Flower Capital, the Shogun’s Palace.
Kaidou leaned back in a massive plush chair, a gourd of alcohol dangling from his fingertips.
His eyes were fixed on the raised platform outside the window.
As he watched the man atop the platform whip the crowd into a frenzy, he let out a sudden chuckle.
“That kid really has a way with people…” King nodded.
“Indeed.
It seems you’re about to gain a son-in-law, Mr.
Kaidou.” “Worororo…
You know I wasn’t talking about that, King.” Kaidou burst out laughing.
“How’s the kid’s strength coming along?” King pondered the progress made over the past month and said earnestly, “He’s growing stronger at an almost cheat-like speed.
Although he hasn’t noticed it himself, his physique and raw power are likely no longer below mine.” “Oh?
Even when your fire is burning?” “Precisely.” “Then that really is cheat-like speed…” Even Kaidou found it hard to believe.
King was a survivor of the Lunarian race—a people blessed by the heavens, once even revered as gods.
Not only did they possess genuine wings that allowed them to fly, but their bodies could also generate fire.
When their flames burned, their bodies gained immense defense rivaling steel; when the flames went out, their defense dropped, but their speed increased drastically.
Moreover, the flames themselves possessed considerable offensive power—a natural aptitude comparable to a Devil Fruit ability.
And King was second only to Kaidou himself in the crew, with a physical durability that went without saying.
What was Caesar’s strength when he first arrived?
If not for the boost from Conqueror’s Haki and a Mythical Zoan Fruit, he wouldn’t even have qualified as a lead performer or division commander.
“Come to think of it, that kid set out to sea looking for a Devil Fruit because his natural talent was limited…
but can a Mythical Zoan truly bring about such a massive transformation?” Kaidou murmured in astonishment.
King smiled slightly.
“Perhaps he possessed this potential all along, but in a place like East Blue, there was no way to draw it out.” “No…
the speed of learning Haki doesn’t reflect true talent.
What truly determines talent is the rate of physical metamorphosis.
Only a mighty physique can support the massive consumption of Haki.” Kaidou stared intently at Caesar’s figure on the platform and slowly shook his head.
“A transformation like that takes time.
No matter what kind of monster someone is, it might take a year—it could never take just one month.” “King…
do you think it could be him?
Joy Boy?” “Do you believe Caesar will defeat you, Mr.
Kaidou?” Kaidou burst into laughter upon hearing this.
“Worororo…
I won’t be defeated by anyone!
I am the strongest!” “Then he isn’t.
After all, didn’t you say it yourself?
If Joy Boy really exists, he must be the man who can defeat you.” King smiled as well.
“Besides, as I’ve said before, that stuff doesn’t matter anymore.
Right now, I only want to make you the Pirate King.” Kaidou fell quiet for a brief moment.
“Do you remember what you asked me when we first met?” King grew silent too.
He knew what Kaidou was referring to.
When they first met back then, he had asked Kaidou: *Are you the one who will change the world?* Kaidou’s answer at the time was still vivid in his memory.
*Only I can change the world!* “I never thought the story of the dragon slayer becoming the dragon would play out on me.” Kaidou gulped down a large swig of alcohol.
“That kid managed to change a whole country.
Even though he mostly relied on the power of the Beasts Pirates, after all these years, I’ve only managed to change myself.
It really makes you wonder!” King chuckled.
“It’s nothing more than the qualities of a wise ruler.” “It’s not wisdom that matters, King—it’s upheaval!” Kaidou laughed out loud.
Arrogant as he had always been about his own strength, he finally realized one thing: there are some things that cannot be accomplished through sheer strength alone.
For example…
bringing smiles to people’s faces!
“I’m looking forward to my fight with this kid more and more!
Worororo!” *** “General Yamato!” “Loyalty!” “By the way, what’s the relationship between Lord Caesar and General Yamato?
The General kissed Lord Caesar, which means…” “Lord Caesar is the General’s wife!” “A wife is a woman!
It should be the General’s husband, right?” “That sounds a bit weird…” On the way back to the castle, the roadside was lined with citizens.
Yamato rode in a carriage, a pure smile radiant on her face as she continuously waved to the crowd.
Caesar walked beside the carriage, Yamato’s lipstick mark still stamped on his face.
The corners of his mouth curled up slightly; he was in a great mood.
Ulti: “Your smile is disgustingly creepy.” Caesar: “Starting tomorrow, you’re going with Queen to spray chemical treatments on the farmland!” “Eh?!
No way!
I was just joking!” “Heh, I took it seriously.” The group returned to the castle, where Yamato was pulled away by maidservants to change her clothes.
Caesar made his way to a room where a man and a woman were confined.
The man had a long pompadour hairstyle and slanted eyes, looking thoroughly crafty.
Beside him, dressed as a geisha, was a beautiful woman.
However, like the man beside her, she was tightly bound up like a dumpling.
