Conquering Wano Country

Flower Capital, main street.

A heavy pressure hung over the street, as though an invisible hand had pressed it down.

Three figures walked slowly down the middle of the road as if out for a stroll, yet the entire city dared not make a sound.

Wooden houses stood in neat rows on either side, lamplight faintly shining through their paper windows.

Low eaves and weathered beams gave the place an old, closed-off, almost rotting air.

Rock glanced around and frowned, making no effort to hide his disgust.

"Ugly as fuck."

His tone was casual, but edged with impatience.

"My place has better taste in a single hair."

Kuzan walked beside him, hands in his pockets, his gaze drifting over their surroundings.

The next instant—

Whoosh!

A figure lunged from the side, his blade slicing through the air!

"Die!"

The roar rang out as the blade came down on Kuzan.

Kuzan did not even turn his head. He merely raised a finger.

Click.

His fingertip touched the blade, and a burst of cold erupted.

Crack!

Ice spread from the blade, up the sword and along the man's arm.

The samurai's savage expression turned to terror. His pupils shrank, and his mouth opened, but no sound came out.

A second later—

His entire body froze in place, becoming an ice sculpture.

Sword.

Man.

Pose.

Everything was locked in that instant.

Kuzan did not spare him another glance. A flick of his finger sent the frozen figure flying.

"Vice Admiral Rock."

He spoke casually.

"You're not thinking—"

He tilted his head slightly. "Of becoming this country's king, are you?"

Half serious.

Half teasing.

"Though there is Seastone here..."

He glanced along the street, his gaze settling on the people hiding on either side.

"From what we've seen on the way..."

He paused, his