Kozuki Sukiyaki was deep in thought. Were these powerful outsiders really just refugees fleeing a war? Judging by their wealthy, almost extravagant appearance, they certainly didn’t look like bandits.
"Sukiyaki-sama, if these people can suppress Kuri, then in a few years when they return to their homeland, wouldn’t we have a peaceful Kuri left behind? Plus, they’ll be paying us rent — it’s a win-win!"
The finance officer of the Shogun’s estate perked up at Brook’s proposal. Every year, they spent a fortune dispatching troops to suppress Kuri — wasting money, losing samurai, and paying death benefits. If these outsiders could handle the trouble for them, the savings would be enormous.
He had already started calculating just how much rent they could charge — enough to make a profit but not so much as to scare them away.
"Sukiyaki-sama, why not rent it to them for a year first? See what they can accomplish before deciding whether to expel them."
Shimotsuki Token chimed in. They had long considered pacifying Kuri themselves, but it had always been a costly, thankless task. Sooner or later, Kuri would return to chaos anyway.
Hearing his retainers all trying to persuade him, Sukiyaki found himself caught in a dilemma. They didn’t understand the true secret the Kozuki family was guarding — but still, they were thinking for the good of Wano.
An unruly Kuri drained their coffers year after year. If these outsiders could stabilize it at their own expense, while paying rent on top of it...
It really did seem like a good deal.
"Outsiders," Sukiyaki said at last, "I don’t know if your words are true or not. But I’ll give you one year. If you can suppress Kuri, you may continue to live in Wano. If not, you will still be allowed to remain as refugees for a few more years. But if you show any signs of betrayal, we will expel you immediately!"
He was willing to give Brook and his group a chance. As long as they stayed busy managing Kuri, they wouldn’t have time to pry into the Kozuki family’s secrets. And he would have more time to observe them.
If they truly were innocent refugees, welcoming them to settle in Wano would cause no harm. After all, it wasn’t unusual for Wano clans to leave for the outside world — like the Kurozumi clan, or the Shimotsuki family, some of whom even founded Shimotsuki Village in the East Blue.
Brook even suspected that Issho, known as Fujitora, and Tsuru, known as Momousagi, had roots in Wano — their names, their clothing, their swordsmanship... all bore traces of Wano’s culture.
"Thank you, Sukiyaki-sama, for your kindness in giving us this opportunity," Brook said with a smile.
"I am willing to sign a contract: one hundred catties of gold to rent Kuri for a year. During that time, we will do our utmost to restore peace to Kuri and help the people there live full, healthy lives."
Brook spoke as if he were already setting down roots in Wano. Once they occupied Kuri, he planned to support Hyougoro in becoming its new daimyo, seize control of Udon’s Seastone quarry, and establish a Seastone processing factory. By recruiting skilled Seastone craftsmen and swordsmiths at high wages, he could rapidly turn Kuri into Wano’s economic powerhouse.
From there, he could slowly chip away at the Kozuki family’s influence, binding the people’s interests to Kuri — and eventually, quietly devouring all of Wano.
Shimotsuki Toramaru, standing nearby, felt something was off — but he couldn’t put his finger on it. And even if these outsiders did stabilize Kuri, what if they refused to leave?
Still, they didn’t seem to have much to gain by staying. Could they really be mere refugees? Even if they occupied Kuri, could they truly threaten the shogunate?
They were underestimating the Kozuki family’s prestige. Perhaps these outsiders would simply integrate into Wano and become part of its strength.
The finance officer was also quite pleased. He could tell Sukiyaki-sama had no real intention of charging high rent — just suppressing Kuri would be enough. Yet Brook was smart enough to offer one hundred catties of gold without being asked.
With that gold, the Shogun’s household could live lavishly for quite some time.
While Sukiyaki and Brook discussed the contract details, Shimotsuki Toramaru and Redfield finally wrapped up their sparring match — ending in a draw. Both were panting and satisfied, having fought to their hearts’ content.
Meanwhile, the daimyos of Kibi and Udon wore dark expressions, partly from their injuries, partly from the humiliation of defeat. When they heard that Sukiyaki intended to rent Kuri to the outsiders in exchange for suppressing it, they didn’t object. The invaders were strong; forcing them out would only cause unnecessary casualties. Better to let them handle Kuri’s problems.
After all, both of their territories bordered Kuri and constantly suffered from its bandits’ raids. Having someone else clean up the mess was a blessing.
Once the agreement was signed, Sukiyaki hosted a feast to welcome Brook’s group, using the opportunity to probe them — but found no obvious flaws.
At the banquet, Brook deliberately grew closer to Ametsuki Maiken, the daimyo of Udon. Since the Seastone quarry was in Udon, Brook privately promised to gift Maiken gold to "improve the people’s lives." He even proposed leasing the Seastone quarry for "a small business venture."
With gold paving the way, Ametsuki Maiken readily agreed. How could he refuse? Especially when a famous swordsman like Brook was offering him such favor.
Maybe Brook had recognized his unmatched sword talent? Maybe Maiken would become the greatest swordsman in Wano someday?
On the other side, thanks to Redfield’s budding friendship with Shimotsuki Toramaru, Shimotsuki Token also sought to build ties with the outsiders.
Only Fugetsu Jinshō, the daimyo of Kibi, remained wary. He quietly spoke with Sukiyaki, urging him to stay vigilant and prepare defenses against the newcomers.
"Sukiyaki-sama," Brook said openly, "tomorrow I’ll be hiring samurai in the Flower Capital to form a temporary army to suppress Kuri. Of course, we’ll cover the costs ourselves."
"Very well," Sukiyaki agreed. "Thank you for your generosity. But if there are casualties, be sure to prepare proper compensation for the families."
He wasn’t worried. Wano’s samurai were loyal to the Kozuki family, and their families lived in the Flower Capital. No mercenary wages would turn them against their homeland.
In fact, this might be a good chance for the samurai to earn some extra income.
"Of course. It’s our responsibility," Brook said with a smile.
Anything that could be solved with money was no problem. Now that Redfield had mastered Ryuo, it was time to put it to practical use.
Kuri would be the Hell Pirates’ Ryuo training ground — and after that, the next target would be the Seastone quarry at Udon.
+122 Chapters on p@treon/tambeerg