Chapter 13: Shutenmaru
Ren did not know what Yukiko was thinking. His mind was focused on pacifying the bandits, a matter that could not be delayed any longer.
After resting for one night, the two set out early the next morning toward Head Mountain.
The bandits of Kuri were not a unified force. Many were lone wolves, and not every ronin samurai was willing to follow the group at Head Mountain. With so many people and limited resources, even if something good appeared, it was unlikely everyone would get a share.
Even so, the Bandits of Head Mountain were still the strongest force in all of Kuri. Sukiyaki of the Flower Capital had no intention of conquering Kuri even now, precisely because he feared this group.
It could be said that as long as this group was dealt with, the problems of Kuri would be largely resolved.
Ren was confident he could defeat them. In a world where individual strength could threaten an entire country, these minor bandits were insignificant. Aside from Shutenmaru, no one at Head Mountain was worth mentioning.
If Ren had already awakened Haoshoku Haki, he could have knocked them all out with a single glance.
He was not surprised that he had not awakened Haoshoku. He had never thought of becoming a king. His focus on Wano Country was merely a small goal, set because he had nothing better to do.
That said, if he were to awaken Haoshoku one day, he would not find it strange either.
Since he had chosen to become the master of Wano Country, he was naturally prepared for the enemies that would come with it. This included Kaido, the Marines, and the World Government, yet none of them truly caught his attention.
After the God Valley incident ended in the near future, Kaido would leave Rocks's ship. At that time, still little more than an apprentice, Kaido would urgently need a place to establish himself.
Wano Country was perfect.
This isolated land was easy to defend and difficult to attack, making it ideal for quiet development. Combined with Orochi's secret contacts, it created the opportunity for Kaido to enter the country.
In truth, Ren could have prevented Muzemi from ever cooperating with Kaido. There were countless pirates in the New World. However, he chose not to interfere with Orochi's actions.
Although the three members of the Kurozumi Clan now served him, their hatred for the Kozuki Clan had never faded. On this matter, Orochi had even personally begged for permission.
Because of that, Ren allowed events to proceed, even if it meant involving Kaido.
If Ren had acted personally, matters would have been far simpler. He could have changed the ownership of the country in three days.
But that would have been too boring.
To Ren, the current situation was like playing a game. He preferred to clear each stage slowly. More importantly, he was not afraid of Kaido.
If a Four Emperors from forty years in the future could make him uneasy, then Wano Country was not worth taking. The current Kaido might not even be stronger than him.
Kaido was not the issue. Another problem was the World Government.
The World Government also coveted this country, but Ren had no intention of paying tribute to the Celestial Dragons. They should consider themselves fortunate he was not robbing them instead.
In truth, Ren's future enemies were unimaginably powerful, yet he felt no fear. As long as his strength continued to grow, these threats would resolve themselves. When Kaido later ruled Wano, neither the World Government nor the Marines dared to act rashly.
Two more days passed. After continuous travel, Ren and Yukiko finally arrived at Head Mountain.
"Do all the bandits of Kuri live up there?" Yukiko looked at the densely forested mountain, fear flickering across her face. One thief had nearly cost her life before; what would happen if there were hundreds or even thousands?
Ren noticed her slender body trembling slightly and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't be afraid. I'll handle this myself."
At his words, Yukiko immediately calmed down, as if the countless people in the mountains had turned into harmless rabbits.
"You wait at the foot of the mountain."
"No," Yukiko shook her head firmly, gripping her sword. "I can't let my lord go alone just because I'm afraid."
Ren did not force her. "Then don't act. Just watch."
He had no intention of letting Yukiko fight these bandits. The few enemies they had encountered earlier were enough practice. There were too many people here, and a chaotic battlefield would only put her at risk.
The two entered the mountains and soon saw a wall of logs encircling the mountaintop. The characters "Kuri" were boldly displayed on the gate, marking the bandits' stronghold.
"Who goes there!"
Ren and Yukiko did not hide themselves, walking straight toward the main gate. A lookout spotted them and shouted.
Ren did not reply. He silently drew his sword and unleashed a slash.
Sword energy surged forward. For a brief instant, it was as if a sharp, eagle-like cry echoed through the air. Before the sound could spread, it was drowned out by a deafening explosion.
The gate, towering several meters high, was blown apart instantly. Broken logs flew like cannonballs, knocking down many people inside the stronghold.
Such a commotion could be heard even by the deaf. Bandits rushed in from all directions, surrounding Ren with hostile expressions. None of them acted rashly.
Someone who could destroy the main gate with a single strike was no ordinary enemy.
At this point, they had completely ignored Yukiko standing behind Ren. All eyes were fixed on him alone.
"Who are you?"
A man with curly pink hair stepped forward from behind the crowd. His waist was nearly wider than his height. Ren immediately recognized him as the leader of the stronghold, the most terrifying man in Kuri.
Ashura Doji.
Ren, however, was more accustomed to calling him Shutenmaru, the name he would later use while evading Orochi's pursuit.
Shutenmaru was still only a teenager at this time, yet he already looked much the same as he would decades later.
The sight struck Ren as strange. The man appeared mature but almost ageless. Unfortunately, his appearance was far too ugly for that to matter.
"I come from White Dance," Ren said calmly. "I intend to become the master of Kuri. If you surrender now, you won't have to get hurt."
He was sincere.
He would need these people later to rebuild Kuri.
To Shutenmaru and the bandits around him, however, those words were nothing but a joke.