Chapter 81: Hiyori

Ever since she could remember, the young girl hadn’t yet realized it.

"Hiyori, you’ve improved again!"

"What fine skill! You might become a geisha one day!"

"In the future, I shall become a splendid samurai like Father!"

"Milady! Please, climb onto my back!"

"Lady Hiyori!"

A gentle mother, a proud father, an elder brother who vowed to be a samurai, and dependable, lively retainers.

Even before she could form memories, her life had been overflowing with warm happiness.

A wealthy life in the castle. Ordinary days spent with family.

She never thought of them as anything special. To her, this was simply how life was—and how it would always be.

It would be years later—after she had grown aware, after she had lost so much—that she would realize just how precious it all had been.

"Dammit…!! They’ve set the castle ablaze…!!"

"Toki-sama!! You must flee!!"

"We’ll hold them off here!!"

She could remember that day with perfect clarity.

Her usually kind retainers, their faces twisted in fury, drew their swords and spears, shouting as they disappeared from sight.

The flames engulfing the castle. Her mother, clutching her and her brother as she ran.

"—Fo~und you♪"

"—This your family, brat?"

"!!"

And then, blocking their path—two monsters.

One struck her mother down and seized her brother. The other—someone she hadn’t recognized as a monster at the time—leaned close and spoke to her in a gentle voice.

"From now on, everyone you care about is going to die♡ How tragic♡"

Words like a demon’s, delivered in a tone as sweet as honey.

The monster told her—this world was survival of the fittest.

They were weak, so they would die. The monsters were strong, so they could crush the weak beneath them.

In the end, that was all there was to it. The reasons for fighting, for killing—compared to that fundamental truth, they were trivial.

If they had been stronger, no one would have had to die.

Even as a child, she understood. She couldn’t believe that her father and retainers—so strong in her eyes—had been defeated.

But reality was cruel. Her father was already dead. Soon, her mother, her brother, and the rest of the retainers would follow.

She knew she would be no exception.

—For a young girl, it was too bitter a truth to bear.

She didn’t want anyone to die. She couldn’t stand it.

To her desperate plea, the monster replied, its grin never fading—"Then what do you think you should do?"

With her childish mind, she strained for an answer—and arrived at one herself.

"...If I become strong… I can protect them… right?"

Yes. The only way was to become strong herself.

After that answer, and a few more exchanges, the monsters left the castle.

And immediately after—her mother struggling to rise, retainers cutting through the flames to reach them.

Her mother’s words. The retainers’ words. Their final expressions. She remembered every last detail with perfect clarity.

—To put it simply, she lost almost everything that day.

Her brother and retainers were all gone. Half had been sent into the future by her mother’s "power," the other half vanished without a trace.

And her mother had died. With one last song, she breathed her last. They didn’t even know where her body lay.

All that remained was one retainer who had escaped the castle with her—Kawamatsu, the kappa.

"Milady!! Behold, the Kappa Dance~~♪"

"…………"

Still, Kawamatsu did his best.

Whenever she cried, remembering her dead mother, her missing brother, the retainers who had disappeared—he clowned around desperately, trying to cheer her up, bringing her food.

But even then, she couldn’t stop thinking about the unease she had always felt—and the monster’s words.

The days she had thought were happy. Looking back, they had always carried a faint sense of discomfort.

"Father, aren’t you eating~?"

"I’m fine! Just ate a huge fish from the river earlier!!"

At mealtimes, her father would often just watch her and her brother eat, laughing as he claimed he was already full. She remembered her mother’s complicated expression whenever she saw him like that.

"At this rate, the money..."

"I’ll borrow more."

"The state of the land is worsening..."

"? What’s wrong?"

"!! O-oh! Lady Hiyori!! It’s nothing, pay it no mind!!"

"?"

The retainers would sometimes gather with grim faces, discussing things she couldn’t understand. Their words were beyond her, leaving her only able to tilt her head in confusion.

There were countless other moments of unease—but she had never noticed them.

Now, though, she understood. They had been—protecting her and her brother all along.

She had thought they were wealthy, but the truth was far from it. In reality, they had been scraping by, sacrificing themselves to support her and her brother’s lives.

They never said a word. Never let her worry.

