Hiyori

The moment Swain stepped into Wano Country, he sensed that it had undergone a tremendous transformation.

The last time he had come here was half a year ago. Thanks to the policies implemented here, the streets were no longer plagued by flowing sewage and food shortages.

"Who goes there?!" the guards at the checkpoint shouted. Their voices carried a hint of tension and wariness. Because they were still some distance away, they could only see a blurry figure gradually approaching and could not make out the person's face.

When Swain drew closer, the guards' faces instantly went pale, and their bodies began to tremble uncontrollably. They widened their eyes in terror, hurriedly dropped to one knee, and said in trembling voices, "M-My emperor, please forgive us! Our eyes failed us, and we didn't realize it was you."

Swain's steps were steady and resolute, each one seeming to carry immense authority.

His gaze was as sharp as an eagle's. He coldly swept his eyes over the guards' faces, making them lower their heads and dare not meet his eyes.

The guards' hearts began pounding faster, as though they could hear them frantically thudding inside their chests. Fine beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads and slid down their cheeks, bringing wave after wave of chill.

Their lips trembled faintly. They wanted to say something to soothe the emperor's anger, yet feared that their words would only enrage Swain further. Their hands were clenched tightly together, their fingernails digging deeply into their palms, but they felt no pain at all.

Under the oppressive force of Swain's immense authority, the guards' bodies grew even more rigid, as though they might collapse to the ground at any moment.

They secretly prayed that the emperor would deal with them leniently, their hearts filled with regret