Just as promised, Lesson 16 a week after Lesson 15!

Beta-read by Pure Red Crane and Izzu

Lesson 16: If There's Something You Can't Remember, Just Pretend It Wasn't Worth Knowing

The air in the banquet hall thickened with fear, the guests looking around in growing panic. Kyoshiro's usual cool demeanor cracked into a frown while Isaburo's brow furrowed in concern. Both Kyubei and Robin shared a look of shock and alarm as their gazes fell on the small figure at the center of it all — Otoko, still laughing with innocent abandon, unaware of the storm she had just unleashed.

A geisha quickly rushed to her, desperate to quiet the girl. She clamped a trembling hand over Otoko's mouth, pulling her behind a nearby screen.

"Otoko, stop!" she hissed, her voice shaking with terror.

But it was too late.

Otoko's laughter only grew, her voice high and uncontainable. "Ahahaha! But everyone's making fun of the Shogun!"

For a split second, Orochi stood frozen, disbelief etched into his face. But it didn't last. His expression twisted into full-blown rage, the color rushing to his face as he stepped forward, trembling with fury.

"Who did that...?!" he roared, his voice echoing across the silent hall. "Did you just...laugh at me?!"

The guests recoiled, fear rippling through the room.

"Who would dare?! Get out of here!" one of them shouted, desperate to avoid Orochi's wrath.

But Otoko's high-pitched laughter was relentless. "Ahahaha! I can't stop! I'm sorry! Ahahaha! I know I shouldn't laugh!"

"Hey! That child… the Oiran's kamuro?!" a guest muttered frantically. "Make her stop!"

Robin's heart clenched. "Otoko, what are you doing...?" she whispered under her breath, her instincts screaming as the situation spiraled out of control.

Across the room, Komurasaki's serene mask flickered, her sharp eyes narrowing as the tension in the hall began to eclipse everything else.

Orochi's face darkened further, his trembling hands moving to unsheathe his sword. His voice dropped to a chilling whisper, lethal and unhinged. "This displeases me... I am the Shogun. Do you think I fear this unfinished business from 20 years ago?"

That's right. He is the Shogun. He had spent enough of his childhood cravenly and cowardly, hiding away from those who would dare persecute his family. He was done running. Now, HE was the one with power, the one who sent people to their deaths on HIS whim, not the other way around. And tonight, this child would learn what it meant to mock the man who ruled Wano.

With a snarl, Orochi rushed forward, sword raised high. In one fluid motion, he slashed through the screen concealing Otoko and the geisha, the fabric tearing apart as the geisha barely ducked out of the way, clutching the still-laughing child in her arms.

"Ahahaha!" Otoko continued to giggle in spite of the looming danger.

"Aieee! Please, no!" the geisha cried, shielding the child with her body.

Orochi loomed over them, his eyes gleaming with madness. "I am the victor! I defeated Oden... I am the Shogun!"

He raised his sword, preparing to strike down the laughing child, but before the blade could fall, a voice rang out.

"My lord! Stop this! She is but a child!"

The guests gasped, heads whipping around toward Komurasaki. The sweet and playful tone from before was nowhere to be found, now replaced by an iron edge — sharp, commanding, and resolute.

"The Oiran?!"

"What is she doing?!"

"Be silent, Komurasaki," Orochi growled, refusing to acknowledge her interruption. His pride had been insulted, and now blood would be spilled. He reached down, wrestling Otoko from the geisha's arms with a single hand, lifting the girl by the throat. His sword gleamed in his other hand, raised to strike. "You dare to laugh at me, child?!"

Otoko, still struggling to breathe, managed a faint, gasping laugh. "Aha ha—ha..."

"Eeek! Please, no!" the geisha cried, her voice breaking. "She has a laughing tic! She can't help it!"

"Someone, stop him!" another geisha begged urgently. "She's just a girl!"

"There's no point," a guest muttered darkly. "He won't listen anymore..."

Orochi's sword hovered over Otoko, ready to strike her down. Both Robin and Kyubei tensed, ready to act — Robin crossing her arms, preparing her power, while Kyubei's hand went to her sword, ready to intercept the shogun's blade.

"Young Master—!" Her attendants whispered frantically, trying in vain to stop her.

But before either could move —

Smack!

A sharp crack echoed through the banquet hall, loud enough to freeze every guest in place.

"Kyaaa!"

The entire banquet hall went pale with terror as they watched Komurasaki march forward, her hand still raised from the brutal slap she had delivered across Orochi's face. His hand loosened from shock, Otoko tumbled from his grasp to the floor, gasping for air. Orochi stood frozen, his face a mixture of disbelief and rage.

