"Dan-sama, are we really going to Kuri?" Yukiko asked, her voice slightly raised, loud enough for nearby passersby to hear.
This was, of course, intentional.
"Yes, I'm going to Kuri to subdue all those ronin and then have the Shogun appoint me as the daimyo of Kuri!" Dan replied, while carefully observing the expressions of the people around him. As expected, their faces were filled with mocking smiles.
He deliberately wanted this news to spread, all part of his plan. Once he successfully brought order to Kuri, Kozuki Sukiyaki would "know" that Dan's only ambition was to become the daimyo of Kuri, and thus wouldn't view him as a significant threat.
For Kozuki Sukiyaki, having an additional daimyo in Kuri would be more beneficial than harmful. After all, Kuri was already a lawless land, and he had no control over it. On the other hand, if Dan managed to bring stability to Kuri, a portion of its taxes would eventually flow to the Flower Capital, providing Sukiyaki with an additional source of revenue.
In truth, this plan wasn't exactly refined—some might even call it absurd. Under normal circumstances, no ruler would allow someone of unknown background to become a daimyo. But considering his opponent was the Kozuki clan, Dan suddenly felt that this plan was sufficiently clever.
Hakumai was one of the more prosperous regions in Wano, second only to the Flower Capital. The other regions either suffered from harsh climates or were barren wastelands and lawless zones. Only Hakumai enjoyed a relatively pleasant climate, and its daimyo, Yasuie, was a capable leader who had managed the region well.
As a result, the streets of Hakumai were bustling with people.
With so many people around, it was inevitable that someone would mock or advise against Dan's seemingly reckless declaration.
"Hahaha, young man, if you're planning to go to Kuri, you'd better turn back now."
"Kuri isn't a place for someone like you. Those ronin there are said to be two or three meters tall!"
"That's right, kid. Someone like you might have a future as a courtesan in the pleasure district, but going to Kuri? You might not even be as tall as the swords those ronin carry!"
Although Dan had transmigrated into the world of One Piece, his physique hadn't become particularly imposing. After half a year of training, he had grown about ten centimeters, but he was still only 1.9 meters tall.
In the world of One Piece, that height was practically insignificant.
"You people, Dan-sama is incredibly strong!" Yukiko immediately retorted, her voice filled with indignation. Even though she knew they were deliberately trying to attract attention, she couldn't stand hearing such dismissive remarks about Dan.
Yukiko had a clear understanding of Dan's strength—he was powerful.
She had witnessed it firsthand. When they first met, Dan had been just as unskilled in combat as she was. But in a short time, he had defeated Kurozumi Orochi, who had been training for over a year. Later, even after Orochi consumed a Devil Fruit, the result was the same.
"Young lady, you're really something. Following your master to a place like that... Those ronin don't know the meaning of mercy. Someone as delicate as you would be..." The passerby shook his head, his words harsh but well-meaning. He seemed to be genuinely concerned for Yukiko, given her young age and delicate appearance.
Dan noticed Yukiko puffing her cheeks in frustration, ready to argue further, so he gently pulled her back and whispered in her ear, "That's enough. Let's go."
Yukiko shivered as the warm breath brushed her ear, her face turning bright red as if it were about to drip blood.
'Dan-sama, there are so many people watching...'
Embarrassed, Yukiko lowered her head and softly replied, "Okay."
Dan walked ahead for a while before realizing Yukiko was still standing there, her face flushed, lost in thought. He walked back, pinched her cheek, and lifted her head. "What nonsense are you thinking about now?"
Yukiko's face burned even hotter, and she tried to look away, but Dan's hand kept her head in place. She had no choice but to close her eyes and stammer, "Wh-what should we name... the baby?"
Dan felt like her overheated brain was about to start steaming.
"Let's go."
Suppressing the urge to roll his eyes, Dan let go of her and gently patted her head. Yukiko covered her head, pretending to cry out in pain, her eyes teary. But in reality, it didn't hurt at all.
Compared to their first meeting half a year ago, Yukiko no longer felt any fear toward Dan. Instead, she had developed admiration and affection for him, often daydreaming and letting her imagination run wild.
It just goes to show that people are naturally drawn to appearances. If Dan had looked like Kurozumi Orochi, things would have been very different.
During these six months, Dan had also "tasted" Yukiko's charms. A piece of tender, untouched meat delivered right to his lips—Dan had no reason to refuse. He wasn't some saintly eunuch.
After all, back when he was watching the anime, he had fantasized about transmigrating into the world of One Piece and forming a pirate crew—or rather, a harem—composed entirely of beautiful women.
But that was just a fantasy. Dan clearly understood that the most important thing in this world was power.
Second only to power was influence.
Even the Emperors of the Sea in the New World needed their own forces. While low-level grunts might be useless, a swarm of super-soldiers could sometimes overwhelm even a weakened hero.
However, Dan didn't think too far ahead. For now, his goal was to seize control of Wano and establish a firm foothold amidst the world's turbulent currents. Whether he chose to play on easy mode or hard mode afterward would depend on his mood.
If he chose easy mode, he could simply wait twenty years, go to the East Blue, and steal the Nika Fruit. If he chose hard mode, he could let Kozuki Momonosuke escape and return forty years later with Monkey D. Luffy, the chosen one, to see just how powerful the protagonist's halo of destiny truly was.
But whether it was easy mode or hard mode, one thing was certain: the Kozuki clan's fate wouldn't be a happy one.
In truth, Dan didn't have any irreconcilable conflicts with Kozuki Oden. Oden himself had no desire to become Shogun, and even if he returned to find the country usurped, as long as Dan ruled well, Oden likely wouldn't interfere.
However, destroying the Kozuki clan was Kurozumi Orochi's wish. The man had knelt loyally before Dan, begging him to grant this small request. It was hard for Dan to refuse.