Chapter 34 Going to Sea
The news that the Daimyo of Kuri had been summoned by the Shogun quickly spread through the streets and alleys. To ordinary people, this was both an honor for Kuri and a clear acknowledgment of its Daimyo by Wano Country.
Kuri, once a place so despised that even dogs avoided it, had now become a source of pride. Ordinary residents felt a sense of triumph when facing people from other towns, their confidence rising with every word spoken.
In truth, even if Ren had not been summoned, this sentiment had already been taking shape. With Kuri's steady development and the growing prosperity of its people, all of Wano Country now knew that Kuri was a land without hunger—something even the flourishing Flower Capital could not claim.
Beyond that, Kuri's public order had become famous throughout the country.
The once most chaotic region had transformed into the most stable. Saying that people could leave their doors unlocked at night was an exaggeration, but at the very least, Kuri's soldiers were disciplined, never harassed the populace, and faithfully carried out their duties.
There were no gangs here.
Although gangs in Wano Country were not always outright villains, the moment they became gangs, they could never truly stand on the side of justice.
Many businesses were secretly controlled by them. Most women whose families were ruined and sold into the Pleasure Quarter had fallen victim to their schemes, and in other towns, the Pleasure Quarters themselves were usually run by such groups.
If they took a liking to a girl from a certain household, they would fabricate plots to devour her family's assets, forcing the women into prostitution to earn money for them.
That was what gangs truly were.
The gang influence in the Flower Capital was the strongest in all of Wano Country. In fact, merely being able to establish oneself in the capital was proof of one's power.
The current leader of the Flower Capital's gangs was Hyogoro, a man with hair like blue flames and wave-pattern tattoos on his arms. He was tall, imposing, and carried an aura reminiscent of a guardian deity.
Hyogoro held immense prestige in the Flower Capital. Ren had instructed Muzemi to pay close attention to him.
Hyogoro—also known as Hyogoro of the Flower—was known for his righteousness. After he rose to leadership, the gangs of the Flower Capital became far more restrained, and it was precisely because of this that he was deeply loved by the people.
More importantly, as a gang leader, he could rally an enormous number of samurai who were willing to follow his orders without hesitation. If conflict ever arose, he would be a formidable obstacle.
The people of Kuri hung lanterns and streamers, celebrating the news as though it were a grand festival. In truth, many were not celebrating because Ren had been summoned by the Kozuki Clan, but because of Ren himself.
Without him, Kuri would still have been a living hell. Where would today's prosperity have come from?
The Kozuki Clan lived high in the Flower Capital, lofty and distant, unconcerned with the lives of those struggling in the mud. The one who had truly brought vitality to Kuri had always been a single person.
"I heard that many people are planning to come see Lord Ren off on the day he leaves for the Flower Capital," Keiko said happily, leaning against his shoulder. "Ren is really loved by everyone."
"The people who originally lived in Kuri, and those who migrated here later, have all seen hell," Ren replied calmly. "So even a little warmth is something they'll cling to with everything they have."
After a brief pause, he added, "Keiko, I heard that while Yukiko is in the Flower Capital, all matters related to the Finance Magistrate have been handed over to you. Is that correct?"
"Yes, but… I don't know if I can handle it well," Keiko admitted softly. Although she had already tried managing affairs for several days, she still felt uncertain.
"Don't worry. Yukiko went through the same thing before," Ren said with a smile. "Back then, the financial situation was far worse than it is now."
Soon, the day of departure for the Flower Capital arrived.
Ren, transformed through Kurozumi Orochi's ability, sat within a bright red palanquin, dressed in a white kariginu embroidered with cherry blossoms.
The palanquin of Wano Country was not like an enclosed sedan, but rather resembled a shrine without walls. Standing within its shadows, Ren watched as Kurozumi Orochi wore his face, sitting upright with an indifferent expression that truly resembled a deity.
Escorting the palanquin was a contingent of Tenryu Bugyo soldiers. Alongside those carrying it, Shutenmaru strode at the front with his towering frame, while Yukiko walked beside him, her steps light yet dignified, her expression stern.
Yukiko's black hair was tied neatly behind her, giving her a sharp, capable appearance. Over her white kimono, she wore bright red light armor, and instead of geta, she had on combat boots.
She was beautiful, yet exuded a cold, murderous aura. Many people along the road did not even dare meet her gaze.
Several other retainers followed behind them—carefully selected samurai with imposing appearances. Regardless of their true strength, they conveyed overwhelming authority at first glance.
Their attire had been specially made, resembling the Raiden Samurai of Inazuma. Combined with their tall builds, it looked entirely natural.
Further ahead, a band beat gongs and drums as the grand procession slowly advanced. Kuri itself seemed deserted, with people following the procession step by step, shouting the name of the "Ren" seated in the palanquin.
Meanwhile, the real Ren wore a mask and walked in the opposite direction, accompanied only by Yuriko and Jasmine.
As the celebratory sounds faded into the distance, the path they traveled grew quiet, almost lonely by comparison.
Yet Jasmine clearly felt no loneliness at all.
She wore a light purple dress, its skirt short enough to reveal her thighs, with black leggings beneath. Her sleeves were short, and her chest rose prominently beneath the fabric.
She had inherited her mother's good looks and was naturally gifted.
Knowing that she would be going to sea with Ren this time, excitement and anticipation shone clearly on her youthful face.
After all, Jasmine was still just a child. It was only natural for her to be thrilled by a long journey, especially one that would take her beyond Wano Country.
Many people could not even imagine the vastness of the sea, yet she would soon see it with her own eyes. The other maids in the Daimyo's Mansion had all been envious.
"Jasmine, slow down," Yuriko called out gently.
Jasmine, who had already run far ahead, turned and hurried back.
"Mother!" Her eyes sparkled. "You should hurry too!"
"Mother doesn't have Jasmine's stamina," Yuriko said with a reproachful look, both doting and helpless. "You need to be considerate, Jasmine."
"But I really want to go overseas right away!" Jasmine clenched her fist. "That old hag Kurozumi Orochi said the outside world is really interesting!"
"Jasmine!" Yuriko's expression immediately turned stern. "That's very rude."
"You mustn't speak ill of Lord Muzemi behind his back. Do you understand?"
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