Brook led the Hell Pirates to Suzugo Castle once again, paying another visit to Daimyo Shimotsuki Toramaru. As a martial arts fanatic, Toramaru wasn't interested in politics or riches—he just wanted to test his swordsmanship against the strongest fighters from the outside world.
And Brook's visit wasn't purely social either.
His true goal? The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Onyudo Devil Fruit—hidden somewhere in the mansion of the Shimotsuki clan. In the original timeline, the pet Komakitsune that inherited the fruit lacked intelligence and never truly awakened its power. But in Brook's hands? The story would be different.
The Shimotsuki residence was elegant yet powerful—less a noble estate and more a fortress dressed in tradition. The tall gates and grand hall exuded old-world prestige, while the weapon collection inside the inner sanctum made Brook raise an eyebrow in admiration.
"Lord Toramaru has impeccable taste," Brook chuckled. "Not blinded by gold or silver—only obsessed with the way of the sword!"
Brook, despite his ulterior motives, held genuine respect for swordmasters like Toramaru—men who lived and breathed combat, not politics. He had no interest in turning him into an enemy simply because he served the Kozuki family.
"But still…" Brook thought silently, eyes glinting behind his grin, "Toramaru is like a frog in the well. Trapped in Wano, unable to face the true powerhouses of the world."
Toramaru, dressed in a traditional green kimono and sporting a towering topknot, let out a sigh.
"I sparred with Redfield," he muttered. "I couldn't even keep up. That boy who once came to Wano to learn Ryuo Haki… now he outclasses me completely."
His words weren't bitter. In fact, they brimmed with awe and frustration at himself.
"Outside these borders… that's where real strength lies," he added. "But Wano's isolation law... unless I renounce the honor of the Shimotsuki family, I can't step beyond these shores."
He wasn't wrong. To abandon his post as daimyo, to follow in Ashura's footsteps and become a wandering outlaw—it would shame the legacy of Ryuma Shimotsuki himself. That was a burden Toramaru couldn't carry.
"Yohohoho~ Redfield, Shiki, Newgate... they're legends out there," Brook said smoothly. "If you can stand toe-to-toe with them, you're already among the world's finest."
Brook's true aim was subtle: chip away at the Kozuki family's influence. If Toramaru—the strongest and most respected swordsman in Wano—abandoned the Shogunate's policies, it would shake the entire foundation of Kozuki Sukiyaki's rule.
"I want to go," Toramaru whispered. "I want to cross the sea and face the world's mightiest."
His knuckles tightened on the sake cup. He was proud, yes, but also yearning.
Brook leaned in. "And who's to stop you? Even the Shogun can't bar a man from the sea of freedom."
That line hit like a hammer. But Toramaru quickly caught himself. He straightened, chuckling awkwardly.
"Mr. Brook, you jest. The Shogun's laws exist for a reason. I won't disobey. I will remain loyal."
He skillfully changed the subject, eyes flicking to Brook with wary amusement. He wasn't about to let Brook tempt him into disgrace—not yet.
Brook only smiled.
"Well then," he said lightly, "perhaps Redfield can convince you with a duel. But more importantly—Daimyo Uzuki mentioned your estate houses a patterned fruit that never rots. Is that true?"
And there it was—Brook's real reason for visiting.
Toramaru nodded. "Indeed. It's an odd fruit. Some say it's related to the sorcerers. But I've no use for such things. If you want it, take it."
Brook was pleasantly surprised by how easy that was.
"Yohoho~ much appreciated, Lord Toramaru. But I insist—let me pay the standard bounty reward. A thousand gold coins."
A fair trade. Brook didn't believe in stealing from fellow swordsmen—especially not ones who hadn't wronged him.
Soon, a servant brought out the fruit—gourd-shaped, covered in swirling arabesque patterns, with a faint spiritual glow. It looked more like a mystical root than a fruit, reminiscent of some mythical ginseng.
Brook held it up and examined it, almost disappointed by how smooth the acquisition had been. No traps. No chase. No challenge.
"It's like buying treasure from a flea market," he muttered. "Too easy…"
He turned to Toramaru once more. "Have you seen any other fruits like this? You daimyos have ruled for years. You must've come across similar items."
Toramaru shook his head. "Not personally. But the Oniwabanshu are gathering these fruits as well—for the Kozuki Shogunate. If any others exist, Sukiyaki likely has them."
Brook's grin widened. "Thanks for the tip."
With the Devil Fruit secured and information on more patterned fruits in hand, the day's objective was complete. Brook and Toramaru shared a few cups of sake, exchanging light words before heading to the banquet hall.
There was only one thing left to deal with…
"Master Brook! When are we setting sail?!" a familiar loud voice rang out.
Kozuki Oden stormed into the room, face bruised, nose swollen, Kaido trailing behind him looking equally ragged. They'd clearly been brawling again.
"I can't take it anymore!" Oden barked. "You promised I'd sail with you!"
Brook chuckled. "We're almost ready. Just need a few more patterned fruits. Your old man's got a couple, doesn't he?"
Oden blinked. "You want me to… take them?"
"Borrow," Brook corrected with a sly smile. "Temporarily."
Even Toramaru's expression twitched. Was Brook seriously trying to turn the Shogun's son into a thief?
"Alright!" Oden shouted, pumped. "I'll get them right now. You'd better not ditch me again!"
"Yohoho~ of course. I always keep my word."
Brook tossed Oden a pair of wind shoes as a "thank-you in advance" gift—encouragement to get moving and make a clean grab from the Flower Capital.
