6
Wano Country was too small, so small that people mistook the mouth of their well for the entire sky.
He had actually been mistaken.
That dark figure's bloodline was exceptional to begin with. While flames burned behind his neck, even the highest-ranking officers of an Emperor's crew could barely hurt him.
Breaking through that defense required a top-tier blade-or seizing the instant the flames went out and his speed surged.
"If you had not intervened,"
Shimotsuki Ushimaru said, his voice as deep as muted thunder, "this country would already have sunk into the abyss."
After witnessing that battle, the four Daimyo felt as though lead weights had settled in their chests.
They had believed their combined strength would be enough to resist. Only now did they realize how laughable that assessment had been.
Had Rossi not slain Orochi, severed the dragon's horn, and driven back their formidable enemy, today would have marked the deaths of all Wano Country's strongest fighters.
For reasons both public and private, this bow was no more than he deserved.
"Enough."
Rossi waved a hand as though brushing away drifting dust. "I'm no champion of justice."
He turned sideways, sweeping his gaze over those beneath the veranda.
"I came for profit-for myself, and for my Family."
He paused, his tone as casual as if discussing the weather. "Now, about my payment.
Who is this country's shogun?"
All four looked toward the man at the front.
Kozuki Oden stood there, the hem of his clothes still stained with dust from the battle.
Rossi let out a soft breath.
"To be honest,"
he said, tugging at the corner of his mouth, "Kozuki Oden isn't a good choice for shogun."
Kozuki Oden lowered his head, a heavy breath forcing its way out from deep within his chest.
"You're