[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 311- 315

Chapter 311: Unbelievable Yamato

In the dimly lit meeting room, Yamato’s watch—a simpler version of the one she normally wore—was programmed to send short-distance messages. It lacked many advanced features, but it was efficient for urgent calls like the one Hina had just sent out.

After leaving the gym in a rush, Hina hadn’t even bothered to change out of her tight sportswear and shorts. She strode purposefully toward the meeting room, her fingers deftly working the watch on her wrist. The message was sent instantly, summoning everyone to gather.

Throughout The Stormbreaker, women resting, sunbathing, or playing at the artificial beach stopped what they were doing. Without hesitation, they left their activities and headed toward the meeting room.

Yamato, ever the eager one, was the first to arrive. After days of struggling with high heels, she had finally learned how to move comfortably in them. As a reward, Luffy had allowed her to wear flat sandals or sneakers for a while, much to her delight.

Relishing her newfound freedom, Yamato had spent the day running up and down the ship, her playful nature on full display. However, her antics eventually earned her another grounding from Luffy. Were it not for Kujaku and Olivia’s efforts to keep her company, she might have attempted an escape out of sheer boredom.

Now, hearing she was needed in the meeting room, Yamato couldn’t contain her excitement. She practically bounced down the hallway, her energy unchecked. Even Kujaku, trying in vain to keep up, could do nothing but watch as Yamato burst into the room.

“Bang!” The door flew open as Yamato rushed in, her enthusiasm evident. She plopped into the nearest seat, grinning from ear to ear. Looking around, she realized only Hina was there.

“Yes! I’m first!” she cheered, pumping her fists into the air.

Hina, standing near the table with her arms crossed, frowned at Yamato’s outburst. “Quiet, silly girl,” she snapped. “This isn’t playtime. Sit down and act properly.”

“Oh, I know!” Yamato replied, a silly grin still plastered on her face. “You’re having a meeting, right? I’ve seen my idiot dad hold meetings before. This is my first one—I’m so excited!”

Though her voice had toned down, Yamato’s enthusiasm remained, her childlike joy lighting up the room. Hina sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose. She wasn’t sure how Yamato would react to the news, but knowing her admiration for Kozuki Oden, it wouldn’t be easy.

One by one, the rest of the crew arrived. Ain, Nami, Kujaku, Kalifa, Violet, and the others filed in, each taking their seats. Ain and Hancock were the last to arrive, still drying their hair from a quick post-training shower.

Finally, Luffy entered, his expression serious. Dressed simply in a white shirt and trousers, he walked to the head of the round table and sat down. Without wasting any time, he began.

“Something has happened in Wano Country,” Luffy announced, his voice heavy. “Yesterday, a man claiming to be Kozuki Sukiyaki—the former shogun of Wano—appeared. He and his forces killed nearly 300 Marines stationed in the Flower Capital. Those who survived are gravely injured.”

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the grim news.

Luffy continued, his gaze sweeping across the group before landing squarely on Yamato. “Not only that, but this so-called Sukiyaki is raising a banner to summon ronin and samurai. He’s trying to take control of the Palace and Wano itself.”

He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Yamato, what do you know about this Kozuki Sukiyaki?”

Yamato froze, her mouth opening slightly as if to argue. She wanted to defend Sukiyaki—he was, after all, the legitimate shogun of Wano and the father of her hero, Kozuki Oden. But the cold, piercing look in Luffy’s eyes made her words die in her throat.

After a moment, she managed to speak, her voice quieter than usual. “Kozuki Sukiyaki was the rightful shogun of Wano Country. And… he’s also the father of Kozuki Oden, the man I’ve always admired.”

She hesitated, then added in a near whisper, “Luffy, maybe there’s been some kind of mistake. Sukiyaki was supposed to have died years ago. And the Kozuki family… they’re samurai. They would never do something like this.”

Luffy’s expression hardened, and a bitter laugh escaped him. “Samurai? The kind of samurai who stab their saviors in the back?”

His fist slammed onto the table, the force of his blow sending a crack through the wood. Sparks of lightning danced around his hand, leaving trails of smoke curling into the air. The tension in the room thickened as Luffy’s anger became palpable.

“Damn samurai. Damn the Kozuki family,” he spat, his voice laced with venom.

From a nearby table, Luffy grabbed the detailed report sent by Rear Admiral Kotora and slapped it onto the round table. “The Marines stationed in Wano weren’t just soldiers,” he said, his tone rising. “They were handpicked by Fleet Admiral Sengoku—men and women of honor. Man and Woman with family, with friend. They didn’t harm the people of Wano. They helped them.”

