Glad to be back again with a new chapter!

One thing I wanted to announce: because of continuing issues with FF, odds are I will be moving this story over to AO3. I've been debating this for a long while now, but I've always put it off Since I don't want to have to go through the trouble of learning to navigate an all new system that frankly, for me, is far less intuitive than FF lol. Not to mention there are quite a few stories on here that I like, so I held out some degree of hope that the devs will fix this place up soon (annoying bots and all). But again, that may just be me being hopeful.

This isn't happening right away, but if/when it does, I'll be sure to let everyone know.

Beta-Read by Pure Red Crane and Izzu

Lesson 18: Adulting Is Like Trying to Fold a Fitted Sheet. You Think You've Got It, Then You End Up in a Ball on the Floor

"EH?! BEEG MOM?!" Hitetsu roared, his voice cracking with disbelief.

Inside his small home in Amigasa Village, Hitetsu clutched the smail in both hands, his eyes nearly bulging out of his skull. Veins throbbed visibly on his forehead as he stared at the tiny creature in horror. Outside, Komachiyo and Hihimaru peeked through the doorway, their ears twitching at the commotion. The smail, which had adopted Tamako's distinct violet hair, remained blissfully cheerful.

"Yup!" Tamako's bright voice rang through the receiver. "She's a super strong lady from overseas!"

"No, no, no, wait just a moment! Explain this to me! How does an innocent moonlight stroll to the beach suddenly turn into a dangerous rescue mission to Udon?! RETURN AT ONCE, OTAMAKO! Is Momonosuke-sama there?! Kin'emon-dono entrusted me with his safety! My lord, are you alright?!" His voice shot up an octave.

There was a pause before Tamako's cheerful tone returned, the smail matching her grin from the other end. "No need to worry, Master! I promise I'll protect Momo…as a kunoichi!"

Hitetsu nearly burst a blood vessel. "A KUNOICHI?! LAUGHABLE! You don't even qualify as a novice! You're a kunoichi in the same way a pebble is a mountain! Come back here at once!"

A faint sniffling sound crackled through the receiver. Tamako's brave front wavered as she tried not to cry. Hitetsu hesitated for half a second, his anger softening…No, wait! He was supposed to be furious right now! Before he could bark another order, the smail suddenly shifted, its appearance morphing into one of long black hair and delicate lipstick.

"Hitetsu-dono," came Kiku's gentle yet firm voice. "This one is with them now."

Before Hitetsu could formulate a response, the smail shifted again, now sprouting red hair and Chinese ornaments.

"We're here, too-aru!" a cheerful voice piped up – Kagura. "Don't worry, we'll keep Momo-kun and Tamako-chan safe! We're all strong here, after all!"

Hitetsu barely had time to process that before the smail changed again, now sporting a pair of glasses.

"We're really sorry for not telling you ahead of time, Hitetsu-san. It kinda just… happened out of the blue." Shinpachi's awkward voice followed. He, at least, had the decency to sound ashamed. "But you have my word, we'll make sure the children are safe."

The smail shifted one final time, returning to Kiku. "Well said, Shinpachi-san. Either way, we are already underway. Please inform the others."

Hitetsu's eye twitched. His grip on the smail tightened. "Absolutely NOT! Okiku-dono, turn back this inst—"

Click.

The smail's eyes closed. The call disconnected.

Hitetsu stared at the unresponsive smail for a full second — before he suddenly shook it violently, as if trying to will it back to life.

"DAMMIT!" he shouted, clutching the side of his head in exasperation.

Outside, Komachiyo and Hihimaru exchanged a knowing glance before slowly backing away. It was safer to retreat before Hitetsu completely lost it.

The group rode atop the Sharkodile, the same massive beast that had once terrorized Okobore-chō before Big Mom socked it into submission. Now, it trudged obediently through the wastelands of Kuri, serving as their personal transport toward Udon. The wind howled, the air dry and harsh — but the mood? Surprisingly upbeat.

Shinpachi let out a heavy sigh. "Man… Hitetsu-san was really upset with us. Not that I can blame him…"

Resting at his side were two weapons; his own wooden sword and Gintoki's Lake Toya. He glanced down at them, his grip tightening slightly.

Kagura, lounging comfortably with her umbrella opened to protect her from the harsh sunlight, patted Tamako's hair. "Sorry, Tamako-chan, but it looks like you're getting a serious earful from the long-nosed geezer when we get back-aru."

Olin, formerly known as Big Mom, frowned in concern. "Oh dear, I hope we didn't get you in too much trouble, Otamako-chan…"

Tamako's face twisted into a mix of determination and dread. "It won't be fun…but it'll be worth it if it means saving Big Bro Luffy and Big Bro Gin!"

Olin hummed thoughtfully, tilting her head. "Still… earlier, you called me 'Big Mom'... That name… sounds familiar."

Chopper's entire body went rigid like a rusty hinge. His pupils shrank to dots, and sweat poured down his fur as if he had just sprinted a marathon. "EEK!"

Olin's curious gaze turned to him. "You did the same thing, Chopperemon… Have we met before?"

"Nope! NopeNopeNope! Never!" Chopper blurted out, waving his hooves frantically. "You must be imagining things! Forget I said it! It's unimportant! YOU ARE OLIN-SAN, GOT IT?! O-LIN-SAN!"

Olin brightened, nodding cheerfully. "Oh, okay~!" She reached down, patting the massive reptile beneath them. "I like this Sharkygator. He's a good boy!"

"...Only because you punched him twice," Chopper muttered under his breath, looking at the two massive welts on the creature's head he was currently sitting atop.

Olin leaned back, reminiscing. "Okobore-chō… They were all poor, and they didn't even send me off with any packed lunches, but I liked them! They were all so nice! Especially to someone they don't even know… which I guess makes us the same! Ma-Ma Ma-Ma!"

Chopper kept a wary eye on her, but his gaze drifted toward her hat. Something was… off. He narrowed his eyes. That talking hat of hers hadn't said a word. Did it have amnesia, too?

"I hope we get to Udon soon…" She turned to Chopper, drooling slightly, her eyes gleaming with hunger. "I'm getting hungry again…"

Chopper recoiled in horror. "D-Don't look at me like that when you say that!"

"But Olin-san, Udon is still quite a ways off. Here, let me show you." Kiku, ever calm, unrolled a rough map of Wano. She pointed to the parchment, her delicate finger tracing the route. "Right now, we're traveling from Kuri to Udon," she explained, sliding her finger from the far-left region down toward the neighboring area. "Wano's six regions are separated by large rivers, each with its own climate. We'll need to cross one of those rivers to get into Udon."

Olin hummed in thought before turning to Chopper again, drooling once more. "Sounds far…"

"D-Don't drool at me!" Chopper barked.

Shinpachi hastily stood up, trying to shift her attention away from the increasingly nervous reindeer. "Well, at least we have this big guy to help us." He forced a laugh, gesturing down at the Sharkodile. "Normally, it would take at least three days to reach Udon on foot, but with him transporting us, we should be there in half the time. If we ride through the night, we'll reach the labor camp by tomorrow."

