IMPORTANT NOTE: I have made some experimental changes to the story. I believe that these changes will enhance the plot points and action scenes in future chapters. To understand the changes, re-read the Gintoki vs Takasugi fight in Lesson 10 before starting this chapter, along with the edited end note at the bottom. You won't need to re-read the entire chapter, just those parts. Other than that, it's good to be back!
Beta-read by Pure Red Crane and Izzu.
Lesson 11: When Working a Job You Hate, Your Paycheck Starts to Feel Like
Hush Money for Your Lost Dreams and Weekends.
"Here we are, Momonosuke, Hiyori. This is where you'll be studying from now on." Oden rested his hands reassuringly on the shoulders of his son and daughter.
The region of Hakumai was now in the throes of spring, with the hills and trees bursting forth in a vibrant green hue. The frogs croaked happily, snatching buzzing dragonflies out of the air as they flew low over the many rice paddies dotting the land. The trio stood out in front of a rustic dirt road in the middle of the field, facing the entrance to an old temple school. The structure, though showing signs of age, radiated a sense of charm and careful upkeep, promising to stand for years to come. Nailed to the entryway was a simple wooden sign inscribed with the name of the school: Shoka Sonjuku. The School Beneath The Pine Trees.
"Hey, who're the new faces? You guys lost or something?"
Turning, they were met with the sight of a young boy with a striking natural silver perm. The boy sauntered up the road with his left hand resting on a sheathed katana, much too large for a boy his size to properly wield, casually resting on his shoulder. His other hand was less nobly engaged in picking his ear, much to the disgust of Momonosuke.
"Such rudeness! Do you not have manners where you come from?" Momonosuke chided. His family may have fallen on hard times, but that did not mean that he would allow someone to treat him or his family with such brazen disrespect.
"Oh, I've got manners. They're just on vacation right now." The boy answered, unfazed.
"What a strange boy," Hiyori whispered, hiding behind her father's leg.
"Excuse me, young man. Are you a student at this school? We were supposed to meet with the headmaster here. The name's Oden, by the way." The Daimyo of Kuri introduced himself. The boy, in response, continued to stare down the samurai in silence before snapping his fingers in revelation.
"Oh, yeah. I've heard of you. You know, everyone calls you a foolish lord. But a guy who just dances around naked in public isn't really a fool or a lord. That's just a pervert. So what's the deal? You trying to act like a peacock, attract a new squeeze? Or did you figure out you bat for the other team like Chris Matsumura?"
This was a new experience for Oden. It had been nearly half a year since his deal with Orochi, and by now, he had received scorn from practically all of Wano, children included. They would hurl their insults at him from afar before dashing off, just as children would. But this kid, who appeared no older than his son, with the most dead-to-the-world expression he had ever seen on a living creature, just walked up to him out of nowhere with a pinky in his ear and asked him an incredibly outrageous question no kid his age should even understand. The weirdest part of it all was the complete lack of malice behind it, as he was used to by this point. Instead, the kid sounded totally bored, like he honestly couldn't care whether or not he got an answer as he just continued to dig in his ear.
"Who is Chris?" This was all Oden could say in response.
"How dare you!" Momonosuke exclaimed indignantly. Momo, while not really understanding what the hell the silver-headed kid just said either, at least understood that his father was being insulted, much to his displeasure.
Before the situation could erupt into a full-blown fight, a figure stepped in between the two boys. "Now, now, Gintoki. Oden-sama and his children are our guests. Please treat them as such."
The man was wearing a simple gray robe and haori, his lengthy light brown hair flowing down his back. His calm green eyes and friendly smile projected a feeling of tranquility and comfort reminiscent of a peaceful summer day.
"Okay, Sensei," the now-named Gintoki responded in a similar bored fashion.
"Also…" The teacher knelt down and raised his hand in a loose fist. Gintoki's expression turned nervous, knowing what was coming. "...it's about 100 years too early for you to be asking people such questions to begin with," Shoyo said warmly before casually knocking his student on the head and burying him in the ground up to his neck. The family of samurai behind him could only watch, their jaws dropping in shock at the casual feat of strength the kindly teacher had just performed.
"Oden-sama, welcome. Yasuie-sama speaks highly of you. My name is Yoshida Shoyo, and I am the headmaster and teacher of Shoka Sonjuku. I'm honored to take your children under my guidance." Shoyo introduced himself, giving a small, respectful bow to Oden.
"I would also like to apologize for my student's rudeness. He is a kind child at heart, though his tongue can be quite sharp at times."
"Think nothing of it." Oden gave a light chuckle. "I could not consider myself to be a warrior if I allowed the playful teasing of a child to rouse me."
