The Kyoshiro Family—the biggest yakuza group in the Flower Capital. Their boss, Kyoshiro, was known as the most loyal dog of Shogun Orochi.
While engaged in gambling, extortion, and collecting protection money, the Kyoshiro Family also handled the city's security… all legally sanctioned.
Additionally, as a subordinate of Orochi, Kyoshiro was considered an ally of the Beasts Pirates and held a relatively high status—he could speak directly with the Calamities.
Rogan greeted him with a big smile:
"Well if it isn't Boss Kyoshiro! I never thought you'd show up in person—what an honor!"
"…"
Kyoshiro didn't respond immediately. His squinting eyes drifted down to the samurai at Rogan's feet, and to the corpses buried under rubble. A wave of sorrow washed over him.
Damn it… I was too late!
Still, no matter how furious he was, he had to endure it.
It had been fifteen years since that incident. He'd long since learned patience. He was no longer Denjirō, vassal of Kozuki Oden—he was Kyoshiro, loyal dog of Orochi.
Suppressing his rage, Kyoshiro smiled politely and asked,
"Brother from the Beasts Pirates, may I ask what happened here?"
"These pieces of trash tried to assassinate yours truly."
Rogan grinned and bent down to slice open the leg of the samurai at his feet, revealing a crescent moon tattoo.
"They're Kozuki samurai!"
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
Kyoshiro hadn't come alone—his subordinates were with him, as well as curious civilians. Seeing the crescent moon, everyone was stunned.
The last time Kozuki samurai had shown up was years ago.
Rogan narrowed his eyes and smirked at Kyoshiro:
"Didn't expect the Flower Capital's public safety to be this bad—letting Kozuki samurai sneak in. Boss Kyoshiro, if you're short on men, our Beasts Pirates can lend a hand."
"My apologies, brother. This is indeed a lapse on our part. Please allow me to offer my sincerest apology."
Kyoshiro bowed with a faint smile.
The Flower Capital was Orochi's turf. The Beasts Pirates were welcome as visitors, but if they wanted to garrison troops here, that would be overstepping.
Of course, Kyoshiro didn't think Rogan had any such intentions.
This was just a veiled power move—a test, maybe an excuse to ask for some "compensation."
Cunning bastard…
Kyoshiro became a bit more serious. Among the Beasts Pirates, it was rare to meet someone with brains. This one warranted caution.
"By the way, brother, what name do you go by?"
"Vice-captain under Shinuchi Uruti—Rogan!"
Rogan gave his name, purposely mentioning Uruti.
Among the Shinuchi (True Fight Leaders), Uruti ranked near the top, just below the All-Stars. Kyoshiro had to take him seriously.
"Vice-captain Rogan under Uruti…"
Kyoshiro muttered, then recalled the intel he'd received the night before. His eyes widened a fraction.
"You're… the Devil Muscle Man?"
What???
Rogan was dumbfounded.
Devil Muscle Man?
Are they talking about him?
Who the hell gave him that stupid nickname!?
A random line popped into his head:
"In 1974, I debuted in Southeast Asia as a free-fighting champion…"
After three seconds of silence, Rogan crossed his arms and flexed every muscle in his body, making himself look more hulking and imposing.
"That's right. I am… the Devil Muscle Man!"
"Hsssss—!"
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Say what you will, the nickname Devil Muscle Man was pretty damn intimidating. Combined with Rogan's physique, it stunned everyone into silence.
Kyoshiro wasn't impressed, but his estimation of Rogan rose another notch. Making a name for yourself in the Beasts Pirates wasn't easy.
He was certain—this man would become one of the crew's executives… maybe even a core member.
Troublesome.
Kyoshiro glanced at the ruins around them.
To cause this much destruction, the man's strength was no joke—and he wouldn't be satisfied with a small bribe.
And then there was the Kozuki samurai at Rogan's feet…
If Kyoshiro didn't act, the samurai would be sent to the quarry prison—a fate worse than death.
He needed to save him… quietly. These Kozuki samurai had once been his sworn brothers.
After a few seconds of thought, Kyoshiro said gravely:
"Brother Rogan, the appearance of Kozuki remnants in the Flower Capital is our fault. Please, grant me some face and hand this one over to us. I assure you—we'll take proper responsibility."
"Haha, of course I'd give face to Boss Kyoshiro."
Rogan smiled brightly.
He had deliberately left one alive, waiting for this exact moment.
Pointing to his feet, he added:
"But these bastards destroyed the house I just bought. Rebuilding it's gonna cost a lot."
"Put it on my tab!"
Kyoshiro agreed without hesitation.
In truth, he was broke—most of his money went to helping the poor. But if money could resolve the issue, it was a simple fix.
If things escalated, those brainless pirates might really storm the Flower Capital—and who knows what damage that would cause.
Besides, it was just a warehouse. Rebuilding wouldn't be too expensive. Worst case, he'd just steal from a few rich snobs tonight in his alter ego as the phantom thief Chūsan Kozō.
Rogan gave him a thumbs-up and shouted theatrically:
"No wonder you're the most beloved man in the Flower Capital—such generosity!"
"You flatter me."
Kyoshiro replied calmly.
He had just paid a man who killed his brothers. He'd remember this debt.
"Oh, one more thing I forgot to mention."
Rogan rubbed his pecs and grimaced theatrically:
"Those bastards injured me pretty bad. I've got internal wounds. Totally ruined my vacation. Boss Kyoshiro, about my recovery costs, time lost, emotional trauma—shouldn't you…?"
"…"
Kyoshiro's face twitched.
Even with fifteen years of master-level acting under Orochi, even he wanted to draw his blade right now.
At his level of fame and status—even Orochi had to be polite to him—and this bastard dared extort him publicly!?
Infuriating!
Kyoshiro took a deep breath.
Everyone was watching. He couldn't damage his heroic image.
"500 gold!"
"Deal!"
Rogan beamed with joy.
Hehehe… more money for property!
Apparently not wanting to linger another second, Kyoshiro quickly led his men away, taking the surviving samurai and the corpses with him.
"As expected of Boss Kyoshiro!"
"So dashing!"
"With him around, the Flower Capital is totally safe!"
The onlookers cheered and gossiped.
In their eyes, Boss Kyoshiro had resolved a crisis swiftly, once again protecting the city's peace.
"Click-click. What a perfect ending."
Rogan clicked his tongue in admiration.
The crowd was reassured, Kyoshiro rescued his comrades, and Rogan walked away with a massive payday.
A triple win.
Absolutely dominating!
The warehouse soon fell silent, leaving only Rogan behind.
"That guy's got serious self-control."
Rogan stared in the direction Kyoshiro had gone.
Of course he knew the man's true identity.
If he could, he'd love to kill him.
Since he'd joined Kaidou's crew, the Kozuki clan were his mortal enemies. If he didn't kill them, they'd come to kill him.
The problem was, his current status was too low. Picking a fight with someone of Kyoshiro's rank could easily backfire.
Rogan shook his head and looked at the warehouse again.
He hadn't bought this out-of-the-way property for no reason.
"Gururururu~~"
The cracks left behind from the battle had filled with water at some point, steam rising from the surface.
Hot springs!
(End of Chapter)
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