogoro to be dead?"
"..."
Their breathing hitched.
Of course not!
Gurd continued, "Did any of you actually see Hyogoro die? Or has anyone in Wano Country witnessed his death?"
"This..."
The four exchanged glances.
They'd only heard rumors of Boss Hyogoro's death—allegedly killed by the Beasts—but no one knew the specifics.
Gurd snorted coldly.
"I can tell you plainly: Hyogoro isn't dead. I know where he is, and I hold his life in my hands."
"Understood?"
"Now—sit down!"
After a brief silence...
The four obediently took their seats.
Gurd crossed his legs, scrutinizing the now much more compliant yakuza bosses before nodding in satisfaction.
That's more like it!
Currently, the Beasts had left only a minimal military presence in Wano Country, all stationed at fixed posts and unavailable for casual deployment.
Meanwhile, Gurd needed to undertake massive construction projects and was severely short-handed. Looking across Wano, these yakuza thugs were the only usable workforce available.
"Any other questions? Speak."
"..."
After exchanging glances, Dazheng—the most impatient—blurted out:
"Is Boss Hyogoro really alive?"
"Don't make me repeat myself!"
Gurd frowned, unwilling to waste more words.
"Right now, Hyogoro's fate rests in your hands. I'll make you this promise: work diligently for me for five years, and I'll release him."
"Five years..."
The four looked at each other.
If they could save Boss Hyogoro, five years was nothing—they'd gladly give their lives for him.
But one issue remained: how could they ensure Gurd would keep his word?
Adie took a deep breath and met Gurd's gaze directly. "Mr. Gurd, how can we trust you? You must understand we can't risk our lives based on just a promise!"
"Simple enough."
Gurd stroked his chin.
"I can take you to see him."
"You mean it?!"
The four were ecstatic.
"Who do you think I am?!"
Gurd scoffed. "The likes of you aren't worth me going back on my word. If there are no more questions, sign the contract quickly. I don't have time to waste on you."
"Oh, and don't forget to dress properly. Tone down that thuggish aura—you look like common street ruffians."
——————————————
Early the next morning...
Adie and the other three stood waiting outside the hot spring inn in fresh outfits. Though they'd reined in their demeanor somewhat, their stern expressions still looked intimidating.
They didn't wait long.
Gurd arrived with Yamato in tow.
The four struggled to compose themselves, offering stiff, awkward bows.
"Lord Gurd!"
"Not bad."
Gurd gave a slight nod.
"Let's go."
Half a day later, at the Prisoner Quarry.
"It's Lady Yamato and Lord Gurd!"
"Open the gates quickly!"
The guards didn't dare delay, immediately opening the heavy steel gates while notifying the warden Babanuki who was stationed at the quarry.
Moments later, in the warden's office.
Babanuki looked at Yamato and Gurd, muttering to himself, unable to figure out why these two had come here.
But one thing was certain—he couldn't afford to offend either of them.
Leaving aside Lady Yamato, Gurd's display of power at the Oni Island banquet hall had already cemented his position within the crew. Moreover, Kaido himself held Gurd in high regard.
A future Flying Six member!
And he was just an ordinary warden. Within the Beasts Pirates, there were five or six others like him.
Babanuki turned to Yamato first, asking cautiously, "Lady Yamato, may I ask why you've come to the quarry?"
"Well, you should ask Gurd about that."
Yamato pointed to Gurd beside her.
As a battle-only accessory who was useless at solving anything else, she was very self-aware.
Gurd didn't hesitate either, getting straight to the point: "Babanuki, I want to know how many prisoners are currently held in the quarry."
"About 3,000 or so."
Babanuki answered truthfully.
Gurd considered this. Given the size of the quarry, keeping 2,000 prisoners should be just enough to maintain operations.
"Lend me a thousand!"
"Huh?"
Babanuki was stunned.
Just casually asking to borrow a thousand prisoners like it was grocery shopping?
Babanuki wiped his sweat nervously. "Brother Gurd, I can't make that decision. I'd need to consult Lord Queen!"
"Queen isn't in Wano Country!"
Gurd remained completely calm.
The three All-Stars had clearly defined roles.
King was responsible for guarding Oni Island and finances, Queen oversaw all weapon factories, and Jack handled suppression operations in Wano Country.
The Headliners stationed at the weapon factories were all Queen's direct subordinates, and any major matters required his approval.
But the situation was different now.
Gurd grabbed Babanuki by the collar, yanking his head close, and coldly threatened without hesitation.
"Kaido personally placed Wano Country under my authority in front of everyone. So everything within Wano now answers to me. Understand?"
"But—"
Babanuki broke out in a cold sweat.
He distinctly remembered Kaido only mentioning Oni Island.
Gurd snorted.
"Yamato."
"Got it!"
Yamato pulled out her spiked club, aiming it straight at Babanuki's head!
Gurd flashed a "friendly" smile, speaking softly, "Listen carefully, Babanuki. If you're unwilling to cooperate, I won't mind replacing you as warden. Even if Queen tries to avenge you later, you won't be around to see it."
"Brother Gurd, let's talk this over!"
Babanuki was terrified out of his wits.
What kind of situation was this?
Didn't he fear Lord Queen at all?
Wouldn't even Governor Kaido disapprove of this?
"You have 10 seconds to decide!"
Gurd began the countdown.
"10—3, 2, 1!"
In less than two seconds, the countdown ended. Babanuki didn't even have time to react.
Gurd released Babanuki and quickly stepped back to create distance.
"Yamato, do it!"
"Roger that!"
The girl immediately erupted with energy, her entire body radiating terrifying pressure as her spiked club shot toward Babanuki's face like lightning.
"Thunder Bagua!"
"I'LL LEND THEM!!!"
A piercing scream nearly shattered the glass.
Babanuki knelt on the ground, staring at the spiked club mere inches from his face, so terrified he almost wet his pants.
I... I almost died!
Tears of anguish streamed down the man's face.
"Brother Gurd, no, Lord Gurd, I'll lend them! I'll lend them, alright? Take as many men as you need, I'll lend them all to you!"
"Aiya, you should've said so earlier!"
Gurd quickly helped Babanuki up, beaming with delight: "Why kneel? Get up, we're all brothers here, no need for formalities."
"Yes, yes, we're brothers!"
Who the hell is your brother?!
Babanuki forced himself to agree through gritted teeth.
Damn it! When Lord Queen returns, I'll definitely report you!
"By the way, old friend."
Gurd pulled Babanuki aside.
"Don't worry, I'll return the prisoners when we're done. I just want to remind you - if so many prisoners disappear from the quarry and the higher-ups investigate, you as the chief guard won't escape punishment!"
"..."
Babanuki felt a chill run down his spine.
He's right!
If this gets exposed, never mind what happens to Gurd, he as chief guard would definitely be implicated!
Gurd's smile widened as he deliberately lowered his voice: "Brother Babanuki, I trust you'll cover this up, won't you? You wouldn't want Queen to discover your negligence, would you?"
"..."
Babanuki nodded with difficulty.
A devil... This man is absolutely a devil!
(End of chapter)