'Though I don't know how much of that remark could be considered childish.' Oden secretly thought to himself.
Shoyo then pulled the silver-haired boy out of the ground with the same ease with which he buried him. "Now, why don't you properly introduce yourself to your new kohai?"
The boy dusted himself off, grumbling as he rubbed the new welt on his head. "Fine, fine. My name is Sakata Gintoki. And you two are?"
Oden squatted closer to the ground, gently nudging his children forward with a smile. "Momonosuke, Hiyori, remember, a warrior must show respect to all."
The children nodded, and Gintoki's expression softened a bit.
"I am Kozuki Momonosuke, son of Kozuki Oden." The samurai's son stepped forward, proudly stating his name.
The girl followed suit, giving a short bow. "And I am his sister, Hiyori. Pleased to meet you."
Gintoki gave the siblings another once-over. "So, Kozuki, huh? You've got a big name to live up to. You better not just be all talk."
"I will prove myself!" Momonosuke declared, puffing up his tiny chest.
Shoyo chuckled. "Gintoki, why don't you show them around?"
Gintoki sighed as he scratched his head. "Alright. Come on, follow me. We can start with the training hall. If I'm gonna be your senpai, I gotta show you what you're up against. No chickening out, got it?"
"I accept your challenge!" Momo stated, prepared for whatever his seemingly frivolous senpai had in store for him.
"Don't let him provoke you," Hiyori whispered a warning to her older brother.
As they walked away, Shoyo looked on with a gentle smile. "I hope your son is prepared. Gintoki is one of my best in swordplay."
Oden laughed heartily. "I'm sure Momonosuke will do fine. I've been training him quite a bit myself." The two men stood in silence for a moment, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of nature around them as the wind glided through the trees, scattering cherry blossoms all around them.
"They'll learn a great deal from each other, Oden-sama. Not just in skill, but in heart and spirit." Shoyo said.
Oden nodded, watching his children walk off with Gintoki. "That's my hope, Shoyo-sensei. May this journey strengthen them, not just as warriors, but as people."
24 years later:
Sitting atop Mount Atama, a lone Sakura tree stood majestically, a beacon of natural beauty in a land marred by pollution. Now, beneath the grand tree's branches, a fierce battle unfolded.
CLANG
SWISH
CLANG
Inuarashi and Ashura Doji were locked in intense combat, their sword strikes sending shockwaves through the audience of thieves, Joui, and minks. Cherry blossoms fluttered wildly with each clash, shaken free from their branches with each powerful strike of the swordsmen below. Inuarashi's slashes met Ashura's deft parries. Ashura's rapid jabs aimed to pierce the mink, but Inuarashi dodged with elegance. Their swords screeched as they clashed, neither yielding an inch. The seemingly endless battle was suddenly interrupted by a flaming slash from Kin'emon, separating the combatants.
"That is enough!" Kin'emon approached them, extinguishing the flames on his blade as he sheathed it.
"Let that be the end of this, Inuarashi, Ashura." The two warriors heeded his word, staring each other down with a mix of disappointment and contempt.
"He fought Inuarashi-sama to a draw…" Carrot whispered in awe, a feeling shared among the other minks and Joui warriors who watched the intense battle. Despite the loss of his leg to Jack the Drought not too long ago, Inuarashi was still a formidable fighter most could not hope to match. For him to be pushed to his limits like this showcased the incredible skill of the bandit leader and exactly why Kin'emon was making it a priority to recruit him no matter what. However, it was clear that this would be no easy task.
"This one is disappointed in you, Ashura!" Kiku rebuked him. Ashura turned and sneered at her.
"Listen, Kiku! Just be glad I'm not robbing you of everything you own, or have you forgotten that this is how we started?! I was a samurai who devoted himself to one man and one man only - Kozuki Oden! I never swore that same fealty to the rest of the clan! Ain't that right, Momonosuke?"
Ashura's challenging gaze then fell upon the young heir, who stood silently with clenched fists and a furrowed brow.
"Listen, we lost. I know you weren't there to see it, but it happened. It may be recent for you, but most of us have already learned to move on."
Katsura stepped forward as well. "Please, Ashura-dono! The time of the raid approaches fast! We will need every able-bodied warrior capable of fighting! With your strength alongside the other Akazaya Nine, victory will be that much closer!"
"Katsura, you, of all people, should know exactly why attempting a raid on that Island of Ogres is nothing but folly. Or have you forgotten how things went last time?" Ashura questioned the Joui leader.
A dark shadow fell over Katsura's expression, his knuckles turning white as he gripped his sheathed sword as the painful memories of that day resurfaced.
