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Flower Capital, Shogun's Castle.
"Crash!"
A precious vase shattered into pieces.
"Bastard! Bastard! Bastard!"
Orochi roared with a fierce expression, continuously destroying everything in his sight until there was not a single complete item left in the entire room. Only then did he stop, panting heavily.
His rage burned uncontrollably.
"Those commoners dare to betray me!"
Just now, he had learned about the pre-sale in Hakumai Castle, and a large number of Flower Capital residents were rushing to Hakumai to buy houses.
He could already foresee that once Hakumai Castle was completed, the population of Flower Capital would definitely sharply decrease.
His biggest fear had come true.
Flower Capital was his most important base. Those living there were the noble families who supported him, and the commoners who served them.
If the population declined too much, it could lead to a decline in Flower Capital, triggering a series of chain reactions.
He would suffer the greatest loss!
"Demon Muscle Man!"
Orochi's killing intent boiled, and Daichi's figure appeared in his mind.
From the opening of the hot spring establishment, he had not taken Daichi seriously, but now, Daichi had become the thorn in his side he most wanted to remove.
He had to admit, that guy was indeed a terrifyingly unfathomable opponent, especially his methods of making money, which were faster than robbing.
He already owed fifty thousand gold!
Fukurokuju advised, "Orochi-sama, now it's not just the residents of Flower Capital, but also residents from other villages who are scrambling to Hakumai. This matter is already a done deal."
"A done deal?!"
Orochi glared at Fukurokuju.
Fukurokuju remained unmoved, calmly meeting Orochi's gaze.
Now, it wasn't just commoners buying houses. The noble class was also rushing to Hakumai, and they were the main force behind the purchases. Even he himself had secretly sent people to Hakumai.
Only a fool wouldn't make money when the opportunity arose.
Even if he didn't care about the money, his family certainly did not think that way. Not seizing the opportunity to make a fortune would be a loss!
Now that the construction of Hakumai City was an established trend, trying to stop it was absolutely impossible. Shogun Orochi could disregard the feelings of the common people, but he had to prioritize the interests of the noble families.
If he lost the support of the noble families, Orochi might not even be able to hold onto his position as Shogun. The priorities were clear.
After a long stare, Orochi snorted coldly.
He understood the seriousness of the situation.
Fukurokuju smiled, "Orochi-sama, please don't be anxious. The most urgent task is to suppress the bandits. That guy wants people and money, right? We'll give it to him!"
"Once we reach Kuri and the bandit suppression army clashes with the bandits, it would be quite normal for a Headliner to die, wouldn't it!"
"As for Hakumai, no matter how well Hakumai develops, relying solely on Kaido's daughter, it will eventually become meat in our mouths."
According to the Oniwabanshu's investigation, everything that happened in Hakumai was planned by Daichi, so as long as Daichi was secretly eliminated, everything would return to normal.
"Gufufufufu, that's right!"
Orochi's face lit up with joy at the words.
"Fukurokuju, immediately summon the gentry!"
"Understood."
The next morning, at the Heavenly Abode Inn.
Four ninjas from the Oniwabanshu arrived at the hot spring inn. The leading ninja was as large as an ox, with dark skin, and his status within the Oniwabanshu was second only to the captain, Fukurokuju.
"Daichi-sama, my name is Daikoku."
Daikoku spoke steadily, "This time, the four of us will obey your orders for the bandit suppression, and there are five hundred samurai awaiting your command!"
"Very good."
Daichi nodded with a smile.
Hakumai starting to exert its influence meant digging up Orochi's roots, so Orochi couldn't help but be anxious. However, Orochi sending out four Oniwabanshu was a bit unexpected.
These ninjas were elites.
Although not exceptionally strong, they at least possessed Headliner-level combat power, which was quite effective against miscellaneous enemies.
Sending them out probably had another purpose.
Daichi didn't pursue the matter, instead looking at the other three ninjas and asking with interest, "What are your names?"
"Fujin!"
"Raijin!"
"Chome!"
The three reported their names one after another.
Daikoku said seriously, "Daichi-sama, the bandit suppression is urgent. Shogun hopes you can depart immediately."
"Wait a moment."
Daichi waved his hand, leisurely looking at Daikoku and asking, "I want to know, has the funding for the bandit suppression been prepared?"
"Shogun is still preparing it."
Daikoku frowned.
Shogun Orochi had summoned the various noble families yesterday to discuss donations for the bandit suppression and had taken the lead by contributing one hundred thousand gold. With Shogun Orochi leading the way, the noble families were naturally willing to contribute money.
But raising money takes some time!
However, Shogun Orochi didn't want to wait, so he arranged for them to come first.
"No money?!"
Daichi's expression changed, and he slammed his hand on the table, standing up.
"Bastard, what kind of bandit suppression is this without money?!"
"Bandit suppression is for national stability, to protect the interests of the noble families from harm. If the bandit suppression is delayed because of a lack of money, those bastards who refuse to contribute are all criminals!"
"Daikoku, send someone to tell those dawdling bastards that only when the funds are in our account will we have the motivation and confidence to go to Kuri to suppress the bandits!"
"Damn it, how the fuck is he the general!"
He cursed without reservation.
The four, including Daikoku, broke out in cold sweat. The timid Chome's face turned pale with fright, and she looked at Daichi as if he were a madman.
Clearly, he was cursing the Shogun.
It was their first time seeing someone demand money so righteously, as if the Shogun and noble families owed him money.
Is he not afraid of death?!
"Hahahaha, don't be nervous."
Daichi reined in his anger and burst into laughter.
"Let's put the bandit suppression on hold for now."
"The four of you have come a long way, and you must be a bit tired. This is the time to relax properly and adjust your mind and body."
"How about this, I'll treat you today!"
"Caidie, four VIP seats!"
"Listen, make sure our four honored guests experience all the services our establishment has to offer!"
As Daichi's words fell, Caidie entered the room with over a dozen female masseuses, greeting the four with smiling faces.
Daikoku struggled to maintain his composure.
"Daichi-sama, we—"
"Are you trying to disrespect me?"
Daichi's expression darkened, and his eyes glinted menacingly.
"This subordinate wouldn't dare!"
Daikoku decisively gave in.
It wasn't time to turn hostile yet. Even if they were to assassinate him, they would have to wait until the bandit suppression team and the bandits started fighting, and then frame Ashura Doji for the crime.
"That's more like it."
Daichi patted Daikoku's shoulder and said with a smile, "We're all brothers, we should get along well, don't you agree?"
"Sir is right!"
Daikoku nodded sullenly.
Having sent off the ninjas, Daichi slumped onto the sofa, frowning deeply as he pondered his next move.
"No one to use."
His biggest problem now was that he had few reliable subordinates, so he had to handle everything himself.
Although Aomushi and the others were trustworthy, they were too weak. The bosses like Cho were decent in strength, but their loyalty was low, so they could only be used for odd jobs.
"If only Ulti and Page One were here."
Yamato, Ulti, Page One...
After much thought, his main support base was only the younger generation of Beast Pirates. The other high-ranking officers were old foxes, and it was basically impossible for them to follow him.
Daichi looked out the window.
Judging by the time, Yamato should be back by now.
"Daichi, I'm back!"
A dirty Yamato burst into the room, carrying a newspaper she had picked up from the Hakumai hidden port.
"Here, the newspaper you wanted!"
"Thank you."
Daichi took the newspaper and eagerly flipped through it. When he saw the information he wanted, he couldn't help but smile.
Fire Fist Ace!
The east wind he needed had arrived!