Chương 24: Chapter 24: Barrier fruit

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"If you have to blame someone, blame your luck for being coming to me for help " Kaido said, his voice low, almost casual. There was no malice, just cold indifference. "I don't need you to do anything. In this world everyone wants to achieve something, but for someone to achieve something, someone has to loose something, it can only be said you're just a chess piece, and I am chess player."

As the final words left his lips, Kaido gripped his massive Axe with one hand and, with a powerful leap, launched himself from the castle walls, descending like a storm. His figure was engulfed in dark flames shape Haki, swirling around both him and the Ace, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.

"One Blade Style-Heavenly Dragon Descent!" Kaido roared as he plummeted toward the terrified Kurozumi clan.

Kurozumi Semimaru, wide-eyed and panicking, quickly crossed his fingers to summon his Barrier-Barrier Fruit power. A shimmering, translucent sphere formed around them just in time, creating a seemingly impenetrable barrier.

Kaido's haki flaming Axe in shape of dragon claw, clashed with the barrier in a thunderous collision. The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling through the ground, shaking the very foundation of the castle. Kaido, sensing the immense resistance, smirked with amusement. The barrier, remained intact.

Semimaru's voice was strained but resolute. "Don't worry, Orochi-sama. Trust in my Barrier-Barrier technique."

Kaido's initial assault with his Armament Haki seemed ineffective against the impenetrable barrier. Realizing brute force wouldn't break through, Kaido switched tactics and unleashed his Conqueror's Haki. The overwhelming force rippled through the area, causing Orochi writhe in agony and the Oniwabanshu to collapse.

Kurozumi Higurashi and Kurozumi Semimaru, however, stood their ground, unaffected by the Conqueror's Haki. Kaido, frustrated by their resistance.

Seeing this Kaido became irritated. "Worororo, you think a Devil Fruit can save you? Then why don't you try mine."

With a fierce roar, Kaido transformed into his dragon-human hybrid form. He raised his hand, commanding the storm clouds to gather above him. A thunderbolt struck down, amplifying the roar of the storm and creating a blinding flash.

Under the intense pressure of the thunder and lightning, Semimaru's concentration faltered. His barrier flickered and finally dissipated, leaving him vulnerable. Kaido seized the moment, charging through the storm and delivering a decisive strike with his naginata. The blade cleaved through Semimaru, severing his head with a swift and brutal motion.

Orochi, witnessing the brutal scene, lost control. He transformed into his eight-headed serpent form, each head attacking Kaido from all directions. Kaido's eyes flashed red light arc. He nimbly dodged each attack with ease, his movements a blur of precision.

With a powerful sweep, Kaido struck down at Kurozumi Higurashi, his naginata cutting through the air and leaving her incapacitated but alive. She fell unconscious, her eyes rolling back as the force of the blow overwhelmed her.

Kaido surveyed the carnage with a satisfied look. "Well, well, now what to do with you, Orochi?"

From a distance, it looked like a simple bird flying with a basket, as if performing some kind of trick. But upon closer inspection, it became clear that this bird was massive, and in its basket sat six people.

"I can't believe something like this happened to us," said Fugetsu Omusubi, the Daimyo of Kibi, shaking his head in disbelief.

"We were completely fooled by that devil fruit user," Uzuki Tempura, Daimyo of Udon, spat bitterly. "Damn that Kurozumi family!"

Shogun Sukiyaki, his face etched with guilt, lowered his head. "I'm truly incompetent for not verifying who was working for me. I thought Oden sent him... it's all my fault."

"No, you can't say that," interjected Shimotsuki Yasuie, Daimyo of Hakumai. "The Kurozumi family's greed and schemes are vicious. You shouldn't blame yourself, Shogun Sukiyaki. You are the rightful leader because you understand that ruling a nation isn't about enjoying privileges—it comes with responsibility. Orochi doesn't deserve the title of Shogun because he seeks nothing but his own gain. He has no regard for Wano."

Ushimaru Shimotsuki, the Daimyo of Ringo, nodded in agreement. "That's right, Sukiyaki. It's time for you to take responsibility for Wano. And don't worry, I won't let Kaido or Orochi harm our land," he said, glaring sharply at Queen, who sat across from them. "Don't trust pirates. Shogun Sukiyaki, if all Kaido wants is gold or treasure, give it to him. But if he seeks to rule Wano, I will never agree."

Queen let out his signature laugh, "Muhahaha! You have guts now, but when you stand in front of the captain, I doubt you'll be able to say those same words!"

"Hmph," snorted Ushimaru, unimpressed.

"I really wish Oden were here," Sukiyaki muttered softly, regret heavy in his voice.

As the bird approached its destination, they saw the former site of the Shogun's castle, now surrounded by towering walls. The imposing structure left no doubt that something terrible had transpired. As soon as they landed, Oden's retainers rushed toward them.

"Daimyo...!" one of them started to speak before abruptly stopping, eyes wide with shock. "Sukiyaki-sama... you're alive?!"

The retainers' eyes were wide with disbelief, their voices trembling as they processed the sight of Shogun Sukiyaki standing before them. The air was thick with tension as the daimyo and retainers gathered, their faces filled with a mixture of hope and confusion.

"Yes, I'm alive," Sukiyaki said softly, stepping forward with a weary but determined gaze. "I've returned to right the wrongs that have befallen Wano."

The retainers bowed deeply, tears welling in their eyes. "Sukiyaki-sama , we thought..." one of them stammered, unable to finish.

"It's true, I was imprisoned," Sukiyaki said, his voice steady. "But a pirate form out of the country, Kaido freed me. I don't fully understand his motives, but I intend to use this opportunity to reclaim Wano."

"The one people talking about pirate Kaido?" one of the retainers asked confused.