241. Surprise

The large crowd of people looked at Yasuei with complicated emotions. They all respected this man, and now he was going to be executed like a common criminal.

Looking over the crowd Yasuei smiled in a silly manner. He spoke loudly, "First of all, I would like to apologize to everyone."

The crowd surrounding the magistrate's office went silent. Some of them had pained expressions on their face as they looked at Yasuei.

"Lately a rumour has been going around. That, Kozuki is gathering men for battle."

"Sorry everyone. It's been twenty years. I couldn't let go of my revenge, but I realized... I couldn't get my revenge."

"So as a sort of prank I handed out those flyers. But who would have thought Orochi would be a bigger coward than I thought."

"He caught every person with a half moon tattoo on their ankle. Hahaha, how hilarious. Hahaha."

Yasuei's laugh spread through the field. On one side of the magistrate's office was the captured men. All of the clenched their fist so tight that their arms went pale.

"Yasuei-sama...

Their faces turned ugly. They knew he was doing this for them, to keep the plan alive.

At this moment a carriage was rushing to the execution ground. A large but short man was standing on top of it. He had an ugly face, short purple hair and wore luxurious robes.

"That damn Yasuei!"

This was the current shogun of Wano, Orochi.

Since Yasuei was someone with his status his execution was being shown all over Wano. But he didn't expect the damn fool to speak so much. How dare he call me a coward!?

Orochi tightened the grip on the gun he was holding. A couple of veins popped on his forehead. He glared at Yasuei from afar.

Seeming to have sensed hatred Yasuei looked up. His face bloomed into a silly smile.

"It's been so many years, Orochi. You are still a coward as you were in the past. All those years you hid like a rat waiting for an opportunity."

"You betrayed the kindness Oden-sama showed you."

"Hahaha, I am satisfied that I can see your wretched face full of fear before I die."

"Those words Toki-sama spoke still rings clear in my head."

"Twenty years later, on the night of the fire festival, nine red scabbards...

Bang!

Before Yasuei could finish a shot rang out. It was Orochi.

Blood spilled. Yasuei's chest was bleeding.

"Fire!"

The magistrate gave his order as soon as he saw Orochi fire. Dozens of rifles aimed at Yasuei and fired.

The pillar was dyed in red. Yasuei's body trembled as the iron shells sunk into his body. At some point the binding keeping him on the pillar came undone. He fell with a thud on the ground.

"Father!!"

When Yasuei's body fell an immature voice filled with despair rang out. A girl about five or six was running through the crowd in tears.

"Toko! Dammit!"

Zoro was running through the crowd as he yelled. A woman wearing a cloth over her head followed him. She too was looking through the crowd anxiously.

The young girl named Toko reached the fence. Her eyes brimming with tears never left Yasuei.

"Father! Father...

She tried to squeeze her body through the fence. And after a few tries she got through. She ran to Yasuei.

"Father, wake up. Wake up...

She shook his body, but there was no response.

"Toko!"

The woman who was with Zoro yelled in shock when she saw where Toko was.

Orochi who saw Toko and shouted in anger.

"It's that brat! So you were Yasuei's daughter!"

His eyes turned red and he pointed his rifle at Toko.

"Die with your father!"

Bang!

He pulled the trigger. The bullet whistled through the air, in a split second it was right infront of Toko.

However before it hit her Zoro flashed infront of Toko. He flicked the bullet to the side.

Looking back at Toko Zoro's heart felt pained. Veins popped on his temple as rage welled up inside him.

He drew out his other sword.

At this moment Sanji landed infront of him.

"Oi, marimo, take the kid and go. I'll take care of this."

Sanji's tone was very calm but he was as angry as Zoro.

"Like hell I will. Get Toko and leave. I'll follow you after I get that guy's head."

Murderous intent poured out of Zoro as his eyes focused on Orochi.

Orochi who was standing on top of the carriage fell on his butt when he saw Zoro's gaze. He trembled with fright.

"Kill them! Kill them!"

He yelled hysterically. The men surrounding the execution grounds fired their rifles.

Zoro simply waved his sword. Sword rays shredded the bullets aiming for him.

Sanji raised his leg and did a sweep. Wind rose and all the bullets were deflected back.

"Damn marimo! Get lost!"

"What did you say?! Damn nosebleed!"

They were glaring at each other.

Suddenly a hand knocked on both their heads.

Who!?

Both of them immediately went on guard. However when they looked around they saw no one.

"Why the hell are you two idiots making a ruckus here?"

Zoro recognised the voice and asked, "Flare? Where are you?"

He was using his kenbunshoku haki but he wasn't picking up Flare.

"No time to explain. Get the kid and meet back at the base. I'll take Yasuei."

Zoro's eyes lit up. He didn't say anything and picked up Toko.

Before he left he looked at Orochi one last time. Sanji heard everything and did the same.

Orochi saw them run and yelled, "What are you doing!? Kill them! Kill them!"

The men around the execution ground raised the rifles and fired.

Sanji stopped running and said, "I'll cover for you!"

He turned back and kicked out. The bullets were deflected and returned to it's owners.

Before disappearing into the distance Zoro shouted, "Get to the base. Follow the vivre card."

"Oi, we are leaving."

Zoro grabbed the woman who was with him and rushed out.

It was at this moment Flare yelled out.

"F*ck! Idiot, that's the wrong way!"