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Near the Shogun's Castle, on the rooftop overlooking the square, Kozuki Hiyori clung to her mother Toki, their gaze fixed on the steps below.
As they looked down, they caught sight of Kozuki Sukiyaki , then to Alex, who stood at the center of the crowd. In just one day, Alex had not only eradicated Kurozumi Orochi but had also claimed the title of Shogun of Wanokuni. He had accomplished the impossible and set the stage for Wanokuni's future.
With this, only one task remained to fulfill his bold promise: to drive Kaido out of Wanokuni. Watching him from above, Toki felt a wave of conflicted hope; she knew that if Alex succeeded in liberating Wanokuni, she'd be willing to make any sacrifice to see it through.
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Meanwhile, on Onigashima, the distant island base of Kaido's forces, the events in the Flower Capital were being broadcast live through a Den Den Mushi in the main hall.
"Damn brat," Queen grumbled, visibly irritated. "We're supposed to be partners, yet he dares to go on about driving us out and uses it to build his reputation."
"Indeed. It's surprising that the former shogun, Kozuki Sukiyaki, is alive—and even stranger that he handed the position over to Alex," King added, his tone serious. "Alex clearly knows how to manipulate the people's hearts. With the entire nation behind him, his influence is not to be underestimated."
"Wororororo! That brat Alex!" Kaido scoffed, though his laughter betrayed a hint of reluctant admiration. "I was planning to claim that fruit of his! But I didn't expect him to pull something like this... Looks like he was well-prepared!"
Staring at the projection with a mixture of anger and drunken amusement, Kaido let out a long, throaty laugh. But after a moment, his expression turned calculating. "If he's really Shogun of Wanokuni now, then it's time to talk. Bring me the Den Den Mushi—I'll speak to him personally!"
Thoughts of the Road Poneglyph and the formation of his Zoan Legion danced in Kaido's mind as he reached for his drink once more. Meanwhile, Yamato, standing nearby with wide eyes, watched the screen with open admiration.
"That's so cool!" she murmured excitedly. "I want to be just like Alex!"
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With Alex's proclamation as the new shogun spreading across the nation, Wanokuni had erupted into grand celebrations. All around the country, lanterns lit up the night, and laughter filled the streets. In the lively Flower Capital, people cheered with a renewed spirit, grateful for the hope that Alex, their new "Shogun of Hope," had brought to them.
As the celebrations continued, Alex, now officially the shogun, had entered the freshly cleared mansion that once belonged to Orochi. Any remnants of Orochi's regime had been purged.
At this moment, he was meeting with the daimyos of Wanokuni, including Shimotsuki Yasuie, the daimyo of Hakumai, who had traveled urgently from his province, filled with new resolve.
Yasuie, kneeling before Alex, looked up with fierce determination. "Shogun, I hear you plan to challenge Kaido. Our samurai stand ready to fight by your side."
Shimotsuki Yasuie's samurai army in Hakumai had always been Wanokuni's largest defense force outside the Flower Capital. As a family that had loyally served the Shogun of Wanokuni for generations, the Shimotsuki clan's honor was unshakable—unlike Kurozumi Orochi, who had aligned with foreign invaders to harm Wanokuni. After hearing Alex's declaration, Yasuie surrendered to Alex's command without a moment's hesitation.
Alongside him was the daimyo of Ringo, who had also pledged loyalty to the new shogun. This was the power of Alex's rightful claim to the title of Shogun of Wanokuni: he could now rally the entire country, summoning countless warriors to form a formidable army.
With a nation's might behind him and two devastating abilities at his disposal, Alex was in a position where he could challenge even Kaido directly. But Alex had no intention of an all-out assault.
His partnership with Kaido, however tenuous, was currently beneficial, and the artificial Devil Fruits he had introduced was for a much larger plan. Kaido, for now, remained a valuable part of that strategy.
"Yasuie, there's no need for you to worry. Just keep your army guarding Flower Capital. I have my own way to handle Kaido," Alex said, lifting Yasuie to his feet with a respectful nod.
But Yasuie's face remained tense. "Don't be careless, Shogun! That was how Orochi allowed Kaido to seize control of the palace."
Just then, a figure dropped down from the ceiling, landing gracefully beside them. She too spoke up, her tone filled with concern. "The daimyo is right, Alex-sama! Please, do not underestimate Kaido!"
Alex glanced at the newcomer, a woman in a striking ninja outfit. "And you are?"
The ninja knelt, her expression earnest. "I am Shinobu, once a ninja of the Oniwabanshu. I left when I could no longer stomach Orochi's tyranny. Now that he's dead and you've been recognized as shogun by Lord Sukiyaki, I wish to serve Wanokuni once more."
With a half-bow, Shinobu continued urgently, "I fought against Kaido with the Kozuki retainers. His strength and that of his crew cannot be taken lightly!"
Yasuie looked at Shinobu in surprise. As fellow retainers of the Kozuki, they knew each other well, but he hadn't realized she'd fought alongside them in that fateful battle.
"Don't worry," Alex assured them, his tone steady. "I won't be as reckless as Kozuki Oden. Behind me stands the future of millions. Without a solid plan, I wouldn't risk Wanokuni's hope."
As he spoke, he raised his hand. Suddenly, the floor beneath them lifted slightly, suspending everyone in midair.
"What… what's happening?" Yasuie and the others gasped, startled by the gentle, controlled ascent.
"Is this some kind of sorcery like Kin'emon's?" someone murmured in wonder.
Alex gave a small, confident smile. "As you say, this is a kind of sorcery—an ancient secret from overseas. I have the power to make anything fly, even people, even entire islands."
To demonstrate further, Alex gave a light pat to Shinobu's ninja attire. Instantly, her clothes lifted her, and she began floating upward. Stunned, she looked at him in awe.
"Not only do I have this power, but your new shogun is far stronger than you think," Alex said. His calm demeanor shifted, and in an instant, his presence became more intense, almost suffocating.
Yasuie, a seasoned warrior himself, felt his heart pounding as the pressure intensified, beads of sweat gathering on his forehead. Alex's aura filled the room, radiating an authority that made everyone acutely aware of his strength.
"My goal is not to avoid war out of fear of sacrifice. As long as it brings a brighter future for Wanokuni, any cost is worth it," Alex declared.
"But I am not reckless. Without absolute confidence, I would never have declared my intentions to the people in the square."
He looked each of them in the eye, his voice steady. "I have what it takes to stand against Kaido. All you need to do is wait for the good news."