The sky gradually darkened as dusk deepened.
Wano Country, Hakumai, Jinbu Port.
This was the largest port in Wano Country, connected to its inland sea.
Rows of maple trees had been planted along the dockside shore.
A gentle breeze swept past, and the fiery red maple leaves rustled as they drifted down from the trees.
Servants from the Shogun's Palace carried offerings such as wine, food, and handicrafts onto seven large sailing ships.
Quite a few geisha and courtesans also boarded the ships. They were there to perform and attend to the guests.
The Kurozumi Family crest flags hung from the ships' masts, fluttering in the wind.
Today was Wano Country's annual Fire Festival, an important holiday when the living paid tribute to the dead.
The residents of the Flower Capital had also made many preparations for this day...
They put on their finest clothes and stepped onto the bustling streets, ready to spend the evening with family and friends.
Joyful music filled the air as they drank expensive wine and ate delicious food, casting aside the pressures of daily life and temporarily forgetting the pain of living under harsh rule...
When tomorrow came and the festivities ended, they would have to face all of life's troubles once more!
Sephiroth strolled out of the maple grove at an unhurried pace with his hands tucked into his sleeves. He crossed the gangplank and stepped onto the deck of a large ship.
By then, Kurozumi Orochi, Fukurokuju, Kojiro, and the other officials of the Shogun's Palace had already boarded.
Once all the supplies and personnel were assembled, they could depart directly for Onigashima.
Kurozumi Orochi sat cross-legged on a wooden platform, idly fanning himself with a paper fan as he asked, "Hahaha! Miyamoto, why are you so slow!? If you were any