Inside a massive gang base covered in dark red walls—
the atmosphere felt heavy.
Unlike White Hat's peaceful elegance or Blue Scarf's lively warmth—
this place felt dangerous.
Weapons lined the walls.
Smoke filled the air.
Several gang members stood silently near the entrance while others avoided making noise entirely.
At the center of the room—
a man sat lazily on a large chair while reading a newspaper.
The front page showed one headline clearly:
JOSHUA OF ASH RAT DEFEATED
The man chuckled quietly to himself.
"…Not clever enough, partner."
He laughed again before tossing the newspaper onto the table.
Unlike Joshua's explosive arrogance—
this man looked calm.
Too calm.
One arm rested against the chair while the other held a glass lazily.
His sharp eyes slowly stared toward the ceiling.
"…Blue Scarf Saito…"
A grin slowly appeared on his face.
"…Interesting kid."
He leaned forward slightly.
"…Maybe I should pay him a visit."
Morning arrived at Lorum Village—
and with it came a flood of visitors.
The roads leading into the village were packed with carriages, merchants, travelers, and curious spectators from all across Jokun City.
Village guards worked continuously directing traffic while merchants set up temporary stalls along the streets.
The anniversary celebration had officially begun.
Near the entrance—
the Bypass performers were already entertaining the crowds.
Flames danced through the air as performers spun blazing staffs and rings of fire.
Children cheered loudly.
Visitors gathered around in excitement.
One performer launched a pillar of fire skyward, causing the crowd to erupt into applause.
Among the arriving guests were people from:
Hiraki Village
Kor Village
Grizzly Village
Morguin Town
And many smaller settlements that had heard stories about Blue Scarf Saito.
The village had never been this crowded before.
Colorful banners decorated the streets.
Blue Scarf flags fluttered proudly above the buildings.
Food stalls filled the air with the smell of grilled meat, fresh bread, and sweet desserts.
Meanwhile—
high above the celebration—
Saito stood on the mansion balcony overlooking everything.
For a moment he simply stared.
Thousands of people moved through the village below.
Laughing.
Talking.
Celebrating.
Because of something he had built.
A smile slowly appeared on his face.
"…Wow."
"There are so many people."
He leaned against the railing slightly.
"…Heh."
Then his eyes wandered toward the Grand Hall in the distance.
Workers were making final preparations while guests continued arriving.
Saito crossed his arms confidently.
"…Let's make this anniversary perfect."
Behind him, the mansion buzzed with activity as mayors, allies, and guests prepared for what would likely become the biggest event in Blue Scarf territory's history.
As the final flames faded into the morning air, the Bypass performers gathered together at the center of the square.
The lead performer stepped forward and bowed deeply.
The others followed.
For a moment—
the crowd was silent.
Then applause erupted throughout the village.
Visitors and villagers alike clapped enthusiastically while children jumped excitedly near the front rows.
From the side of the stage, Takeru stepped forward.
He raised one hand toward the performers.
"…And that concludes the Bypass Fire Performers!"
The applause grew even louder.
Several performers smiled proudly before leaving the stage.
Takeru waited for the cheering to settle before continuing.
"…Now then."
His voice carried across the square.
"…Please welcome the Hiraki Military Parade!"
The crowd immediately turned toward the main road.
Moments later—
THUMP.
THUMP.
THUMP.
The synchronized sound of marching boots echoed through the village.
A formation of Hiraki soldiers entered the square in perfect order.
Their armor gleamed beneath the sunlight.
Not a single soldier was out of step.
Visitors watched in admiration as the formation advanced.
At the front—
Gein rode a horse proudly.
His posture was straight.
His expression serious.
He raised one arm.
"…Forward!"
The soldiers responded instantly.
THUMP.
THUMP.
THUMP.
The march continued with impressive precision.
Wolfbeast soldiers marched beside human soldiers without distinction, demonstrating the unity Hiraki Village had become known for.
People along the streets cheered as the formation passed.
Children pointed excitedly.
Traveling merchants whispered among themselves.
"…Impressive."
