Wano Country · Flower Capital.
Kozuki Oden returned ho with his secret weapon and a stash of the world’s finest liquors. This ti, he’d gotten smarter—no poking the bear that was his father, Kozuki Sukiyaki.
He played it cool for a couple of days, burying himself in books like a model son. His bizarre turnaround caught Sukiyaki’s eye, of course. Even the guards whispered among themselves: Had the young master lost his mind? Or was he plotting sothing sneaky? But days passed with no slip-ups. Could he really have turned over a new leaf?
One day, Oden burst into dramatic tears, clutching a copy of Lives of the Filial Sons and wailing to the guards about his past sins.
"I’ve been such an unfilial wretch! I have to make it right with Father!"
His performance was so raw it even moved the hardened guards. One by one, they rushed to report to Sukiyaki, beaming with pride.
Then Oden pulled out his prized vintage and headed straight to his father to grovel.
Sukiyaki eyed him suspiciously, but hey—even if it was all an act, seeing Oden play the dutiful son was a treat. He could savor the groveling now and deal out the punishnt later.
"Father, I’ve been a fool. Please, accept these world-renowned spirits as my apology. I’ll toast you with tea from now on—no more wine for !"
Oden looked every bit the reford prodigal, even swearing off booze. But his intentions were as subtle as a cannon blast.
"These aren’t spiked, are they?"
Sukiyaki arched a brow, chuckling lightly. He’d seen through the ploy in a heartbeat, but credit where it was due—the kid had at least put on a show of studying for days to throw him off.
"Father, how could you doubt like that?! If you won’t drink, I will!"
Oden snatched the bottle and took a hearty swig, raving about the exquisite foreign vintage. No reaction. Nothing.
Sukiyaki’s doubts flickered. Had he misread it? The wine seed fine...
"Hah! Why would I doubt my own son? Co on, since it’s the good stuff, let the guards have a taste too!"
With a wave of his hand, Sukiyaki summoned two guards to sample it. Trust issues ran deep with this boy.
The guards, seeing Oden down a gulp unscathed, shrugged and sipped. Minutes passed—no ill effects. Sukiyaki’s wariness eased.
"A rare show of filial piety from you, son. I’ll join you for one."
He took a sip, savoring the rich notes. No poison, no tricks. He drained the cup.
"Thank you, Father, for forgiving . I’ll buckle down and study statecraft from here on out!"
Oden raised another cup to Sukiyaki, then turned to the guards captain and his n, toasting each one with profuse apologies.
"I’ve been such a headache—causing you all nothing but trouble. Forgive !"
The guards bead, honored to share a drink with the young master. Just a sip each—harmless, right?
But Sukiyaki’s gut twisted. Sothing felt off. Was Oden trying to get everyone sloshed? Or was the poison slow-acting?
The thought hit like a thunderclap, but Oden had drunk more than anyone. It had to be fine.
Oden finished his rounds, a sly grin creeping across his face.
"Father, on my last trip to Hailou Town, I picked up so fun trinkets. You passed on the Wind Boots last ti—your loss. But this one’s special: a Sound Shell. It records sounds, so you can capture opera tunes and replay them anyti."
Oden presented a Sky Dial, activating it to fill the hall with enchanting lodies. Even Sukiyaki leaned in, intrigued. Could the boy have really changed?
Emboldened, Oden produced a Scent Shell next, his smile widening.
"And this, Father—a Flavor Shell. It captures scents from anywhere. Give it a whiff!"
He popped it open, and a wave of intoxicating fragrance swept the chamber. Sukiyaki and the guards inhaled deeply, ready to praise it—then dizziness crashed over them like a tidal wave.
"Oden, you—!"
Sukiyaki toppled, the guards collapsing in his wake. Oden stood alone, unscathed.
"Hah! The A B compound is a masterpiece—fooled ’em all!"
Oden laughed triumphantly, hands on hips. Straight poison in the wine would’ve tipped them off after one or two sips. But this mix? The booze alone was harmless. Add the scent’s trigger, and bam—lights out!
"Hyougoro’s formula and plan nailed it! Though... did he really co up with this one?"
Oden had popped the antidote beforehand, immune to the haze. He didn’t care who dread up the dirty trick—as long as it worked.
He barred the hall doors, hauling the unconscious Sukiyaki and guards to a side chamber. With the elite guards down, only the treasury sentries stood between him and victory.
Flashing Sukiyaki’s seal, Oden marched to the vault, expecting smooth entry. But the stubborn warriors flat-out refused him.
No choice—old tricks die hard. Oden lobbed a Sleep Mist Shell like a smoke bomb. The guards, forbidden from harming the heir, faltered under his strikes and the choking fog, crumpling one by one.
Oden burst into the treasury, rummaging feverishly. Gold, silver, jewels—but no Patterned Fruit!
Rage boiled over. All that effort, drugging half the palace, for nothing?
He reared back to smash the lot—then a eerie whisper echoed through the vault.
"Who’s there?!"
Oden froze, heart pounding. A ghostly voice? Shaking it off, he steeled himself. He had to find the fruit, complete the mission.
A hidden panel caught his eye. Jackpot. Fear forgotten, he plunged in, upending crates and shattering shelves. He even hurled Sukiyaki’s prized geisha dolls aside in his frenzy.
At last—two Seastone-locked chests. He shook them gently, confirming the weight inside. No way was he risking damage. Grabbing both, he bolted.
On his way out, his gaze snagged on two ominous swords radiating malice. Perfect—gifts for Brook. That’d seal his sea-faring dreams!
Before sealing the chamber, Oden glanced into a shadowed corner, shaking his head. Whatever lurked there could wait. He slamd the hidden door, dashed from the vault, and politely latched the treasury gates behind him. Family property, after all.
Slinging the chests and sword bundle over his back, Oden slipped from the mansion, out of Flower Capital, and raced toward Ringo Province!
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