Planning Wano’s Liberation

1512 - Okobore Town - Third Person POV

As the feast in Okobore Town wound down, the townsfolk's grateful murmurs filled the air, children licking rice from their fingers. Dominic approached an elder, his weathered face lit by firelight, and leaned in, his voice steady but warm. "Elder, tell me about the Fire Festival. When does it happen?"

The elder's eyes, sunken from hunger, met his, his voice raspy but clear. "It's in one month, good lord. The whole of Wano gathers—nobles, peasants, even Orochi's men. They celebrate with lanterns and sake, honoring our ancestors. It's the one night the capital feels alive."

Dominic nodded, his mind racing, a plan solidifying. "Thank you. That's all I needed to know." He stepped away, his black cloak blending into the shadows as he joined Daenerys and Missandei under a gnarled tree, the village quiet save for the crackle of dying fires.

Daenerys's voice was low, her silver hair catching moonlight. "What's the plan, Dom? You've got that look—scheming again."

Dominic's voice was resolute, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We strike during the Fire Festival, one month from now. It's the perfect moment to take down Orochi and Kaido."

Missandei's voice was curious, her vines curling thoughtfully around her fingers. "Why wait a whole month? We could move sooner, couldn't we? Our powers are more than enough."

Dominic's voice grew firm, his gaze intense. "It's not about our strength, Missy. The festival brings everyone together—nobles, commoners, Orochi's guards, even Kaido's men. They'll be distracted, drinking, and celebrating. That's our window to hit hard and fast. But more than that, I want Wano's people in the fight. I'll gather rebels, train anyone willing to stand. This has to be their victory, not just ours."

Daenerys's voice was skeptical, her flames flickering faintly. "We could end Orochi and Kaido ourselves, Dom. You, me, Missy—our powers could crush them in a day. Why risk involving others? Why make these people fight when we can spare them the bloodshed?"

Dominic's voice softened, but his conviction held. "Because freedom handed over is no freedom at all, Dany. If we swoop in and save them, they'll thank us, sure, but they won't value it. They won't know what it costs. Wano's been under Orochi's boot too long—whipped, starved, broken. They need to rise, to fight, to bleed for their land. Only then will they truly own their independence. I won't force anyone—they can join if they choose—but those who do will know the price of liberty."

Missandei's voice was thoughtful, her eyes glinting with understanding. "So you're saying you'll make them earn it? You'll let them face the danger, the pain, to forge their own path?"

Dominic nodded, his voice resolute. "Exactly. Some may die, some will be hurt, but those who survive will stand taller. There's a psychological weight here—they've been cowed for years, told they're nothing. A rebellion, a real fight, will wake them up. They need to win this with their own blood and tears, or it'll never stick."

Daenerys's voice was reflective, her hand brushing her braid. "It makes sense. I saw it in Slaver's Bay—the slaves didn't just accept freedom; they tore it from their masters' hands. They burned for it, fought for it, and that's why they held it. Wano's people need to do the same, to overthrow their cruel daimyo and his puppetmaster."

Missandei's voice was soft but determined, her vines tightening. "One month, then. That's a short time to prepare a war."

Dominic's voice was steady, his smile grim. "It's enough. We'll find rebel leaders, build alliances, train fighters. There's a lot to do, but we'll be ready."

Daenerys's voice was fierce. "Then let's do it. For Wano."

Missandei's voice was warm. "For their future."

They clasped hands, their resolve sealed, and stepped through a dimensional gate, returning to the Stepstones' Edinburgh Castle.

---

The next morning, the courtyard of Edinburgh Castle buzzed with energy as Dominic gathered the family—Daenerys, Missandei, Aemma, Julius, Alexander, and Hazel. The sun glinted off their training gear, wands, and weapons at the ready. Dominic's voice rang out, commanding attention.

"Listen up, all of you. In one month, we face our toughest battle yet. A war to free Wano from tyrants. This won't be like Jurassic Island—it's real, it's dangerous, and it's for keeps. Train harder than ever. Every spell, every swing, every summon counts."

Julius's voice was eager, his dark hair flopping as he leaned forward. "Who are we fighting, Father? Some big bad shogun? A dragon? Spill it!"

Hazel's voice was cheeky, her curls bouncing. "Better not be dinosaurs again. I'm over them. Give us something juicy!"

Alexander's voice was calm, his violet eyes thoughtful. "What's the strategy, Father? Are we storming a castle? Sneaking in?"

Dominic's voice was steady, his eyes meeting each of theirs. "You'll get details soon. You saw the people yesterday, that was because Wano's ruled by a cruel daimyo, Kurozumi Orochi, and a monster called Kaido. They've starved and enslaved the people. We're going to help Wano fight back, but you need to be at your best. Julius, sharpen your time magic. Hazel, master your frost. Alex, prepare everything in your arsenal."

Aemma's voice was tense, her hands clasped. "Dominic, this sounds perilous. Are the children ready for a war? They're so young."

Daenerys's voice was warm, her hand on Aemma's arm. "They're stronger than you think, Aemma. We'll guide them."

Missandei's voice was firm, her vines curling. "We fight as one. They'll shine."

Julius's voice was bold. "Don't worry, Grandma Aemma. I'll be a hero!"

Hazel's voice was teasing. "You'll trip, Jules, like with those apples."