"No," Katsura spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "I could never forget that day for as long as I shall live."
"Then there is nothing more to say." The bandit leader turned to leave, but Kin'emon spoke up again.
"You talk about who we once were before becoming Oden-sama's vassals. Well, do not forget what kind of man I was! I will gain your loyalty!" Kin'emon asserted. Ever since he stumbled upon his old comrade in Okobore-chō while checking on the safety of his wife, he had persistently followed him to his hideout, hoping to rekindle his loyalty to the Kozuki clan. But it was becoming apparent that he would need to take more drastic measures.
"If you can, then good luck to you. But don't assume that everyone will welcome the return of the Kozuki samurai with open arms. You all abandoned this country for twenty long years! And that is a void that can never be filled." With that, Ashura and his gang of bandits left, leaving the others to ponder the weight of his stinging words, none of which weighed more heavily than on the mind of Momonosuke.
"Things may seem bleak from the outset, but the people of this country aren't so weak that they'll buckle just like that. Certainly not to the point where they need some brat who's been gone for twenty years to pull them out of the muck."
"Do not worry, Momonosuke-sama. Kin'emon and I will find a way to win Ashura to our cause," Inuarashi reassured the boy. However, he received no response from the young Kozuki heir as the words of the man he once called a senpai and a friend continued to repeat in his mind.
"Leave. This country no longer needs you."
"Momonosuke-sama?" Kiku, concerned, knelt down. She reached a hand towards his shoulder to console him, but he just shrugged it off as he turned to begin making his way back down the mountain.
"Let's just go," Momo said tersely. The retainers watched their young lord walk away, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness. After everything that happened back at Kozuki castle between himself and Gintoki, Momo's spirits had been on a downward spiral. No doubt Ashura's refusal only deepened his anguish further.
"Give him time, Kikunojo-dono. I will try speaking to him later, but I'm afraid he's not in the state to listen to anyone at the moment." Katsura attempted to ease the retainer.
"How much time can you afford to give him, though? He's supposed to be the head of this whole operation. We can't have him like this all the way until the raid." Zenzou countered. The Joui leader and the ninja were currently staying with the group, as most of their tasks within the Flower Capital had already been completed.
"Once we have brought Ashura Doji to our side and found Denjiro and Kawamatsu, I'm sure Momonosuke-sama's demeanor will improve," Kin'emon stated. "For now, we shall prepare for our next raid on the farm."
"Understood." Katsura and Zenzou responded in unison.
As the group retreated from the mountain, Kin'emon's outward calm belied his inner turmoil. His fury was directed toward the man whom he considered solely responsible for his lord's current state.
"Sakata Gintoki. You have no right to call yourself a samurai or a friend of Momonosuke-sama. Pray we never meet again. For if we do, I will cut you down myself."
"I'm feeling much better now! Thanks for everything!" Tamako exclaimed, her voice bubbling with joy.
"I am indebted to you!" Tenguyama bowed deeply in gratitude towards the doctors, his long nose hitting the floor.
In the heart of Amigasa Village, Chopper and his team of medics were helping to nurse Tamako back to health. After her and Speed's unfortunate encounter with Kaido, the poor girl fainted right on the spot from sheer fright. Fortunately, her physical wounds were actually quite minimal, a small saving grace. Now, the aspiring kunoichi was sitting upright in her futon, encircled by her caretaker, the medical team, the Yorozuya members, and her loyal animal companions, who were too large to be inside.
"Of course. I'm just glad Inuarashi-sama found her when he did." Doctor Miyagi, a goat mink, stated, with Tristan, the squirrel mink nurse, nodding beside him.
Chopper smiled warmly. "Good thing your wounds were so shallow."
Tamako trembled slightly. "It was all so scary. I don't remember much after fainting except Horselina trying to protect me."
"We're just relieved you're safe, Tamako-chan," Shinpachi offered comfortingly.
"I promise not to leave you alone again! Don't scare me like that!" Kagura chided, though she was clearly crying tears of relief earlier.
"I'm sorry for worrying you, Big Sis." Tamako tried to soothe the Yato girl.
"Still, turning an enemy into such a loyal servant like that is quite an amazing power," Miyagi commented.
"So, where is everyone now?" Tamako asked.
"Well, we were able to meet up with the rest of our crew, but we've spread out again to fulfill our different missions. The big one now is finding more samurai within the Flower Capital with moon tattoos on their ankles that will be our allies." Chopper answered.
"Do you think that's going well?" Tamako wondered aloud.
"It should be fine. Kin'emon-dono and Katsura-san have numerous allies spreading the word," Shinpachi stated.