Now, she knew why. Now, she understood the reason.

—It was because she was… weak.

Earning money, gathering food, fighting—none of it was something weaklings like her and her brother could do.

In this world, if you weren’t strong, even survival wasn’t guaranteed. The weak could only live under the protection of the strong.

To live or die was at the mercy of the strong. This world was survival of the fittest. That was all there was to it.

As she grew older, she learned more—about the country, the world, the natural order of things.

Even Kawamatsu, growing thinner by the year, was one of the strong, sacrificing himself to protect a weakling like her.

But even he was in that position—because of her weakness.

This country was full of the weak, countless people with no guarantee of surviving tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Kurozumi Orochi and Kaido, who ruled this land, were undeniably strong.

Yet even their lowly underling pirates could be easily defeated by Kawamatsu.

And yet, their lives were worlds apart. Kawamatsu’s was undeniably worse. Why?

The answer was simple. —Because they served those who were even stronger.

Even the weak could survive if they used their wits and submitted to those stronger than themselves.

A fox borrowing a tiger’s authority would live, while a boar charging at the tiger would die. Even though the fox was weaker than the boar, it was the boar that perished.

She was weak. And because she was weak, she kept burdening those she cared about.

She had to become strong. If she couldn’t, she had to use her wits. As a weakling, she couldn’t keep troubling those who were strong—those precious to her. One day, they might die because of it.

Thoughts rose and faded in her mind. At this point, her resolve hadn’t yet solidified.

But she couldn’t bear to watch Kawamatsu waste away any longer—so she ran away.

"Kawamatsu… you should live on your own… I’ll… find a way to survive somehow."

Walking alone through the wilderness for the first time was terrifying. This country was lawless—filled with savage beasts and desperate thieves who turned to crime just to survive.

Orochi’s samurai and the Beasts Pirates roamed freely, hunting down anyone connected to the Kozuki family and slaughtering them without mercy.

And then there were the floating disks in the sky—the UFOs.

Ever since fleeing the castle, these UFOs had become a common sight in Wano, surveilling the entire country.

Kawamatsu had struggled with them too. Destroying one would only bring more assassins. To evade their watchful eyes, we had to constantly change where we slept.

Now that I was alone, it was inevitable that the UFOs would spot me. But—unexpectedly—they didn’t attack.

Maybe I was too small to be noticed. Or maybe there was another reason.

Either way, it was a stroke of luck. Starving, I slipped into the Flower Capital.

I searched desperately for food, but found nothing. I was at my limit.

Too afraid to steal, I wandered past the dazzling storefronts—until one of the courtesans called out to me. That was how I ended up meeting a certain yakuza boss—a man named Kyoshiro.

"Lady Hiyori…!! It’s been so long…!!"

This was my second stroke of luck. Kyoshiro was none other than Denjiro—one of our former retainers.

Somehow, after that night, his face had changed so drastically that he used it to infiltrate Orochi’s inner circle.

"Until the day of the ‘final battle’ comes, you must tell no one—not even our allies—who I truly am!! In Kawamatsu’s place, I shall protect you from this day forward!! From now on, you shall go by the name ‘Komurasaki’!!"

"…………"

Denjiro believed in Kin’emon and the others, who would return after twenty years. Until then, he sharpened his fangs, gathering intelligence and recruiting allies for the coming war.

Hearing this, I knew his approach was wise. For the weak to overthrow the strong, they had to use their wits. The fact that he lived safely under the enemy’s nose proved his method worked—and I fully agreed with it.

But there was one thing I refused to accept.

"Denjiro. I don’t… want to just be protected anymore. I can’t stay weak."

"Wh… What?"

"I want… to become strong. Strong enough to take revenge with my own hands. —Denjiro!! Make me stronger!!!"

"Wh—What are you saying, Lady Hiyori!!?"

I pleaded with him. I had to become strong.

But Denjiro was horrified, scrambling to dissuade me.

"If I let you or Lord Momonosuke come to harm, I could never face Lord Oden or Lady Toki!! Please, live safely under this new identity…!! When the time comes, we will surely cut down Orochi and Kaido—"

"—You couldn’t beat them before!!!"

"!!?"

Before I knew it, the words burst out of me—rising to my feet, I shouted at him.

