[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 326- 330

Chapter 326: Little Fanboy Dev

"What the hell is going on? My nickname hasn’t been decided yet? That birdman Morgans is useless," Luffy grumbled internally, frustration evident on his face.

Despite his irritation, Luffy quickly composed himself and addressed the group of serious-looking Marines standing before him.

“Let’s celebrate later. First, we need to arrest these guys.”

“Oh!” the Marines shouted in unison, their morale surging with Luffy’s presence. His arrival energized them, filling them with renewed vigor. Without hesitation, they began rounding up the Kozuki soldiers who had surrendered, binding them with ropes and securing them with handcuffs.

Not far away, Darius and his group spotted Luffy and couldn’t contain their relief. Overjoyed, they hurried to approach him, but before they could close the distance, a flash of lightning illuminated the battlefield.

In an instant, Luffy appeared before them, his movements so swift they defied comprehension.

“There are still rebels on your left and right flanks. Round up your soldiers and deal with them together,” Luffy instructed firmly.

Darius, momentarily stunned by the sudden appearance, quickly snapped to attention. Without hesitation, he nodded and relayed the orders to his men.

As Cookie and Leo reluctantly left to lead their teams, Darius turned back to Luffy, saluted sharply, and introduced himself with a steady voice:

“Vice Admiral Luffy, I am Rear Admiral Darius, the temporary commander of our Marine forces in Wano Country. On behalf of all the Marines stationed here, I welcome you.”

Luffy smiled, extending his hand in a gesture of camaraderie.

“Rear Admiral Darius, thank you for your efforts while I was away,” he said warmly.

Caught off guard by the gesture, Darius hesitated for a moment before clasping Luffy’s hand with both of his own, bowing his head modestly.

“No, no, I’ve failed in my duties. The situation in Wano Country is a mess. It’s shameful that you had to personally intervene. I’m truly sorry,” Darius said, lowering his head further, guilt evident in his tone.

When the Fleet Admiral first assigned him to Wano, things had been manageable. But not long after, rebellions broke out across the land, plunging the region into chaos. Darius knew that as the acting commander, the responsibility ultimately fell on his shoulders.

Luffy placed a reassuring hand on Darius’s forearm, shaking his head with a calm smile.

“These things happen. No one could have predicted that a ghost thought long dead would resurface and dare to challenge the Marine. Even I can’t foresee everything. Don’t blame yourself for something beyond your control.”

Darius, a seasoned Marine officer, felt the tension in his chest ease at Luffy’s words. He straightened up, his worries beginning to dissipate.

Luffy proceeded to shake hands with Captains Macaron, Fruit Milk, and Dove, getting to know them one by one. Macaron and Fruit Milk, though clearly excited to meet the Marine legend, managed to maintain their composure.

When it was Captain Dev’s turn, however, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

Captain Dev eagerly grabbed Luffy’s outstretched hand with both of his own, shaking it enthusiastically. His eyes sparkled with admiration.

“Vice Admiral Luffy! I’m Captain Dev from headquarters, and I’m a graduate of the Marine’s elite training camp. You probably don’t remember, but we spoke briefly during training!”

Luffy blinked, momentarily taken aback by Dev’s exuberance. His mind raced to recall the details. Thankfully, his sharp memory came to the rescue.

“Ah, Captain Dev! I remember now. You’re two years ahead of me. When I first arrived at the training camp, I got lost, and you helped me find my way,” Luffy said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Dev’s face lit up with joy, tears welling in his eyes.

“You remembered! I can die happy now!” he exclaimed, his voice trembling with emotion.

As Dev continued to gush, Luffy carefully withdrew his hand, his expression tinged with unease. What’s with this guy? He looks normal enough, but does he have some… peculiar tendencies?

“Ahem,” Darius interrupted with a pointed cough, his face flushed with secondhand embarrassment. “Vice Admiral Luffy, what are your plans next? Shall I arrange a place for you to rest?”

Luffy waved off the suggestion.

“No need for rest,” he said, turning his gaze toward the Flower Capital. His sharp eyes seemed to pierce through the miles, locking onto the figure of Kozuki Sukiyaki within the Shogun’s Castle.