"Why the hell do we have to work together with this thing?!" Penguin complained.
"We're supposed to be gathering samurai, not working a street fair!" Shachi shouted.
"What happened to Zenzou?! He may not have ever shut up about his hemorrhoids, but at least he was discreet!" Usopp added to the chorus of grievances.
"Well, don't look at me!" Bepo retorted as they continued their argument in the deserted alleyway. "I didn't invite it here! Blame that Katsura guy for sending it!"
[Will you guys keep it down? We're supposed to be on a secret mission here.] Elizabeth held up a placard before flipping it over. [You four are drawing too much attention to yourselves.]
"YOU'RE DOING THAT ALL YOURSELF JUST BY STANDING THERE!" The four pirates shot back in unison.
"Anyways, you should get a bit more rest for now. It'll help you heal quicker." Chopper advised.
Tamako shook her head. "Forget about me. I'm more worried about Big Bro Luffy and Big Bro Gin now."
"Don't worry. Luffy's healing power is monstrous to begin with, and his spirit is unbreakable! He'll be fine." Chopper smiled, confident in his captain.
"And you already know how strong Gin-san is." Shinpachi began.
"He may act like a lazy bum most of the time, but Gin-chan's the kind of guy who can take on just about anything the world can throw at him and dish it back twice as hard-aru!" Kagura added.
"Raizo is working on Luffy's escape from prison. We're leaving that to him for now," Chopper explained, adding a playful "Nin nin!" at the end to lighten the mood.
"And he'll help Big Bro Gin, too, right?" Tamako asked.
"...Well, I better go check on my supply of herbs! Doctor Miyagi and Nurse Tristan will keep an eye on you." Chopper gave a final reassuring but strained smile before rushing out the door, leaving behind a confused Tamako.
Tenguyama, sensing the tension, turned to the Yorozuya members. "Did something happen?"
Shinpachi rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly while Kagura just grimaced.
"Unfortunately, I'm afraid Gin-san and the Akazaya Nine are not exactly on the best terms right now," Shinpachi admitted reluctantly.
"It's his own fault-aru," Kagura said bluntly. "If he hadn't said all those cruel things to Momo…"
Tamako's frown deepened. "Oh no, what did Big Bro Gin do this time?"
"Jack, the profits from Kuri are pathetic. Now that Doflamingo's gone, you know who we need to partner with next, right?"
"Looks like Jack's in trouble again," murmured one Beast Pirate to another.
"Can you believe it? Jack of all people?" his companion whispered back.
At a meeting on Onigashima, the All-Stars, just below Kaido in the Beast Pirates' hierarchy, were discussing their respective territories. King and Queen were currently scolding Jack for the meager offerings from Kuri, seemingly unconcerned with the recent turmoil there. Of the crew, only they, aside from Kaido, dared to speak to Jack in such a manner.
"We don't need more dead weight around here. We've already got Queen." King, a massive figure clad in black leather and standing 20 feet tall, with black wings and a plume of flames on his back, jabbed a thumb at Queen.
"That's right! We don't need any more scum when we've already got King." Queen joined in as he continued fiddling with a pile of machine parts. Almost as tall as King, he stood out in his high-waisted black-and-white striped overalls, his round figure marked by a long blonde braid and a Fu Manchu mustache, along with a cybernetic arm. "Got that, Jack the Stooge?!
Jack could only look down in shame as he muttered an apology. "I'm sorry, brothers…"
Unfortunately, his apology went unheard as the two continued to bicker. "Same to you, Queen. How long does it take to crush the will of a few stupid punks?! You're useless!"
"Oh, cram it, you torture-loving pervert!" He snapped back.
"Huh?!"
"Hey, if you guys are gonna fight, then just do it already. So long as I get the winner." Their squabbling was interrupted by a playful voice as Kamui made his presence known, hanging off to the side with Abuto and other members of Division 7.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, brat," Queen growled low. "If we actually fought, I'd reduce you to nothing but a pile of worthless meat."
"Well, only one way to find out, right?" Kamui taunted, utterly fearless of the Plague All-Star. The surrounding lackey onlookers nervously retreated, anxious to avoid being caught in the crossfire of a potential showdown.
"Enough. This meeting is adjourned." King interjected before a real brawl could break out. "Jack, you better sort out the situation in Kuri by next month, got it?"
"Yes, brother…"
"Aw, so no fight? That's a shame." Kamui pouted as the All-Stars went their separate ways. Queen, in particular, shot one last dirty look at the Yato captain.
"Ease up there, Captain. We don't need any internal squabble right now." Abuto cautioned, trying to rein Kamui in.