"Father, you, Kin’emon… all of you were there, and it still wasn’t enough…!! Even if you gather again, there’s no guarantee you’ll win this time…!!!"

"Gh………… Th-that’s…!!"

Instantly, I regretted my cruelty. Denjiro gritted his teeth, drowning in guilt—blaming his own weakness, unable to speak.

But I couldn’t stop now.

"I’ll… become strong. I’ll fight too…!!"

"…!! But… there’s no need for you to—!!"

"Then who will!? My brother is still an eight-year-old! Father, who led you all, is gone!! So shouldn’t we need every fighter we can get…!?"

"But that’s…!!"

Our argument went in circles. Denjiro stubbornly refused to let me fight.

Because I was precious. Because he had to protect me. Because he swore he and the others would avenge us themselves.

Then, a thought flickered through my mind—so cruel it made me sick with self-loathing.

—You’re not seeing reality.

Like a broken record, you insist you’ll handle it. That I don’t need to lift a finger.

—You’re not prepared enough.

If you truly want revenge, shouldn’t you use every means available?

—You’re still not strong enough.

For the weak to overthrow the strong is never easy. A revolt is never simple.

We have to grow stronger.

But even that might not be enough against monsters like them.

Then we must use our wits. At least—until we are strong enough.

There’s no justice left to uphold. We should do whatever it takes.

Wano already belongs to Orochi and Kaido. They’re the heroes now, while the Kozuki are vilified as villains who ruined the country. Even if we reclaim it, our honor won’t be restored.

Revenge is all we have left. So why hesitate?

That night, curled in a warm futon for the first time in years, my heart was ice.

And I knew—Father would have agreed with me.

Mother would have encouraged me. My brother, even if only in spirit, would have fought beside me.

But my retainers only see me as someone to protect. They won’t let me stand beside them.

Yet I want to cut them down myself.

The futon is cold. Lonely. No one left to hold me. No one left to cheer me on.

If I let them protect me forever, I could live in peace for a while longer.

Entrust my life to the retainers and the Kozuki loyalists. Do nothing. Change nothing.

"I… refuse that."

I pushed myself out of the futon and stood, stepping out of the room.

Even at night, the Flower Capital thrived with noise, especially around the pleasure district. The streets were far from empty.

Amid the crowd, I spotted a group with horns. They weren’t from Wano.

But every soul in this country knew them—the army of fear and brute strength, the Beasts Pirates.

I approached. Blocked their path. Their eyes looked down at me.

"Hah? The hell’s this brat?"

"Tryin’ to hustle us? Pfft, ain’t no way we’re fallin’ for some kid!"

"...Take me—"

"The hell?"

I steeled myself and spoke. This was a gamble—one I had to take to grow stronger.

It’s fine. Father was good at gambling too. I won’t let the dice roll against me.

"—Let me join the Beasts Pirates."

"...The FUCK!?"

My words shocked them. Of course they would. Even I would’ve been stunned to hear this a few days ago.

Me? A pirate? Unthinkable. But… Father and Mother were once pirates too. They crossed the seas and grew stronger.

The world beyond is vast—too vast to fathom. Harsh. Unforgiving.

I’d never grow strong locked inside these walls. I had to step out.

"GYAHAHA!! This brat’s lost her damn mind!"

"Pirate games gettin’ popular now or somethin’!?"

"Lucky for you, girlie!! We’ll let that slide ’cause it’s funny. Now scram!"

"I’m not… joking."

"Hah?"

I repeated myself. They weren’t taking me seriously—but I had to make them.

"Please!! I’ll do anything—just let me in!!"

"...She’s serious. What do we do?"

"DUMBASS!! No way some runt’s gettin’ into OUR crew!!"

"Quit fuckin’ around!! Go play pirate with your friends!!"

"Tch…!!"

I bowed, pleading, but they shoved me aside with a laugh.

Was this hopeless? Should I beg again? As I hesitated—that voice cut through the noise.

"—Ahahaha!! Now this is interesting!"

"Eh…!?"

"!!! N-Nue-sama!?"

A burst of white light erupted midair, and from it rang a woman’s playful voice. The pirates, the townsfolk, even the samurai froze in shock.

And I—I knew her.

Everyone in Wano did.