“As long as that bastard Shogun remains in power, this chaos won’t end. Pass on my orders: leave some soldiers to guard the prisoners, and have the rest regroup. We’re heading directly to the Flower Capital!”

The sheer resolve and murderous intent in Luffy’s voice sent shivers down the spines of everyone present. Darius, Dev, and the others instinctively straightened, their bodies taut with tension.

“Yes, sir!” they responded in unison, their voices firm.

Darius quickly took charge of handling the prisoners, while Macaron, Fruit Milk, and Dev organized their subordinates, leaving some Marines to secure the area.

Before long, Captains Cookie and Leo returned to the camp, escorting a long line of captured rebels.

Chapter 327: Kozuki Hiyori

After a brief discussion, Darius ordered two officers to stay behind, entrusting them with the task of guarding the prisoners.

With everything arranged, the Marine force—now reduced to 2,000 troops—set out once more. Although their numbers were smaller, their morale had never been higher.

After all, their commander was none other than Monkey D. Luffy.

The Flower Capital, Shogun Castle

Kozuki Sukiyaki, seated on an ornate dais within the grand hall of the castle, remained oblivious to the fact that his entire frontline army had been decimated. Instead, his irritation was focused on another matter.

“What?! Hyogoro and the local Yakuza bosses refuse to come and pay their respects to me?” he bellowed, slamming a clenched fist onto the armrest of his throne. “Bastards! What do they mean by this? Do they think so little of their Shogun?”

Standing beside him, a young woman with flowing emerald hair, delicate features, and a graceful figure hurriedly stepped forward. Her calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Sukiyaki’s fury.

“Grandfather, please don’t let this upset you. Let’s hear what Denjiro has to say first,” she said gently, placing a soothing hand on his shoulder.

At her words, Sukiyaki’s fiery temper subsided slightly. He cast a glance at Denjiro, who knelt at the base of the platform, his forehead nearly touching the floor.

After a moment’s hesitation, Sukiyaki begrudgingly nodded, allowing Denjiro to speak.

“Sukiyaki-den, Hiyori-den,” Denjiro began, his tone respectful but measured, “according to information we’ve gathered, Lord Hyogoro has been living in quiet solitude since his release from the Marine. He seems intent on retiring and no longer wishes to involve himself in either the underworld or political affairs.”

Sukiyaki’s brow furrowed deeply, dissatisfaction evident in his expression. Yet, he reluctantly accepted this explanation.

“And what about the other Yakuza bosses? Are they also planning to retire?” he demanded.

“This...” Denjiro hesitated, glancing briefly at Kozuki Hiyori, who sat elegantly beside her grandfather. The two had worked together for years, and Hiyori immediately understood his unspoken concerns.

“It’s alright, Denjiro,” Hiyori assured him with a soft smile. “Just tell us the truth. Grandfather won’t blame you.”

Encouraged by Hiyori’s words and Sukiyaki’s reluctant nod of approval, Denjiro organized his thoughts before continuing:

“The Yakuza bosses across Wano seem deeply dissatisfied with the Shogun’s actions against the Marine. They claim that the Marine has provided significant aid to civilians throughout the country, and even their own underworld factions have benefited greatly.

While they cannot control the actions of others, they refuse to lead their men against the Marine, who they see as benefactors to Wano. They claim to have their own code of honor and morals.”

As Denjiro finished, he bowed his head even lower, bracing for Sukiyaki’s inevitable outburst.

True to form, Sukiyaki’s face turned an alarming shade of purple, his fury boiling over. He leaped from his seat, overturning the low table before him with a loud crash.

“Traitors! How dare they defy me?!” he roared, pacing back and forth like a caged beast.

Just as Sukiyaki prepared to unleash his wrath further, a samurai burst into the hall, disregarding all protocol. The man dropped to his knees, his face pale and drenched in sweat.

“Shogun, terrible news! Lord Gankuro’s army has been defeated. The enemy is advancing toward the Flower Capital!”

“Nani?!”

Sukiyaki froze in place, his rage momentarily replaced by sheer disbelief. Denjiro and Hiyori, too, were stunned into silence.

Sukiyaki’s shock quickly gave way to paranoia. Without a shred of restraint, he lashed out, delivering a brutal kick to the messenger’s chest.