"Please take the advice of your lieutenant, Kamui-dono. With the Fire Festival fast approaching, we do not need any unnecessary issues." Another man interjected. He appeared to be an ordinary-looking samurai, no different from any other you'd find walking the streets of the Flower Capital. His only distinguishing features were his solid, coal-black eyes and his stony facial features that never seemed to waver.
Kamui just laughed it off. "Well, what can I say? I just had an entertaining fight the day before, so I'm a little wired up right now."
"Yes, I heard about your recent bout with one of the Straw Hats and a group of rebels from Abuto-dono. And while I certainly take no issue with such things, you really should've treated your sister with more care than that. Girls that age are fragile things, after all."
"Takechi-hentai, please rein in your lolicon tendencies already. He did what he had to do," another voice sharply retorted. A young, slender woman with blonde hair tied in a side ponytail and blue eyes approached. She wore a cropped pink kimono-like top with black linings and a matching pink mini-skirt, exposing her midriff. Holstered at her hips sat a pair of revolver handguns.
"That's -senpai. And I've told you already, Matako, I am not a lolicon. I am a feminist," the Kiheitai strategist defended himself.
"Regardless, she was still a Yato. If she's fragile, then it's her own fault for being that way." Kamui answered simply, watching the exchange with amusement.
"Yet you didn't confirm their deaths, so there's a chance they could still be alive." Another man joined in. He wore fashionable clothing with styled teal-green hair, a shamisen strapped to his back, sunglasses, and a set of headphones over his ears with distinctive yin-yang symbols on the sides.
"Bansai-san, I get what you're saying, but even if Black Leg and the Captain's sister did survive the landslide, there's no way in hell the others on the mountaintop could've. Not after Kaido-san reduced it to ash." Abuto pointed out.
"Shame about Straw Hat, though. I've been a fan since he first hit the Grand Line. I was looking forward to having a match with him one day." Kamui mused.
"No way. That guy was even crazier than you, and that's saying something. Just trying to imagine what kinda fight you two would've had is enough to give me a headache," Abuto complained before shifting his attention back to Bansai. "By the way, where's Takasugi-san?"
"Talking with Kaido. Something about preparations for the Fire Festival," Bansai answered.
"I still can't believe we're aligning ourselves with the Beast Pirates. The Harusame Pirates were one thing, but this? It doesn't sit right with me…" Matako grumbled vehemently.
Abuto just shrugged. "I kinda get it. I can say with certainty we of Division 7 never expected to be in this position either."
"Our circumstances are different, but why do you guys even need them? You Yato are more than capable of fending for yourselves. Why rely on groups like the Harusame or the Beast Pirates?"
Abuto sighed as he rubbed the back of his head. "I'm afraid it's not that straightforward, Matako-chan. After the destruction of Kouan by the World Government, the Yato tribe was scattered to the wind. Our decreasing population made alliances necessary for survival. The only place that could've offered us the protection we needed were the giants of Elbaf, our ancestral kin. But they kicked us to the curb."
"Why?" Matako asked.
"You see, a big part of the culture there is giving thanks to the sun god every year during the Winter Solstice Festival. They celebrate the death and rebirth of the sun and give thanks for providing light and warmth to the world. It's a belief deeply ingrained in them. So, as you can imagine, a tribe of people directly descended from them that's actually weak to sunlight wouldn't exactly be considered popular." Abuto gives a bitter smirk before continuing.
"The Yato are seen as a stigma, a reason for Giants not to interact with humans and breed more of our kind, which, by the standing of the sun god, should not exist. Sure, there are some Giants who don't buy into the old beliefs and continue to interact with humans. But it's not enough to keep our race from shrinking. With our dwindling numbers and the constant threat from the World Government, we need allies. Powerful ones. That's what led us to the Harusame and now Kaido."
Matako frowned in contemplation, allowing a degree of sympathy in. "So, it's a matter of survival then, being with Kaido and his crew?"
"Exactly. In this world, sometimes the choices we make are not about what we want, but what is necessary."
"You don't have to make it sound so tragic, Abuto. Honestly, it's more of an advantage than anything." Kamui finally cut in. "After all, the true home of the Yato tribe has always been the battlefield. Allying with Kaido fits our nature perfectly, given his ambitions. In a way, I'm glad we met Takasugi. His betrayal of us and the Harusame brought us all together. Funny how things work out, isn't it?"
"Well, I doubt any of us could've expected things to turn out like that." Abuto scoffed.
