In the Kibi region of Wano Country, the Kazuki family's estate was brightly lit. This centuries-old ancestral compound was now shrouded in a tense and solemn atmosphere. The exquisite paper sliding doors were tightly shut, blocking all sound from outside; only the pine trees in the garden rustled in the night wind.
In the reception hall, more than twenty nobles in luxurious kimonos sat bolt upright. Their silk garments shimmered softly in the candlelight, the family crests at their waists signifying their prominent statuses. Each wore a grave expression, their gazes occasionally drifting to Kazuki Hidehiro seated at the head.
Kazuki Hidehiro sat formally in the main seat. He wore a dark green kimono, its collar embroidered with the Kazuki Clan's distinctive moon-circle pattern. This nearly fifty-year-old clan head had a composed face, his brows radiating an imposing aura even without anger. His slender fingers lightly tapped the low table before him, producing a dull sound.
"What is the situation?" Kazuki Hidehiro finally spoke, his voice low and forceful.
A man in a deep blue kimono seated below immediately bowed. "Lord Kazuki, I have dispatched three fleets to survey the seas around Wano Country. It has been confirmed that the Guardian Deity King... no, Kaido has indeed left Wano with the main fleet."
A slight stir immediately rippled through the reception hall. The nobles exchanged glances; some looked pleased, while others appeared deeply worried.
"Excellent!" a slightly excited voice suddenly rang out. Denjiro straightened up from his seat. He wore a simple brown kimono, standing out conspicuously among the gorgeously dressed nobles. "Kaido's departure is our best chance to reclaim Wano!"
Kazuki Hidehiro frowned slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping over Denjiro. This former retainer of the Kozuki Clan had been hiding in various parts of Wano ever since sensing the Beasts Pirates' targeting. He had secretly contacted various factions and planned multiple operations against the Beasts Pirates.
"Denjiro, mind your words," Kazuki Hidehiro said gravely. "Even with Kaido gone, Wano still has officers like King, Queen, and Moria holding the fort. Not to mention the forces of Hyogoro and the Oniwabanshu. With our current strength, rash action would be no different from throwing an egg against a rock."
Denjiro leaned forward urgently. "But Lord Kazuki, if we miss this opportunity and wait for Kaido to return with the main force, our chances of victory will be even slimmer!" His voice carried a hint of anxiety. "Moreover, the policies Kaido is implementing are shaking the very foundation of our Kazuki Clan's power in Kibi. If this continues, the people will soon forget who the true masters of this land are."
These words darkened Kazuki Hidehiro's expression. It was true. The land reforms and tax policies Kaido enforced severely harmed the Kazuki Clan's interests. The farmers who once depended on them were beginning to operate independently; the wealth accumulated by the nobility over generations was draining away.
If not for this, he wouldn't be risking considering rebellion against Kaido—after all, this "Guardian Deity King" was the person Kozuki Sukiyaki personally entrusted the country to on his deathbed.
"The problem is, even by combining the full strength of the Kazuki Clan, we have no chance of victory." Kazuki Hidehiro's fingers tapped the table again, the rhythm more urgent than before.
A gleam flashed in Denjiro's eyes. "Lord Kazuki, Kaido's policies have hurt not just us. The Ugetsu Clan of Udon, the Shimotsuki Clan of Ringo, the Shimotsuki Clan of Hakumai—their interests have also been damaged. If we could unite these daimyo..."
The reception hall stirred again. The nobles whispered among themselves, discussing fervently. Kazuki Hidehiro raised a hand to signal for quiet, his gaze profound as he watched Denjiro.
"Are you confident you can persuade them?"
"By myself, naturally not," Denjiro admitted frankly. "But if they know Lord Kazuki intends to take the lead... I think all those dissatisfied with Kaido's decreed policies will rise in rebellion."
Kazuki Hidehiro fell into contemplation. The candlelight cast shifting shadows on his sharply defined face. After a moment, he slowly nodded. "Very well, Denjiro. This matter is entrusted to you. Remember, utmost caution is required."
"I understand," Denjiro said with a solemn bow. "To return Wano to its proper path, I will spare no effort."
Kazuki Hidehiro looked around at the assembled nobles, his voice low and firm. "Everyone, regarding today's matters, you must keep your mouths sealed. Before the time is ripe, any rash action could bring about our utter destruction."
The nobles all bowed in acknowledgment. The night wind swept through the garden, causing the paper doors to rattle softly, as if witnessing this conspiracy that might change Wano's fate.
After the meeting concluded, Denjiro quietly left the Kazuki estate. Cloaked, using the night as cover, he swiftly made his way through the streets of the Kibi region. Under the moonlight, his figure appeared and disappeared, finally vanishing onto a small path leading toward the Udon region.
Meanwhile, Kazuki Hidehiro stood alone in the garden, looking up at the bright moon in the night sky. This clan head, always known for his steadiness, now wore a deeply furrowed brow. He knew that once he set foot on this path, there would be no turning back.
The night deepened. The lights in the Kazuki estate went out one by one. But in various corners of the Kibi region, rumors about this secret meeting had already begun to spread quietly. Some astute merchants noticed that many unfamiliar faces had suddenly appeared on the usually peaceful streets—they moved with haste, their eyes alert.
In the Kazuki Clan's most secretive basement, several core retainers were inventorying weapons. Swords and blades gleamed coldly in the candlelight; armor was neatly arranged on racks. Kazuki Hidehiro's second son, Kazuki Hideaki, was meticulously inspecting each piece of equipment. His movements were precise, yet fine beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
"Young Master, these weapons are enough to arm three hundred men," an elderly retainer reported. "But it's still far short of the number we need."
Kazuki Hideaki nodded. "Continue the secret procurement, but spread it out. Remember, we absolutely must not attract the attention of the Beasts Pirates."
At the same time, in the Udon region, Denjiro had successfully infiltrated the Ugetsu Clan's territory. Disguised as an ordinary merchant, under the pretext of selling tea, he secured a meeting with an Ugetsu Elder.
"Does the Kazuki Clan truly intend to act?" the Ugetsu Elder asked in a hushed voice, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the rim of his teacup.
Denjiro gave a slight nod. "The Kazuki head has made his decision. But he needs the support of each clan."
The Ugetsu Elder remained silent for a long time, finally letting out a sigh. "Kaido's policies are indeed too excessive. The mines our Ugetsu Clan has operated for generations in Udon... now Kaido says he wants the entire quarry for himself..."
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