Alexander's voice was dry. "Let's just survive."

Dominic's voice was final. "Enough chatter. Train. We've got a month."

The family scattered, Julius dodging with time magic, Hazel freezing targets, and Alexander practising his sword skills. Dominic watched, his mind on Wano's rebels.

---

That evening, Dominic apparated to the Flower Capital under a *Disillusionment Charm*, slipping into a dimly lit teahouse tucked in a quiet alley. The air smelled of sake and jasmine. He settled at a low table, ordering soba and a flask of sake, his voice casual but firm. "Send me a high-ranking oiran. The best you've got."

The waiter bowed, his voice nervous. "Right away, my lord."

After a wait, a woman glided in—long turquoise hair cascading in waves, blue eyes sharp yet guarded, her slender frame draped in a silk kimono. Fuchsia lipstick accentuated her smile, and flowers and pins adorned her hair, glinting in the lantern light. Her voice was smooth, practiced. "Thank you for choosing me, dear guest. I am honored to serve you tonight. May I join you?"

Dominic smiled, his voice warm but probing. "Please, sit. I could use the company."

She knelt gracefully, her voice curious, a hint of caution beneath her charm. "I don't believe I've seen you in the Flower Capital before, my lord. Are you a merchant, perhaps? Or a traveler seeking Wano's beauty?"

Dominic's voice was easy, leaning back. "Just arrived in Wano, actually. Passing through, you might say. Needed a break from the road."

Her voice was polite, her eyes studying him. "And how are you finding our capital? The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, a sight to soothe any weary soul. Have you walked the streets, seen the pagoda?"

Dominic's voice was blunt, his gaze steady. "It's not what I expected. Pretty, sure, but it feels… empty. Like a mask over something darker."

She tilted her head, her voice bright but guarded. "Oh? Most visitors adore the Flower Capital's charm—the music, the blossoms, the laughter. What do you think of it, truly? I'm curious to hear an outsider's view."

Dominic's voice was neutral, probing deeper. "It's a fine show, but shows end. You live here—what do you love about it? What keeps you here?"

Her voice was practiced, her smile unwavering. "The capital is my home. I love its life—the festivals, the art, the way the sakura fall like snow. It's a place of beauty, of tradition. Where else could one find such harmony?"

Dominic's voice was skeptical, his eyes narrowing. "Harmony, huh? Tell me, what's worth seeing in Wano? Beyond the blossoms and the polish. The real Wano."

She listed sights—temples, hot springs, the castle—her voice light but cautious. "There's much to see, my lord. The Ebisu shrines, perhaps you'd enjoy a quieter spot, like the Hakumai coast?" She paused, her voice softening. "Would you like me to play a song? Music often speaks where words falter."

Dominic nodded, his voice warm. "Sure. Play something you love, something from your heart."

She lifted a shamisen, her fingers deft, plucking a haunting melody that filled the room with longing. Her voice was soft as she finished. "Did you enjoy it, my lord? It's an old Wano tune, one close to my soul."

Dominic's voice was appreciative, but his words sharp. "I did, Hiyori-hime. Beautiful, just like the tales of Kozuki's daughter."

Her eyes flashed with panic, a dagger slipping from her sleeve, aimed at his throat. Dominic caught her wrist, his voice amused. "Oopsie, that's a bold move."

Hiyori's voice was fierce, her blue eyes blazing as she struggled. "Who are you? How do you know my name? Speak!"

Dominic's voice was calm authority, his grip gentle but firm. "You wouldn't know me, Hiyori. I'm a friend, not a foe. Calm down, and I'll let you go. I just want to talk."

She stilled, her voice trembling but defiant. "Fine. Release me, and we'll see."

He let go, and instantly, she drew another dagger, aiming for her own heart. Dominic seized it, his voice urgent. "Don't do that! Give me one minute to explain, please. I'm not here to hurt you."

Hiyori's voice was desperate. "What do you want? I won't betray Wano!"

Dominic's voice was soothing, his eyes kind. "I'm releasing you now, Hiyori. No tricks, but don't do anything rash. Just listen."

She nodded, her breath ragged, and he let go. A sword flashed from the shadows, aimed at his neck. Dominic caught it mid-swing, his voice steady. "Denjiro, really? Can't we have a civil chat?"

Hiyori gasped, and Denjiro—a wiry man with fierce eyes—froze, his voice shocked. "How do you know us? Are you Orochi's spy? Kaido's dog? Speak!"

Dominic released the sword, stepping back, his voice calm. "I'm neither. I know your names because I know your fight. Kozuki's rebellion lives in you. I'm here to help. Can we talk, or do we keep swinging blades?"

Hiyori's voice was wary, her hand still near a hidden knife. "Why should we trust you? You could be a trap, sent to root us out."

Denjiro's voice was low, his sword lowered but ready. "Give us a reason, stranger. One good reason not to kill you now."

Dominic's voice was steady, his smile genuine. "Because I fed Okobore Town yesterday. Because I want Orochi gone and Wano free. Let's sit, share sake, and talk about how to make that happen."

With no other choice, Hiyori's voice was reluctant. "Fine. We'll listen… for now."

Denjiro's voice was gruff. "Talk fast."

They sat, the air thick with tension, a fragile truce forming.