Several Months Ago:
"The Harusame is finished. You, your crew, and a few others are all that remain. Join me or die. It's that simple." Kaido's voice rumbled through the dimly lit chamber, echoing off the weathered walls adorned with trophies of past conquests. The air was thick with tension, the smell of salt and sweat mingling in the close quarters. Seated on his throne on Onigashima, surrounded by his top officers, including the All-Stars and the Tobi Roppo, as well as a horde of lower-ranking members, Kaido's presence was commanding.
"I get what you're saying, but I can't say I'm inclined," Kamui replied plainly from above as if he wasn't in a perilous situation right now. He was currently bound in seastone chains, hung upside down from the rafters, blood dripping down from multiple wounds that had yet to fully heal. He ended up that way after trying to fight Kaido head-on. He had been beaten, completely and utterly, for the first time in ages. He had to give it to the Yonko; his strength was no joke.
"I didn't realize you were that loyal to your old crew," Queen grunted.
"Oh, loyalty's got nothing to do with it. Honestly, I'm glad you went and killed them, even though I was hoping to do that myself." Kamui answered honestly. After all, when Kaido's army raided the Harusame base, they were getting ready to execute him. Admiral Asshole stated it was because he and the rest of Division 7 were too rowdy that they had become a liability. However, the truth of the matter was that he was afraid Kamui was gonna try and steal his position as admiral since he was considerably more popular among the rest of the crew.
'He was right, of course, but it was still a rude thing to do,' Kamui absentmindedly thought to himself.
"So why refuse? As our enemy, you can only expect war." King questioned.
"That's what I'm counting on." Kamui grinned. "We Yato live to fight. And having a go at you guys sounds like the biggest thrill I can ever hope to have."
"You've already fought me once and lost. You would challenge me again, even like this?" Kaido questioned.
Kamui's cheerful grin suddenly turned feral. "In a heartbeat."
The air was tense. Not many would be foolish enough to challenge Kaido directly, especially after being defeated by him once before. Suddenly, another soldier entered the throne room, breaking the silence. "Kaido-sama! Takasugi Shinsuke and the Kiheitai have arrived."
"We'll deal with you later," Kaido grunted before turning back to the soldier. "Bring them in."
The grand doors groaned open, permitting a group of armed samurai to file in. Leading them all was none other than Takasugi Shinsuke, the mastermind behind the Harusame's downfall and their subsequent betrayal to the Beast Pirates. The Harusame had made the error of encroaching on the Yonko's territory in Wano several times, painting a target on their back by Kaido. However, their widespread distribution made tracking them down and eliminating them difficult, even for a Yonko's crew. That's when Takasugi came in. Taking advantage of Kamui's, a notable Harusame captain's, execution, a major event that warranted the remaining eleven divisions and the admiral to come together, all he needed to do was leak the time and place of the execution. From there, it was like shooting fish in a barrel.
Kamui had only met the man once before, but he could tell he was strong. His Haki had the same feel as a certain other samurai he had met a while back in Yoshiwara. He was another one he was hoping to fight one day, but that would have to wait.
"So, you've finally decided to accept my offer. About time," Kaido rumbled.
Takasugi was unfazed, his usual smirk playing on his lips. He stepped forward, signaling for his men to stay where they were. He glanced around, taking in the sight of the Beast Pirates' top brass and their grinning underlings. In the shadowy rafters above, the Yato boy hung in chains, a defiant glint in his eye as he watched the scene unfold from above. Takasugi stopped just short of a few meters from where the pirate emperor sat, looking up at the massive visage of the being four times his size.
"You did good work, helping to bring down those fools who would dare encroach on our turf." Kaido complimented him, a rarity for many.
"No problem at all. We only hope this will help to solidify the alliance between our two groups." Takasugi replied, straightforward as ever.
"Well, if you're gonna be part of this crew, you'll need one of these," Kaido gestured. An underling stepped forward, holding out a SMILE fruit. "Eat this. If you're lucky, you'll gain power unlike any other."
Takasugi studied the fruit, twirling it in his hands, his gaze piercing. "I do desire power more than anything else. That's why I've come here. However..."
SPLAT
The room fell into shocked silence as the fruit hit the floor, crushed under Takasugi's sandal. "... I have no need for something like this."
"YOU BASTARD! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" King's bellow broke the silence, his disbelief mirrored in the shocked faces of his crewmates. The Beast Pirates raised their weapons, with the Kiheitai members responding in kind. The room tensed, a storm brewing in the stillness.
"The powers of a Zoan are useless to me, for you see..." Takasugi's voice was calm, almost chilling. As some larger pirates charged, swords drawn, Takasugi's movements were a blur. In a flash, he was behind them, his own sword drawn, a spray of red following his swift strike. "...I already have a howling beast inside me, waiting to claw its way out."
