Settsetse! The Pirate Nemesis

"Be humble!!" Before Sanji could finish speaking, Kuina struck him hard on the head with her wooden sword: "Uncle Dragon said it's not convenient to talk about their identities!"

Upon hearing the word "Dragon," Garp, who had been watching the children chat with a smile, paused slightly. But he patted his head, telling himself not to overthink it… East Blue was his territory; even if that Dragon kid was bold, he wouldn't dare cause trouble there! The so-called "Uncle Dragon" was probably just someone with the same name, right?

Thinking this, Garp didn't take it to heart anymore. He just smiled and watched the group of children chatting in front of him. In Garp's eyes, as long as they didn't discuss things like becoming pirates, it was all a good thing!

Faced with Kuina's reprimand, Sanji merely grunted a couple of times and said nothing more—it was supposed to be a peaceful resolution. However, upon hearing Kuina scold Sanji, Zoro, with his green hair, chuckled smugly, "Hahaha~ Got scolded by this violent woman, huh~"

"Stop talking nonsense! I didn't kick Kuina because she's a woman! If you keep spouting nonsense, I won't tolerate your green hair!"

"What did you say? You stinky curly-browed brat!"

Sanji and Zoro are incompatible; they can't stand each other for more than two sentences. Sure enough, after just a few casual words, they're about to fight again. Watching from the sidelines, sensing the curiosity and anticipation on Luffy and the others' faces, Kuina's forehead creased with annoyance. She then picked up a wooden sword and struck twice, finally silencing them.

At the Shimotsuki Dojo, Kuina was undoubtedly the queen of the kids. The reason for this was simply that she was the strongest. Unfortunately, due to Wano Country's patriarchal traditions, Shimotsuki Koushirou never had high hopes for Kuina's future in kendo…

But on this vast sea, strength ultimately prevails. Just like now, after witnessing everything that happened at Armored Castle, Koushirou's original thoughts have changed.

"That's... Kaido."

He sat in a corner. Unlike the other spectators who were chatting animatedly, Koushirou's face showed a hint of melancholy and fear.

Are you still afraid... or terrified?

Standing before Koushirou was an old man with an odd appearance, large knuckles, and thick, unibrow-like eyebrows. He tapped his pipe on the corner of the table beside him and casually said, "So much time has passed, and you still haven't forgotten, have you?"

Upon hearing this, Koushirou wasn't angry; he simply looked down at his hands. Those hands, capable of wielding a famous sword and swinging it millions of times without the slightest deviation, were now trembling uncontrollably. They looked as if he had Parkinson's disease. Let alone holding a sword, one could even doubt whether he could properly eat with chopsticks.

Gone was his usual relaxed demeanor; even his squinty eyes behind his glasses betrayed a hint of seriousness—initially, Shimotsuki Koushirou had no intention of coming to Arms City to watch any matches. Even with the invitations from Ryu and Mihawk, Koushirou had little interest in the outside world.

What truly convinced Koushirou to leave Shimotsuki Village and come to Armstrong Castle to watch the tournament was the rumor that Kaido's Beasts Pirates would be participating...

"Forty years ago, I fled Wano Country... because I was also afraid." The old man said calmly, "That sword named after the King of Demons will be my last work... For a swordsmith, not being able to forge a new sword is tantamount to death. This is my inner demon."

"But now it seems... Kaido is your inner demon."

As he said this, a hint of helplessness flickered in Shimotsuki Kozaburo's eyes—forty years ago, in 1474. At that time, Shimotsuki Kozaburo was the most famous swordsmith in the entire Wano Country—because he had forged the legendary sword "Enma." However, Enma was too ferocious; it would devour the Haki of its chosen ones as a test. If one could not withstand Enma's test, they would even lose their power.

After that, unable to forge a sword that surpassed Enma, Shimotsuki Kozaburo chose to leave his homeland and illegally leave the country... Just ten years later, he heard the news that Wano Country had been occupied by Kaido.

