Chapter 196: Shimotsuki Yasuie

After defeating Kaido, who blocked his path, Adrian arrived near the Land of Wano unhindered after a long flight.

Even in these seas, known for their distinct and unique island landscapes, the structure of the Land of Wano still appeared special and peculiar. There was no coast along the outer sea, only waterfalls surrounding it. Ordinary ships wanting to enter the Land of Wano could only climb the waterfalls against the current by being pulled by carp. This unique method of entering the Land of Wano was scarcely known even within the country. Only a select few high-ranking officials of the Land of Wano and some residents who had ventured out to sea knew how to traverse these waterfall barriers.

Beyond these surrounding waterfalls lies a vast inland sea, where the main island of the Land of Wano and the Onigashima, which Kaido moved using his abilities, are located.

Adrian, who could fly freely in the air, naturally didn't need to bother with the carp-pulling method to enter the Land of Wano. In just a few breaths, Adrian had successfully flown above the waterfall. Ignoring the isolated "Onigashima" made up of a giant skull of who knows what is to resemble, Adrian headed straight for the coast of the main island of the Land of Wano.

Due to a long period of national isolation, the locals of the Land of Wano customarily wore traditional Japanese-style kimonos and typically used more traditional speech to communicate. Just having fought Kaido in his azure dragon form, caused quite a commotion, Adrian knew that any suspicious individual appearing in the Land of Wano would definitely not be overlooked by the local forces.

Adrian didn't want to attract the attention of the subordinates and spies of Kurozumi Orochi and the Beast Pirates the moment he entered the Land of Wano. Part of the reason for coming here was to investigate the current state of the Shimotsuki family and report back to Koushirou-sensei in Shimotsuki Village in the East Blue.

No matter how he felt about the characters of the Land of Wano, Koushirou-sensei had always been a great help to Adrian. So how could Adrian repay kindness with enmity and bring trouble to the Shimotsuki family?

Before landing on the coast, Adrian changed his attire. He donned black, loose hair, black-framed square glasses (seemingly without lenses), traditional sword training robes, black under-kimono, a white cape, and a sheathed, ornate Shuxue slung diagonally at his right waist. A fairly typical samurai (wandering ronin) outfit.

The main island of the Land of Wano was divided into six regions: Kuri, Kibi, Udon, Ringo, Hakumai, and the Flower Capital. Adrian didn't have much knowledge about the geography of the Land of Wano, only that the Flower Capital was roughly in the center. However, if he didn't plan to take down Kurozumi Orochi, there was no need to go to the Flower Capital at this stage. Since Kurozumi Orochi usurped the position of Shogun through his schemes, the Flower Capital had essentially become his territory. Even Kozuki Oden, who returned from seas more than two years ago, usually didn't stay in the Flower Capital but lived in Kuri—except for once a week when he danced in a loincloth under Orochi's castle tower.

"Tsk! Almost every time I think about it, it makes me nauseous."

"Speaking of which, how did Kozuki Oden gain the favor of both Whitebeard and Roger?"

"Was it really due to his deeply touching level of…"

"Forget it, let's not think about that foolish lord…"

"This time in the Land of Wano, my priority is to visit the Shimotsuki family."

"Secondly, see if I can replace my Shuxue with one of the Great Grade Swords."

"Shuxue looks beautiful, but the problem is, it's too beautiful! It always gives off a girlish vibe."

"This mix of masculinity and feminine aspect gives me goosebumps as a man."

"I knew back in the Sabaody Archipelago that the World Government had no good intentions!"

"By the way, the Land of Wano has a lot of famous swords: [Wado Ichimonji], [Nidai Kitetsu], [Shusui], [Ame no Habakiri], [Enma]..."

"In the original work, all the named Great Grade Swords come from the Land of Wano!"

"The drop rate is simply outrageous!"

"No need to think about the other Great Grade Swords, the only one I can comfortably get is Nidai Kitetsu."

"I'm really curious to see the cursed sword that supposedly brings misfortune to its owner..."

With thoughts swirling in his mind, Adrian continued his steps along the coastal path, heading towards a small town detected by his Observation Haki.

The town had a significant number of residents, but most appeared malnourished, with sallow faces. Poverty and decay were the first impressions this small village left on Adrian.

In the town center, on a high platform, a short, stout man was distributing food to the residents. This man had fluffy, explosive dark blue hair, unruly dark blue eyebrows, a stubbly beard, and wore a deep green kimono adorned with numerous dark purple circular spots.

At that moment, the man loudly addressed the villagers below: "Everyone! We will continue to distribute food as much as possible in the future!"

"Ugh… Lord Yasuie, thank you for your help…"

"Lord Yasuie, our family only needs a little bit, please distribute the rest to the other elderly and children…"

"Yes, Lord Yasuie, the children and elderly need food more than us…"

Hiding in the shadows, Adrian raised an eyebrow.

The combination of the words "Yasuie" and "Lord" almost confirmed this blue-haired man's identity—Shimotsuki Yasuie, the current daimyo of Hakumai!

Since ancient times, the Land of Wano had been ruled by the Kozuki family. The highest ruler, the "Shogun," was almost always a member of the Kozuki family, except for the usurper Kurozumi Orochi. The Kozuki family was served by five daimyo families: Amatsuki, Shimotsuki, Fuumetsuki, Uzuki, and Kurozumi. These families ruled various regions of the Land of Wano, acting as the highest authorities in their respective areas.

The Shimotsuki family was divided into two branches, located in Hakumai and Ringo.

"Shimotsuki Yasuie… So this is Hakumai?"

Adrian recalled a fragment of information: Hakumai is the only place in the Land of Wano with a proper port.

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