Olin perked up. "Oh! Well, that's good, then! I can't wait to have more of that delicious oshiruko!"

Tamako grinned. "Olin-chan, you really love oshiruko, huh?"

Olin nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, absolutely! It's so sweet!"

Kagura chimed in, stretching lazily. "Same here! I don't get it often myself, but it's always awesome-aru."

"Hm, hm!" Olin agreed with a satisfied nod.

Kagura and Tamako climbed up onto Olin's shoulders, the three of them closing their eyes with a serene expression as they collectively dreamed of sweet red bean soup.

Tamako giggled. "I actually had some for my birthday a few days ago! Otsuru-san gave me some!" She twirled around, cupping her cheeks. "Even now, I can still remember the taste of it dancing on my tongue!"

Olin sighed wistfully. "I know what you mean… And the way that soft, delectable mochi shines, like a live frog's eyeball…"

"Yeah! Just like… a frog's eyeball?" Tamako's joyful expression faltered. She blinked, her nose crinkling. "Olin-chan, that's a little freaky."

Kagura, munching on something, added nonchalantly, "I like it more when there are whole beans in it. Also, it's best with Sukonbu!" She pulled out a box. "Here, try some."

"Oh, thanks!" Olin happily accepted a couple of strips, chewing thoughtfully before suddenly gagging, her expression scrunching up. "BLEGH! It's so sour!"

Kagura shrugged. "Eh, it's an acquired taste." She popped another piece into her mouth with a satisfied hum.

Tamako grimaced. "I think you're the only one who likes that stuff, Big Sis."

Olin hummed, considering Kagura's words. "Hmm… but I think I get what you're saying, Kagura-chan. The sourness just makes me crave that sweet red bean paste even more…" She turned to Chopper, her eyes gleaming with renewed hunger. "…It really whets my appetite."

Chopper leaped back, his fur bristling in alarm. "SERIOUSLY, STOP DOING THAT! I'M NOT EDIBLE, GOT IT?!"

Kiku, watching the exchange, chuckled softly. "They are really excited about the oshiruko."

Meanwhile, Chopper was internally combusting. He turned to Shinpachi, whispering frantically, "This is bad! What if there's no oshiruko when we get there?! The shock might restore her memories! And then she'll go straight after Luffy!"

Shinpachi waved a hand reassuringly. "Calm down, Chopper-san! I'm positive there'll be oshiruko. I heard rumors that the All-Star overseeing the prison is a huge fan of it, so they must have plenty in stock!"

Chopper whimpered. "I really hope you're right…"

"Ha! Hra! Ha!" Momonosuke exhaled heavily between each strike, his breath coming in controlled bursts.

During Chopper's whole internal crisis, Momonosuke continued to swing his bamboo training sword with focused intent. Beneath him, the Sharkodile let out a low grunt, shifting slightly as if mildly annoyed by the child's incessant hacking on its back.

Tamako hopped down from Olin's shoulder, watching him with a grin as she casually tucked her hands behind her head. "You're really fired up, Momo-kun!"

Momonosuke nodded firmly, straightening his back with pride. "Of course! I am the center of this battle! I must be prepared! I cannot afford to relax now!"

His eyes flashed with determination. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, then suddenly shouted—

"SUNACCHI!"

With a powerful swing, his wooden sword came down hard directly against the Sharkodile's thick hide. The beast let out a deep, rumbling growl, its massive body shifting slightly in annoyance as it shot him an unimpressed glare.

"Ahh! Sorry, sorry!" Momonosuke yelped, scrambling back in panic.

Tamako and Kagura burst into laughter at his frantic apology. Even the Sharkodile seemed to huff in what could only be mild amusement.

But not Kiku. The warmth that usually radiated from her expression was suddenly replaced with something more… troubled.

"Momonosuke-sama…" she said carefully. "Where did you hear that word?"

Momonosuke blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in her tone. "Hmm? You mean 'Sunacchi'? It is a warrior's shout used by foreign swordsmen! Zorojuro taught it to me." He grinned. "He said it was a charm, a way to bolster one's courage when it is in short supply."

Kiku's expression hardened. Her shoulders stiffened, and when she spoke again, her voice was firm and unwavering. "This one forbids you to use it."

Momonosuke frowned. "What?! But why?!"

Kiku's tone remained steady. "Perhaps it is mere coincidence, but that phrase bears deep meaning in the old Kuri dialect."

Shinpachi hummed in thought. "Sunacchi…" He rubbed his chin. "I feel like I heard my father mention something about the phrase once before, but it was so long ago, I can't recall the meaning."

Kiku didn't look away from Momonosuke. "The bottom line is, it is not a call meant for someone of your status to use, Momonosuke-sama."

Momonosuke's frustration grew as he stepped forward. "Why not?!"

"It simply isn't!" Kiku's stated, unexpectedly sharp.

Momonosuke stiffened. The finality in her tone made it clear — this was not up for debate. He took a step back, swallowing his irritation. "…All right, all right. I won't say it anymore."

He returned to his training, swinging his wooden sword once more. His movements were mechanical now, his focus slipping. He went through the motions, but his mind was elsewhere. In truth, he hadn't just been shouting Sunacchi for focus. He felt he needed something — anything — to summon courage, now more than ever.

Because as they drew closer to Udon, the weight in his chest grew heavier. Because that was where Gintoki was waiting.

Momonosuke had spoken so boldly in Okobore-chō, declaring he needed to see him. But now, the truth was settling in — he had no idea what to say. No idea how to face him. No idea if he could forgive him.

"Gintoki… you've changed so much since I last saw you… What happened…?"

His grip tightened around his sword. His heart twisted with frustration. His mind drifted, carrying him back over twenty years ago — to a night when he first questioned what it truly meant to be a samurai.

The streets of Hakumai lay silent, save for the distant sound of marching footsteps. The city itself was still, but the tension in the air was suffocating.

The rumor had spread — Shoka Sonjuku was raising rebels. For a time, they had been protected by the daimyo, a friend to both Momonosuke's father and his teacher. But even that protection had its limits. And now, the parents of a rival upper-class cram school had gathered, determined to shut it down themselves.

Momonosuke, still a child, crouched behind a wooden fence alongside his sister, peering out at three figures standing in the moonlight. He strained to listen, watching as the three boys — students like himself — stood unmoving, their wooden swords resting lightly in their hands.

Katsura's voice was calm as he addressed the boy next to him. "Takasugi. Is it a good idea to be wandering around so late? You really will get disowned next time."

Takasugi scoffed, shifting his wooden sword onto his shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm getting disowned tomorrow anyhow." He shot a glance toward his companion. "What about you, Katsura? If you're seen playing around at a place like this at night, that scholarship you went through so much to earn will be revoked."

Katsura shrugged. "Don't worry. I was just about sick of that ridiculous 'pressure-free' education." He adjusted his grip on his sword, his tone casual, but the weight behind his words unmistakable. "I told the other students to leave before nightfall. A debt must be repaid."

Takasugi fell silent, understanding exactly what he meant.