He didn't even need to worry about Oden's safety. The boy had already been entrusted with the legendary blades Enma and Ame-no-Habakiri. Compared to that, what were two Devil Fruits?
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Kozuki Oden, ever the curious soul, eagerly strapped on the latest creation from the Hell Pirates—a pair of prepaid jet boots. As soon as he activated them, he was zipping through the sky like a child with a new toy, laughing wildly as he left his old nemesis Kaido behind in the dust. He shot off toward the Flower Capital with one final task in mind before setting out to sea.
If his father, Kozuki Sukiyaki, ever found out that his so-called son helped outsiders steal from the family, he might dig out his old Seven Wolves belt and beat Oden half to death!
At this point, Oden was almost on par with Kaido's own rebellious spawn, the black-hearted Yamato. Two peas in a traitorous pod!
After a brief rest at Suzuho Castle, the Hell Pirates returned to Haikdou Castle. Meanwhile, the giants of Hell Giant Soldier Castle set foot on nearby Onigashima—and were immediately smitten. The craggy terrain shaped like a massive skull felt like home. There was a raw, primal energy in the air, and the giants basked in it. Their training even seemed more effective here!
Rocky wasted no time submitting a request to Brook: he wanted to claim the island for the giants. Brook, seeing the practicality, gave his blessing. Construction and transformation of Onigashima began that same day.
Back in Haikdou City, the streets bustled more than ever.
Outside the City Lord's Mansion, crowds gathered. Brave samurai had returned with captives and treasures—one group even claimed to have apprehended a sorcerer. Others brought a rare patterned fruit. All of them sought bounties, glory, and a place within the Underworld ranks.
"Master Brook! This is the monster we captured in Shimei!" one warrior declared proudly. "He can control animals and steal food from residents! Took us everything we had to catch the little freak!"
The five wandering samurai knelt before Brook and his entourage. Tied up before them was a pale, burgundy-haired boy with thick lips and a deceptively innocent expression.
The boy glared at the warriors with quiet hatred but quickly masked his emotions. Raised in a famous traveling drama troupe, he'd become a master of deception after his parents were murdered. His acting skills had sharpened through necessity—and survival.
"Yes, Master Brook!" another added. "His name's Kurozumi Kanjuro. He's a menace in Hime. Gotta be some kind of sorcerer!"
The accusations poured in fast, all aimed at getting the reward and a ticket into the Underworld. Brook, however, recognized the boy instantly—Kurozumi Kanjuro, the infamous traitor among the Nine Red Scabbards.
Despite his young age, the same as Oden—just ten years old—he was already a seasoned performer and schemer, much like Nico Robin had been in her early years. A child forged in chaos.
More importantly, Brook remembered the power he possessed—the Brush-Brush Fruit. A god-tier Devil Fruit, straight out of legend. It could bring drawings to life.
Kanjuro could sketch a flaming ghost beast called Fire Phantom, which burned everything it touched and could pass through walls. His cranes could fly. His food drawings were edible and nourishing. He could summon rainclouds to fire ink arrows, or craft clones and illusions so lifelike they fooled even trained warriors.
His creations had sound, movement, and even basic intelligence.
Brook didn't even need to think twice. That fruit was a treasure.
Imagine drawing dozens of exotic beauties from other worlds… Yohohoho…
"Very well. Claim your reward," Brook said with a wave.
He ordered Hyogoro to induct the five samurai into the Underworld. Whatever method they used to capture Kanjuro didn't matter. They succeeded. Rewards were due.
As for Kanjuro himself, Brook had him imprisoned in the Castle. He had no plans of recruiting or taming the boy. That fruit would be reserved for the next generation.
When the other warriors saw the rewards given out—Berries, positions, and prestige—they burned with envy. Everyone wanted in.
Just then, a tall warrior stepped forward, face obscured by a wide conical hat. Clearly, he didn't want to be recognized.
"Master Brook… I found this patterned fruit."
He removed a small package and presented it to Hyogoro, who then handed it to Brook.
Brook blinked in surprise. A round, pale fruit with swirling patterns.
The Dango Fruit…?
The very same one capable of taming animals—and artificial beasts!
"You're from near Braikasa Village in Kuri, aren't you?" Brook asked, studying the fruit in his hand.
The conical-hat samurai visibly flinched.
Brook smiled. "Relax. I have no ill intentions. Whether you want one thousand Berries or to join the Underworld, the choice is yours. Or perhaps… you have something else in mind?"
He could tell the man was wary. Probably didn't want attention after walking away with such a bounty. That kind of reward painted a big target on your back.
But had he joined the Underworld? None of that would've mattered.
"I just want the one thousand Berries," the samurai said quickly. "That's all, Lord Brook."
Brook nodded. "Very well. Follow Daimyo Hyogoro and claim your reward. I'll see to it that you're protected for the next two days. After that, you're on your own."
"Thank you, sir!"
The samurai bowed gratefully and followed Hyogoro out. Brook didn't press further. If he needed the money that badly, it wasn't Brook's place to pry. Still, he instructed his people to quietly keep an eye on the stranger.
There was a strong aura about him… a first-rate swordsman, no doubt. But Brook already had more than enough top-tier swordfighters under his command. He didn't need another right now.
"Hahahaha! Another Devil Fruit, Brother Brook!" roared Golden Lion Shiki. "Your planning is absolutely terrifying!"
"Yohohoho! I must admit, I'm quite pleased with today's haul," Brook laughed. "The Dango Fruit and the Brush-Brush Fruit… both have monstrous potential."
Now, all that remained was for that lovable idiot Kozuki Oden to deliver on his end.
Brook grinned.
Don't let me down, Oden…
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