The outside world is in motion, while inside Wano Country...
Flower Capital
This is the most prosperous area in Wano Country and the residence of the ruler, the "General."
In this magnificent capital, there is a hint of darkness despite the General's rule, who holds absolute power over all of Wano Country. Just like any seemingly bright nation, there is a small group of underworld figures, and the leader among them is Hyogoro.
Yes, it's the later Flower Hyogoro, who trained Luffy in the Rokushiki techniques. However, he is not the thin old man from later times; he is currently in his prime.
He appears somewhat overweight with little muscle definition, but that's mainly because he hasn't exercised much after establishing his reputation. He wears a simple coat over his upper body, exposing a large belly. There are blue tattoos on his shoulders and chest area.
Taking a puff of his cigarette, he happily speaks to the person in front of him.
"Hi, it's been a while, Hyimaro! Didn't expect to see you again!"
The man in front of him has a much better physique, not exactly muscular, even considered slim in this world. However, he possesses a unique charisma.
His gaze is exceptionally determined, dressed in a kimono with a red top and white bottom. He has a mane of brown-red long hair, currently sitting in front of Hyogoro, holding a cup of sake.
Yes, he is Himura Kenshin.
A long time ago, Kenshin was brought to Wano Country by Minamoto no Yoritomo.
Wano Country is the most suitable place for Kenshin, and this is where Kenshin's later identity originated.
He takes a sip of the sake in his cup, then expresses a slight sigh, saying, "Years have passed since we last met, and Hyogoro, you seem to be getting younger."
"Hahaha, talking about getting younger? It's you, Kenshin, who seems to be growing younger," Hyogoro says with some joy. "By the way, where's your master? Why didn't he come down the mountain with you this time?"
To have a reasonable and convenient identity, Yoritomo modified some of Hyogoro's memories, and Yoritomo's current strength is no less than that of Machvise, fully capable of achieving this.
"His temperament is better suited to staying in the mountains," Kenshin says softly. "Handling things like drinking is always left to me."
"He still doesn't want to come down the mountain, such a pity. Strong individuals like you and your master, if you joined the Kozuki Family, could have become the world's number one samurai," Hyogoro regrets.
In his memory, Himura Kenshin and his master Hiko Seijuro were powerful warriors, but Hiko believed that warriors like them, once they came down from the mountain, would be manipulated by others. Thus, despite having powerful martial arts, they lived a hermit-like life.
It was when Kenshin went out before that he happened to see Kenshin, who was out for a drink, two years ago. So, he brought Kenshin to his home.
Kenshin shakes his head, "In times of prosperity, who needs samurai?"
As he just finishes his words, a rough voice suddenly comes from outside.
"Hyogoro boss, who did you say wants to become the world's number one samurai?"
Hearing this voice, Hyogoro frowns and sighs, "Troublesome person is coming."
Kenshin doesn't need him to say it; he already knows who is coming. He looks towards the door, which is immediately pushed open. The newcomer is tall, with phoenix eyes and thick eyebrows. He has black hair tied up into a massive disc on his head, even larger than his own head.
He carries two swords on his waist and walks in a carefree manner.
Oden Kozuki...
Having been in Wano Country for a few years, Kenshin sees Oden Kozuki in person for the first time.
This man, with the ability of curses and memes, possesses the world's most potent notebook. Yes, he is a man who can enchant others.
"No need to ask, who is this..."
But on the surface, Kenshin still asks Hyogoro, "Who is this?"
"Oden Kozuki!" Before Hyogoro answers, Oden has walked over, casually filling himself a cup of sake. "Hyogoro, it's been a long time. Who would've thought I'd see you again!"
"Boss, who is this..." But Kenshin doesn't wait for Hyogoro to answer; Oden has already approached and asked Kenshin, "Hey, who are you? I've never heard Boss Hyogoro say that someone could become the world's number one samurai."
"Himura Kenshin." Kenshin honestly replies, but then shakes his head, "I dare not claim to be the world's number one samurai. Boss Hyogoro is exaggerating."
"Hyogoro boss, should I pay attention to someone who can't drink and can't become the strongest samurai?" Oden looks at Kenshin with some dissatisfaction, but Hyogoro directly pushes him out, saying, "Kenshin has something to do later. Don't cause trouble here."
"Eh? What do you mean by causing trouble? I'm serious!" Oden looks somewhat disappointed.
Kenshin, looking at their shoving, also slowly stands up. He picks up a gourd from the table, politely saying to Hyogoro, "Boss Hyogoro, I'll leave first. Until we meet again."
Hyogoro, upon hearing this, expresses some regret, "I hope the next time we meet, your master can change his mind."
Kenshin nods, "I will convey Boss Hyogoro's words to my master."
After saying that, he leaves.
In a short while, only Hyogoro and Oden are left in the room.
"Boss, who was that guy, and his master? You seem to care a lot," Oden, still the same as before, walks to the table and starts eating.
Hyogoro sighs, "They are both formidable swordsmen, especially his master. I can feel that he is unfathomable."
"Really powerful?" Oden is a bit skeptical. He knows that Hyogoro is indeed powerful; otherwise, how could he become the boss of the underworld?
But such Hyogoro actually said that others are unfathomable?
"Of course," Hyogoro says confidently, "Don't give me that expression. I can be sure that his master is much more powerful than you."
"Really?" Oden's face shows some excitement, but Hyogoro gives him a stern look. "I advise you not to have any ideas about them. Hiko is a powerful swordsman, but he is also a recluse, living without a fixed address."
"When I go with him, isn't that okay?"
Hyogoro is well aware of Oden's personality, so he says directly, "You are absolutely impossible to keep up with Kenshin."
As the words fall, Oden has already disappeared.
Hyogoro sighs in Flower Capital.