Pirate, I am the demon fox that brings disaster to the world!

Chapter 380 Hometown and Disciples

"..."

At some point, the "curtain" covering the entire dojo has been lowered, revealing the truth hidden behind it to people again.

When exactly did he come? And he was right next to me? And I didn't even notice anything unusual?!

This ability to deceive the senses and make the fake look real...is it really something humans can possess?

Looking at the people who appeared out of nowhere in front of him, Koshiro couldn't help but sweat on his forehead. He protected Kuina and Zoro who came after hearing the noise tightly behind him, and the Wado Ichimonji on his waist was ready to be unsheathed at any time.

"Father...are they...?"

Kuina, who hadn't fully recovered yet, was leaning against the side, her face barely concealing her surprise, but also filled with doubt and worry. When she saw the figure at the center, she could hardly believe her eyes—was it him? How did he get here?

“Is this aura… an enemy?”

As for Zoro, he silently raised the broken wooden sword in his hand. His experience of growing up alone since childhood taught him that he must be prepared for the worst in everything. At least before Koshiro gave an explanation, he did not intend to lay down his weapon, even though this was a wooden sword with almost no killing power!

"This is none of your business, calm down first."

Seeing this, Koshiro shook his head heavily, gave the two of them a reassuring look, then turned to look directly at Yakumo Shiro and said in all seriousness,

"Wano Country? My apologies, sir. I grew up here since I was a child, and the only place I've ever been is the East China Sea. It has nothing to do with the country you're talking about.

Besides, isn't Wano Country now called Inazuma? And those former families have long been lost in the dust of history. At this point, what are you doing seeking out the remnants of the Shimotsuki clan?

Could it be that you, a general, really want to kill them all?!"

As soon as the other party mentioned the surname "Shimotsuki", Koshiro had already given up on any hope of getting away with it and instead asked directly.

After all, this way, there might be some room for maneuver. You know, sometimes deception is the most stupid thing to do.

"I think you've misunderstood, Mr. Koshiro. Master Yakumo has come here with no hostility. He simply wants to invite the Shimotsuki clan scattered across this sea to return home—"

After all, Inazuma has now established a country, and you who left Wano Country and actually violated the ban do not need to worry about being held accountable if you return.

"A wanderer returns home. It's been over fifty years since Mr. Shimotsuki Kozaburo left Wano Country. Even if he's already started a family in a foreign land, Mr. Kozaburo must be looking forward to the moment of returning home, right?"

After hearing what Koshiro said, before Yakumo Haku could respond, Tianyue Toki on the side took the lead in speaking to persuade him.

In fact, before leaving the restaurant on the sea and coming here, she had never imagined that there was a group of people from the Shimotsuki clan who had traveled thousands of miles to take root in such a remote corner of the East China Sea, and that their leader was the once famous swordsmith from Wano Country - Shimotsuki Kozaburo.

Although he didn't know why Yakumo Haku was interested in this place, whether out of old friendship or to help Yakumo Haku achieve his goal, Tianyue Shi felt that he should act as a bridge here to promote the smooth progress of the subsequent conversation.

"Returning to my hometown..."

Hearing this, Shimotsuki Koshiro seemed a little surprised at the other party's intention, but out of caution, he couldn't help but ask,

"I wonder how the Shimotsuki clan is doing now? What are the other clans like? And what is your position standing beside Yakumo Haku? You went through so much trouble to come to the East Sea just to let us return home? What good will this do you?"

After asking a series of key questions, Koshiro's expression showed no sign of relaxation. He seemed to feel that his behavior was a bit abrupt and was afraid of causing dissatisfaction from the other party. After a brief pause of a few seconds, he continued,

"Please forgive me, everyone. Over the past few decades, Shimotsuki, who hails from the land of warriors, has lost much of his edge on this peaceful sea. Our family, rooted in a foreign land, has become an inseparable bond between us. Therefore, I cannot help but be cautious—"

But just like this... lady said, my father really looks forward to the founding of Wano Country and hopes to return to his hometown. If there is an opportunity, I would naturally be willing to return home with my father's wish.

However, all of this must be based on not affecting future generations. Otherwise, even I would prefer to stay here forever to leave a free future for the young people!"

“Tattattatt—”

Silence. As Koshiro finished speaking, the surroundings fell into silence. Only a single footstep moved between the people, placing bowls of delicacies filled with broth in front of them.

Only after finishing all this, Sanji, who was forced to do hard labor, breathed a sigh of relief. He returned to his seat and silently lit a cigarette. Finally, he added slowly,

"You'd better finish what you want to say quickly, otherwise the food will get cold if you wait any longer~"

"Oh, that's true. Why are we so nervous and confronting each other? Just like what I said, we came here with no ill intentions~"

Seeing the two young boys and girls across from him still as alert as cats with their fur standing on end, Yakumo Shiro waved his hands with a smile, and at the same time responded nonchalantly,

"Those families are all doing well now. The previous general lost the support of the people and even dragged down the entire Kozuki family. Even I, the current general, was elected by everyone!"

In order to make Yakumo Haku's words more convincing, Toki and Hiyori on the side explained the changes in the current "Wano Country" in a timely manner, from small details such as clothing to major management and governance. Although it was as brief as possible, it was already an eye-opener for Koshiro and the other two.

Let’s put aside Kuina and Zoro for now, as they know very little about the world. From what Koshiro knows, the country described by the other party is completely different from what his father said.

Does such a country really exist?

Koshiro didn't know, but what was certain was that it must be the home that everyone dreamed of, and it was also one of the few places in this ocean where people could live and work in peace and contentment.

"Although it's still a little far from my ideal world, overall, Inazuma is pretty good these days. At least there's no slavery clause requiring hereditary service to a particular family...

As for why you came here specifically?

Because the prophecy revealed to me the picture of the future - I have to say, Mr. Koshiro, you are very lucky to have two outstanding disciples! "