"What kind of backup did Kaido leave behind?"
Orochi's expression froze for a moment, then darkened. He suddenly grabbed Hiyori's wrist and grinned menacingly.
Kyoshiro's face shifted slightly—he hadn't expected Hiyori to ask such a direct question so impulsively.
If Orochi sensed anything suspicious, all their years of careful planning would be wasted.
With that thought, Kyoshiro slowly drew the katana at his waist. The cold gleam of the blade sent a chill down everyone's spine.
As Hiyori's greatest protector, he had made a pact with her when she chose to become the courtesan Komurasaki and get close to Orochi:
If their cover was ever blown, he would strike her down immediately—faking her death to help her escape.
"Lord Orochi," Kyoshiro said calmly, eyes narrowed,
"As the one who introduced Komurasaki, if her question has offended you, allow me to execute her myself."
The moment those words fell, everyone's expression changed drastically.
In Wano, Komurasaki was a beloved icon.
Not just Orochi—even Queen had fallen under her spell.
And now, the only person who could speak of killing her so casually… was Kyoshiro.
"No, no, Kyoshiro, you're taking this too seriously!"
Orochi laughed awkwardly and quickly let go of Hiyori's wrist.
"Komurasaki is my favorite courtesan. Why would I ever harm her?"
"I brought her here today so she wouldn't worry about Wano's safety after Kaido's departure. Don't forget—I'm still the shogun of Wano. I command over twenty thousand samurai."
"Not to mention the Oniwabanshu and you, Kyoshiro. And of course, Kaido left me some backup."
"Honestly, I hope those rebel remnants do show themselves. That way, I can wipe them all out in one go and sleep easy."
"Anyway, I'm tired. Komurasaki, don't worry about Wano's safety. I'm still the shogun, after all! Hahaha!"
As Orochi climbed into his carriage and disappeared from view, Hiyori opened her mouth to speak—but Kyoshiro shook his head, stopping her.
She swallowed her words.
"Boss Kyoshiro, I'd like to take a look around nearby," Hiyori said after a pause.
Kyoshiro considered for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright. Just don't go far. Let me know if anything happens."
Hiyori was surprised.
Usually, such requests were denied outright. She hadn't expected him to agree this time.
But with this rare moment of freedom, she smiled faintly and quickly rode off toward the nearby fields.
The guards, seeing Kyoshiro's nod, didn't stop her and stepped aside.
With no one in her way, Hiyori galloped several kilometers out.
Just as she reached the outskirts, a desperate cry rang out in the distance.
"Otama, get down!"
A tall figure wearing geta and a tengu mask dashed forward, shielding a little girl.
Moments later, several black-clad figures descended with a chilling whoosh.
SPLAT SPLAT SPLAT!
Blood sprayed like crimson fireworks.
The two figures—one large, one small—were sent tumbling several meters before crashing to a stop.
The sudden violence made Hiyori's face pale.
As Orochi's courtesan and Kyoshiro's confidante, she knew many of Wano's secrets.
If she wasn't mistaken, those two figures were the swordsmith and the little girl Kaido and Orochi had been hunting relentlessly.
She didn't know why Kaido saw a child as such a threat to the Beasts Pirates.
But she understood one thing clearly: the enemy of her enemy is her friend.
If this girl was such a threat to Kaido, then in the coming war to open Wano, she might be a crucial ally.
She had to be saved.
As these thoughts raced through her mind, Hiyori gripped her reins, ready to charge in.
But before she could act, dozens of figures dropped from all directions.
Seeing their familiar ninja garb, her face turned grim.
They were the Oniwabanshu—Orochi's personal guard.
Leading them was Daikoku himself.
Even if she wanted to help, Hiyori felt powerless.
If it were just one or two enemies, she might risk everything.
But against dozens?
She was just one woman—there was no way she could win.
The Oniwabanshu had clearly noticed her.
Daikoku blinked in surprise, then grinned wickedly.
"Well, well, Lady Komurasaki. Weren't you accompanying Lord Orochi to see off the Beasts Pirates?"
"Looks like that's done. If you're here, I assume Lord Orochi is nearby?"
"Perfect timing. We just found two fugitives Lord Orochi ordered us to capture. We'll bring them to him right away—I'm sure he'll be thrilled."
He turned to the two battered figures and sneered:
"Heh. Trying to run again? I told you—you can't escape."
"Blame your bad luck for running into us."
"But don't worry—I'll give you a choice. Surrender quietly, and I might let you live. Resist, and we'll just bring your corpses."
"And don't bother screaming. No one will hear you out here."
Tenguyama Hitetsu helped Otama to her feet, his face pale.
He hadn't expected to run into the Oniwabanshu while Kaido was away.
If it were just him, he might have escaped.
But with Otama in tow, there was no time.
If they fought now, it would be a death sentence.
The field fell into a heavy silence.
Hiyori gripped her reins tightly, wondering if she should abandon her Komurasaki persona and intervene.
But before anyone could act—
A lone figure appeared, walking calmly toward them.