Chapter 57: 57. He comitted seppuku, RIGHT?
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"Extra! Extra!"
Less than half a day after Shogun Orochi's death, the obituary spread throughout Wano Country, stunning the people in all the villages who hadn't even had dinner yet.
After confirming the news was true,
"Hahaha, let's drink tonight!"
"Old woman, bring out the stored food, let's add a dish to celebrate!"
"I haven't been this happy in a long time."
Gongs and drums roared, firecrackers popped, and joyful laughter echoed through all the villages, as if the annual Fire Festival had arrived early.
Hakumai Castle, construction site.
Tonoyasu and Hyogoro sat together, drinking small cups of sake, their expressions incredibly complex, a mix of happiness and sadness, as well as awe and worry.
"I never expected that pirate to defeat Shogun Orochi without shedding a single drop of blood."
Although the newspaper stated that the pirate had killed Shogun Orochi, both men were intelligent enough to deduce the underlying truth.
When Daichi had first informed them of his intention to eliminate Shogun Orochi and take his place, their initial assumption was that Daichi would secretly build up strength and eventually engage in a major battle with Shogun Orochi.
While this might align with a pirate's style, it would inevitably mark him with the shame of betraying an ally, which for a samurai who valued righteousness, would be an utterly shameful act. How could anyone then dare to fight for him in the future?
They never imagined that Daichi would not only avoid a direct confrontation with Shogun Orochi but would also become the "hero" who turned the tide.
Hakumai, Ashura Doji, Kyoshiro...
Now that the events were clear, except for the arrival of Fire Fist Ace, an unpredictable factor, everything else was likely within that man's calculations.
"The younger generation is truly impressive!"
Hyogoro sighed.
In terms of strategy and courage, he genuinely admired Daichi, but from his own standpoint, he felt more worry and fear.
In five years, it would be the predicted time of Toki-sama's prophecy, when the Kozuki clan would return with reinforcements to fight Kaido to the death.
The Beast Pirates did not lack strength. What they lacked was a strategist like Daichi who could control the overall situation. With Daichi present, the Kozuki clan would be in peril.
Hyogoro and Tonoyasu exchanged glances, seeing the helplessness, bitterness, and unease in each other's eyes.
Wano Country was now firmly in that man's grasp, and its future would depend entirely on his will.
"Today is a happy day, let's not think too far ahead."
"You're right, let's drink."
Three days passed in a flash.
Orochi Castle.
As the upper part of Orochi Castle had been reduced to ruins during the battle, the meeting place for the Daimyo and officials was set in the first-floor hall.
Even before noon, the hall was packed with dignitaries and nobles, including officials from various villages and representatives of some noble families.
As the Shogun's throne was at stake, they couldn't possibly not attend in person.
Before the meeting even began, officials and noble families from various villages started taking sides.
Among them, five Daimyo were particularly conspicuous, their demeanor quite arrogant, each surrounded by numerous noble families.
According to tradition, after the death of a Shogun, if there was no heir, the next Shogun would be chosen from among the Daimyo.
Side room.
All members of the Oniwabanshu were present, except for their captain, Fukurokuju, who had been burned to a crisp. After three days of treatment, they were able to move normally.
Daikoku, with a stern face, knelt on one knee before Daichi and reported, "Daichi-sama, all the Daimyo and officials from the various villages have arrived."
"Hmm."
Daichi nodded calmly, his gaze examining the Oniwabanshu.
Not a single one died, like cockroaches.
Indeed, to kill someone, you must scatter their ashes!
"It's our turn to make an appearance."
First-floor hall.
Daichi appeared with Yamato.
Everyone's attention was drawn to them, and when they saw the Oniwabanshu behind the two, their expressions involuntarily changed.
The Oniwabanshu had always been loyal only to the Shogun, so why were they following a pirate? Could it be that the Oniwabanshu intended to pledge allegiance to the pirate?
Also, why was the pirate standing in the main position!
"Everyone, welcome to Orochi Castle."
Daichi surveyed the room, taking in everyone's reactions. Clearly, these scoundrels didn't want to see him and Yamato.
Heh, seeking death.
Daichi curled his lips and pushed the dazed Yamato forward.
"I have invited you all here today to announce that the next Shogun of Wano Country will be Yamato, daughter of Kaido. Does anyone have any objections?"
A direct and straightforward declaration.
Everyone froze, then erupted in an uproar.
"Absurd!"
The Daimyo of Kibi angrily stepped forward, furiously questioning, "How can the position of Shogun be given to a pirate who knows nothing? Governing a country is not warfare. It requires wisdom!"
"That's right!"
"Even if she is the daughter of Kaido, she cannot disregard the laws and regulations!"
The other Daimyo also stepped forward.
Before they arrived, they had fully assumed that the position of Shogun would be born among themselves, but then someone suddenly appeared to intercept it.
How could they tolerate this!
They had always dreamed of becoming Shogun!
Daichi stared at the Daimyo, a wicked smile appearing on his face.
He had originally planned to find an excuse to pick a fight, but these fools couldn't sit still and jumped out themselves, saving him a lot of trouble.
Daichi didn't rush, instead turning his gaze to the Oniwabanshu.
Daikoku immediately stepped forward and declared, "The Wano Country Ninja Corps, the 5,000 members of the Oniwabanshu, are willing to pledge allegiance to Shogun Yamato!"
"Hmm."
Daichi nodded slightly, his calm gaze turning to the patrol leader.
There was no threat, nor any expectation.
But the calmer his gaze, the more the patrol leader's heart pounded.
Unlike the foolish Daimyo, he had personally witnessed the ruthlessness of the man before him. If he didn't declare his stance now, he probably wouldn't even see the sun the next day!
The patrol leader surrendered at light speed: "I second that. The 5,000 samurai of the Wano Country Patrol Squad will henceforth pledge allegiance to Shogun Yamato!"
The Oniwabanshu and the Patrol Squad.
The two strongest armies of Wano Country simultaneously pledging allegiance to Yamato meant that Yamato becoming Shogun was a foregone conclusion.
Daichi nodded with satisfaction, looking at the five Daimyo with a smile.
"What were you saying just now?"
"...."
The Daimyo were completely stunned.
What on earth was going on? Why would the Oniwabanshu and the Patrol Squad pledge allegiance to a pirate? Even if he was backed by Kaido, he shouldn't be interfering in Wano Country's internal affairs.
Daichi raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Why are you all silent? Don't you want to speak?"
"We..."
The Daimyo swallowed hard.
This was bad!
Daichi snorted coldly.
"When Shogun Orochi was assassinated, Yamato led the samurai on the front lines and defeated the Spade Pirates who murdered Shogun Orochi!"
"Where were you then?"
"As for whether Yamato can govern Wano Country well, the construction in Hakumai is clear for all to see. Can you do better?"
"Yamato becoming Shogun is the will of the people!"
In terms of merit, Yamato single-handedly defeated Fire Fist Ace. In terms of governance, Yamato personally oversaw the construction of Hakumai.
In the face of such powerful achievements, even the most unwilling Daimyo from various villages couldn't find a single fault.
Daichi raised his chin, his gaze cold.
"What are you still standing there for?"
"..."
After a few seconds of silence, everyone knelt before Yamato, their foreheads touching the ground.
"Greetings, Shogun Yamato!"
Night fell.
Daichi stood on the edge of Orochi Castle, looking down at the Flower Capital below, with a group of Oniwabanshu ninjas standing behind him.
"Publish in tomorrow's newspaper that the Daimyo, feeling remorse for failing to come to the Shogun's aid in time, committed seppuku!"
"Also, stab them a few times in the back!"