“Liar! Who sent you to spread such falsehoods?” he bellowed. “How could my army of samurai be defeated by mere Marines? Have you been bribed by outsiders to spread lies and demoralize my troops?”

The messenger writhed on the floor, gasping for air, but he managed to stammer a response. “Shogun, I swear... I speak the truth...”

But Sukiyaki’s fury was unrelenting. He unsheathed the sword at his waist, the blade glinting ominously in the lamplight.

“I’ll deal with you myself for your insolence!” Sukiyaki snarled, raising the sword to strike.

Denjiro reacted quickly, rushing forward to restrain him. Wrapping his arms around Sukiyaki, he pleaded urgently: “Shogun, please! Calm yourself! This is not the time to act impulsively. If the enemy truly approaches, we must summon the retainers and formulate a plan.”

Hiyori joined Denjiro, her voice steady and soothing as she took Sukiyaki’s trembling hand. “Grandfather, Denjiro is right. Please summon the lords immediately. We need their counsel to protect Wano.”

It took considerable effort, but the two eventually succeeded in calming Sukiyaki enough to lower his sword. His breathing was labored, and his eyes remained filled with unyielding rage.

“Damn those Marines... this Shogun will not let them go unpunished,” Sukiyaki growled, his voice laced with venom.

He turned to Denjiro. “Summon the retainers at once. We will devise a strategy to crush them.”

Then, his gaze softened slightly as he looked at Hiyori. “Hiyori, return to your chambers and stay there. Do not leave, no matter what happens.”

Without waiting for her reply, Sukiyaki handed her a short wakizashi, its blade gleaming with an unsettling finality.

Hiyori knelt before him, accepting the blade with both hands. Her expression was calm and resolute as she bowed deeply.

“Grandfather,” she said, her voice firm, “as a daughter of the Kozuki family, I will never bring dishonor to the legacy of our ancestors.”

Chapter 328: People's Hearts Are Unsettled, and the Ministers Are in a Panic

As Sukiyaki watched his granddaughter kneeling before him, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

“It had better be so,” he said icily before turning away and striding out of the room with Denjiro.

Hiyori remained on the floor, her posture unwavering until the sound of their footsteps faded completely. Only then did she lift her head, her expression filled with sorrow.

“The reputation of the Kozuki family...” she murmured, clutching the dagger in her hand tightly.

Memories flooded her mind—of her parents’ untimely deaths and her brother’s disappearance. With the help of loyal retainers, she had wandered the land for years, barely surviving. Later, under Denjiro’s arrangement, she had been forced to disguise herself as a courtesan in the red-light district to stay alive.

In those dark days, Hiyori had long felt she had shamed the Kozuki name. Yet, she had clung to the lofty ideals of restoring the Kozuki family and fulfilling her mother’s prophecy, deceiving herself into believing it was all for a greater purpose.

Her grandfather’s disdain for her was no secret, and his cold words over the past few days had only deepened her sense of isolation. As she gazed up at the clear sky, a single tear slipped down her cheek.

“Mother,” she whispered, “Wano Country hasn’t followed the path you foresaw. The evil dragon that darkened our skies wasn’t slain by the samurai of the Kozuki family who returned after 20 years. Instead, it was driven out by the foreign Marine.”

She sighed deeply, her voice trembling as she continued, “Though the Kozuki family reclaimed the throne, it wasn’t my father or brother who achieved it. It was Grandfather, long thought dead and buried in the annals of history. And now, after only a few days as a princess, I haven’t even adjusted to this new identity, yet the enemy is already at our gates. The Kozuki reign may end before it truly begins.”

Hiyori looked down at the wakizashi in her hands. For a moment, she hesitated, then closed her eyes and cast the blade aside.

“I’m sorry, Grandfather,” she said softly, her voice breaking. “I’m a coward. I don’t have the courage to die for the Kozuki family.”

Meanwhile, the retainers of the Kozuki family, summoned urgently by Sukiyaki, hurried to the castle tower. Upon their arrival, they found the shogun pacing anxiously, his hands clasped behind his back.

Sukiyaki wasted no time with formalities. As soon as the retainers knelt in their places, he bluntly explained the dire situation.

The retainers, initially confused by the unexpected summons, were left reeling after hearing Sukiyaki’s account. Whispers broke out almost immediately, growing louder with each passing moment.

