"Waaahhhh—"
Kaido's sorrow overwhelmed him, and he burst into loud sobs.
"Shutenmaru, Kyoshiro... You were so strong... Why did you have to die? Why couldn't you serve me?"
"Orochi, you're dead too... Who's going to handle my weapons trade now?"
"Waaahhhh!"
[Drunken Wailing]
The newly appointed Headliners stared in shock, never imagining that one of the Four Emperors could cry like this. One of them foolishly attempted to console him.
"Boss Kaido, it's just—"
"Shut your mouth! Don't disturb me! Leave me alone!"
Kaido glared furiously, already pulling out his spiked club.
"Thunder Bagua!"
"BOOM!"
A new hole appeared in the ceiling.
After crying for what felt like ages, Kaido finally calmed down, his sorrow turning to rage as he glared viciously at Gurd.
"Gurd! What the hell happened?!"
"Reporting to Boss Kaido."
Gurd recounted everything from the bandit suppression to Orochi's death, emphasizing Fire Fist Ace's involvement.
Yes, everything was Fire Fist's fault!
"Fire Fist Ace!"
Kaido seethed with rage.
First, he defeated Hanafuda, and now he killed Orochi. That damn brat couldn't be forgiven!
"Track down Fire Fist immediately! I'll skin him alive!"
"Yes, sir!"
Hozumi responded promptly.
Kaido continued glaring at Gurd, his anger gradually shifting to disappointment, even bordering on tearful resentment.
Why did you have to kill them?
Couldn't you have just imprisoned them?
Such powerful fighters... gone just like that.
Waaahhh, this hurts.
[Drunken Despondency]
"Gurd."
Kaido's voice carried a childlike whimper, as if he'd done something wrong. "After Orochi's death, what's the state of Wano Country? And where's Yamato? Why haven't I seen her?"
"Boss Kaido, after Orochi Shogun was killed by Fire Fist, Yamato-sama and I quickly took control of Wano Country. Everything is stable."
Gurd's lips curled upward.
"As for Yamato's whereabouts... she's now the new Shogun of Wano Country, currently residing in General Castle at Flower Capital."
"Huh?"
Kaido's jaw dropped.
[Drunken Stupor]
The banquet hall fell silent as everyone exchanged glances.
"Yamato-sama became Shogun?!"
The massive changes in Wano Country had already stunned them, so Yamato becoming Shogun didn't seem too surprising.
But could Yamato even handle being Shogun?
The Shogun had to govern Wano Country, oversee foreign weapons trade, and manage parts of the weapons factories' operations.
Kaido thought the same.
He wasn't skilled in managing a country, and his pirates were all thugs with no education, completely clueless about administration and trade.
His long-term plan had been to let Yamato replace Orochi just before the final war began.
At that point, only war would remain.
"Gurd... Can Yamato handle this?"
"Rest assured, Boss Kaido."
Gurd pointed at himself. "I currently serve as Ebisu Daimyo and Shogun Assistant. I'll help Yamato manage Wano Country's affairs. Everything is running smoothly—weapons production and trade included."
The moment he said this, everyone's expressions changed.
They understood now—Yamato was merely the figurehead Shogun, while Gurd was the true power behind Wano Country.
With this, Gurd's authority would be second only to Boss Kaido himself. In their alliance, the Shogun was supposed to be Kaido's equal!
Setting aside Gurd's personal strength, just the forces of the Oniwabanshu and the Samurai Group alone were enough to make them think twice.
And then there was the wealth!
Many Headliners suppressed their hostility, some even looking at Gurd with a hint of flattery, already scheming ways to get closer to him.
"..."
Kaido stared at Gurd, images of welcoming citizens and the golden rice fields of Ebisu Town flashing through his mind. He felt considerably reassured.
Who became shogun didn't matter—as long as they could produce and sell weapons for profit and supply the Beasts with resources.
This kid had potential!
Kaido stood up and laughed heartily.
"Worororo! Gurd took down Shutenmaru and Kyoshiro, and together with Yamato, defeated Fire Fist Ace, stabilizing Wano Country!"
"Merit deserves reward!"
"From now on, Gurd is promoted to the Flying Six!"
The last member of the Flying Six!
Kaido looked at the restless Headliners and declared with a laugh, "Don't worry, you'll still have your chance to rise. During the Fire Festival, I'll open up the right to challenge the Flying Six!"
"Really?!"
The Headliners were overjoyed.
They had been nursing some resentment earlier, but now all that remained was excitement. If they could choose their opponents, their chances of promotion would skyrocket.
Kaido turned his gaze to the Flying Six.
"No objections?"
"None."
They sneered in response.
"Kaido-sama, I have a question."
Gurd suddenly raised his hand, his burning eyes fixed on the Three Disasters. "Since you're opening up challenges for the Flying Six, does that mean we can also challenge the All-Stars?"
"Hmm."
Kaido rubbed his chin, glancing at the Disasters.
King and Jack remained expressionless.
"Muhahaha, how audacious."
Queen laughed gleefully. He couldn't wait to put Gurd in his place—the kid was far too arrogant.
Damn, I really want to dance!
I'll head to the Prisoner Quarry first thing tomorrow!
Kaido withdrew his gaze and, after a brief moment of thought, roared with laughter. "Fine! But you six will only get one challenge slot!"
"..."
The atmosphere among the Flying Six shifted instantly.
Who's Who and Sasaki exchanged glances, hostility and wariness flashing in their eyes—clearly, they saw each other as their biggest rivals.
Black Maria licked her lips, seemingly intrigued.
"Page One! Page One!"
Ulti excitedly tightened her grip around her younger brother's neck. Barely having joined the Flying Six, she now had a shot at challenging the All-Stars.
It felt like a dream.
She wanted to become an All-Star too!
Late at night, the banquet ended.
The Flying Six dispersed to their respective quarters.
Too much had happened today, especially with the All-Star challenge rights. They needed to prepare quickly.
Fourth floor of the castle, Cat Food Association.
A massive saber-toothed tiger lounged lazily on a bed over ten meters tall, like an oversized housecat. Below the soft cushions, numerous subordinates dressed as cat-people stood at attention.
"This Fire Festival is my golden opportunity to rise to the top!"
Who's Who's eyes burned with ambition.
The position of Flying Six meant nothing to him—the All-Stars were his goal, and perhaps even the captain's seat!
Among the Flying Six, the biggest threat to him was Sasaki. That guy's bounty was close to his own, and his strength was formidable.
Unless something unexpected happened, the right to challenge the All-Stars would be decided in a showdown between him and Sasaki. But first, he needed to deal with that troublesome obstacle.
"Listen up, men! Investigate everything that's happened in Wano Country over the past six months—especially any intel on Gurd!"
"Yes, boss!"
On the other side, Sasaki also issued the same order.
As a newcomer, he knew nothing about the situation in Wano Country. The most important things now were gathering intelligence and distinguishing friends from foes.
He wasn't so easily manipulated!
(End of chapter)