As a samurai, Shimotsuki Kozaburo's son, Shimotsuki Koshiro, initially planned to return to Wano Country to avenge his lord. However, during his journey, he accidentally heard the legend of the Nine Red Scabbards—that in the future, Kozuki Oden's subordinates would end Wano Country's nightmare and open the country to the world.

At first, Koushirou didn't pay much attention because he had enough confidence in his own strength—until he faced Kaido head-on, at which point he realized just how fragile his power was.

These men who could be called Emperors of the Sea, not a single one of them, were beyond the reach of a "genius" like him... Since then, Kaido had become Koushirou's inner demon. He had come here to confront his inner demon. However, Koushirou was surprised to find that even after so much time had passed, his inner fear hadn't diminished in the slightest...

"Father... what should we do..."

"There's no such thing as 'should' or 'shouldn't'." Hearing Kousaburo's words, Kousaburo casually waved his hand, picked up his pipe, and said lazily, "The era of the samurai is over... Coming to this sea, you should also know that the power you're so proud of is actually just the ignorance of a frog in a well..."

"Let's wait... The legend of the Nine Red Scabbards may not be unfounded."

After hearing his father's words, Kozaburo remained silent for a long time, but finally took a deep breath and looked out the window—in the distance was Kaido's temporary residence.

Wait a moment.

Remembering something, Koushirou's gaze sharpened—Having arrived at Kaido Castle, not only has Kaido come in person, but he's also brought three of his top lieutenants and many of his subordinates. If that's the case, then Wano Country is now only occupied by that incompetent Orochi!

Upon realizing this, Koushirou's previously calmed mind became chaotic again.

In contrast, the argument among the little kids on the sidelines was starting to get heated.

"The strongest is definitely Uncle Mihawk!" Zoro said with a determined look. "His weapon is the world's number one sword!! He didn't even need a sword during today's match; he could defeat them with just a small dagger! If he were to use a great sword, he would be even more formidable!"

"Really? I think that Marine is the most powerful." Kuina said calmly, "Those pirates don't even dare to lay a hand on him."

"Indeed! The Navy is indeed the strongest!" Upon hearing Kuina's words, Garp nodded solemnly.

It's not that Garp is bragging. Without Marco's ability to directly see the flames of life, and having not participated in the battles, Shanks essentially relied on luck to secure his place in the knockout stage. To some uninformed people, Shanks might even be seen as just a lucky freeloader…

Just then, a white-haired girl with a pair of bull horns on her forehead suddenly ran in from the side, shouting as she ran, "I am Kozuki Oden! I don't want to go back!!!"

287·Yamato

Kozuki Oden? !

Upon hearing the name, Shimotsuki Koshiro, who had been drinking alone in silence, immediately looked up. Turning to look, he saw a girl who appeared to be around eighteen years old. Although still young, she possessed a vibrant and spirited air, exuding a strong sense of martial prowess. And her height was already an astonishing two meters…

In her previous life, an eighteen-year-old who was two meters tall would definitely be considered a little giant. But in this world, she wasn't that eye-catching. At least, at first glance, more striking than her height were her white hair and the pair of bull horns on her head.

Holding a steel baseball bat, the girl, dressed in simple clothes, ran while constantly swinging the bat. A buzzing sound followed wherever it went, making it look incredibly terrifying.

Behind the girl were three burly men, each over three meters tall, wearing studded leather jackets. They ran while shouting:

"Young Master! Don't run! This isn't our territory! Lord Kaido is going to be angry!!!"

Young Master?

Upon hearing this title, everyone turned their gaze to the girl—whether from her delicate face or the already impressive breasts on her chest, people were certain they were not mistaken.

The girl, however, was unfazed. Instead, her eyes blazed with fierce fighting spirit: "That's right! I must defeat Kaido and open Wano Country to the world!!!"

Upon hearing the girl's words, the first thought of everyone around was, "She is so filial."

