The outside world was moving, and inside Wano Country...
Flower Capital
This was the most thriving area in Wano Country, and where the ruler, 'General', resided.
Even in such a capital city, there was some darkness. The General ruled over the light of Wano Country, possessing absolute power. But no matter how bright the country, there were always small gangs, and the leader of these gangs was Hyogoro.
That's right, it was Flower Hyogoro, who later taught Luffy how to use Advanced Armament Haki. But he wasn't the weak old man he would become; he was in his prime.
He looked a bit fat and not very muscular, but that was just because he stopped exercising much after making a name for himself. He simply wore a coat, revealing his big belly. He had blue tattoos on his shoulders and chest.
He took a puff of smoke and happily spoke to the person in front of him.
"Kenshin, it's been a long time! I never thought I'd see you again!"
The man opposite him was in much better shape. He wasn't exactly big, and could even be considered skinny in this world, but he had a special air about him.
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His eyes were unusually determined. He wore a kimono, red on top and white on the bottom. He had long, reddish-brown hair, and he was sitting in front of Hyogoro, holding a cup of sake.
That's right, it was Himura Kenshin.
Long ago, Genichi had sent Himura Kenshin to Wano Country.
Wano Country was also the most suitable place for Kenshin. It was essentially the origin of Kenshin's later identity.
He took a sip of the sake in his cup and said with a slight sigh, "It's been several years since we last met. Boss Hyogoro seems to be getting younger."
"Haha, what's this about getting younger? It's you, Kenshin, who's getting younger and younger." Hyogoro said happily, "By the way, where's your master? Why didn't he come down the mountain with you this time?"
To have a reasonable and convenient identity, Genichi changed some of Hyogoro's memories. Genichi's power was now no less than Makima's, so of course he could do this.
"My master is better off in the mountains, given his personality." Kenshin said softly, "I've always been the one to go get the sake."
"He still doesn't want to leave the mountain, what a shame. If strong people like you and your master joined the Kozuki family, you could definitely become the world's best samurai." Hyogoro said with some regret.
In his memory, Himura Kenshin and his master, Hiko Seijuro, were powerful samurai, but Hiko believed that samurai like them would be used if they left the mountain, so they lived as hermits despite their strong martial skills.
He had happened to see Kenshin going out to get sake earlier when he went out himself. It seemed like it had been two years since the last time he saw Kenshin.
So he dragged Kenshin back to his house.
Kenshin shook his head and said, "In a prosperous age, who needs samurai?"
Just as he finished speaking, a rough voice suddenly came from outside the door.
"Boss Hyogoro, who are you saying is going to become the world's best samurai?"
Hearing this voice, Hyogoro frowned and sighed, "Here comes trouble."
Kenshin knew who it was without being told. He looked towards the door, which was suddenly pushed open. The person who came in was tall, with narrow eyes and thick eyebrows, and black hair that gathered on his head like a giant plate, even bigger than his head.
He had two swords tied around his waist and strode in carelessly.
Kozuki Oden...
Having been in Wano Country for several years, this was the first time Kenshin had seen Kozuki Oden in person.
The man with the legendary curse and meme powers, his journal was practically the strongest item in this world.
Yes, this was a man who could be enchanting.
"I wonder who this is..."
But on the surface, Kenshin asked Hyogoro.
"Kozuki Oden!" Before Hyogoro could answer, Oden had already walked over. He walked to their table as if it were his own, and poured himself a cup of sake.
"Oden, you should at least pay attention to etiquette." Hyogoro said, "You're a General of Wano Country, but you act more like a thug than I do, and I'm in the underworld."
"Haha, you flatter me too much, Boss Hyogoro." Oden said with a grin. He looked at Kenshin and asked, "So, who are you, kid? I've never heard Boss Hyogoro say anyone could become the world's best samurai."
"Himura Kenshin." Kenshin said honestly, but then shook his head. "I wouldn't dare to be called the world's best samurai. You praise me too much, Boss Hyogoro."
"Boss Hyogoro is very good at judging people." Oden took another sip of sake and poured a bowl for Kenshin, seeming very interested in him.
"I'm sorry." Seeing his actions, Kenshin paused, then shook his hand. "I'm not good at drinking."
"What? You can't drink and you can't be the strongest samurai!" Oden looked at Kenshin with some dissatisfaction, but Hyogoro pushed him away. "Kenshin has things to do later, so don't come here and make trouble."
"Hey? What do you mean, make trouble? I'm being serious."
Kenshin watched them push each other, and slowly stood up. He picked up a sake gourd from the table and politely said to Hyogoro,
"Boss Hyogoro, I'll be going back now. I hope we meet again."
Hearing this, Hyogoro said with some regret, "I hope your master changes his mind the next time we meet."
Kenshin nodded and said, "I will pass on Boss Hyogoro's words to my master."
After speaking, he left.
Soon, only Hyogoro and Kozuki Oden were left in the room.
"Boss, who was that guy, and his master? You seemed to care about them a lot." Oden was still the same as before. He walked back to the table and started eating.
Hyogoro sighed. "Those two are very powerful swordsmen, especially his master. I could feel his unfathomable power."
"Really that strong?" Oden was somewhat dubious. He knew that Hyogoro was actually very powerful, or how else could he be the leader of the underworld?
But for Hyogoro like this to say someone was unfathomable?
"Of course." Hyogoro said with certainty, "Don't give me that look. I can assure you that his master is much stronger than you."
"Really?" Oden had a hint of excitement on his face, but Hyogoro glared at him fiercely. "I advise you not to bother them. Hiko is a very strong swordsman, but he's also a recluse, and he has no fixed abode."
"Then I'll just follow them, won't I?"
Hyogoro knew Oden's personality very well, so he said directly, "There's absolutely no way you can keep up with Kenshin."
As soon as he finished speaking, Oden had already disappeared.
Flower Hyogoro sighed.
----
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