Entering The Capital Of Flowers, The Crazy Death Man Blocks The Way
The villagers were shocked, and the grateful girl held Arias in high regard. Arias inquired, "We are going to the Flower Capital, can you lead the way?" Considering Hiyori might be in the Flower Capital after bidding farewell to Kawamatsu, Arias wondered if she had encountered Kushirō.
The girl eagerly agreed, thrilled to assist such a handsome adult, especially one who had generously provided a sizable piece of meat. She envisioned it sustaining her family for an extended period.
Blushing at the thought of the aloof and beautiful Hancock, she quickly shook her head, dispelling those fantasies. Handing the piece of meat to her haggard-looking father, she exclaimed, "Dad! Your Excellency gave this to us! Hide it well!" She deliberately emphasized her father's connection to Arias, deterring others from attempting to rob their family of the precious meat.
Arias, maintaining his indifferent demeanor, suggested they proceed. The villagers, eyeing the meat in the man's hand, suppressed their desire, intimidated by Arias's strength and ruthless reputation.
On the journey, the girl, excited and nervous, wished to express herself but hesitated. Arias, breaking the silence, asked with a smile, "What's your name?"
When asked her name, Shinji joyfully responded, "My name is Shinji!" Arias was surprised but found the name auspicious.
As they conversed with Shinji, they learned about the dire conditions in Wanokuni. Despite working in the weapons factory, Kurozumi provided no money, offering only gruel and small dumplings. Prolonged hunger weakened the workers, and those unable to contribute to weapon-making faced exile to the outskirts, surviving on the unpolluted river water.
"The Kurozumi snake is truly heartless!" Shinji exclaimed. Criticizing Kozuki Oden's perceived foolishness, many in Wanokuni resented him for involving the country in suffering.
Though weak and struggling to walk, Shinji persevered. Arias, recognizing her determination, expedited their journey by beating up a wild boar for her to ride. With Hancock's assistance, they swiftly dealt with obstacles on the road, demonstrating lightning-fast combat skills.
The presence of Arias and Hancock quickly came to Kurozumi's attention.
"Foreigner?" Kurozumi's gaze lingered on a secretly taken photo of Hancock, his desire evident. "I want this woman! Go! Send her to me! Kill the man directly!"
His slender eyes turned cold, a sinister smile forming as he touched the sword at his waist. "Guhehehehe! I can rest assured that the Kuangshilang is doing his job!"
In front of the Flower Capital, Shinji pointed toward the bustling city, expressing yearning. "Master Arias, Master Hancock! The Flower City is ahead! I can't go any further. A pariah like me will be beaten to death if he enters."
Arias, understanding the situation, nodded and decided not to take Shinji with them. After dispatching a wild boar, he instructed, "Take what you can and leave. Once we're gone, the boar won't harm you. It's the only way."
"Thank you, sir!" Shinji expressed gratitude and, upon looking up, found Arias and Hancock had vanished.
Now in the Flower Capital, Arias pondered their next steps. Suddenly, the guards surrounded them. The guard captain, captivated by Hancock's beauty, ordered Arias's arrest and Hancock's interrogation.
Two guards, expressing inappropriate intentions, approached with swords drawn. In an instant, someone cut them into two pieces. The captain, frightened, mentioned their unauthorized entry to Kuangshilang, who revealed their affiliation with General Orochi.
Kuangshilang laughed evilly and pointed the knife at Hancock, saying, "This woman, come with me. General Orochi is interested in you. As for you?" He directed the knife at Arias, declaring, "General Orochi wants you to die!"