The hall had gone deathly silent. No one dared to move. No one even dared to breathe.

Komurasaki stood tall, unflinching as she stared him down, her expression ice-cold. The flirtatious cloying from earlier had evaporated, replaced by a steely resolve as the entire hall trembled beneath the force of her defiance.

"Komurasaki! What have you done?!" one guest cried, his voice trembling.

"Apologize, Komurasaki!" another shouted, wild-eyed and desperate. "Get on your knees! Grind your forehead into the floor before it's too late!"

But Komurasaki stood tall, her gaze fierce and unwavering. "I refuse. I do not grovel before anyone!" Her voice rang out clear and strong, cutting through the chaos. "When I know I am in the right, I do not need to give an inch!"

Orochi's eyes widened in disbelief. For a moment, his rage flickered with hurt and confusion. "Komurasaki..." His voice trembled, almost vulnerable. "I was actually considering making you the wife of the Shogun..."

A smirk tugged at Komurasaki's lips, a memory flashing in her mind.

"A true warrior would not allow the playful teasing of a child to rouse them," she said softly before raising her voice once more, echoing through the hall. "If you would prefer a weak woman, then strike me down right now. I am the daughter of a samurai! I will not disgrace myself!"

For a moment, Orochi stood stunned, his eyes widening as Komurasaki's defiant words cut into him. But his shock quickly twisted into pure, unbridled rage. His body began to shift, contorting and growing, his form expanding as his devil fruit power took hold. The room shook as Orochi transformed into the monstrous Yamata no Orochi, his eight serpent heads rising menacingly above the guests.

"Do not speak to me of a warrior's ways, you glorified harlot!" Orochi roared, his voice now booming from each head, filled with a fury that rattled the very walls of the palace.

The guests scrambled backward in terror, trying to escape the monstrous form of their Shogun before they were caught in his wrath.

"Komurasaki-dayu!"

"Eek!"

"We are inside the palace, Shogun!" the guests cried, their voices filled with horror as Orochi's towering heads loomed over them.

In the midst of the chaos, Robin's sharp eyes locked onto Otoko, who was still too close to Orochi's rampage. Without hesitation, she rushed forward, scooping the girl into her arms.

"This way, Otoko!" she whispered urgently, moving swiftly toward the exit.

Otoko blinked up at her through her tear-filled eyes, her laughter still bubbling despite the danger. "Ahahaha! Ho? Aren't you the lady from the soba stand...?"

As they ran, a ninja's voice rang out from the ceiling. "I've found the woman! Don't let her escape!"

But Robin didn't slow. She darted through the fleeing guests, determined to get Otoko to safety despite the chaos that had engulfed the hall.

Meanwhile, amidst the frenzy, only two men had managed to keep their composure: Kyoshiro, who watched the scene unfold with a gleam of amusement in his eyes, and Isaburo, who seemed more mildly annoyed than anything else.

Isaburo sighed. "Oh dear… and this night started off so pleasantly…"

"Well, well, well... Bedlam has arrived!" Kyoshiro grinned, clearly enjoying the spectacle. The two watched as the attendants tried in vain to calm Orochi before he could do anything too drastic to the idol of Wano.

"Orochi-sama! Please, my lord, calm your anger!" an attendant pleaded.

Despite the attendants' desperate attempts to calm the Shogun, Orochi's rage could not be contained. The eight serpent heads thrashed wildly, scattering food, drink, and guests alike, his attention fixed solely on Komurasaki. His face twisted, a mixture of anger and pain as he tried to reconcile his love for her with his wounded pride.

"Such a shame... I do not wish to crush your head between my jaws. What a waste of your beauty. Pray for your life with all your heart... and perhaps I shall lessen your sentence!"

Komurasaki's expression remained unflinching. "You cannot let go? Falling in love truly makes a man soft…"

"Big sis!" Otoko's voice rang out, her eyes filled with fear and worry despite the grin still plastered on her face.

"Stop it!" a guest shouted. "Don't provoke him any further!"

But Komurasaki did not waver. "I will not beg for my life," she said calmly, her gaze locked on Orochi's.

Orochi's rage boiled over. "How dare you!" he roared, his heads lashing out wildly. "You insolent wench!"

The guests screamed as Orochi's heads began to snap at those closest to him, biting down in a blind fury, though his focus never left Komurasaki.

"Gyahhh! Why is he biting us?!" one guest cried, terror and pain in his voice as he got caught in one of the serpent's massive fangs.

