Facing Kozuki Oden's blazing gaze, Ares smiled. "You can join us."
Oden's face lit up, but Ares changed tack and made a demand.
"Next, I'll hold a swordsmen's tournament in the Land of Wano. If you can become the strongest samurai in Wano by then, I'll allow you to join us."
A swordsmen's tournament?
The strongest samurai in Wano!?
Hot blood surged through Oden's veins. His expression grew feverish, and he agreed without hesitation. "I'll become the strongest samurai in Wano as soon as possible!"
"Good."
Ares was quite satisfied with Oden's enthusiasm. He truly did want to hold a sword-fighting tournament in the Land of Wano.
And...
He would also encourage the samurai to establish various kendo schools and award different medals, letting swordsmen challenge one another and collect medals before participating in the Land of Wano's Kendo Tournament.
It would be somewhat similar to the Gym Challenge in Pokémon.
He would make more and stronger swordsmen emerge from the Land of Wano.
Compete!
He had to make these samurai compete against one another!!
Ares turned and called out to Whitebeard, Kaido, and the others, "Hey—time to go back and hold the victory banquet!"
"Yeah!" Ivankov shouted excitedly, then whistled. "Everyone, let's go back and celebrate!"
The crowd automatically opened a path. The people of the Land of Wano watched Ares and the others, seeing them off as they departed.
After they left, everyone erupted into an uproar, discussing the matter animatedly.
"Ares's subordinates are all incredibly powerful. With them here, they'll definitely be able to protect the Land of Wano from outside forces!"
"All the samurai lost, and Ares became the shogun of Wano. What if he doesn't know how to govern the country at all?!"
"Is the Land of Wano about to enter the era of opening