“This must be a joke! Lord Gankuro led over 2,000 Samurai. How could they have been defeated so quickly?”

“Exactly! His Highness told us these outsiders were weak. If they’re so feeble, how could they destroy our forces so easily? Are the Samurai of Wano truly so pathetic now?”

“Damn it! I knew we shouldn’t have provoked those butchers. They were peaceful before—why stir up trouble for no reason?”

“Shut up! You were the one shouting the loudest for war when Lord Gankuro set out!”

“Baka! What did you say? Say it again, I dare you!”

“I said you’re a pig! Don’t like it? Too bad!”

The arguments grew heated, and the retainers began shoving each other, some nearly coming to blows. The once-loyal court of Kozuki Sukiyaki devolved into chaos.

Denjiro, watching this disgraceful display, clenched his fists in frustration. His face twisted with contempt as he thought, Serving alongside these fools is the greatest humiliation of my life—and the greatest shame of the Kozuki family.

“Enough, you bastards!” he roared, his voice cutting through the commotion like a blade.

The retainers fell silent, startled by Denjiro’s uncharacteristic outburst.

“The Shogun is present, and the enemy is at our gates!” Denjiro continued angrily. “As retainers of the Kozuki family, you disgrace yourselves by squabbling like children. Instead of devising a strategy to repel the invaders, you undermine His Highness’s dignity with your shameful behavior!”

His words struck a nerve, and the retainers lowered their heads in embarrassment.

Satisfied that order had been restored, Denjiro turned to Sukiyaki and knelt before him.

“Your Highness,” he said, his tone measured but resolute, “our top priority must be to defend the Flower Capital and prevent the enemy from breaching the city walls.

Although I can only muster an army of 500 Samurai, the gentlemen present are wealthy and influential. If they pool their resources and recruit from among the city’s able-bodied, we could assemble a force numbering in the thousands.

With such a force, we can hold the capital until reinforcements arrive. However, to coordinate the defense effectively, I humbly request that Your Highness grant me authority to oversee the city’s troops and issue proclamations throughout Wano.”

Sukiyaki stared at Denjiro, his emotions swirling. After a moment, his eyes reddened with emotion.

“Look at this man!” Sukiyaki exclaimed, addressing the retainers. “This is a true samurai of the Kozuki family—loyal, wise, and unshaken in the face of danger. With subordinates like Denjiro, how could I ever doubt our cause?”

Turning back to Denjiro, Sukiyaki nodded firmly. “Very well. I place my trust in you, Denjiro. The defense of the Flower Capital is in your hands.”

Chapter 329: Kozuki Denjiro, the Shogun's Successor

Sukiyaki’s voice resonated through the room as he showered Denjiro with praise. But as the words left his lips, he paused, considering that verbal accolades alone might not be enough to ensure unwavering loyalty and dedication.

“After my son Oden passed away, only I, Hiyori, and a single woman remain in the Kozuki family,” Sukiyaki began solemnly. “When I die, there will be no one left to inherit the Kozuki name, and the once-great family will fade into obscurity.

“In light of this, I have decided to grant Denjiro the Kozuki surname and adopt him as my son. He will inherit the position of Shogun of Wano Country after my passing!”

“Nani?!!”

The room erupted into chaos. Everyone present, including Denjiro himself, was stunned by the announcement.

Denjiro immediately prostrated himself before Sukiyaki, his forehead pressed firmly to the ground. “Your Highness, please reconsider! Everything I do is for the Kozuki family, for the Shogun, and for Lord Oden. I am unworthy of such an honor and cannot accept this.”

Despite Denjiro’s protests, the retainers’ reactions were a mix of envy and disbelief. Some glared at him with jealousy, while others masked their emotions behind forced smiles.

In a matter of days, Denjiro had ascended from a trusted retainer to the Shogun’s closest aide, and now he stood poised to inherit the title of Shogun itself. The retainers, who had poured their wealth and influence into gaining favor, now saw their ambitions dwarfed by Denjiro’s meteoric rise.

Yet, amidst their resentment, many began plotting ways to curry favor with the new heir. However, decorum dictated they first feign loyalty and offer their counsel.