He began listing the Marines’ contributions: “They distributed food and supplies to the poor. They provided free medical treatment. They rescued workers enslaved in black factories. They worked tirelessly to rebuild the lives of Wano’s people.”

Luffy’s voice dropped, cold and cutting. “And how did they repay us? By slaughtering 300 of those same Marines. This is how the so-called samurai of Wano show their gratitude?”

The room was deathly quiet. Even Yamato, usually brimming with confidence, was silent, her head bowed. Luffy’s fury was undeniable, and the murderous aura radiating from him sent chills down everyone’s spine.

Chapter 312: General City Review, Denjiro

“Just like that,” Luffy began, his voice icy and measured, “the so-called honorable samurai of the Kozuki family attacked without provocation. A total of 271 Marines were killed, and many more were maimed, left to live the rest of their lives without limbs.”

He paused, taking a deep breath to steady his anger. His sharp gaze landed on Yamato, who sat trembling, clutching the report in her hands. Her eyes darted across the detailed account, disbelief etched on her face.

Luffy’s voice dropped, but the intensity of his words burned through the silence. “Yamato, let me ask you: how should Wano’s laws punish such garbage?”

“This… I…” Yamato stammered, her confidence wavering. She lowered her head, struggling to reconcile the brutal truth laid out before her with the ideals she had held for so long.

Though Yamato admired the Kozuki family deeply, she couldn’t deny the heinous acts described in the report. Her heart warred with her mind, but after several long minutes of silence, she finally spoke.

“Death,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “The penalty for such crimes is death. Those who kill indiscriminately are hanged… and whipped after execution.”

Her words marked a reluctant rejection of Kozuki Sukiyaki, a man she had once respected. But to Luffy, her response was far too lenient.

“Just hanging?” Luffy scoffed, his tone laced with disdain. “That’s far too easy for him.”

He stood abruptly, brushing aside Yamato’s turmoil. His attention shifted to Ain and Nami, his expression commanding. “Notify everyone and prepare for battle. The Stormbreaker will sail at full speed. We’re heading to Wano Country immediately.”

“Understood,” they replied in unison, their voices steady despite the gravity of the situation.

Luffy turned back to the group, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room. His fists clenched, and for a brief moment, his murderous intent filled the air. “I had hoped to resolve things peacefully, but if someone wants to provoke us, I won’t hold back.”

In Wano Country, the last group of Marines stationed in the Flower Capital had been forced to retreat. Meanwhile, Kozuki Sukiyaki had returned to Shogun Castle, the symbolic seat of power and status.

Sitting at the head of the grand chamber, Sukiyaki looked down at the tatami below, where dozens of Samurai, ronin, and gangsters knelt respectfully. His triumphant laughter echoed through the hall.

“Hahaha! Everyone, please rise!” Sukiyaki declared. “With your help, I will reclaim my rightful position as shogun.”

Among those kneeling was Denjiro, a former retainer of Kozuki Oden and one of the Nine Red Scabbards. Bowing deeply, his voice trembled with emotion. “Your Majesty, your words are far too generous. As a samurai, it is my duty to serve Wano and its rightful ruler. To serve the Kozuki family once again has been my greatest wish.”

Denjiro raised his head slightly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Despite my shameful surrender to the enemy in the past, you have forgiven me and allowed me to serve you. For that, I am forever grateful.”

Sukiyaki’s chest swelled with pride as he gazed down at Denjiro. He had heard much about this loyal retainer, who had adopted the alias Kyoshiro to infiltrate Orochi’s court and protect Kozuki Hiyori. Sukiyaki considered himself fortunate to have such a capable and devoted subordinate.

Feigning humility, Sukiyaki replied, “Denjiro, there’s no need for such formalities. Your loyalty and sacrifices have greatly honored the Kozuki family. Were it not for your efforts, I would not have been reunited with my granddaughter Hiyori. Please, rise.”

Tears streamed down Denjiro’s face as he bowed even lower. “Thank you, Your Majesty! I will serve you with all my heart.”

The other Samurai, ronin, and gangsters present watched the exchange with envy. For some, their loyalty to the Kozuki family was genuine. For others, it was simply a means to gain wealth and status. Yet, regardless of their motivations, all were acutely aware of Denjiro’s favorable position.

Among the crowd was Gankuro, a prominent gang leader in the Flower Capital. His face twisted with jealousy as he watched Denjiro bask in Sukiyaki’s favor.

