Chapter 962

Within two years of his exile, Oden tires of Hakumai and sets off to roam the country, drawn to a rumored monster called Ashura Doji in the untamed land of Kuri. Yasuie warns that the region is the rot of Wano, a place where weak fugitives only find death, which only sharpens Oden's curiosity. As he leaves, Orochi falsely accuses him of stealing Yasuie's gold, though Yasuie himself doubts the quiet servant's tale.

Kin'emon and Denjiro travel on with Oden, who begins keeping a journal of his exploits after hearing tales of seafaring voyagers. Along the way the group absorbs the dancing brothers Izou and Kikunojo in Ringo, the brush-making Goblin of Kibi Kanjuro, and the disillusioned ninja Raizo in Udon. Oden then slips away alone to Kuri, and by the time his retainers catch up he is sitting atop a thoroughly beaten Ashura Doji, having fought for a full day.

Word that Oden tamed the lawless region spreads swiftly, prompting Sukiyaki to lift the disownment and name his son daimyo of Kuri. Rather than accept stuffy noble vassals, Oden invites his followers to serve as his samurai, moving them to tears. Six years on, and thirty-three years before the present, the scattered remnants of the Rocks Pirates begin building their own crews. On Kuri Beach, a young Kawamatsu discovers Inuarashi and Nekomamushi washed ashore.