One retainer, whose relationship with Denjiro was amicable, stepped forward and suggested diplomatically, “Your Highness, while Lord Denjiro is undoubtedly a man of unparalleled wisdom and valor, such a significant honor might be premature. Perhaps it would be better to wait until we’ve repelled the enemy, allowing Lord Denjiro to earn this recognition through merit. This approach would not only solidify his legitimacy but also garner widespread support among the people.”

The others quickly echoed the sentiment, nodding in agreement.

In truth, many retainers believed the enemy’s advance on the Flower Capital to be a fleeting threat. They reasoned that Denjiro’s leadership, combined with their resources and coordination, would soon crush the Marines. By positioning themselves as key supporters of Denjiro’s eventual rise, they hoped to share in his glory.

Sukiyaki pondered the suggestion, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he nodded, recognizing the merit in delaying the announcement. It would further motivate Denjiro to perform exceptionally in the defense of the capital.

“Very well,” Sukiyaki declared. “Denjiro, I grant you the authority you requested. Lead our forces and ensure the Flower Capital does not fall. Once this war is won, I will officially bestow upon you the Kozuki name and name you my successor.

“In addition, I will select one warrior who demonstrates outstanding valor in battle to marry my granddaughter, Hiyori.”

The room buzzed with renewed energy. Sukiyaki’s declaration about Hiyori’s marriage sparked excitement among the retainers.

The princess of the Kozuki family, formerly the renowned courtesan “Komurasaki,” was the epitome of grace and beauty. Many of the retainers dreamed of winning her hand, even if it meant sacrificing years of their lives. The prospect of such a union filled the retainers with determination.

Kneeling before Sukiyaki, Denjiro expressed his gratitude. “Your Highness, I will not disappoint your trust. I swear to defend the Kozuki name and the Flower Capital with everything I have.”

Denjiro, however, had his own thoughts about Hiyori’s marriage. Although he remained outwardly respectful, he resolved to address the matter after the battle. For now, his focus was on the war effort and uniting the retainers under his leadership.

As Sukiyaki observed the retainers, now united and brimming with fighting spirit, he couldn’t help but stroke his beard with satisfaction. A sly glint appeared in his eyes as he reflected on the situation.

With the promise of an empty title and a woman of little value, I’ve secured their dedication and loyalty, Sukiyaki mused. They don’t realize I’m only 75. With more concubines and some effort, I could still father another son to continue the Kozuki bloodline. There’s no way I’d let a man without true Kozuki lineage inherit our family’s legacy.

His thoughts briefly turned to Hiyori. Though her beauty made her an asset, her history as a courtesan still stained the Kozuki name in his eyes. If not for her potential usefulness, Sukiyaki might have cast her aside long ago.

Satisfied with his manipulations, Sukiyaki clapped his hands and laughed heartily. “Denjiro, take charge of the defense preparations. I leave this matter in your capable hands.”

Without waiting for a response, Sukiyaki rose and departed, his mind already wandering to other matters. He planned to return to his chambers to seek out new concubines, intent on continuing the Kozuki bloodline.

Denjiro, left to oversee the retainers, watched as they busied themselves with their assignments. His expression remained stoic, though his mind raced.

The Shogun may trust me with command now, but I must tread carefully. Sukiyaki’s praise is as dangerous as his scorn. If I succeed in defending the capital, I’ll solidify my position. If I fail... Denjiro pushed the thought aside, steeling himself for the challenges ahead.

Chapter 330: Heartbroken Yamato

Denjiro, unaware of Sukiyaki's true intentions, clenched his fists with determination. In his mind, the Shogun’s favor was genuine, and he vowed to repay it with his unwavering loyalty.

“To fight off the enemy for the Kozuki family... No,” he corrected himself internally, “to fight off the enemy for my Kozuki family.”

Fully embracing his new role as the heir to the Kozuki name, Denjiro turned to face the retainers. He bowed deeply, his voice filled with resolve.

“My Lords, the Kozuki family stands at a crossroads, teetering on the edge of calamity. I humbly ask for your support to overcome this dire situation. Let us stand united for the sake of Wano Country. I, Denjiro, swear to repay your kindness with great rewards once we emerge victorious. Please, lend me your strength!”

The retainers exchanged glances, a mixture of ambition and resignation passing through their expressions. In unison, they knelt and kowtowed, their voices echoing in the chamber.