A small grin played at Katsura's lips. "The biggest prodigy and worst troublemaker of the military academy are teaming up. Stopping a couple of government officials should be easy as pie."

Before Takasugi could respond, a third voice cut through the night, laced with amusement.

"Two kids from noble families? Don't make me laugh." A smirk played on Gintoki's lips as he stepped forward, his own wooden sword leaning casually against his shoulder. His silver hair glowed under the moonlight, his posture relaxed despite the tension thickening around them. "Don't you mean the three no-good brats of Shoka Sonjuku?"

Katsura and Takasugi's eyes widened. They turned sharply, startled at the sudden arrival of the silver-haired child.

"You—!" Katsura hissed. "Why are you here?! I told you to run!"

"That was about Shoyo, right? Why do I gotta run, too?" Gintoki picked at his ear as he gave them both a flat look. "And look at you two, cutting class, playing around at night. You're getting real good at this delinquent thing." Then, suddenly, his gaze shifted, locking onto a point behind him.

"Of course…" he drawled, arms folding across his chest. "I'm saying that to the other two delinquents who tailed me here as well."

A startled yelp shattered the night as Momonosuke and Hiyori tumbled out from behind the fence, landing in a tangled heap. Hiyori landed squarely on top of her brother, much to his dismay.

"Big Brother! I told you you weren't being quiet enough!" Hiyori hissed.

Momonosuke grumbled, shoving her off. "Don't blame this on me! You know just as well as I do by now that he's stupidly perceptive like that! He's like a wild animal!"

Gintoki shot him a deadpan look. "Oi, who are you calling a wild animal, dumbass?" He scoffed, rubbing the back of his head. "You two are just as hopeless as these idiots here."

Takasugi clicked his tongue, unimpressed. "I take offense to that. I'd rather not be grouped in with a weakling like him."

Momonosuke bristled. "What did you just say?! You dare insult me?!"

Takasugi smirked, unfazed. "Oh? Did I say anything untrue? Every time before I could challenge this punk here—" He gestured toward Gintoki with his sword, "—you always made me go through you first. Remind me how that went for you every. single. time."

Momonosuke gritted his teeth, knowing he had no way to refute the claim.

Takasugi, however, didn't press further. Instead, his expression hardened as he glanced over his shoulder. The sound of approaching footsteps was growing louder. "Unfortunately, I don't have time to humor you like usual. We have more pressing concerns. So if you and your sister don't want to get caught up in this, you should leave now."

Momonosuke scowled, but Hiyori let out a dreamy sigh.

"…So cool…" she whispered, eyes sparkling.

Momonosuke groaned. "Oi, Hiyori!"

Gintoki let out a small chuckle. "You four are fine students of mine at this point. I had to come say goodbye." He nodded toward the road ahead. "But you've done plenty already. I'll take care of the rest, so you all get out of here."

Momonosuke's chest tightened. "No! The school is in danger! Sensei is in danger! As a samurai, I can't back down!"

For a moment, Gintoki just stared at him. Then, his voice softened.

"…Listen. Shoyo and I are drifters. We've got plenty of places to call home." His gaze lowered slightly. "Same for most of the others at school." His eyes flickered toward the four of them — lingering particularly on Momo and Hiyori. "But you're all different. If you get any more involved, you won't be able to go back."

Momonosuke hesitated at that. He knew this was true. If he were caught here, it would only bring more shame upon his father. He knew his duty.

But… he also couldn't bring himself to flee. Not while Gintoki stood alone against a squad of adults. As strong as he was, he was still just a child. And despite all his annoying habits and all his rude and reckless behavior, Momonosuke didn't want to leave him to fight a battle he would no doubt lose.

"Then run with us, Gin-kun!" Hiyori pleaded. She turned to Katsura and Takasugi. "You guys can come as well!"

Momonosuke latched onto the thought. "Maybe the four of us can convince him to run with us, escape with Sensei and the rest of the class—"

But before he could voice it, the other two boys answered first.

Takasugi's voice was quiet but firm. "If we had someplace to go back to, we wouldn't be at a place like this in the first place."

Katsura offered Hiyori a small, almost apologetic smile. "Hiyori-chan, right? I thank you for your kind offer, but I must turn it down as well." His expression turned serious as he faced Gintoki, stepping forward to stand at his right. "I haven't had any living relatives since my grandmother died. I don't have anyone concerned about me to begin with. And anyhow, we don't have any will to become anything that needs a warrior class title."

Takasugi stepped up beside him, standing on Gintoki's left. "And if there is something we want to be, it wouldn't be something that would be given to us by someone else."

Katsura readjusted his grip on his sword. "We'll find it with these eyes."

Takasugi mirrored him. "And grab hold of it with these hands."

Momonosuke's breath caught. These two — boys his own age — stood like warriors far older. They weren't even official students of the school. Hell, one of them had spent the past few weeks constantly challenging their dojo. Yet here they were, taking a stand because their own convictions dictated they must.

Momo suddenly felt small.

Gintoki exhaled. "I see…Well then, I won't say anything else." He turned toward Momo and Hiyori. "You two head back. From this point forward, this is a place where only no-good brats like us belong."

Momonosuke's throat tightened as the three boys stepped forward, the light of the full moon illuminating their backs. He wanted to call out — to promise he would stand with them — but before he could, the officials rounded the corner, their lamps casting a harsh glow across the street. Instinctively, he stepped back, extending a protective arm in front of his sister as they remained cloaked by the night.

"Hey, you kids over there! What're you doing out so late at night? What house are you from?"

Gintoki raised his sword, taking a stance. "Shoka Sonjuku. Yoshida Shoyo's disciple, Sakata Gintoki."

Katsura stepped beside him. "Same. Katsura Kotaro."

Takasugi followed. "Same. Takasugi Shinsuke."

And then, as one, the three charged forward, eyes steady and forms unwavering.

"Here we come!"

Momonosuke could only watch. Unable to follow.

That night, they were saved. Shoyo had stepped forward, shielding the five of them with a calm, unwavering presence. His words defused the tension, protecting both his school and his students. In the end, he had formally accepted Katsura and Takasugi as students of Shoka Sonjuku, ensuring they would never be forced to stand alone again.

Momonosuke rubbed the top of his head absentmindedly. He could still feel the lingering ache of the bruise his teacher had left there, a reminder of the firm but gentle scolding they had all received that night.

"Half-assed kids like you are 100 years too early to be out playing at night."

Shoyo had buried all four of them in the road with a serene expression, effortlessly dismissing their earlier bravado. Yet, despite the scolding, Momonosuke had smiled. Even now, he still did. His thought turned back to his classmates once more.

That night, something had changed within him. That night, he had truly believed.

Momonosuke had stood frozen in the shadows, the weight of real battle pressing down on his small frame. He had watched three boys, no older than himself, stand tall against impossible odds. They had no status, no title to define them...and yet, they were unshaken. Fearless. Samurai — not in name, but in conviction.

In that moment, they became everything he aspired to be, second only to his father.