The light faded, revealing the Beasts Pirates’ Second-in-Command. The pirate who once taught me the world’s cruel truth—Nue.

"You wanna join us?"

"...Yes."

"Huh? N-Nue, you seriously lettin’ some kid in?"

"Hmm~? Still thinking… Oh? Were you trying to give me advice? ’Cause I don’t remember asking~?"

Her voice dipped—just slightly.

That was all it took.

The burly men who’d been sneering moments ago shrank back, shoulders hunched, forcing shaky grins. Their faces had gone pale.

And I understood. That slight shift in tone sent ice down my spine.

It was primal—the terror of standing before an apex predator. Yet the one exuding it was a girl who looked barely older than me. That dissonance made it even more unsettling.

Beneath the surface lurked overwhelming power, barely restrained.

A monster is a monster, no matter how it masks itself.

Here was sheer violence and terror, wearing a girl’s smile, chatting like any harmless passerby.

And it was easy to forget. To relax. Until a flicker of her true nature reminded you—and the fear returned, sharper than before.

An endless loop of tension and false calm. Unpredictable. Unknowable.

Maybe ignorance would’ve been better. But ignorance was terrifying too. And even knowing didn’t make the fear vanish.

She stepped closer, grinning. No malice—just curiosity, like appraising a curious trinket.

"...Fufufu, what’s your name?"

"Hi… Komurasaki."

"Komurasaki-chan~♡ So you wanna join us… but why?"

"...I want… to get stronger."

"Mhm~ I see. Well, if it’s strength you want, we’re the best there is!"

Nue crouched to my eye level, patting my head. I stayed silent. The choice wasn’t mine.

But once again, luck favored me. Her smile widened like a child handed a new toy.

"Then how ’bout a little test run♪"

"...Test run?"

"Yep!! You wanna be strong, right? So come play with us—on Onigashima♡"

"!"

Onigashima. The Beasts Pirates’ stronghold.

Going there meant facing whatever horrors would "make me stronger."

Fear gripped me. I might die. Be devoured. But—

"...I understand."

—My hunger for power drowned it out.

Nue’s grin split wider.

"Ahaha♡ Then one kiddie, coming right up~! Off to Onigashima we go!!"

"!!?"

She yanked me into the sky. Strange red-and-blue wings fluttered faintly—how she flew was a mystery.

But my mind was too full of resolve to care. For now, it numbed the fear.

—I’m sorry, Denjiro… Kawamatsu…

This was my choice.

To gain power. To take revenge with my own hands—

This was the first step.

---

"Nah~, seeing you like this… you’re still so weak, little Komurasaki-chan♡"

"Haa… haa… Ugh…!"

In a stone hall-like room, I had just regained consciousness only to be put straight back into training… and yet again, I found myself crouching, clutching my mouth.

Watching me with amusement was Nue, a monster wearing the skin of a beautiful girl. Surrounding us were pirates laughing at my suffering.

"This brat actually thought she could join us?! What a joke!!"

"Hey hey, already worn out? C’mon, entertain us a little longer!!"

"Fufufu, starting to miss home already?"

"…!!"

And standing before me were the much taller executives of the Beasts Pirates—the Tobi Roppo.

Nue had called upon the Tobi Roppo stationed on Onigashima to serve as my sparring partners.

It hadn’t even been three months since I started training. In terms of actual time, maybe a week. But here, training wasn’t just training.

"We basically only train through real combat here. The weak die easy. Be careful, ‘kay?♡"

That’s what Nue had said from the start. And true to her word, she threw me into nothing but live battles.

She gave me a sword and made me fight the Tobiroppo—ones who wielded the beastly arts, the power of Devil Fruits.

But of course, having never been taught how to fight, I was beaten down like a ragged cloth.

Thanks to that, I was covered in wounds. But Nue made sure they stayed hidden—using her strange Devil Fruit powers.

That, at least, was convenient. It meant I wouldn’t worry Fukurokuju. If he knew I was being hurt like this, he’d probably do something reckless… or worse, force me to stop training altogether.

And I hated that idea.

"I… I’m not done…!"

"Still got fight in ya? Keep this up, and we won’t be responsible if you die!!"