“That bastard,” Gankuro muttered under his breath. “He flattered his way into Orochi’s court, survived his downfall, and now he’s playing the loyal retainer again. Meanwhile, I’ve been stuck in the shadows all these years. Why does he get everything handed to him?”

Gankuro’s resentment had festered during Orochi’s reign, and seeing Denjiro rise to prominence once more only fueled his bitterness. Clenching his fists, he stepped forward boldly, interrupting the exchange.

“General, may I speak?” Gankuro’s voice rang out, breaking the reverent atmosphere of the chamber.

Chapter 313: The Ambition of Gankuro

Kozuki Sukiyaki narrowed his eyes as he gazed at the disheveled middle-aged man who had interrupted the proceedings. The faint tattoo peeking out from under the collar of the man’s kimono revealed his affiliation with the Yakuza.

Though Sukiyaki felt a wave of disdain and displeasure, he masked his emotions with a feigned air of magnanimity. Waving his sleeve, he said, “Very well, speak freely.”

“Thank you, General,” Gankuro replied loudly, bowing deeply. He then cast a sideways glance at Denjiro before stepping forward confidently. Once he gathered his thoughts, he began.

“General, this is the perfect moment! With the villain Kaido expelled and the traitor Orochi dead, the five regional daimyo of Kuri, Habu, Udon, Ringo, and Hakumai have all lost their positions. This creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to unify Wano Country under your rule!”

His words struck a chord with Sukiyaki. The initial disdain he held for the Yakuza faded slightly as he realized the truth in the man’s argument. This was an unprecedented chance.

Traditionally, Wano’s shogun could only govern the Flower Capital directly, while the other regions were ruled by local daimyo. Though the shogun held nominal authority over these lords, they often resisted central control, sometimes even threatening rebellion, as the Kurozumi clan had done years ago.

But now, with the daimyo either dead or missing—thanks to the chaos wrought by Kaido and Orochi—those barriers had been removed. This was Sukiyaki’s opportunity to consolidate power and bring the entirety of Wano under his direct control.

The thought sent a thrill through him. Sukiyaki clasped his hands together, suppressing a triumphant laugh. His previously guarded expression softened as he looked at Gankuro with newfound appreciation.

Sensing the shift in Sukiyaki’s mood, Gankuro pressed on eagerly. “Your Highness, I command over 400 elite Samurai. Combined with the allies I’ve gained over the years, I can muster an army of more than 2,000 men to march on the five regions. With your blessing, we can secure total control of Wano in no time!”

“Excellent!” Sukiyaki exclaimed, clapping his hands together. He furrowed his brow for a moment, recalling the man’s name, before speaking again. “Lord Gankuro, you are a true patriot of Wano. Lead your men, and when you return victorious, I will reward you generously.”

“Thank you, Your Highness!” bowed deeply, elation evident in his voice. His gamble had paid off—he now held the general’s favor.

Denjiro, observing the exchange, grew increasingly anxious. He stepped forward, bowing low, and interjected. “Your Highness, with all due respect, isn’t this decision a bit hasty? Loyal samurai from across the country are still making their way here to pledge allegiance. It may be wiser to wait until they arrive before forming a comprehensive strategy.”

Sukiyaki paused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Ah, you’re right. I nearly forgot about the samurai still en route.”

Turning to Denjiro and Gankuro, he continued. “Denjiro, inform the samurai that they don’t need to come to the Flower Capital. Instead, have them join Gankuro’s army in the five regions. Lord Gankuro, I grant you command of the local Samurai as well. Do not let me down.”

The two men’s reactions could not have been more different. Denjiro froze, his expression a mixture of disbelief and disappointment, while Gankuro’s face lit up with joy. Bowing repeatedly, the Yakuza leader exclaimed, “Thank you, Your Highness! I swear my loyalty and will not fail you.”

As he spoke, Gankuro couldn’t resist glancing at Denjiro. The other man’s dazed expression only fueled his pride. Look at him, he thought smugly. He can’t stand that I’ve claimed the general’s favor. Soon, I’ll be the one remembered as Wano’s greatest hero.

While Gankuro basked in his imagined glory, Denjiro snapped out of his stupor. He prostrated himself before Sukiyaki and spoke urgently. “Your Highness, we cannot underestimate the remnants of Kaido’s forces. Though driven from the Flower Capital, they still control large portions of Kuri and the surrounding regions. Their numbers are estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000. If we act prematurely with insufficient forces, they may regroup and launch a counterattack.”

