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.
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