Chapter 66: The Arrival of the Fire Festival

On the day of the Fire Festival, the sun shone brightly.

Every district was adorned with lanterns and decorations, and the streets were filled with smiling citizens. The liveliness far surpassed that of previous Fire Festivals—at least tenfold.

West Coast of Ebisu City, the harbor.

At this newly constructed port, the massive Shogun Battleship stood out prominently, surrounded by over a dozen escort vessels and the ships of the Warlords from various districts.

The grand fleet was ready to set sail.

Along both banks of the river, citizens from every district had gathered voluntarily to bid farewell.

"Lord Shogun!"

"Safe travels!"

"Please come back safely!"

Tears streamed down the people's faces as they said their goodbyes. The thought of Yamato, their Shogun, heading to the terrifying Oni Island filled them with unease.

They had only just begun to enjoy a few peaceful days—they couldn't bear the thought of another disaster striking.

"Wahahaha, thank you all!"

Yamato ran back and forth on the deck, waving enthusiastically at the crowds on both shores, her heart swelling with pride.

Though she hadn't yet achieved her goal of opening Wano Country to the world or defeating her father, the current state of affairs already brought her immense joy.

She had truly helped this nation.

On the deck, the high-ranking officials—including the Oniwabanshu and the Samurai Patrol—watched their Shogun darting around like a child and couldn't help but shake their heads and sigh.

A Shogun, behaving so childishly—what a disgrace!

Their gazes subtly shifted to Gurd.

Thankfully, he was the real leader here.

"Set sail!"

Amid the sound of firecrackers, the fleet departed.

This grand banquet on Oni Island would host over 25,000 attendees, far exceeding the scale of any previous gathering.

Oni Island, small banquet hall.

"Urorororo, Yamato should be arriving soon."

Kaido drank deeply, his eyes cold.

It had been a week since his return from the expedition, and he still hadn't seen Yamato.

What a disgraceful daughter!

During this time, he had thoroughly investigated the changes in Wano Country, particularly the developments in each district.

He could guess Yamato's intentions and didn't particularly care about her antics, but in his eyes, such childish behavior was nothing more than playing house.

Governing a nation? Caring for the people?

How naive!

Beyond Wano's borders, the world was in chaos, forced to pay the so-called Celestial Tribute. Survival there depended solely on war and plunder.

Weapons, money, violence!

These were the true foundations of existence.

Could governing a nation possibly be more profitable than pillaging?

As a father, it was his duty to teach his daughter the only law this world obeyed—the law of the jungle!

Before long, Hozumi appeared.

"Lord Kaido, the Shogun's fleet has arrived at the port."

"Send them to the grand banquet hall!"

Kaido grinned, his expression dripping with disdain.

During every Fire Festival, Orochi would prepare vast amounts of gold and treasures as "tribute." He wondered what Yamato had brought this time.

Given her soft-hearted nature, she likely couldn't extort wealth as ruthlessly as Orochi had. Would she even have anything worthwhile to offer?

Third floor, grand banquet hall.

"The Flying Six should be arriving soon!"

"And Lady Yamato!"

"Hahaha, I can't wait!"

The Headliners were practically vibrating with excitement, their eyes fixed eagerly on the entrance. Today was their chance to challenge the Flying Six!

"Huh? What's Queen doing?"

Many Headliners noticed Queen standing by the door, which was unusual.

Normally, by this time, Queen would already be on stage hyping up the crowd. Yet here he was, waiting quietly—as if expecting someone.

"The Flying Six have arrived!"

As the attendant's announcement rang out, Queen immediately perked up in anticipation.

Outside the banquet hall, all members of the Flying Six were present except for Gurd. What should have been an imposing entrance was instead overshadowed by the strange atmosphere among them.

Sasaki frowned, his expression clearly displeased: "Who's Who, you're really embarrassing the Flying Six like this!"

"Shut up!"

Who's Who snapped back in humiliated anger.

Yet Sasaki showed no restraint.

"Never thought a Flying Six member could get beaten up this badly. You should just resign voluntarily."

"Yeah, so shameful!"

Ulti joined in the mockery.

"I'll kill you both!"

Veins bulged on Who's Who's forehead, but his threat seemed laughable with his body wrapped in bandages, his crooked mouth and nose, and the broken horn on his head.

The weak deserved no sympathy.

"Tap... tap..."

Footsteps approached from afar.

The Flying Six turned to look, their expressions darkening—especially Who's Who, who gritted his teeth in barely contained fury.

It was the Shogun and the Warlords.

And Gurd!

"Wah, Gu-chan!"

Ulti happily squinted her eyes, raising her arms as she pounced on Gurd like a koala, wrapping herself around his neck and swinging back and forth.

"I missed you so much, little lady!"

"Yeah yeah, missed you too."

Gurd peeled Ulti off with visible annoyance.

This girl was too much.

And where did she even pick up that "little lady" affectation?

"Yo, everyone's here!"

Gurd greeted the Flying Six warmly before his gaze settled on the fuming Who's Who.

"Huh, Who's Who, who beat you up like this?"

"Fell down!"

Who's Who snorted coldly.

Defeated, he swallowed his pride.

After a night of pain in bed, he had finally devised a way to defeat Gurd.

By maintaining a safe distance, he could leverage his speed advantage to control the fight. Beyond that, he needed to master a technique capable of piercing through Gurd's monstrous defenses.

He would reclaim his honor!

Gurd patted Who's Who's shoulder with a grin. "As a Flying Six member, how can you walk around with a broken horn? Tell you what, I'll have someone make you a golden one later!"

"Thanks... a lot!"

Who's Who spat the words through clenched teeth, eyes blazing.

The other Flying Six members exchanged glances, quickly piecing together what had happened.

So Gurd was the one who beat him up!

Sasaki studied Gurd with a deepening frown.

He had expected to compete with Who's Who for the right to challenge an All-Star, but now Gurd had defeated Who's Who.

Just who was this guy? With strength enough to overpower Who's Who, how had he remained unheard of until now?

"Let's head in!"

Without ceremony, Gurd strode into the banquet hall first. Before he could even take in the scene, a massive figure came barreling toward him.

"Muhahaha! Brother Gurd! I've been waiting forever—finally, you're here! I missed you so much!"

Queen enveloped Gurd in a bear hug, his boisterous enthusiasm making it seem like he had reunited with a long-lost father.

"Eh???"

The Headliners were stunned. Even King and Jack turned their heads, baffled by Queen's sudden madness.

What was going on?

Since when were these two so close?

Gurd's face twitched as he forcefully pushed Queen away. His own burly frame looked almost slender next to Queen's—being hugged like this was just ridiculous.

"You're too kind, Lord Queen."

"Don't mention it, just call me brother."

Queen beamed with joy, his eyes constantly darting toward the outside.

Gurd chuckled and lowered his voice.

"Komurasaki is waiting for you outside."

"Gurd, you're truly my best friend!"

Queen's small eyes lit up, and he scampered out excitedly.

Komurasaki-chan!

Your big brother Queen is here!

(End of Chapter)