The two were none other than Kozuki Oden’s former retainer, Denjiro—who had gone undercover beside Orochi under the alias Kyoshiro—and Oden’s daughter, Kozuki Hiyori.
When Kurozumi Orochi’s direct subordinates were wiped out, Kyoshiro, lurking by Orochi’s side, naturally couldn’t have escaped the roundup.
However, Caesar had deliberately spared both their lives.
Having spent last night busy organizing Yamato’s succession, he hadn’t had time for them until now.
“My Lord!
Lord Caesar!” The moment Caesar stepped into the room, Kyoshiro immediately plastered a flattering smile onto his face.
“I have just heard the commotion outside.
I am willing to surrender and serve General Yamato…” “Oh?
Is that so?” With a wave of his hand, Caesar summoned a luxurious plush chair.
He leaned back lazily, resting his cheek on his hand as he observed the two.
The words that came out of his mouth, however, caused both of their expressions to turn pale.
“Aren’t you Kozuki Oden’s retainer?
Denjiro…” Kyoshiro’s flattering smile instantly froze on his face.
“Impossible!
How could you know?!” “None of your business.” Caesar chuckled softly, turning his gaze toward the beautiful woman beside him.
“And this must be Kozuki Hiyori…
the number one beauty of Wano…” “You…
whatever you want to do, come at me!” Denjiro’s face darkened, and he struggled to position himself in front of Kozuki Hiyori.
“Forcing yourself upon a helpless woman is no act of a true man!” “Dreaming, are we?” Caesar scoffed.
“The current Shogun is my woman.
A mere geisha who entertains men with her looks deserves me forcing myself on her?” “Lord Caesar is right, Denjiro.” Kozuki Hiyori sighed softly.
“A figure like Lord Caesar would hardly be swayed by beauty alone.
You must have a scheme in mind, correct?” “Then why don’t you tell me?
What is my scheme?” Caesar raised an eyebrow slightly.
Her calm composure earned a bit of respect from him.
“It certainly isn’t to kill me.” Hiyori’s voice was cool and composed.
“I heard everything you said earlier.
Whether in governing a country or winning the hearts of the people, my late father Oden did not possess half of Lord Caesar’s ability.” “If you can truly ensure everyone is fed and free to trade overseas, the Kozuki clan will completely lose all support and never pose the slightest threat again.
But if that were all, there would be no need for you to go out of your way to spare my life…” “What you want is to keep me alive.
Not only alive, but to let everyone know that I am living well under the Shogun’s protection right here in the Flower Capital under your very nose, showcasing General Yamato’s benevolence and magnanimity.” “If the Kozuki clan were to rebel, it would be seen as ungratefulness.
They would be condemned by the thousands, reviled by the masses, and nailed to the pillar of shame for disloyalty and unrighteousness!” “Not bad.
You’re very clever.” Caesar clapped lightly.
“So, what is your answer?” Kozuki Hiyori looked up at Caesar.
“If I am unwilling to cooperate, what will you do?” “Don’t flatter yourself.
You aren’t that important.” Caesar smiled.
“Even if you die, the sun will still rise as usual.
The people will still live and work in peace and prosperity.
The promises I made to this country will not change in the slightest.” “It seems I was shortsighted.” Kozuki Hiyori froze for a moment, then broke into a serene smile.
“In that case…
I, Hiyori of the Kozuki clan, humble as I am, am willing to be at Lord Caesar’s disposal.” “Lady Hiyori…” Denjiro looked at Kozuki Hiyori with mixed emotions.
“That fellow Kaidou was an accomplice in Lord Oden’s death!” “In a struggle of life and death, how can one speak of right or wrong?” Kozuki Hiyori let out a faint sigh.
“My father’s momentary naivety subjected the people to over a decade of suffering.
If anyone is to blame, it is our Kozuki family that let down the people of Wano.” Denjiro grit his teeth, ultimately letting out a helpless sigh.
Things had reached this point; he was powerless to turn the tide.
“With an understanding like that, it’s a pity for you to be a geisha.” Caesar chuckled and stood up.
With a flick of his wrist, the restraints on their bodies vanished.
“It just so happens I’m short on someone to manage public welfare and livelihoods.
You’ll do!” Hiyori looked surprised.
“Public welfare?
But I know nothing of government affairs…” “If you don’t know, learn.” Caesar motioned for them to follow.
“There’s no reason to feed an idle mouth.
Follow me!” The two hurriedly followed Caesar and soon met Yamato.
“Ha!
Caesar!” The moment Yamato saw Caesar, she pounced on him like a big puppy, laughing lightheartedly.
“I found a capable assistant for you.
Let me introduce her: Kozuki Hiyori, daughter of Kozuki Oden.” “Eh?!” Yamato was immediately thrilled.
“Kozuki Oden’s daughter?!
She’s still alive?!
Wait, I mean…
that’s wonderful!” “Greetings to the Shogun.” “I am Denjiro.
Greetings to the Shogun.” Kozuki Hiyori bowed gracefully, and Denjiro followed suit.
