The Courtesan of Kabukicho

At the banquet, Buggy stated outright that if there was anything he could help with, he was willing to do his small part.

However, Kozuki Oden seemed unwilling to let outsiders interfere in Wano Country's internal affairs. He also did not wish to trouble Buggy, or Nekomamushi and Inuarashi far away on Zou. He repeatedly shook his head in refusal and would not discuss the matter further, speaking only of the local customs and scenery, or asking Buggy about the changes on the seas over the years.

Seeing Kozuki Oden's attitude, Buggy said no more and steered the conversation elsewhere.

They chatted for roughly an hour, and both host and guests enjoyed themselves. As the banquet drew to a close, Kozuki Oden fulfilled his duties as host and had an attendant lead the travel-weary Buggy and his group to the rear rooms to rest.

Buggy and the others followed the attendant through the courtyard and arrived at a distinctly Japanese-style room. Opening the back door revealed a stretch of bamboo forest, beside which stood a cluster of artificial hills next to a pond some twenty meters across. Schools of small fish in various colors swam through the pond, stirring ripples across the clear water. With the breeze brushing against their faces, a warm, springlike comfort welled up within them.

Taking in the sight, Buggy could not help but sigh. "This really is a peaceful place."

The moment they sat down on the floor, the attendant served several cups of light tea to aid digestion. Weevil and Mikuru could not stomach such weak tea and stuck out their tongues repeatedly.

Buggy, however, rather missed the bitter flavor that lingered on his tongue. He picked up the tea bowl, no more than ten centimeters in diameter, cradled it in his palms,