That night, for the first time, he had glimpsed what it truly meant to be a samurai. They had proven that age was no barrier, that a samurai was not just a man with a sword but someone who stood firm in his beliefs.

They had proven that if they could do it — perhaps he could too.

…Or so he had thought.

But reality was never so kind.

"What is your name?! Say it!"

The night his home burned. The night everything fell apart.

The roar of flames. The crackling of burning wood. The sickening scent of blood and smoke. A voice like thunder, ringing in his ears.

That had been his moment — his chance to stand like a true samurai. To prove that he had inherited his father's strength and will, that he was worthy of his name. To show that he could live up to the ideals he held so dear, that he could stand his ground just as they had.

But in the face of Kaido, in the face of impending death — what did he do?

He had broken. He had wept. He had begged.

Fear had consumed him, reducing him to nothing more than a sobbing child, crying for a father who could no longer answer.

No one had blamed him, of course. He was only eight years old — a child standing before a monster. No one had expected him to fight.

But that only made it sting worse. Because no matter how much they told him otherwise…It still felt like failure.

The shame of it, the humiliation — it still lingered in his chest, tightening around his ribs like a vice.

And now — twenty years later — the ones who had once inspired him were unrecognizable.

One, a man who refused to fight. The other, a man who sought only destruction.

Momonosuke's grip tightened around his sword. His knuckles turned white.

"…Takasugi," he muttered.

He had purposefully been avoiding the thought of his other childhood friend for a while now — ever since Law had reported back about Luffy and Gintoki's capture, as well as about the one-eyed swordsman who had taken them down. A swordsman cloaked in a kimono decorated with butterflies.

A swordsman both Kagura and Katsura had confirmed.

At first, he had refused to believe it. Gintoki's apathy was one thing. But Takasugi? Another classmate of his? Someone who had once stood alongside him as a comrade? Turning to Kaido and choosing to destroy the very land they had once fought to protect?

No. It was unacceptable.

And yet, the facts remained.

Katsura had told him.

After the war, Takasugi had fled. He had sailed beyond Wano's shores, seeking power. And he had found it. But it wasn't just for vengeance against Kaido and Orochi. No, Takasugi's aim was much broader. His grudge wasn't just against the Beast Pirates. It was against Wano itself.

Kagura had told him.

The last time Takasugi returned to Wano, he had come bearing weapons imbued with a hellish Devil Fruit power, weapons that could have reduced the entire country to a sea of fire. Gintoki and Katsura had stopped him last time.

But what about now? What had he been doing all these years? What did he still plan to do, after throwing himself in with the man he had once taken up arms against? Even now, Momonosuke struggled to comprehend it.

Why? Why? Why?

Why would someone like Takasugi — someone who had once stood against oppression — choose to destroy his own homeland?

Sure, they had their differences. Takasugi had always been headstrong, blunt, and even cruel at times. He had mocked Momonosuke for his weakness, for being the son of Oden yet so unimpressive. To add injury to insult, Momo had never once beat him in a sparring match.

But despite all of that, Momonosuke had respected him. He had admired his will and considered him a comrade. A friend. Because, above all else, Takasugi had always been driven.

So why? Why did that same unyielding drive turn into this? What caused him to turn on everyone and everything he once stood for? Momonosuke had no answer.

…No…That wasn't entirely true.

A terrible, gut-wrenching idea settled in his mind. One possibility that could explain everything.

"Shoyo-sensei…" His throat felt dry as he whispered the name.

Momonosuke had seen it. The way Katsura and Gintoki tensed at the mention of their teacher and their school back at the castle. The way Katsura had shut down, refusing to speak about it.

Takasugi had always idolized Shoyo-sensei — more than most of the students. If something had happened to him… it was possible — no, it was likely — that it had been the breaking point. The moment Takasugi's ideals had died and the moment his hatred had been born.

But Momonosuke didn't know. He still didn't know.

Even now, Katsura refused to tell him what had happened during the war, only saying that the truth would be revealed in due time.

But when? When would he finally understand why everything had changed?

Whatever had happened, it had changed them. Shattered them. It had driven Takasugi and Gintoki apart, turning once-rivaled friends into bitter enemies now seeking to kill each other. How could something like that happen? What could be so horrible that Takasugi would rather burn Wano to the ground than save it?

He had been gone for twenty years. How much longer was he expected to wait to learn everything?

...Oh...

Suddenly, Momonosuke's swings grew slower, his arms slackened, and the bamboo sword in his hands lowered. His eyes turned unfocused, staring into the endless wasteland ahead, lost in the storm of his thoughts.

"Momonosuke-sama?" Kiku's voice was gentle, concerned.

But Momonosuke didn't answer. His mind was too far away, drowning in the realization that had finally, fully settled in.

"…Twenty years…" The words barely escaped his lips, no louder than a whisper. "I've been gone for twenty years…"

He remembered the day they arrived in the future, thanks to his mother's power. In the months that followed before setting out to sea, he wandered the wastelands that had once been his home with his retainers.

He had seen the destruction. The despair. The consequences of Kaido and Orochi's reign over the land. He had thought he understood, on some level, what two decades of suffering meant. But only now did the sheer, unfathomable weight of it truly hit him.

Twenty years was not just a number. It was not just a time skip he had been lucky enough to avoid. Twenty years was something they lived through. It was something everyone else had to endure — something he never did.

Twenty years was long enough for trust to erode and faith to wither. It was long enough for beliefs to change, for alliances to shatter, for people to become unrecognizable, and for the rest of the world to move on without him. It was enough for men he once called friends to become enemies.

And maybe… maybe Ashura Doji had been right.

"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."

Momonosuke's grip tightened around his sword.

"Maybe they were right to feel betrayed… Maybe they were right to no longer trust in my family… in me…"

Because in the end — what had he done?

He had disappeared. He had left them behind. And in those twenty years, Wano had changed in ways he could barely begin to comprehend.

Could it ever be undone? Could he ever be worthy of their trust again?

Or had he already lost that chance?

Maybe…

Maybe he didn't deserve to be trusted at all.

The world around him felt muted, distant. He could hear the faint murmur of conversation, but it barely registered, drowned beneath the weight of his doubts. His mind spiraled deeper, lost in the echoes of Ashura Doji's words, until—

"HEY, MOMO!" A loud voice rang directly into his ear.

"WAAAH!" Momonosuke nearly ejected his entire soul from his body. He stumbled back so fast he almost toppled off the Sharkodile, barely catching himself as he spun toward the Yato girl with gritted teeth.

Kagura knelt beside him, tilting her head. "You okay, kid?"

Shinpachi crossed his arms with a deadpan expression. "Like he would be after you just shouted in his ear!"

Chopper huffed, paws on his hips. "You could've blown out his eardrum!"

Kagura shrugged. "Eh, he'll be fine. If Mozart could do it with one ear, he can too."

Shinpachi deadpanned. "That's not the same thing, and you know it. Also, Mozart wasn't deaf. That was Beethoven."

Kagura shrugged. "Eh, tomato, tomatoe."

Momonosuke exhaled shakily, still rubbing his assaulted ear.