Orochi's heads thrashed about, jaws snapping at everything in sight, seeking to intimidate Komurasaki into submission. But no matter how violently he lashed out, Komurasaki stood firm, her eyes betraying not a single ounce of fear.

Finally, with a snarl of frustration, Orochi's main head lunged forward, his jaws closing around Komurasaki. The Oiran didn't flinch, even as his teeth sank into her flesh, the guests around them gasping in horror.

"As you wish, Komurasaki!" Orochi bellowed, his voice filled with venom. "I will deal with you myself!"

The hall erupted into panicked screams.

"Oiran!" the geisha cried, their voices shrill with terror.

"Komurasaki-sama!" a guest shouted, watching in horror as Orochi's jaws closed tighter around her.

Orochi's heads writhed and twisted in fury, but Komurasaki remained resolute, her eyes fixed on the Shogun, even as he prepared to end her life.

As Orochi's monstrous form raged, one of the terrified guests turned toward the door, spotting the Oniwabanshu standing nearby, watching the mayhem unfold.

"Daikoku!" the guest shouted at the horned shinobi, desperation in his voice. "Why aren't you ninja stopping the Shogun?! Save the Oiran!"

"The Shogun is a free man. Nothing can stop him from doing as he pleases," Daikoku said coolly, barely sparing the man a glance. His eyes narrowed. "Besides...we are currently dealing with an intruder."

The crowd turned in shock, following Daikoku's gaze to see Robin, surrounded by Oniwabanshu, still clutching the laughing Otoko.

"An intruder?!" a guest gasped.

"Orobi's the intruder?!" one of the geisha exclaimed, a flicker of disbelief in her eyes. "Come to think of it... I've never seen her before tonight!"

Kyubei, standing a short distance away, turned to Robin in stunned silence, her attendants exchanging shocked glances.

Orobi was a rebel?…could Otae have known…?

Still laughing uncontrollably, Otoko clung to Robin. "Ahahaha! Please, miss! Save the Oiran!"

Robin's heart sank. "But I can't," she whispered, her eyes darting around as the ninja closed in. "I don't even know if I can save you after the way you've angered the Shogun!"

Just as she prepared for the worst, a sudden crash echoed from the far end of the hall. Two of the catfish-riding ninja from earlier came barreling around the corner, panic written all over their faces.

"Help me! I don't wanna be cursed to death!" one screamed, his voice cracking with terror.

"What's going on over there?!" the blonde ninja girl demanded, her eyes wide. "Fujin?! Raijin?!"

Fujin pointed behind him, his voice trembling. "It's... it's a ghostly yokai!"

Raijin, equally frantic, shrieked, "A giant starving skeleton! The Gashadokuro is real!"

The ninja squad fell silent for a brief moment as a tall, ghastly green figure with an afro rounded the corner, his bony arms raised and ghostly flames dancing around him. His hollow voice echoed through the halls, sending shivers down the spines of the guests.

"Curses upon you..." Brook moaned dramatically, his skeletal grin wide as ever.

The ninjas froze in place, their eyes wide with terror. "WHAT?!"

Otoko went wide-eyed, her laughter suddenly turning into a scream. "AH! A GHOST!"

"Otoko!" Robin gasped as the girl fainted from fright.

"Oh, Orobi! You're alright!" Brook greeted cheerfully.

Despite her worry for the child, her expression soon softened in relief as her crewmate approached. "Bonekichi! You've done wonderfully! Keep it up!"

Brook laughed, delighted by her praise. "Yohohohoho! Am I 'killing' it?'"

Robin smiled, her confidence returning as she crossed her arms together. "Let's get out of this castle together! Mil Fleurs! Gigantesco Mano!"

With a flourish, thousands of arms bloomed from the floor and merged into a single pair of massive hands. The colossal hands swept through the crowd of shinobi, swatting them away like flies — at least those who weren't already fleeing in terror from Brook's ghostly antics.

"Aaaah! More sorcery?! Are they an alliance of ghoulish spirits?!" one terrified ninja shouted as he ran for his life.

Up in the rafters of the banquet hall, Nami, Sacchan, and Shinobu watched the chaotic scene below from their hidden vantage point.

Nami, wide-eyed with concern, glanced at Shinobu. "What should we do, Shinobu?! Now both Robin and Brook are in trouble!"

Shinobu sighed, her face set in determination. "There's no point in hiding anymore. Let's go."

"Did you say 'Shinobu'?!"

Before they could move, a large yellow-clad figure suddenly appeared behind them, his voice filled with disbelief.

