Dim yellow light spilled from the cabin window. Inside, a dozen or so people sat around a small table on the floor.
The flame of an old kerosene lamp flickered on the table, casting shadows across the walls. It was late at night, and the faint light seemed to carry a trace of weariness that swept over everyone.
After Kozuki Sukiyaki recognized her upon their arrival, Kozuki Hiyori recalled what the group had discussed on the road and decided to reveal her identity.
In truth,
even if she had said nothing, they had already guessed most of it from Franky's words. There was not much left to hide.
After everyone expressed their surprise at Hiyori's identity as a princess, Oden's past was slowly recounted by her and Tenguyama Hitetsu.
More than twenty years ago, after Oden returned from sailing the seas, he learned that Kurozumi Orochi had usurped the throne and joined forces with Kaido to seize control of Wano Country.
Oden had tried to go to war then, but Kurozumi Orochi threatened him with the lives of the people and forced him into a five-year agreement.
To protect the people, Oden danced naked in the Flower Capital every day and became the "Foolish Lord" in the eyes of the populace. Secretly, he never stopped gathering strength.
Until five years later.
As expected, Kurozumi Orochi broke the agreement, continued persecuting the people, and worked with Kaido to establish factories. Oden decisively led his assembled forces in a surprise attack on Onigashima.
That battle shook heaven and earth. At the crucial moment, Kurozumi Higurashi interfered with a scheme, causing Oden to fall in defeat. He and his retainers were publicly executed by Kaido in the Flower Capital.
At the final moment, Oden protected retainers such as Denjiro. After leaving behind his