Kiku stepped forward, her expression soft and concerned. "Momonosuke-sama, are you alright?"

Tamako tilted her head. "You really spaced out just now."

Momonosuke hesitated, his mind still lingering in the shadows of his thoughts. But he shook them off.

Not now. Not in front of everyone.

"…I'm fine." His voice was quiet but steady. "Just… thinking about what to say to Gintoki."

At his words, Kiku, Shinpachi, and Chopper all frowned slightly. They knew there was more to it than that, but they chose not to push. Not yet.

Shinpachi offered a small, reassuring smile. "I'm sure you'll find the right words once you see him."

Chopper nodded eagerly. "Yeah! And if you need help setting him straight, you know Luffy will back you up, too!"

Tamako grinned, her previous worry fading slightly. "I can't wait to see them again! I just hope they haven't stirred up too much trouble."

There was a brief pause.

Shinpachi nodded, speaking slowly but with certainty. "Well… It's only been a few days since we last saw them, so I'm sure they're—"

"—probably just recovering and keeping low," Chopper finished.

The words had barely left their mouths before the two froze. Their eyes met.

Wait a minute. Who were they talking about again? Luffy and Gintoki? They were talking about the same two leaders, right?

"…We should probably pick up the pace."

"Agreed."

Without hesitation, the Sharkodile sped up. Because whatever was happening in Udon right now — they were probably already late.

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…"

"…You just had to kick the guy, didn't ya?"

"What?! You kicked him, too!"

"Only because you dragged me with you!"

"Don't act like I was just acting on my own, you Perm Jerk! You wanted to save the old man, too, just like me! You were running all on your own!"

"I don't know what you're talking about! I was just trying to keep a certain moron from getting himself killed! But then you just had to do your hero thing!"

"I'm not a hero, I'm a pirate! And you're the one who yelled, 'This is for the good ol' days, old timer!' before you jumped up and kicked that scorpion guy in the face at the exact same time as me! And what about all those other guards you beat up after?! You took out half of them! Everyone saw it!"

"And you took out the other half! So let's split even and just say it was all you!"

"You jerk! That's not fair at all!"

"Everyone was distracted by you screaming, so who knows what they saw!"

The two stomped forward, foreheads colliding with an audible thud as they glared daggers at each other, pushing back against the other's weight with gritted teeth.

"Don't act like some innocent victim and try to weasel out of this now, you mop-headed liar!"

"Shaddup! I was just a humble businessman caught in the reckless crossfire of your shitty decisions! If you're going down for this, I am not getting dragged with you! Go ahead and cross the Sanzu River on your own, dumbass!"

"Oh, really? Was that your plan when you got arrested right alongside me?! You're just mad because you got caught, you lazy bastard! You're just as dumb as I am!"

"Oh, that's rich coming from you, Dumbass King! If I'm dumb, then you're the entire dictionary definition of dumbassery!"

"What'd you call me, Dumbass Perm?!"

"You heard me! Loud and clear!"

"You wanna fight, Perm Jerk?!"

"Bring it on, Rubber Brat!"

"Hey, if you two idiots are done ignoring me here, I'd like to get this sentencing underway." A third calm but clearly exasperated voice suddenly interrupted.

Both Luffy and Gintoki paused, finally turning toward the massive figure seated before them, impatiently tapping his finger against his throne in the middle of the prison yard.

Queen.

Equally bruised and shackled, the duo stood before the hulking calamity of the Beasts Pirates, their companion, Hyo, nervously watching beside them. The surrounding guards, still recovering from the absolute chaos the two had unleashed, chanted furiously for punishment.

Flanking Queen were the Warden Babanuki — who had shot them down with his elephant SMILE ability after they attempted to scale the prison walls — and the Vice Warden Daifugo, glaring at them with eyes full of pure fury and hate through the shattered remains of his helmet's faceplate, where their feet had landed just ten minutes ago.

Luffy and Gintoki exchanged a glance. Then, as if synchronized from years of sheer stupidity, they pointed at each other and yelled in perfect unison.

"HE started it!"

Queen scowled, leaning forward in his seat as he slammed his fist into the armrest. "I don't care who started it, I'm ending it! I am not some babysitter for a couple of bickering brats! You think I went through all that effort putting on my killer performance back there just to be IGNORED?! I'm Queen the Plague! Second-in-command under Kaido! My performances bring grown men to tears!"

"Must be a pretty bad performance, then." Luffy blinked, unimpressed.

Gintoki nodded sagely. "I'd cry too if I saw a guy that big trying to shimmy into overalls."

Queen sputtered, his massive frame shaking with indignation. "Wha—you—!" He huffed, waving a meaty hand. "You know what? Not even gonna press it. Just shut up and quit making me repeat myself, alright?! I'm offering you two idiots a deal — join Kaido-san's crew, and you'll be pardoned of everything!"

Luffy didn't hesitate. "No, I refuse!"

Gintoki crossed his arms, expression unimpressed. "Yeah, gonna pass on that one, too. I'm already the proud owner of a business, and I quite like being my own boss. Sure, I've got a few annoying coworkers to deal with, but at least I get to set my own hours and wages. And honestly, I'd take dealing with a cranky old landlady over your boss any day."

Queen sighed theatrically, shaking his head. "Come now, gentlemen, there's quite a number of benefits to joining our crew, and fellas like you would be more than welcome." He turned toward Luffy first, smiling in a way that didn't reach his eyes. "Straw Hat, you've made quite a name for yourself since entering the Grand Line. Enies Lobby, Marineford, even just recently in Dressrosa…Well, Kaido-san is still pissed about that, but he's willing to overlook it if you just pledge loyalty to him."

Then his gaze shifted. "And don't think I don't know all about you…" The smirk widened as his eyes locked onto Gintoki. "…Shiroyasha."

Gintoki's blank expression hardened, all traces of humor vanishing at the mention of his infamous moniker.

Queen leaned forward, eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh yeah, I remember hearing your name all the time back during the Joui War. You and your friends did a number on our forces back then despite being outmanned and outgunned." He chuckled as if recalling an old joke. "I'd wager with your strength, the two of you could be Headliners in a year tops, even without SMILE. That said… I can understand why you'd be hesitant, Shiroyasha."

His grin widened. "After all, joining us means you'd be working alongside the same guy who put you in here to begin with."

The air grew heavy. Luffy and Gintoki stood firm, neither flinching under Queen's taunting stare.

Murmurs rippled through the prisoners, their eyes widening as hushed whispers spread through the crowd.

"Wait… did he just say Shiroyasha? No way…"

"I remember him during the war! To think even he'd be captured…"

Queen's attention suddenly snapped to the frail old man sitting in the middle of the duo.

"And you!" His voice was thick with mockery. "This must all feel familiar, huh, Hyogoro? Years ago, Kaido and Orochi spent so much time trying to convince you to join our ranks. Offer after offer, all thrown your way, and yet, you turned your nose up at all of them."

He sneered. "And now look at you …once the great yakuza boss of Wano, now just a shriveled-up old geezer, crawling on the floor, waiting to die like a worm! Bwahaha!"