Nami spun around, her heart skipping a beat. "Who's there?! A ninja?!"

Shinobu blinked in surprise. "Is that... Hanzo?!"

The yellow ninja's eyes widened as he recognized her name. "So you're still alive?! The bombshell beauty Kunoichi... Shinobu, the mankiller?!" The ninja recounts in shock, reminiscing about a younger, far more gorgeous-looking Shinobu.

Shinobu smirked, clearly amused by the recognition. "Hehe, so you recognize my—"

"Nope! My mistake! Wrong person! " Hanzo interrupted, shaking his head frantically as his eyes settled on the brunette.

Shinobu's smile instantly disappeared,replaced with annoyance and rage. "It is me, you idiot! Ninpo: Ball-Crusher!"

Before Hanzo could react, Shinobu hurled a small object, which ricocheted through the rafters and struck him squarely in his most important assets. Hanzo's eyes went white as he collapsed, groaning in agony.

Nami's jaw dropped. "Is that really ninjutsu?!"

Hanzo wheezed, barely able to speak. "Can't... move... got me with…the man killer..."

"That's what it means?!" Nami stared in disbelief.

Shinobu smirked, unfazed. "Ninpo: Paralysis Jutsu!"

"That's just the aftereffect!" Nami retorted.

"Impressive as always, master." Sacchan complemented, watching with admiration. "I see your technique hasn't waned in the slightest."

Shinobu grinned at the compliment. "Hehe, I'm still as sharp as ever!"

Sacchan sighed, her tone wistful. "I still have much to learn to master it... though I plan to modify it to become the man-pleaser for Gin-san someday..."

"Please stop. I'm begging you." Nami gagged, cringing.

Shinobu, regaining her focus, waved them forward. "No time to waste! Sexy Ninpo: Rot Garden!"

In a flash, Shinobu used her devil fruit powers, rotting away the rafters above the banquet hall. With a resounding crash, the ceiling collapsed, sending debris raining down on Orochi and knocking Komurasaki from his jaws as the remaining guests screamed in a chorus of terror.

"Aaaah! The roof collapsed!"

"Shogun Orochi!"

"What's happening?! The feast hall is in ruins!"

"Hanzo just fell through the ceiling! And who are those kunoichi?!"

Brook emerged from the hallways, his eerie grin lighting up as he spotted Nami.

"Oh, Onami! A curse upon you, too!" he greeted with a cheerful wave..

"Why?! I'm on your side!" Nami shot him a glare.

In the center of the hall, the dust began to settle. As Orochi began to recover his wits, his serpentine gaze locked onto the fallen form of Komurasaki, lying amidst the rubble but slowly rising to her knees. His rage reignited, he prepared to lunge toward her — until he noticed the looming figure of Kyoshiro over her, his sword drawn and gleaming through the haze.

The Yakuza and the Oiran's eyes met, and in that brief moment, they shared a knowing smile. Kyoshiro stepped forward, his eyes locked on Komurasaki as the room trembled with anticipation.

"You've really made a mess of things, Komurasaki," he said, his voice low and dangerous. His grip tightened on his sword. "Are you ready?"

Komurasaki, standing tall and composed despite the chaos surrounding her, nodded once. "I am."

"Wait!" one guest cried out in horror, his voice desperate. "Kyoshiro-oyabun—!"

SHWING!

The room fell into a stunned silence. The once chaotic clamor of battle, panic, and fury vanished in an instant. All eyes widened in shock as Komurasaki fell in a spray of blood, her body crumpling to the floor in a slow, agonizing collapse like a flower wilting. In its wake, droplets of blood splattered across Kyoshiro's face, accentuating the dark gleam in his feral grin.

For a moment longer, the silence stretched on unbearably. Finally, sound crashed back into the room like a tidal wave.

"The Oiran's been slashed!" a guest cried, his voice breaking. "One blow — straight through Komurasaki!"

Geishas screamed, their voices echoing off the blood-streaked walls. "Oiran! NOOO! Sister!" one of them wailed, tears streaming down her face.

"The most beautiful woman in Wano… gone…" another guest murmured, his voice hollow with disbelief. "What a shame…"

Orochi's eyes widened in horror, and in an instant, his shock gave way to a fiery fury.

"What have you done, Kyoshiro?!" Orochi bellowed, rounding on the Yakuza leader. His voice thundered through the hall. "Who told you to kill her?!"