“Denjiro-dono, we are at your command!”

Above Wano Country

From the sky, Wano Country resembled a giant volcanic crater, its geography both breathtaking and surreal. Nestled within this natural fortress, the capital city exuded an aura of mystique and impenetrability.

“Unbelievable! There’s actually a country like this. The New World never ceases to amaze,” Nami said, her voice tinged with awe as she gazed out the floor-to-ceiling window.

Hancock, standing nearby, studied the terrain with a critical eye. She nodded in quiet agreement.

“No wonder Wano has been called a fortress that even the World Government cannot breach. With this kind of natural defense, it’s a miracle the Marines managed to gain a foothold here. If Kaido hadn’t been lured away, taking this land would have been nearly impossible.”

Her comparison to Kuja Island was inevitable. Once shielded by the Calm Belt, her homeland had lost its primary defense when the World Government developed a method to traverse the zone safely. In contrast, Wano’s unique geography made it far more secure—a stronghold nearly impervious to outside attack.

Inside the Ship

While the women admired the view, Yamato’s restlessness filled the cabin. She circled Violet like an anxious child, her voice a stream of nervous chatter.

“How is it? Is this Shogun really Kozuki Sukiyaki? And Luffy—did he fight with the Kozuki samurai? What did you see?”

Violet, her eyes closed as she used her Devil Fruit powers to scan Wano Country, finally snapped. “Enough! Shut up, Yamato. If you say one more word, I won’t tell you anything!”

Yamato froze, her hands instinctively covering her mouth. Yet her nervous energy betrayed her—her legs bounced uncontrollably, and her eyes darted toward Violet with unspoken desperation.

Deep down, she clung to a faint hope. Perhaps Sukiyaki wasn’t as cruel as he seemed. Perhaps the Kozuki family’s honor remained intact.

After what felt like an eternity, Violet finally opened her eyes. She looked at Yamato with a mix of pity and disappointment.

“I’m sorry, Yamato,” Violet began softly, “but based on what I’ve observed, the man is most likely Kozuki Sukiyaki. However...” She hesitated, her voice turning sharp. “He is not the great leader you think he is.

“While his retainers prepare for war, this so-called Shogun is busy indulging himself with women. I see no sign of honor or virtue in him.”

Yamato’s heart sank, but Violet wasn’t finished. “What’s worse, I saw the bodies of fallen Marines in the Flower Capital. They’ve been left to rot, desecrated by birds and beasts. No effort was made to honor or bury them.”

“What?!”

Yamato’s knees buckled, and she collapsed to the floor, her face pale with shock.

Ain, Hina, and Kujaku, who had overheard the conversation, were immediately incensed.

“That bastard dared to defile Marine corpses?!” Ain shouted, gripping her sword with white-knuckled fury. “I won’t forgive him for this!”

Hina and Kujaku’s expressions darkened, their anger barely contained. As proud Marines, they could not tolerate such a vile act. Their oaths to protect justice extended to ensuring that their fallen comrades were honored, not defiled.

Hancock, Nami, and Koala shared their outrage, their expressions hardening. Any lingering sympathy they might have felt for Sukiyaki vanished in an instant.

Even Olivia, who rarely involved herself in such matters, swallowed nervously at the palpable tension in the room. She moved to Yamato’s side, gently helping her stand and guiding her to a quieter corner.

“Yamato,” Olivia said softly, “don’t do anything rash. This betrayal is not your fault. The people of Wano Country turned their backs on their benefactors. Don’t let misplaced loyalty cloud your judgment or cause you to act against Luffy.”

Kalifa adjusted her glasses and stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. “In every group, Yamato, there are both good and bad people. Not all samurai are virtuous Samurai. Sukiyaki’s actions prove that even those with noble titles can be despicable.”

Yamato remained silent, her shoulders slumped. The last remnants of her hope had been crushed. The honor and ideals she once associated with samurai were gone, shattered by the harsh reality of Sukiyaki’s betrayal.

For a long moment, she stared at the floor, her thoughts a swirling storm. Then, finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Perhaps you’re right. There are good and bad people in every walk of life. Even among samurai, there are those who repay kindness with blood. Sukiyaki is proof of that.”