Hyogoro's hands clenched into fists. His teeth were gritted together. "Do what you will to me… but I beg you, spare these young men!"

Luffy and Gintoki exchanged frowns as they watched the frail old man bow, pressing his forehead against the dirt in their defense. Their fists tightened as the weight of Hyogoro's plea lingered in the air.

More murmurs echoed through the prison yard.

"Hyogoro? Wait… the Hyogoro?!"

"As in Hyogoro the Flower?!"

"No way! That tiny old bean of a man?!"

Queen hummed, tapping his chin in exaggerated thought. Then, his grin stretched even wider.

"Hmmmm… well, well. I think I just figured out how to make this even more fun."

Far off to the side, hidden behind a cart, Raizo gritted his teeth. His heart pounded as he watched the scene unfold.

"Luffy-dono… of all the rotten timing!" Raizo muttered.

He glanced down at the small object in his grip — the key he had just stolen from the guards, sending the whole prison on high alert. The key to Luffy's shackles. Raizo had been hoping to escape with Luffy before things escalated further, but that hope was rapidly slipping through his fingers.

And just as he struggled to think of what to do next, a deep, calm voice spoke from the shadows behind him.

"I cannot believe it… It's you."

Raizo stiffened. The voice was low, but familiar.

"I never thought I'd see you again," the voice continued, a quiet warmth in its tone. "You look the same as you did all those years ago."

Raizo whirled around, body tense. "Who's there?! Name yourself!"

A faint chuckle. Then, from the depths of the cell, the voice answered. "Raizo, it's me." A figure shifted within the darkness. "Kawamatsu."

Raizo's breath was caught in his throat. Kawamatsu. The Kappa Warrior. The friend they had all thought lost.

"Is Momonosuke-sama alive and well?" the voice asked.

Raizo's throat tightened, his grip on the key firming.

"K-Kawamatsu…!" His voice cracked. "Is it really you?! So you are alive after all!"

His hands trembled. A long-lost ally, still standing — a miracle in the middle of this nightmare.

Kawamatsu sighed, his voice dry with years of resignation. "Yes, thirteen years of eating nothing but rotten fish has finally paid off."

Raizo stepped closer, his hands grasping the bars as he squinted into the dark. "Show me your face, old friend!"

"I can't," Kawamatsu replied. "I've been chained to the wall. But that is unimportant right now." His voice sharpened. "Tell me, when is the big battle?"

Raizo didn't hesitate. "Nine days from now, on the night of the Fire Festival!"

Kawamatsu's laugh was quiet but pleased. "That is ideal! I am prepared to fight whenever needed! But first, you must free me."

Raizo nodded eagerly. "Of course! I will do my utmost! What will you need to escape?"

"The keys to my cage and cuffs," Kawamatsu answered. "Though they are so rusted, I do not know if they will open."

Raizo hummed in thought, already calculating his next move. But while the two were deep in conversation, neither of them noticed the cart they had been hiding behind was suddenly moved aside, leaving Raizo standing completely out in the open, right in front of Kawamatsu's forbidden cell.

For a moment, there was silence. Then—

"HEY!" A Beast Pirates guard pointed directly at him. "Someone's standing at the forbidden cell!"

Another pirate's eyes widened in recognition. "It's that ninja! Call Solitare-san! We found the key thief!"'

… … …

Raizo's eyes darted around. "…Ah…Well. That's unfortunate."

… … …

"Smoke Escape Jutsu!" With a dramatic flourish, Raizo threw down a smoke bomb. A thick mist exploded into the air, filling the space with choking fog.

The Beast Pirates coughed and hacked, waving the smoke away with frantic hands. "Damn it, he's gone! Search everywhere! Find him, now!"

The guards scattered in a panic, but Raizo was already on the move, slipping soundlessly into the shadows as the commotion spread through the prison.

All the while, Queen sat comfortably on his throne as a soldier whispered a report in his ear.

Queen exhaled, waving a dismissive hand. "All right… leave the key thief to them." Then, his smirk widened. "You all get hauling! We've got ourselves some fools that need executing!"

At his command, a group of Beast Pirates heaved a massive stone platform into place. The prisoners murmured among themselves as they watched, their eyes darting nervously between the towering structure and the smug calamity overseeing the entire ordeal. The platform's center featured a circular sumo ring. The pirates grunted as they dragged it closer to the Queen's throne before setting it down with a heavy thud.

Luffy, Gintoki, and Hyogoro were shoved up the steps, their feet nearly stumbling on the rough stone as they were forced into the ring.

For a moment, everything was silent. The prisoners watched, uncertain of what new torment was about to unfold. Then, Queen leaped from his throne (how a guy that big moved that nimbly was beyond them), landing dead center in the ring, and immediately broke into a full-on dance routine. Queen spun dramatically, arms flaring outward. His backup dancers materialized on cue, perfectly synchronized as the music kicked in.

"This is my special performance execution~!" Queen announced with a flourish. His arms swung in rhythmic beats, his hips twisting with surprising agility.

"Welcome to… SUMO INFERNO!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, the Beast Pirates chanting Queen's name as the spectacle intensified.

Luffy tilted his head. "Sumo?"

Before he could dwell on it, cold steel clamped around his neck — then another, and another. His fingers immediately shot up, grasping the thick metal collar now locked in place. Gintoki and Hyogoro mirrored the motion, grimacing as the weight of the device settled uncomfortably against their throats.

Queen grinned, his teeth glinting under the harsh sunlight.

"Now, those collars around your necks~?" His voice lilted in a sing-song tone as he hoisted up another collar around a column, holding it for display. "Imagine this stone pillar is you! If any of you guys leave the ring with this baby on…"

With a casual flick of his wrist, he tossed the pillar just outside the ring.

BCHUNK!

Before it even touched the ground, the collar exploded with a violent BOOM, reducing the thick column to nothing but rubble. Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"WHOA!" The Beast Pirates howled with laughter.

Luffy, Gintoki, and Hyogoro all instinctively recoiled. Queen lifted another collar to demonstrate. The collar unsheathed razor-sharp red blades from the inside, gleaming under the light. "…These bad boys will deploy instantly and slice your heads clean off!"

Luffy immediately started yanking at the collar, trying to slip his head out. "Dammit! It's just like the Celestial Dragons' collars!"

Queen wagged a finger at him. "Uh-uh! No use tryin' to get 'em off~! They ain't designed to be removed!" He chuckled, enjoying their discomfort. "But hey, there's a silver lining!" His grin widened. "All you gotta do is keep winning your sumo matches!"

He clapped his hands, clearly delighted by his own game. "Lose by stepping out of the ring? Boom! Instant decapitation! Simple, right?"

More laughter from the guards.

Queen continued, pacing leisurely around the ring. "Now, here's the deal: you three are a team! If even one of you manages to stay in the ring, the match continues!" His smirk sharpened. "But… if all three of you take a tumble? Well… that's execution complete!"

