CHAPTER 203- The Collapse of Faith — The Reckoning of a Foolish Hero

"Worship that so-called genius?"Luo Yu took a long swig of his strong earthen liquor and shook his head with a wry smile.

"Please. A fool who couldn't even protect his own country… Is that someone worth worshiping?"

"What did you say?!"

Yamato froze for a moment—then her expression turned fiery.

"Kozuki Oden is the greatest hero in Wano's history! He died in disgrace to protect his people, and was deeply revered by the Nine Red Scabbards! How can you say he's not worthy of respect?!"

"Why would you say that?!"

Her grip on the kanabō in her hand tightened. Her muscles tensed.

Just moments ago, she thought she'd found a kindred spirit—another devoted Oden fan.

Instead, she was met with blasphemy.

Calling her idol… a damned fool?

Unforgivable.

Luo Yu took another sip, then lazily swirled the gourd in his hand.

"Why, you ask? Alright then. You keep claiming to be Oden—so let's run a simulation."

"If you were in his shoes, back in that moment—what would you do?"

"Would you believe the lies of a pirate? Offer yourself up to humiliation? Then, once betrayed, fly into a rage and retaliate blindly—dragging down the Nine Red Scabbards with you, and leading the whole of Wano into despair?"

"Does that sound like a hero to you?"

His voice sharpened.

"He had no sense of the bigger picture. He was like a rotten mouse turd in a pot of good stew—spoiling everything."

"Say what you will about Kaido—ruthless, yes. But he's a successful tyrant."

"Meanwhile, Oden—Wano's Shogun—was nothing but a pawn, played like a fool. He caused the mess himself, then hoped people decades later would clean it up for him."

Luo Yu's gaze sharpened further.

"He could've gone to Whitebeard or Roger—both Yonko-level allies—but he didn't."

"Or he could've rallied the samurai. Wano had tens of thousands of warriors, great daimyo, and top swordsmen. With the Nine Red Scabbards, the yakuza bosses, and a real war plan, do you really think Kaido and Orochi could've rooted themselves here?"

"But he didn't do that either."

"So remember—he didn't sacrifice himself for Wano. As Shogun, he failed Wano. He dragged it down with him."

"And a man who can't even measure up to a ruthless beast like Kaido…"

"Is that really someone worth admiring?"

Yamato stood in place, completely dazed.

She clutched the well-worn journal she always kept close—Oden's treasured logbook—like a sacred relic.

But in her mind, the dazzling image she'd always held of Oden…

...suddenly flickered.

Luo Yu's mock "life simulation" had forced her to step into Oden's shoes. And when she did…

She realized—if that's not a fool, then who is?

"No! I don't believe it!" Yamato shouted again.

She gripped her club tightly and protested:

"Kozuki Oden was still deeply loved by the Nine Red Scabbards!"

"Ashura Doji himself has called on warriors to open Wano's borders—that must be to fulfill Oden's dream!"

"I swear, I'll carry on Oden's will and lead them to victory!"

"You'll see—I didn't worship the wrong person! Oden is not a damned fool! Just follow me—I'll prove it!"

Her eyes burned with urgent conviction.

Luo Yu laughed lightly, raising his gourd once more.

"As it happens, I was planning to join the fun. Let's hit the road together."

Meanwhile, in the Capital of Flowers…

At that very moment, under Ashura Doji's summons, the entire capital had begun to stir.

Thousands—tens of thousands—of warriors surged in from all directions.

A storm was gathering.

The entire city seemed to vibrate with anticipation, like a powder keg on the verge of ignition.

Even the distant rural towns had been stirred.

If this scene had happened in the past, Orochi would've never allowed it. He would've had anyone remotely suspicious expelled—or worse.

But this time, he had listened to Kyoshiro's suggestion.

Let the rats come out of hiding. Then kill them all at once.

It was a trap.

But one laid open, in full daylight.

As more and more people entered the capital, the sense of dread grew stronger.

The former samurai of Wano—once proud warriors, now dressed in rags—flooded the city like a sea of beggars.

Orochi sat at the main gate, his face twisted in cruel delight.

Behind him stood his personal Oniwabanshu and Kyoshiro's handpicked men.

Before him: a vast crowd, packed together in the square like sardines.

His sadistic grin widened.

"Kyoshiro, tell me—has Ashura Doji lost his mind? How else could he gather so many people… just to come watch him die?"

He swirled the sake in his hand, almost giddy.

According to the public notice, the official "gathering time" was sunrise.

And now, dawn was only thirty minutes away.

Orochi was getting excited.

He'd amassed all his forces here—not to miss this one chance.

Kyoshiro's smile was calm—but inside, his heart was sinking.

The 1,200 warriors he'd secretly raised over the years… were here, waiting.

This had been his grand plan for revolution.

But if Ashura Doji fumbled this uprising—

If he failed…

It would be catastrophic.

Not just for Ashura's bandits.

But for Kyoshiro's entire undercover army.

He couldn't afford a misstep.

His eyes instinctively turned toward Kozuki Hiyori.

She understood immediately—and shook her head in disappointment.

She had tried everything to find Luo Yu after he left.

Having witnessed firsthand his overwhelming power and identity, Hiyori knew—

If Luo Yu were involved, there might still be hope.

But even Kozuki Sukiyaki couldn't locate him, despite searching all night.

So now, this coming battle…

Was just Ashura Doji, driven by emotion.

A high-stakes gamble—with no guarantee.

And if that gamble failed?

The price wouldn't just be his life—

It would be the downfall of everyone who dared to believe in him.