Before Sukiyaki could respond, Gankuro leapt to his feet, his face flushed with indignation. “What nonsense! You just don’t want me to lead the army. Admit it, Denjiro—you’re trying to undermine me!”

But Sukiyaki raised a hand, silencing him. Smiling indulgently, he addressed Denjiro. “I appreciate your concerns, Denjiro, but you overestimate the Marines and Kaido’s remnants. I’ve fought the Marines before, and aside from a few powerful individuals, most of them are no match for our Samurai. Wano’s samurai will easily repel these outsiders.”

Chapter 314: The Disheartened Marines

The upcoming battle would be pivotal—a clash that would cement Kozuki Sukiyaki’s stance as an adversary to the Marines. His confident declarations filled the room, but Denjiro could only feel bitterness. To him, Sukiyaki’s arrogance bordered on recklessness.

Having spent years within Orochi’s court, Denjiro had encountered numerous pirates from the Beasts Pirates. Though many of these rogues had downplayed the Marines’ capabilities, there was an underlying respect whenever the names of renowned admirals or vice admirals were mentioned.

And now, the Marines had proven themselves capable of driving Kaido out of Wano—a feat even the samurai of the Kozuki family couldn’t accomplish. How could Sukiyaki believe that they could take on an organization even stronger than the Beasts Pirates?

Denjiro initially hoped to delay Sukiyaki’s plans, anticipating the arrival of prominent samurai from across Wano. He had even considered negotiating with the Marines—offering reparations in the form of food and supplies to mend the rift. But Sukiyaki’s insistence on taking an aggressive approach left no room for diplomacy.

As Denjiro’s unease grew, Sukiyaki’s voice snapped him back to the present.

“Denjiro? Denjiro! What are you daydreaming about?” Sukiyaki called from his seat at the head of the chamber.

Startled, Denjiro quickly bowed low, apologizing for his lapse in attention. Thankfully, Sukiyaki was in high spirits and dismissed the matter with a wave of his hand.

With the meeting adjourned, Sukiyaki rose, a broad smile on his face. He affectionately invited Denjiro to accompany him to view his collection of intricately crafted girl dolls.

Watching the pair depart, Gankuro’s jealousy burned like a fire within him. He couldn’t help but notice Sukiyaki’s preference for Denjiro, as evidenced by the informal way the general addressed him, even forgoing the customary title of "General."

In contrast, Sukiyaki’s tone toward Gankuro remained distant and formal. The disparity stung, fueling Gankuro’s ambition.

“Just wait until I return victorious,” he thought, clenching his fists. “I will be the hero who unifies Wano Country. Sukiyaki will see my worth, and Denjiro won’t stand a chance against me!”

Determined, Gankuro refused any distractions. Ignoring the samurai, ronin, and Yakuza leaders attempting to engage him, he returned to his camp. There, he immediately sent word to his subordinates stationed across Wano, instructing them to rally their forces in Hakumai.

Wano Country, Hakumai.

After reporting the dire situation to Luffy, Rear Admiral Darius, the temporary commander of the Marines stationed in Wano, arrived in Hakumai. By the time he reached the makeshift camp outside Good Luck Town, the Marine forces had regrouped.

Majority of Marine captain had already joined the evacuees from the Flower Capital. The scene within the camp was grim. Rows of injured Marines filled the makeshift infirmary, their bodies battered and broken. Many had lost limbs, their futures irrevocably altered.

Darius lifted the flap of the medical tent and was immediately met with the sight of Marines lying on cots, their faces etched with pain. A lieutenant with his torso heavily bandaged stepped forward, his expression filled with guilt.

“Rear Admiral,” the lieutenant began, bowing his head. “The enemy was too strong. Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t overcome them. Our commander, Colonel Ogg, was killed in the battle. In the end, I had no choice but to retreat with the remaining men who could still stand. It was only after receiving your orders that we evacuated the Flower Capital.”

As he recounted the events, his voice trembled, and tears threatened to fall. The devastation weighed heavily on him.

Darius clenched his fists, his face hardening with barely contained anger. The other two captains standing beside him shared his sentiments. One, a grizzled Marine with a scar running across the corner of his mouth, gripped the hilt of his sword tightly.

“Damn those Wano people,” the scarred captain spat, his voice filled with rage. “Ungrateful scum. If it weren’t for us, they’d still be groveling under Kaido’s rule, starving and oppressed. We freed them, closed their toxic factories, and gave them food. And this is how they repay us?”

His words echoed the collective frustration of the Marines. For days, they had gone out of their way to help the people of Wano. Food and supplies had been distributed to the poor, enslaved workers were freed from Kaido’s factories, and medical aid was given to the sick and injured.

