One Piece Fanfiction : Shimotsuki Ryuma Inheritance

The surname Shimotsuki holds absolute authority in the Land of Wano, rivaling the influence of the Kozuki .

Three ninjas, descendants of the Sanada clan, found themselves in a desperate situation. Upon encountering such a distinguished individual, their lives almost entirely in his hands, they bowed without hesitation.

"You've adapted quite quickly, haven't you?"

Takeda was taken aback, then chuckled.

"Young master of the Shimotsuki family, and possessing such strength, we are willing to serve you!"

"We only have one condition!"

"Please grant us a place to stay and something to eat!"

The three ninjas, faces serious, pressed their foreheads to the ground, expressing their submission.

"Of course, that's no problem!"

"But shouldn't you introduce yourselves?"

Takeda, resting his sword on his shoulder, laughed aloud.

"You can call me Aji !"

"I'm Sasuke !"

"Mizaemon !"

The three introduced themselves in turn. They were slim, of average build, unlike Raizo , who had a large head and a small body. Though not particularly handsome, at least they looked human.

"We are all descendants of the Sanada clan, living with the honor of our ancestors in our hearts!"

Finally, the three spoke in unison.

Takeda nodded with a slight smile.

Afterward, the three ninjas began treating the wounds left from the earlier battle. When they opened their clothing, their bodies revealed scars—some healed, some recent.

"How did you get these injuries?" Jiangliu asked.

Yajuro and Itō Tōsai also looked at them curiously. It was clear these three had fought before and even been hunted.

"It's the Yamada family. We were forced to flee from Kuri and ended up here, but they still won't let us go!" said the ninja named Sasuke in a low voice.

"The Sanada descendants have always had enmity with them. In our ancestors' time, the two families were evenly matched, but after Kozuki Oden rose to power, we were forgotten, while the Yamada family gained significant influence through flattery."

"Dammit, we didn't even kill Kawako!"

"It was all the Yamada family's conspiracy. They orchestrated everything themselves!"

"Poor Kawako, sacrificed for their scheme against us," said Mizaemon and Aji, gritting their teeth, their eyes burning with anger.

Takeda's eyes flashed. These three clearly had a story, one that connected to Kozuki Oden. Undoubtedly, in this era of Wano centered around Oden, they were unequivocally its counterpoints.

"So you're saying the Yamada family, under Kozuki Oden, pursued you?" Yajuro asked.

"That's correct!"

"But please rest assured, my lord. We will never bring trouble to you. We will only handle the darkest, most dishonorable tasks for you!"

"That is the way of the ninja!" said Sasuke solemnly.

"Since we have sworn allegiance to you, we pledge on the honor of our Sanada ancestry never to betray you!" declared Mizaemon.

Their sincerity, seriousness, and earnestness left Takeda momentarily stunned, then he burst into laughter.

"Hahaha!"

"Are you worried Kozuki Oden or the Yamadas will trouble me?"

"If you are my retainers, how could I, Shimotsuki Takeda, let you live in the shadows like that!"

"I will get justice for you!"

His eyes sharp, Takeda's voice turned low.

"Even if it means offending Kozuki Oden!"

"So what?"

"My journey to Kuri was to cause him trouble in the first place!"

These forceful words made the three ninjas tremble, tears streaming from their eyes. Yajuro and Itō Tōsai grinned.

They served this master precisely because of his indomitable spirit and fearless determination.

So what if it's Kozuki Oden? Their lord would still unsheath his sword without hesitation and face him directly!

"Thank you, my lord!"

The three ninjas knelt again, their foreheads touching the ground as they wept.

They had been framed for murdering Kawako, hunted all the way here, their families' fate unknown. Who could understand the sorrow and grievance in their hearts?

But now, this man they had just met was willing to stand up for them, even if it meant opposing Kozuki Oden.

The Yamada family, a formidable ninja force under Oden, posed a significant threat. To oppose them was to challenge Kozuki Oden.

"Stand up!"

"Everything is clear!"

"Now, let's hurry to Kuri!"

Rising slowly, Takeda, carrying his long sword, his eyes sharp and his lips curved in a smile.

"I can't wait to see how strong this Kozuki Oden truly is!"

"Yes, my lord!"

The five around him shouted in unison, their gazes piercing through the forest toward the massive city now faintly visible.

That was Kuri, the great city ruled by Kozuki Oden.