Wano Country, Flower Capital, Shogun's Mansion.
The days-long feast had finally begun to lose some of its steam.
The scent of wine and meat still lingered in the air, but the noisy voices had grown sparse.
Luo's and Kid's pirate crews had gone to other regions to unwind, while all of the Nine Red Scabbards except Kin'emon had returned to their respective territories.
Now, only the Straw Hat Pirates, who planned to leave Wano Country the day after tomorrow, remained at the Shogun's Mansion.
After all, Luffy was a hero. Whatever the circumstances, there was nothing wrong with them staying at the Shogun's Mansion!
At that moment, peace filled the mansion. The only sound came from the Shishi-odoshi in the courtyard as it filled with clear water and gently struck the stone basin.
"Clack... clack..."
Beneath the Ancient Cherry Tree in a corner of the courtyard, Zoro leaned against its thick trunk.
Three swords-the Wado Ichimonji, the Sandai Kitetsu, and his newly acquired Enma-lay within reach.
His eyes were half-closed as he dozed, his breathing even, blending into the tranquil courtyard.
On the corridor not far away, Kozuki Hiyori repeatedly opened her mouth, only to hesitate.
In the end, she simply sat there hugging her knees, quietly watching the proud, solitary figure beneath the tree without approaching to disturb him.
After an unknown stretch of time, a master swordsman's keen senses and the sound of footsteps broke the stillness.
Zoro slowly opened his right eye and looked toward the gate of the Shogun's Mansion's Front Courtyard.
He did not rise or even change his posture.
"I didn't expect," Zoro said calmly, "you to come."
As his words fell, a tall figure, visibly battered and dejected, stepped over the Shogun's Mansion's high wooden threshold and entered the courtyard.
Sunlight outlined