Chapter 448: The Issue of Immortality, Perona's Request!
After hearing Morgans' words, Ryuunosuke could only sigh helplessly.
If even Morgans, the head of the world's largest information network, couldn't trace the source of the leak, then the odds of anyone else finding it were slim.
"Based on your guess," Ryuunosuke asked, "who's most likely behind this?"
"I don't know," Morgans admitted, frustration in his voice. "Not even a clue. Whoever spread this, it wasn't just idle chatter. This is immortality we're talking about! No sane person would hand it out freely. More likely, someone who couldn't use it alone decided to stir the waters."
Ryuunosuke's gaze darkened. If that were true, then someone was trying to use the chaos to achieve their own ends.
"Keep digging. If you find anything concrete, contact me immediately."
He ended the call.
The road to Raftel was already treacherous enough without rumors of eternal life added to the storm. Someone was playing a deeper game, and soon the seas would pay the price.
…
"Brother Ryuunosuke," Akame spoke softly, her crimson eyes thoughtful, "is immortality really possible?"
For her, the idea wasn't something she desperately longed for. To live happily and protect her friends—that was enough. Her question came from curiosity, not desire.
"It's possible, in a way," Ryuunosuke replied. "Take Meliodas—he's been alive for thousands of years. Different races, different lifespans. But even then, there's always a limit. Absolute immortality doesn't exist."
In truth, the seas already held examples of "pseudo-immortality." Roy. The Guardians. Brook. They were beings who had lived for centuries, perhaps longer, yet each bore their own curse. Whether their existence had an end was unclear, but none were untouched by consequence.
"I see," Akame murmured. "Still… having more time would let someone accomplish more. Brother Ryuunosuke… would you want to live forever?"
Ryuunosuke smiled faintly. "Immortality? I wouldn't reject it. But it's worthless without the right people beside me. If you were gone, if Kuina, Akame, and the others were gone… then what meaning would there be in me living forever?"
He spoke with quiet honesty. Longevity wasn't just a gift—it was a chain. Watching friends and loved ones fade one by one could turn eternity into the cruelest of curses.
…
As the crew sailed on, Ryuunosuke was still lost in thought when Perona floated into his path.
"Captain Ryuunosuke, there's something I need to ask of you."
"Oh? What is it, Perona?" he asked, setting aside his musings.
Perona clasped her hands. "Before he left me here, Moria… it must have been because of Kruel Busulud's influence. If we cross paths with him again, I want you to spare his life." She lowered her head. "I know I have no right to make such a request. But I have something to offer in exchange."
Ryuunosuke regarded her silently. Truth be told, if Moria or Busulud came at him again, he wouldn't hesitate to strike back. But it wasn't as though he had time to go hunting them. As long as their schemes didn't target the Dragon Hunter Pirates, he didn't care what they plotted.
"Whether I agree depends on what you're offering," Ryuunosuke finally said. "Your intelligence has to match the weight of your request."
"I'm special," Perona said suddenly.
Ryuunosuke blinked. Special? Sure, her Devil Fruit was unusual, but plenty of Devil Fruit powers were "special." That alone wasn't enough.
"Explain," he pressed.
Perona drew in a breath. "For as long as I can remember, I've had the Hollow Fruit. But Moria once told me I was also some kind of princess. That title… it mattered to the Guardians. Because of it, Moria always protected me—even when he was wounded, he never abandoned me. And Kruel Busulud himself mentioned my identity."
Ryuunosuke's eyes narrowed slightly. If her story was true, then her existence touched at least two members of the Guardian team—Busulud, and possibly Keshia as well. That wasn't coincidence.
"In that case," he said at last, "stay with the Dragon Hunter Pirates. I'll decide when you can leave, once your true identity is clear. If you accept this, I'll grant your request."
"I accept," Perona answered without hesitation.
Ryuunosuke tilted his head. "Tell me then, Perona. What exactly do you feel toward Moria? What kept you by his side all this time?"
Her voice softened. "From the very beginning, he was the only one who accepted me. Hollow powers make people look at you like a monster… but Moria never gave up on me. That's enough for me."
Ryuunosuke studied her quietly. For people like her, acceptance was more than kindness—it was salvation.
"Thank you, Captain," Perona said at last, forcing a small smile. "I'll go rest now." She drifted away, leaving behind only the faintest trace of her sorrow.
Even after everything, she was still thinking about Moria.
And that, more than anything, spoke volumes about her heart.
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