"People—people everywhere! What in the world is going on?!"
On the city wall, Orochi's face twisted in shock as he gripped the railing tightly.
He stared at the countless figures flooding in from all directions, his expression filled with disbelief.
In his mind, Ashura Doji managing to gather 800 warriors was already impressive.
But the sheer number of people now converging on the capital completely shattered his expectations.
Everyone present was stunned by the sudden turn of events.
Even Kyoshiro and Kozuki Hiyori stood frozen in place.
Had they not seen it with their own eyes, they would never have believed that Wano could still muster such strength.
Before anyone could react, Ashura Doji charged in atop a massive ox. With a mighty leap, he landed with a thunderous crash at the city gate.
He looked up at Orochi and roared:
"Shutenmaru of the Mt. Bandits, Ashura Doji of the Nine Red Scabbards, has arrived with 800 warriors to open Wano's borders!"
Each word struck like rolling thunder, shaking the very ground.
The 800 warriors behind him stood firm and shouted in unison:
"We stand ready!"
Their voices echoed across the sky, snapping everyone out of their daze.
But this was only the beginning.
From all directions, more figures surged forward. The leaders at the front made everyone's eyes widen in shock.
"ROAR!"
A deafening cry rang out.
Hundreds of Mink Tribe warriors descended from the skies like thunderbolts.
At the front, Nekomamushi and Inuarashi landed and roared together:
"Inuarashi, Day King of the Minks, of the Nine Red Scabbards, leads 500 Minks to open Wano's borders!"
"Nekomamushi, Night King of the Minks, of the Nine Red Scabbards, leads 500 Minks to open Wano's borders!"
Over a thousand towering warriors gathered like iron towers.
The crowd was shaken to their core.
They had hoped for something from Ashura Doji's uprising—but never imagined two more Scabbards would appear.
And with them, a thousand Minks.
As the warriors continued to pour in, everyone strained to see who else was coming.
Even Hiyori and Kyoshiro were stunned.
Then, a short figure appeared—one they didn't recognize from Wano's history.
But the respectful warriors following him made them even more curious.
"Hyogoro the Flower of Wano, brings 1,000 prisoners from Udon to join the fight!"
"Togetsu Daizo of Rabuji, brings 500 clan members to join the fight!"
"Kogoro of Hakumai, brings 500 clan members to join the fight!"
"Acho of Ringo, brings 500 clan members to join the fight!"
"Yatabei of Kibi, brings 500 clan members to join the fight!"
A black tide of warriors surged into the square like a hurricane.
Each name called out was a legendary figure from Wano's past.
But when Hyogoro's true name was spoken, the crowd gasped.
Hyogoro the Flower—the legendary yakuza godfather of Wano.
His reputation once ruled the entire underworld.
Respected for his honor, beloved by the people.
Now, the man thought dead for over twenty years had returned—with 1,000 prisoners from Udon and four major yakuza bosses.
What had started as a fragile rebellion led by Ashura Doji had suddenly become a formidable force.
From 800 warriors, their numbers had swelled to over 5,000.
A glimmer of hope sparked in many hearts.
"And me—Kawamatsu of the Nine Red Scabbards, leading 500 summoned warriors to join the fight!"
Kawamatsu stepped forward.
Though his entrance was less dramatic, his presence as another Scabbard ignited the crowd's hope.
For over twenty years, resistance against Kaido and Orochi had never ceased.
Aside from the failed alliance of three daimyos a decade ago, most efforts had vanished without a trace.
Now, four of the Nine Red Scabbards stood united.
Alongside Wano's yakuza leaders.
Over 4,000–5,000 warriors had gathered.
This was the closest Wano had ever come to opening its borders.
The once-weary samurai and commoners at the gate could no longer contain themselves.
On the wall, Orochi—who had come to enjoy the show—now looked twisted with rage.
His eyes locked on Hyogoro as he screamed:
"Bastards! This is madness! The Nine Red Scabbards? Yakuza bosses? How was Udon breached?! Why didn't I know?!"
"But even if you've scraped together this pathetic force, don't forget—I'm the shogun of Wano!"
"I command 12,000 warriors! And behind me stands the Beasts Pirates! Even if you win today, Kaido will return—and you'll all die!"
"Tell me—who else dares to defy me?!"
His crazed roar echoed across the land.
The blood-boiling momentum that had surged moments ago was suddenly doused by four chilling words:
"Beasts Pirate Kaido."
Yes, the Scabbards were strong.
Yes, 5,000 warriors had gathered.
Yes, the yakuza stood with them.
But Kaido—the one even Oden couldn't defeat—was still out there.
Even if they won today, could they survive Kaido's return?
Would they really be able to hold Wano?
Or would Orochi simply be replaced by another puppet?
The crowd's rising spirit faltered.
Hiyori and Kyoshiro's expressions froze.
In that moment, they finally understood—
Luo Yu was right.
What Wano lacked… was a true powerhouse.