But then a question popped into his head: "When did Kaido get a son... wait, judging from his appearance, it's clearly a girl, isn't it?"

While everyone was still wondering, the soldiers of the Beasts Pirates had already reached the girl. Just as the girl was about to resist, Shimotsuki Koushirou couldn't hold back any longer. Without hesitation, he picked up his sword, but didn't draw it, because Koushirou knew very well that Sett was not the kind of person who would hesitate because of past feelings... Or perhaps, Koushirou didn't intend to break his previous agreement with Sett here!

When the day of destiny arrives, help the Nine Red Scabbards open the country of Wano!

With this thought in mind, accompanied by a whooshing sound, the hard scabbard struck several people on the back of the head. Before the others could recover, he grabbed the girl's wrist and whispered, "I am a samurai."

Upon hearing this, the girl, who had initially thought Kaido's men were going to capture her and was about to struggle, paused slightly and looked at Koushirou. Seeing his attire and the cold glint in his eyes, she nodded in surprise. Then, without resisting, she allowed Koushirou to lead her away.

Beside him, Shimotsuki Kozaburo silently witnessed everything, puffing on his pipe. He finally let out a long sigh, saying nothing more.

He doesn't have many years left to live... He left Wano Country forty years ago, and now, even if he wanted to go back, his body probably wouldn't be able to hold on.

There was nothing he could do. Kousaburo, his face contorted in a grimace, thought bitterly, "Who knew that 'Enma' would be so ferocious, not even putting him, the swordsmith, in its eyes..."

Thinking this, just as Kousaburo was packing up to leave with Koushirou, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a dim light out of the corner of his eye… His sixth sense as a swordsman made him widen his eyes the moment he sensed the dim light. Then, instinctively, he turned his head to look—

He sat silently at the corner of the table, drinking his unpretentious whiskey on the rocks. As if sensing attention, the man paused slightly, looked up, and revealed a pair of sharp, hawk-like eyes beneath the broad brim of his hat.

Hawkeye, Mihawk.

Shimotsuki Kozaburo didn't care about Hawkeye Mihawk or anything like that—in fact, he didn't even pay attention when Zoro boasted about having the world's greatest sword.

In Kousaburo's eyes, Zoro's boasting was just that of a child who had never seen the world... In addition, Mihawk had only used a dagger throughout the selection process, so Kousaburo simply didn't pay any attention to it... But now, they were closer.

As a craftsman, Kousaburo instinctively felt the swordsmith's spirit burning within him. Gazing at the blade adorned with exquisite patterns, his eyes were filled with awe: "That's... the Black Sword, Night?!"

"……Um."

Not a man of many words, even while drinking here, Mihawk was simply waiting for Shanks to arrive. If anyone else had asked Hawkeye, he wouldn't have bothered to answer. But the moment he looked up, Mihawk clearly felt the shock in Kousaburo's eyes—the look only a true swordsman could possess!

However, Mihawk could not sense much of the sword intent of a swordsman or samurai in Kousaburo...

Swallowing hard, Kousaburo couldn't help but ask, "Could I take a look?"

As a swordsmith, Kousaburo dreamed of forging a supreme grade sword... but even with all his life's effort, Kousaburo only managed to forge two grade swords: Wado Ichimonji and Enma.

Two of the twenty-one Great Grade Swords were crafted by Kousaburo, which should have been a source of pride. However, as a swordsmith, Kousaburo knew very well what his dream was... the ultimate masterpiece!

Unfortunately, such supreme treasures are extremely rare, and even Kousaburo had only heard of them. But now, he had finally seen the real thing—the strongest "Black Blade," Yoru!

How could Kousaburo not be excited?!

For a moment, Kousaburo even forgot about going back to see his son; he just stared intently at the black sword Yoru behind Hawkeye.

Normally, Hawkeye should refuse a stranger's question. However, the eagerness and excitement in Kousaburo's eyes made Hawkeye sense something unusual. After a moment of silence, Hawkeye nodded, then placed the large sword behind him horizontally on the table, picked up a sake cup, and stood aside, gesturing for Kousaburo to observe freely.