He lifted a finger, mockingly waggling it between Luffy and Gintoki. "Buuuut, if Straw Hat and Shiroyasha decide they'd rather join our crew at any point~? They alone can walk away scot-free!"

Luffy scowled. Gintoki's eye twitched. Queen barely suppressed his amusement.

"Obviously, you guys aren't allowed to bring weapons in with you," he added, voice dripping with false sympathy. "But the same can't be said for us!"

The Beast Pirates roared in approval. Queen spread his arms wide. "On our side, we got weapons, numbers, and no collars! I have no limit to the manpower at my disposal!" He grinned. "So, to make things fair, I'll remove your cuffs!"

From the sidelines, Raizo — who had been eavesdropping with growing frustration from his new hiding spot — felt his jaw drop.

"WHAT?!" He nearly choked on air. "I worked so hard to get that key! Does this mean… I had the wrong one this whole time?!"

Ignoring the ninja's plight, the guards approached Luffy, Gintoki, and Hyogoro, brandishing keys. With a click, the seastone cuffs snapped open, falling to the ground with a heavy clang.

Gintoki rolled his wrists to get the blood circulating again, flexing his fingers as if shaking off years of restraint.

Luffy, however, wasted no time breaking into a grin. He hopped once. Twice. Then, in one burst of movement, he leaped into the air, twisting in place before landing on the balls of his feet.

"YOSHHH!" He pumped his fists, exhilaration flooding his veins as his strength finally returned. He felt lighter. Stronger. He turned to Queen, flashing the All-Star a genuine smile.

"You're actually a pretty nice guy, aren't you?" Luffy said, stretching his arms over his head. "You pretty much freed us already!"

Queen's expression twisted. "...H-Have you already forgotten about the collars? I just put something way more dangerous on you guys."

Luffy paused. "...Oh yeah."

"Seriously?" Gintoki sighed.

Hyogoro, still frowning, glanced between them. "Wait, if we're a team… I'll only hold Straw Hat and Silver Hair back. At least let us go one at a time—"

Gintoki looked down at the old man with an unreadable expression, saying nothing.

Luffy took a step forward, his eyes locking onto Queen. "Hey, Balloon!"

Queen twitched. "Balloon?!"

Luffy crossed his arms, his tone confident. "If I kick your ass, will you set us free?"

For a second, the entire sumo ring fell silent. The pirates, the prisoners, the guards — everyone just stared. Even Queen, caught mid-breath, looked like his brain had just short-circuited.

"BAHAHAHAHA!"

The Beast Pirates burst into uproarious laughter, clutching their sides as if Luffy's question had been the funniest thing they had ever heard.

Queen threw his head back, his massive shoulders shaking from laughter. "You guys hear that?! He says he's gonna kick my ass!" Queen's laughter finally ceased, before leaning down to eye level, leveling Luffy with a cocky smirk. "You crack me up."

For a moment, the two stared each other down, tension crackling between them. But Luffy's grin didn't waver. He stood firm, unwavering beneath the weight of Queen's amusement.

Then, another voice broke through the raucous crowd.

"Hey now, I'd take this a little more seriously if I were you," Gintoki spoke up, stepping forward as he casually scratched his head. "I mean, look, the kid may be a dumbass—"

"Hey!" Luffy shot him a glare.

"—but I'd say it's a fair question." Gintoki jerked his thumb toward the crowd. "I mean, once we're done mopping the floor with your no-name lackeys, you are gonna have to step in the ring yourself, right?"

The laughter died down. The pirates bristled immediately, their egos bruised.

"What'd you just say, bastard?!"

"Who are you calling weak?!"

Gintoki blinked, now directly speaking to the crowd. "Oh? When did I say you were weak?" He tilted his head, looking almost innocent. "You guys are the ones making that assumption. I just made a general observation. You know, like when you say, 'Wow, it smells weird in here,' and suddenly someone gets real defensive even though no one said their name? I mean, if you heard that and immediately thought, 'Oh no, he's talking about me,' maybe that says more about your own deep-seated insecurities than anything I actually said, y'know?"

"Like, I was talking about 'no-name lackeys,' and suddenly fifty of you got offended at once. That's not on me. That's a group therapy issue." Gintoki paused dramatically, then added with a shrug and waved a hand vaguely at the fuming crowd. "Could be unresolved childhood trauma. Could be that your boss calls you 'Cannon Fodder #7' behind your back at the water cooler in the break room. Could just be that you skipped leg day one too many times. Who's to say?"

A small smirk appears across his face as he gives the growing-aggravated crowd a final side-eye.

"I mean, if some random prisoner who hasn't showered in three days says something vague, and you immediately take it as a personal attack on yourselves, I dunno, man… maybe you're the ones who need to look in a mirror and have a little heart-to-heart with your inner self. Ask yourself, 'Why did that hit me so hard?' y'know?"

A vein popped in one every last one of the Beast Pirates' foreheads. "WILL YOU SHUT UP ALREADY?!"

With exaggerated bravado, a group of five Beast Pirates stepped forward, pushing through the crowd of their still-pissed comrades. Armed with swords, their expressions dripped with arrogance as they swaggered onto the sumo ring, rolling their shoulders as if this was just another routine execution.

One of them sneered. "Queen-sama! They don't get it yet! They're still acting cocky 'cause they don't realize how bad their situation really is!"

Queen smirked, tilting his head. "A good point! Then get up there and prepare to fight, boys!"

The crowd erupted into a frenzy as the five guards stepped into position, jeering and chanting for what they believed would be an entertaining execution. Queen leaped out of the ring, returning to his throne, leaning forward with anticipation. The guards leered over the trio, their smirks wide and confident, savoring the inevitable slaughter.

Hyogoro's expression darkened.

"There's too many of them…" he muttered under his breath.

One of the Beast Pirates snickered. "Five-on-three. And we've got weapons. You don't have squat!"

Another sneered. "Realized you're all gonna die yet?!"

Luffy, however, remained completely unfazed, his signature grin still plastered across his face. Gintoki, on the other hand, just scratched the back of his head, looking thoroughly unimpressed as he surveyed their opponents with his usual dead-fish-eyed stare.

The watching prisoners averted their eyes. They couldn't bear to witness it — their supposed saviors about to be butchered before their very eyes. Soft murmurs filled the air, whispers of quiet resignation.

"Rest in peace, Old Man Hyo… Straw Hat… Silver Hair…"

"It was a nice dream while it lasted… but this is our reality…"

Suddenly, Queen's voice boomed across the prison yard.

"DON'T YOU LOOK AWAY!" he bellowed, forcing the prisoners' heads up. "Observe what happens to those who defy us in this prison!"

The female referee stepped forward, raising her hand. "Lock eyes with your opponents!"

The five Beast Pirates dropped into their sumo stances, grinning with anticipation. Luffy, Gintoki, and Hyogoro, however, remained standing exactly where they were.

The referee lifted her hand. "Ready…"

Hyogoro exhaled, his eyes heavy with regret. "I'm sorry, Straw Hat Gentleman… Silver Haired Gentleman…" he murmured. "Because of me—"

Luffy's grin suddenly faded. His eyes sharpened. "Stay close to me."

