Chapter 1181: My Dear Brother, Death Is Mercy

Chapter 1181 -1161: My Dear Brother, Death Is Mercy

“Denjiro, are you planning a rebellion?”

Kozuki Hiyori tried to draw her sword, but Denjiro’s hand did not move at all. Like a pillar standing motionless, he clamped Hiyori’s wakizashi tightly with his muscles and bones, as if devoid of any sensation of pain.

Even without using Haki, Denjiro was much stronger than Kozuki Hiyori. Hiyori’s training made her stronger than ordinary women, but she did not inherit Oden’s fighting talent.

While not weak, she was not skilled in combat.

Therefore, she issued a soul-searching question to Denjiro.

The most heartless of all are the imperial families, and even in small countries as big as city-states, siblings can engage in deadly struggle over the throne.

In Wano Kuni, this situation could not be entirely avoided. During the country’s centuries-long seclusion, although the position of General has always been held by the Kozuki Family, there have been bloody conflicts in the process.

For a country that prohibits foreign contact, the nation is everything, so many people have their eyes on the General’s position. Even outsiders like the Kurozumi Family have had such thoughts, let alone those with Kozuki blood.

Kozuki Oden did not have brothers. If he had, the General position might have long been given to his brother.

But his ancestors were not the same, and thus the Kozuki Family had rules: a parent generation’s household attendant could not participate in the children’s competition, unless there was secret guidance from a former General.

If Denjiro has been following Momonosuke, then his actions are understandable, but he followed Kozuki Oden, and whether it is Hiyori or Momonosuke, they are merely his successors.

Now, his obstruction of Kozuki Hiyori’s actions was already overstepping, especially since Kozuki Hiyori is the current General.

In Hiyori’s eyes, Denjiro’s behavior is blatant favoritism, and the word ‘rebellion’ is not entirely misplaced. In some sense, Denjiro’s actions have already constituted rebellion.

“I dare not, but Lord General, that is your brother. You are already the General, and doing this will unjustly burden you with the stigma of fratricide. Why do it?”

“You truly are considerate of me. Such quick thinking, should I praise your skill or say that you’ve long suspected me?”

“I…”

“Twenty years, Denjiro, you were a household attendant for my father, but you have spent twenty more years with me than my brother has.

You are aware of the situation of this position of General, so I won’t elaborate.

Such a long time, even with a pet you should develop feelings. Yet when you saw my dear brother for not even five minutes, you could resolutely stand by his side.

With your actions, I am truly saddened.”

Denjiro said nothing, but his actions still indicated his attitude.

In the eyes of many, as long as Momonosuke returns, regardless of what Hiyori has done before, whether good or bad, whether Wano Kuni’s development was good or bad, it has nothing to do with Hiyori.

Its good development is what she should do, its bad development is something she cannot change, but ultimately Wano Kuni should be handed to Momonosuke, who is the rightful heir.

Kozuki Hiyori is always a substitute, unable to compare with the true master.

Denjiro may not mean it, but his obstruction reminded Kozuki Hiyori of the entourage that attempted to assassinate her.

[“We must awaken the spirit of resistance in Wano Kuni.”]

[“If even the General submits to Hundred Beasts, how can outsiders continue to resist? We must use blood to awaken Wano Kuni again, to restart its transformation!”]

Speaking such grandiose words, but the price is her life—going to die for the so-called greater good. This is what ignites Kozuki Hiyori’s grudge.

Even though those people were dealt with, their words, like nightmares, accompany Kozuki Hiyori, appearing frequently in her dreams.

“So, Denjiro-kun, I offer you another chance to choose, who do you truly serve?”

“I… am a household attendant of the Kozuki, I have always been…. Lady Hiyori, you siblings should not have such conflicts, after all, he is your brother.”

Listening to Denjiro’s words and observing his resolute gaze, Hiyori released her hold on the wakizashi.

By strength alone, she is certainly no match for Denjiro.

Denjiro thought his words had an effect, that they had made Hiyori rethink and he relaxed, but then Kozuki Hiyori turned and pulled out a pistol.

Drake had informed Kikunojo that Hiyori was carrying a wakizashi, but never said she hadn’t brought other items.

“So, Brother Momonosuke, why have you remained silent this whole time? Is it that you never wanted to see me?”

The muzzle moved slightly downward, yet Denjiro’s body still blocked it.

“Denjiro, you truly disappoint me. Kawamatsu, Kikunojo, pull him away. The matters that remain are the Kozuki bloodline’s family affairs, unrelated to you.”

“Kawamatsu! Kikunojo! What are you two doing?! Do you not know the consequences of this?! Let me go!”

Seeing Kikunojo and Kawamatsu come forward to grab him, Denjiro became flustered. Among the nine, their power differs greatly; originally, Ashura Doji was far ahead.

But Ashura Doji died many years ago, and Denjiro did not manage to widen the gap between Kawamatsu and Kikunojo too much. With the advantage of the Fishman Race’s strength, Denjiro could not break free from Kawamatsu assisted by Kikunojo.