As a swordsman, Hawkeye instinctively felt a sense of closeness to Kousaburo.

The swordsman profession cultivates mental and physical skills, emphasizing the unity of man and sword, and the harmony of mind and will—in other words, it's about being neurotic.

Once the radio waves click, everything becomes easier.

It doesn't match? Then what a waste.

Meanwhile, they arrived at the temporary lodgings of the Shimotsuki Dojo with Kaido's daughter. As soon as they arrived, Koushirou impatiently asked, "Why do you say you're Kozuki Oden? Where did you learn that name? Who are you?!"

"And who are you?!"

The girl didn't let her guard down just because Koushirou had saved her. On the contrary, gripping the spiked club in her hand, her eyes were filled with seriousness and vigilance. It was as if if Koushirou said anything wrong, the spiked club would smash into his head in the next moment!

To this, Koushirou pursed his lips and said, "I am Koushirou Shimotsuki, a samurai of the Shimotsuki family in Wano Country! Our Shimotsuki family has been forging swords for generations! My father felt that the craftsmanship in Wano Country could no longer improve, so he took me and smuggled ourselves away from Wano Country forty years ago. Not long after, we heard that Wano Country had fallen into Kaido's hands..."

As he said this, Koushirou couldn't help but grit his teeth and say, "As a samurai of Wano Country, it is my shame not to be loyal! Please tell me the truth about Wano Country, and I will reward you handsomely!"

As he spoke, Koushirou unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his family crest.

Upon hearing Koushirou's explanation, the girl, whose eyes had been filled with wariness, breathed a sigh of relief. Then, as if remembering something, her eyes showed a hint of hesitation before she said, "You said... you're from the 'Shimotsuki' family?"

Upon hearing this, Koushirou nodded.

"Who is Shimotsuki Ushimaru, the daimyo of Ringo in Wano Country, to you?!"

"It's the head of the family clan!!"

After hearing the girl accurately state her family's location and Shimotsuki Ushimaru's name, Koushirou sat up straight—being able to say Shimotsuki Ushimaru's name meant that she definitely knew about Wano Country.

As for the reason, Shimotsuki Ushimaru died more than ten years ago...

Then, with a solemn expression and in the posture of a samurai, he said, "My name is Yamato! I am Kaido's son!"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Koushirou's gaze immediately turned dangerous. However, given what had happened before, Koushirou still did not draw his sword, but instead gestured for Yamato to continue.

Seeing this, Yamato truthfully recounted his past—ten years ago, he witnessed the death of Kozuki Oden and became a fanatical fan, believing Oden to be the most outstanding samurai, and began to worship Kozuki Oden from then on.

After that, she told her father, Kaido, that she wanted to become like Kozuki Oden, but ended up getting beaten up by Kaido instead. Later, by chance, Yamato found Oden's nautical log in the Kuri region of Wano Country and regarded it as her own bible. From then on, she was determined to inherit Oden's will and wanted to open Wano Country to the world.

During this process, after unexpectedly awakening his Conqueror's Haki, Yamato was imprisoned by his father Kaido in a cave on Onigashima for several days. Three other samurai were also imprisoned in this cave—including Shimotsuki Ushimaru.

Kaido's original intention was to show Yamato the despicable side of these samurai, but he didn't expect that the samurai wouldn't abuse or humiliate Yamato just because she was Kaido's child. They even took the initiative to give the last rice ball to Yamato.

Finally, after Yamato showed the three samurai Oden's logbook and expressed his determination to fight alongside Wano Country in the future, the three samurai helped Yamato break through the giant rock at the cave entrance and escape...

"Then, I took the opportunity to climb onto the boat and came here!"

Upon hearing Yamato's account, Koushirou's eyes were filled with grief and indignation.

But before Koushirou could say anything, suddenly, a dripping sound started coming from Yamato's body.