The pirate crew's mood shifted to a mix of anger towards the one-eyed samurai and fear of how their boss would react to this insult until Kamui broke the silence with an excited laugh.
"Whoa, that was something else! The warriors in this country really are wild! Hey, hey, Kaido-san, Kaido-san." The Beast captain shifted his gaze towards the seemingly carefree Yato. "I changed my mind. I'll join up with you after all. But on one condition – let me work together with that guy down there. It seems like it would be a lot of fun if I did. Oh, and I still want a chance to fight both of you again at some point. Don't think I've forgotten about that."
At that moment, a palpable sense of dread had settled over the Beast Pirates. The lower-ranked members could only gape in shock and abject terror, hardly believing their ears. First, this so-called samurai marched in and squashed one of their precious SMILES, and now the guy that tried to attack them earlier wanted to join like nothing happened? The crew, steeped in a heavy silence, watched apprehensively for their captain's reaction. Kaido, shrouded in darkness, kept his expression hidden from his subordinates. Yet, the air around him seemed charged with anticipated wrath. A tremor ran through his frame, hinting at the brewing storm within.
The pirates instinctively stepped back, bracing themselves for what they presumed would be an inevitable explosion of fury. With a thunderous slam, Kaido lifted himself off his throne, raising himself to his full incredible height. As he did, he released an intense wave of Conqueror's Haki that shredded its way through the crowd. Many of the weaker men, both in the Kiheitai and his own ranks alike, crumpled to the ground, unconscious and foaming at the mouth, their strength of will completely ripped away in the face of such overwhelming power. With a tight grip, Kaido lifted his colossal club, channeling what appeared to be the entirety of his strength into a swing aimed at Takasugi. The remaining Kiheitai members who were still standing braced themselves, taking up their weapons in preparation to defend their leader. But with a quick signal of his hand, Takasugi had them stand down, his gaze never leaving Kaido as he brought his club down, aimed at Takasugi's left side. The force of the swing generated a mighty wind, sending several of his own men flying off their feet. However, as the dust began to settle, the crew was met with a surprising sight: Kaido's club was suspended mere inches from Takasugi, who remained unflinching, his eye locked on him, his smirk never leaving his face. After a moment, the stern lines on Kaido's face relaxed into an amused smirk.
"WORORORORORORO!" Kaido burst out laughing, the hardest he had in a long time. The crew was flabbergasted but relieved they didn't have to live through another one of their captain's rages, releasing a collective sigh of relief.
"Good! I like you, brats! Especially you, Takasugi. That look in your eye is one worthy of respect. Very well! Let this moment mark the start of our alliance with the Kiheitai and the 7th Division. However, first, you two'll have to prove yourselves that you're not just all talk..."
"Ever since then, we've been doing job after job for these bastards, all in an attempt to prove our allegiance," Matako grumbled as their group made their way through the castle. By this point, Kamui and Abuto had left to handle business elsewhere, just leaving herself, Bansai, and Henpeita to themselves. She was stomping on ahead of the two until her pace began to slow before halting.
"Are we making any progress toward our goal?"
"What's this now? You know that we're trying to overthrow the Bakufu and reconstruct the world. That hasn't changed at all." Bansai said.
"Then what are we doing here?" Matako asked in a low voice, lacking her usual fieriness. "Ever since we formed the Kiheitai with Shinsuke-sama, we've been at war with the Bakufu and the Beast Pirates. Now we're working for them? I'm sorry. I don't want to doubt Shinsuke-sama, but this whole alliance is unsettling. What if there comes a point where they decide they don't need us anymore before we can enact our own plan? What will happen to Shinsuke-sama then? Then there's him using that cursed sword as well…I know he said he could control it, but I can't help picturing the same thing that happened to Nizou happening to him as well. I…We can't afford to lose him. Not now, not ever."
Henpeita and Bansai shared a look with each other before the former spoke up. "Matako, we understand where you are coming from. I doubt any of us could've envisioned this outcome, either. But we know that Shinsuke-dono already has a plan in motion. And you know exactly how strong his will is, so the Parasite Model should be of little concern. After all, no one despises the Bakufu or the Beast Pirates more than him. I'm sure that he will share the details with us soon."
"Sooner than you think," a new voice cut in. The trio quickly turned to be greeted by Takasugi approaching them, his smoking pipe in his hand.
"Shinsuke-sama! Are you okay?" Matako quickly walked up to him, partially out of concern about whether he overheard their conversation.
"How did the meeting with Kaido go?" Bansai asked.
"Fairly well. We were just working out the details of the events for the Fire Festival. We've been granted a significant role during the events for capturing Gintoki." Takasugi answered.
