Tears glistened in Ashura's eyes - tears of emotion and relief, but also tears brimming with hope for the future.
As town after town seemed infused with new vitality, gradually raising the Divine Kingdom's flags symbolizing hope and change, the entire Land of Wano appeared to be gently pushed by an invisible hand, undergoing an unprecedented, earth-shaking transformation.
Looking back on the past, this land had been shrouded in thick gloom under Kaido's brutal rule.
The people lived in dire suffering, enduring endless oppression and hardship daily, their eyes filled with confusion and despair, unable to see even a glimmer of hope for the future.
Yet now, everything was different.
The hope that had been deeply suppressed now burned brightly in people's eyes like spring sprouts breaking through the soil.
Throughout the streets and alleys, people who once cowered in corners now spontaneously gathered together.
Their destination: the Divine Kingdom's medical stations and granaries - each one representing rebirth and hope.
They no longer carried the humility and timidity of the past, merely begging for pitiful scraps of charity.
Instead, they held aspirations and yearnings for the future, wholeheartedly longing to truly become part of this great nation, to personally experience that new way of life, and to contribute their own strength to the construction of the Divine Kingdom.
Among the crowd, various murmurs could be heard from time to time.
"I've heard that all citizens of the Divine Kingdom can learn those miraculous techniques. Ah, that's truly wonderful! If we can master them too, our lives might become much better in the future," an elderly man with graying hair said softly to those beside him, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and anticipation.
"Please let me contribute to building the new Land of Wano too! Though I may not have any special skills, I'm willing to work hard, willing to give everything for this country!" A sturdy-built man, his face flushed with emotion, waved his arms excitedly as he shouted out the thoughts in his heart.
His words represented the sentiments of everyone present, causing those around him to nod in agreement.
...
Meanwhile, atop the newly renovated castle keep, Momonosuke stood quietly.
His gaze seemed to pierce through layers of clouds, fixed upon the Divine Kingdom flags fluttering everywhere across the land.
At this moment, his heart was filled with countless conflicting emotions.
Recalling all the hardships and struggles of the past—the efforts and sacrifices made to resist Kaido's rule—they could finally see a glimmer of victory's dawn.
He knew that from this moment onward, the Land of Wano would bid farewell to its outdated past of isolation.
Under the protection of the Eternal Divine Kingdom, this land would usher in a truly new era of "opening the country."
Eventually, the Land of Wano would engage in exchanges and cooperation with the outside world, learning advanced knowledge and technology to make the nation more prosperous and powerful.
The people would also live peaceful and content lives, no longer shadowed by war and oppression.
Of course, all of this had to be built upon the foundation of Beasts Kaido's defeat.
However, Momonosuke wasn't the least bit worried about this.
After all, they now possessed such formidable power and had the support and allegiance of the people.
Moreover, after so many battles and trials, their strength continued to grow.
In comparison, those who once seemed terrifying to them no longer appeared so fearsome.
...
At the outskirts of Udon.
A fierce wind howled, carrying thick dust and the pungent smell of blood, sending chills down one's spine.
When Momonosuke led his slightly weary yet determined troops to the outskirts of Udon, the already grim and oppressive atmosphere suddenly grew even more eerie.
Abruptly, a foul wind swept up without warning, and a figure gradually became clear—Who's-Who with his long purple hair, carrying the unconscious Kawamatsu over his shoulder, strode confidently toward the crowd.
"Here, as promised,"
Who's-Who's voice was low and hoarse.
He casually nudged Kawamatsu with the tip of his shoe, the movement full of disdain and contempt, while a sinister smile twisted his lips—a grin like that of a vengeful demon, enough to make one's blood run cold.
Seeing this, Yamato immediately rushed forward like an arrow released from its bow to support Kawamatsu.
Her brows furrowed tightly, a trace of worry flickering in her eyes.
As she carefully examined Kawamatsu's injuries, she was surprised to discover that despite his body being covered in wounds, his clothes torn and stained with large patches of blood, the critical injuries had all received simple yet professional bandaging.
The bandaging technique appeared rough yet precisely applied, clearly not something an ordinary person could accomplish.
"Why has Kawamatsu fallen unconscious? What exactly happened?" Yamato asked anxiously, her gaze fixed intently on Who's-Who as she tried to find answers in his expression.
Who's-Who impatiently tossed his purple hair, his eyes drifting toward the smoke-filled direction of Onigashima in the distance.
There, flames shot skyward, and the sounds of battle seemed to still faintly carry through the air.
"I'm in a hurry. This guy was being too sentimental. I was just trying to fulfill our agreement quickly," his tone brimming with impatience, as if every additional word was a waste.
"Right now, the entire Land of Wano is in chaos! As a calamity, I must immediately return to Lord Kaido's side!"
Though he cast a cold glance toward Momonosuke, his eyes filled with indifference and disdain, strangely, he made no move to attack Momonosuke or the others.
It seemed he genuinely wanted to return to Onigashima to follow his so-called Lord Kaido.
This notorious member of the Flying Six turned without looking back, transforming into a dazzling golden light that vanished on the spot.
The golden light streaked across the night sky like a meteor, leaving only a faint afterglow shimmering in the air.
Momonosuke stared blankly at Who's-Who's retreating figure, blinking in bewilderment.
His heart was a mix of emotions—confusion about Who's-Who's actions, yet a thread of gratitude for his recent conduct.
"What a... good person!"
Momonosuke murmured softly, his tone filled with disbelief.
"Ha!" Izo wiped his Flintlock Gun with practiced, efficient movements.
He rarely showed a smile, but now a glint of relief shone in his eyes.
"Not bad." He crouched down to carefully examine Kawamatsu's wounds, his fingers gently touching the bandaged injuries.
"The wound treatment is quite professional. It seems that guy really didn't resort to underhanded methods. Perhaps even he has his own principles."
At that moment, Kawamatsu suddenly woke up coughing.
"That... that madman... actually gave me mouth-to-mouth resuscitation..." Kawamatsu said weakly before losing consciousness again.
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