Kyoshiro Family, the largest underworld organization in the Flower Capital, was led by Kyoshiro, who was known as the most loyal dog of Shogun Orochi.
While engaging in criminal activities such as gambling, extortion, and protection rackets, the Kyoshiro Family was also legally responsible for maintaining stability in the Flower Capital.
Additionally, as Orochi's subordinate, Kyoshiro had an alliance with the Beasts Pirates and held a fairly high status, allowing him to communicate directly with the Disasters.
Gurd greeted him with a smile. "Well, if it isn't Boss Kyoshiro! I'm honored you came in person."
"..."
Kyoshiro didn't respond. His narrowed eyes lingered on the samurai at Gurd's feet and the buried corpses of other warriors, his heart aching.
Damn it, he was too late!
Yet, no matter how furious he felt, he had to suppress it.
Fifteen years had passed since that incident. He had long learned patience—now, he was not Denjiro, the retainer of Kozuki Oden, but Orochi's lapdog, Kyoshiro.
Suppressing his anger, Kyoshiro smiled at Gurd and asked perfunctorily, "Young man from the Beasts Pirates, what happened here?"
"These trash tried to assassinate me."
Gurd grinned, using his blade to slice open the trouser leg of the samurai leader, revealing a crescent-shaped tattoo to the crowd.
"Kozuki Samurai!"
Gasps erupted among the onlookers.
Not only had Kyoshiro and his men arrived, but many curious citizens had gathered as well. The sight of the crescent tattoo shocked them all.
The last time Kozuki Samurai had appeared dated back several years.
Gurd narrowed his eyes, smirking coldly at Kyoshiro. "I never imagined the Flower Capital's security had deteriorated to this extent. Even Kozuki Samurai managed to infiltrate. Boss Kyoshiro, if you're short on manpower, the Beasts Pirates can lend a hand."
"My apologies, young man. This was indeed our oversight. Let me offer my sincerest regrets."
Kyoshiro smiled as he apologized.
The Flower Capital was Orochi's territory. While the Beasts Pirates were welcome to visit, stationing troops here would cross a line.
Of course, the other party likely didn't mean it.
Such words were probably just pressure tactics to extort compensation or other benefits.
What a cunning bastard!
Kyoshiro grew more alert. Among the brutes of the Beasts Pirates, few had brains—this one was worth his attention.
"By the way, what should I call you?"
"Gurd, second-in-command to Headliner Ulti!"
Gurd announced his name, deliberately name-dropping Ulti.
Among the Beasts Pirates' Headliners, Ulti ranked near the top, her status second only to the All-Stars. Even Kyoshiro had to take her seriously.
"Gurd, Ulti's second-in-command..."
Kyoshiro muttered the name, then suddenly recalled intelligence from the previous night. His eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"So you're the Devil Muscle Man?"
Huh???
Gurd was stunned.
Devil Muscle Man?
Was that supposed to be him?
Which bastard came up with that nickname?!
A certain iconic line automatically played in Gurd's mind.
[1974, the first time I fought in Southeast Asian free combat...]
After three seconds of silence, Gurd scowled, crossing his arms and flexing his muscles to appear even more imposing.
"That's right. I am the Devil Muscle Man!"
"Hiss—!"
A chorus of sharp inhales followed.
Regardless of anything else, the nickname "Devil Muscle Man" was undeniably intimidating. Combined with Gurd's physique, it instantly cowed everyone present.
Kyoshiro wasn't intimidated, but his estimation of Gurd rose another notch. Making a name for oneself among the Beasts Pirates was no easy feat.
One thing was certain—this man would undoubtedly become an executive of the Beasts Pirates in the future, perhaps even a core member.
Troublesome.
Kyoshiro glanced at the ruins.
The sheer scale of destruction proved this man's strength was formidable. This wasn't something small change could settle.
And then there was the Kozuki Samurai beneath his feet.
If he didn't intervene, the samurai would surely be sent to the Prisoner Quarry—a fate worse than death.
Without exposing himself, he wanted to save them. These Kozuki Samurai were once his sworn brothers.
After several seconds of contemplation, Kyoshiro spoke gravely: "Brother Gurd, the appearance of Kozuki remnants in Flower Capital is our responsibility. Please grant me this favor and let us handle this scoundrel. Rest assured, we'll give you a proper account!"
"Haha, of course I must honor Boss Kyoshiro's request."
Gurd's smile bloomed.
He'd deliberately left a survivor, waiting for exactly this demand.
Gurd pointed downward: "However, these bastards destroyed my newly purchased house. Rebuilding it will cost quite a bit."
"Put it on my tab!"
Kyoshiro agreed without hesitation.
Truth be told, he was quite poor—most of his money went to aiding the needy—but if money could solve this, it was already the simplest outcome.
If things escalated, those brainless pirates might actually storm into Flower Capital, and who knew what destruction that would bring.
Besides, rebuilding one house wasn't that expensive. At worst, he could steal more from the wealthy when he transformed into the righteous thief "Ushimitsu Kozo" tonight.
Gurd gave an exaggerated thumbs-up and loudly praised: "As expected of Flower Capital's most beloved chivalrous hero! Such generosity, boss!"
"Your praise is too kind."
Kyoshiro responded calmly.
Killing his sworn brothers and now profiting from him.
He'd remember this debt!
"Ah, I forgot to mention earlier."
Gurd rubbed his pectoral muscles, feigning pain: "Fighting these guys gave me serious internal injuries. My mood for sightseeing in Flower Capital is ruined. Boss Kyoshiro, about the medical fees, lost wages, and emotional damages...?"
"..."
Kyoshiro's face twitched.
Even after fifteen years serving under Shogun Orochi, honing his acting skills to perfection, he nearly drew his sword in murderous rage.
With his current reputation and status, even Shogun Orochi treated him with respect. Yet this bastard dared openly extort him.
The sheer audacity!
Kyoshiro took a deep breath.
Too many people were watching. He couldn't tarnish his chivalrous image.
"500 gold!"
"Deal!"
Gurd beamed, knowing when to stop.
Keh keh keh, more money to buy property.
Seeming unwilling to stay a moment longer, Kyoshiro immediately departed with his subordinates, taking both the Kozuki Samurai and their fallen comrades' bodies.
"Boss Kyoshiro is amazing!"
"So dashing!"
"With Boss Kyoshiro around, Flower Capital is so safe!"
The onlookers buzzed with excitement.
In their eyes, Boss Kyoshiro had swiftly resolved the crisis, once again safeguarding Flower Capital's peace.
"Tsk tsk, what a perfect ending."
Gurd clicked his tongue in admiration.
The crowd breathed a sigh of relief. Kyoshiro had taken away his sworn brothers and made a fortune—this was a triple win.
Truly an overwhelming victory!
The warehouse soon returned to silence, leaving only Gurd behind.
"That guy really knows how to endure."
Gurd stared in the direction Kyoshiro had left.
He was naturally aware of Kyoshiro's true identity. If possible, he would have loved to kill him.
Once aboard Kaido's ship, the Kozuki clan became mortal enemies. Even if he didn't kill them, they would come for him.
The problem was his current low status—his words carried little weight, while Kyoshiro held great authority. Rashly flipping the table could easily get him crushed.
Gurd shook his head and turned his gaze back to the w
arehouse.
He hadn't bought this remote warehouse randomly.
"Gurgle, gurgle~~"
The cracks from the earlier battle had unknowingly filled with water, its surface now bubbling with scalding steam.
It was a hot spring!