Kurozumi Orochi was dead, and Denjiro’s true identity was out in the open, so there was no longer any need to use the alias Kyoshiro.
“Denjiro…
you were Oden’s retainer, right?” Yamato hurriedly pulled them up.
“About my father and Oden…
I am truly, deeply sorry.” “Past events have nothing to do with the Shogun.
There is no need to blame yourself, My Lord.” Kozuki Hiyori’s voice was gentle; her impression of Yamato was quite favorable.
She could tell how simple and earnest Yamato was.
Although Yamato bore the title of Shogun, the real decision-maker was Caesar.
No matter how foolish Kaidou might seem, he would never truly let an admirer of Kozuki Oden govern as Shogun, even if it was his own child.
“Our positions were different, yet Lord Yamato is able to carry on my late father’s legacy.
I am truly grateful!” “Ha…
You really are a good person!” Yamato’s large eyes sparkled as she looked at Hiyori.
“How about you become the Shogun instead?” “Hey, stop talking nonsense.” Caesar tapped Yamato on the head with a gentle hand chop.
“A helpless woman with no martial strength—what good would it do even if she became Shogun?
Kurozumi Orochi got wiped out precisely because he failed to realize this.” “For a nation, dignity rests upon the edge of a blade, and truth exists only within the range of cannons.
Wano is not affiliated with the World Government and possesses vast deposits of Sea Prism Stone.
Without a powerhouse to protect it, it would be swallowed whole by the World Government in an instant.” “So in a sense, Kaidou actually became this country’s guardian deity.
If you ever travel the seas, you’ll find that non-affiliated countries under the shadow of the World Government don’t have it any better than Wano.
Unlucky ones are destroyed completely.” Caesar scoffed.
“Even if you handed the Shogun title back to the Kozuki clan, could they defend Wano without Kozuki Oden?
They couldn’t even feed the common people!
The root cause of Kozuki Oden’s failure was that he was stupid.
Whatever you do, don’t become a second Oden.” Upon hearing this, Yamato threw herself onto Caesar with a cheerful smile.
“I won’t!
But Caesar, you’ll help me, right?” “Don’t act spoiled…” Caesar lightly pushed Yamato’s head back, a surge of warmth stirring in his heart.
He turned to Kozuki Hiyori and Denjiro.
“You two may step down for now.” “Understood.” Kozuki Hiyori bowed politely and quietly left the room with Denjiro.
As soon as the two left, Caesar grabbed one of Yamato’s oni horns, pulling her innocent face toward him.
His gaze fell upon her soft, delicate lips.
Yamato seemed to realize what was coming.
Her face instantly flushed red, and she looked at Caesar nervously yet expectantly.
“Enjoyed kissing me earlier?” Gazing into her watery eyes, Caesar asked with a half-smile.
“Hehe…” Yamato let out a silly giggle, her blush deepening.
Though shy and innocent, her eyes shone brightly as she stared at Caesar.
“I really like you, Caesar!” Caesar raised his chin slightly.
“Mm, and then?” Seeing Caesar’s lack of reaction, Yamato quickly explained, “Not like a friend!
I like you the way a wife likes her husband!” “Doesn’t that make you pretty unlucky?” Caesar pinched her soft chin with his long fingers and chuckled.
“I’m no honest, well-behaved man.
I might end up with other women somewhere down the line.” “Mm-hmm!” Yamato nodded with total innocence.
“Caesar is so amazing, so isn’t it normal for other women to like you?” “Should I call you traditional, or just lacking common sense…” Caesar felt amused and surprised.
“Would you like other men?” “Of course not!
I’m not that kind of woman!” Yamato replied earnestly.
Caesar understood.
It wasn’t that the girl didn’t understand relationships; rather, in her mindset, it was fine for a man to be romantic or polyamorous, but a woman should remain devoted and dutiful.
The cause behind this was likely the influence of Wano’s isolationist culture, where patriarchal traditions were deeply entrenched.
Furthermore, in a woman’s judgment of a man, fidelity held little weight compared to his ambition and accomplishments.
She was the type who, even if starving at home, would feel dying was worth it as long as her man made a grand name for himself in the world.
Caesar couldn’t quite fathom it, but truthfully, as the beneficiary of this mindset, he wasn’t about to hypocritically preach gender equality.
“Caesar…
do you like me?” Seeing Caesar stay silent, Yamato asked tentatively.
Before her voice fully faded, her soft cheek was gently pinched, and a warm touch pressed against her tender lips.
“Mmm…” Feeling the invading tongue, Yamato’s beautiful eyes widened suddenly.
Then, slowly, her blush deepened even more, and she closed her eyes, gradually melting into the moment.
After a long while, their lips parted.
Caesar touched the corner of his lips with a fingertip, licking away the thin, glistening trace left behind.
“Thank you for the feast, Lady Shogun…” “…” Hearing Caesar’s playful tone, Yamato’s face burned red, and she cupped his cheeks once more…