Kyoshiro calmly wiped the blood from his blade, his grin fading as he met the Shogun's gaze without flinching. "I gave Komurasaki a warrior's mercy," he said coldly. "Any who defy the Shogun are judged guilty — that law is ironclad!"

The guests murmured in disbelief, torn between fear and shock. "Was this…was he showing loyalty to Orochi-sama?!" one whispered. "Would Kyoshiro truly go that far?!"

Stepping forward with a steady calm, Isaburo joined Kyoshiro. "As much as I loathe to find myself to do so, Kyoshiro-dono's actions were correct. In times as turbulent as these, we cannot afford leniency. Any act of disobedience undermines your authority, Orochi-sama. Even someone as esteemed and beloved as Komurasaki cannot be exempt from the law."

Off to the side, Kyoshiro's eyes gleamed as he subtly picked up a small piece of paper that had fallen from someone's grasp amidst the clamor — a symbol of rebellion. His grin deepened, a secret victory flashing across his face — a detail noticed only by Isaburo.

But Orochi remained fixated on the floor, gazing at Komurasaki's lifeless body with tear-filled eyes. This was the woman he had hoped to make his wife, and now she was gone — cut down in the name of his own authority.

"Komurasaki…!" His voice trembled. However, his lamentation was brief, his sorrow quickly igniting into blind fury once more as a roar of vengeance erupted from his throat.

"Child!"

With a feral snarl, Orochi stomped forward, all sixteen eyes locked onto the black-haired geisha holding the child who triggered these events. His massive form tore through the hall as his eight serpent heads lashed out, snapping at anything and anyone unfortunate enough to be in his path.

CHOMP!

"Aaah! Please stop!" a guest screamed, dodging one of the heads as it crashed through a pillar. "The castle can't withstand this!"

Orochi's voice echoed through the crumbling room, his rage uncontrollable. "Bring me the child! I will devour her alive! This would never have happened if she hadn't laughed at me!" His serpentine heads snapped at the air as he raged. "Hand her over, Orobi! Who are you?!"

Robin burst through the doors and into the courtyard, her heart racing as she carried the unconscious Otoko in her arms. The sound of Orochi's rampage thundered behind her, his multiple heads crashing through the walls as he pursued her relentlessly.

"Robin!" Nami cried out as Robin rejoined her friend alongside the two kunoichis. However, before they could make their escape, a flicker of white moved into the corner of their vision.

Nobume appeared, stepping into their path, her blade glinting ominously in the pale moonlight. Her eyes, cold and emotionless, bore into them like a hunter sizing up her prey.

In perfect sync, Shinobu and Sacchan acted, hurling a flurry of kunai at Nobume in a rain of sharpened steel.

SHING-SHING-SHING!

With a casual flick of her sword, coated black in Armament Haki, Nobume cut down every kunai midflight, sheering clean through the metal daggers like a hot knife through butter. Her blade now aimed at the group, she tilted her head slightly, her voice eerily calm.

"You're next...I'll be sure to eviscerate you slowly…"

Tears filled Nami's eyes as she went into panic mode. "EEK! Who the heck is this scary girl?!" She quickly pulled out her Climatact, raising it high. "Come out, Zeus! We need you now!"

In a puff of white, the sentient cloud appeared, swirling above Nami's head, his face lighting up in excitement. "Whoa! You called, Nami?!"

Nami's voice was urgent. "I'll give you a Weather Egg! You have to help us now!"

Zeus, already drooling, grinned. "Really?! Say no more!"

Meanwhile, across the courtyard, Brook was gleefully chasing the Oniwabanshu with ghostly flames swirling around him, his eerie voice moaning in mock curses. The ninja ran in all directions, terrified and disoriented.

"Stay away! It's a vengeful spirit!" one of the ninjas cried, stumbling over himself.

Without warning, Daikoku came to a sudden halt, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. "Wait... this spirit isn't actually attacking us."

Brook froze mid-chase, beads of sweat forming on his skeletal face. "ACK! They've figured me out!"

Daikoku scowled, realization dawning. "This is no time to run from yokai! Get back in formation!"

Brook sighed theatrically, his ghostly form floating lazily back toward his body by the well. "Well, I suppose that's enough fun for now…Yohoho..."

More guards burst onto the scene, their weapons raised as they rushed toward the courtyard.

"Sally forth!" one of the guards shouted. "An incident has occurred in the feast hall! Seize the intruders! Purge the yokai! Stop the Shogun's rampage!"

"Wait... what's that?!" another guard muttered, squinting at the sky.