"Nue-san!! This brat’s actually on the verge of kicking the bucket—can we just kill her?"

"Hmm~, she’s got the spirit, but I guess sprouts don’t grow overnight. Well, she’s still stronger than your average kid… Oh, but no killing~"

"Seriously?!"

Nue looked down from midair, casually issuing orders to her subordinates.

One of the Tobiroppo approached, grabbing me by the neck and lifting me up. His grip was iron—no escaping.

"Listen here, brat!! You might’ve caught Nue-san’s eye, but don’t get cocky. Know your place—you’re nothing against us Tobi Roppo."

"…!!"

That’s right. I was still weak. I couldn’t even beat this Tobiroppo—one of the weaker ones, according to Nue.

Before training began, Nue had explained: nearly all the Tobiroppo were Devil Fruit users.

And the ones I was fighting now? They were still among the weakest in the Beasts Pirates.

Meaning, if I couldn’t even handle this, I had no business being here.

"Being a kid’s no excuse to give up~♡ We’ve had younger ones who were already executives… Heck, there was this one girl who started training just three years older than you and took down a Tobi Roppo right off the bat~♪"

"Nue-san!! That’s harsh!! Don’t compare this brat to Hancock—it’s just sad!!"

"Hancock was a monster!! Within a year, none of the regular Tobiroppo could touch her!! Her sisters were strong too, but she was on another level!!"

"Like Nue-sama said, we’re a meritocracy, little missy♡ We’ve got plenty of strong fighters around your age—Jack, Ulti, Page One… freaks who’ve been strong since forever!!"

I listened to Nue and the Tobiroppo talk.

Yeah—if you were strong enough, even a kid could become an executive. The Beasts Pirates were pure meritocracy.

Not long ago, there’d been a woman named Hancock who, in just two years, had left the other Tobiroppo in the dust. I’d only passed her once, but she hadn’t even acknowledged me.

And even now, some of the strongest Tobiroppo were still young. I hadn’t met them yet… but I’d have to surpass them all.

"!!"

"Ow, shit!! This brat just bit me!!"

In a last-ditch effort, I sank my teeth into the man’s hand. He yelped in pain and hurled me to the ground.

"Feisty little shit… If you really wanna keep fighting—fine. I’ll give you what you—"

"…!"

His leg reared back. Dodge it—I thought, but then—

"Aaaand time!! Traaaaining’s over!!!"

"!!?"

Nue’s voice rang out, and the man’s foot froze midair. Of course, he had no choice but to obey. I lowered my sword too—that was the signal.

"Alrighty, good work, everyone!! Back to your posts or go take a break~!!"

"…Lucky break, brat."

"…………Thank you for the training."

"Tch!!"

The Tobiroppo man left, grumbling as he nursed his hand. Guess he was pissed about the bite.

As soon as training ended, I went straight for treatment. While getting patched up, I made a habit of eavesdropping on Nue’s conversations.

"Nue-sama!!"

"Oh? A report? What’s up?"

"All-Star Joker-sama and Tobiroppo Black Maria-sama have returned!!"

"Ahh, right right. Hmm~, maybe I’ll throw a girls’ night to celebrate~♪ Invite Ulti and the others too."

"Understood!! I’ll inform Ulti-sama at once!!"

"Thanks~♡"

Nue waved off the subordinate with her usual cheer. …Seemed two of the top executives were back.

The All-Stars were Kaido and Nue’s right hands. And the "Tobiroppo"—the strongest of the Tobiroppo—could wipe the floor with the rest.

I hadn’t met them yet, but just imagining what kind of monsters they were made me tense up inside.

Right as my treatment finished, Nue strolled over and spoke up.

"All done? Well then, why don’t you tag along, Komurasaki-chan?"

"Tag along… where?"

I tilted my head in confusion. Nue winked, a playful smirk on her lips.

"The Pleasure District.♡"

---

The Beast Pirates' headquarters on Onigashima contained more than just Kaido and Nue's mansion within the cave system - various halls and facilities dotted the island's outer perimeter.

One such place stood particularly vibrant, built along the eastern waterfront.

"Gyaha ha!! Drink up and sing!!"

"Over here, sister!! Have a drink with us!"

"C'mere, c'mere!! The hell?! Gaha ha!!"

