Chapter 34: 3 Little Pigs
The skies over Wano reflected the chaos reigning under Kaidou's rule. Dark clouds swirled ominously, veiling the sun's light as the land beneath remained a shadow of its former self. Factories belched black smoke into the sky, rivers were poisoned, and the people, starved and exhausted, toiled under the brutal regime of the Beast Pirates. Amidst this despair, hope seemed distant, and many doubted that Wano would ever be free again.
Deep within the dense forests of Wano, hidden from Kaidou's patrols, a once-important figure sat by a small fire. Shinobu, the kunoichi formerly employed by the Kozuki family, worked on crafting a traditional mask out of wood. Across from her sat Tama, the young apprentice who watched her intently. Tenguyama Hitetsu, the enigmatic swordsmith and caretaker of Tama, leaned against a tree nearby, his tengu mask concealing his expression but not the weight of his thoughts.
"Big sis Shinobu," Tama began softly, her youthful innocence evident in her voice. "Do you really think Wano will be free again? Will we ever see a day when Kaidou's pirates are gone and the Kozuki clan is back in power?"
Shinobu paused, her hands stilling over the kunai she was cleaning. Her kind eyes met Tama's, though they carried a heaviness borne of years of struggle. "I believe in the spirit of the people, Tama. As long as there are those who fight for what's right, there is hope. But the road ahead is difficult, and Kaidou... Kaidou is a monster not easily defeated."
Hitetsu's voice cut through the silence. "Hope is necessary, but hope alone is not enough. Plans must be made, and allies must be found."
Before Shinobu could respond, the rustling of leaves interrupted the calm. Shinobu's hand instinctively moved to her kunai, her senses on high alert. Tama froze in place, eyes wide with fear, while Hitetsu stepped forward, his presence protective.
From the shadows emerged a tall, imposing figure. Black wings folded neatly behind him, dark brown skin glinting faintly in the firelight, and the flickering flame on his back made his identity unmistakable. King, Kaidou's feared All-Star and right hand, stood before them. His golden eyes swept over the group, lingering briefly on each of them.
"What do you want, King the Wildfire?" Shinobu demanded, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. Her kunai was gripped tightly in her hand. "If you've come to harm us, know that we will not go quietly."
King raised a hand, palm open in a gesture of peace. "I am not here to fight," he said, his deep voice calm but resolute. "I've come to talk."