Nami's gaze sharpened as she raised her Climatact toward the swirling storm clouds that Zeus had summoned. "Everyone, get down! Ninpo—"

Nobume got into her stance, ready to strike the four women down, but was interrupted as Orochi burst into the courtyard. Despite his fury, his eyes were drawn upward, momentarily distracted by the swirling thundercloud forming above him. The dark cloud crackled with electricity, the air thick with the scent of ozone.

"What is that?!" he snarled.

With a swing, the Straw Hat navigator brought her tool down, directing the cloud Homie right into a collision course with the tyrannical Shogun. "—Lightning Blast!"

KA-BOOM!

The courtyard was momentarily engulfed in blinding light as Nami's lightning bolt crashed down with the fury of a thunder god. The sheer force of the blast reverberated through the castle, leaving a low hum in the air. When the brightness finally faded, the scene was one of devastation. Guards and attendants groaned as they slowly recovered, strewn across the scorched ground.

Orochi's massive serpent form staggered, his many heads twisting in confusion. Smoke curled from his scales as arcs of electricity continued to crackle along his reptilian body. Temporarily stunned, his usual furious intensity was dulled, his senses still reeling from the strike as he collapsed to the ground.

Nobume remained as composed as ever, her sight slowly returning as she blinked away the haze of blindness. With sharp, calculating eyes, she surveyed the spot where her prey had just been. Her Observation Haki flickered out, reaching across the courtyard and into the castle, but the sheer volume of scrambling guests and guards made it impossible to track their targets.

"They've escaped," she muttered to herself, her gaze narrowing as she sheathed her sword in one fluid motion. "Too many distractions."

Before she could take another step, Isaburo arrived at her side, moving calmly through the scattered chaos. His brow furrowed slightly as he surveyed the scene.

"Quite the mess, isn't it?" he remarked, though his tone was more observational than concerned.

Nobume remained silent, her frustration evident in the way she clenched her fists despite her expressionless face. Isaburo noticed this, giving her a sidelong glance before speaking again.

"The lightning blast was unexpected," he said with a sigh. "No one could have foreseen it, not even you."

Nobume's expression didn't shift, but the faintest flicker of annoyance crossed her eyes as she continued scanning the area, clearly displeased with the outcome.

Isaburo, ever calm and practical, reached into his coat, producing a small, neatly wrapped donut. Without a word, he held it out to her.

Nobume blinked, her gaze shifting from the chaotic courtyard to the donut in his hand. For a brief moment, the tension seemed to break as she quickly snatched the pastry from him, taking a bite without hesitation.

"You shouldn't be too hard on yourself," he said calmly, watching the guards scramble around Orochi's fallen form. "Besides, there will be other opportunities."

Nobume, her mouth full of donut, said nothing in response. But the way her shoulders relaxed ever so slightly told Isaburo all he needed to know.

"We're almost there," Nami whispered, her voice tight with tension as they neared the exit.

The Straw Hat group moved with careful precision, slipping between shadows and barely avoiding detection by the patrolling guards. Robin, still carrying the unconscious Otoko, led the way, her sharp eyes scanning for any sign of danger, while the three kunoichi flanked her, ready to act at a moment's notice.

Relief washed over the group as they neared the entry point from where Nami and the others had entered — they had navigated through the maze of guards and chaos, and the open night sky was just ahead.

But just as they thought they had made it through, a figure stepped into their path.

Kyubei.

The heir to the Yagyuu clan stood before them, her expression tight with conflict. Her hand rested lightly on her sword, but there was no aggression in her stance. Her single eye shifted from the Straw Hats to the unconscious Otoko in Robin's arms before finally settling on the violet-haired kunoichi beside her.

"Sacchan-san," Kyubei greeted shortly, her voice steady despite the tension.

"Kyubei-san, always good to see you…well, maybe not tonight, all things considered," Sacchan stated awkwardly.

"Is she a friend of yours?" Nami leaned towards Sacchan, her voice low.

"At the moment? I honestly can't say…" Sacchan whispered back, a frown tugging at her lips.

Kyubei's eye flickered back to Robin, a look that fully expected — if not outright demanded — an answer. For a moment, the hallway was silent, the tension thick in the air. Shinobu's hand twitched toward her kunai, ready to act if necessary, but Robin raised a hand, silently signaling her to wait.

"Kyubei-dono," Robin said softly, her voice calm but pleading. "I don't want to cause more trouble for you...but we can't leave her behind."

Kyubei's gaze lingered on Otoko for a long moment, her lips pressed into a thin line. A flash of memory crossed her eyes — Otae's smiling face, the bond they had shared for years. Torn between her duty as the heir of the Yagyuu and her loyalty to best friend and love, Kyubei's heart ached with the weight of the decision before her.

