Kojiro was the initial leader of the Shinsengumi who earned trust and importance, but he resigned due to being overwhelmed, leaving the position vacant for some time, with only Kojiro holding a nominal role.
After a period, Hotei took over this position.
Among the samurai who surrendered, his strength was considered upper-level but not top-notch; however, for this organization, strength was not the most important.
Although the Shinsengumi was composed of samurai from Wano Kuni, they were essentially an internal armed police, and the combat force that Hundred Beasts trusted most was always its own members. These samurai were not weak overall, but in high-end combat power, they were crushed by Hundred Beasts.
Regardless of who took the position of leader, they could never match up to the high-level officials within Hundred Beasts, nor even the high-ranking officials. Currently, in Wano Kuni, probably only Hyogoro could stand against the high-ranking officials.
With his body now maintaining a strong form, he could probably contend with the lower-numbered Numberers.
Since they couldn't measure up in terms of strength, the emphasis on strength began to decrease in the selection of the Shinsengumi leader. What Hundred Beasts needed was a more loyal person.
In this environment, several competitors emerged, having chosen to surrender naturally for higher status and benefits.
Wano Kuni's long period of isolation led to its domestic products being outdated, and with the influx of foreign goods, many people became decadent.
Since they had already surrendered, why not climb higher, and among these people, Hotei eventually won, mainly because his fawning made others very comfortable.
Compared to a stubborn and rigid person, placing someone in this position who would flatter the boss and thoroughly execute orders was much more satisfying. So, with Queen's suggestion and King's agreement, Hotei successfully became the new leader of the Shinsengumi.
Although King appeared intimidating, his mask made it hard for people to gauge his emotions, Hotei still discovered his preferences, and even King found him a pleasant speaker.
If even King thought so, let alone Queen, with the approval of both high-level members, he naturally secured the position.
As a classic example of a sycophant's rise, he utilized his sycophantic talents thoroughly, unwilling to offend even ordinary members of Hundred Beasts and always adopting a humble attitude, only appearing arrogant and domineering towards his own people.
This also made some locals in Wano Kuni dislike him, but this tension was precisely what Hundred Beasts needed, and the opposition reinforced his position as leader.
Even now, he hasn't stopped this behavior.
"Lord Drake, you've arrived."
As King's deputy, Drake often moved freely to and from the Flower Capital Palace, and since the great war had destroyed it, the palace was rebuilt post-war.
Compared to the original Flower Capital Palace, its biggest difference was an added top floor, which was where King and others lived and worked, unbeknownst to the public.
Even those aware of the situation couldn't do anything about Hundred Beasts' metaphor of superiority.
As King's deputy, Drake frequently appeared here, and many administrative agencies in Wano Kuni maintained their original state, situated near the palace, which was why Hotei often saw these people.
Among those stationed by Hundred Beasts in the Flower Capital, his attitude towards Drake was the most respectful, not out of personal intentions, as Drake's demeanor, more masculine than most men, didn't interest him.
The primary reason for his behavior was Drake's consistently approachable attitude towards him, as was the case this time.
"Hey, you're still here, where's big brother King?"
"Lord King is on the top floor. Take care, and Lord Kikunojo is also here today."
"Oh, is that so? That's not bad, see you."
Hotei only resumed his work after Drake disappeared from view, considering himself an auxiliary member of Hundred Beasts with some understanding of Wano Kuni's situation.
As Household Attendants of the Kozuki Family, Kikunojo and others held high nominal status, even slightly above his role as the Shinsengumi leader within the palace, but outside, their actual power together didn't surpass his.
....
Drake ascended the palace stairs with a bottle of rum, her attitude towards Hotei not being reached through anything specific but her consistent demeanor towards everyone except her superiors.
For her, there wasn't much difference between good people and bad guys, enemies or allies, the only distinction being her potential sudden attack. Her former subordinates described her as someone who could smile while cutting off an enemy's head.
Familiar with the path, she quickly found where King was located and then witnessed King's facial performance skills.
Even with a mask, King was a handsome young man, yet had an unusual fondness for manipulating his face.
Not only did he forego using his hands to eat, employing an ability-enhanced mouth instead, but he even developed a strange move called Tenjison O in battle.
Despite its powerful impact, it didn't change the essence of using his face as a slingshot.
"Big brother King, are you tinkering with your face again?"
"What do you want?"
Those who became deputies had established familiarity with the higher-ups, so casual jokes were usually ignored.
"Advance on salary, big brother King, please help me, give me next month's pay in advance."
Hundred Beasts was not merely a small adventuring crew of a dozen relying on sheer enthusiasm to embark on adventures together. Without considering affiliated pirate crews, even its core members exceeded ten thousand, and these people's livelihoods required money.
Even small pirate crews had pocket money, let alone the well-regulated Hundred Beasts. Providing pirates with necessary funds made enforcing rules meaningful.
"Wasn't payday yesterday?"
"I spent it all, after repaying debts there was hardly anything left, plus...."
"Scram."
"So heartless, big brother King? Do you want to see me starve to death?"
"Meals at the cafeteria are free. No amount you advance will last till tomorrow anyway. However, there's some unrest in the eastern territory, you should bring people to handle it."
Besides the regular salary, their monetary source stemmed from sharing spoils of war. As the leader of a pirate band, one could claim a larger share of the loot, serving as an extra earning opportunity King left for Drake.
"Big brother King, can I bring little Kiku along?"
"Suit yourself. But remember your position, Drake."
"Don't worry, big brother King, I know my limits. Here's the rum I brought for you."
Saying that, she placed the rum brought with her aside, intending to leave and prepare the support team.