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Flower Capital, Orochi Castle.
A month had passed since the destruction of Shutenmaru's group, and Shogun Orochi held a banquet as usual.
All the upper-class dignitaries attended, and Kyoshiro was among them.
"Doji…"
Kyoshiro stood beneath Orochi Castle, looking at Doji's corpse hanging in the distance, his fists clenched tightly beneath his sleeves.
Patience!
His failure to save Doji filled him with immense self-blame and anger, but given the situation, he had to prioritize his own safety.
That night, he had transformed into Ushimitsu Kozo and exposed a weakness during his battle with Kaido's daughter, for which he had long prepared to flee.
But a month passed, and nothing unusual happened in the Flower Capital, nor did Shogun Orochi suspect him.
His worried heart finally settled.
He had another special task for this banquet.
"Daichi!"
Killing intent flickered in Kyoshiro's eyes.
Just a few days ago, Fukurokuju had secretly contacted him, informing him about the division of funds from the bandit destruction. The main purpose of this banquet was for Daichi to hand over the money.
Orochi had him accompany them to pressure Daichi. If Daichi intended to keep all the bandit suppression funds, then Kyoshiro was to kill Daichi!
It was exactly what he wanted!
"Yo, isn't that Kyoshiro?"
A greeting came from behind.
It was Daichi!
Killing intent surged in Kyoshiro's heart, but his face remained smiling. He turned to face Daichi, showing no hint of anything unusual.
"Daichi, long time no see."
"Indeed, it's been quite a while."
Daichi was filled with emotion.
"When I first arrived in the Flower Capital, I was so grateful for Kyoshiro's care, providing both money and people. That kindness is still unforgettable."
"Hehe, it was merely a small effort, no need to dwell on it."
Kyoshiro politely chuckled, but inwardly, he was cursing.
This scoundrel not only cheated his money but also took away the girls from his establishment. Although he paid a large ransom, it caused his business to drop badly.
In a short time, where would he find so many high-quality courtesans? If not for Komurasaki holding the fort, his establishment could have closed down.
And Doji's great revenge!
Besides Kaido and Orochi, the person he wanted to kill most right now was Daichi!
Kyoshiro's gaze shifted to the dozen or so subordinates behind Daichi, and the treasure chests they carried on their shoulders.
"Daichi, you've prepared a grand gift for Shogun Orochi."
"Since it's a rare visit, how can I come empty-handed?"
Daichi smiled and patted a treasure chest.
A huge sum of nearly 300,000 gold pieces. After deducting the rewards and compensation for the bandit-suppressing army, 280,000 gold pieces remained.
It was all here.
Appearances still had to be kept up.
"Shall we go up together?"
"Alright."
Inside the banquet hall, songs and dances filled the air.
All the high-ranking officials of Wano Country were present, each with a smile on their face, complimenting Shogun Orochi.
"Gufufufufu, I am happy today."
Orochi looked radiant, his smile unending.
After a month of anxiety, he finally reached this day. The thought of eliminating two major threats filled him with immense excitement.
Kyoshiro and Daichi!
Both fighting to the death, dying together.
How pleasant it sounded.
"Kyoshiro has arrived!"
As Kyoshiro entered, the dignitaries rose to warmly welcome him. As the top honorable man in the Flower Capital, Kyoshiro's status was second only to Orochi.
Many others looked at Daichi, who arrived with him, frowning and even showing disdain.
Although they were allies, the barbaric pirates were always unreasonable and often caused them trouble, and they were helpless to stop them.
Over time, they naturally disliked pirates.
"Kyoshiro, and Daichi!"
Orochi's eyes lit up when he saw the two.
"Gufufufufu, I've been waiting for you two, come and drink with me!"
"Thank you, Shogun Orochi."
Daichi sat below Orochi, slowly sipping his wine, while observing the dignitaries present.
They all deserved to die!
After three rounds of drinks.
Orochi stood up and chuckled, "Gufufufufu, it's too noisy here. Daichi, let's go to the side hall to continue drinking. Kyoshiro, you come too."
"Since the Shogun invites, I shall follow."
Daichi stood up and followed.
The three arrived at the side hall, and the environment immediately became much quieter.
The wine table was already set.
Kyoshiro sat cross-legged in the corner, smiling, "Shogun, you and Mr. Daichi have matters to discuss. I won't intrude. I'll just sit here."
"Gufufufufu, suit yourself."
Orochi didn't insist.
The matter of dividing the money was equally important.
The Fire Festival was only two or three months away, and Kaido would return then. He needed to prepare this year's tribute in advance.
"Come, drink."
Orochi actively poured wine for Daichi, starting the conversation, "Daichi, I heard you captured a powerful pirate?"
"That's right."
Daichi nodded, then sighed.
"Unfortunately, my subordinates were careless in their supervision, allowing that fellow to escape."
"Escaped?"
Orochi was startled.
According to the intelligence he received, that group of pirates was no ordinary bunch, so how could they be allowed to escape so easily? However, considering Onigashima's current defenses, it was also normal.
"Gufufufufu, let's not talk about such disappointing matters."
Orochi didn't care. He brought it up merely to liven the atmosphere. The next matter was what he truly wanted to discuss.
"Daichi, about the bandit suppression money?"
"Shogun, please rest assured, I came to the banquet precisely for this matter."
Daichi smiled slightly and clapped his hands.
Receiving the signal, the pirates immediately pushed open the door, carrying heavy treasure chests, and opened all of them.
The gleam of gold was captivating.
"Gufufufufu, excellent, excellent!"
Orochi laughed happily, waving to Daichi's subordinates.
"You all may leave."
"Wait!"
Daichi raised his hand to stop them, his gaze serious.
"Shogun, we haven't discussed the division of money yet. How can you let them leave? Even if they leave, they must take my share with them."
"Yes, you're right, let's discuss the money first!"
Orochi realized he was too excited and almost forgot how greedy this fellow in front of him was. When it came to money, this guy would absolutely cling on tightly.
Daichi showed a brilliant smile and took out an abacus.
"Shogun, the total bandit suppression cost was 300,000 gold pieces. After deducting your 100,000 principal and expenses, 180,000 remains. According to our previous agreement of a three-seven split."
"Let me calculate, three-tenths of 180,000."
"54,000 gold pieces!"
"Plus the principal, a total of 154,000 gold pieces!"
Daichi pushed the abacus towards Orochi, his smile growing even brighter. "Shogun, I'm giving you a total of 154,000 gold pieces. Please take a look."
"..."
Orochi's smile disappeared at a visible rate, his eyes fixed on Daichi. "Daichi, are you mistaken? Why do I only get three-tenths?!"
"No mistake!"
Daichi looked serious.
"Shogun, you might be a bit mistaken!"
"Out of the three-seven split agreed with you, only three-tenths is yours."
"The remaining seven-tenths!"
Daichi pointed to himself, speaking softly.
"Is mine!"