"Oh…" Matako said, still looking downcast. Takasugi placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, prompting her to look up, her cheeks flushing.
"I apologize for keeping you all in the dark for so long. But I promise you our time will be coming soon. There's nothing to be afraid of." Takasugi removed his hand before walking ahead of them. He took a puff of his pipe before speaking again.
"What lies before us doesn't matter. If you lose your way, just gaze at my back. Whether we're on a Sky Island at the height of the world or in the lowest part of hell, I'll continue forward. Our goal is within reach, and I intend to see it through. So believe in me. I won't fall before the Bakufu or Kaido does."
"Yes!" The three responded, their faith and confidence fortified.
Takasugi chuckled darkly before turning towards them again. "The time to act will be during the Fire Festival, ten days from today. That day, the Kiheitai's mission will be fulfilled. Orochi, Kaido, and the rest of this rotten country will burn to the ground."
"Kaido-san, it is me."
"Enter, King."
King swung open the doors to the throne room. Well, it was called a throne room, but really, it was more like Kaido's private drinking chamber. There, the man himself sat in the center of the room, slamming back a tankard of ale the size of a small house. Of course, this wouldn't be enough to get him drunk, but it was a good place to start.
"I have the reports from each region prepared for your review," King approached, holding a sheaf of reports.
"Excellent timing. I just finished a meeting with Takasugi about preparations for the Fire Festival, too. Assemble a meeting between us, along with Queen, Jack, and the Tobi-Roppo."
"It will be done." But just as King turned to leave, he hesitated for a moment.
"Is there a problem?" Kaido asked, an eyebrow raised.
"Actually, yes. There is something I've meant to discuss with you for some time now regarding Takasugi Shinsuke. If I may be permitted to speak freely."
Kaido paused for a moment before setting down his drink, giving his full attention to his right-hand man. He had known King for over thirty years; It was their meeting that marked the formation of the Beast Pirates. It was not often that King would speak out like this, but Kaido knew that when he did, he should listen. He was one of the few living souls to be given such a privilege.
"You may," Kaido prompted.
"How long do you intend to keep him and the rest of the Kiheitai under our thumb? I believe that the longer we choose to keep him around, the more likely that man is to become a threat to us. It was not long ago that Takasugi and his band were at war with us. Now, they suddenly come over to our side after a decade? Simply put, I do not trust that man."
Kaido sat in silence, taking in his first mate's words as he considered his response. Finally, he answered. "Your concern is valid. However, you have nothing to fear. That man is ultimately no different than Orochi. Far more competent and far more useful, certainly, but at the end of the day, he is driven by his hatred for this country, no different than that fool of a Shogun. And that is how we can control him."
"Even so, I believe he warrants extra caution," King insisted.
"And you are correct. There is no doubt between us that Takasugi joined us with his own agenda in mind, but it does not matter. If he tries to enact it, then we will crush him and his paltry organization into nothing."
King nodded in response, but it was clear he was still harboring uncertainties. Kaido noticed and continued.
"King, do you not recall our talk all those years ago? You thought I might be Joyboy, but I dismissed that notion. Rather, I believed that Joyboy would be the most likely to finally defeat me."
"I recall perfectly."
"Well, we can say with certainty that Takasugi is not Joyboy. Meaning no matter what scheme he concocts, it will not be enough to kill me. I promised you this years ago, and I'll do so again. I will not die until the day Roger's treasure is mine. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Then you're dismissed. Have the meeting prepared for tomorrow."
"Understood." King exited the chamber, closing the doors behind him. His commander's words reassured him to a degree, but he still could not help but harbor some doubt. As King made his way down the torchlit halls, he thought back to the last time he had encountered Takasugi, back when the samurai had lost his left eye, along with everything else he held dear.
"Takasugi, if you stand in the way of Kaido-san's ambition, I will crush you and your comrades myself. I will not make the same mistake of letting you escape as I did last time. Should you double-cross us, I will personally reunite you with your former comrades and your precious teacher in hell."
So yeah, first half of this chapter, everyone is still feeling the sting of Momo and Gin's fight. Ain't gonna be easy to rebuild that bridge for sure. The second half of this chapter, I wanted to take some time to focus on the villain's side, showcase the dynamics within the Kiheitai and the Beast Pirate alliance, along with some extra lore for the Yato tribe. It took me quite a bit of time to figure out how the rest of act 2 is gonna play out, but I think I got it down. All I can say is that we're in for some fun stuff.
Once more, if you missed it the first time, I made some changes in Lesson 10 that will impact the rest of the story, so go check out the Gintoki vs Takasugi fight again.
Until next time!