The sound of traditional instruments filled the air as men caroused in this splendid establishment built over wide waters adorned with wisteria blossoms - a massive pleasure district.

"Focus, girls!"

"To receive such an invitation... what an honor!"

"We must do our best...! Perhaps even the All-Stars, Lady Nue, or Lord Kaido himself might call for us...!"

Wano Country hosted several pleasure quarters. Most fell under the jurisdiction of Wano officials or yakuza, serving as recreational spaces for citizens, Orochi's samurai, and Beast Pirates alike.

For the courtesans and geisha working there, the highest honors were being summoned to Kurozumi Orochi's castle - and receiving an invitation to this very island.

The women's eyes sparkled as they watched their admired guests cross the long bridge. The Beast Pirates' crew reacted similarly - men and women alike could only marvel at their elegance and beauty.

"It's Lady Nue's girls' night...!!"

"They're coming...!!! Prepare the reception!!!"

The courtesans scrambled to prepare as they spotted the approaching group that included the establishment's owner. Crossing that long bridge came the most idolized women of the Beast Pirates.

"Same noisy mess as always. Can't they quiet down a bit?"

Beast Pirates "Tobiroppo" - Ulti

"My my, this is the pleasure district, Utti-chan♡ Let's enjoy ourselves today♡"

Beast Pirates "Tobiroppo" - Black Maria

"Fufufu, though it still can't compare to my establishment♡"

"—Are you picking a fight?"

"—Just stating facts♡ Did I strike a nerve?"

Beast Pirates "All-Star" - Joker

"No fighting during girls' night♡ Come now, let's head inside!"

Beast Pirates "Vice Captain" - Sealed Beast Nue

Nue led the procession with her spear slung over her shoulder, followed by the Beast Pirates' elite: the sole female All-Star Joker, and two Flying Six members - Black Maria and Ulti.

None could help but stare at these women who represented the pinnacle of both power and beauty in the crew. Voices rose in excitement:

"Kyaaaa!!! Lady Nueeeee♡"

"Look! It's Joker-sama! Black Maria-sama!! Even Ulti-sama's here!!"

"I can't help but sigh...♡"

"Both Nue-san and Ulti-chan are so cute~♡"

Among them, Komurasaki - brought along by Nue - stood overwhelmed by the attention, rendered speechless as she quietly followed the procession.

"—Welcome home, Black Maria-sama."

"Are preparations complete?"

"Yes, of course."

Black Maria inquired of the kimono-clad courtesan who came to greet them - another Tobi Roppo member. This was Black Maria's hall, the most resplendent location on Onigashima.

"Right this way, ladies."

Guided by the courtesans, they proceeded to the inner chambers. The architecture accommodated the Beast Pirates' typically large members - high ceilings and wide corridors even the massive Black Maria couldn't touch by reaching up. Observing this, Joker remarked:

"Still as spacious as ever. The decor remains lovely."

"Shall I rebuild your mansion too? Eh, Joker? I'll stop that aging for you."

"I'll have to decline♡ I'm quite content as is - practically brand new, fufufu...!!"

Joker and Black Maria exchanged words laced with hidden meaning. Though the scene appeared cordial, the air carried the faintest electric tension—clearly, they were engaged in some subtle rivalry.

Amidst this, the group was led to the inner banquet room where Ulti turned to Nue and asked:

"Hey Nue-sama, whatever happened to that Hancock chick?"

"Hancock became a Warlord and left—won't be coming back anytime soon!"

"Oh right, forgot about that. Got real uppity for a Hancock, didn't she? —Oh yeah, I invited Pay-Tan but got turned down. My bad, Nue-sama."

"Aw, that's too bad!"

"She was never coming in the first place, was she?"

"If she came, we'd have made a spectacle of her. That could've been fun♡"

"HUH?! WHAT D'YA MEAN 'NEVER COMING'?!"

"Speaking of no-shows, I invited Musashi too but got violently rejected. Same with Yamato—she's sulking after Kaido chewed her out."

—Musashi? Yamato?

Komurasaki tilted her head at the unfamiliar names. Were they other executives? Tobiroppo members perhaps?

Just then, Ulti—having switched from anger back to her usual energy—looked dead serious as she faced Nue:

"Who cares about family drama? Are they both stupid or what?"

