Ōura stepped into the study, Zanpakutō in hand, and glanced at the man before him.
"You're Chagurot?"
Chagurot pulled out a gem-encrusted pistol and barked, his voice full of rage,
"You filthy peasants! How dare you barge into my estate? I'm the lord of all Paparoko Island! Do you believe I won't kill your entire family?"
Ōura didn't even blink. He simply nodded.
"Good. That's all I needed to confirm."
Chagurot's gut twisted. He instinctively pulled the trigger.
Bang!
Smoke puffed from the barrel, but the bullet only struck the wall. Ōura had vanished from his sight.
The next second, Chagurot felt his collar tighten — like a cat grabbed by the neck. Ōura was already behind him.
Before he could react, Ōura flung him with brutal force.
Crash!
The obese lord's body smashed through the window and crashed hard into the courtyard below.
Cough! Cough!
Covered in dust, Chagurot struggled to his feet — only to find himself surrounded by furious villagers wielding kitchen knives and hoes.
"You filthy peasants! What are you doing!? Attacking your lord is treason! Once the kingdom hears of this, you'll all be executed!"
His pistol was long gone, and without a weapon his voice was the only weapon he had left.
"Humph! Chagurot, you colluded with pirates and got our people killed. If we let you live, how many more will die next? For our own safety… you must die!"
Oguro spoke coldly, noticing that some villagers were hesitating.
The words struck home.
Yes — they survived this time by luck. But what about next time? The time after that?
Keeping Chagurot alive was like keeping a ticking bomb.
As murderous intent filled the villagers' eyes, Chagurot began to panic.
"I'm a noble! I report to the kingdom every year! You won't get away with this—"
Before he could finish, Ōura lifted him by the collar, and Oguro's blade slashed across his body!
Chagurot's eyes went wide. He couldn't believe they actually dared to strike him.
Oguro looked him in the eye, voice icy.
"Don't worry. The kingdom will receive a report — Paparoko Island was attacked by pirates. The brave Lord Chagurot fought valiantly... and fell in battle."
"You'll be remembered as a hero."
He tossed aside the weapon — not his Zanpakutō, but a blade looted from the fake pirates.
Chagurot dying by this sword made the cover story perfect.
Hearing that mocking tone, Chagurot's last hope died. These "peasants" had even planned the excuse in advance.
Moments later, he was swallowed by the mob's fury.
When it was over, Oguro brushed the dust from his hands.
"Actually, something Chagurot said reminded me."
"He was the lord of Paparoko Island. Now that he's dead… someone has to take his place."
Before the crowd could react, Hanataro stepped forward loudly.
"Lord Oguro personally executed the corrupt lord and ordered the pirates' extermination! I believe no one is more suited to take up the position of lord than him!"
Ōura immediately nodded. "I agree. Lord Oguro is the rightful successor."
Only then did the townsfolk realize Oguro's true goal — the lordship itself.
A few instinctively wanted to object. After all, Oguro was still young. How could he be a lord?
Buzz—
Before a single word left their mouths, an overwhelming wave of spiritual pressure fell over them — like a mountain crushing their shoulders.
Hanataro's expression was cold.
"I suggest everyone think carefully and give the fairest answer possible."
His seated officer-level reiatsu poured out without restraint. Becoming the lord of Paparoko Island was a key part of the Soul King's plan — no mortal would be allowed to interfere.
Ōura stood silently nearby, one hand on his sword hilt.
Oguro showed no emotion, only quiet resolve.
He had never expected everyone's approval on his path to kingship.
Even in the New World, which of the Four Emperors ever gained their thrones through consent?
Power was the only law that mattered.
Whether they agreed or not, this position would be his.
He had already shown his strength. If anyone still refused to see reason… they could simply leave Paparoko Island.
Gulp—
The villagers swallowed hard. They had seen clearly how Ōura and Hanataro had handled Chagurot's guards — all dead in an instant. Their guns never even fired a second shot.
If these men turned their blades on the townsfolk, it would be over even faster.
"Everyone, rest assured."
Oguro's voice broke the silence.
"As lord, I will ensure that no fake pirates ever appear again. And if real pirates come to attack, my subordinates will crush them and protect you all."
"That's what a true lord should do, isn't it?"
His words hit home.
The villagers' eyes lit up. They had witnessed Ōura and Hanataro's strength firsthand. With such protectors, no ordinary pirate crew could ever threaten them again.
In that light… having a powerful lord didn't sound so bad after all.
"We pledge ourselves to Lord Oguro!"
One voice broke the silence — soon joined by many more.
And just then, a familiar chime echoed in Oguro's mind.
Ding!
"Congratulations, Host! Hidden mission completed — Conquer a Territory by Force. Reward: 1 Epic Lottery Ticket!"
Oguro's face lit up.
An Epic Lottery Ticket! That meant one free pull from the purple card pool — a guaranteed seated officer or higher!
His strength would double!
After gaining the villagers' recognition, Oguro ordered Hanataro to handle cleanup while he hurried home, barely able to contain his excitement.
He washed his hands carefully, rubbed them for luck, and prayed devoutly to the God of RNG before summoning the system.
"System, draw from the Purple Epic Pool!"
A familiar animation played — radiant purple light swirling into a card before his eyes.
A beautiful black-haired girl appeared on it.
Name: Rukia Kuchiki
Zanpakutō: Sode no Shirayuki
Reiatsu: Vice-Captain level
Division: 13th
Oh hell yes— the jackpot!
Rukia might only be vice-captain level now, but her potential was immense. In the original story, once she mastered Bankai, her power could rival natural disasters.
And her Zanpakutō's ice element gave her a natural advantage in the One Piece world.
In short— this draw was massive profit.
It was like pulling a golden legend from an epic pool!