The Golden Ark hovered directly over the Flower Capital, its imposing presence drawing the attention of many samurai below. Most of their gazes were filled with a barely restrained anger.
To be so brazen above their general’s head... Had it not been so high in the sky—and directly over the capital—so of the top swordsn would’ve already sent a few flying slashes its way.
"This match against the warriors of Wano is ant to help us study the technique of Ryuo. Try not to rely on your Devil Fruit abilities. If even one of you manages to master external Armant Haki, then we can teach and refine the technique ourselves!"
Brook had great faith in his crew. But just in case no one managed to awaken Ryuo, he had a backup plan—draw out warriors who already possessed the skill during this tournant.
And once those warriors appeared, they’d be captured. With Redfield’s unique Observation Haki and the mory-seahorse, Brook was confident they’d unlock the secrets of Ryuo eventually.
This tournant also served to bolster the na of the Hell Pirates. At the sa ti, they could assess how many true sword masters Wano had to offer—and maybe even secure a deal to purchase Seastone. After all, Brook wasn’t short on Belly.
If the samurai of Wano turned out to be weaker than expected, Brook wouldn’t hesitate to pressure them into an unequal treaty.
If not for the fact that Wano’s samurai were fanatically loyal—and prone to rebellion—he might’ve considered outright subjugation.
Since only Wano’s craftsn knew how to refine Seastone, Brook wasn’t looking to burn bridges completely. If the supply chain was disrupted, that would be troubleso.
But if they proved too uncooperative, he wasn’t above borrowing a page from Kaido’s playbook—installing a puppet ruler and enslaving the country.
...
The Golden Ark began to descend. A Den Den Mushi loudspeaker extended from its hull, playing a relaxed, soothing tune that seed to calm even the most tense samurai.
"Greetings, Shogun of Wano. We’ve co to negotiate for Seastone products and would like to host a public challenge. Any samurai who defeats my crewmbers will be rewarded with a hundred pounds of gold!"
Brook’s voice rang out, and just like that, many warriors lowered their guards. A hundred pounds of gold for a duel? If they could win, they’d be set for life.
"Seastone? A challenge?" Kozuki Sukiyaki frowned. Could their intentions really be that simple?
As the Golden Ark touched down, wind shells fired from its underside to soften the landing, sending clouds of dust swirling. Startled, the watching samurai instinctively stepped back.
When the dust settled, the people of Wano were stunned. The ship was truly covered in gold—it wasn’t a bluff. And with a prize like that, the challenge was clearly serious.
"I—I want to go first! I’m Kozuki Oden, and if I win, I don’t want the gold—I want to board your ship and sail the seas with you!"
The orange-robed boy who’d caused a scene at the casino now shouted with excitent. This was his chance—his very first encounter with outsiders. Finally, a chance to go to sea!
"Outrageous! The people of Wano are forbidden to leave! And these outsiders will be expelled imdiately!"
Shogun Sukiyaki was fuming. His son’s reckless behavior was already causing endless complaints and diplomatic headaches. Their relationship had long since soured.
As ruler of Wano, Sukiyaki took law and order seriously. But Oden kept breaking the rules—how could a father not be exasperated?
"Shogun Sukiyaki," Brook said with a smile, "If you want us gone, then let us test your strength. And the offer stands—anyone who defeats my crew still gets their gold."
Brook had already scanned Sukiyaki’s power with his life-sensing abilities. The man wasn’t all that impressive. In the future, he’d beco the swordsmith known as Tenguyama Hitetsu and go into hiding in Amigasa Village, too afraid to act even when Drake destroyed it.
Still, the man was a gifted blacksmith—both the Sandai Kitetsu and A no Habakiri were his creations.
"Shogun, allow to face them!" a samurai stepped forward, eyes gleaming with greed. Driving off invaders and earning gold? A win-win.
"Yes, Shogun, leave it to us! We’ll send these outsiders packing!"
More and more warriors joined in, clearly tempted by the prize. The lure of a hundred pounds of gold was just too strong.
Sukiyaki, though he had a strong sense of samurai honor, understood the power of money. He showed remarkable patience and ultimately approved the match.
He, too, was curious about the world outside Wano. Were his samurai still as powerful as they once were?
...
"What are those things?! Monsters? Yokai?!"
So of Wano’s civilians caught sight of Tom and Fisher Tiger aboard the ship and stared wide-eyed as if looking at demons.
"Cheh, these Wano bumpkins have never even seen Fish-n before," Fisher Tiger muttered, visibly irritated. The looks and whispers reminded him of the discrimination back on Fish-Man Island.
"Tiger, don’t let it get to you," Tom said, shaking his head. "Captain Brook said those who can awaken Conqueror’s Haki don’t lose their cool over sothing this petty. Don’t let the noise of weaklings throw you off."
Tiger scowled but said nothing. Tom was right—his ntality was still too colored by life in Fish-Man District. He didn’t yet have the presence of a true king.
"Fine. I won’t get angry. These people are ants. My goal is the Celestial Dragons."
He turned away, ignoring the ignorant comnts from the Wano locals.
...
"Silence, samurai! The hundred pounds of gold is real, but due to the number of challengers, we’re adding a condition: Only those who’ve already mastered Ryuo may step forward first!"
Brook made his decision in a heartbeat, watching the crowd of eager swordsn forming.
"What? You looking down on our swordsmanship?! I’m challenging you anyway!!"
"Step aside! If you haven’t even mastered Ryuo, you’re wasting everyone’s ti. Only the strong deserve to compete for the gold. Go ho and train, hahaha!"
The few who had mastered Ryuo suddenly felt validated—their years of training now gave them elite status.
"What the hell?! I don’t know what ’Ryuo’ is, but I’m strong!" Oden snapped, unwilling to back down. He hadn’t learned Haki yet, but his monstrous strength and sword talent were second to none.
"Haha, young master Oden, go train for a few more years. You’ve never even heard of Ryuo—you’re not ready!"
Several samurai and swordsn laughed, mocking the Flower Capital’s wild child, the unruly son of the shogun.
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122 Chapters on p@treon/tambeerg
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