"STOP POKING THAT HORNET'S NEST!!!"

Joker and Black Maria shouted in unison. Komurasaki and the courtesans froze. Nue seemed unbothered, but calling someone "stupid" here was unthinkable—if tempers flared, things could turn ugly.

"...Maybe we should invite Pe-Tan next time."

"With Pe-Tan here, he'd stop Ulti from going too far..."

Their scheming was transparent—they clearly intended to rope in "Pe-Tan" (Ulti's younger brother Page One) solely as a leash for his unruly sister.

"Alright then, let's drink up tonight~!!"

"—Allow me to pour♡"

"—I'll pour as well♡"

Nue raised her cup as Joker and Black Maria elegantly filled it. To Komurasaki, their movements rivaled those of professional courtesans.

"By the way, Nue-sama. What's with the brat over there?"

"Ah yes! I meant to introduce her—this is Komurasaki! She wants to join us, so I'll be letting her in soon~♪ If you see her around, take care of her!"

"Oh my, is that so? I assumed you'd brought her as a snack..."

"What a darling little thing. So tiny and cute I could just swallow her whole♡"

"Gh...!!"

Now under the scrutiny of Joker and Black Maria after Nue's introduction, Komurasaki felt power dwarfing what she'd experienced from the Tobi Roppo earlier. Yet even these women were mere infants before Nue's might.

Swallowing her fear, Komurasaki stepped forward and bowed.

"...I'm Komurasaki. Pleased to meet you."

"My, she even knows her manners."

"That's right! She's been a kamuro apprentice at Kyoshiro's pleasure district—destined to be a courtesan someday. Since you two run your own establishments, teach her the ropes!"

"Of course♡ Though for courtesan training, my place would suit her better than Joker's."

"Oh? I believe I can make her a woman who'd thrive anywhere♡ Don't you agree?"

"...That's..."

Komurasaki hesitated, trapped by the unanswerable question. Unbeknownst to her, both women ran underworld entertainment empires—Joker's spanned beyond Wano, while Black Maria dominated the domestic market while expanding overseas.

Their rivalry occasionally surfaced like this. They also vied for Kaido and Nue's favor—less overtly than Fools Who or Queen, but the tension was undeniable.

"Either's fine~♪ —Komurasaki-chan, why don't you go learn a thing or two backstage?"

"That's a great idea, tcha!! As expected of Lady Nue, tcha!!"

"Then I'll have my subordinates guide her."

"...Understood. I'll take my leave then."

With Nue's casual remark, Komurasaki was promptly ushered away to study the arts of courtesanship. Normally, her age would disqualify her from such training—but pirates cared little for tradition.

As she left the banquet hall, Komurasaki steeled her resolve. This too is convenient. If her infiltration succeeded, it might one day aid her revenge. For now, she would focus solely on gaining strength, knowledge, and intelligence. That way—

"—Whoa!?"

"—Ah...!?"

Lost in thought, she collided headfirst with something—or someone. A dull pain throbbed where her earlier wounds ached. Rubbing her forehead, she sat sprawled on the ground.

"...!! What in the—?"

"Tch... Who the hell're you...?"

When her vision cleared—Komurasaki (no, Hiyori) found herself staring at a small child with two horns. Horns she recognized. The unwelcome kind.

"...!!"

"Uh..."

Before she could speak, the child sprinted away without another word. The encounter left Hiyori frozen—no apology given, no words exchanged.

"What are you dawdling for?"

"Ah... My apologies. I'm coming."

She hurried after the courtesan guiding her, pushing the strange meeting from her mind. She had more pressing concerns: mastering the skills of her new role.

Yet in her heart lingered the image of that child.

——And in the very next moment, light flickered.

"—Hmm~... So Hiyori-chan crossed paths with that kid... This could be... useful♪"

The white glow giggled before vanishing without a trace.

——

Meanwhile—Kaido's Mansion, Onigashima

"—Hey!! Where the hell did Musashi run off to now!?"

"F-Forgive us! It seems she's escaped again..."

"THE FUCK!?"

"............"

Kaido's roar shook the mansion's foundations—his fury directed at the child currently darting through Onigashima's shadows, evading capture once more.