Wearing his signature tall wooden clogs, which elevated him several dozen centimeters, Sukiyaki moved with surprising speed as he fled through the streets of the Flower Capital. However, the Marines pursuing him were well-trained, and the officer leading the charge quickly closed the gap.
"Stop!" the lieutenant shouted, his voice commanding. "If you don't stop, I'll shoot! Stop immediately!"
Sukiyaki glanced back, his face a mixture of fear and desperation. The sight of the uniformed Marines stirred an instinctive panic within him. But as he ran, something clicked in his mind.
Wait, Orochi is dead. His men are gone. The Flower Capital isn't after me anymore. So… why am I running?
Coming to this realization, Sukiyaki skidded to a halt and spun around, putting distance between himself and the Marine officer. His hand moved instinctively to the hilt of the long sword at his waist—a blade adorned with a fan-shaped guard. Straightening his posture, he addressed the Marines sternly.
"Who are you, and why are you chasing me?"
The lieutenant signaled for his men to stop. He drew his sword cautiously, eyeing Sukiyaki with suspicion. "No matter who you are," the officer said, his tone firm, "lay down your weapon and surrender. If you comply, we promise not to harm you."
Sukiyaki snorted, his disdain evident. "Hmph. How ridiculous. I am a samurai. Why should I lower my sword for a bunch of rats like you?"
Despite his defiance, Sukiyaki used the opportunity to study his pursuers closely. His eyes fell on the word "MARINE" emblazoned on their military caps, and he quickly pieced things together. These were the foreign soldiers who had driven Kaido out of Wano Country.
Even though he recognized them as the liberators of his homeland, Sukiyaki's pride remained unyielding. Adopting a commanding tone, he spoke again. "So, you're with the Marines? That's good. Lay down your weapons immediately! I am the shogun of Wano Country, Kozuki Sukiyaki. You have done Wano a great service, and I will see that you are rewarded."
His words were met with confused stares. The Marines exchanged uncertain glances, their brows furrowed.
"The shogun?" one soldier murmured. "I thought the shogun of Wano, Kurozumi Orochi, was killed by Admiral Akainu. Who is this guy?"
The lieutenant stepped forward, his voice filled with skepticism. "Stop with the lies. Orochi was burned to ashes. He's dead. And even if he weren't, he was a criminal who worked with Kaido to oppress Wano. As Marines, we have the authority to arrest anyone claiming to be Orochi or a pretender. So, I'll say this one more time: drop your weapon and surrender. If not, we'll take you by force."
Sukiyaki's face twisted with fury. "How dare you compare me to that vile snake Orochi!" he roared. "I am Kozuki Sukiyaki, the rightful shogun of Wano! You outsiders dare to defy me? I'll execute you myself!"
Before the Marines could react, Sukiyaki charged, his wooden clogs clacking against the cobblestones. He moved with surprising speed, drawing his blade in one fluid motion.
"Careful!" the lieutenant shouted, his eyes widening as Sukiyaki closed the distance.
The officer raised his sword to block, but Sukiyaki's blade was faster. With a flash of steel, the long sword struck the lieutenant's neck. Blood sprayed as the officer staggered back, clutching the wound in disbelief before collapsing to the ground.
"Lieutenant!" one of the soldiers cried out in horror. The remaining Marines leveled their rifles at Sukiyaki, their faces etched with rage. "Fire!" they shouted, pulling the triggers in unison.
Bullets tore through the air, but Sukiyaki moved like a shadow. He deflected the shots with his blade, the sound of steel meeting lead ringing out. The Marines' attacks were relentless, but Sukiyaki pressed forward, his movements precise and deadly.
In mere moments, the alley was painted red. One by one, the Marines fell to Sukiyaki's blade. The last soldier standing, his chest pierced by Sukiyaki's sword, glared up at his assailant with hatred.
"You bastard," the soldier gasped, blood dribbling from his lips. "The Marines… won't let you… get away with this…" His body went limp, and he slumped to the ground.
Sukiyaki wiped the blood from his blade and sheathed it with practiced ease. He gazed down at the fallen soldiers, his lips curling into a sneer. "Hmph. The Marines are nothing. Samurai are the strongest in this world."
He turned to leave, muttering to himself. "Perhaps I don't need Hyogoro and the others after all. If this is the best the Marines have to offer, Wano's samurai can handle the rest."
As he stepped out of the blood-soaked alley, Sukiyaki's overconfidence blinded him to the danger ahead. Reinforcements had arrived. A new squad of Marines stormed into the alley, their faces darkening as they took in the scene.
"Damn it!" one of them shouted. "Don't let this bastard escape! Open fire!"
The narrow alley erupted in gunfire. Sukiyaki deflected most of the bullets, but one grazed his shoulder, tearing through his robe. The sting of the wound enraged him further. With a roar, he drew his blade once more and charged at the Marines, cutting through their ranks with ruthless efficiency.
The Marines, unwilling to back down, fought valiantly. Those in the front drew their swords and engaged Sukiyaki directly, determined to avenge their fallen comrades.
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