"…Those soldiers are disciplined."
"…No wonder Blue Scarf territory is growing."
High above from the mansion balcony—
Saito watched proudly.
Seeing the villages work together like this brought a smile to his face.
The celebration was only beginning, and already the atmosphere felt unforgettable.
Meanwhile, throughout the village, celebrations continued everywhere.
Near the market district—
Rick stood proudly in front of a large merchant stall.
A banner hung above him:
GRIZZLY VILLAGE PRESENTS: GREEN CARROT
Rick raised one of the strange vegetables high into the air.
"…Come on!"
"Try our newest product!"
Many visitors looked skeptical.
A carrot mixed with lettuce didn't exactly sound appealing.
Still—
free samples attracted people quickly.
One visitor cautiously took a bite.
Crunch.
His eyes widened immediately.
"…Wait."
"This is actually good."
Another person grabbed a sample.
Then another.
Soon a small crowd formed around the stall.
"…It's sweet."
"…And fresh."
"…How did they even make this?"
Rick folded his arms proudly.
"…Years of research."
Nearby, Fiona let out a long sigh of relief.
"…Thank goodness it doesn't taste terrible."
Rick immediately looked offended.
"…What kind of faith is that?"
Fiona crossed her arms.
"…The appropriate amount."
Meanwhile—
on the mansion balcony—
Saito was still admiring the celebration below.
The streets were packed.
Music echoed through the village.
Visitors from every corner of Jokun City wandered through the festivities.
For a moment, Saito simply enjoyed the sight.
Then—
the balcony door opened.
Fein stepped outside.
"…How long are you planning to stand here?"
Saito glanced over.
"…Just enjoying the view."
Fein pointed toward the Grand Hall in the distance.
"…The hall is ready."
"…And we need our leader there."
Saito blinked.
"…Oh."
"Right."
Fein shook his head.
"…You nearly forgot your own ceremony."
Saito laughed awkwardly.
"…Details."
He turned and headed back inside.
A few moments later—
he emerged wearing a formal dark suit with the familiar blue scarf around his neck.
Fein looked him over briefly.
"…You clean up surprisingly well."
Saito grinned.
"…I always look good."
Fein immediately started walking.
"…Let's go before your ego grows any larger."
"…Hey!"
The two headed toward the Grand Hall where hundreds of guests were already gathering, waiting for the celebration's main event to begin.
Inside the Grand Hall—
the atmosphere was lively and elegant.
Long tables stretched across the room, covered with food, drinks, and decorations prepared for the anniversary celebration.
Guests chatted happily while servants and maids moved between the tables making final preparations.
At one of the front tables—
Kaito and Bomb were already seated.
Kaito calmly sipped a glass of wine while Bomb focused entirely on the food in front of him.
Then the doors opened.
Saito entered the hall.
He immediately spotted them.
"…You two are already here?"
Kaito didn't even look up from his drink.
"…You're late."
"As usual."
Saito adjusted his suit dramatically.
"…A good leader needs to protect his image."
Bomb immediately pointed his fork at him.
"…Please don't ruin our meal with your speeches."
Saito pouted.
"…You guys never appreciate my greatness."
Bomb returned to eating.
"…Correct."
Saito looked genuinely offended.
Before he could argue further—
a small voice appeared beside him.
"…Sir Saito?"
Saito looked down.
"Tina?"
Tina pointed toward a basket of snacks on a nearby table.
"…Can I have that?"
Saito glanced at the basket.
"…Sure."
Immediately—
Tina's eyes lit up.
"…Really?!"
Saito nodded.
"…Go ahead."
Tina grabbed a small packet happily.
"…Thank you!"
Then she rushed away before anyone could change their mind.
A moment later—
she sat beside Kaito.
Kaito glanced down at her briefly.
"…You stole the biggest packet."
Tina hugged it protectively.
"…Strategy."
Bomb nearly laughed.
Kaito sighed and took another sip of wine while Tina proudly began eating her prize beside him.
Meanwhile around the hall—
more guests continued arriving, and the excitement of the anniversary celebration grew with every passing minute.