Even without recognizing them, Xia Te could guess.
Those who hid and refused to leave were undoubtedly former retainers of the Kozuki clan.
For twenty years, they had lurked beside Kurozumi Orochi, waiting for Momonosuke and his group to return through time and lead them in a final battle.
That was why they refused to leave the Flower Capital.
But Xia Te had no interest in the feud between the Kozuki and Kurozumi clans.
In his eyes, the Flower Capital was now his "ship."
And the only ones qualified to remain aboard—
were those he acknowledged.
Anyone with ulterior motives?
Get off.
Simple as that.
—
"Lord Xia Te~ Boss Kyoshiro and Oiran Komurasaki request an audience."
A sharp voice sounded behind him.
It was the brothel's madam.
"Kyoshiro and Komurasaki, huh?"
Xia Te raised a brow slightly.
"Let them in."
"Yes."
The madam quickly withdrew.
Soon—
A tall, thin man with a slick pompadour and a somewhat sickly complexion entered, alongside a breathtakingly beautiful woman in a luxurious kimono.
They were—
Kyoshiro, one of Orochi's top retainers.
And Komurasaki, the most beautiful courtesan in Wano.
Of course—
neither was using their real name.
"First time meeting you, Lord Xia Te. I am Kyoshiro, a guard under Shogun Orochi."
"This humble woman, Komurasaki, greets Lord Xia Te."
They knelt respectfully on the tatami.
For just a brief moment—
both their gazes lingered on the swords at Xia Te's waist—
Enma and Ame no Habakiri.
Shock flashed through their eyes—
before being perfectly concealed.
After all, they had been undercover for nearly twenty years.
Their acting was flawless.
If Xia Te hadn't known in advance, even he might've been fooled.
—
"You really are a beauty, Miss Komurasaki."
Xia Te examined her face, unconsciously comparing her to Momonosuke.
That brat's luck really rivaled Buggy's.
A powerful father who left behind elite retainers…
Two of the 21 Great Grade swords…
And a younger sister as beautiful as Hancock or Shirahoshi.
…What a cheat life.
The more Xia Te thought about it, the more annoyed he felt.
—
"Lord Xia Te flatters me. I am currently Shogun Orochi's personal courtesan, so please… restrain yourself."
Komurasaki raised her sleeve to cover her face, clearly uncomfortable under his gaze, trying to invoke Orochi's authority.
"Heh."
Xia Te chuckled.
The next second—
before she could react—
he pulled her straight into his arms.
With one hand lifting her chin, he smiled:
"The Flower Capital has a new owner now."
"That includes you, the top courtesan."
"Lord Xia Te!"
Kyoshiro suddenly spoke up.
"I come on behalf of Lord Orochi. We are willing to offer 1 billion Beli in exchange for taking Komurasaki back."
If he didn't intervene now—
things were about to get out of hand.
For years, Komurasaki had been secretly protected by him.
But now, with Xia Te expelling all samurai and fighters—
Kyoshiro himself had to leave.
If Komurasaki stayed, she would be left unprotected.
Worse—
if Xia Te took the Flower Capital away along with her—
it would completely disrupt the Kozuki clan's restoration plan.
—
"Do I look like I lack money?"
Xia Te asked with a grin.
"If it's not enough, we can offer more!"
Kyoshiro said quickly.
"Heh."
Xia Te pulled Komurasaki closer, teasing:
"To me, money is meaningless."
"I don't want money."
"I want people."
"What are you going to do about that?"
—
Feeling his breath so close—
Komurasaki flushed with both anger and embarrassment, nearly fainting.
Even Orochi, despite all his attempts, had never laid a finger on her.
Yet this man—
was already grabbing her on their first meeting.
—
A drop of sweat slid down Kyoshiro's face.
He clenched his teeth.
"Lord Xia Te… must you go this far? There's no need to fall out with Lord Orochi over a woman…"
BOOM!!!
Before Komurasaki could even react—
Kyoshiro vanished.
A figure blasted through the wall behind, crashing out of the brothel like a meteor.
"Den—!"
Komurasaki gasped, nearly calling his real name—
but quickly covered her mouth.
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