Chapter 45: Cherry Blossoms and Samurai

The climate in the Flower Capital was mild, and when the cool breeze swept through the air, it carried with it a shower of petals, like a rain of flowers.

These scattered blossoms, pale as snow with a hint of gradient pink, gathered together to form a pink sunset in the sky.

A flurry of falling petals.

The so-called "sakura blizzard" must refer to this scene, right?

The wind carried a faint fragrance. While the scent of cherry blossoms was subtle, the sheer number of flowers concentrated here made the delicate aroma more noticeable.

"Such beautiful cherry blossoms," Shutenmaru marveled. His education was limited—in fact, he had almost no formal education and had only learned to read a bit in the past six months.

Unlike Yukiko, who could compose poems.

In Wano, no one disliked cherry blossoms. The way they bloomed brilliantly and then fell without hesitation, though a symbol of death, was still beautiful. When cherry blossoms fall, they do so cleanly, without stain or hesitation. In their imagination, life should be the same.

Life is short, so one should live as brilliantly as cherry blossoms. Even in death, one should depart decisively.

Though they revered this spirit, few could truly embrace death like cherry blossoms. In reality, the people of this country endured nearly two to three decades of oppression under Kurozumi Orochi and Kaido without rebellion, proving that most were still afraid of death.

"Is it true that this cherry blossom tree has been in full bloom for years?" Shutenmaru asked Yukiko.

Yukiko shook her head, catching a small petal carried by the breeze. The delicate pink petal resembled the hoofprint of some animal. In Wano, Armament Haki was called "Ryuo," or "flowing cherry blossoms." The way this power flowed through the body was like the falling cherry blossoms in the wind.

"I don't know, but the cherry blossoms were just as lush the last few times I came here."

In the New World, people often lacked a strong sense of the four seasons. Those living on winter islands who had never ventured to sea might believe the entire world was covered in snow and ice.

They knew nothing of spring flowers or autumn moons, nor the tranquil chirping of cicadas in summer.

"Let's hurry," Yukiko said softly, her voice unexpectedly gentle.

The samurai, clad in majestic armor, marched through the streets of the Flower Capital. Their formation was orderly, resembling a mighty general's procession—imposing and exuding killing intent. Yet, the scattered cherry blossom petals landing on their shoulder plates and amidst their stern figures added a touch of softness to their majesty.

"What is this?"

"Who are these people...?"

The citizens of the Flower Capital naturally gave way to such a majestic procession. The imposing and towering samurai made them too intimidated to even meet their gaze. This aura was something they had never seen in the soldiers they had encountered before.

Alongside their fear, there was also admiration and respect in their eyes.

Many small-time thugs watched with shining eyes, wishing they could be part of such a group, walking proudly under the awe-filled gazes of the people.

"Where are these samurai from? They're so imposing!"

"Look, the person in the sedan chair—isn't he handsome?"

"Exactly! You can tell he's noble at a glance, like a true aristocrat!"

The women of the Flower Capital were completely captivated by Kurozumi Higurashi in the crimson sedan chair. The old woman knew how to put on a show, draped in a haori and lazily leaning against the edge of the sedan, basking in the attention without a hint of nervousness.

On the contrary, she was completely at ease, as if this were just a minor scene.

Her face wore a calm smile, one hand propping up her cheek as she arrogantly gazed down at the pedestrians. In her other hand, she held a bowl of clear sake.

She didn't drink it, instead letting the falling petals drift into the sake, creating tiny ripples.

At this moment, the scene seemed frozen. The image of that noble, elegant, and handsome figure was deeply etched into the hearts of everyone in the Flower Capital. Yukiko noticed the spring-like longing in the women's eyes and couldn't help but smile.

By perfectly showcasing Lord Dan's presence to these people, Kurozumi Higurashi had finally done something that pleased her.

However, Yukiko still believed that if Lord Dan himself were here, he could have done even better.

Dan, unaware of what was happening here, would surely have said that he wasn't as good at putting on a show as Kurozumi Higurashi.

"Are these people from Kuri...?"

"Are they samurai from Kuri?"

"I did hear that the shogun summoned the daimyo of Kuri. So, that person must be the daimyo of Kuri. He's so handsome!"

"That aloof aura is unbelievable. I can't believe we get to see such a noble person in person."

The residents of the Flower Capital weren't strangers to daimyo from other regions, but those figures were nothing compared to Dan. Though they had seen them from a distance, the sense of awe was entirely different now.

"To be ruled by such a daimyo, the people of Kuri must be so fortunate!"

The people of Kuri, living in prosperity, were indeed fortunate.

Though the sky was gradually darkening, the Flower Capital had a vibrant night market. The streets would be lit with lanterns, creating a beautiful scene. Of course, they wouldn't have time to enjoy it tonight.

Soon, they would enter the shogun's palace, freshen up, and attend the banquet hosted by the shogun.

To Yukiko, the banquet seemed rather dull—just a gathering of strangers eating together while watching performances by courtesans from the pleasure districts or those kept by Sukiyaki himself.

Shutenmaru, however, was looking forward to it.

As a retainer of the daimyo of Kuri, he was a person of status and would have a seat at the banquet. Being able to drink openly was a great pleasure for him. Moreover, there would be beauties prepared by Sukiyaki to accompany him.

In Kuri, he had no such privileges. Without a salary, he couldn't afford to relax in the pleasure districts.

Now that the Military Commission was expanding, many of the newly recruited samurai were originally upstanding citizens. These people received salaries, but those like Shutenmaru, who had been bandits, were working to atone for their sins and thus received no pay.

As a result, despite being the head of the Military Commission, Shutenmaru lived a far more miserable life than his subordinates.