The morning sun had just begun to grace the rooftops of the inn when an envoy from the Shogun Palace hurriedly arrived seeking an audience with Kaidou.
Standing outside the door, the envoy bowed respectfully, his voice carrying a sense of urgency: "Mr. Kaidou, my apologies for the disturbance. The Shogun has summoned you on urgent business."
Kaidou opened the door draped in a sleeping robe, yawning drowsily: "So early? What does the Shogun want?" His voice still carried traces of sleepiness, clearly having been roused from a pleasant dream by the sudden visit.
The envoy bowed deeply, his forehead nearly touching the ground: "The Shogun has ordered me to bring you to the Shogun Palace immediately. He says there's important news to announce." His tone was both respectful and hurried, clearly indicating the matter's urgency.
Kaidou glanced back at King and Queen standing behind him, the three exchanging knowing looks. Queen's lips curved slightly upward in a meaningful smile; King maintained his usual composure, merely giving a slight nod.
"Since it's the Shogun's command," Kaidou casually grabbed his coat and threw it over his shoulders, his tone carrying a hint of amusement, "we'll set off immediately. We shouldn't keep our Shogun waiting." His voice held a note of mockery, as if he had already anticipated what was to come.
King, Queen, Urouge, Sebastian and others immediately followed Kaidou's lead. The group walked in synchronized steps toward the Shogun Palace under the morning sun. Their footsteps echoed distinctly through the quiet morning streets, drawing sidelong glances from passing residents. Some peered secretly from behind windows, while others stood by the roadside whispering, clearly curious about this imposing procession.
In the Shogun Palace's conference hall, Wano Country's important figures had already gathered. The air was thick with tension, everyone sensing today's unusual nature.
Shogun Sukiyaki sat upright in the main seat, though compared to yesterday, his eyes were now bloodshot, with particularly eerie crimson light flickering in his dark pupils. His face appeared somewhat pale, the entire person looking exhausted.
Shimotsuki Ushimaru, Shimotsuki Yasuie and other Daimyo stood arranged on both sides, while Denjiro, Kawamatsu, Inuarashi, Nekomamushi, and Kurozumi Kanjuro among Oden's retainers stood at the lower positions. Everyone's expressions showed confusion and unease, clearly puzzled by today's emergency summons.
"Sukiyaki-sama, your eyes..." Shimotsuki Ushimaru was the first to notice the Shogun's unusual condition, his brow furrowing tightly.
"It's nothing, just lost sleep last night contemplating state affairs," Sukiyaki waved his hand, his voice slightly hoarse, then rubbed his eyes as if trying to conceal something.
Shimotsuki Yasuie stepped forward and asked respectfully: "Shogun-sama, you've summoned us today - is there important business to discuss?"
"Indeed there is," Sukiyaki scanned the assembly, his gaze lingering briefly on each face. "But we must wait for several honored guests to arrive."
"Honored guests?" Shimotsuki Ushimaru looked puzzled - all of Flower Capital's important figures were already present. Who else were they waiting for? But he quickly realized - they were waiting for Kaidou's group.
As the crowd murmured amongst themselves, heavy footsteps echoed from outside the hall. Kaidou strode in with several of his most capable subordinates, their weighty steps causing the floor to tremble faintly. Their arrival instantly cast a heavy atmosphere over the entire council chamber.
"Lord Kaidou, please take the seat of honor." Sukiyaki's attitude was completely different from the previous day, stirring ominous premonitions in everyone present. His tone carried a hint of obsequiousness, starkly contrasting with his usual authoritative demeanor.
Kaidou unceremoniously took the prepared seat, grinning to reveal his stark white teeth: "Your Excellency the Shogun, to what do I owe today's summons?"
Sukiyaki took a deep breath and suddenly raised his voice: "Everyone, after a night of deep contemplation, I have decided to follow the Letter of Command left by Oden and appoint Lord Kaidou as the Daimyo of Kuri!"
The announcement sent waves of shock through the assembly. People exchanged stunned glances, their faces filled with disbelief and incredulity.
"This cannot be allowed!" Shimotsuki Ushimaru was the first to voice opposition.
"Your Excellency, please reconsider!" Shimotsuki Yasuie urgently advised.
"Kuri is a vital territory of Wano Country—how can it be entrusted to an outsider?" Denjiro's voice carried suppressed fury.
Objections rose one after another, with Denjiro and the others looking particularly grim. They never expected Lord Sukiyaki would make such a decision.
Sukiyaki slammed the table and rose to his feet, eyes blazing with anger: "How dare you! Are you defying the Shogun's command?"
Shimotsuki Ushimaru stepped forward, barely containing his rage: "Lord Sukiyaki, this matter is of grave importance. We beg you to explain your reasoning."
"Reasoning?" Sukiyaki sneered, a red glint flashing in his eyes, "Is the handwritten Letter of Command from Oden himself not enough? It seems to me you're taking advantage of Oden's absence to plot rebellion!"
"We harbor no such intentions!" Fugetsu Omusubi hurriedly defended, sweat beading on his forehead, "It's just..."
"Just what?" Sukiyaki pressed forward threateningly, "Are you planning to follow in the footsteps of the Kurozumi clan from decades past?"
Mention of the Kurozumi clan's rebellion decades ago made all the daimyo kneel on the ground to pledge their loyalty.
Uzuki Tempura wiped cold sweat from his brow, voice trembling: "Your Excellency, we truly mean no disrespect—we only worry that..."
"Enough!" Sukiyaki sharply interrupted, his voice echoing through the council chamber, "This is Oden's command and my decision. Anyone who objects further will be charged with treason!"
Dead silence fell over the hall. At that moment, Kurozumi Kanjuro suddenly stepped forward and knelt respectfully: "This subordinate humbly obeys the Shogun's command."
His action seemed to open the floodgates, as others reluctantly followed suit and knelt in submission.
Kaidou watched the entire scene with cold detachment, a faint smile playing on his lips. His gaze swept across each face as if enjoying a fine performance.
"Lord Kaidou," Sukiyaki turned to Kaidou, his tone suddenly gentle and completely different from before, "From this day forward, Kuri is entrusted to your care."
Kaidou slowly rose to his feet, his towering figure casting a shadow across the hall that brought intangible pressure upon everyone: "Rest assured, Shogun. I will certainly make Kuri... completely renewed." As he spoke the last four words, a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes, his tone carrying meaningful implications.
Denjiro and the others bowed their heads, but their clenched fists betrayed the fury within. Inuarashi and Nekomamushi exchanged a glance, both seeing profound concern in each other's eyes. Meanwhile, Kurozumi Kanjuro maintained his calm expression as if none of this concerned him.
Sukiyaki nodded with satisfaction, weariness evident on his face. "Very well, the matter is settled. You may all withdraw now. I must rest."
One by one, they filed out of the great hall, yet each understood in their heart: the skies of Wano Country were likely about to change.