Kuri, Oden Castle.
"What?!"
Ashura Doji and the others were filled with shock and disbelief upon hearing Sukiyaki's command. They exchanged glances, momentarily speechless.
"Wororororo! From today onward, I am the Daimyo of Kuri." Kaidou laughed arrogantly, waving his thick arm. "Bring me all the official documents from Kuri!"
Oden's retainers clenched their fists until their knuckles turned white. Kin'emon's veins bulged on his forehead as he stepped forward to argue, but Ashura Doji and Denjiro tightly held him back from both sides.
"As you command, we will prepare them immediately." Raizo suppressed his anger and replied with a bowed head. His voice trembled noticeably, yet he had to maintain a facade of respect.
Kaidou laughed heartily in satisfaction and swaggered toward the hall with King and the others. The heavy footsteps gradually faded away. Only after confirming they were gone did Ashura Doji and the others release Kin'emon.
"Have you lost your minds? Why bow to that scoundrel?" Kin'emon shook off his companions' hands and demanded angrily. His voice echoed through the empty corridor, carrying long-suppressed rage.
Denjiro sighed and lowered his voice. "He is the Daimyo now; we have no choice. If we want to remain in Kuri, we must endure for the time being."
Kiku bit her lower lip, tears of frustration glistening in her eyes. "Are we just going to let Kaidou control us like this?"
Ashura Doji patted Kin'emon's shoulder. "How is the shipbuilding progress? Once Lord Oden returns, everything will be fine."
"It will take some more time to complete. After all, it's the first time building a ship capable of long sea voyages, and the shipwrights are being cautious." Kin'emon calmed down slightly, but his voice remained tense.
Denjiro turned to Kiku. "Later, you will deliver the documents. Remember, we must maintain the status quo until Lord Oden returns." He sneered coldly. "A Pirate from the outside world probably can't even understand Wano Country's official documents."
"Understood." Kiku nodded.
·····
Kaidou sat solemnly in the conference hall of Kuri's Castle Tower, the sturdy wooden table piled high with official reports from various regions. The evening glow filtered through the paper doors, casting a dignified aura over the burly Pirate leader. The hall was silent, save for the rustling of papers echoing in the spacious room.
His thick fingers gently flipped through the documents, sharp eyes scanning every line. Kaidou's brow furrowed and relaxed intermittently as he gradually grasped the detailed situation of the Kuri region through the dense text. As the newly appointed Daimyo of Kuri, he needed to quickly understand every aspect of this land.
"Queen." Kaidou suddenly spoke, his deep voice rumbling like thunder in the conference hall.
Queen, who had been dozing off, jolted awake and hastily wiped the drool from his mouth. "Y-yes, Boss Kaidou!" He fumbled to adjust his crooked glasses, afraid of being caught napping.
Kaidou pushed a document to the edge of the table. "Kuri's autumn harvest season is approaching. I want you to develop a batch of agricultural machinery to help local farmers improve harvesting efficiency." He paused, a glint of shrewdness in his eyes. "Remember, distribute these tools in the name of Kuri's new Daimyo."
Queen scratched his head and asked in confusion, "Boss, why are we helping those commoners..." Before he could finish speaking, he immediately regretted it.
"Fool!" Kaidou snorted coldly, slamming the table as he stood up abruptly, causing the entire wooden desk to shake. "Do you think I'm running a charity?" He rose to his full height, his massive frame nearly blocking all light from the window, casting a shadow that enveloped everyone present.
Kaidou scanned the room with piercing eyes: "King, Urouge, Sebastian, you're responsible for recruiting new members in the Kuri region." He deliberately slowed his speech, ensuring every word was clearly heard. "Remember, do this properly. You can offer slightly better terms."
King nodded slightly, his eyes gleaming with understanding beneath the black mask. "Understood."
Only then did Queen have a sudden realization, grinning obsequiously: "Boss, are you planning to pressure Oden's retainers?" He rubbed his hands together, his face showing an ingratiating expression.
"Exactly." Kaidou sneered coldly as he returned to his seat at the head of the table. "Only this way will Oden's retainers become restless enough to set sail in search of Oden." He turned to King, his voice carrying an undeniable command: "When the time comes, contact Bullet and the others to eliminate these troublesome people at sea. This way, Kuri will completely fall under our control."
The assembled subordinates immediately nodded in agreement, the meeting hall echoing with unified responses of acknowledgment.
One day later, the official appointment document from the Shogun Palace arrived in Kuri. On the gilded scroll, Kaidou's name was neatly inscribed in the position of Kuri Lord, the bright red seal particularly glaring under the sunlight. Attendants posted the document throughout the town, while the sound of copper gongs echoed through streets and alleys, announcing the new ruler of this land.
In the fields of Kuri, several farmers gathered together, speaking in hushed tones. An elderly farmer with a wrinkled face said mysteriously: "Have you heard? Lord Kaidou is going to distribute new farming tools to us!" He cautiously glanced around, afraid of being overheard.
A younger farmer nearby showed a skeptical expression: "Really? That Pirate..." Before he could finish, his companion hurriedly stopped him: "Shh! We must call him Lord Kaidou now, after all he's the new Daimyo!" He nervously covered the young man's mouth.
A thin farmer rubbed his hands together, his face full of expectation: "I never thought the new Daimyo would be so good, caring about us right after taking office." He gazed at the distant rice fields, hope shining in his eyes.
Suddenly, a burly man with a thick beard shouted sternly: "Shut up! Do you want to betray Lord Oden?" He clenched his fists, his face filled with anger.
The thin farmer was startled, then retorted defiantly: "What betrayal of Lord Oden? Lord Oden's command was for Lord Kaidou to become the Daimyo of Kuri." Pointing at the bearded man, his voice gradually rose: "I think it's you who wants to betray Lord Oden, otherwise why wouldn't you follow Lord Oden's command?"
"Damn it, I, I..." The bearded man was immediately left speechless, his face flushing red but unable to form a rebuttal.
Similar conversations were unfolding in every corner of Kuri. In taverns, marketplaces, and farmlands, people whispered among themselves, discussing this sudden change. Some rejoiced, others worried, but everyone could feel the transformation taking place across this land.
The flag of the Beasts Pirates now fluttered atop the city towers, its black background and white patterns snapping sharply in the wind. Recruitment stations sprouted like mushrooms at every important stronghold, attracting all sorts of crowds.
In the town center, exquisite tents displayed fine weapons and glittering treasures. Uniformed recruitment officers enthusiastically explained the benefits of joining the Beasts Pirates to passersby: "Food and accommodation provided, generous monthly pay!"
In remote villages, pirates brought food and medicine, painting a bright future for impoverished farmers. "Join us and change your destiny!" they pledged, pounding their chests with sincere smiles on their faces.