The Third Time Was This [Erudite] Advancement Quest (Continued)

"I suppose I'll use this broken body to atone to the people of Wano Country on behalf of the Kozuki and Shimotsuki families!"

Shimotsuki Yasuie's answer came as no surprise to Adrian.

After all, in the original story, the daimyo of Hakumai had done exactly what he had just described.

After the Kozuki forces fell, Shimotsuki Yasuie survived, later retiring to Ebisu Village and becoming its resident sycophant.

Under the alias "Tonoyasu," he made the villagers laugh while continuing to help the poor.

To be fair.

Adrian would have been lying if he claimed he did not admire what Shimotsuki Yasuie would do in the years to come.

A distinguished daimyo had willingly cast aside all his former dignity, spending his days playing the lowly sycophant for people's amusement, all while continuing to aid the destitute.

Whether toward the Kozuki Clan or the people of Wano Country, Shimotsuki Yasuie truly deserved to be called a man who devoted himself utterly until his dying breath.

But respect did not mean Adrian would accept it.

Rather than let Shimotsuki Yasuie keep pouring his heart and soul into the utterly undeserving Kozuki Clan, he would rather give the daimyo of Hakumai an honorable retirement.

Wouldn't the peaceful East Blue be more comfortable than Wano Country?

"Then I'm afraid I must apologize, Lord Yasuie."

Adrian extended his right index finger. A Dream Ghost flew from its tip and passed through Shimotsuki Yasuie's chest in an instant, plunging the visibly exhausted daimyo of Hakumai into a deep sleep.

He called Lumi again and had Lumi take Shimotsuki Yasuie into the Impenetrable Fortress.

Adrian looked toward Onigashima.

"One left. Shimotsuki Ushimaru."

Inside the "Heaven" cave on Onigashima.

Almost a week had slipped by since Kaido's last visit.

Deep inside the cave.

Yamato lay sprawled on