And yet, the Marines had been met with betrayal and violence.

“It’s not about gratitude,” Darius said quietly, his voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath it. “It’s about justice. We came here to protect the innocent, and they slaughtered hundreds of our comrades in cold blood. They think we’re weak because we showed them kindness. They’ll regret underestimating us.”

The other captain nodded grimly. “This betrayal won’t go unpunished.”

The Marines’ morale hung in a precarious balance. The pain of their losses was fresh, but the spark of their resolve had not been extinguished. They would endure—and when the time came, they would fight back with everything they had.

Chapter 315: Flower Capital Sends Out Troops

The young captain, fresh from the Bell region and seething with frustration, slammed his sword into the dirt beneath his feet. Turning to Rear Admiral Darius, he growled, “Let’s fight back. We can’t let this stand! I’ll capture that so-called general myself and demand to know where he got the audacity to attack our Marines. How have we ever wronged them?”

The scarred captain and the injured major beside him shared the same fire in their eyes. They waited for Darius’s approval, ready to lead their forces into battle.

But Darius slowly shook his head. “No,” he said firmly, gesturing for the group to step away from the wounded soldiers’ tent. Once the area was quieter, he addressed them in a calm but resolute tone.

“Now is not the time to act rashly. As much as I hate to admit it, the samurai of Wano Country are formidable. If we charge into battle without a strategy, the losses will be devastating.”

Darius’s gaze swept across the group, ensuring he had their attention. “We have fewer than 3,000 Marines remaining in Wano Country. Of those, only about 2,000 have gathered here in Hakumai, and just 1,800 are fit to fight after the Flower Capital debacle.”

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. “Meanwhile, that so-called general has gathered a force of ronin, Yakuza, and Samurai from across the country. Reports estimate their numbers at 7,000 or 8,000—possibly more. That’s a three-to-fourfold advantage. Even if our soldiers are elites, the casualties would be catastrophic.”

The young captain clenched his fists, frustration etched on his face. “So, what do we do? Just sit here and let that bastard get away with it?”

Darius sighed, his tone softening. “I’ve already informed Vice Admiral Luffy of the situation. He’ll arrive in Wano Country today.”

The three officers exchanged bewildered glances before the scarred captain cautiously asked, “You mean the Vice Admiral Luffy? The one who reportedly injured Kaido, the King of Beasts? The one who’s about to take command of Wano Country?”

Darius nodded. “That’s the one.”

Relief washed over the officers’ faces. They had heard of Luffy’s exploits—even in Wano, a place isolated from outside news. Stories of his battle against Kaido had circulated among the Marines, painting him as a warrior capable of taking on even the Four Emperors.

With Luffy’s arrival imminent, their confidence grew. If anyone could deal with this so-called general, it was Vice Admiral Luffy.

As the officers regained their composure, a signalman rushed into the camp, his face pale with urgency. “Report!” he shouted, saluting sharply. “The Flower Capital’s forces have assembled an army of 23,000 and are marching toward Hakumai!”

The announcement stunned the group into silence. Darius’s jaw tightened as the signalman continued. “Captain Cookie, stationed in the Habu area, reported encountering an ambush while passing through Rabbit Bowl. Fortunately, Captain Hazel’s forces arrived in time to assist. They’ve managed to repel the attackers and are now en route to Hakumai at full speed.”

Before anyone could respond, the signalman added, “Captain Leo, stationed in Mogura, also encountered resistance. However, he reported that local residents and ronin loyal to our cause drove the aggressors away. He’s now leading his troops here as well.”

The young captain, still seething, took a step toward the signalman, his voice rising in anger. “They attacked us first? We haven’t even moved against them yet!”

The signalman nodded, stepping back slightly under the captain’s glare. “Yes, sir. But thanks to the local support in Mogura, Captain Leo avoided further conflict.”

The young captain exhaled sharply, his fury subsiding slightly. “At least not all of them are ungrateful,” he muttered.

Mogura, known for its harsh winters, had been under his command. During his station there, he had worked tirelessly to aid the impoverished residents—distributing food, repairing homes, and offering medical care. Hearing that those same residents had defended the Marines brought him a small measure of comfort.

Darius placed a firm hand on the young captain’s shoulder. His voice carried the weight of experience as he said, “Remember this: no matter where we go, there will always be those who repay kindness with gratitude and those who repay it with blood. But as Marines, we don’t act for recognition or rewards. We act for justice.”