Chapter 199: Kozuki Oden

"Lord Yasuie, can't you just—"

Ashura Doji was about to loudly complain to Shimotsuki Yasuie when he suddenly noticed that besides the familiar face of Koushiro, there was also another unfamiliar face sitting in the palace.

Seeing the unfamiliar guest, Ashura Doji immediately remembered the etiquette lessons Yasuie had taught him and quickly restrained his dissatisfaction, adopting a serious expression. However, this serious demeanor only added to his fierce appearance.

Adrian found Ashura Doji's posture somewhat amusing. Despite their odd and varied appearances, the Nine Red Scabbards had been transformed by both Kozuki Oden and Shimotsuki Yasuie into cultured and knowledgeable statesmen. Though their skills might not be top-notch, they were at least serviceable, certainly better than the likes of the Beasts Pirates' All-stars and the Tobiroppo!

However, due to their different personal experiences, each of the Nine Red Scabbards had a unique attitude towards their lord, Kozuki Oden.

Kin'emon followed Oden out of gratitude for being saved by him. Kanjuro, the "Sleepy Death", followed because he admired Oden. Kikunojo, the "Human Wrench" who also dressed as a woman, was taken in by Oden after being homeless. Raizo, the "Shadow Ninja", was accepted by Oden after leaving the Oniwabanshu. Kawamatsu, the "Red-Finned Puffer Fishman", Inuarashi, the "King of Day", and Nekomamushi, the "King of Night", were all saved by Oden during their childhood.

Kanjuro was the exception, he was a "Theatre Performer" and a spy planted by Orochi. Of the Nine Red Scabbards, only Ashura Doji was subdued purely by Oden's superior strength.

While others referred to themselves as "retainers of the Kozuki family", Ashura Doji only called himself "a retainer of Oden", showing that he only respected Oden's strength.

After being defeated by Oden, Ashura Doji, the "Strongest Monster of Kuri", willingly followed him and was grateful for Oden's efforts to turn Kuri into a peaceful haven. However, years ago, after Oden left with Whitebeard's pirates, Orochi became the new Shogun of Wano, and Ashura Doji returned to Kuri to resume his role as the bandit leader.

When Oden returned to Wano, Ashura Doji hoped he would immediately drive out Orochi and Kaido. Instead, Oden, hoping for a peaceful opening of Wano's borders, began a weekly ritual of dancing through the Flower Capital's streets in nothing but a loincloth. This frustrated Ashura Doji greatly.

Unlike the other Scabbards who refrained from criticizing Oden's actions, Ashura Doji, being a former bandit leader, had no such reservations. He respected Oden for his contributions to Kuri but was outspoken against what he saw as foolish behavior.

"Yasuie-sama, who is this?"

Suppressing his frustration, Ashura Doji politely inquired to Yasuie.

Yasuie exchanged a look with Adrian, who nodded slightly. "This is Mr. Momoya, a benefactor of the Shimotsuki family from East Blue," Yasuie said, gesturing courteously towards Adrian.

"From the outer sea?"

Ashura Doji squinted at Adrian, a gleam of curiosity in his eyes. "Mr. Momoya, did you just arrive in Wano today?"

"That's correct."

Ashura Doji pressed further, "Did you notice the fierce battle outside Wano? Kaido was fighting someone unknown."

Most people in Wano couldn't perceive the intense battles occurring offshore. However, the warriors within Wano, with their advanced Haki, certainly could.

Adrian shrugged nonchalantly, "Of course I noticed. I was the one fighting Kaido at the time."

"What?!" The exclamations came simultaneously from three people, including the usually composed Raizo, whose eyes widened in shock.

"Do you need me to demonstrate?" Adrian extended his finger, a small blue energy point glowing at its tip.

Ashura Doji's pupils narrowed, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword, while Raizo prepared to draw his scrolls for defense. Yasuie quickly intervened, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, "No! There's no need for that! Mr. Momoya, please put away your power."

"Ashura Doji, Raizo, lower your hands as well!"

Adrian extinguished the energy at his fingertip like blowing out a candle. Seeing this, Ashura Doji and Raizo relaxed, although they remained vigilant.

"Mr. Momoya, you didn't mention earlier that you had just fought Kaido outside Wano and won…" Koushiro trailed off with a wry smile, implying the unspoken astonishment at Adrian's victory.

"It was just Kaido, nothing to make a fuss about."

Adrian leaned back, adopting a relaxed posture, then turned to Ashura Doji and Raizo. "You are retainers of Kozuki Oden. May I request an audience with the famed 'Lord Oden'?"