Hakumai, the prestigious mansion of the Shimotsuki family.
"How was the handling of the rebellion in the Ebisu Township, Kibi Township, and Kuri Township?"
Lord Shimotsuki Yasuie sat upright at the head of the room, looking down at the group of vassals below.
"My lord, all rebels have been quelled, and the officials from each township are currently tallying the specific losses and preparing for reconstruction."
A retainer with patched clothing smiled as he spoke.
The others also smiled, as they believed the insurgents' actions were futile and the outcome was as expected. The rebels were ultimately routed by the samurai.
"So, what were the specific reasons for this peasant rebellion? I heard it was because the local landlords in these three areas raised rents for the tenants, and the daimyo's administration forcibly requisitioned a significant amount of newly cultivated land?"
Lord Shimotsuki was evidently dissatisfied with this answer, as it differed from what he had heard.
"Rumors, all rumors. The rents for tenants in each township are uniform, and there is absolutely no irregular collection. These are just ungrateful people spreading lies. Besides, the newly cultivated land belongs to the Shimotsuki family, as it is reclaimed from Hakumai's land."
"If the land is reclaimed by someone, it belongs to them. We just need to collect rent."
Lord Shimotsuki stated firmly.
"You are indeed merciful, my lord. We will proceed immediately. Also, my lord, it has been almost two months since salaries were distributed in the mansion. Should we address this?"
A retainer looked at Lord Shimotsuki and asked, as the maintenance and various expenses of such a large mansion required funds.
"I will think of a solution."
Lord Shimotsuki furrowed his brow. Since the mansion was robbed of a large sum earlier, and subsequently funds were given to the Kin'emon family, the entire Hakumai mansion had plunged into an economic crisis.
"Then, my lord, we shall take our leave."
"Very well."
The group respectfully exited the mansion. Once they were out of earshot, their expressions of reverence turned cold.
"Prime Minister, does Lord Shimotsuki suspect something?"
A retainer asked the person who had reported to Lord Shimotsuki earlier.
"Hmph, suspect? What could he possibly suspect, that kind of person? He dares to think he can coexist equally with those peasants, yet he fails to see the expenses involved in maintaining such a grand mansion, including guards and servants. Can his possessions alone sustain it?
Moreover, we, the several major families, have assisted him generation after generation. Must we also foolishly live like commoners?
By the way, ensure that the nobles in Inahara Township handle their affairs promptly. If they fail, I don't mind dealing with them!"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Let's head to Flower capital. I heard there's a beautiful courtesan there."
Afterward, the group changed direction and headed toward Flower capital.
...
"My lord, we won't have enough food for much longer."
A man dressed in patched clothing and grass shoes respectfully addressed Nicholas.
In the eyes of these mountain dwellers, Nicholas was akin to their savior. Not only did he show them the way, but he also taught them how to use firearms to resist the samurai.
"Don't worry about food. The sea is abundant with resources; it's just a matter of broadening your horizons beyond Wano."
To address the food shortage, Nicholas personally led the team, accompanied by the temporary group of peasants totaling less than a hundred people.
These people were mainly responsible for various tasks on board the ship.
As the sails were raised and several enormous goldfish controlled by June dove into the water, the massive ship entered full speed, reaching over eighty kilometers per hour.
This speed was effortless on land but challenging on the sea, where the waves constantly tossed the ship, making it feel like surfing.
Nicholas placed his hand on the ship's railing, then activated his ability, creating an invisible barrier around the ship, lifting it from the sea. The ship's bottom skimmed along the water's surface, and the previously undulating deck now felt solid like land.
Soon, the people from Wano witnessed a sight they had never seen before.
A colossal six-eyed flying fish, over three hundred meters long, soared out of the water like a bird, generating massive splashes, and lunged towards the ship, seemingly about to swallow it whole. The once imposing ship appeared small and helpless at that moment.
Before the passengers could panic, a beam of light flashed, and the enormous six-eyed flying fish was split in half.
Blood and seawater mixed as they fell from the sky, drenching everyone on the ship from head to toe.