The Flower Capital.
The Shogun's mansion gates.
Sukiyaki paced back and forth anxiously at the entrance. The moment he saw Fukurokuju, he rushed over and asked, "Fukurokuju, did Ares agree?!"
"He agreed."
Upon hearing the answer, Sukiyaki's face instantly lit up with delight. He laughed and said, "Good, good, good! As long as he agreed, that's all that matters. Quickly, let me see the invitation."
Fukurokuju took out the invitation and opened it. When he saw Ares's signature, the heavy stone in Shogun Sukiyaki's heart finally settled.
Just then, another ninja came rushing over. In his hands was an extremely gorgeous and exquisite sword.
The ninja said, "Shogun Sukiyaki, I've retrieved Shusui from the shrine!"
Sukiyaki took the Great Grade Sword, Shusui. The instant it entered his hands, he felt a weight far beyond that of other Famous Swords.
He placed his hand on the hilt and drew the blade partway. Its spine was pitch-black and heavy, while the blade was primarily black and purple, decorated with red serrated patterns.
It reflected a dazzling radiance!
"Shusui... Even after several hundred years, it still ranks among the finest of the many Famous Swords. Such sharpness—just how powerful must Ryoma have been back then!?" Sukiyaki exclaimed.
How he wished that a samurai like Ryoma would appear in the Land of Wano once more. Perhaps then, they could stop Ares...
Clang—
Sukiyaki returned Shusui to its sheath and ordered Fukurokuju, "Gather all the daimyos from every region, and bring in all the best doctors in the Land of Wano. Get them recovered as quickly as possible. We only have two months..."
"I hope they can all become even stronger!!"
"Yes!"
Fukurokuju accepted the order and left.
Two days later.
Kuri.
Ashura Doji hurried to the place where Ares was training. Every time he