The guards' footsteps echoed in the distance, growing closer. Time was running out.

Kyubei's grip tightened on the hilt of her sword, her brow furrowing. She glanced once more at the unconscious Otoko, and in that instant, she knew what she had to do.

With a small sigh, her single eye shut tight, Kyubei stepped aside.

"Go," she said quietly, her voice firm despite the conflict within her. "Before the guards catch up."

The Straw Hats exchanged glances, their relief palatable. Robin nodded gratefully as she passed Kyubei. Sacchan gave her a small, appreciative smile, but there was a silent understanding between them — a shared acknowledgment that this decision would have consequences.

"Thank you," Nami whispered as they began to move past her.

The sound of guards shouting drew nearer, their voices sharp with urgency. "There! We heard something! This way!"

Without hesitation, Kyubei turned on her heel and strode toward the approaching guards, her expression unreadable.

"It's only me!" she called out, her voice calm but commanding. "They went the other way, toward the west wing!"

The guards skidded to a halt, immediately trusting her word. "The west wing?! Understood!"

As the guards rushed off in the opposite direction, Kyubei stood motionless, her back to the Straw Hats. She had made her choice.

From the shadows, the Straw Hats slipped out of the castle and into the night. Once outside, they unfurled the kites they had prepared earlier, lifting them into the cool Wano sky. The wind caught beneath them, carrying them higher and farther from the castle.

As they soared into the starry night, Robin's heart ached with a mix of unspoken gratitude and guilt. She knew the strain this could cause on Kyubei's friendship with Otae. A price had been paid tonight, and it weighed heavily on her heart.

Nami's voice cut through the wind, soft but reflective. "She didn't have to help us."

Robin, clutching Otoko sleeping form close, nodded. "No... but she chose to."

The kites soared higher into the night, carrying them away from danger but leaving behind the unspoken tension of choices made and friendships tested.

The gentle lapping of waves against the shore mingled with the distant chirping of crickets, creating an almost peaceful ambiance as the group made their way down the forest path toward the beach. The moon hung high, casting long shadows through the trees and guiding them forward with its silvery light.

Tamako's small voice cut through the quiet, laced with worry. "I'm really worried about Big Bro Luffy and Big Bro Gin."

Chopper leaped about, practicing his ninja skills with exaggerated motions. "I told you, Otamako, Luffy's fine! Nin-nin!" He struck a dramatic ninja pose, trying to sound optimistic.

"But Master said no one's ever come back from the prison in Udon..." Tamako's voice trailed off, her fear creeping back in.

"Taa! Hiyaa!" Momonosuke, his fists clenched as he practiced his sword swings, grunted. "I know...Raizo's tidings are late. If only I were stronger, I'd rush to the rescue right now, but..." His voice faltered, betraying his self-doubt.

Chopper gave him a sympathetic nod. "Luffy's tough, Momo. He's not the kind to just sit quietly in a cell."

Kagura, casually twirling her umbrella and enjoying the night air, waved a dismissive hand. "And if he's anything like Gin-chan, then they're probably already causing trouble together as we speak. This isn't Gin-chan's first time being locked up-aru."

"Yeah, he's pretty used to it," Shinpachi chimed in, rubbing the back of his neck. "Gin-san will be fine, Momonosuke-kun; I promise you that."

"I don't—" Momo opened his mouth to argue but then sighed. "I... I suppose you're right. But I still want him to be okay! Long enough for me to give him a piece of my mind!" His expression hardened, a spark of the old fire returning to his eyes.

Kiku chuckled, smiling warmly at the sight. "It's good to see your spirit return, my lord." Her expression then shifted as a dangerous gleam entered her eyes.

"I have a few things to say to Gin-san as well when we rescue him…" She said, sending a shiver down Shinpachi's spine.

Shinpachi gulped, waving his hands frantically. "W-Wait! Hold on, what things?! You don't look like you're ready to talk at all, Kiku-san!"

Kiku smiled sweetly, though the mirth did not reach her eyes at all. "Nothing for you to worry about, Shinpachi-san. I just need to have a few moments alone with him… and his groin." She finished ominously, her hand casually resting against her sword.

"That doesn't reassure me at all! It just sounds like you're planning to cut off Gin-san's Gin-san the moment you meet him again!" Shinpachi yelped.

"Eh, it'll be fine. It's not like he ever uses the thing anyway." Kagura commented.

