Flower Capital, General Castle.
A month had passed since the extermination of Shutenmaru's gang, and the Orochi Shogun held a banquet as usual.
The upper-class elites all attended, including Kyoshiro.
"Shutenmaru..."
Standing beneath the Great Serpent Castle, Kyoshiro gazed at Shutenmaru's corpse hanging in the distance, his fists clenched tightly beneath his sleeves.
Restraint!
Failing to save Shutenmaru filled him with immense guilt and fury, but what was done was done. His priority now was self-preservation.
That night, disguised as Ushimitsu Kozo, he had exposed a flaw while battling Kaido's daughter. He had long prepared for the possibility of fleeing.
But a month had passed, and nothing unusual occurred in the Flower Capital. The Orochi Shogun hadn't suspected him either.
His anxious heart finally settled.
This banquet served another purpose for him—a special mission.
"Gurd!"
Killing intent flashed in Kyoshiro's eyes.
A few days prior, Fukurokuju had secretly contacted him, revealing the division of the spoils from the bandit extermination funds. The main purpose of this banquet was to force Gurd to hand over the money.
Orochi had ordered Kyoshiro to accompany him to pressure Gurd. If Gurd dared to hoard the funds, Kyoshiro was to eliminate him!
Perfect.
"Well, if it isn't Boss Kyoshiro?"
A voice called out from behind.
It was Gurd!
Kyoshiro's heart surged with murderous rage, yet his face remained all smiles as he turned to face Gurd, betraying nothing.
"Brother Gurd, it's been a while."
"Indeed, it has."
Gurd sighed nostalgically.
"When I first arrived in the Flower Capital, I owed much to Boss Kyoshiro's generosity—money, women... I've never forgotten such kindness."
"Heh, just a trivial effort. No need to dwell on it."
Kyoshiro chuckled politely, though inwardly he cursed.
This bastard had not only swindled his money but also lured away the women from his establishment. Though Gurd had paid hefty redemption fees, the loss had still crippled business.
Where could he find so many high-quality prostitutes on such short notice? If not for Komurasaki's presence, his shop might as well have shut down.
And then there was Shutenmaru's grudge!
Aside from Kaido and Orochi, Gurd was now the man he most wanted dead!
Kyoshiro's eyes flickered to the dozen or so subordinates behind Gurd, carrying treasure chests on their shoulders.
"Brother Gurd, you've brought quite the gift for the Orochi Shogun."
"Can't come empty-handed on such an occasion."
Gurd patted the chests with a grin.
Nearly 300,000 gold—after deducting rewards and compensation for the bandit-extermination troops, 280,000 remained.
All of it was here.
Appearances had to be maintained.
"Shall we head up together?"
"Certainly."
Inside the banquet hall, music and dance filled the air.
The elite of Wano Country had gathered, each wearing flattering smiles as they praised the Orochi Shogun.
"Guhuhu, today brings me great joy."
Orochi's face glowed with delight, his laughter unceasing.
After a month of anxiety, the day had finally arrived. The thought of eliminating two major thorns in his side—Kyoshiro and Gurd—filled him with exhilaration.
Kyoshiro and Gurd, killing each other in a blaze of glory.
What a pleasing thought.
"Boss Kyoshiro has arrived!"
As Kyoshiro entered, the dignitaries rose in enthusiastic welcome. As the Flower Capital's top swordsman, Kyoshiro's status was second only to Orochi's.
Many eyes also turned to Gurd, who had arrived alongside him. Some frowned, while others openly sneered in disgust.
Though they were allies, the unruly Pirates never played by the rules and often caused them trouble—something they could do nothing about.
Over time, it was only natural they grew to dislike Pirates.
"Kyoshiro, and Gurd!"
Orochi's eyes lit up at the sight of the two.
"Guhahaha, we've been waiting for you! Come, drink with me!"
"Thank you, Orochi Shogun."
Gurd took his seat below Orochi, leisurely sipping his sake while observing the assembled nobles and officials.
They all deserved to die.
After several rounds of drinks, Orochi stood up with a chuckle.
"Guhahaha, it's too noisy here. Gurd, let's continue drinking in the side hall. Kyoshiro, you come too."
"At the Shogun's invitation, I shall follow."
Gurd rose and followed.
The three of them entered the side hall, where the atmosphere was noticeably quieter.
A table of drinks had already been prepared.
Kyoshiro sat cross-legged in the corner, smiling.
"Lord Orochi, since you and Mr. Gurd have matters to discuss, I won't intrude. I'll stay here."
"Guhahaha, as you wish."
Orochi didn't press him.
The matter of dividing the money was equally important.
With the Fire Festival just two or three months away, Kaido would soon return, and Orochi needed to prepare this year's tribute in advance.
"Come, drink."
Orochi poured sake for Gurd and broached the topic.
"Gurd, I heard you captured a formidable Pirate?"
"Indeed."
Gurd nodded, then sighed.
"Unfortunately, my subordinates failed to keep watch, and the bastard escaped."
"Escaped?"
Orochi was taken aback.
According to his intel, that Pirate was no ordinary foe—how could they have let him slip away? But then again, given the current state of security on Oni Island, it wasn't entirely surprising.
"Guhahaha, let's not dwell on such unpleasant matters."
Orochi waved it off. He'd only brought it up to lighten the mood—what came next was what truly concerned him.
"Gurd, about the funds for suppressing the bandits...?"
"Rest assured, Lord Shogun. That's precisely why I came to this banquet."
Gurd smiled faintly and clapped his hands.
At the signal, Pirates shouldered heavy treasure chests into the room, opening them all.
The gleam of gold was mesmerizing.
"Guhahaha, excellent, excellent!"
Orochi laughed heartily, waving at Gurd's subordinates.
"You may all leave now."
"Wait!"
Gurd raised a hand to stop them, his expression stern.
"Lord Shogun, we haven't discussed the division of the spoils yet. How can they leave? Even if they must go, they should take my share with them."
"Ah, yes, you're right! Let's talk money first!"
Orochi realized he'd gotten too excited and nearly forgotten just how greedy the man before him was. When it came to money, Gurd would cling to it like a dog to a bone.
Gurd flashed a radiant smile and pulled out an abacus.
"Lord Shogun, the total cost of suppressing the bandits was 300,000 gold. After deducting your initial investment of 100,000 and expenses, 180,000 remains. As per our prior agreement—a 70-30 split."
"Let me calculate... 30% of 180,000."
"54,000 gold!"
"Adding back your principal, that's a total of 154,000 gold!"
Gurd slid the abacus toward Orochi, his smile widening.
"Lord Shogun, your share comes to 154,000 gold. Please verify."
"..."
Orochi's smile vanished in an instant, his eyes boring into Gurd.
"Brother Gurd, surely you've made a mistake. How is it that I only get 30%?!"
"That's correct!"
Gurd replied with utmost sincerity.
"General, I believe there might be a slight misunderstanding!"
"The agreed 30-70 split we discussed - the 30% portion is yours."
"As for the remaining 70%..."
Gurd pointed at himself and whispered softly.
"That's mine!"
(End of chapter)