Following the guidance of the Life Card, Hichugiskhan gradually made his way from Kuri to Hakumai. According to the Life Card, Setsuna should be nearby, but the place in front of him...
[Ladies' Onsen, Men Prohibited]
A huge sign stood in front, immediately halting Hichugiskhan's steps.
There are many hot springs in Wano Kuni. Although some are mixed bathing, most areas are separated by gender. Even in mixed bathing areas, most of the attendees are local middle-aged and elderly residents.
Of course, this doesn't matter to Hichugiskhan. He's not interested in mixed bathing; he just wants to drag Setsuna out to take over the position.
The good news is that Setsuna is still in Wano Kuni, at least not completely disregarding morals. The bad news: she's in a place he absolutely cannot enter.
At this moment, Hichugiskhan's expression didn't change much. A hot spring, it's just a bath. It wouldn't take more than a few hours.
He found a tree stump nearby and waited silently for her to come out. With the Life Card in his hand, she couldn't just disappear into thin air.
However, until the sun set, he still didn't see any sign of Setsuna.
"Baa~ Baa~"
A few Mareep passed by, greeting Hichugiskhan, who was sitting dazedly by the side.
"Excuse me, miss, could you help me find someone inside?"
After waiting for a long time, Hichugiskhan finally couldn't sit still. He asked for help from a passing shepherd girl.
"Ah... but that place..."
Looking at where Hichugiskhan was pointing, she hesitated.
The identity of the Fur Race had already smoothly integrated into Wano Kuni. No one viewed them as monsters.
Under the regime of the Hundred Beasts, Zoan-type Ability Users had sharply increased, and beastly appearances had become a symbol of power. Plus, those who stayed long-term in Wano Kuni from the Fur Race were either high-level officials or their families; they were used to all this.
"What's the matter, isn't it a ladies' onsen?"
"That's correct, but it's a high-level officials' club. Only officials, their families, and staff can enter. Ordinary people can't get in."
The girl explained to Hichugiskhan before leaving with her flock, leaving him bewildered.
An officials-only club, men aren't allowed in, and without an official accompanying you, you can't get in. He felt like he had been tricked.
Meanwhile, inside the onsen, Setsuna, soaking in the hot spring, also looked at the Life Card in her hand.
"He's here after all. That's quite punctual."
"Sister, I heard from mom that when you were younger, you always wanted to be a Duke. Why aren't you willing to take over now?"
"Wanda, people change. Do you even remember your dreams from childhood?"
As an older sister, although she didn't have much of a big sister's demeanor, she could still rely on that status to teach her a thing or two.
"Childhood... I really don't remember. Back then, there wasn't anything I particularly wanted. Now I want more things."
"That's why people change. I used to think the Duke's position was lofty and could command all of Zou, very prestigious. But later, I realized the Duke's position bears too much responsibility.
Hichugiskhan can remember everyone's name; I don't have that ability. Besides a few acquaintances, I can't remember the names of so many from the Fur Race."
"But sister, you're strong. Both you and Zeraora are stronger than previous Dukes. The stone that allows entry into Moon Lion state and the ability to communicate with the Elephant Lord are things we wouldn't have dared to imagine before."
"That's thanks to Lord Arceus's power. Without his strength, we couldn't achieve that."
As she spoke, Setsuna used Aura Power to bring over iced tea from a table dozens of meters away and drank it all in one gulp.
"So Wanda, you should also work hard. Don't always stay in Zou. Go out and strive, so I can have Zeraora speak to Lord Arceus to find you a similar ability."
After saying this, she got up from the hot spring and walked to a grassy area, using electricity to dry her fur.
"Hmm? Sis, you're heading out now?"
"Yes, I didn't plan to stay here overnight."
"I thought you were planning to let Hichugiskhan give up by staying here."
Setsuna had pulled her here early in the morning. She thought Setsuna intended to employ delaying tactics, letting Hichugiskhan never find her.
"It's useless. He's been waiting all day without leaving. He clearly plans to keep waiting, so always dragging things isn't a solution either."
...
"Hey, where's your sister?"
"She said... she went to discuss succession matters with Hichugiskhan."
When Ling returned here, Setsuna was long gone, leaving only the bewildered Wanda. This sister went to great lengths to avoid succession, this easily agreeing seemed quite unusual.
"She's likely plotting some new scheme, Hichugiskhan really has a tough job."
Even though Setsuna left home at a young age, Ling knew this daughter had a big playful streak. It was impossible she'd stay in Zou as a ruler like Hichugiskhan.
But she didn't know what kind of excuse Setsuna was planning to prepare.
...
"Hichugiskhan-senpai, what are you doing sitting here all alone?"
Setsuna appeared innocently in front of Hichugiskhan, but he didn't believe her innocent face at all. The date was the one they agreed upon the last time they parted; he didn't believe Setsuna would forget it.
"What do you think?"
"Boring, senpai, how about you consider it, I directly pass the Duke's position to someone else?"
"Do you think if anyone else besides you sits in this position now, others would agree?"
The Duke's power in Zou is vast. In theory, the Duke can appoint a successor at will, and people typically don't oppose it. However, the changes Setsuna brought to Zou were too significant, and she also set the precedent of communicating with the Elephant Lord.
Even if she personally designated someone, without proven achievements, others would find it hard to accept.
"Don't play tricks with me! Making you succeed as Duke isn't to harm you. When you were younger, you nagged about wanting my position; why didn't you think about this day?"
"Back then you didn't agree with me!"
"But I did agree a few years ago, and don't forget, you signed a pledge with me!"
Saying this, Hichugiskhan pulled out the pledge from years ago, which had Setsuna's signature and handprint.
[Returning to Zou to inherit the Duke position in seven years.]
Hichugiskhan smiled satisfied at the bolded text on the pledge, and so did Setsuna.
"Seems like you're finally ready to succeed."
"Huh? Yeah, I'm ready. I'll take over in seven years."
"What did you say?? This pledge was signed seven years ago!"
"But there's no date on it; it just says to succeed in seven years."