Gancho remained puzzled by Kaidou's intentions, but soon everything became clear. When Kaidou ordered the remaining pirates to sail the ships toward Green Bit, the pieces began falling into place.
Before the numerous Tontatta Tribe members, Kaidou suddenly displayed his awe-inspiring power. His body rapidly expanded and transformed, instantly becoming a kilometer-long azure dragon that coiled above Green Bit. This sudden transformation threw the gathered Tontatta Tribe into panic.
"A dragon! Kaidou is actually a dragon!" a tribesman cried out in terror.
"Fool, that's the power of a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit," a more knowledgeable Tontatta immediately explained.
Karuri gazed up at the dragon in the sky, her eyes shining with admiration: "Is this our captain's true power? Incredible!"
Kyros couldn't conceal his astonishment either: "Simply unbelievable..."
"Wororororo..." Kaidou let out his signature laugh, his massive dragon head looking down upon the Tontatta Tribe below: "My dear Tontatta friends, are you all ready?"
Without waiting for a response, the great dragon began circling Green Bit. Just the hurricane-force winds generated by the dragon's movement caused many unprepared Tontatta to lose their footing. Even more astonishingly, Kaidou then released scorching Flame Clouds, lifting the entire island of Green Bit high into the sky.
This spectacle left not only the Tontatta Tribe dumbfounded, but even the members of the Beasts Pirates were stunned. This was their first time witnessing Kaidou lift an entire island into the air, far more impressive than when he had lifted pirate ships before.
After accomplishing this feat, Kaidou didn't return to Wano Country. Instead, he manipulated the island to fly directly toward the Calm Belt. The enormous dragon's shadow flickered among the clouds, carrying the entire island and countless astonished gazes as it advanced toward an unknown destination.
Kaidou's dragon body writhed through the sea of clouds, the Flame Clouds slowly carrying Green Bit forward. The Tontatta Tribe clung tightly to trees, watching this unprecedented scene with both fear and excitement.
Meanwhile, the Beasts Pirates members stood at the ship's bow, cheering for their captain's power, their shouts echoing across the entire sea area.
...
Night fell, the bright full moon hanging high in the sky as silvery moonlight cascaded like water over Wano Country's land. Outside Mock Town in the Kibi region, a long-planned rebellion was quietly brewing. Amatsuki Hidehiro and Shimotsuki Tomoya led hundreds of samurai, silently lying in ambush in the forest outside town. The night breeze rustled leaves, masking the samurais' faint breathing.
"Father, as you instructed, I've spread news of the rebellion in Kibi region to the Flower Capital," Amatsuki Hidetada reported respectfully in a low voice. "Just as expected, King and Queen from the Flower Capital sent Hyougoro and Fukurokuju to suppress it. They're currently resting in Mock Town ahead, along with Oniwabanshu members—seventy-four people in total."
Amatsuki Hidehiro gave a slight nod, his resolute face appearing particularly stern under the moonlight. "Well done, Hidehiro. Intelligence has always been the key to victory."
Shimotsuki Tomoya could no longer contain his excitement, his crimson eyes gleaming with fervor in the night. "Lord Amatsuki, the time has come. Once we capture Hyougoro and the others, we can join forces with Shimotsuki Munetika and march directly on the Flower Capital to liberate Wano Country from the rule of the Beasts Pirates."
"The plan remains unchanged," Amatsuki Hidehiro said gravely. "Fukurokuju and the Oniwabanshu are nothing to fear, but Hyougoro is formidable. Denjiro and I will hold him off while you deal with the rest as quickly as possible."
Denjiro licked his lips, his eyes flashing with bloodlust. "Leave it to me. It's been too long since I've had a good fight."
Shimotsuki Tomoya added, "If we can capture Hyougoro alive, it would greatly benefit our assault on the Flower Capital. He holds considerable prestige in Wano Country. If he were to join us, he would be a tremendous asset."
Amatsuki Hidehiro nodded noncommittally. At that moment, the young samurai Amatsuki Hideaki voiced his concern. "Father, what about the residents of Mok Town? There are still many innocent civilians there..."
"Those who achieve great things cannot be bothered with trivialities," Amatsuki Hidehiro interrupted without hesitation. "Blame Hyougoro and his men for choosing this place as their stronghold. For the future of the Amatsuki family and for tomorrow's Wano Country, these sacrifices are unavoidable."
With that, he drew his longsword with a sharp "shing," its cold gleam particularly piercing under the moonlight. Turning to face the samurai behind him, Amatsuki Hidehiro declared loudly:
"Everyone! Kaidou, this foreign pirate, has imposed a series of laws in Wano Country that defy our traditions, completely betraying Lord Sukiyaki's vision of governance! He has shamed our Way of the Warrior and made our people suffer! Tonight is the time for us samurai to repay our debt to Wano Country! Let us restore order together!"
"Restore order!"
"Restore order!"
"Restore order!"
Most of those gathered were Wano Country nobles whose interests conflicted with the Beasts Pirates, and Amatsuki Hidehiro's rallying cry immediately ignited their fighting spirit. Battle cries echoed through the night air as the samurai drew their weapons, their eyes burning with combat fervor.
"Charge!" Amatsuki Hidehiro gave the order and led the charge toward Mok Town.
"Charge!"
However, just as the rebels were about to storm into the town, the previously dark Mok Town suddenly lit up with countless torches, illuminating the night sky as bright as day. Hyougoro, leading the Oniwabanshu, stood ready in formation outside the town, having long prepared for this moment.
"Lord Amatsuki, just as expected," Hyougoro's steady voice carried through the night. "You spread rumors of rebellion to lure us out. It was a well-laid trap, but unfortunately, we were prepared."
"Damn it!" Amatsuki Hidehiro cursed under his breath before shouting, "Hyougoro! Kaidou, this foreign pirate, lords over our Wano Country, imposing harsh policies that make life unbearable for the people! If you still have the dignity of a samurai, you should join us in driving out the Beasts Pirates!"
Shimotsuki Tomoya also shouted, "Join us! You'll gain far more with us than under Kaidou! We can restore you to the status and respect you deserve!"
Hyougoro shook his head, his figure appearing particularly imposing under the moonlight. "My apologies, but I cannot comply. While Lord Kaidou's reforms have indeed harmed the interests of you nobles, for the majority of Wano Country's citizens, life has genuinely improved. Markets have prospered, public order has stabilized, and the people can finally eat their fill."
"Stubborn fool!" Shuukou roared angrily. "Then don't blame us for showing no mercy! Kill them!"
"Kill!" The rebel forces surged toward Hyougoro's troops like a tidal wave.
Facing the oncoming enemies, Hyougoro slowly drew his long sword, its blade gleaming with a cold light under the moonlight. He took a deep breath and shouted in a resonant voice, "Oniwabanshu, engage the enemy! For Wano Country's peace and stability!"