Hyogoro blinked. "Huh?"

Gintoki rolled his neck. "So, how do you wanna do this?"

"I got this," Luffy said simply. "Just stay behind me."

Gintoki's eye twitched in annoyance, but he got the message, already knowing what Luffy was about to do.

The referee's hand came down.

"BEGIN!"

The five guards charged, weapons raised.

"You prisoners are about to learn a painful lesson as to why no one defies the guards! Gyahahaha!"

Luffy closed his eyes. Then his grin widened.

A sudden, invisible force exploded outward from his body, rippling outward through the prison yard. Within a single breath, the five charging guards froze mid-step. Their eyes rolled back. Then, all at once, they collapsed like ragdolls onto the ground. Foam frothed from their mouths as they hit the ring hard, completely unconscious.

For a second, there was absolute silence. Then—

"EH?!"

The prisoners' jaws dropped.

"EH?!"

The guards staggered back, wide-eyed and gaping.

Hyogoro stared, his breath catching in his throat. He had just witnessed a miracle.

Luffy exhaled and stretched his arms. "Alright, next! These guys aren't even good enough for a warm-up!"

Gintoki gave a long, unimpressed sigh. "Little overkill for the first round, don't you think?"

Luffy raised an eyebrow. "What, you'd rather waste time dealing with small fry like these guys?"

"Eh, not really." Gintoki stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Just saying, gotta pace yourself. It's only round one, Mr. Main Character."

A low chuckle rumbled from Queen's throat.

"Conqueror's Haki, huh?" He smirked, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Impressive."

Three other Beast Pirates from the crowd exchanged wary glances before slowly drawing their weapons. Unlike the others, they weren't about to charge in head-on — not after what they had just witnessed. Instead, they slinked toward the back of the ring, crouching low beneath the platform, moving to flank their targets from behind.

But their presence was already noticed.

Without turning his head, Luffy's voice cut through the air. "Permy…"

Gintoki sighed. "Yeah, yeah, I got 'em."

The three pirates sprang up from behind the ring, weapons flashing as they lunged toward Hyogoro, targeting the easiest prey.

"TIME TO DIE, OLD MAN!"

"Go to hell!"

But before their blades could reach him, Gintoki moved.

In a blink, he grabbed Hyogoro by the back of his robe and flung him toward Luffy. The old man barely had time to process what was happening before he was airborne.

Meanwhile, the first attacker lunged in, his spear aimed straight for Gintoki's exposed back. For a fraction of a second, it seemed like a direct hit. But just before impact—

Gin's foot slid back ever so slightly, his weight shifting at the last possible moment. The spear's tip glided past him, missing by a hair's breadth.

Before the soldier could react, Gintoki whipped around, his hand snaking up to the shaft of the weapon, fingers curling around the wood.

With a sharp yank, he tore it from the Beast Pirate's grip. The man barely had time to register his loss before—

CRACK!

The blunt end of the spear smashed into his temple. His body crumpled like a ragdoll, eyes rolling back as he hit the ground hard. Gintoki barely spared a glance before his body was already shifting—

The second attacker lunged in, a cutlass slicing through the air in a wild arc, aiming straight for Gin's ribs. But instead of stepping back—

Gintoki dropped low, his knees bending effortlessly as the blade whistled past his head. The moment it did, he twisted.

The spear snapped in half over his knee with a single, fluid motion. Before the swordsman could adjust—

THWACK!

Half of the broken spear slammed into his jaw. The impact spun him sideways.

Gintoki didn't wait for him to fall—

A flick of the wrist—

The splintered end of the broken spear jabbed into the man's gut as a parting gift. The soldier wheezed, doubling over, before a well-placed kick sent him flying out of the ring.

The final attacker, armed with a katana, saw his chance. He lunged from the opposite side, swinging his blade in a clean, horizontal arc.

Gintoki turned his head slightly, watching the blade's approach in slow motion. Then, just before it could reach him—

SNAP!

The broken spear in Gin's grip flipped, the jagged end slamming between the attacker's eyes.

The soldier staggered, vision whiting out for half a second. And in that second—

Gintoki stepped inside his guard. His fingers flicked out and grasped the hilt of the man's katana.

One quick twist. The blade was suddenly no longer in the Beast Pirate's hands.

A blur of silver. A flash of steel.

The blade sliced cleanly across the soldier's chest, sending him sprawling backward in a spray of blood.

By the time Hyogoro hit the ground and scrambled to his feet, it was already over.

Gintoki exhaled, flicking the blood off the newly acquired katana before resting it lazily on his shoulder. He barely even looked winded.

Hyogoro gawked. "A-a-amazing…!"

Luffy whistled, impressed but not surprised. His mind flashed back to Bakura-chō, recalling the way the silver-permed samurai had fought back then.

The prisoners could only stare.

"D-did you see that?!"

"The way he moved! The way he took their weapons and sent them flying in an instant?!"

"No wasted effort. No hesitation. Flawless."

An elderly prisoner's voice trembled. "It really is him… The legendary White Demon of the Joui War! No one else could fight like that!"

But while the prisoners were awed, the remaining guards were furious. Finally snapping out of their stunned silence, they bristled in outrage.

"HEY!" one of them shouted. "Didn't you hear us?! Only WE are allowed to use weapons!"

Gintoki blinked. "Eh? I don't know what you're talking about."

"YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WE MEAN! The rules clearly state—!"

"Hmm? You guys said we weren't allowed to bring weapons in ourselves." Gintoki cut him off, turning to the crowd as he casually dug his pinky into his nose. "Fortunately, your buddies here were generous enough to lend me theirs for a bit. No rule against that."

To emphasize his point, he flicked his booger into the stands. A random Beast Pirate shrieked and ducked as if dodging a sniper shot, further enraging his comrades.

"YOU FILTHY BASTARD—!" The crowd practically roared in unison.

Luffy laughed, slapping his knee. "Man, you really know how to piss people off."

Gintoki scoffed. "You're the last person I want to hear that from."

Queen let out a deep chuckle. "Heh. What a smartass." Then, slamming a fist into his throne, he grinned. "I'LL ALLOW IT! Let's keep this going now! Pleasures! Waiters!"

The stadium erupted in renewed excitement, the crowd still convinced that the three prisoners before them had to meet their demise sooner or later.

A nearby Beast Pirate growled. "Those smug bastards… they're making a damn mockery of us."

Another nodded. "We gotta put 'em down fast. No more playing around!"

Meanwhile, in his cell, Kawamatsu listened to the chaos unfolding outside. He grinned, teeth flashing in the dim light.

"Kappa-pa-pa-pa… It's certainly gotten livelier around here." His gaze flickered toward the wall as if staring straight through it. His voice lowered, tone now firm. "Just don't let Hyogoro-oyabun die, you two. We need him…Luffytaro… Gintoki…!"

Writing Sumo Inferno was pretty fun. I got a lot planned for this little mini-arc, especially regarding Luffy and Gintoki's dynamic with each other. Should be fun. 'Til next time!