"That's not the point! Don't just say such dismissive things! Not when we have two 8-year-olds here!" Shinpachi retorted again, trying in vain to protect his boss's masculinity and the innocence of the two children walking ahead of him.

"But it's true, isn't it?" Tamako noted nonchalantly. "Last time Big Bro Gin got super drunk, he was complaining about how the last time he ever got to use his thing was when Nisekoi was still popular."

"What the hell has that bastard been saying in front of an actual child!" Shinpachi shouted, shocked at how truly terrible an influence his coworkers were on the youth before them.

Before the conversation could spiral further, Chopper's voice rang out in alarm from high up in the tree he was climbing.

"Wait! What's that over on the beach?! Nin-nin!" Chopper's eyes widened as he squinted into the darkness, barely making out the massive silhouette of…something…lying on the sands of the beach. "It's... it's a person...!"

The group froze for a moment before breaking into a run toward the beach. As they burst out of the treeline, they slowed, approaching the massive figure lying face down in the sand.

Momo gaped at the sheer size of the figure, their enormous body sprawled across the shore. "A giant? No, not quite... but definitely huge."

Kagura shook her head. "Not a giant. I've met plenty of them-aru. This one's different."

Kiku squinted, her voice uncertain. "Is that... a woman?"

The steady rise and fall of the figure's breathing confirmed that they were alive, at least. Shinpachi scratched his head, perplexed. "Did she wash ashore? Maybe thrown off her ship?"

Tamako, eyes wide, glanced between her companions. "Who's bigger, her or Kaido?"

Before anyone could answer, Chopper's fur bristled, his entire body going rigid as recognition dawned. His voice quivered with panic. "Wait... no way..."

He darted to the other side of the massive figure, his face morphing into pure horror as he realized who it was. "AAAAAH! IT'S BIG MOM!"

Chopper quickly slapped his hooves over his mouth, praying to every god out there that he didn't accidentally wake the sleeping monster. The other five, startled by his shout, rushed to his side.

Kiku knelt down to meet his frantic gaze. "Chopperemon, who is this?"

"Don't speak! She'll wake up! We have to get out of here! If she wakes up, we're done for!" He whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear, panic lacing every word. "No...it won't matter anyway! Assuming she came here chasing after us...!"

While Chopper frantically tried to explain, Kagura strolled right up to Big Mom and started poking at the Pirate Empress' nose with her umbrella.

"Oi, wake up, lady. You got anything to eat on you? You look like you do-aru."

Chopper nearly jumped out of his skin, his fur standing on end. "No! What are you doing?!" he screeched, once again clamping his hooves over his mouth to silence his outburst.

He quickly transformed into his muscular human form, wrapping his arms around the Yato girl and pulling her away as fast as he could. "This is Big Mom! One of the Yonko, like Kaido, and just as scary, too!"

Momo, recognizing the name first, panicked as well, accidentally transforming into his dragon form. "What?! This is the dreaded Big Mom!?"

"Don't shout! I'll finish her off right now!" Chopper, now back to his normal form, shushed before drawing the sword at his side, pointing his gleaming blade directly at the female Yonko as he tried to psych himself up. "Think of her as Kaido! She's just like Kaido!"

Kiku, her expression stern, pressed him further. "Chopperemon, you have to explain what's going on."

Shinpachi nodded nervously, taken by surprise by the usually gentle doctor's sudden action. "Yeah, please explain. Quickly."

Chopper glanced between them and Big Mom, his panic mounting. "I'll explain later! Just—!"

Before he could finish, a groggy voice cut through the tension.

"Urgh... Koff! Hakk!"

"AAAAH! Too late! We gotta run!" Chopper shouted, immediately dropping his sword and taking off in the other direction, a small pink dragon following suit.

Shinpachi, wide-eyed with fear, took a cautious step forward despite his shaking legs. "A-are you... are you okay?"

"Where... oooh... where am I?" Big Mom stirred, blinking slowly as if waking from a long dream. Her gaze surveyed everything around her, her blank expression betraying nothing. Her face briefly scrunched in contemplation before finally uttering the three words no one would've expected to hear.

"Who... am I?"

A thick silence fell over the group, broken only by the sound of the waves crashing softly behind them. Chopper froze mid-run, slowly turning back with wide, disbelieving eyes.

"Huh?!"

I'm glad to at least be able to get these two chapters out after such a long break from this story. Unfortunately, it may be a while before I can get Lesson 17 out as I do have midterms coming up. As such, I'll be aiming to get the next chapter out sometime around mid-November. Until then, I hope you all have a great rest of your day!